Cartridge

Abstract

To inhibit a cap from falling off.SOLUTION: A cartridge detachably mounted to a liquid jet device including a liquid introduction part includes: a liquid storage part for storing liquid; a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage part to the liquid introduction part and connected to the liquid introduction part; and a supply port cap that is screwed and fixed to the liquid supply port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cartridge having multiple ribs provided at an opening of a housing cover. The multiple ribs are formed in a position that overlaps at least a portion of the liquid supply portion of the cartridge in a plan view. The multiple ribs restrict the liquid supply portion from protruding outward from the housing cover, thereby suppressing liquid leakage from the cartridge due to the liquid supply portion protruding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-16082 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, a cap is attached to the liquid supply unit to prevent a flow path forming member disposed inside the liquid supply unit from jumping out of the liquid supply unit. Patent Document 1 does not specifically consider technology for preventing such a cap from falling off the liquid supply unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction section, the cartridge including a liquid storage section that stores liquid, a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage section to the liquid introduction section and is connected to the liquid introduction section, and a supply port cap that is screwed onto the liquid supply port.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction section, the cartridge including a liquid storage section that stores liquid, a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage section to the liquid introduction section and is connected to the liquid introduction section, and a supply port cap that is fixed to the liquid supply port by welding.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge that is detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction portion. The cartridge includes a liquid container having a liquid storage portion that stores liquid, a liquid supply port that is connected to the liquid introduction portion and supplies the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, a supply port cap fixed to the liquid supply port, an adapter that houses the liquid supply port and the supply port cap, and a fixing member that is configured separately from the liquid container and the adapter and fixes the liquid container to the adapter. The adapter has an opening in which the liquid introduction portion is disposed and a restricting portion that restricts removal of the supply port cap from the liquid supply port. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge and the cartridge mounting portion in the mounted state. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a process of mounting the cartridge to the cartridge mounting portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid supply unit in an unattached state. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of a supply port cap in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the vicinity of a supply port cap in a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a side view of a cartridge according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side view of a cartridge according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 depicts three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, the X, Y, and Z axes. The directions of the X, Y, and Z arrows indicate the positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The positive directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the +X, +Y, and +Z directions, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions of the X, Y, and Z arrows are the negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, respectively. The negative directions along the X, Y, and Z axes are referred to as the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively. The directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. This also applies to the following figures and descriptions.

[0010] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 as a liquid ejection device and a plurality of cartridges 4 that supply liquid ink to the printing device 10. The printing device 10 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid ink from an ejection head 22. This printing device 10 is a large printer that prints on large-format paper such as posters. The printing device 10 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6, a carriage 20, an ejection head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. A plurality of cartridges 4 containing ink of different colors are removably mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 6.

[0011] The printing device 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front side in the +Y direction. When the +Z direction side of the replacement cover 13 is tilted toward the user in the +Y direction, an opening of the cartridge mounting portion 6 appears, allowing the cartridge 4 to be attached or detached. When the cartridge 4 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 provided on the carriage 20 via a tube 24 serving as a liquid circulation pipe. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the cartridge 4 to the ejection head 22 using a hydraulic head difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the ejection head 22 by the hydraulic head difference between the ink level in the liquid storage portion 699 and the ejection head 22. In other embodiments, ink may be supplied to the ejection head 22 by a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing device 10 sucking ink from the cartridge 4. A tube 24 is provided for each type of ink. The state in which the cartridge 4 is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 6 and ink as a liquid can be supplied to the printing device 10 is also referred to as the attached state.

[0012] The ejection head 22 is provided with a nozzle for each type of ink. The ejection head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles onto the printing paper 2 to print data such as characters and images. The ejection head 22 is attached to the carriage 20. Note that in this embodiment, the printing device 10 is a printer of the so-called "off-carriage type," in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20. The present disclosure is also applicable to printers of the so-called "on-carriage type," in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and moves together with the carriage 20.

[0013] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 based on control signals from the control unit. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting power from the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, which is along the X direction. The printing device 10 also includes a transport mechanism for moving the print paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. When printing is performed, the print paper 2 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the transport mechanism, and the print paper 2 after printing is output onto the front cover 11.

[0014] The cartridge 4 is detachably mounted in the printing device 10. The cartridge 4 is inserted in the −Y direction from the insertion / removal opening 674 of the cartridge mounting portion 6, and is housed in the cartridge mounting portion 6.

[0015] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction in which the print paper 2 is transported is defined as the Y axis, the axis along the direction of gravity is defined as the Z axis, and the axis along the movement direction of the carriage 20 is defined as the X axis. Here, the "usage state of the printing system 1" refers to a state in which the printing system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is defined as the +Y direction, the opposite direction is defined as the -Y direction, the direction of gravity is defined as the -Z direction, and the direction opposite to gravity is defined as the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are horizontal. When viewing the printing system 1 from the front, the direction from right to left is defined as the +X direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -X direction. In this embodiment, the insertion direction of the cartridge 4 into the cartridge mounting portion 6 for installation is defined as the -Y direction, and the direction in which the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6 is defined as the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y side of the cartridge mounting portion 6 is also referred to as the rear side, and the +Y side is also referred to as the front side. In this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple cartridges 4 is defined as the X direction.

[0016] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 4 and cartridge mounting portion 6 in the mounted state, taken along the YZ plane passing through the central axis CA1 of the liquid introduction portion 642. As shown in FIG. 2, in the mounted state, the cartridge 4 is accommodated in an accommodating chamber 61 disposed above the cartridge mounting portion 6.

[0017] The cartridge mounting section 6 has a liquid storage section 699 disposed below the storage chamber 61, and a liquid introduction section 642. A support member 610 forming the bottom wall of the storage chamber 61 supports the cartridge 4 from below. When the cartridge 4 is mounted, a main wall 613 forming the bottom of the support member 610 is inclined with respect to the Y direction. Specifically, the main wall 613 of the support member 610 is inclined so as to be positioned lower in the -Z direction as it approaches the +Y axis direction. This main wall 613 is parallel to the Y direction in the initial position state of the cartridge mounting section 6 when the cartridge 4 is not mounted.

[0018] The liquid storage section 699 communicates with the ejection head 22 via the tube 24 shown in FIG. 1, and also communicates with the liquid introduction section 642. An air inlet (not shown) is formed in the liquid storage section 699 for taking in air. The liquid introduction section 642 is a cylindrical member, and has an introduction section flow path 682 therein that allows liquid to circulate. In an attached state in which the cartridge 4 is attached to the storage chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting section 6, the liquid supply section 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction section 642 of the cartridge mounting section 6 are connected. More specifically, in the attached state, the liquid supply port 491 of the liquid supply section 442 and the liquid introduction section 642 are connected. Details of the liquid supply port 491 will be described later.

[0019] In addition to the above configuration, the cartridge mounting unit 6 has an apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644 used to position the cartridge 4. The apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644, which is a protrusion on the cartridge mounting unit 6, fits into the recessed supply unit positioning portion 448 of the cartridge 4, thereby restricting movement of the liquid supply unit 442 that intersects with the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply unit 442. This positions the liquid supply unit 442 with respect to the liquid introduction portion 642.

