Ink storage container and ink replenishment system
The ink storage container with a rib structure on the side wall addresses the issue of ink leakage in thin-walled containers by enhancing strength and reducing material use.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024082515
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Ink containers with thin side walls for inkjet printers are prone to crushing and ink leakage during refilling, which is a concern for sustainability as it increases the use of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate materials.
An ink storage container with a cylindrical barrel and a rib structure on the side wall to reinforce the side wall, preventing crushing and ink leakage during refilling.
The rib structure enhances the strength of the side wall, reducing material usage while effectively preventing ink leakage during refilling.
Smart Images

Figure 2025176395000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink reservoir and an ink refill system. [Background technology]
[0002] Some ink tanks used in inkjet printers and other ink-discharging devices that employ a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) can be refilled with ink. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) discloses an ink-discharging device that allows ink to be refilled from an ink container that contains ink. To refill the ink tank from the ink container in the ink-discharging device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a user first holds the ink container and inserts it into a joint located on the top of the ink tank. The ink is then automatically refilled until the ink refilled from the ink container into the ink tank blocks the entrance to the air discharge path located in the joint. Therefore, when refilling an ink tank from an ink container, a user does not need to crush the ink container. However, crushing the ink container can lead to ink leakage. Therefore, the side walls of ink containers are sometimes designed to be thick to prevent them from being crushed by users. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-146991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] Recently, there has been a demand for the realization of a sustainable society, such as a carbon-free / recycling-based society. To achieve this, it is desirable to reduce the amount of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used as raw materials for ink containers. One way to achieve this is to thin the side walls of the ink container. However, ink containers with thin side walls are easily crushed and have low impact resistance, which raises concerns about ink leakage. This is particularly true when a user holds the ink container while inserting it into a joint.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and aims to suppress ink leakage while reducing the amount of raw materials used. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an ink storage container that stores ink, the ink storage container having a storage chamber that stores ink, a main body portion having a cylindrical barrel portion that surrounds at least a portion of the storage chamber, and a head portion having an opening that connects the storage chamber to the outside, and a rib provided on the side wall of the barrel portion that extends in a direction that includes the height direction of the side wall as a component. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present disclosure, ink leakage can be suppressed while reducing the amount of raw materials used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of an ink ejection device [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing the general shape of an ink container with a sealing cap according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are a side view and a perspective view showing an ink container with a sealing cap according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, and a partial cross-sectional view of a body of an ink container according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] A conceptual diagram showing the steps a user takes to prepare to refill an ink tank with ink from an ink storage container. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the principle of refilling ink from an ink container into an ink tank. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing deformation of an ink container having no ribs on the body due to gripping force by a user, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing deformation of an ink container having ribs on the body due to gripping force by a user. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a body of an ink container according to a second embodiment; [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a body portion of an ink containing container according to a third embodiment, and a cross-sectional view of a neck portion of the ink containing container; [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a body of an ink container according to a fourth embodiment; [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, a partial cross-sectional view, and a cross-sectional view of a body of an ink container according to a fifth embodiment; [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of a body of an ink container according to a sixth embodiment; [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a body of an ink container in which ink remains; [Figure 14] 1A and 1B are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a body of an ink container in which ink remains; [Figure 15] 13A and 13B are a cross-sectional view and two perspective views of a body of an ink container according to a seventh embodiment; [Figure 16] 13A and 13B are a side view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of a neck portion of an ink container with a sealing cap according to an eighth embodiment; [Figure 17] 13A and 13B are a side view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of a neck portion of an ink container with a sealing cap according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a main body portion provided with ribs according to a ninth embodiment; [Figure 19] 1A and 1B are a side view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of a neck portion of a small ink container with a sealing cap; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the disclosure according to the claims. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations may be omitted.
[0010] First Embodiment An ink ejection device that receives ink from an ink storage container according to the present disclosure will now be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an ink ejection device 51 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The ink ejection device 51 includes a carriage 52, a transport roller 53, a tube 54, a cap unit 57, a first shaft 58, a second shaft 59, an ink ejection head 60, an ink tank 61, and a sub-tank 62. The ink ejection head 60 and the sub-tank 62 are mounted on the carriage 52, and the ink tank 61, which stores ink, is mounted in the main body of the ink ejection device 51. A recording medium 66 is transported in a transport direction A of the recording medium 66 by a transport roller 53. In synchronization with this, the ink ejection head 60 supported by the carriage 52 moves back and forth along the first shaft 58 and the second shaft 59, printing on the recording medium 66. The ink ejection head 60 is connected to an ink tank 61 by a tube 54 via a sub-tank 62, and ink is supplied from the ink tank 61 to the ink ejection head 60. The ink tank 61 includes ink tanks 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D of four colors: black, cyan, magenta, and yellow, and each of the ink tanks 61A, 61B, 61C, and 61D is provided with an air vent means 71. The number of colors of the ink tanks 61 is not limited to four, and may be any number.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view with a cross section showing the general shape of an ink containing container with a sealing cap. The ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap shown in FIG. 2 is an ink bottle including an ink containing container 210 and a sealing cap 240. When transported through a distribution channel or stored, the ink containing container 210 is sealed with the sealing cap 240. It is possible to refill the ink tank 61 with ink from the ink containing container 210. When refilling the ink tank 61 with ink from the ink containing container 210, the sealing cap 240 is removed from the ink containing container 210. The ink ejection device 51 and the ink containing container 210 (or the ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap) constitute an ink refill system.
[0012] The ink containing container 210 is made up of two parts, a main body 220 and a head 230, but these may also be integrated.
