Liquid cartridge

Abstract

We provide a liquid cartridge that prevents the liquid inside the casing from leaking to the outside. [Solution] The ink cartridge 30 comprises a container body 31 having an atmospheric communication section 502 that opens forward, and an upper valve mechanism 504 housed within the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper valve mechanism 504 has an upper through hole 57 and comprises an upper sealing member 17 that abuts against the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication section 502, an upper valve 50 that closes the upper through hole 57, an upper coil spring 49 that biases the upper valve 50, and an annular upper cap 55 mounted on the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper cap 55 has an annular rear end surface 83A that abuts against the upper sealing member 17 from the front. The rear end surface 83A has a first plane 371 facing backward, opposite to the front, and a first inclined surface 372 located outward in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction on the first plane 371. The first inclined surface 372 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction such that it moves forward as it moves outward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge in which a liquid is stored.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink refill container in which ink is stored. The ink refill container includes a check valve disposed at an ink supply port. The check valve has a piston to which a sealing material is attached. The piston is movable between an open position for opening the ink supply port and a closed position for closing the ink supply port.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the ink refill container of Patent Document 1, for example, when the temperature inside the ink refill container rises, the pressure inside the ink refill container rises. Due to the pressure increase, the sealing material is deformed. As a result, the ink inside the ink refill container is likely to leak to the outside from the ink supply port.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid cartridge in which the liquid inside the housing is difficult to leak to the outside.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) This disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge that can be mounted in a printer. The liquid cartridge comprises a housing having a first cylindrical portion that opens forward in the direction in which the liquid cartridge is mounted in the printer, and a first valve mechanism that is at least partially housed within the first cylindrical portion. The first valve mechanism comprises a first sealing member having a first through hole and contacting the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, a first valve located within the first cylindrical portion and movable between a closed position that closes the first through hole and an open position that opens the first through hole, a first biasing member that biases the first valve forward toward the closed position, and an annular first cap mounted on the first cylindrical portion. The first cap has an annular first inclined surface that contacts the first sealing member from the front and is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction such that it moves forward as it moves outward in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0007] For example, an increase in temperature inside the housing can cause an increase in pressure inside the housing. In this case, a forward pushing force acts on the first sealing member, causing it to deform and potentially leaking liquid from inside the housing to the outside through the opening of the first cylindrical section. In the above configuration, the first inclined surface of the first cap abuts against the first sealing member from the front. Therefore, when a forward pushing force acts on the first sealing member, a force acts on the first sealing member from the first inclined surface in a direction that presses the first sealing member against the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical section. As a result, the first sealing member adheres firmly to the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical section, thus suppressing liquid leakage from the opening of the first cylindrical section to the outside through the gap between the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical section and the outer circumferential surface of the first sealing member.

[0008] (2) The first sealing member may have an annular second inclined surface that contacts the first inclined surface from the rear and is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction so that it moves forward as it moves outward.

[0009] The second inclined surface of the first sealing member is susceptible to receiving a force from the first inclined surface that presses the first sealing member against the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion. As a result, the first sealing member adheres more firmly to the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion.

[0010] (3) The first cap may be located inward of the first inclined surface opposite to the outward side, facing backward, and having a first plane that contacts the first sealing member from the front. The first sealing member may be located inward of the second inclined surface, facing forward, and having a second plane that contacts the first plane.

[0011] (4) The first cap may have an annular first cap body welded to the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, and an annular first rib extending rearward from the first cap body, with the first inclined surface located at the rear end. A gap may exist between the outer circumferential surface of the first rib and the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion.

[0012] The melted portion released during the welding of the first cap body flows into the gap. This prevents the first cap from deforming significantly when it is welded to the inner surface of the first cylinder.

[0013] (5) The first sealing member may have an annular sealing body defining the first through hole, and an annular first contact portion extending outward from the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body and in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion. The rear end of the first rib may contact the front surface of the first contact portion from the front.