[0020] In the attached state, ink contained in the liquid storage portion 450 of the cartridge 4 is supplied to the liquid introduction portion 642 via the liquid supply portion 442. In this embodiment, while ink is supplied from the liquid supply portion 442 to the liquid introduction portion 642, air contained in the liquid storage portion 699 becomes bubbles and flows through the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 to the liquid storage portion 450. This allows gas-liquid exchange in the liquid storage portion 450. Note that in other embodiments, the cartridge 4 may have an atmosphere communication passage that connects the liquid storage portion 450 with the outside, and gas-liquid exchange may occur via this atmosphere communication passage. In this case, the atmosphere communication passage is located at a position different from the liquid supply portion 442, and is formed in, for example, a wall that forms the liquid storage portion 450.

[0021] The central axis CA1 of the liquid introduction part 642 is parallel to the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply part 442 in the attached state, and is inclined with respect to the Z direction. Furthermore, the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply part 442 is the direction along which the liquid supply part 442 extends.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge 4. The cartridge 4 has an outer shape that is approximately rectangular parallelepiped. The Y direction of the cartridge 4 is the depth direction, the Z direction is the height direction, and the X direction is the width direction. The X, Y, and Z axes shown in FIG. 3 and subsequent figures are based on the fully inserted state in which the cartridge 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 and before being rotationally moved in the rotational connection direction CD2. The outer dimension of the cartridge 4 is largest in the Y direction, and then smallest in the Z direction and then in the X direction. The central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 is the direction along the Z direction. The cartridge 4 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402. In this embodiment, the adapter 402 is attached to the liquid container 401 by fitting.

[0023] The cartridge 4 has a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, a second side wall 46, and a corner portion 89. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 face each other in the Y direction. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 face each other in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to a central axis CA2 along the extension direction of the liquid supply unit 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 face each other in the X direction. Four recesses 51 are provided in the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46. The upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side and intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. The bottom wall 44 is located on the -Z direction side, which is the gravity direction side, in the installed state. The bottom wall 44 intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. The corner portion 89 is provided at a corner portion where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 4 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed along the Z direction. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction is the Y direction. The lateral direction is the X direction. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 described above are arranged along the longitudinal direction and extend along the longitudinal direction. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 face each other in the lateral direction. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are arranged along the lateral direction and extend along the lateral direction. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 face each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] The liquid container 401 has a liquid storage portion 450 and a liquid supply portion 442. The liquid container 401 has a substantially rectangular box shape. The front wall 42, upper wall 43, first side wall 45, second side wall 46, and rear wall 47 of the cartridge 4 described above are respectively formed by the front wall, upper wall, side wall on the −X direction side, side wall on the +X direction side, and rear wall of the liquid container 401. The liquid container 450 is an internal space of the liquid container 401 and is provided for storing liquid. The liquid supply portion 442, which communicates with the liquid container 450, is a cylindrical member that protrudes toward the adapter 402 from the container bottom wall 431 to which the adapter 402 of the liquid container 401 is attached.

[0026] The adapter 402 has a housing cover 432. The housing cover 432 has a box shape with an open surface on which the liquid container 401 is placed. The cover bottom wall, which is the wall on the -Z direction side of the housing cover 432, corresponds to the bottom wall 44. In addition to the cover bottom wall, the housing cover 432 has a cover front wall 403, a cover rear wall 407, a first cover side wall 405, and a second cover side wall 406. The cover front wall 403, the cover rear wall 407, the first cover side wall 405, and the second cover side wall 406 each stand upright in the +Z direction from the cover bottom wall. The first cover side wall 405 and the second cover side wall 406 are arranged along the longitudinal direction and extend along the longitudinal direction, i.e., the X direction. The first cover side wall 405 and the second cover side wall 406 face each other in the short direction, i.e., the Y direction. The cover front wall 403 and the cover rear wall 407 are disposed along the short side direction and extend along the short side direction, and face each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] The liquid supply unit 442 is housed inside the housing cover 432. The housing cover 432 has a supply unit positioning portion 448 and an opening 446. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is a hole extending from the bottom wall 44 toward the top wall 43. The opening 446 is an opening formed in the bottom wall 44 for inserting the liquid introduction unit 642. The opening 446 and the liquid supply unit 442 face each other in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. In a plan view of the cartridge 4 viewed from the bottom wall 44 toward the top wall 43 along the central axis CA2, the opening 446 and the liquid supply unit 442 are in an overlapping positional relationship. The liquid supply unit 442 is positioned so that the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply unit 442 passes through the opening 446.

[0028] The adaptor 402 has an annular wall surface 44a that defines the opening of the opening 446. In this embodiment, the adaptor 402 also has one or more ribs 490. Specifically, the adaptor 402 has six ribs 490. The wall surface 44a stands upright from a surface 44b of the bottom wall 44 along the thickness direction of the bottom wall 44. Specifically, the wall surface 44a stands upright from the surface 44b in the +Z direction. The ribs 490 protrude inward from the wall surface 44a of the opening 446, i.e., toward the side where the central axis CA2 is located. As will be described later, the one or more ribs 490 in this embodiment correspond to a restricting portion.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of mounting the cartridge 4 to the cartridge mounting portion 6. When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 6, the cartridge 4 is first inserted into the storage chamber 61 through the insertion / removal opening 674 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. This positions the front wall 42 of the cartridge 4, as shown in FIG. 4. Next, the rear wall 47 of the cartridge 4 is rotated about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the rotational connection direction CD2 indicated by the arrow. This connects the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 with the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. The rotation fulcrum 698 is located near the second device wall 62 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. When the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6, the above procedure is performed in reverse. That is, the cartridge 4 is rotated about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the rotational connection direction CD3 indicated by the arrow, and then pulled out of the storage chamber 61. 2, the state in which the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are connected is also referred to as the mounted state. In contrast, the state in which the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are not connected, such as the state shown in FIG. 4 or the cartridge 4 alone, is also referred to as the non-mounted state.

[0030] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid supply unit 442 in an unattached state. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the YZ plane passing through the central axes CA1 and CA2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the rib 490 and its surroundings. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the bottom wall 44 when viewed from the outside of the housing cover 432 along the central axis CA2. In FIG. 7, the arrangement area where the annular supply port cap 488 is arranged is indicated by a dashed line. Specifically, of the two dashed circles in FIG. 7, the outer circle indicates the outer wall surface 508 of the supply port cap 488. Of the two dashed circles in FIG. 7, the inner circle indicates the inner wall surface 507 of the supply port cap 488. Details of the supply port cap 488 will be described later.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid supply part 442 has an internal space 482 that communicates with the liquid storage part 450. The liquid supply part 442 is inserted through a container bottom wall opening 433 formed in a container bottom wall 431, which is the bottom wall of the liquid storage part 450. The liquid supply part 442 has a generally cylindrical shape with a central axis CA2. In the attached state, the internal space 482 extends from above the opening 446 toward the opening 446, i.e., downward. The liquid supply part 442 has a housing 480, a cartridge-side valve mechanism 484, a supply port cap 488, and a liquid supply port 491. The housing 480 has a cylindrical shape.