[0013] The main body 220 includes a body 221, a shoulder 222, and a neck 223. The body 221 and the shoulder 222 form a storage chamber 250 for storing ink. The body 221 has a cylindrical outer shape, the shoulder 222 has a truncated cone outer shape, and the neck 223 has a cylindrical outer shape. A disk-shaped bottom 224 is provided at the lower end of the body 221. The side wall 221a of the body 221 and the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222 are connected to each other at one end of the shoulder 222. The side wall 222a of the shoulder 222 and the side wall 223a of the neck 223 are connected to each other at the other end of the shoulder 222. The interior of the body 221, the interior of the shoulder 222, and the interior of the neck 223 are interconnected, and a third opening 292 is formed at the upper end of the neck 223. The lower end of the body 221 is closed by a bottom 224.
[0014] Although a constriction is provided near the lower end of the body portion 221 shown in FIG. 2, this is not a limitation and the body portion 221 does not necessarily have to have a constriction.
[0015] The head 230 includes a first head 231 and a second head 232. A sealing cap 240 is detachably attached to the first head 231, for example, by screwing. The second head 232 fits into the neck 223. These may be joined by screwing, or may be welded or glued. Alternatively, the head 230 may be integrated with the main body 220 from the beginning.
[0016] The ink is contained in the containing chamber 250, and is usually filled with ink up to the mid-height position of the shoulder portion 222. The diameter of the body portion 221 is about 60 to 80 mm.
[0017] A first flow path 260 is formed inside the first head portion 231, and a second flow path 270 is formed inside the neck portion 223. A first opening 290 is provided at the upper end of the first flow path 260, and a second opening 291 is provided at the lower end of the first flow path 260. A flow path 280 is formed by joining the first flow path 260 and the second flow path 270. With the sealing cap 240 removed from the ink containing container 210, ink can be introduced from the outside into the containing chamber 250 via the flow path 280, or ink contained in the containing chamber 250 can be discharged to the outside (such as the ink tank 61). In other words, the head portion 230 is an outlet portion for discharging ink contained in the main body portion 220 to the outside.
[0018] 2, the thickness of the side wall 221a of the body 221 is configured to be thinner than the thickness of the bottom 224, the thickness of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222, and the thickness of the side wall 223a of the neck 223. Here, the surface area of the side wall 221a of the body 221 accounts for the majority of the surface area of the main body 220. Therefore, the amount of raw material used to form the main body 220 can be reduced. Here, examples of raw materials used for the main body 220 include polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
[0019] 3(a) and 3(b) are a side view and a perspective view showing the ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap.
[0020] 2, 3(a), and 3(b), three ribs 225 are provided on the side wall 221a of the body portion 221. Each rib 225 extends in the height direction (Z direction) of the body portion 221. By providing the three ribs 225 on the side wall 221a of the body portion 221, it is possible to compensate for the strength of the body portion 221 that has been weakened by reducing the thickness of the side wall 221a.
[0021] 4(a) to 4(c) show a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, and a partial cross-sectional view of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210. As shown in Fig. 4(a) to 4(c), the cross-sectional shape of the rib 225 is triangular. However, this is not limited to this and the shape may be, for example, rectangular, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or the like.
[0022] 4(b), the ribs 225 preferably extend from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall 221a of the body 221. However, this is not a limitation, and the ribs 225 may extend to areas near the upper and lower ends. In other words, the ribs 225 do not necessarily have to be provided near the upper and lower ends of the side wall 221a.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 4(c), when the height of the rib 225 is X and the thickness of the side wall 221a of the body 221 is Y, the ratio X / Y is: 0.5≦X / Y≦2.0 It is preferable that the following relationship is satisfied.
[0024] The inner surface, which is the opposite side of the outer surface having the protrusions that make up rib 225, does not have any recesses that correspond to the protrusions that make up rib 225. In other words, the inner surface, which is the opposite side of the outer surface having the protrusions that make up rib 225, is a smooth surface.
[0025] For example, when the ink containing container 210 is molded by injection molding, ribs 225 can be provided on the side wall 221a as shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c).
[0026] 5(a) to 5(c) are conceptual diagrams showing the steps a user takes to prepare for refilling the ink tank 61 with ink from the ink containing container 210. FIG.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 5(a), a user grips the ink containing container 210 with one hand and removes the sealing cap 240 from the ink containing container 210. At this time, the user's gripping force acts as an external force on the side wall 221a of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210. However, as described above, the side wall 221a is reinforced by the rib 225. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking out of the first opening 290 of the ink containing container 210 due to the side wall 221a being crushed.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 5(b), the user then turns the ink containing container 210 upside down while still gripping it. That is, the user positions the ink containing container 210 so that the head 230 is positioned vertically downward relative to the main body 220. The user then lowers the ink containing container 210 so that the flow path 280 is inserted into the joint 603 (see FIG. 6) provided above the ink tank 61. At this time, the user's grip force is also applied as an external force to the side wall 221a of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5(b), for example, the user's fingertips are placed on a portion of the side wall 221a closer to the bottom 224 than the center in the height direction, and most of the force is applied to this portion. However, as described above, the side wall 221a is reinforced by the ribs 225. This prevents the side wall 221a from being crushed. This makes it possible to prevent ink from excessively flowing out from the first opening 290 of the ink containing container 210. In particular, in the state shown in Fig. 5(b), the excessively flowing ink does not necessarily flow into the ink tank 61, and there is a possibility that it may enter the main body of the ink discharge device 51, but this can be prevented by reinforcing the side wall 221a with the rib 225.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 5(c), with the ink containing container 210 in place, ink continues to be replenished from the ink containing container 210 to the ink tank 61 until ink replenishment is automatically completed.
[0030] 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams showing the principle of how ink is replenished from the ink containing container 210 to the ink tank 61. FIG.
