Ink refill container

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can suppress ink leakage in an ink refill container. [Solution] The ink supply container comprises a container body, an ink outlet forming section, a cap, a first valve disposed inside the ink outlet forming section for controlling the communication state of the internal flow path, and a second valve disposed in at least one of the interior of the ink outlet forming section including the outlet and the interior of the cap, the second valve located between the ink storage chamber and the outlet sealing section. The second valve is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference between the pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber side of the second valve and the pressure in the space on the outlet sealing section side of the second valve is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ink supply container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as an example of an inkjet device, a printer that performs printing on a printing medium such as printing paper by ejecting ink from a print head toward the printing medium is known. Such a printer includes an ink supply type that replenishes ink in an ink tank. Patent Document 1 discloses an ink supply container used for replenishing ink in an ink supply type ink tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink supply container in which a valve using a spring member is arranged inside the ink outlet. When the valve is open, the spring member biases the valve body toward the sealing member, causing the valve body to contact the sealing member. As a result, the through hole in the sealing member is blocked by the valve body, thereby blocking the fluid flow path that connects the container body and the ink outlet. When the ink supply container is attached to a printer, the ink introduction member of the printer presses the valve body away from the sealing member. As a result, the valve body separates from the sealing member, opening the valve, and ink is supplied from the ink supply container to the printer via the ink introduction member. Furthermore, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the ink supply container is equipped with a cap having a projection. Threads for screwing each other are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cap and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet forming portion of the ink supply container. When the cap is closed over the ink outlet forming portion and the cap is attached to the ink outlet forming portion, the projection pushes the valve body away from the sealing member, maintaining the valve in an open state.

[0005] In conventional technology, when the ink refill container is in a position other than upright, such as with the ink outlet facing sideways or with the ink outlet facing downwards, opening the cap may cause ink from the container body to leak into the cap through the open valve. If ink leaks into the cap, it can lead to problems such as ink contamination, including the user's hands getting stained with ink when opening the cap, or ink dripping and staining the surrounding area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided which is placed in a printer and supplies ink to the printer via an ink introduction member having a flow path. This ink supply container comprises: a container body having an ink storage chamber; an ink outlet forming part having an outlet facing the outside and connected to the container body, the ink outlet forming part having an internal flow path that fluidly communicates the outlet and the ink storage chamber; a cap having an outlet sealing part that seals the outlet by engaging with the ink outlet forming part; a first valve disposed inside the ink outlet forming part and controlling the communication state of the internal flow path, the first valve being biased by an elastic member in a first direction toward the outlet from the ink storage chamber side and closed, and being opened by an ink introduction member inserted from the outlet in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the bias; and a second valve disposed in at least one of the interior of the ink outlet forming part including the outlet and the interior of the cap, the second valve being located between the ink storage chamber and the outlet sealing part, wherein the second valve is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference between the pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber side of the second valve and the pressure in the space on the outlet sealing part side of the second valve is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A perspective view of the printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the process of replenishing ink in an ink tank using an ink refill container. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of the ink supply container in the embodiment. [Figure 4] First oblique view of the first valve. [Figure 5] Second oblique view of the first valve. [Figure 6] A view of the ink refill container from the outlet side. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the ink tank of the embodiment. [Figure 8] A diagram showing how ink is replenished from an ink refill container into an ink tank. [Figure 9] A diagram to further explain the ink refill container. [Figure 10] A partial cross-sectional view showing the ink supply container at the first timing of the release process. [Figure 11] A partial cross-sectional view showing the ink supply container at the second timing of the release process. [Figure 12] A partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container in the deactivated state. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view of the second portion of the ink supply container in the deactivated state. [Figure 14] A diagram illustrating the opening and closing operation of the second valve. [Figure 15] A diagram illustrating the ink supply container of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] A diagram illustrating the ink supply container of the third embodiment. [Figure 17] A diagram illustrating the ink supply container of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram illustrating the ink supply container of the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] A. First Embodiment: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printer 100 in the first embodiment. This printer 100 is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink onto a printing medium. Figure 1 shows mutually orthogonal XYZ axes. The X axis corresponds to the width direction of the printer 100, the Y axis corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the printer 100, and the Z axis corresponds to the height direction of the printer 100. The printer 100 is installed on a horizontal mounting surface defined by the X and Y directions. Note that "X direction" refers to the combined concept of the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, "Y direction" refers to the combined concept of the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and "Z direction" refers to the up and down direction, and refers to the combined concept of the +Z direction, which is the vertically upward direction, and the -Z direction, which is the vertically downward direction.

[0009] The printer 100 has a housing 110. Inside the housing 110 is a carriage (not shown) that is movable in the main scanning direction, which is the X direction. A print head that ejects ink onto the printing medium is installed on the carriage. An ink tank housing unit 160 that houses multiple ink tanks 700S and 700L is provided at one end of the front of the housing 110. The ink tank housing unit 160 has an openable and closable lid 162 on its top. Note that the ink tank 700S is a small-capacity tank, and the ink tank 700L is a large-capacity tank. However, in the following description, the two will not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as "ink tank 700". Each ink tank 700 is connected to the print head on the carriage by a tube (not shown). That is, the ink tanks 700 are stationary ink tanks that are not mounted on the carriage of the printer 100. Also, each ink tank 700 is an ink-replenishment type ink tank in which ink is replenished from an ink replenishment container when the ink level drops. In this embodiment, the ink tank 700 is a stationary ink tank, but it may also be mounted on the carriage of the printer 100.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the state of replenishing ink to the ink tanks 700 using the ink supply container 200. The front of each ink tank 700 is made of a transparent material, and the remaining ink level in each ink tank 700 can be visually checked from the outside. When the ink level becomes low, as shown in Figure 2, the lid 162 can be opened and ink can be replenished from the ink introduction member 710, which has a flow path communicating with the ink tanks 700. The ink introduction member 710 is a cylindrical member extending in the Z direction, which is the vertical direction, and is arranged as a component of the printer 100.

[0011] On the upper surface of each ink tank 700, a cylindrical ink introduction member 710 for replenishing ink to the ink tank 700 is provided. The ink tank housing unit 160 includes a sealing cap member 164 having a sealing cap 165 for sealing the tip of the ink introduction member 710. In a state where ink is not replenished to the ink tank 700, the tip of the ink introduction member 710 is sealed by the sealing cap 165 of the sealing cap member 164. When replenishing ink to the ink tank 700, the sealing cap member 164 is removed from the ink introduction member 710, and the tip of the ink replenishment container 200 is inserted into the position of the ink introduction member 710 to replenish ink. Around the ink introduction member 710, two inlet forming portions 750 that fit with a protruding portion (to be described later) of the ink replenishment container 200 are provided. The two inlet forming portions 750 have a shape that is rotationally symmetric by 180 degrees around the ink introduction member 710.

[0012] In this specification, the term "ink replenishment" means an operation of supplying ink to the ink tank 700 to increase the remaining ink amount. However, it is not necessary to fill the ink tank 700 with ink by "ink replenishment". Also, "ink replenishment" includes an operation of filling an empty ink tank 700 with ink at the first use of the printer 100. As described above, the ink replenishment container 200 replenishes ink to the ink tank 700 via an ink introduction member 710 having a flow path communicating with the ink tank 700.

[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ink replenishment container 200 in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of the first valve 500. FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of the first valve 500. FIG. 6 is a view of the ink replenishment container 200 seen from the outlet 460 side. The ink replenishment container 200 in FIG. 6 is in a state where the cap 600 is removed. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink replenishment container 200 includes a container main body portion 300, an ink outlet forming portion 400, a first valve 500, a cap 600, and a second valve 800.

[0014] The container body 300 is a bottomed cylindrical member. The container body 300 has an ink storage chamber 320 for storing ink. The ink outlet forming section 400 is connected to the container body 300.

[0015] The ink outlet forming section 400 has a tip portion 455. The tip portion 455 is a cylindrical member. The tip portion 455 has a central axis C and an ink outlet 460 located on the opposite side from the container body 300 and facing the outside. The tip portion 455 defines the opening of the outlet 460 at the tip on the first direction D1 side, which will be described later. The outlet 460 is circular in shape so that the ink introduction member 710 can be inserted. As described above, the outlet 460 is formed at the tip portion 455 of the ink outlet forming section 400. The tip portion 455 is a cylindrical member. The ink outlet forming section 400, including the outlet 460, has the same central axis C as the ink supply container 200. The ink outlet forming section 400 also has an internal flow path 410 that fluidly connects the outlet 460 and the ink storage chamber 320. The internal flow path 410 is partitioned by the placement of the first valve 500 within the ink outlet forming section 400.