[0014] The welding of the first cap body traps the eluted portion that flows into the gap, making it less likely to overflow into the inside of the first cap through the gap between the rear end of the first rib and the front surface of the first contact part. Furthermore, even if liquid leaks into the gap through the gap between the outer surface of the first contact part and the inner surface of the first cylindrical part, the leaked liquid is less likely to flow into the inside of the cap through the gap between the rear end of the first rib and the front surface of the first contact part. As a result, leakage of liquid from inside the housing to the outside through the opening of the first cylindrical part is suppressed.

[0015] (6) The first valve mechanism may further include a cylindrical support member that extends in the front-rear direction within the first cylindrical portion and houses the first valve and the first biasing member. The support member may have a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from the rear.

[0016] The first sealing member is positioned in the front-rear direction when the second contact portion contacts the first contact portion from the rear. This makes it easy to assemble the first valve mechanism to the first cylindrical portion.

[0017] (7) The support member may have a plurality of second ribs that extend inward from the front end of the inner circumferential surface of the support member, opposite to the outward direction, and are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support member. The plurality of second ribs may abut against the rear surface of the first seal member and the outer circumferential surface of the first valve.

[0018] Multiple second ribs contact the rear surface of the first sealing member uniformly in the circumferential direction of the support member. As a result, the first sealing member is less likely to tilt, and liquid inside the housing is less likely to leak from the opening of the first cylindrical section. Since the multiple second ribs are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support member, a flow path is secured within the support member for air to flow in the front-to-back direction. The first valve is less likely to tilt.

[0019] (8) The first biasing member may be a coil spring that can be compressed in the front-rear direction. The support member may have a plurality of third ribs that extend inward from the inner circumferential surface of the support member behind the plurality of second ribs and are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support member. The plurality of third ribs may abut the outer circumferential surface of the coil spring.

[0020] The coil spring is guided in the front-to-back direction by multiple third ribs, making it less prone to tilting. As a result, the first valve, which is biased by the coil spring, is less prone to tilting, and therefore the first valve moves smoothly in the front-to-back direction between the closed and open positions.

[0021] (9) The inner peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion may have an annular stepped surface that slopes in the front-rear direction so as to face inward, opposite to the outer side, as it goes rearward. The support member may have an annular outer rib that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support member. The rear surface of the outer rib slopes in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction so as to face rearward as it goes inward, opposite to the outer side, and may abut against the stepped surface.

[0022] The support member is positioned in the front-rear direction by the rear surface of the outer rib abutting against the stepped surface of the first cylindrical portion. The rear surface of the outer rib and the stepped surface of the first cylindrical portion abut obliquely with respect to the front-rear direction. Therefore, ink in the liquid cartridge is less likely to leak forward through the space between the rear surface of the outer rib and the stepped surface of the first cylindrical portion.

[0023] (10) The support member may have a slit that extends in the front-rear direction and communicates the internal space of the support member with the outside.

[0024] For example, liquid is injected into the housing through a second cylindrical portion that communicates the inside of the housing with the outside. At this time, even if bubbles occur on the liquid surface, the bubbles are likely to disappear by contacting the slit. Therefore, printing defects caused by bubbles being sent to the ejection head of the printer are suppressed.

[0025] (11) The lower end of the slit in the injection posture in which the opening of the first cylindrical portion faces upward may be positioned below the maximum liquid surface when the maximum amount of liquid is injected into the housing.

[0026] In the injection posture in which the opening of the first cylindrical portion faces upward, for example, liquid is injected into the housing through a second cylindrical portion that communicates the inside of the housing with the outside. At this time, the bubbles generated on the liquid surface come into contact with the slit as the liquid surface rises with the injection of the liquid, so they disappear more reliably.

[0027] (12) The support member may have three slits that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the support member.

[0028] For example, when the housing is formed by blow molding, a blow pin is screwed into the internal space of the parison sandwiched by the mold to blow air into it. As a result, material buildup may occur on the inner surface of the first cylindrical section. In the above configuration, the material buildup can be avoided by the three slits, making it easier to insert the support member into the first cylindrical section through the opening of the first cylindrical section.