[0032] The liquid supply port 491 is a portion for supplying liquid from the liquid storage portion 450 to the liquid introduction portion 642. The liquid supply port 491 constitutes the opening 446 side of the liquid supply portion 442, i.e., the lower end portion. As described above, the liquid introduction portion 642 is connected to the liquid supply port 491. The liquid supply port 491 has a supply port opening 492 and a supply port wall portion 493. The supply port opening 492 is an opening into which the liquid introduction portion 642 is inserted when connecting the liquid introduction portion 642 to the liquid supply port 491. That is, in the attached state, the liquid introduction portion 642 is housed within the supply port opening 492. The supply port opening 492 constitutes the lower end portion of the internal space 482. The supply port wall portion 493 is a wall portion that partitions the supply port opening 492. The supply port wall portion 493 constitutes the lower end portion of the housing 480.

[0033] The cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 is an example of a flow path forming component disposed within the internal space 482. The flow path forming component forms a supply flow path 483 for flowing liquid within the internal space 482. The cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 opens and closes the supply flow path 483. The cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 has a cartridge-side valve seat 485, a cartridge-side valve body 486, and a cartridge-side biasing member 487. The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is disposed near the opening 446. The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is an annular member. The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is formed of an elastic member such as synthetic rubber or elastomer. The outer peripheral surface of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 is airtightly attached to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 480. When mounted, the liquid introduction portion 642 is inserted into a valve seat insertion port 485a formed in the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and penetrating in a direction along the central axis CA2.

[0034] The cartridge-side valve element 486 is attached to the liquid supply unit 442 so as to be slidable in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. The cartridge-side valve element 486 is a rod-shaped member extending in the central axis direction. The cartridge-side biasing member 487 biases the cartridge-side valve element 486 in a direction toward the cartridge-side valve seat 485. The cartridge-side biasing member 487 is, for example, a compression coil spring. One end of the cartridge-side biasing member 487 abuts against the cartridge-side valve element 486, and the other end abuts against the liquid supply unit 442. In this embodiment, the space between the inner circumferential surface of the housing 480, the cartridge-side valve seat 485, and the cartridge-side valve element 486 corresponds to the supply flow path 483.

[0035] In the non-attached state, the cartridge-side valve element 486 abuts against the cartridge-side valve seat 485 to block the valve seat insertion port 485a. This places the cartridge-side valve element 486 in a closed state. On the other hand, when attached, the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 is pushed by the liquid introduction portion 642, causing the cartridge-side valve element 486 to move away from the cartridge-side valve seat 485, thereby opening the valve. In the attached state, the liquid contained in the liquid containing portion 450 flows into the supply flow path 483, flows from the supply flow path 483 to the introduction portion flow path 682, and is supplied to the liquid storage portion 699.

[0036] The supply port cap 488 is disposed closer to the opening 446 than the cartridge-side valve seat 485 in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. As described above, the supply port cap 488 has an annular shape. The supply port cap 488 covers the end of the liquid supply unit 442 that is closer to the opening 446 in the central axis direction. The supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by screwing.

[0037] The cartridge 4 further includes a liquid absorbent 470 for absorbing liquid. The liquid absorbent 470 is disposed between the supply port cap 488 and the rib 490 in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. The liquid absorbent 470 is sheet-shaped and is a member for retaining liquid by capillary force. The liquid absorbent 470 may be a porous body made of polyvinyl alcohol, a foamed material such as urethane foam, or a member made of nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, a porous body made of polyvinyl alcohol is used for the liquid absorbent 470.

[0038] The adapter 402 in this embodiment has a restricting portion. The restricting portion is a portion for restricting removal of the supply port cap 488. "Removal of the supply port cap 488" means that the supply port cap 488 moves along the liquid introduction direction so as to move away from the liquid supply port 491. The liquid introduction direction is the direction in which the liquid is introduced from the liquid supply port 491 to the liquid introduction section 642, and is the direction in which the liquid introduction section 642 is inserted into the liquid supply port 491. In this embodiment, the liquid introduction direction is the Z direction.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, one or more ribs 490 provided on the adapter 402 correspond to the restricting portion. The ribs 490 are positioned outward in the Z direction from the liquid supply portion 442. As shown in FIG. 7 , the ribs 490 are formed at positions that overlap with at least a portion of the supply port cap 488 in a plan view seen from the Z direction. As a result, movement of the supply port cap 488 in the -Z direction is restricted by the ribs 490. In this way, the ribs 490 serving as restricting portions restrict removal of the supply port cap 488.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom wall 44 has a wall surface 44a, as well as a front surface 44b and a back surface 44c exposed to the outside. The back surface 44c is located closer to the liquid storage portion 450 than the front surface 44b in the direction of the central axis CA2. As shown in FIG. 6, the rib 490 has a polygonal planar shape, and in this embodiment, a rectangular flat plate shape. The rib 490 has a rib side surface 490a shown in FIG. 6 and a rib front surface 490b and a rib back surface 490c shown in FIG. 5. The rib front surface 490b is the surface exposed to the outside through the opening 446. The rib back surface 490c faces the rib front surface 490b and is located closer to the liquid storage portion 450 than the rib front surface 490b in the direction of the central axis CA2. The rib side surface 490a connects the rib front surface 490b and the rib back surface 490c. The rib side surface 490a forms the thickness of the rib 490. As shown in FIG. 7, the planar shape of the opening 446 when viewed along the central axis direction is generally circular. In this embodiment, the center AC of the opening 446 in the planar view when viewed along the central axis direction coincides with the central axis CA2. The rib 490 is formed to protrude inward from the wall surface 44a along the radial direction of the opening 446. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the surface 44b and the rib surface 490b are parallel to each other. The rib surface 490b is located closer to the liquid storage portion 450 than the surface 44b in the central axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a step is formed by the wall surface 44a in the path from the rib surface 490b to the surface 44b. This makes it possible to suppress the spread of liquid from the rib surface 490b to the surface 44b, as will be described next.