[0016] The ink outlet forming section 400 has protruding portions 470 located on both sides of the tip section 455, which includes the outlet 460, and a base end portion 457 located on the second direction D2 side, which will be described later, than the protruding portions 470. The protruding portions 470 protrude radially outward from the side wall of the tip section 455 and further protrude axially upward from the base end portion 457 side. The protruding portions 470 have an identification shape that fits with the inlet forming section 750 shown in Figure 2. The identification shape of the protruding portion 470 is an axially extending rib and groove shape formed on the side surface of the protruding portion 470, and is formed to be 180 degrees rotationally symmetric with respect to the outlet 460. The inlet forming section 750 is provided with ribs and grooves that fit or engage with the identification shape of the protruding portion 470. The identification shape of the protruding portion 470 and the pattern shape of the ribs and grooves of the inlet forming section 750 differ depending on the type of ink contained in the ink tank 700 and the ink supply container 200. As a result, when attempting to replenish the ink tank 700 from an ink supply container 200 with a different ink type, such as ink color, the protruding portion 470 and the inlet forming portion 750 interfere with each other, preventing the insertion of the ink introduction member 710 into the outlet 460.

[0017] The base portion 457 is a cylindrical member with a larger outer diameter than the tip portion 455. A male threaded portion 454 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 457, which engages with the cap 600. A female threaded portion 412 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the base portion 457, which engages with the external thread 312 of the container body portion 300.

[0018] The ink outlet forming section 400, including the tip portion 455, is made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and has greater rigidity than the first valve body 520 and the second valve 800 of the first valve 500, which will be described later. In other words, the ink outlet forming section 400 has higher rigidity than the first valve body 520 and the second valve 800.

[0019] The upper end of the ink supply container 200, which is the cap 600 side, is also called the "tip side," and the lower end, which is the container body 300 side, is also called the "rear end side." The container body 300 is a hollow cylindrical container with an opening at the tip side. An external thread 312 for attaching the ink outlet forming part 400 is provided at the small diameter portion at the tip of the container body 300. In this disclosure, the direction along the central axis C of the ink supply container 200, that is, the direction parallel to the central axis C, is called the "axial direction," and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction is called the "radial direction." The direction from the ink storage chamber 320 toward the outlet 460 within the axial direction is also called the first direction D1. The direction opposite to the first direction D1 is called the second direction D2.

[0020] The first valve 500 is located inside the ink outlet forming section 400. The first valve 500 controls the communication state of the internal flow path 410 by opening and closing. For example, the first valve 500 opens when the ink introduction member 710 is inserted from the outlet 460, thereby opening the internal flow path 410. Alternatively, for example, the first valve 500 closes when the ink introduction member 710 is removed from the outlet 460, thereby closing the internal flow path 41.

[0021] The first valve 500 includes a sealing member 510, a first valve body 520, an elastic member 530, and a valve housing 517. The sealing member 510 is positioned within the tip portion 455 having the outlet 460 of the ink outlet forming portion 400. The sealing member 510 is annular in shape. A through hole 510h is formed in the center of the sealing member 510, penetrating axially. This through hole 510h constitutes part of the internal flow path 410. The sealing member 510 is made of a rubber material, such as an elastomer with rubber elasticity. Other elements of the ink supply container 200, excluding the elastic member 530, the sealing member 510, the first valve body 520, and the second valve 800, can be made of synthetic resins such as polyethylene or polypropylene. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing member 510 is supported by the valve housing 517 inside the valve housing 517. In other words, the sealing member 510 is installed inside the valve housing 517.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the first valve body 520 is located on the second direction D2 side of the seal member 510. The first valve body 520 is arranged to be axially movable within the valve housing 517. The first valve body 520 faces the through hole 510h in the axial direction. The first valve body 520 is biased by the elastic member 530 in the first direction D1, which is toward the seal member 510. In other words, the elastic member 530 maintains the state of the first valve 500 in a closed state, where the first valve body 520 contacts the seal member 510 so as to close the through hole 510h of the seal member 510. In detail, the seal member 510 has an annular projection at its end in the second direction D2, and the closed state of the first valve 500 is when this annular projection is in contact with the radially extending end face of the first valve body 520 on the first direction D1 side. The elastic member 530 is a coil spring. The elastic member 530 is made of, for example, metal. The elastic member 530 biases the first valve body 520 in a first direction D1 toward the sealing member 510.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the valve housing 517 allows for the insertion and removal of the ink introduction member 710. The valve housing 517 extends axially along the central axis C. The valve housing 517 is installed inside the ink outlet forming section 400 such that there is a radial gap between it and the ink outlet forming section 400. The valve housing 517 houses the elastic member 530, the first valve body 520, and the sealing member 510 internally. The valve housing 517 has a retaining portion 517A at its tip to prevent the sealing member 510 from coming out of the valve housing 517, and an engaging portion 517B that engages with the ink outlet forming section 400. Therefore, the first valve 500 can be attached and detached as an element of the ink supply container 200 on its own, making manufacturing easy.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the valve housing 517 has a total of four through-holes Ho that penetrate radially. The through-holes Ho communicate with the radial gap between the valve housing 517 and the first valve body 520. The through-holes Ho are formed to extend axially as well. The through-holes Ho constitute a part of the internal flow path 410. When the first valve 500 is open, the through-holes Ho communicate with a flow path formed inside the ink introduction member 710 (described later), thereby facilitating gas-liquid exchange between the ink introduction member 710 and the ink supply container 200. This allows ink to be supplied from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700.

[0025] As described above, the first valve 500 is a valve that opens and closes the seal member 510 and the first valve body 520 which is biased by the elastic member 530. More specifically, the first valve 500 is closed by being biased in a first direction D1 by the elastic member 530, and opens by an ink introduction member 710 which is inserted from the outlet 460 in a second direction D2 against the biasing force of the elastic member 530.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the cap 600 has a top wall 601 that faces the outlet 460 in the axial direction, and a cylindrical side wall 603 having a central axis C. The top wall 601 is located at the uppermost position when the ink supply container 200 is in an upright position. The side wall 603 is connected to the outer circumference of the top wall 601. The cap 600 is configured to be detachably attached to the ink outlet forming section 400. The cap 600 further has a central projection 602 that protrudes downward from the center of the top wall 601 when the top wall 601 is positioned above the side wall 603. The cap 600 also has a female threaded portion 654 located on the inner circumferential surface 603fi of the side wall 603. The female threaded portion 654 is composed of multiple stages of female threads. Details of the central projection 602 will be described later.

[0027] The second valve 800 is located in at least one of the interior of the ink outlet forming section 400, including the outlet 460, and the interior of the cap 600. In this embodiment, the second valve 800 is located inside the cap 600. More specifically, the second valve 800 is attached to the central projection 602 of the cap 600. The second valve 800 is located between the ink storage chamber 320 and the outlet sealing section of the cap 600, which will be described later. The second valve 800 is formed of a rubber material, such as an elastomer with rubber elasticity. Details of the second valve 800 will be described later.

[0028] The ink refill container 200 further has teeth 413 and pawls 313 that constitute a ratchet mechanism. The teeth 413 are formed circumferentially on the end of the base portion 457 on the second direction side of the inner circumferential surface. The pawls 313 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the container body portion 300 on the second direction D2 side of the portion where the external thread 312 is formed. After the female thread portion 412 of the ink outlet forming portion 400 and the external thread 312 of the container body portion 300 are screwed together, the teeth 413 of the ink outlet forming portion 400 and the pawls 313 of the container body portion 300 engage and are fixed. This prevents the ink outlet forming portion 400 from rotating together with the cap 600 when the cap 600 is rotated in the direction to open the cap 600.

[0029] Before providing a further detailed description of the ink supply container 200, the configuration of the ink tank 700 will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the ink tank 700 of the embodiment. The ink introduction member 710 of the ink tank 700 protrudes upward from the ink tank 700.

[0030] The ink introduction member 710 has two flow paths 711 and 712. The two flow paths 711 and 712 are separated by a partition wall 714. When replenishing ink, one of the flow paths 711 and 712 constitutes the flow path for ink from the ink replenishment container 200, and the other constitutes the flow path for air from the ink tank 700 to the ink replenishment container 200. Note that the number of flow paths 711 and 712 in the ink introduction member 710 is not limited to two; there may be three or more.