[0029] (13) The present disclosure relates to a liquid cartridge that can be mounted in a printer. The liquid cartridge comprises a housing having a second cylindrical portion that opens forward in the direction in which the liquid cartridge is mounted in the printer, and a second valve mechanism that is at least partially housed within the second cylindrical portion. The second valve mechanism comprises a second sealing member having a second through hole and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, a second valve located within the second cylindrical portion and movable between a closed position that closes the second through hole and an open position that opens the second through hole, a second biasing member that biases the second valve forward toward the closed position, and an annular second cap mounted on the second cylindrical portion, located in front of the second sealing member and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing member.

[0030] For example, an increase in temperature inside the housing can cause an increase in pressure inside the housing. In this case, a forward pushing force may act on the second seal member, potentially causing its position in the front-to-back direction to shift backward. As a result, the second valve may not be able to adequately close the second through-hole in the closed position, potentially causing liquid inside the housing to leak out through the opening of the second cylindrical section. In the above configuration, the second cap, located in front of the second seal member, contacts the inner circumferential surface of the second seal member, so the second seal member adheres firmly to the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical section. Therefore, the position of the second seal member in the front-to-back direction is less likely to shift backward, thus suppressing leakage of liquid inside the housing through the opening of the second cylindrical section.

[0031] (14) The second cap may have an annular second cap body welded to the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, a third contact portion located at the rear opposite to the front of the second cap body and in contact with the second sealing member, and a plurality of connecting pieces connecting the second cap body and the third contact portion in the front-rear direction and positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction of the second cap.

[0032] The melted portion released during the welding of the second weld flows into the gaps between adjacent connecting pieces in the circumferential direction of the second cap. This suppresses excessive deformation of the second cap when the second weld is welded to the inner surface of the second cylindrical portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to this disclosure, the liquid inside the enclosure is less likely to leak to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 10. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a magnified view of the area surrounding the ink cartridge 30 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 from the front and above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30, seen from the rear and below. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area including the upper valve mechanism 504. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area including the lower valve mechanism 12. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lower cap 39, seen from the rear and above. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the lower cap 39, seen from the front and above. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the upper support member 38, viewed from the rear and above. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a perspective view of the upper support member 38, viewed from the front and above. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the upper sealing member 17 through a plane containing a virtual straight line passing through the center of the upper sealing member 17. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the upper cap 55, seen from the rear and above. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the upper cap 55 with a plane containing a hypothetical line passing through the center of the upper cap 55. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 in the injection position, where ink is being injected into the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the upper support member 38 being inserted into the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the upper sealing member 17 according to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure are described below. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of how this disclosure can be materialized, and the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure.

[0036] As shown in Figure 1, the ink cartridge 30 can be installed in the cartridge case 110 of the printer 10. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the front. The direction opposite to the front is referred to as the rear. That is, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the rear. The front and rear together are referred to as the front-rear direction. The vertical direction of the ink cartridge 30 is defined when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The left-right direction is defined when viewing the installed ink cartridge 30 from the front.

[0037] [Overview of Printer 10] The printer 10 includes a cartridge case 110, a sub-tank 120, an ink tube 20, a recording head 21, and an ink cartridge 30. The printer 10 is an inkjet recording device that records an image by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 21 onto paper based on an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 is, for example, an inkjet printer.

[0038] An ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge case 110 has an opening 105 at its rear end. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward through the opening 105 into the internal space of the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 is then removed from the cartridge case 110 backward through the opening 105. Figure 2 shows the installed position of the ink cartridge 30 after it has been installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0039] The ink cartridge 30 stores ink usable by the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 may also store a processing solution containing additives for improving image quality. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, it is connected to the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 ejects the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through multiple nozzles 29. Ink is an example of a liquid.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 includes a paper feed tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a transport roller pair 25, a platen 26, an output roller pair 27, and an output tray 16. The paper feed roller 23 feeds the paper on the paper feed tray 15 toward the transport path 24. The paper fed toward the transport path 24 reaches the transport roller pair 25. The transport roller pair 25 transports the paper that has reached the transport roller pair 25 toward the platen 26.

[0041] The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the paper as it passes over the platen 26. This records an image onto the paper. The paper that has passed over the platen 26 reaches the output roller pair 27. The output roller pair 27 ejects the paper that has reached it to the output tray 16 located at the downstream end of the transport path 24.