[0041] When the cartridge 4 is installed in the printing device 10, liquid adheres to the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply portion 442 that defines the internal space 482. Here, the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply portion 442 refers to the inner circumferential surfaces of the housing 480, the cartridge-side valve seat 485, and the supply port cap 488. When the liquid introduction portion 642 is pulled out of the liquid supply portion 442 during the process of removing the cartridge 4 from the printing device 10, the liquid adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply portion 442 may move downward and spread onto the rib 490. Incidentally, when the cartridge 4 is removed from the printing device 10, if liquid adheres to the surface 44b of the housing cover 432, the adhering liquid may spread toward the surface 44b in the insertion direction d1. This is because, as the cartridge 4 is pulled out of the storage chamber 61 during the process of removal from the printing device 10, the bottom surface of the storage chamber 61 and the bottom wall 44 come into contact with each other. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the rib surface 490b is located closer to the liquid storage portion 450 than the surface 44b in the central axis direction along the central axis CA2. Therefore, for example, the liquid is less likely to spread from the rib surface 490b to the surface 44b than when the rib surface 490b and the surface 44b are flush with each other, and therefore the spreading of the liquid can be suppressed. Furthermore, the spreading of the liquid on the bottom wall 44 can be suppressed during the process of removing the cartridge 4.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6 , the rib side surface 490a and the wall surface 44a are in contact with each other at a corner. A boundary line BL formed by the corner between the rib side surface 490a and the wall surface 44a is in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. In this embodiment, the rib back surface 490c and the lower surface of the liquid absorbent 470 are flush with each other. The liquid absorbent 470 is disposed in contact with the rib back surface 490c and the lower surface of the supply port cap 488. In this manner, a configuration is realized in which the boundary line BL is in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. As a result, capillary force acts along the boundary line BL, and liquid adhering to the rib surface 490b moves along the boundary line BL until it reaches the liquid absorbent 470, where it is absorbed by the liquid absorbent 470.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, six ribs 490 are arranged at equal angular intervals. In a plan view from the central axis direction along the central axis CA2, the ribs 490 are formed in a second region RA2 of the wall surface 44a, which is different from the first region RA1 and is located on the insertion direction d1 side with respect to the center AC of the opening 446. More specifically, in a plan view, when a line extending from the center AC of the opening 446 toward the insertion direction d1 is defined as a reference line RL and a clockwise direction around the center AC of the opening 446 is defined as a positive direction, the first region RA1 is in a range of −45 degrees or more and +45 degrees or less, and the second region RA2 is in a range of +90 degrees or more and +270 degrees or less. Thus, by forming the ribs 490 in the second region RA2, it is possible to prevent the supply port cap 488 from coming off. Furthermore, by not forming the ribs 490 in the first region RA1, it is possible to prevent liquid from spreading along the ribs 490 onto the surface 44b of the housing cover 432. When the liquid introduction section 642 is removed from the liquid supply section 442, more liquid tends to adhere to the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply section 442 on the insertion direction d1 side relative to the center AC of the opening 446 than to the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply section 442 on the opposite side of the insertion direction d1 relative to the center of the opening 446. This is thought to be due to the fact that the central axes CA1 and CA2 are tilted with respect to the Z direction in the attached state, as shown in FIG. 2 . Furthermore, the amount of liquid adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the liquid supply section 442 on the insertion direction d1 side may exceed the amount that can be absorbed by the liquid absorbent material 470 that has flowed along the boundary line BL. In this case, there is a risk that the liquid will flow along the rib 490 and the wall surface 44a and spread to the surface 44b of the bottom wall 44. In this embodiment, the rib 490 is not formed in the first region RA1. This makes it possible to prevent the liquid from spreading onto the surface 44b even if the amount of liquid adhering to the inner surface of the liquid supply section 442 on the insertion direction d1 side exceeds the amount that can be absorbed by the liquid absorbent material 470 along the boundary line BL.

[0044] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of the supply port cap 488 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the supply port cap 488 has a first portion 501, a second portion 504, and a third portion 505.

[0045] The first portion 501 is a portion that extends below the liquid supply port 491 along the opening surface of the liquid supply port 491. Hereinafter, the direction along the opening surface will also be referred to as the planar direction. The planar direction specifically means the direction along the opening surface of the supply port opening 492. In this embodiment, the planar direction is the horizontal direction. The first portion 501 has an inner portion 502 and an outer portion 503. The inner portion 502 is a portion that is located inside the liquid supply port 491 when viewed in an orthogonal direction that is perpendicular to the opening surface of the liquid supply port 491. In this embodiment, the orthogonal direction is the Z direction. The outer portion 503 is a portion that is located outside the liquid supply port 491 when viewed in the orthogonal direction.

[0046] The second portion 504 is a portion that stands upward from the inner portion 502. The inner peripheral surfaces of the inner portion 502 and the second portion 504 constitute an inner wall surface 507, which is the inner peripheral surface of the supply port cap 488. When viewed in the Z direction, the inner portion 502 and the second portion 504 overlap at least a portion of the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484, which is a flow path forming component. As a result, the supply port cap 488 prevents the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 from falling off from the liquid supply unit 442 via the liquid supply port 491.

[0047] The third portion 505 is a portion that stands upward from the outer portion 503. The outer peripheral surfaces of the outer portion 503 and the third portion 505 constitute an outer wall surface 508, which is the outer peripheral surface of the supply port cap 488. An inner peripheral surface 506 of the third portion 505 faces an outer peripheral surface 495 of the liquid supply port 491 in the horizontal direction. The outer peripheral surface 495 specifically corresponds to the outer surface of the supply port wall portion 493. In this embodiment, a first thread portion 509 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 506. The first thread portion 509 screws into a second thread portion 494 formed on the outer peripheral surface 495. Specifically, the first thread portion 509 is configured as a female thread. The second thread portion 494 is configured as a male thread that screws into the first thread portion 509. Supply port cap 488 is fixed to liquid supply port 491 by threading first screw portion 509 and second screw portion 494 together.

[0048] According to the cartridge 4 of the present embodiment described above, the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by screwing. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the supply port cap 488 from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491 when an external impact is applied to the cartridge 4, compared to a configuration in which the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by fitting or engagement. In particular, when the cartridge 4 is configured with a relatively large capacity, the weight of the cartridge 4 and the weight of the liquid contained in the cartridge 4 become greater, and the impact caused to the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is dropped tends to become greater. In this embodiment, even when an external impact is applied to such a large-capacity cartridge 4, the supply port cap 488 can be effectively prevented from unintentionally falling off. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the adapter 402 and the liquid supply unit 442 are separated due to an external impact applied to the cartridge 4, the supply port cap 488 can be effectively prevented from falling off from the liquid supply port 491. In this way, the supply port cap 488 is prevented from falling off, and thus the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 is prevented from falling off from the liquid supply part 442 via the liquid supply port 491.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, supply port cap 488 is fixed to liquid supply port 491 by screwing. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which supply port cap 488 is fixed to liquid supply port 491 by welding, for example, the recyclability of supply port cap 488 and liquid supply unit 442 can be improved. Specifically, supply port cap 488 can be easily removed from liquid supply port 491 when desired by rotating supply port cap 488 to release the screw connection between supply port cap 488 and liquid supply port 491. Flow path forming components such as cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 can be easily removed from liquid supply port 491 from which supply port cap 488 has been removed. Furthermore, after a new or repaired flow path forming component is placed in liquid supply port 491, supply port cap 488 can be easily attached to liquid supply port 491 by screwing.

[0050] B. Second embodiment: 9 is a schematic diagram showing the vicinity of supply port cap 488b in the second embodiment. In this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, supply port cap 488b is fixed to liquid supply port 491b by welding rather than by screwing. Points of the configuration of cartridge 4 in the second embodiment that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0051] In this embodiment, a welded portion 511 is formed between the upper surface of the first portion 501b of the supply port cap 488b and the lower surface of the supply port wall portion 493b of the liquid supply port 491b. The welded portion 511 is formed by welding the first portion 501b and the supply port wall portion 493b together, and joins the first portion 501b and the supply port wall portion 493b. As a result, the supply port cap 488b is fixed to the liquid supply port 491b by welding. Various welding methods, such as laser welding, vibration welding, and spin welding, can be used.

[0052] According to the cartridge 4 in the second embodiment described above, the supply port cap 488b is fixed to the liquid supply port 491b by welding. This makes it possible to prevent the supply port cap 488b from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491b when an impact is applied to the cartridge 4, compared to a configuration in which the supply port cap 488b is fixed to the liquid supply port 491b by fitting or engagement. In particular, in the present embodiment, the supply port cap 488b is more firmly fixed to the liquid supply port 491b, making it possible to more effectively prevent the supply port cap 488b from unintentionally falling off.