[0031] The tip of the ink introduction member 710 is flat, and the two flow paths 711 and 712 open at the tip of the ink introduction member 710. A portion of the tip of the ink introduction member 710 corresponds to the end of the partition wall 714. The two flow paths 711 and 712 communicate with two internal tank flow paths 721 and 722 that protrude into the lower tank-side ink storage chamber 760. The lower ends of these internal tank flow paths 721 and 722 extend below the ceiling wall of the tank-side ink storage chamber 760. This is because, when replenishing ink from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700, when the liquid level in the tank-side ink storage chamber 760 reaches the lower ends of the internal tank flow paths 721 and 722, gas-liquid exchange stops, and ink replenishment stops accordingly, making the ink replenishment process easier.

[0032] Figure 8 shows the process of supplying ink from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700. The ink supply container 200 is in an inverted position with the opening direction of the outlet 460 facing vertically downward. The ink introduction member 710 of the ink tank 700 is inserted into the internal flow path 410, which is the fluid flow path within the ink outlet forming section 400, through the through hole 510h of the seal member 510. As a result, the first valve body 520 is displaced in a second direction D2, which is away from the seal member 510, by the ink introduction member 710, causing the first valve body 520 to separate from the seal member 510. This causes the first valve 500 to open. The ink in the ink storage chamber 320 of the container body 300 is supplied to the ink introduction member 710 via an internal flow path 410 formed by the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the ink outlet forming section 400 and the valve housing 517, or by through holes Ho. At the same time, air flows from the tank-side ink storage chamber 760 into the ink storage chamber 320 via the internal flow path 410. This results in a gas-liquid exchange, and ink is replenished in the ink tank 700. In Figure 8, the solid arrows schematically show the flow of ink, and the dotted arrows schematically show the flow of air.

[0033] When the ink supply to the ink tank 700 is complete and the ink supply container 200 is removed from the ink introduction member 710, the biasing force of the elastic member 530 causes the first valve body 520 to contact the sealing member 510. As a result, the through hole 510h of the sealing member 510 is blocked by the valve body 520, blocking the internal flow path 410 and closing the first valve 500. When the first valve 500 is closed, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking out of the ink supply container 200. Note that when supplying ink from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700, it is not necessary to compress the container body 300. Ink supply containers that can be supplied with ink without compressing the container body 300 in this way are also called "non-compression type".

[0034] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the ink supply container 200 further. Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the side of the ink supply container 200 that includes the cap 600. Figure 9 shows the state in which the cap 600 is attached to the ink outlet forming part 400, after the female thread portion 654 of the cap 600 and the male thread portion 454 of the ink outlet forming part 400 have been screwed together.

[0035] The cap 600 further has an outlet sealing portion 660 that seals the outlet 460 by engaging with the ink outlet forming portion 400. The outlet sealing portion 660 faces the outlet 460. The outlet sealing portion 660 has a disc-shaped bottom wall 662 located on the second direction D2 side, and two peripheral walls 666 and 667 that rise from the bottom wall 662 on the second direction D2 side. The first peripheral wall 666 rises from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 662 on the second direction D2 side and is formed circumferentially. The second peripheral wall 667 rises from the portion of the bottom wall 662 radially inward from the first peripheral wall 666 on the second direction D2 side and is formed circumferentially. It can also be said that the central projection 602 penetrates the portion of the bottom wall 662 radially inward from the second peripheral wall 667 and protrudes on the second direction D2 side. The tip portion 455 is housed in the recess 664, which is partitioned by the bottom wall 662, the first peripheral wall 666, and the second peripheral wall 667, thereby engaging the outlet sealing portion 660 and the ink outlet forming portion 400. As a result, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 455 comes into contact with the first peripheral wall 666, resulting in a sealed state where the outlet 460 is sealed by the outlet sealing portion 660. In other words, when the cap 600 is attached, the outlet 460 is sealed. Note that the method of sealing the outlet 460 by the outlet sealing portion 660 is not limited to this embodiment; it is sufficient that the outlet 460 can be sealed by the outlet sealing portion 660. For example, in other embodiments, the outlet 460 may be sealed by the second peripheral wall 667 coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the tip portion 455, or the outlet 460 may be sealed by the outlet sealing portion 660 coming into contact with the tip surface of the tip portion 455 that partitions the outlet 460.

[0036] The second valve 800 has a valve stem portion 802 and a second valve body 804. The second valve 800 is made of a rubber material such as an elastomer having rubber elasticity. When the cap 600 is attached to the ink outlet forming portion 400, the second valve 800 is located in the internal flow path 410 between the first valve body 520 and the outlet 460. The second valve 800 controls the communication state of the internal flow path 410. The second valve 800 is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference △P in the region surrounding the second valve 800 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1. In detail, the second valve 800 opens when the pressure difference △P between the first pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber 320 side of the second valve 800 and the second pressure in the space on the outlet sealing portion 660 side of the second valve 800 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1. Specifically, the second valve 800 opens when the first pressure becomes higher than the second pressure by a predetermined value P1 or more. The predetermined value P1 is, for example, in the range of 3 kPa to 8 kPa, and in this embodiment it is 5 kPa.

[0037] The valve stem portion 802 is a cylindrical member through which a central projection 602 is inserted. In other words, the second valve 800, including the second valve body 804, is positioned on the central projection 602 of the cap 600 and is located inside the cap 600. The second valve body 804 is a membrane-like member extending radially outward from the end of the valve stem portion 802 on the second direction D2 side. The second valve body 804 is formed circumferentially. In the sealed state of the cap 600 with the outlet 460 sealed, the second valve body 804 closes when the pressure difference △P between the first pressure and the second pressure is less than a predetermined value P1 by contacting the other member, which is at least one of the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455. In the state shown in Figure 9, the second valve 800 is closed when the second valve body 804 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510 and blocks the through hole 510h. The second valve body 804 has enough elasticity to deform and open when the pressure difference ΔP between the first pressure and the second pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined value P1. Details of the opening and closing of the second valve 800 will be described later.

[0038] In the sealed state of the outlet 460, the central projection 602 pushes the first valve body 520 in the second direction D2, which is the direction that separates it from the sealing member 510, against the biasing force of the elastic member 530. As a result, in the state where the cap 600 is attached and the outlet 460 is sealed, the first valve body 520 and the sealing member 510 are separated, and the first valve 500 is in the open state.

[0039] Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ink supply container 200 at the first timing of the release process in which the sealed state of the outlet 460 is released. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ink supply container 200 at the second timing of the release process. Figure 12 is a first partial cross-sectional view in the released state after the release of the sealed state is complete. Figure 13 is a second partial cross-sectional view in the released state after the release of the sealed state is complete. In the release process, the second timing is a timing after the release has progressed further than the first timing. In other words, by the user rotating the cap 600 relative to the ink outlet forming part 400 in the axial direction, the state of the ink supply container 200 transitions from the state shown in Figure 9 to the state shown in Figure 13 by performing an action that releases the screw-in engagement between the female thread portion 654 of the cap 600 and the male thread portion 454 of the ink outlet forming part 400. As the state transitions from that shown in Figure 9 to that shown in Figure 13, the cap 600 is displaced in the second direction D2, which is the direction away from the ink outlet forming section 400, and the user's operation to open the cap 600 proceeds.

[0040] At the first timing shown in Figure 10, the seal on the outlet 460 by the outlet sealing portion 660 is released just before it is released. Also at the first timing, a gap is about to form between the female thread portion 654 of the cap 600 and the male thread portion 454 of the ink outlet forming portion 400. In other words, at the first timing, the area inside the outlet sealing portion 660 of the cap 600 is not open to the atmosphere. In the state shown in Figure 10, if the pressure difference △P between the first pressure and the second pressure is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve body 804 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510, and the second valve 800 is in a closed state. Because the second valve 800 is in a closed state, the internal flow path 410 is not in communication. Also, in the state shown in Figure 10, the first valve body 520 is pushed toward the second direction D2 by the central projection 602, separating it from the sealing member 510. In other words, the first valve 500 is in an open state.