[0031] The ink chamber 602 of the ink tank 61 can be refilled with ink contained in the ink containing container 210. A joint 603 is provided on the top surface of the ink chamber 602, into which the head 230 of the ink containing container 210 is inserted via the first opening 290. The joint 603 is equipped with an air discharge channel 604 and an ink inlet channel 605 in accordance with the gas-liquid separation method. As shown in FIG. 6( a), the ink containing container 210 is oriented so that the head 230 is positioned vertically below the main body 220, and is then moved downward as indicated by arrow P, thereby inserting the joint 603 into the head 230. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6( b), ink flows from the ink containing container 220 into the ink chamber 602 of the ink tank 61 via the ink inlet channel 605, and air inside the ink chamber 602 of the ink tank 61 is discharged to the ink containing container 220 via the air discharge channel 604. Then, as shown in Figure 6(c), when the ink head reaches the inlet at the lower end of the air discharge path 604 in the ink chamber 602 of the ink tank 61, the air flow stops, and with it, the ink flow also stops. In other words, automatic ink replenishment automatically stops. Note that in Figure 6(a), the arrows drawn on the air discharge path 604 and the ink inlet path 605 are for illustrative purposes only.
[0032] 7(a) and 7(b) are diagrams showing deformation due to a user's gripping force of an ink container that does not have ribs 225 on the barrel 221, and diagrams showing deformation due to a user's gripping force of an ink container that has ribs on the barrel 221. Note that Figures 7(a) and 7(b) are a combination of a half cross-section with a circumferential angle of 0 degrees and a half cross-section with a circumferential angle of 120 degrees or 240 degrees, in the case where three ribs 225 are arranged at equal intervals of 120 degrees in the circumferential direction of the barrel 221.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 7(a), in a configuration in which the side wall 221a of the body 221 does not have the rib 225, there is a risk of ink leaking out of the ink containing container 210. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 7(a). In a configuration in which the side wall 221a of the body 221 does not have the rib 225, when ink whose head is at height L0 is subjected to an external force F, such as a user's gripping force, on the side wall 221a, the side wall 221a and the surrounding side wall will deform as shown by the two-dot chain line. As a result, as shown by arrow D1, the ink head exceeds height L1 of the first opening 290, which may cause ink to leak out of the ink containing container 210.
[0034] On the other hand, in a configuration in which the ribs 225 are provided on the side wall 221a of the body 221, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking out of the ink containing container 210. This will be explained with reference to FIG. 7(b). In a configuration in which the ribs 225 are provided on the side wall 221a of the body 221, when ink whose head is at height L0 is subjected to an external force F, such as a user's gripping force, on the side wall 221a, the side wall 221a and the surrounding side wall will deform as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 7(b). The amount of deformation shown in FIG. 7(b) is less than the amount of deformation shown in FIG. 7(a). As a result, as shown by arrow D2, the ink head does not exceed height L1 of the first opening 290, and therefore it is possible to prevent ink from leaking out of the ink containing container 210.
[0035] Second Embodiment 8(a) and 8(b) are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210. FIG.
[0036] In the second embodiment, the number of ribs 225 is 10. This makes it possible to reduce deformation of the body 221 and the like due to external forces, compared to the first embodiment in which the number of ribs 225 is 3.
[0037] Basically, three or more ribs 225 may be provided on the side wall 221a of the body 221, but the number may be ten as in the second embodiment or another number as needed. For example, the number may be determined in the design stage by adding ribs 225 one by one while experimentally checking the strength. The distance between the ribs 225 along the side wall 221a is preferably 30 mm or less.
[0038] Third Embodiment 9(a) to 9(c) are two cross-sectional views of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the third embodiment, and a cross-sectional view of the neck 223 of the ink containing container 210. FIG.
[0039] 9(a), rib 901 is formed by deforming side wall 221a of body 221. In this configuration, the inner surface, which is the opposite side to the outer surface having the convex portions that make up rib 901, has concave portions that correspond to the convex portions that make up rib 225. The thickness of side wall 221a in the portion where rib 225 is provided is approximately the same as the thickness of side wall 221a in the portion where rib 225 is not provided.
[0040] For example, when the ink containing container 210 is molded by blow molding, a rib 901 can be provided on the side wall 221a as shown in FIG. 9(a).
[0041] The configuration shown in Fig. 9(b) is basically similar to the configuration shown in Fig. 9(a), but differs in that the number of ribs 901 has been changed from 3 to 10. This makes it possible to reduce deformation of the body 221 and other parts due to external forces, compared to the configuration in Fig. 9(a) in which the number of ribs 901 is 3.
[0042] 9(c) shows a configuration in which three ribs 902 that connect the inner surfaces of the side walls 223a of the neck portion 223 are provided in the second flow path 270. This configuration can also be applied to the first and second embodiments. In particular, as will be described later, when the side walls 223a of the neck portion 223 are also thinned, the neck portion 223 can be reinforced by the ribs 902.
[0043] <Fourth embodiment> 10(a) and 10(b) are a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a body portion 221 of an ink containing container 210 according to the fourth embodiment.
[0044] The body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the first embodiment in that a rib 1001 is added.
[0045] The rib 1001 is an annular rib that extends in the circumferential direction of the body portion 221 near the center of the body portion 221 in the height direction (Z direction).
[0046] 10 shows only one rib 1001, multiple ribs 1001 may be provided. That is, in this embodiment, it is sufficient that one or more ribs 1001 are provided on the side wall 221a of the body portion 221. When two or more ribs 1001 are provided, the two or more ribs 1001 may be arranged evenly in the height direction of the body portion 221, or may be arranged unevenly in consideration of the force-deformation characteristics.
[0047] The rib 1001 may be disposed at a position in the height direction corresponding to the position where the user places the palm or fingers. For example, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the rib 1001 may be provided at a position in the height direction near the center of the body 221 in the height direction, corresponding to the user gripping the center of the body 221 in the height direction. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the rib 1001 may be provided at a position in the height direction near the center of the body 221 in the height direction, corresponding to the user gripping a portion closer to the bottom 224 than the center of the body 221 in the height direction.