[0053] C. Third embodiment: FIG. 10 is a side view of a cartridge 4b ​​according to the third embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the cartridge 4b ​​according to the third embodiment has a fixing member 550. The adapter 402 according to the third embodiment has a regulating portion constituted by one or more ribs 490, similar to the first embodiment. The configuration of the cartridge 4b ​​according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment unless otherwise specifically described. Note that in FIG. 10, a liquid supply port 491, a supply port cap 488, and the rib 490 as a regulating portion are schematically indicated by dashed lines.

[0054] The fixing member 550 fixes the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402. The fixing member 550 is configured separately from the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402.

[0055] The fixing member 550 in this embodiment has a first fixing member 551 and a second fixing member 552. The first fixing member 551 fixes the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 at a first position P1. The second fixing member 552 fixes the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 at a second position P2 different from the first position P1. The first position P1 and the second position P2 are positions in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 4b. That is, in this embodiment, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are positions in the Y direction. The liquid supply port 491 is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Specifically, the first position P1 is located on the −Y direction side of the liquid supply port 491, and the second position P2 is located on the +Y direction side of the liquid supply port 491. That is, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are arranged so as to sandwich the liquid supply port 491 from each other in the Y direction. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between first fixing member 551 and second fixing member 552, both will also be simply referred to as fixing members 550. Positions where fixing member 550 is arranged, such as first position P1 and second position P2, will also be referred to as fixing positions.

[0056] The fixing member 550 in this embodiment is configured to be adjustable in length. "Adjustable in length" means that the length of the fixing member 550 can be adjusted without destroying the fixing member 550 at least in the fixing step in the manufacturing process of the cartridge 4b. The fixing step is a step of placing the fixing member 550 at a fixing position and fixing the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 with the fixing member 550. The length-adjustable fixing member 550 is formed of a belt-shaped member, such as a cable tie, shrink film, or an elastic band having elasticity. The length of the fixing member 550 refers to the length in the extension direction of the fixing member 550. The elastic band is, for example, a rubber band. Note that the term "belt-shaped" includes string-shaped and thread-shaped members.

[0057] The strip-shaped fixing member 550 can fix the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 so as to connect the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402. In this embodiment, the fixing member 550 is wound around the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 so as to extend over the top wall 43, the first side wall 45, the second side wall 46, and the bottom wall 44 of the cartridge 4b, thereby wrapping and fixing the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 so as to connect them in the Z direction. Specifically, the fixing member 550 is wound around the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 so that the direction in which the fixing member 550 extends is along the XZ plane. That is, in this embodiment, the fixing member 550 is wound around the cartridge 4b ​​so as to extend over the entire circumference of the cartridge 4b ​​in the X and Z directions. As a result, the fixing member 550 tightens the liquid container 450 and the adapter 402 in a direction that brings them closer to each other in the Z direction, thereby fixing the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402. Here, in the fixing step, by adjusting the length of the fixing member 550 in the extending direction and using the fixing member 550 to tighten the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 more firmly in the Z direction, the liquid container 450 and the adapter 402 can be fixed more simply and more firmly.

[0058] According to the cartridge 4b ​​of the third embodiment described above, the adapter 402, which has a restricting portion for restricting detachment of the supply port cap 488, is fixed to the liquid container 401 by a fixing member 550 configured separately from the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402. This makes it possible to prevent the supply port cap 488 from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491, even when an impact is applied to the cartridge 4b, compared to a configuration in which the fixing member 550 is not provided.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first position P1 and the second position P2 are disposed so as to sandwich the liquid supply port 491 from each other in the Y direction. Therefore, even if an impact is applied to the cartridge 4b, the possibility that the regulating portion will be able to prevent the supply port cap 488 from falling off can be further increased. Furthermore, by disposing the first position P1 and the second position P2 as described above, in this embodiment, the fixing member 550 is disposed so as not to block the supply port opening 492 of the liquid supply port 491. Therefore, liquid can be supplied from the liquid storage portion 450 to the liquid introducing portion 642 via the liquid supply port 491 without removing the fixing member 550. In other words, the attached state can be achieved without removing the fixing member 550. As a result, a state in which the possibility of preventing the supply port cap 488 from falling off can be maintained even after use of the cartridge 4b ​​has begun.

[0060] In this embodiment, the restricting portion is formed by the rib 490. Therefore, the restricting portion can be easily formed. In this embodiment, the restricting portion is formed by a plurality of ribs 490, which further increases the possibility that the restricting portion can prevent the supply port cap 488 from falling off.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing member 550 is configured to be adjustable in length. Therefore, by adjusting the length of the fixing member 550 during the manufacture of the cartridge 4, the fixing member 550 can more firmly fix the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 together.

[0062] D. Fourth embodiment: FIG. 11 is a side view of a cartridge 4c according to the fourth embodiment. Unlike the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment differs in that the liquid container 401b has a first through-hole 561. The adapter 402b has a second through-hole 562. In FIG. 11, the first through-hole 561 and the second through-hole 562 are hatched. The fixing member 550b fixes the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b via the first through-hole 561 and the second through-hole 562. The configuration of the cartridge 4c according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the third embodiment unless otherwise specifically described. Similarly to FIG. 10, FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a liquid supply port 491, a supply port cap 488, and a rib 490 serving as a restricting portion, using dashed lines.

[0063] The first through-hole 561 is a through-hole that penetrates the first side surface and the second side surface of the liquid container 401b. The first side surface and the second side surface are respectively formed by the side walls of the liquid container 401. The first side surface is formed by the first side wall 45 shown in FIG. 3. The second side surface is formed by the second side wall 46. The liquid supply port 491 is located between the first side surface and the second side surface in the planar direction of the supply port opening 492. Specifically, the liquid supply port 491 is located between the first side surface and the second side surface in the X direction. Note that the first side wall 45 and the first side surface are omitted in FIG. 11 for convenience of illustration.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first through-hole 561 penetrates the liquid container 401b in the short-side direction of the cartridge 4c. In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid container 401b has two first through-holes 561. Specifically, the liquid container 401b has the first through-hole 561 provided at the first position P1 and the first through-hole 561 provided at the second position P2.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the first through-hole 561 is provided to penetrate a recess 51 provided in the liquid container 401b. In the liquid container 401b of the present embodiment, four recesses 51 are arranged side by side along the Y direction. Of the four recesses 51, two recesses 51 located closer to the +Y direction are provided with a first through-hole 561. Specifically, the first through-hole 561 is provided in each of the recesses 51 located at the first position P1 and the recess 51 located at the second position P2. Each recess 51 is configured by a pair of a first recess and a second recess 51b. The first recess is a portion of the first side wall 45 recessed from the first side wall 45 toward the second side wall 46. The second recess 51b is a portion of the second side wall 46 recessed from the second side wall 46 toward the first side wall 45. In other words, the first recess is a portion of the first side wall 45 recessed in the +X direction. The second recess 51b is a portion of the second side wall 46 recessed in the -X direction. For convenience of illustration, the first recess is omitted in FIG. 10 . The first recess and the second recess 51b are disposed at corresponding positions in the Z and Y directions. At least a portion of the apex of the first recess and at least a portion of the apex of the second recess 51b are in contact with each other at contact portions 52. Each first through hole 561 is formed in each recess 51 such that part of the contact portion 52 is positioned around the opening of the first through hole 561. This ensures the liquid-tightness of the liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 while forming the first through hole 561 in the recess 51.