[0042] [Cartridge Case 110] As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge case 110 is a box shape that opens to the rear. The cartridge case 110 has an internal space in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed. The cartridge case 110 has a guide surface 161 and a locking part 139. The guide surface 161 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the lower wall of the cartridge case 110. The guide surface 161 extends forward from the rear end of the cartridge case 110. The guide surface 161 is an upward-facing arc.

[0043] The guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-to-back direction when attaching or detaching it from the cartridge case 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30.

[0044] The locking portion 139 is located at the rear end of the upper wall of the cartridge case 110. The locking portion 139 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction. The locking portion 139 contacts the locking surface 78F of the ink cartridge 30 installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0045] [Sub-tank 120] The sub-tank 120 is located in front of the cartridge case 110. The sub-tank 120 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is elongated vertically. The sub-tank 120 is capable of storing ink. The internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 is open to the atmosphere and communicates with the outside at the top of the sub-tank 120. The ink in the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the ink tube 20. The sub-tank 120 has a supply pipe 102 and a rod 121.

[0046] The supply pipe 102 extends rearward from the lower end of the rear wall of the sub-tank 120. The supply pipe 102 penetrates the front wall of the cartridge case 110 rearward. The supply pipe 102 is connected to the lower valve mechanism 12 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later. Ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through the supply pipe 102 is stored in the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120.

[0047] The rod 121 extends rearward from the upper end of the rear wall of the sub-tank 120. The rod 121 penetrates rearward through the front wall of the cartridge case 110. The rod 121 is connected to the upper valve mechanism 504 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later. As a result, air can flow from the outside into the ink storage chamber 46 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later, through the upper valve mechanism 504.

[0048] [Ink Cartridge 30] The following explanation assumes that the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 is a thin, flat cube whose length in the left-right direction is smaller than its length in the up-down direction and its length in the front-back direction. The ink cartridge 30 is an example of a liquid cartridge.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the ink cartridge 30 has a container body 31, a lower valve mechanism 12, an upper valve mechanism 504, and a front cover 32. The container body 31 is a container having an ink storage chamber 46 in which ink is stored. The container body 31 has a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a left wall 42, a right wall 43, an upper wall 44, a lower wall 45, an ink supply section 33, an operating section 51, and a locking section 78.

[0050] The front wall 40 is located at the front end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear surface 40A of the front wall 40 defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The front wall 40 has an upper front wall 40U and a lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U is located forward and above the lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U has a cylindrical atmospheric communication section 502 that defines an atmospheric communication port 501. The atmospheric communication port 501 opens forward. The atmospheric communication section 502 extends rearward from the atmospheric communication port 501.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5, the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication section 502 has an upper front stepped surface 502B and an upper rear stepped surface 502C. The upper front stepped surface 502B is located slightly behind the atmospheric communication opening 501. The upper front stepped surface 502B has an annular shape that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that its inner diameter becomes slightly smaller towards the rear. In other words, the upper front stepped surface 502B divides the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502 such that the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502 gradually narrows towards the rear.

[0052] The upper rear stepped surface 502C is located behind the upper front stepped surface 502B. The upper rear stepped surface 502C has an annular shape that inclins with respect to the front-rear direction so as it moves towards the rear, it moves radially inward of the atmospheric communication section 502. In other words, the upper rear stepped surface 502C has an annular shape that inclins with respect to the front-rear direction so as it moves towards the rear, its inner diameter becomes slightly smaller. To put it another way, the upper rear stepped surface 502C divides the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502 so that the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502 gradually narrows towards the rear. The atmospheric communication section 502 is an example of the first cylindrical section.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the lower front wall 40L has an L-shape that extends rearward from the lower end of the upper front wall 40U and bends downward. The rear surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the lower end of the front end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0054] The rear wall 41 is located at the rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear wall 41 faces the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction. The front surface 41A of the rear wall 41 defines the rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 faces backward.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, the left wall 42 is located at the left end of the ink cartridge 30. The left wall 42 is continuous with the left end of the front wall 40 and the left end of the rear wall 41. The right surface of the left wall 42 defines the left end of the ink storage chamber 46. The left surface 42A of the left wall 42 faces left. The left surface 42A of the left wall 42 has a left protruding surface 42B. The left protruding surface 42B is located at the upper and rear end of the left surface 42A. The left protruding surface 42B is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so that it moves to the left as it moves towards the rear.