[0048] The cross-sectional shape of the rib 1001 shown in FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b) is triangular, but is not limited to this and may be rectangular, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or the like.
[0049] By providing the rib 1001, it is possible to increase the strength of the portion far from the rib 225. It is also possible to increase the strength of the portion that is likely to be gripped by the user.
[0050] Fifth Embodiment 11(a) to 11(d) are a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, a partial cross-sectional view, and other cross-sectional views of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the fifth embodiment.
[0051] The body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the first embodiment in that a rib 1101 is provided instead of the rib 225.
[0052] The rib 225 according to the first embodiment is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221, whereas the rib 1101 according to the fifth embodiment is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221.
[0053] 11(a) to 11(c), the cross-sectional shape of the rib 1101 is triangular, but is not limited to this and may be, for example, rectangular, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or the like.
[0054] 11(b), the rib 1101 preferably extends from the upper end to the lower end of the side wall 221a of the body 221. However, this is not a limitation, and the rib 1101 may extend to the vicinity of the upper end and the lower end. In other words, the rib 1101 does not necessarily have to be provided near the upper end and the lower end of the side wall 221a.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 11(c), when the height of the rib 1101 is X and the thickness of the side wall 221a of the body portion 221 is Y, the ratio X / Y is: 0.5≦X / Y≦2.0 It is preferable that the following relationship is satisfied.
[0056] The rib 1001 shown in Figure 10 may be added to the configuration of Figure 11. In this case, the rib 1101 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall 221a, while the rib 1001 is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a.
[0057] The outer surface, which is the opposite surface to the inner surface having the protrusions that make up the rib 1101, does not have any recesses that correspond to the protrusions that make up the rib 1101.
[0058] For example, when the ink containing container 210 is molded by injection molding, a rib 1101 can be provided on the side wall 221a as shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c).
[0059] 11(d), the rib 1102 is formed by deforming the side wall 221a of the body 221. In this configuration, the inner surface, which is the opposite side to the outer surface having the convex portions that make up the rib 1102, has concave portions that correspond to the convex portions that make up the rib 1102.
[0060] For example, when the ink containing container 210 is molded by blow molding, a rib 1102 can be provided on the side wall 221a as shown in FIG. 11(d).
[0061] According to the configuration of this embodiment, no ribs 1101 are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210. Therefore, the flatness of the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221 is maintained, and a label can be easily attached to the outer surface during the manufacturing stage, etc.
[0062] Sixth Embodiment 12(a) to 12(c) are a cross-sectional view, a perspective view, and another cross-sectional view of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the sixth embodiment.
[0063] The body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the sixth embodiment shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) differs from the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b) in that the number of ribs 1101 is increased to 10.
[0064] This makes it possible to reduce deformation of the body portion 221 and the like due to external forces, compared to the fifth embodiment in which the number of ribs 1101 is three.
[0065] The number of ribs 1101 basically needs to be three or more, but may be ten as in the sixth embodiment or another number as needed.
[0066] Similarly, the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 12(c) differs from the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 11(d) in that the number of ribs 1102 has increased from 3 to 10.
[0067] This makes it possible to reduce deformation of the body portion 221 and the like due to external forces, compared to the fifth embodiment in which the number of ribs 1102 is three.
[0068] The number of ribs 1102 basically needs to be three or more, but may be ten as in the sixth embodiment or another number as needed.
[0069] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 in which ink remains. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) also show a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 in which ink remains.
[0070] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show ink droplets 1301 adhering to the inner surface of body 221. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) also show ink droplets 1301 adhering to the inner surface of body 221.
[0071] If the droplet 1301 initially has the shape shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), after a certain time has passed, the shape of the droplet 1301 will change to that shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b). Compared to the droplet 1301 shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), the droplet 1301 shown in FIGS. 14(a) and 14(b) has a larger contact area with the rib 1101 and is more strongly attracted to the rib 1101. In this way, the rib 1101 has the effect of attracting the droplet 1301. The droplet 1301 attracted to the rib 1101 then falls vertically downward along the rib 1101. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of ink remaining in the ink containing container 210 after ink replenishment is complete.
[0072] Furthermore, by providing the rib 1101, it is possible to promote the upward movement of air bubbles that have entered the ink containing container 210 via the air discharge path 604 while the ink tank 61 is being refilled with ink. This increases the falling speed of the ink as a whole, thereby shortening the time required to refill the ink tank 61 with ink.
[0073] As described above, when the ink containing container 210 is in the position shown in FIGS. 5(c) and 6(b), the ink contained in the ink containing container 210 is replenished into the ink tank 61. Because the ribs 1101 are provided on the inner surface of the body 221, as described with reference to FIGS. 13(a), 13(b), 14(a), and 14(b), residual ink droplets fall vertically downward along the ribs 1101. Therefore, after ink replenishment is complete, the ink remaining inside the ink containing container 210 can be reduced. Measurements have shown that, in a configuration without the ribs 1101, the maximum width of the ink droplets 1301 remaining on the inner surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221 is approximately 10 mm. It is assumed here that the widths of the ink droplets 1301 are uniformly distributed in the range from 0 mm to 10 mm. In this case, by setting the spacing between the ribs 1101 to 5 mm, half of all the droplets 1301 that would remain on the inner surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221 if the ribs 1101 were not present can be dropped. If we assume that the widths of the ink droplets 1301 are distributed biased toward the larger side, more than half of the droplets 1301 can be dropped. Furthermore, since there is a process in which large droplets attracted to the ribs 1101 absorb other small droplets in the vicinity, even more droplets 1301 can be dropped. Furthermore, if the spacing between the ribs (i.e., the distance along the circumference of the side wall 221a of the body 221 between two adjacent ribs 1101) is set to 5 mm or less, even more droplets 1301 can be dropped. Therefore, the maximum possible spacing between the ribs 1101 can be defined as 5 mm, which is half the maximum width of 10 mm of the droplets that would remain if the ribs 1101 were not present. If the maximum width of the remaining droplet without the ribs 1101 has a different value, the maximum possible spacing of the ribs 1101 will also have a correspondingly different value.