[0066] Providing the recess 51 in the liquid container 401b can further enhance the durability of the liquid container 401b compared to a configuration in which the recess 51 is not provided. Specifically, for example, even if the liquid container space 450 in the liquid container 401b is depressurized or an impact is applied to the liquid container 401b during manufacturing or use of the cartridge 4c, the liquid container 401b can be prevented from deforming so as to be recessed inward. Such a recess 51 can be easily manufactured, for example, by arranging a pair of forming pins corresponding to the shape of the recess 51 at positions corresponding to the recess 51 when forming the liquid container 401b by blow molding during the manufacturing process of the cartridge 4c. Furthermore, at this time, for example, by bringing the apexes of the pair of forming pins into contact with each other to mold the liquid container 401b, the first through hole 561 can be easily formed in the recess 51. Note that the first through hole 561 may be formed by a method different from the above, for example, by drilling or pressing.

[0067] The second through-hole 562 is a through-hole that penetrates the third and fourth side surfaces of the adapter 402b. In this embodiment, the third side surface is formed by the first cover side wall 405 shown in FIG. 3. The fourth side surface is formed by the second cover side wall 406. Note that the first cover side wall 405 and the third side surface are omitted from FIG. 11 for convenience of illustration. In this embodiment, the second through-hole 562 penetrates the adapter 402b in the short-side direction of the cartridge 4c. The adapter 402b also has two second through-holes 562 corresponding to the two first through-holes 561. Specifically, the adapter 402b has the second through-hole 562 provided at the first position P1 and the second through-hole 562 provided at the second position P2. In addition, each second through hole 562 is formed by connecting an opening provided in the first cover side wall 405 corresponding to the third side surface and an opening provided in the second cover side wall 406 corresponding to the fourth side surface in the X direction.

[0068] The fixing member 550b has a first fixing member 551b and a second fixing member 552b, similar to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first fixing member 551b and the second fixing member 552b, both will be simply referred to as fixing members 550b.

[0069] Unlike the third embodiment, the fixing member 550b in this embodiment is not wrapped around the entire circumference of the cartridge 4c in the X and Z directions. In this embodiment, the strip-shaped fixing member 550b is disposed so as to pass through the first through hole 561 and connect the first through hole 561 and the adapter 402b. More specifically, the fixing member 550b is disposed so as to pass through the second through hole 562 in addition to the first through hole 561 and connect the first through hole 561 and the second through hole 562. That is, in this embodiment, the fixing member 550b passes through the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b in the short direction via the first through hole 561 and the second through hole 562 and connects the first through hole 561 and the second through hole 562 in the Z direction. As a result, the liquid container portion 450b and the adapter 402b are tightened in a direction in which they approach each other in the Z direction, and the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402 are fixed.

[0070] According to the cartridge 4c of the fourth embodiment described above, the fixing member 550b penetrates the liquid container 401b via the first through-hole 561 and connects the first through-hole 561 to the adapter 402b, thereby fixing the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b are connected by the fixing member 550 without using the first through-hole 561, it is possible to prevent the fixing member 550b from protruding from the cartridge 4c in the connection direction between the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b. Specifically, compared to a configuration in which the fixing member 550b is wrapped around the periphery of the cartridge 4c so as to cover the entire circumference of the cartridge 4c in the Z direction, as in the third embodiment, it is possible to prevent the fixing member 550b from protruding from the cartridge 4c in the +Z direction or the −Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to save space for the cartridge 4c in the Z direction.

[0071] In particular, in this embodiment, the fixing member 550b connects the first through-hole 561 and the second through-hole 562 while penetrating the liquid container 401b and the adaptor 402b via the first through-hole 561 and the second through-hole 562, thereby fixing the liquid container 401b and the adaptor 402b. This can further prevent the fixing member 550b from protruding from the cartridge 4c in the Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to further save space for the cartridge 4c in the Z direction.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first through-hole 561 penetrates the liquid container 401b in the short-side direction of the cartridge 4c. This shortens the distance through which the first through-hole 561 penetrates the liquid container 401b, allowing the fixing member 550b to fix the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b more effectively. Specifically, for example, compared to a configuration in which the first through-hole 561 penetrates the liquid container 401b in the long-side direction, the fixing strength between the liquid container 401b and the adapter 402b can be increased and the fixing member 550b can be saved.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first through-hole 561 is provided in the recess 51. This makes it possible to prevent the capacity of the liquid storage portion 450 from being reduced due to the first through-hole 561, compared to a configuration in which the first through-hole 561 is provided in a portion of the first side surface or the second side surface of the liquid storage body 401 that is different from the recess 51.

[0074] E. Other Embodiments: (E-1) In each of the above embodiments, at least one of screw fixing, welding fixing, and adapter fixing may be applied. Screw fixing means that the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by screwing, as in the first embodiment. Welding fixing means that the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by welding, as in the second embodiment. Adapter fixing means that the adapter 402 having a restriction portion is fixed to the liquid container 401 by a fixing member 550, as in the third and fourth embodiments. For example, in a configuration in which adapter fixing is adopted, screw fixing and welding fixing do not need to be applied. In this case, the supply port cap 488 may be fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by, for example, engaging or fitting with the supply port wall portion 493 of the liquid supply port 491. Even in this case, as in the third and fourth embodiments, the adapter 402 having the restricting portion can prevent the supply port cap 488 from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491 when an impact is applied to the cartridge 4. Furthermore, when at least one of screwing fixation and welding fixation is applied, the adapter 402 does not need to have the restricting portion. Even in this case, as in the first and second embodiments, the supply port cap 488 can be prevented from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491 when an impact is applied to the cartridge 4, compared to a configuration in which the supply port cap 488 is fixed to the liquid supply port 491 by fitting or engagement.

[0075] (E-2) In the first embodiment described above, the first thread portion 509 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 506 of the third portion 505 of the supply port cap 488, and the second thread portion 494 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 495 of the supply port wall portion 493 of the liquid supply port 491. However, the first thread portion 509 and the second thread portion 494 do not have to be configured in this manner. For example, the first thread portion 509 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface 495 of the second portion 504 of the supply port cap 488. In this case, the second thread portion 494 may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 506 of the supply port wall portion 493 so as to screw into the first thread portion 509 formed on the outer circumferential surface 495.

[0076] (E-3) In the fourth embodiment, the first through hole 561 penetrates the liquid container 401b in the short-side direction, but the first through hole 561 does not have to penetrate the liquid container 401b in the short-side direction. For example, the first through hole 561 may penetrate the liquid container 401b in the long-side direction. Similarly, the second through hole 562 does not have to penetrate the adapter 402b in the short-side direction, but may penetrate the adapter 402b in the long-side direction, for example.