[0041] In the second timing shown in Figure 11, the seal on the outlet 460 by the outlet sealing portion 660 is released. Also in the second timing, a gap is created between the female thread portion 654 of the cap 600 and the male thread portion 454 of the ink outlet forming portion 400. In other words, the inside of the cap 600 is open to the atmosphere through the gap between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454. In the state shown in Figure 11, when the pressure difference △P is less than the predetermined value P1, the second valve body 804 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 510 and the inner circumferential surface of the tip portion 455, and the second valve 800 is in a closed state. Since the second valve 800 is in a closed state, the internal flow path 410 is not in communication. Also in the state shown in Figure 11, the first valve body 520 is pushed toward the second direction D2 by the central projection 602, separating it from the sealing member 510. In other words, the first valve 500 is in an open state. At the second timing, the first valve 500 is open, and the seal on the outlet 460 by the cap 600 is released, but the second valve 800 is closed. This prevents ink from flowing out of the outlet 460 of the ink storage chamber 320, even if the outlet 460 is turned sideways or oriented to have a vertically downward component during the opening operation of removing the cap 600 from the ink supply container 200.

[0042] In the state shown in Figure 12, the outlet sealing portion 660 separates from the tip portion 455, thus releasing the seal on the outlet 460 by the outlet sealing portion 660. Also, in the state shown in Figure 12, similar to the second timing shown in Figure 11, a gap is created between the female thread portion 654 of the cap 600 and the male thread portion 454 of the ink outlet forming portion 400, and the inside of the cap 600 is open to the atmosphere. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 12, the first valve body 520 is slightly separated from the sealing member 510, and the first valve 500 is in the open state. On the other hand, in the state shown in Figure 12, when the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve body 804 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the tip portion 455, and the second valve 800 is in the closed state. This prevents ink from leaking out of the ink storage chamber 320 through the outlet 460, even if the outlet 460 is oriented sideways or has a vertically downward component during the opening operation of removing the cap 600 from the ink supply container 200.

[0043] In the state shown in Figure 13, the opening operation of the cap 600 has progressed further than in the state shown in Figure 12. In the state shown in Figure 13, the seal of the outlet 460 by the outlet sealing part 660 has been released. Also in the state shown in Figure 13, there is a gap between the female threaded part 654 of the cap 600 and the male threaded part 454 of the ink outlet forming part 400, and the inside of the cap 600 is open to the atmosphere. Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 13, the first valve body 520 is in contact with the sealing member 510, and the first valve body 520 is blocking the through hole 510h.

[0044] The sealing member 510 has a cylindrical sealing body 511 that is press-fitted into the tip 455, and a first sealing portion 516 which is the end on the second direction D2 side. The first sealing portion 516 is an annular projection and faces the valve tip 526 of the first valve body 520 on the first direction D1 side. The first sealing portion 516 protrudes from the sealing body 511 toward the second direction D2 side. The through hole 510h of the first valve body 520 is closed when the valve tip 526 of the first valve body 520 comes into contact with the first sealing portion 516. In other words, the portion of the valve tip 526 of the first valve body 520 that is in contact with or separated from the first sealing portion 516 functions as a first opening / closing portion that opens and closes the first valve 500. In other words, the first opening / closing portion is the portion of the valve tip 526 and the first sealing portion 516 that faces each other in the axial direction. In the state shown in Figure 13, the first valve 500 is closed, and the internal flow path 410 is not in communication. Also, the second valve body 804 is separated from the members that partition the internal flow path 410, such as the inner circumferential surface and tip portion 455 of the sealing member 510. Therefore, the second valve 800 is open. In the state shown in Figure 13, although the second valve 800 is open, the first valve 500 is closed, so even if the outlet 460 is oriented sideways or oriented with a vertically downward component, the ink in the ink storage chamber 320 will not flow out of the outlet 460. Even if the cap 600 is opened further than in the state shown in Figure 13, and the cap 600 is displaced further toward the second direction D2 relative to the ink outlet forming portion 400, the first valve 500 will remain closed.

[0045] As described above, at least during the release process period from the sealed state of the cap 600 to the release of the sealed state, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 maintains a closed state. Also, during the release process period from the sealed state of the cap 600 to the release of the sealed state, the first valve 500 maintains an open state due to the central projection 602. In particular, in this embodiment, during a predetermined period in which the first valve 500 maintains an open state due to the central projection 602, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 maintains a closed state. The above release process period is a part of the above predetermined period. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, in the released state where the sealed state has been released and the first valve 500 is in a closed state, the second valve 800 is separated from other components, namely the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455.

[0046] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the opening and closing operation OC of the second valve 800. Figure 14 schematically shows the closed state SC and the open state SO of the second valve 800. As described above, in the closed state SC of the second valve 800, the second valve body 804 is in contact with other members 499 that partition the internal flow path 410. As described above, the other members 499 include the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455 shown in Figure 9. When the second valve 800 is in the closed state SC, the internal flow path 410 is not in communication even when the first valve 500 is in the open state, as shown in Figures 9 to 12. The closed state SC of the second valve 800 is maintained when the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1.

[0047] On the other hand, in the ink supply container 200, if the pressure difference △P becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1 due to pressure or temperature changes in the environment in which the ink supply container 200 is placed, more specifically, the first pressure on the ink storage chamber 320 side may become greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1 than the second pressure on the outlet sealing section 660 side. In this case, the second valve body 804 deforms radially inward in a direction Da so as to move away from other members 499, using the pressure difference △P as the driving force. As a result, the second valve body 804 moves away from other members 499, and the second valve 800 enters an open state SO. With the second valve 800 in an open state SO, the internal flow path 410 becomes connected, and air from the ink storage chamber 320 side flows out into the cap 600 through the outlet 460. The air that has leaked into the cap 600 is released to the atmosphere through the gap formed between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454 during the process of opening the cap 600, and flows out to the outside of the cap 600. This prevents the pressure inside the ink storage chamber 320 from rising.

[0048] According to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 9, a second valve 800, which is a differential pressure valve, is positioned between the ink storage chamber 320 and the outlet sealing portion 660, and the second valve 800 remains closed when the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1. This prevents ink from leaking downstream to the outside of the second valve 800, even if the seal of the cap 600 is released in any position of the ink supply container 200. Thus, ink contamination can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the ink supply container 200 is collected after ink replenishment is complete and use is finished, even if the cap 600 is incompletely sealing the outlet 460, ink is less likely to leak downstream to the second valve 800. This also prevents ink contamination when the ink supply container 200 is collected. In addition, for example, when the seal of the cap 600 is released with the outlet 460 facing upward, the second valve 800 opens when the pressure difference △P is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1. This allows the air in the ink storage chamber 320 to flow out of the ink supply container 200 via the second valve 800, even if the pressure in the ink storage chamber 320 rises due to temperature or pressure changes. Therefore, the pressurized state of the ink storage chamber 320 can be easily relieved. When the pressurized state of the ink storage chamber 320 is relieved and the pressure difference △P falls below a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 returns to the closed state.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, even when the first valve 500 is in the open state, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 is in the closed state, thus preventing ink from flowing downstream of the second valve 800.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, during the release process, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 maintains a closed state while the release process proceeds, and the second valve 800 is displaced in the first direction D1. As a result, the volume of the closed space from the ink storage chamber 320 to the second valve 800 expands. As the volume of the closed space expands, the pressure in the closed space decreases, making it easier for ink to be drawn into the ink outlet forming part 400 when the sealed state of the cap 600 is released. This further suppresses ink leakage to the outside. Also, as shown in Figure 13, when the sealed state of the cap 600 is released and the first valve 500 is in a closed state, the second valve 800 is in an open state, separated from the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455. However, because the first valve 500 is in a closed state, it is possible to suppress ink leakage downstream of the first valve 500. Furthermore, since the second valve 800, including the second valve body 804, is located inside the cap 600, the second valve 800 can be replaced together with the cap 600 if the second valve 800 deteriorates.

[0051] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the ink supply container 200a of the second embodiment. Figure 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200a, showing the state at a predetermined timing during the opening operation of the cap 600. In the state shown in Figure 15, a gap is formed between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454, and the inside of the cap 600 is in communication with the atmosphere through this gap. Also in the state shown in Figure 15, the outlet sealing portion 660 is separated from the tip portion 455, and the outlet 460 is in an released state where the seal has been released. The difference between the ink supply container 200a and the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9 is the configuration of the sealing member 510a of the first valve 500a and the second valve 800a. The other configurations of the ink supply container 200a of the second embodiment are the same as those of the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations and their explanations are omitted as appropriate.