[0074] In addition, by making the apex angle of the rib 1101, which has a triangular cross section, acute, it is possible to enhance the effect of attracting ink to the rib 1101. Furthermore, remaining bubbles after ink replenishment is complete can be eliminated by attracting them to the rib 1101, just like remaining droplets.
[0075] Seventh Embodiment 15(a) to 15(c) are a cross-sectional view and two perspective views of a body portion 221 of an ink containing container 210 according to the seventh embodiment.
[0076] The body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the seventh embodiment differs from the body 221 of the ink containing container 210 according to the first embodiment in that a rib 1501 is provided instead of the rib 225.
[0077] While the rib 225 according to the first embodiment extends in the height direction (Z direction) of the body 221, the rib 1501 according to the seventh embodiment extends in an oblique direction. That is, the rib 1501 according to the seventh embodiment has a spiral shape extending in a direction including the circumferential direction of the side wall 221a of the body and the height direction of the side wall 221a of the body 221. Furthermore, the rib 1501 according to the seventh embodiment is provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221. By providing the rib 1501, the body 221 can be reinforced evenly.
[0078] In the example shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), the inclination angle of the rib 1501 is about 60 degrees, and the rib 1501 wraps around the body portion 221 about two and a half times. However, this is not limited to this, and the inclination angle of the rib 1501 may be set to another angle so that the number of times the rib 1501 wraps around the body portion 221 varies. For example, as shown in Figure 15(c), the inclination angle of the rib 1501 may be set to about 750 degrees so that the rib 1501 wraps around the body portion 221 about three times. By increasing the inclination angle of the rib 1501 and narrowing the pitch interval of the rib 1501, the reinforcing effect can be enhanced.
[0079] 15(a) to 15(c), the number of ribs 1501 is one, but this is not limitative and the number may be two or more. Increasing the number of ribs 1501 can enhance the reinforcing effect.
[0080] In the example shown in Figures 15(a) to 15(c), the rib 1501 is provided on the outer surface of the outer wall 221a of the body 221, but this is not limitative and the rib 1501 may also be provided on the inner surface.
[0081] When two ribs 1501 are provided, they may be inclined in the same direction, but this is not a limitation. The two ribs 1501 may be inclined in different directions. In other words, the inclination angle of the first rib 1501 may be set to plus α degrees, and the inclination angle of the second rib 1502 may be set to minus α degrees. In this case, the two ribs intersect.
[0082] The cross-sectional shape of the rib 1501 shown in FIGS. 15(a) to 15(c) is triangular, but is not limited to this and may be rectangular, semicircular, semi-elliptical, or the like.
[0083] Eighth Embodiment 16(a) and 16(b) are a side view and a perspective view showing an ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap according to the eighth embodiment.
[0084] The ink containing container 210 according to the eighth embodiment differs from the ink containing container 210 according to the first embodiment in that a rib 1601 is provided on the shoulder portion 222 and a rib 1602 is provided on the neck portion 223. In other words, the ink containing container 210 according to the eighth embodiment differs from the ink containing container 210 according to the first embodiment in that the ribs 1601 and 1602 are added. Note that any rib provided on the shoulder portion 222, including but not limited to the rib 1601, may be referred to as a shoulder rib, and any rib provided on the neck portion 223, including but not limited to the rib 1602, may be referred to as a neck rib.
[0085] 16(a) and 16(b), three ribs 1601 are provided on the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222. The rib 1602 is provided in the second flow path 270 (see FIG. 2) so as to connect three points on the inner surface of the side wall 223a of the neck 223, and has a three-arrow shape.
[0086] In the example shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), three ribs 225 provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221 are connected to three ribs 1601 provided on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the shoulder 222. Furthermore, the three ribs 1601 provided on the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222 are connected to three ends of a rib 1602 provided on the neck 223 via the side wall 222a or the side wall 223a. However, this is not limited thereto, and some or all of the ribs 255 may not be connected to the ribs 1601, and some or all of the ribs 1601 may not be connected to the ribs 255. Furthermore, some or all of the ribs 1601 may not be connected to the ribs 1602, and some or all of the tips of the ribs 1602 may not be connected to the ribs 1601.
[0087] Ninth Embodiment Figure 17 shows a side view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of the neck of a main body 220 of an ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap according to the ninth embodiment. Figures 18(a) and 18(b) are two side views showing the main body 220 with ribs according to the ninth embodiment.
[0088] The basic configuration of the ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap according to the ninth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the ink containing container 200 with a sealing cap according to the ninth embodiment includes a sealing cap 240 and an ink containing container 210, and the ink containing container 210 includes a main body portion 220.
[0089] The plurality of ribs disposed on the main body portion 220 include the following ribs.
[0090] Ribs A1~A6 Ribs B1~B6 Ribs C1 and C2 Ribs A1 to A6 have a substantially linear shape, ribs B1 to B6 have a circular ring shape, and ribs C1 and C2 have a three-arrow shape.
[0091] The ribs A1 are disposed on the side walls 223a of the neck 223. Although there are three ribs A1, this is not a limitation and there may be, for example, four or more ribs. The extending direction of the ribs A1 is the same as the height direction (Z direction) of the body 221 or the neck 223, but this is not a limitation and the extending direction of the ribs A1 may include a component in the circumferential direction of the neck 223 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side walls 223a of the neck 223). Although the ribs A1 are disposed on the outer surface of the side walls 223a of the neck 223, this is not a limitation and the ribs A1 may be disposed on the inner surface. The ribs A1 may also serve as screws corresponding to screws formed on the inner surface of the outer wall of the second head 232.