[0077] (E-4) In the above four embodiments, the first through hole 561 and the second through hole 562 are provided. However, only one of the first through hole 561 and the second through hole 562 may be provided. For example, the first through hole 561 may be provided, and the second through hole 562 may not be provided. In this case, the fixing member 550b may penetrate the liquid container 401b via the first through hole 561 and be wound around the bottom wall 44, thereby connecting the first through hole 561 and the adapter 402b in the Z direction. In this way, the fixing member 550b does not protrude from the cartridge 4c in the +Z direction, thereby saving space for the cartridge 4c in the Z direction. Conversely, the second through hole 562 may be provided, and the first through hole 561 may not be provided. In this case, the fixing member 550b may connect the second through-hole 562 and the liquid container 401b in the Z direction by passing through the adapter 402b via the second through-hole 562 and being wound around the upper wall 43. In this way, the fixing member 550b does not protrude from the cartridge 4c in the -Z direction, and therefore the cartridge 4c can be made smaller in size in the Z direction.

[0078] (E-5) In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the first fixing member 551 and the second fixing member 552 are arranged so that the liquid supply port 491 is sandwiched between the first fixing member 551 and the second fixing member 552. However, the first fixing member 551 and the second fixing member 552 do not have to be arranged in this manner. For example, both the first fixing member 551 and the second fixing member 552 may be arranged on the +Y direction side or the −Y direction side of the liquid supply port 491.

[0079] (E-6) In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the fixing member 550 is arranged so as not to block the supply port opening 492 of the liquid supply port 491, but this is not necessary. For example, when the cartridge 4 is used after the fixing member 550 is removed, the fixing member 550 may be arranged so as to block the supply port opening 492. In this case, it is possible to prevent the supply port cap 488 from unintentionally falling off from the liquid supply port 491 before the cartridge 4 starts to be used.

[0080] (E-7) In the third and fourth embodiments described above, fixing member 550 has first fixing member 551 and second fixing member 552. In contrast, fixing member 550 may be configured as, for example, a single fixing member, or may have three or more fixing members.

[0081] (E-8) In the fourth embodiment, the first through holes 561 are provided in the recessed portions 51, but they do not have to be provided in the recessed portions 51. Furthermore, the number of first through holes 561 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Similarly, the number of second through holes 562 is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.

[0082] (E-9) In each of the above embodiments, the restricting portion of the adapter 402 is formed by a plurality of ribs 490. However, the restricting portion may be formed by, for example, a single rib 490. Furthermore, the restricting portion does not have to be formed by a rib 490 as long as it is configured to be able to restrict removal of the supply port cap 488. For example, the bottom wall 44 may be configured so that a portion of the bottom wall 44 functions as the restricting portion. Specifically, the bottom wall 44 may be configured so that a wall surface 44a of the bottom wall 44 overlaps at least a portion of the supply port cap 488 when viewed along the Z direction, thereby causing the bottom wall 44 to function as the restricting portion. Furthermore, for example, an annular member overlapping at least a portion of the supply port cap 488 when viewed along the Z direction may be disposed on the −Z direction side of the supply port cap 488, and this annular member may function as the restricting portion.

[0083] (E-10) In the above three and fourth embodiments, the fixing member 550 is configured to be adjustable in length, but it does not have to be configured to be adjustable in length. For example, the fixing member 550 may be configured as a connecting member that can connect the liquid storage portion 450 and the adapter 402 in the Z direction while the length of the fixing member 550 is fixed. In this case, the connecting member may be configured as, for example, a metal fitting, a resin member, or a member of any other material and shape.

[0084] (E-11) In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the fixing member 550 is wrapped around the cartridge 4 to fix the liquid container 450 and the adapter 402. However, the fixing member 550 does not have to fix the liquid container 450 and the adapter 402 in this manner. For example, one end in the Z direction of the fixing member 550 extending in the Z direction may be fixed to the liquid container 450, and the other end in the Z direction of the fixing member 550 may be fixed to the adapter 402. In this case, for example, the fixing member 550 may be fixed using at least a part of the first through-hole 561 or at least a part of the second through-hole 562. Even in this embodiment, the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are connected in the Z direction by the fixing member 550, and the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are fixed to each other.

[0085] (E-12) In the third and fourth embodiments, the belt-shaped fixing member 550 is wound around the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 of the cartridge 4, but is not wound around the front wall 42 or the rear wall 47. In contrast, the fixing member 550 may be wound around the front wall 42 or the rear wall 47 instead of or in addition to the first side wall 45 or the second side wall 46. Furthermore, as long as the fixing member 550 is configured to be able to fix the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402, it does not have to be wound along the XZ plane, and may be wound so as to intersect with the XZ plane. For example, the fixing member 550 may be wound along the YZ plane.

[0086] (E-13) The present disclosure is not limited to inkjet printers and their ink cartridges, but can also be applied to any printing device that ejects liquid other than ink and its cartridge. For example, the present disclosure can be applied to various printing devices and their cartridges, such as the following: (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile machines (2) A printing device that sprays color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays. (3) A printing device that sprays electrode materials used to form electrodes in organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, surface-emitting displays (Field Emission Displays, FEDs), etc. (4) A printing device that sprays liquid containing bioorganic substances used in biochip manufacturing. (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette (6) Lubricant printing device (7) Resin liquid printing device (8) A printing device that injects lubricating oil into precision machinery such as watches and cameras. (9) A printing device that sprays transparent resin liquid, such as ultraviolet curing resin liquid, onto a substrate to form minute hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements, etc. (10) A printing device that sprays acidic or alkaline etching liquid to etch substrates, etc. (11) A printing device equipped with a liquid ejection head that ejects any other minute amount of liquid droplets

[0087] The term "droplet" refers to the state of liquid ejected from a printing device, including droplets, tears, and string-like droplets. The term "liquid" as used herein refers to any material that can be ejected by a printing device. For example, "liquid" refers to any material in its liquid phase, including materials with high or low viscosity, as well as liquid materials such as sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. The term "liquid" also includes not only liquids as a single state of matter, but also particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, "ink" encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks.

[0088] F. Other Forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For example, the present disclosure can also be realized in the following forms. The technical features in the above embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0089] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction section, the cartridge including a liquid storage section for storing a liquid, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage section to the liquid introduction section, the liquid supply port being connected to the liquid introduction section, and a supply port cap secured to the liquid supply port by screwing. According to this configuration, the supply port cap is fixed to the liquid supply port by screwing, which prevents the supply port cap from unintentionally falling off when an impact is applied to the cartridge, compared to when the supply port cap is fixed by fitting or engagement, for example.

[0090] (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device having a liquid introduction section, the cartridge including a liquid storage section that stores liquid, a liquid supply port that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage section to the liquid introduction section and is connected to the liquid introduction section, and a supply port cap that is fixed to the liquid supply port by welding. According to this configuration, the supply port cap is fixed to the liquid supply port by welding, which prevents the supply port cap from unintentionally falling off when an impact is applied to the cartridge, compared to when the supply port cap is fixed by fitting or engagement, for example.

[0091] (3) According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge that is detachably mounted to a liquid ejection device that includes a liquid introduction portion. The cartridge includes a liquid container having a liquid storage portion that stores liquid, a liquid supply port that is connected to the liquid introduction portion and that supplies the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, a supply port cap that is fixed to the liquid supply port, an adapter that houses the liquid supply port and the supply port cap, and a fixing member that is configured separately from the liquid container and the adapter and that fixes the liquid container to the adapter. The adapter has an opening in which the liquid introduction portion is disposed and a restricting portion that restricts removal of the supply port cap from the liquid supply port. According to this embodiment, the adapter having the restricting portion is fixed to the liquid container by a fixing member separate from the liquid container and the adapter. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which a fixing member is not provided, for example, it is possible to increase the likelihood that the restricting portion will prevent the supply port cap from falling off even when an impact is applied to the cartridge.