[0052] The second valve 800a is a differential pressure valve integrally formed with the sealing member 510a of the first valve 500a. The second valve 800a is located between the ink storage chamber 320 and the outlet sealing portion 660. The second valve 800a has a second valve body 804a integrally formed with the sealing member 510. The second valve body 804a is a membrane-like member extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the sealing portion body 511 and is integrally formed with the sealing member 510. The second valve body 804a is formed over the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface of the sealing portion body 511. The second valve body 804a is located on the first direction D1 side of the first sealing portion 516. The sealing member 510a and the second valve 800a are formed of a rubber material such as an elastomer having rubber elasticity, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0053] The second valve body 804a has a portion of the through hole 510h formed in its center. The second valve 800a controls the communication state of the internal flow path 410 by the second valve body 804a coming into contact with or separating from the valve body tip 526 of the first valve body 520. Specifically, when the pressure difference △P between the first pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber 320 side of the second valve 800a and the second pressure in the space on the outlet sealing part 660 side of the second valve 800a is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve body 804a comes into contact with the valve body tip 526, resulting in a closed state. The second valve body 804a also has enough elasticity to open by elastic deformation when the pressure difference △P is equal to or greater than the predetermined value P1. Specifically, when the first pressure becomes higher than the second pressure by a predetermined value P1 or more, the second valve body 804a deforms so as to move away from the valve body tip 526, thereby separating the second valve body 804a from the first valve body 520. As a result, the second valve 800a opens. The predetermined value P1 is, for example, in the range of 3 kPa or more and 8 kPa or less, and in this embodiment it is 5 kPa, as in the first embodiment.

[0054] Similar to the first embodiment described above, during the release process period from the sealed state to the release of the sealed state of the cap 600 with the outlet 460 sealed, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800 maintains a closed state, and the second valve body 804 is in contact with the valve body tip 526. On the other hand, during the release process period, the first valve body 520 is pushed toward the second direction D2 by the central projection 602, separating it from the sealing member 510, and therefore the first valve body 520 is in an open state. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, during a predetermined period in which the first valve 500a maintains an open state due to the central projection 602, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value, the second valve 800a maintains a closed state. The above release process period is a part of the above predetermined period. In the second embodiment, even after the opening operation of the cap 600 progresses and the first valve body 520 comes into contact with the first seal portion 516, causing the first valve 500 to switch from an open state to a closed state, the second valve body 804a remains in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the seal portion body 511, and the second valve 800 remains in a closed state.

[0055] As described above, the portion of the first valve body 520 that is in contact with or separated from the first seal portion 516 functions as a first opening / closing portion that opens and closes the first valve 500a. Furthermore, the portion of the first opening / closing portion, more specifically located on the first direction D1 side of the first seal portion 516, that is in contact with or separated from the first valve body 520 and the second valve body 804a functions as a second opening / closing portion that opens and closes the second valve 800a.

[0056] The second embodiment described above has the same effects as the first embodiment in that it has the same configuration as the first embodiment. In addition, the second embodiment prevents ink from flowing out into the space within the ink outlet forming section 400 downstream of the contact point between the second valve body 804a and the first valve body 520, so that even when the cap 600 is opened with the outlet 460 facing downwards, ink dripping from the outlet 460 can be prevented. Therefore, ink contamination can be prevented. Furthermore, the second valve body 804a only contacts the rigid first valve body 520. As a result, the second valve body 804a can be brought into contact with or separated from the first valve body 520, which is easier to control dimensionally than an elastic member, thus making the opening and closing operation of the second valve body 804a more stable.

[0057] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the ink supply container 200b of the third embodiment. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200b, showing the state at a predetermined timing during the opening operation of the cap 600. In the state shown in Figure 16, a gap is formed between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454, and the inside of the cap 600 is in communication with the atmosphere through this gap. Also in the state shown in Figure 16, the outlet sealing portion 660 is separated from the tip portion 455, and the outlet 460 is in an released state where the seal has been released. The difference between the ink supply container 200b and the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9 is the configuration of the first valve body 520b of the first valve 500b, the configuration of the second valve 800b, and the configuration of the central projection 602b of the cap 600b. The other components of the ink supply container 200b of the third embodiment are the same as those of the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0058] The first valve 500b includes a sealing member 510, a first valve body 520b, and an elastic member 530. The sealing member 510 is located within a cylindrical tip portion 455 having an outlet 460. The first valve body 520b has a valve body tip portion 526b and a valve body base portion 524b. The valve body tip portion 526b faces the first sealing portion 516 in the axial direction. The valve body tip portion 526b is substantially frustoconical in shape. The valve body tip portion 526b has a portion that contacts the first sealing portion 516 in the circumferential direction. The first valve body 520b, including the valve body tip portion 526b, is located within the ink outlet forming portion 400 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction. This allows the valve body tip portion 526b to contact or separate from the first sealing portion 516. The valve body tip 526b has a communication hole 513 formed radially inward from the portion that contacts the first seal portion 516. The communication hole 513 is a hole that penetrates the valve body tip 526b axially and constitutes part of the internal flow path 410. In this embodiment, two communication holes 513 are formed.

[0059] The valve body base portion 524b is a cylindrical member that extends in the second direction D2 direction from the end face of the valve body tip portion 526b on the second direction D2 side. The inside of the valve body base portion 524 communicates with the communication hole 513 and the ink storage chamber 320, and constitutes part of the internal flow path 410.

[0060] The elastic member 530 biases the first valve body 520 toward the first seal portion 516 in the first direction D1, bringing the first valve body 520 and the first seal portion 516 into contact.

[0061] The central projection 602b of the cap 600b is shorter than the central projection 602 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9. The central projection 602b is spaced apart from the first valve body 520b even when the cap 600b is attached to the ink outlet forming portion 400b and the outlet 460 is sealed by the outlet sealing portion 660. In other words, during the period of opening the cap 600b, including the release process period from the sealed state of the cap 600b until the sealed state is released, the first valve body 520b maintains contact with the first seal portion 516.

[0062] The second valve 800b has a valve stem portion 802b and a second valve body 804b. The second valve 800b is positioned on the second direction D2 side of the first seal portion 516. More specifically, the second valve 800b is positioned within the base end portion 524b of the valve body. The valve stem portion 802b is cylindrical. The end of the valve stem portion 802b on the first direction D1 side is attached to the tip portion 526b of the valve body. The second valve body 804b is a membrane-like member extending radially outward from the end of the valve stem portion 802b on the second direction D2 side. The second valve body 804b is a circular member when viewed in the axial direction. The seal member 510 and the second valve 800a are formed of a rubber material such as an elastomer having rubber elasticity, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0063] The second valve body 804b controls the communication state of the internal flow path 410 by contacting and separating from the inner wall 524fi of the valve body base end 524b that partitions the internal flow path 410. Specifically, when the pressure difference ΔP between the first pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber 320 side of the second valve body 804b and the second pressure in the space on the outlet sealing section 660 side of the second valve body 804b is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve body 804b contacts the inner wall 524fi of the valve body base end 524b in the circumferential direction, thereby contacting the valve body tip 526 and closing the valve. The second valve body 804b also has enough elasticity to open the valve when the pressure difference ΔP is equal to or greater than a predetermined value P1. Specifically, when the first pressure is higher than the second pressure by a predetermined value P1 or more, the second valve body 804b deforms so as to separate from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body base end 524b. This deformation occurs when the side of the second valve body 804b that is in contact with the inner wall 524fi of the valve body base end 524b bends toward the first direction D1, driven by the pressure difference. As a result, the second valve 800b opens, and the internal flow path 410 becomes open regardless of whether the first valve body 520b is in contact with the first seal portion 516 or not. The predetermined value P1 is, for example, in the range of 3 kPa or more and 8 kPa or less, and in this embodiment it is 5 kPa, as in the first embodiment. In this way, the second valve body 804b functions as a differential pressure valve that opens and closes according to the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides.

[0064] As described above, when the second valve 800b is closed, the second valve body 804b is in contact with the inner wall 524fi of the base end 524b of the valve body. When the second valve 800b is open, the second valve body 804b is separated from the inner wall 524fi of the base end 524b of the valve body. During the release process or at other times, if the pressure difference △P is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800b opens by the second valve body 804b separating from the inner wall 524fi.

[0065] When the ink supply container 200b, with its cap 600b removed, is inserted into the ink introduction member 710, the ink introduction member 710 pushes the first valve body 520b toward the second direction D2, causing the first valve body 520b to separate from the first seal portion 516. This creates a gap between the first valve body 520b and the first seal portion 516, and this gap functions as part of the internal flow path 410. Therefore, even when the second valve 800b is closed, ink can be supplied from the ink supply container 200b to the ink tank 700.