[0056] Two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are located at the front end of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L project to the left from the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. When viewed from the left, the two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are rectangular in shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are inserted into two left-hand through holes 58L of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, the right wall 43 is located at the right end of the ink cartridge 30. The right wall 43 is opposite the left wall 42 in the left-right direction. The right wall 43 is continuous with the right end of the front wall 40 and the right end of the rear wall 41. The left side of the right wall 43 defines the right end of the ink storage chamber 46. The right side 43A of the right wall 43 faces to the right. The right side 43A of the right wall 43 has a right projection surface 43B. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is located at the upper and rear end of the right side 43A of the right wall 43. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is inclined in the front-rear direction so as it moves towards the rear, it moves to the right.

[0058] Two right-engaging projections 52R are located at the front end of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The two right-engaging projections 52R are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R protrude to the right from the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. When viewed from the right, the two right-engaging projections 52R are elongated rectangles in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R are inserted into two right-through holes 58R of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0059] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the upper wall 44 is located at the upper end of the ink cartridge 30. The upper wall 44 is continuous with the upper ends of the front wall 40, the left wall 42, and the right wall 43. The lower surface 44A of the upper wall 44 defines the upper end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44 has an upward inclined surface 44C. The upward inclined surface 44C is located at the rear end of the upper surface 44B. The upward inclined surface 44C is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so that it is inclined upward as it is directed towards the rear.

[0060] The lower wall 45 is located at the lower and rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The lower wall 45 is opposite the upper wall 44 in the vertical direction. The lower wall 45 is continuous with the lower end of the rear wall 41, the lower end of the left wall 42, and the lower end of the right wall 43. The upper surface 45A and lower surface 45B of the lower wall 45 are inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so as they are directed forward and downward. The upper surface 45A of the lower wall 45 defines the lower and rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The container body 31 is an example of a housing.

[0061] The ink supply section 33 is located at the lower end of the container body 31. The ink supply section 33 has a cylindrical shape that defines an ink outlet 34 that opens forward. The ink supply section 33 is continuous with the lower end of the lower front wall 40L and the front end of the rear wall 41. The lower end of the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply section 33 defines the lower end of the ink storage chamber 46. The ink supply section 33 is an example of a second cylindrical section.

[0062] As shown in Figure 6, the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply unit 33 has a lower front stepped surface 415 and a lower rear stepped surface 13. The lower front stepped surface 415 is located slightly behind the ink outlet 34. The lower front stepped surface 415 has an annular shape that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that its inner diameter becomes slightly smaller towards the rear. In other words, the lower front stepped surface 415 divides the internal space of the ink supply unit 33 such that the internal space of the ink supply unit 33 gradually narrows towards the rear.

[0063] The lower rear stepped surface 13 is located behind the lower front stepped surface 415. The lower rear stepped surface 13 has an annular shape that is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction such that its inner diameter becomes slightly smaller as it moves towards the rear. In other words, the lower rear stepped surface 13 partitions the internal space of the ink supply unit 33 such that the internal space of the ink supply unit 33 gradually narrows towards the rear.

[0064] The operating section 51 is located at the upper and rear ends of the ink cartridge 30. The operating section 51 is hollow. The internal space of the operating section 51 communicates with the ink storage chamber 46. In other words, the inner surface 52 of the operating section 51 defines the ink storage chamber 46. The operating section 51 has an upper surface 51A, a left surface 51B, a right surface 51C, and a rear surface 51D.

[0065] The upper surface 51A faces upward. The upper surface 51A is located above the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The upper surface 51A is continuous with the upper inclined surface 44C. The left surface 51B faces left. The left surface 51B is continuous with the left edge of the upper surface 51A. The right surface 51C faces right. The right surface 51C is continuous with the right edge of the upper surface 51A. The rear surface 51D faces rearward. The rear surface 51D is continuous with the rear edge of the upper surface 51A, the rear edge of the left surface 51B, and the rear edge of the right surface 51C.