[0092] The rib A2 is disposed on the side wall 222a of the shoulder portion 222. The rib A2 corresponds to the rib 1601. Although there are three ribs A2, this is not a limitation and, for example, there may be four or more. The extending direction of the rib A2 includes, but is not limited to, only the height direction (Z direction) of the body portion 221 or the shoulder portion 222 and the radial direction (the direction from the center of the body portion 221 or the shoulder portion 222 toward the outside in the XY plane). In other words, the extending direction of the rib A2 may include a component in the circumferential direction of the shoulder portion 222 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder portion 222). Although the rib A2 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder portion 222, this is not a limitation and the rib A2 may be disposed on the inner surface. Each rib A2 is connected to each rib A1, but this is not limited to this, and some or all of the ribs A2 may not be connected to the ribs A1, and some or all of the ribs A1 may not be connected to the ribs A2.
[0093] Ribs A3 to A6 are disposed on the side wall 221a of the body 221. Each of the ribs A1 to A6 combined corresponds to each of the ribs 225. There are three of each of the ribs A3 to A6, but this is not limited thereto, and there may be, for example, four or more.
[0094] The extending direction of ribs A3 and A4 is, but not limited to, the same as the height direction (Z direction) of body portion 221. The extending direction of ribs A5 and A6 may include a component in the circumferential direction of body portion 221 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of side wall 221a of body portion 221).
[0095] The extending direction of the ribs A5 and A6 includes, but is not limited to, only the height direction (Z direction) and radial direction (direction from the center of the body 221 toward the outside in the XY plane) of the body 221. In other words, the extending direction of the ribs A5 and A6 may include a component in the circumferential direction of the body 221 (direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221).
[0096] The ribs A3 to A6 are disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221, but this is not limitative and they may be disposed on the inner surface of the side wall 221a of the body 221.
[0097] Each rib A3 is connected to each rib A2, but this is not limited to this, and some or all of the ribs A3 may not be connected to the ribs A2, and some or all of the ribs A2 may not be connected to the ribs A3.
[0098] The rib B1 is disposed near the upper end of the side wall 223a of the neck 223. The extending direction of the rib B1 is the same as the circumferential direction of the neck 223 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 223a of the neck 223), but is not limited to this, and the extending direction of the rib B1 may include a component in the height direction (Z direction) of the body 221 or the neck 223. The rib B1 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 223a of the neck 223, but is not limited to this, and may be disposed on the inner surface. The rib B1 is connected to the rib A1, but is not limited to this, and the rib B1 may not be connected to some or all of the ribs A1.
[0099] Rib B2 is disposed near the lower end of the side wall 223a of the neck 223. The extending direction of rib B2 is the same as the circumferential direction of the neck 223 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 223a of the neck 223). Rib B2 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 223a of the neck 223, but this is not a limitation and rib B2 may be disposed on the inner surface. Rib B2 is connected to rib A1 and rib A2, but this is not a limitation and rib B2 may not be connected to some or all of the ribs A1 or some or all of the ribs A2.
[0100] Rib B3 is disposed near the lower end of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222. The extending direction of rib B3 is the same as the circumferential direction of the shoulder 222 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222). Rib B3 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222, but this is not a limitation and rib B3 may be disposed on the inner surface. Rib B3 is connected to rib A2 and rib A3, but this is not a limitation and rib B3 may not be connected to some or all of the ribs A2 or some or all of the ribs A3.
[0101] The rib B4 is disposed near the middle position in the height direction (Z direction) of the side wall 221a of the body portion 221. The extension direction of the rib B4 is the same as the circumferential direction of the body portion 221 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body portion 221), but may include a component in the height direction (Z direction) of the body portion 221. That is, the rib B4 may, for example, meander and extend on average in the circumferential direction of the body portion 221. Although the rib B4 is disposed on the outer surface of the side wall 221a of the body portion 221, this is not a limitation, and the rib B4 may be disposed on the inner surface. The rib B4 is connected to the rib A3 and the rib A4, but this is not a limitation, and the rib B4 may not be connected to some or all of the ribs A3, or may not be connected to some or all of the ribs A4. Although the number of ribs B4 is one, this is not a limitation, and the number may be two or more.
[0102] Rib B5 is disposed between rib B4 and bottom 224 in the height direction (Z direction) of side wall 221a of body 221. The extending direction of rib B5 is the same as the circumferential direction of body 221 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of side wall 221a of body 221). Rib B5 is disposed on the outer surface of side wall 221a of body 221, but this is not a limitation, and rib B5 may be disposed on the inner surface. Rib B5 is connected to rib A4 and rib A5, but this is not a limitation, and rib B5 may not be connected to some or all of ribs A4, or may not be connected to some or all of ribs A5.
[0103] Rib B6 is disposed between rib B5 and bottom 224 in the height direction (Z direction) of sidewall 221a of body 221. The extending direction of rib B6 is the same as the circumferential direction of body 221 (a direction parallel to both the XY plane and the outer surface of sidewall 221a of body 221). Rib B6 is disposed on the outer surface of sidewall 221a of body 221, but this is not a limitation, and rib B6 may be disposed on the inner surface. Rib B6 is connected to rib A5 and rib A6, but this is not a limitation, and rib B6 may not be connected to some or all of ribs A5, or may not be connected to some or all of ribs A6.
[0104] Rib C1 is provided so as to join three points on the inner surface of side wall 223a of neck 223. Rib C1 itself may include an annular portion and be inserted into second flow path 270. Rib C1 itself may not include an annular portion and may be molded integrally with neck 223. The same applies to rib C2.