[0066] The third embodiment described above has the same effects as the previous embodiments in that it has the same configuration as the previous embodiments. In addition, according to the third embodiment, during the period from the attached state of the cap 600 to the completion of opening, including the release process period, the second valve 800b is closed if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1. This prevents ink from reaching the inside of the sealing member 510 on the outlet 460 side of the first sealing portion 516. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the sealing member 510 from getting wet with ink, even when opening the cap 600b with the outlet 460 facing sideways, diagonally downward, or downward, it is possible to prevent ink from leaking out of the outlet 460. Therefore, it is possible to prevent ink contamination. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a projection on the cap 600 for opening the first valve 500b when the cap 600b is sealed, the structure of the cap 600b can be simplified. Furthermore, since the protrusion does not open the first valve 500b while the ink supply container 200b with the cap 600b attached is stored, a decrease in the biasing force of the elastic member 530 can be suppressed. In addition, according to the third embodiment, the first valve body 520b has a communication hole 513, and the second valve 800b opens when the pressure difference △P is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1, thereby easily relieving the pressurized state upstream of the second valve 800b.

[0067] D. Fourth Embodiment: Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the ink supply container 200c of the fourth embodiment. Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200c, showing the state at a predetermined timing during the opening operation of the cap 600c. In the state shown in Figure 17, a gap is formed between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454, and the inside of the cap 600 is in communication with the atmosphere through this gap. Also in the state shown in Figure 17, the outlet sealing portion 660 is separated from the tip portion 455, and the seal of the outlet 460 is released. The difference between the ink supply container 200c and the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9 is the second valve body 804c of the second valve 800c. Specifically, when the second valve 800c is in the closed state, the second valve body 804c is in contact only with the sealing member 510. In other words, the second valve body 804c is not in contact with the tip portion 455. The other components of the ink supply container 200c of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for the same components and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0068] The fourth embodiment described above has the same effects as the above embodiments in that it has the same configuration as the above embodiments. In addition, according to the fourth embodiment, the second valve body 804c and the sealing member 510 are in contact in a one-to-one relationship, and the second valve body 804c is not in contact with multiple members of different materials, so the second valve 800c can perform stable opening and closing operations. Therefore, when the pressure difference △P becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800c can be opened more stably. Furthermore, if the second valve body 804c is in contact with the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455 of the ink outlet forming portion 400, the relationship becomes one-to-two, and the second valve body 804c will be in contact with multiple types of materials. On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the second valve body 804c is in contact only with the sealing member 510, so the sealing performance can be more reliably ensured.

[0069] E. Fifth Embodiment: Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the ink supply container 200d of the fifth embodiment. Figure 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink supply container 200d, showing the state at a predetermined timing during the opening operation of the cap 600. In the state shown in Figure 18, a gap is formed between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454, and the inside of the cap 600 is in communication with the atmosphere through this gap. Also in the state shown in Figure 18, the outlet sealing portion 660 is separated from the tip portion 455, and the outlet 460 is in an released state where the seal has been released. The difference between the ink supply container 200c and the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9 is the configuration and position of the second valve 800d. The other configurations of the ink supply container 200d of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are used for similar configurations and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0070] The second valve 800d is a substantially cylindrical member. The second valve 800d is made of a rubber material, such as an elastomer with rubber elasticity. The second valve 800d is press-fitted into the outer circumferential surface of the first peripheral wall 666 of the outlet seal 660, so that it is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outlet seal 660. In other words, the second valve 800d is located inside the cap 600. To prevent the second valve 800d from coming off the outlet seal 660, it is preferable to provide protrusions or irregularities on the outer circumferential surface of the outlet seal 660.

[0071] The second valve 800d closes by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 455 on the side opposite to the side attached to the outlet seal portion 660 when the pressure difference △P, described later, is less than a predetermined value P1. The second valve 800c is positioned to connect the outer circumferential surface of the first peripheral wall 666 of the outlet seal portion 660 with the tip portion 455, and can therefore be said to be located in the axial direction between the ink storage chamber 320 and the bottom wall 662 of the outlet seal portion 660. Furthermore, the second valve 800d and the projection portion 470 are spaced apart, and fluid can flow through the gap between the second valve 800d and the projection portion 470.

[0072] The second valve 800d is positioned to surround the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 455. Therefore, it is preferable that the end of the second valve 800d on the tip portion 455 side has an inclined surface, such as a chamfer, to increase the inner diameter on the tip side of the second valve 800d, in order to facilitate insertion of the tip portion 455 into the second valve 800.

[0073] The second valve 800d controls the communication state of the fluid passage that connects the outlet 460 and the gap between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454. The gap between the female thread portion 654 and the male thread portion 454, formed during the opening operation of the cap 600, functions as an atmospheric communication section that connects the inside of the cap 600 to the outside of the cap 600. The second valve 800d is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference △P in the region surrounding the second valve 800d is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1. Specifically, in the direction of fluid flow from the outlet 460 towards the atmospheric communication section, the second valve 800d opens when the pressure difference △P between the first pressure in the space upstream of the second valve 800d and the second pressure in the space downstream of the second valve 800d is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P1. In particular, the second valve 800d opens when the first pressure is greater than the second pressure by a predetermined value P1 or more. The opening of the second valve 800d is performed by deforming radially outward so that the second valve 800d separates from the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 455. The predetermined value P1 is, for example, in the range of 3 kPa or more and 8 kPa or less, and in this embodiment it is 5 kPa.

[0074] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the first valve body 520 is configured to be movable in the axial direction and is positioned within the ink outlet forming portion 400 so as to be able to contact or separate from the first seal portion 516. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the elastic member 530 biases the first valve body 520 toward the first seal portion 516 in a first direction D1, thereby bringing the first valve body 520 and the first seal portion 516 into contact.

[0075] Similar to the first embodiment described above, in the sealed state of the cap 600d, with the outlet 460 sealed by the outlet sealing portion 660, the central projection 602 pushes the first valve body 520 in the second direction D2, creating a gap between the first sealing portion 516 and the first valve body 520, thereby opening the first valve 500.

[0076] The second valve 800d is closed when the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1 while the cap 600d is sealed, by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 455. Also, during the release process period from when the cap 600d is sealed until it is released, the second valve 800d is closed if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1. During the release process period, the first valve 500 is kept open by the central projection 602. In particular, in this embodiment, during a predetermined period in which the first valve 500 is kept open by the central projection 602, the second valve 800d is kept closed if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1. The above release process period is a part of the above predetermined period.

[0077] The fourth embodiment described above has the same effects as the previous embodiments in that it has the same configuration as the previous embodiments. In addition, the fourth embodiment allows the second valve 800d to be positioned further downstream than the first to third embodiments, thus increasing the volume of the space upstream of the second valve 800d. As a result, for example, when the cap 600d is opened with the outlet 460 facing downwards, even if ink flows to the cap 600d side due to the weight of the ink, more ink can be contained in the space upstream of the second valve 800d. This further suppresses ink leakage to the outside of the cap 600d. Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, since the second valve 800d is positioned inside the cap 600d in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outlet sealing portion 660, the volume of the closed space from the ink storage chamber 320 to the second valve 800d can be increased. During the release process, if the pressure difference △P is less than a predetermined value P1, the second valve 800d remains closed while the release process proceeds, causing the second valve 800d to be displaced in the first direction D1. This allows the volume of this closed space to be further increased, thus reducing the pressure in the closed space. As a result, when the seal of the cap 600d is released, ink is more easily drawn into the ink supply container 200d. Therefore, leakage of ink to the outside can be further suppressed.

[0078] F. Other embodiments: F-1. Other Embodiments 1: In each of the above embodiments, the male threaded portion 454 into which the female threaded portion 654 of the caps 600 to 600d is screwed was formed on the outer surface of the ink outlet forming portion 400, 400b, but it may also be formed on the outer surface of the container body portion 300.