[0092] (4) In the third aspect, the liquid container may have a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and a first through hole penetrating the first side surface and the second side surface, and the fixing member may be configured to fix the liquid container and the adapter by penetrating the first through hole and connecting the first through hole to the adapter. This aspect makes it possible to prevent the fixing member from protruding in the connection direction between the liquid container and the adapter, compared to an aspect in which the liquid container and the adapter are connected by a fixing member without using the first through hole. This therefore reduces the cartridge space required in the connection direction.

[0093] (5) In the third aspect, the cartridge may have a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening, and the first through hole may penetrate the liquid container in the lateral direction. According to this aspect, the distance through which the first through hole penetrates the liquid container can be shortened, and the liquid container and the adapter can be more effectively fixed by the fixing member.

[0094] (6) In the third aspect, the adapter may have a third side surface, a fourth side surface opposite the third side surface, and a second through hole penetrating the third side surface and the fourth side surface, and the fixing member may be configured to fix the liquid container and the adapter by penetrating the first through hole and the second through hole and connecting the first through hole and the second through hole. This aspect can further prevent the fixing member from protruding in the connection direction between the liquid container and the adapter. Therefore, the cartridge can be more space-saving in the connection direction.

[0095] (7) In the third aspect, the cartridge may have a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening, the fixing member may have a first fixing member for fixing the liquid container and the adapter at a first position in the longitudinal direction and a second fixing member for fixing the liquid container and the adapter at a second position in the longitudinal direction, and the liquid supply port may be located between the first position and the second position. This aspect further increases the likelihood that the restricting portion will be able to prevent the supply port cap from falling off even when an impact is applied to the cartridge.

[0096] (8) In the third embodiment, the restricting portion may be formed by one or more ribs projecting inward from a wall portion defining the opening of the opening, and each rib may be positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the supply port cap when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening. This embodiment allows for a simple configuration of the restricting portion.

[0097] (9) In the third aspect, the fixing member may be configured to have an adjustable length. According to this aspect, by adjusting the length of the fixing member during the manufacture of the cartridge, the fixing member can more firmly fix the liquid container and the adapter.

[0098] In addition to the above aspects, the present disclosure can be realized in the form of a method for manufacturing a cartridge, a liquid supply unit for a cartridge, a printing system, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1...printing system, 2...printing paper, 4, 4b, 4c...cartridge, 6...cartridge mounting section, 10...printing device, 11...front cover, 13...replacement cover, 20...carriage, 22...ejection head, 24...tube, 30...drive mechanism, 32...timing belt, 34...drive motor, 42...front wall, 43...top wall, 44...bottom wall, 44a...wall surface, 44b...surface, 44c...back surface, 45...first side wall, 46...second side wall, 47...rear wall, 51...recess, 51b...second recess, 52...contact portion, 6 1...accommodation chamber, 62...second device wall, 89...corner portion, 401, 401b...liquid container, 402, 402b...adapter, 403...cover front wall, 405...first cover side wall, 406...second cover side wall, 407...cover rear wall, 431...accommodation body bottom wall, 432...casing cover, 433...accommodation body bottom wall opening, 442...liquid supply portion, 446...opening, 448...supply portion positioning portion, 450...liquid container, 470...liquid absorbent material, 480...housing, 482...internal space, 483...supply flow path, 48 4...Cartridge-side valve mechanism, 485...Cartridge-side valve seat, 485a...Valve seat insertion port, 486...Cartridge-side valve body, 487...Cartridge-side biasing member, 488, 488b...Supply port cap, 490...Rib, 490a...Rib side surface, 490b...Rib surface, 490c...Rib back surface, 491, 491b...Liquid supply port, 492...Supply port opening, 493...Supply port wall portion, 493b...Supply port wall portion, 494...Second screw portion, 495...Outer peripheral surface, 501, 501b...First portion, 502...Inner portion, 503 ...outer portion, 504...second portion, 505...third portion, 506...inner peripheral surface, 507...inner wall surface, 508...outer wall surface, 509...first screw portion, 511...welded portion, 550, 550b...fixing member, 551, 551b...first fixing member, 552, 552b...second fixing member, 561...first through hole, 562...second through hole, 610...support member, 613...main wall, 642...liquid introduction portion, 644...apparatus side supply portion positioning portion, 674...insertion / removal opening, 682...introduction portion flow path, 698...rotation fulcrum, 699...liquid storage portion

Claims

1. A cartridge that is detachably mounted to a liquid ejecting device that has a liquid introduction section, a liquid storage section that stores liquid; a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, the liquid supply port being connected to the liquid introduction portion; a supply port cap that is secured to the liquid supply port by threaded engagement.

2. A cartridge that is detachably mounted to a liquid ejecting device that has a liquid introduction section, a liquid storage section that stores liquid; a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, the liquid supply port being connected to the liquid introduction portion; a supply port cap fixed to the liquid supply port by welding.

3. A cartridge that is detachably mounted to a liquid ejecting device that has a liquid introduction section, a liquid container having a liquid storage portion for storing liquid; a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid from the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, the liquid supply port being connected to the liquid introduction portion; a supply port cap fixed to the liquid supply port; an adapter that accommodates the liquid supply port and the supply port cap; a fixing member that is configured separately from the liquid container and the adapter and that fixes the liquid container and the adapter together; The adapter has an opening in which the liquid introduction portion is disposed, and a restricting portion for restricting removal of the supply port cap from the liquid supply port.

4. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, the liquid container has a first side surface, a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, and a first through-hole penetrating the first side surface and the second side surface; The fixing member is configured to connect the first through-hole and the adapter while passing through the first through-hole, thereby fixing the liquid container and the adapter together.

5. 5. The cartridge of claim 4, the cartridge has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an opening surface of the opening, The first through-hole penetrates the liquid container in the short-side direction.

6. The cartridge according to claim 4, the adapter has a third side surface, a fourth side surface opposite to the third side surface, and a second through-hole penetrating the third side surface and the fourth side surface, The fixing member is configured to fix the liquid container and the adapter by passing through the first through hole and the second through hole and connecting the first through hole and the second through hole.

7. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, the cartridge has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction when viewed in a direction perpendicular to an opening surface of the opening, the fixing member includes a first fixing member for fixing the liquid container and the adapter at a first position in the longitudinal direction, and a second fixing member for fixing the liquid container and the adapter at a second position in the longitudinal direction, The cartridge, wherein the liquid supply port is located between the first position and the second position.

8. 4. The cartridge of claim 3, the restricting portion is configured by one or more ribs protruding inward from a wall portion that defines the opening of the opening, The cartridge, wherein each of the ribs is disposed at a position overlapping at least a portion of the supply port cap when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the opening surface of the opening.

9. 9. A cartridge according to any one of claims 3 to 8, The cartridge, wherein the fixing member is configured to be adjustable in length.

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