[0105] 18(a), the thickness of the side wall 221a of the body 221 is set to be thinner than the thickness of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222, the thickness of the side wall 223a of the neck 223, and the thickness of the bottom 224. For example, the average thickness of the side wall of the body 221 is 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, which is x% (e.g., 10% to 50%) of the thickness of the side wall 222a of the shoulder 222, the thickness of the side wall 223a of the neck 223, and the thickness of the bottom 224.
[0106] Here, because the neck portion 223 and shoulder portion 222 are reinforced by ribs A1, A2, B1, B2, and B3, C1, and C2, the sidewalls 223a of the neck portion 223 and the sidewalls 222a of the shoulder portion 222 can be made as thin as the sidewalls 221a of the body portion 221. Furthermore, because the area around the bottom portion 224 is reinforced by ribs A5 and A6, the thickness of the bottom portion 224 can be made as thin as the sidewalls 221a of the body portion 221. For example, the thickness of the sidewalls 223a of the neck portion 223, the sidewalls 222a of the shoulder portion 222, and the body portion 221 may be 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, similar to the thickness of the sidewalls 221a of the body portion 221. An ink body 220 configured as described above can be molded by blow molding. Ribs A1 to A6 and B1 to B6 having a configuration similar to rib 901 shown in FIG. 9 can also be molded simultaneously by the blow molding method.
[0107] It is not necessary to provide all of the ribs A1 to A6, B1 to B6, and C1 and C2. Some of these ribs may be selected and provided on the main body 220. Ribs provided on the outer surface of the side wall and ribs provided on the inner surface of the side wall may be mixed.
[0108] A rib 1501 shown in Fig. 15 may be added to the outer surface of the side wall 221a. In this case, for example, ribs A3 to A6 may be provided on the inner surface of the side wall 221a, thereby achieving the effects of shortening the ink replenishment period and reducing residual ink droplets described with reference to Figs. 13 and 14.
[0109] Tenth Embodiment FIG. 19 shows a side view, a perspective view, and a cross-sectional view of the neck portion of a compact ink container 200 with a sealing cap.
[0110] The small ink container 200 with a sealing cap according to this embodiment has the same basic configuration as the ninth embodiment, although the dimensions and angles of each part are different.
[0111] The plurality of ribs disposed on the main body portion 220 include the following ribs.
[0112] Ribs DA1~D6 Ribs E1~E6 Ribs F1, F2 It will be explained that ribs D1 to D6 correspond to ribs A1 to A6, ribs E1 to E6 correspond to ribs B1 to B6, and ribs F1 and F2 correspond to ribs C1 and C2, and other redundant explanations will be omitted.
[0113] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiment, the body 221 is a true cylinder, the shoulder 222 is a true truncated cone, and the neck 223 is a true cylinder. However, this is not limited thereto, and the body 221 may be an elliptical cylinder, the shoulder 222 may be an elliptical truncated cone, and the neck 223 may be an elliptical cylinder. Alternatively, the body 221 may be a polygonal prism, the shoulder 222 may be a polygonal prism, and the neck 223 may be a polygonal prism.
[0114] In the above embodiment, the ink containing container 210 for containing ink has been described. However, the above embodiment can be applied to a container having a similar configuration and containing other liquids.
[0115] According to the present disclosure, polypropylene (PP) ((C3H6) n ) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (C 10 H8O4) n Therefore, the technology described in this specification can contribute to the realization of a sustainable society, such as a decarbonized / recycling-based society.
[0116] [Technical Features of the Disclosure] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.
[0117] [Configuration 1] An ink container for storing ink, a main body portion including a storage chamber for storing ink and a cylindrical body portion surrounding at least a portion of the storage chamber; a head portion having an opening that connects the storage chamber to the outside; and The side wall of the body portion is provided with a rib extending in a direction including the height direction of the side wall as a component. Ink storage container.
[0118] [Configuration 2] Regarding the ratio X / Y of the thickness X of the rib to the thickness Y of the side wall, 0.5≦X / Y≦2.0 The relationship is satisfied, 2. The ink container according to claim 1.
[0119] [Configuration 3] 3. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall of the body has an average thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.
[0120] [Configuration 4] 4. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the main body further has a shoulder connected to the main body and a neck connected to the shoulder and connected to the head, and the average thickness of the sidewall of the main body is thinner than the average thickness of the sidewall of the shoulder and the average thickness of the sidewall of the neck.
[0121] [Configuration 5] 4. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, wherein the main body further has a shoulder connected to the main body and a neck connected to the shoulder and connected to the head, and the average thickness of the sidewall of the main body is the same as the average thickness of the sidewall of the shoulder and the average thickness of the sidewall of the neck.
[0122] [Configuration 6] 6. The ink container according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rib is provided on an outer surface of the side wall of the body portion.
[0123] [Configuration 7] 7. The ink container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the rib is provided on an inner surface of the side wall of the body portion.
[0124] [Configuration 8] a plurality of the ribs are provided on an inner surface of the side wall of the body; The spacing between the plurality of ribs along the circumferential direction of the side wall of the body is 5 mm or less. 6. The ink container according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.
[0125] [Configuration 9] 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the ink container has three or more ribs.
[0126] [Configuration 10] 10. The ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein an annular rib extending in a circumferential direction of the side wall of the body portion is further provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the body portion.
[0127] [Configuration 11] The rib has a spiral shape extending in a direction having components in the height direction and the circumferential direction of the side wall of the body portion. 7. The ink container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
[0128] [Configuration 12] A side wall of a truncated cone-shaped shoulder portion surrounding at least another part of the storage chamber is provided with a shoulder rib extending in a direction having a component in the height direction of the side wall of the body portion on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the shoulder portion. 12. The ink container according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.