[0079] F-2. Other Embodiments 2: According to the first embodiment described above, in the closed state of the second valve 800 during the release process, the second valve body 804 was in contact with the sealing member 510 as shown in Figure 9, or in contact across the sealing member 510 and the tip portion 455 as shown in Figure 11. Alternatively, in the closed state of the second valve 800 during the release process, the second valve body 804 may be in contact only with the tip portion 455, which is a rigid member, or it may be in contact only with the sealing member 510, which is an elastic member. For example, when the second valve body 804 is in contact with the rigid tip portion 455, it does not become too tightly attached compared to when it is in contact with a member made of rubber or the like, allowing the opening and closing operation of the second valve 800 to be performed smoothly. Also, because the tip portion 455 is rigid, it is easier to control the dimensions of the tip portion 455, so the contact and separation between the second valve 800 and the tip portion 455 can be performed with high precision.

[0080] F-3. Other Embodiments 3: In the embodiments described above, the ink outlet forming sections 400 and 400b were separate from the container body section 300, but they may be integrated with the container body section 300.

[0081] F-4. Other Embodiments 4: Multiple second valves 800, 800a to 800d from each of the above embodiments may be combined and mounted on the ink supply container. For example, the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment may have a second valve 800d as shown in Figure 18 of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the second valve 800. By having multiple second valves 800, 800d in the ink supply container 200, even if, for example, the cap 600 is not properly attached to the ink outlet forming part 400 and the cap 600 is in a half-open state, the possibility of ink leaking out of the ink storage chamber 320 can be reduced by the multiple second valves 800, 800d.

[0082] G. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0083] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided which is placed in a printer and supplies ink to the printer via an ink introduction member having a flow path. This ink supply container comprises: a container body having an ink storage chamber; an ink outlet forming part having an outlet facing the outside and connected to the container body, the ink outlet forming part having an internal flow path that fluidly communicates the outlet and the ink storage chamber; a cap having an outlet sealing part that seals the outlet by engaging with the ink outlet forming part; a first valve disposed inside the ink outlet forming part and controlling the communication state of the internal flow path, the first valve being biased by an elastic member in a first direction toward the outlet from the ink storage chamber side and closed, and being opened by an ink introduction member inserted from the outlet in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the bias; and a second valve disposed in at least one of the interior of the ink outlet forming part including the outlet and the interior of the cap, the second valve being located between the ink storage chamber and the outlet sealing part, wherein the second valve is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference between the pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber side of the second valve and the pressure in the space on the outlet sealing part side of the second valve is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. In the above configuration, a second valve, which is a differential pressure valve, is positioned between the ink storage chamber and the outlet seal. If the pressure difference between the space on the ink storage chamber side of the second valve and the space on the outlet seal side of the second valve is less than a predetermined value, the second valve is closed. This prevents ink from leaking downstream, which is outside the second valve, even if the cap is released in any position of the ink refill container. Thus, ink contamination can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the downstream side and the corresponding upstream side are based on the direction of fluid flow when fluid flows from the ink storage chamber to the outside of the cap. Furthermore, when collecting the ink refill container after use, even if the cap is not completely sealing the outlet, ink is less likely to leak downstream of the second valve. This also suppresses ink contamination when collecting the ink refill container. For example, when releasing the cap seal with the outlet facing upward, the second valve opens if the pressure difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. This allows air from the ink chamber to be released to the outside of the ink supply container via the second valve, even if the pressure in the ink chamber increases due to temperature or pressure changes. Therefore, the pressurized state in the ink chamber can be easily relieved.

[0084] (2) In the above configuration, if the pressure difference is less than the predetermined value during the release process period from the sealed state of the cap with the outlet sealed until the sealed state is released, the second valve may be in a closed state. According to the above configuration, even if the first valve is open, the second valve remains closed when the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, thus preventing ink from flowing downstream of the second valve.

[0085] (3) In the above embodiment, the first valve is a valve that opens and closes between a sealing member disposed in the tip of the ink outlet forming portion and a first valve body located on the second direction side of the sealing member and biased by the elastic member, and the second valve has a second valve body disposed in the cap, and in the sealed state of the cap in which the outlet is sealed, if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, the second valve body comes into contact with another member which is at least one of the sealing member and the tip of the ink outlet forming portion and becomes a closed state, and during the release process period from the sealed state to the release of the sealed state, if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, the first valve remains in an open state and the second valve remains in a closed state, and in the released state in which the sealed state is released and the first valve is in a closed state, the second valve may be separated from the other member. According to the above configuration, during the release process, if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, the second valve remains closed while the release process proceeds, causing the second valve to displace in the first direction. This expands the volume of the closed space from the ink chamber to the second valve. As the volume of the closed space expands, the pressure in the closed space decreases, making it easier for ink to be drawn into the ink outlet forming section when the cap's seal is released. This further suppresses ink leakage to the outside. Also, when the cap's seal is released and the first valve is closed, the second valve is open, separated from other components. However, because the first valve is closed, it is possible to suppress ink leakage downstream of the first valve. Furthermore, since the second valve body is located inside the cap, the second valve body can be replaced along with the cap if the second valve body deteriorates.

[0086] (4) In the above embodiment, the tip of the ink outlet forming part has rigidity, The second valve body is elastic, and in the closed state of the second valve, the second valve body may be in contact with the tip. According to the above configuration, the second valve body contacts the rigid tip, so compared to contact with a component made of rubber or the like, it does not become too tightly sealed, allowing for smooth opening and closing operations. Furthermore, because the tip is rigid, it is easier to control the dimensions of the tip.

[0087] (5) In the above embodiment, the second valve body is elastic, and in the closed state of the second valve, the second valve body may be in contact only with the sealing member. In the above configuration, the second valve body and the sealing member are in one-to-one contact, and the second valve body does not come into contact with multiple members made of different materials, so the second valve can perform stable opening and closing operations. Therefore, when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value, the second valve can be opened more stably. On the other hand, if the second valve body comes into contact with the sealing member and the tip of the ink outlet forming part, the relationship becomes one-to-two, and the second valve body comes into contact with multiple types of materials. In contrast, in the above configuration, the second valve body comes into contact only with the sealing member, so sealing performance can be more reliably ensured.

[0088] (6) In the above embodiment, the first valve has a first valve body, the second valve has a second valve body, and is arranged within the ink outlet forming portion, and the ink supply container further comprises a sealing member arranged within the tip portion having the outlet, the first opening / closing portion of the first valve is the portion that contacts or separates from the first valve body and the first sealing portion arranged at the end of the sealing member on the second direction side, the second valve body is integrally formed with the sealing member, and the second opening / closing portion of the second valve is located on the first direction side of the first opening / closing portion of the first valve and may be the portion that contacts or separates from the first valve body and the second valve body. According to the above configuration, the second valve prevents ink from flowing out into the space within the ink outlet forming section downstream of the contact point between the second valve body and the first valve body. Therefore, even when removing the cap with the outlet facing downwards, ink dripping from the outlet can be prevented. Thus, ink contamination can be prevented.

[0089] (7) In the above embodiment, the ink outlet forming portion has the outlet and a central axis, and a tip portion that defines the opening of the outlet at its tip, and a male screw portion is formed on at least one outer surface of the container body portion and the ink outlet forming portion, and the cap further has a top wall, a cylindrical side wall connected to the top wall, a central projection that protrudes downward from the center of the top wall when the top wall is positioned on the side wall, and a female screw portion arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall, and the first valve is arranged in the tip portion and has a sealing member having a first sealing portion at the end on the second direction side, and a second valve arranged in the ink outlet forming portion so as to be able to contact or separate from the first sealing portion The valve comprises a valve body and an elastic member that biases the first valve body toward the first seal portion in a first direction, thereby bringing the first valve body and the first seal portion into contact. The second valve is positioned inside the cap in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outlet seal portion, and closes when the cap is sealed with the outlet sealed, by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion. In the sealed state, the cap's central projection pushes the first valve body in a second direction, creating a gap between the first seal portion and the first valve body, thereby opening the first valve. During the release process from the sealed state to the release of the sealed state, if the pressure difference is less than the predetermined value, the second valve may close. According to the above configuration, the second valve can be positioned further downstream, thus increasing the volume of the space upstream of the second valve. This means that, for example, if the cap is opened with the outlet facing downwards, even if ink flows towards the cap due to its own weight, more ink can be contained in the space upstream of the second valve. This further suppresses ink leakage to the outside of the cap. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since the second valve is positioned inside the cap in contact with the outer surface of the outlet sealing part, the volume of the closed space from the ink storage chamber to the second valve can be increased, thus further expanding the volume of this closed space during the release process. As a result, the pressure in the closed space decreases further, making it easier for ink to be drawn into the ink supply container when the cap seal is released. Therefore, ink leakage to the outside can be further suppressed.