[0129] [Configuration 13] the side wall of the body and the side wall of the shoulder are interconnected; At least a portion of the ribs provided on the side wall of the body and at least a portion of the shoulder ribs are interconnected. 13. The ink container according to claim 12.
[0130] [Configuration 14] A neck rib is provided on a cylindrical neck portion surrounding at least another portion of the storage chamber. 14. The ink container according to claim 12 or 13.
[0131] [Configuration 15] At least a portion of the ribs provided on the side wall of the body and at least a portion of the shoulder ribs are interconnected, At least a portion of the shoulder ribs and at least a portion of the neck ribs are interconnected. 15. The ink container according to claim 14.
[0132] [Configuration 16] The neck rib is at least one rib extending in an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the neck in a direction having a component in the height direction of the side wall of the neck; at least one rib extending in a direction having a circumferential component about the side wall of the neck on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the neck; and at least one rib connecting a plurality of points on the inner surface of the side wall of the neck; At least one rib selected from 16. The ink container according to claim 14 or 15.
[0133] [Configuration 17] For at least one of the ribs, the surface opposite to the surface having the convex portion that constitutes the rib is a smooth surface. 17. The ink container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
[0134] [Configuration 18] For at least one of the ribs, a surface opposite to a surface having a convex portion constituting the rib has a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion constituting the rib. 17. The ink container according to any one of the first to sixth aspects.
[0135] [Configuration 19] The ink container is an ink bottle. 19. The ink container according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects.
[0136] [Configuration 20] an ink ejection device having an ink ejection head and an ink tank connected to the ink ejection head, storing ink to be supplied to the ink ejection head, and capable of being replenished with ink from the outside; 19. An ink refill system comprising: an ink container according to any one of configurations 1 to 19, which contains ink to be refilled into the ink tank; An ink refill system in which the ink tank has a joint into which the head of the ink storage container is inserted through the opening, and the joint has an ink inlet passage that allows ink to flow from the storage chamber into the ink tank, and an air outlet passage that discharges air inside the ink tank into the storage chamber.
Claims
1. An ink container for storing ink, a main body portion including a storage chamber for storing ink and a cylindrical body portion surrounding at least a portion of the storage chamber; a head portion having an opening that connects the storage chamber to the outside; and The side wall of the body portion is provided with a rib extending in a direction including the height direction of the side wall as a component. Ink storage container.
2. Regarding the ratio X / Y of the thickness X of the rib to the thickness Y of the side wall, 0.5≦X / Y≦2.0 The relationship is satisfied, The ink container according to claim 1 .
3. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the side wall of the body portion has an average thickness of 0.2 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.
4. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a shoulder connected to the main body and a neck connected to the shoulder and connected to the head, and wherein an average thickness of the sidewall of the body is thinner than an average thickness of the sidewall of the shoulder and an average thickness of the sidewall of the neck.
5. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises a shoulder connected to the main body and a neck connected to the shoulder and connected to the head, and wherein an average thickness of the sidewall of the body is the same as an average thickness of the sidewall of the shoulder and an average thickness of the sidewall of the neck.
6. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the rib is provided on an outer surface of the side wall of the body portion.
7. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein the rib is provided on an inner surface of the side wall of the body portion.
8. a plurality of the ribs are provided on an inner surface of the side wall of the body; The spacing between the plurality of ribs along the circumferential direction of the side wall of the body portion is 5 mm or less. The ink container according to claim 1 .
9. The ink container according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the ribs is three or more.
10. 2. The ink container according to claim 1, wherein an annular rib extending in a circumferential direction of the side wall of the body portion is further provided on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the body portion.
11. The rib has a spiral shape extending in a direction having components in the height direction and the circumferential direction of the side wall of the body portion. The ink container according to claim 1 .
12. A side wall of a truncated cone-shaped shoulder portion surrounding at least another part of the storage chamber is provided with a shoulder rib extending in a direction having a component in the height direction of the side wall of the body portion on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the shoulder portion. The ink container according to claim 1 .
13. the side wall of the body and the side wall of the shoulder are interconnected; At least a portion of the ribs provided on the side wall of the body and at least a portion of the shoulder ribs are interconnected. The ink container according to claim 12.
14. A neck rib is provided on a cylindrical neck portion surrounding at least another portion of the storage chamber. The ink container according to claim 12.
15. At least a portion of the ribs provided on the side wall of the body and at least a portion of the shoulder ribs are interconnected, At least a portion of the shoulder ribs and at least a portion of the neck ribs are interconnected. The ink container according to claim 14.
16. The neck rib is at least one rib extending in an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the neck in a direction having a component in the height direction of the side wall of the neck; at least one rib extending in a direction having a circumferential component about the side wall of the neck on an inner surface or an outer surface of the side wall of the neck; and at least one rib connecting a plurality of points on the inner surface of the side wall of the neck; at least one rib selected from The ink container according to claim 14.
17. For at least one of the ribs, the surface opposite to the surface having the convex portion that constitutes the rib is a smooth surface. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. For at least one of the ribs, a surface opposite to a surface having a convex portion constituting the rib has a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion constituting the rib. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
19. The ink container is an ink bottle. The ink container according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
20. an ink ejection device having an ink ejection head and an ink tank connected to the ink ejection head, storing ink to be supplied to the ink ejection head, and capable of being replenished with ink from the outside; an ink container according to claim 1 for containing ink to be replenished to the ink tank; An ink refill system in which the ink tank has a joint into which the head of the ink storage container is inserted through the opening, and the joint has an ink inlet passage that allows ink to flow from the storage chamber into the ink tank, and an air outlet passage that discharges air inside the ink tank into the storage chamber.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Liquid discharge apparatus and liquid filling method
JP2020146991A