[0090] (8) In the above embodiment, the first valve is a sealing member disposed within the cylindrical tip portion of the ink outlet forming portion having the outlet, and comprises a sealing member having a first sealing portion disposed at the end on the second direction side, a first valve body disposed within the ink outlet forming portion so as to be able to contact or separate from the first sealing portion, and having a communication hole formed therein that forms part of the internal flow path, and an elastic member that biases the first valve body toward the first sealing portion in the first direction to bring the first valve body and the first sealing portion into contact, and the second valve may comprise a second valve body as a differential pressure valve disposed on the second direction side of the internal flow path from the first sealing portion. According to the above configuration, the first valve is closed during the release process, and the second valve is also closed if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, thus preventing ink from reaching the inside of the sealing member on the outlet side of the first seal. As a result, the sealing member is prevented from getting wet with ink, so even when the cap is opened with the outlet facing sideways, diagonally downwards, or downwards, ink leakage from the outlet is prevented. Therefore, ink contamination can be prevented. In addition, since there is no need to provide a projection on the cap to open the first valve when the cap is sealed, the structure of the cap can be simplified. Furthermore, since the first valve is not opened by a projection while the cap is attached during storage, a decrease in the biasing force of the elastic member can be prevented.

[0091] (9) In the above embodiment, when the second valve is closed, the second valve body is in contact with the inner wall of the first valve body, when the second valve is open, the second valve body is separated from the inner wall, and during the release process period from the sealed state of the cap with the outlet sealed until the sealed state is released, the first valve body maintains contact with the first seal portion, and the second valve body may open by separating from the inner wall when the pressure difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. According to the above configuration, the second valve opens when the pressure difference exceeds a predetermined value, making it easy to eliminate the pressurized state upstream of the second valve.

[0092] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than those described above. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a method for manufacturing an ink supply container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 100...Printer, 110...Housing, 160...Ink tank housing unit, 162...Lid, 164...Sealing cap member, 165...Sealing cap, 200, 200a~200d...Ink refill container, 300...Container body, 312...External thread, 313...Claw, 320...Ink storage chamber, 400, 400b...Ink outlet forming part, 410...Internal flow path, 413...Teeth, 454...Male thread part, 455... Tip, 457…Base end, 460…Outlet, 470…Protruding part, 499…Other members, 500, 500a~500b…First valve, 510, 510a…Sealing member, 510h…Through hole, 511…Sealing part body, 513…Communication hole, 516…First sealing part, 517…Valve housing, 517A…Retaining part, 517B…Engaging part, 520, 520b…First valve body, 524, 524b…Base end of valve body, 524f i...Inner wall, 526, 526b...Valve body tip, 530...Elastic member, 600, 600b...Cap, 601...Top wall, 602, 602b...Central projection, 603...Side wall, 603fi...Inner circumferential surface, 630...Protrusion, 654...Female thread part, 660...Outlet sealing part, 662...Bottom wall, 664...Recess, 666...First peripheral wall, 667...Second peripheral wall, 700, 700L, 700S...Ink tank, 710...I Ink introduction member, 711...flow path, 714...partition wall, 721...inner flow path of the tank, 750...inlet forming part, 760...tank-side ink storage chamber, 800, 800a~800d...second valve, 802, 802b...valve shaft part, 804, 804b, 804c...second valve body, C...central axis, D1...first direction, D2...second direction, Da...inward direction, Ho...through hole, SC...closed state, SO...open state, OC...opening / closing operation

Claims

1. An ink supply container that is placed in a printer and supplies ink to the printer via an ink introduction member having a flow path, A container body having an ink storage chamber, An ink outlet forming section having an outlet facing the outside and connected to the container body, the ink outlet forming section having an internal flow path that allows fluid communication between the outlet and the ink storage chamber, A cap having an outlet sealing portion that seals the outlet by engaging with the ink outlet forming portion, A first valve disposed inside the ink outlet forming section and controlling the communication state of the internal flow path, the first valve is biased by an elastic member in a first direction toward the outlet from the ink storage chamber side to close, and is opened by an ink introduction member inserted from the outlet in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the bias, A second valve is disposed in at least one of the interior of the ink outlet forming portion including the outlet and the interior of the cap, the second valve being located between the ink storage chamber and the outlet sealing portion. The second valve is a differential pressure valve that opens when the pressure difference between the pressure in the space on the ink storage chamber side of the second valve and the pressure in the space on the outlet sealing side of the second valve is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, in an ink supply container.

2. An ink supply container according to claim 1, Ink supply container, during the release process period from the sealed state of the cap with the outlet sealed to the release of the sealed state, if the pressure difference is less than the predetermined value, the second valve is in a closed state.

3. An ink supply container according to claim 1, The first valve is a valve that opens and closes between a sealing member disposed within the tip of the ink outlet forming portion and a first valve body located on the second side of the sealing member and biased by the elastic member. The second valve has a second valve body disposed within the cap, In the sealed state of the cap with the outlet sealed, if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, the second valve body will be in a closed state by contacting at least one of the other members, which is the sealing member and the tip of the ink outlet forming portion. During the release process from the sealed state to the release of the sealed state, if the pressure difference is less than a predetermined value, the first valve remains open and the second valve remains closed. An ink supply container in which the sealed state is released and the second valve is separated from the other member when the first valve is in the closed state.

4. An ink supply container according to claim 3, The tip portion of the ink outlet forming portion has rigidity. An ink supply container wherein the second valve body is elastic, and in the closed state of the second valve, the second valve body contacts the tip.

5. An ink supply container according to claim 3, An ink supply container wherein the second valve body is elastic, and in the closed state of the second valve, the second valve body is in contact only with the sealing member.

6. An ink supply container according to claim 1, The first valve has a first valve body, The second valve has a second valve body and is arranged within the ink outlet forming portion. The ink supply container further includes a sealing member disposed within the tip portion having the outlet, The first opening and closing portion of the first valve is the portion that comes into contact with or separates from the first valve body and the first sealing portion located at the end of the sealing member on the second direction side. The second valve body is integrally formed with the sealing member, The second opening / closing portion of the second valve is located on the first side of the first opening / closing portion of the first valve and is the portion where the first valve body and the second valve body come into contact or separate, in the ink supply container.

7. An ink supply container according to claim 1, The ink outlet forming portion has the outlet and a central axis, and a tip portion that defines the opening of the outlet at its tip, A male threaded portion is formed on at least one of the outer surfaces of the container body and the ink outlet forming portion. The cap further comprises a top wall, a cylindrical side wall connected to the top wall, a central projection that protrudes downward from the center of the top wall when the top wall is positioned above the side wall, and a female threaded portion arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the side wall. The first valve is, A sealing member disposed within the tip portion and having a first sealing portion at the end on the second direction side, A first valve body is disposed within the ink outlet forming portion so as to be able to contact or separate from the first sealing portion, The device comprises an elastic member that biases the first valve body toward the first seal portion in a first direction, thereby bringing the first valve body and the first seal portion into contact, The second valve is positioned inside the cap in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outlet sealing portion, and closes when the cap is sealed with the outlet sealed, by contacting the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion. In the sealed state, the cap, with the central projection pushing the first valve body in the second direction, creates a gap between the first sealing portion and the first valve body, thereby opening the first valve. An ink supply container wherein, during the release process period from the sealed state to the release of the sealed state, the second valve closes if the pressure difference is less than the predetermined value.

8. An ink supply container according to claim 1, The first valve is, A sealing member disposed within the cylindrical tip portion of the ink outlet forming portion having the outlet, the sealing member having a first sealing portion disposed at the end on the second direction side, A first valve body is disposed within the ink outlet forming portion so as to be able to contact or separate from the first seal portion, and the first valve body has a communication hole formed therein that forms part of the internal flow path, The device comprises an elastic member that biases the first valve body toward the first seal portion in a first direction, thereby bringing the first valve body and the first seal portion into contact, The second valve is, An ink supply container comprising a second valve body, which serves as a differential pressure valve, positioned on the second side of the first seal portion within the internal flow path.

9. An ink supply container according to claim 8, In the closed state of the second valve, the second valve body is in contact with the inner wall of the first valve body, and in the open state of the second valve, the second valve body is separated from the inner wall. During the release process period from the sealed state of the cap with the outlet sealed until the sealed state is released, The first valve body maintains contact with the first seal portion, An ink supply container in which the second valve body opens by separating from the inner wall when the pressure difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

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