[0066] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple left protrusions 59 are located to the left of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple left protrusions 59 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The multiple left protrusions 59 have a continuous L-shape extending from the upper surface 51A to the left surface 51B.

[0067] The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 are located to the right of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 have a continuous L-shape extending from the upper surface 51A to the right surface 51C.

[0068] The locking portion 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The locking portion 78 is located in front of the operating portion 51. The locking portion 78 is located to the right of the center in the left-right direction on the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The locking portion 78 has a locking surface 78F. The locking surface 78F is a plane facing backward. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the locking surface 78F is configured to contact the locking portion 139 of the cartridge case 110.

[0069] The container body 31 is formed by blow molding. Specifically, first, a cylindrical parison extruded from a blow molding machine is sandwiched between molds. Next, a blow pin is screwed into the parison sandwiched between the molds. Finally, air is injected into the parison through the blow pin. This forms the container body 31.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the lower valve mechanism 12 is at least partially housed within the internal space of the ink supply unit 33. The lower valve mechanism 12 includes a lower support member 11, a lower sealing member 35, a lower valve 36, a lower coil spring 37, and a lower cap 39.

[0071] The lower support member 11 is housed in the internal space of the ink supply unit 33. The lower support member 11 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The lower support member 11 is an injection molded product. The lower support member 11 has a cylindrical portion 201, a reduced diameter portion 202, a conical portion 203, and a base 204.

[0072] The cylindrical portion 201 has a large-diameter portion 201A and a small-diameter portion 201B. The large-diameter portion 201A constitutes the front end of the lower support member 11. The front end 11A of the large-diameter portion 201A is located behind the ink outlet 34. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 201A is larger than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 201B.

[0073] The small-diameter portion 201B extends rearward from the rear end of the large-diameter portion 201A. The inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 201B is the same as the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 201A. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 201 is flush from the front end to the rear end. The outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 201B is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 201A. As a result, the rear end of the large-diameter portion 201A forms a step 18 between it and the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 201B.

[0074] The step 18 abuts in an annular manner against the lower rear step surface 13 of the ink supply unit 33. As a result, the lower support member 11 is positioned in the front-rear direction.

[0075] The reduced-diameter section 202 extends rearward from the rear end of the small-diameter section 201B. The outer circumferential surface of the reduced-diameter section 202 is slightly inclined inward with respect to the front-rear direction such that the outer diameter becomes slightly smaller towards the rear. The inner diameter of the reduced-diameter section 202 is smaller than the inner diameters of the large-diameter section 201A and the small-diameter section 201B. The inner diameter of the reduced-diameter section 202 is the same from the front end to the rear end.

[0076] The conical portion 203 extends rearward from the rear end of the reduced-diameter portion 202. The outer circumferential surface of the conical portion 203 is inclined inward with respect to the front-rear direction such that the outer diameter decreases towards the rear. The conical portion 203 has a circular through-hole 206 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The through-hole 206 is partitioned by an annular partition wall 205 that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the conical portion 203.

[0077] The base 204 is located in front of the partition wall 205. The base 204 has a spring support surface 204A facing forward.

[0078] The lower sealing member 35 is an annular elastic member. The material of the lower sealing member 35 is, for example, rubber. The lower sealing member 35 has a circular lower through-hole 19 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The lower sealing member 35 is located in the internal space of the ink supply unit 33. The lower sealing member 35 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply unit 33 slightly behind the ink outlet 34. The lower sealing member 35 has a front portion 35A and a rear portion 35B.

[0079] The front portion 35A has a cylindrical body 301, an outer projection 302, and an inner projection 304. The cylindrical body 301 is a cylindrical body that extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the cylindrical body 301 abuts against the front end 11A of the lower support member 11. The outer projection 302 is an annular projection that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 301. The outer projection 302 is located at the front end of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 301. The outer projection 302 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the ink supply unit 33 around its entire circumference.

[0080] The internal projection 304 is an annular projection that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 301. The internal projection 304 is located slightly rearward than the external projection 302 in the front-rear direction. The protruding end of the internal projection 304 defines the lower through hole 19. The lower through hole 19 is an example of a second through hole.

[0081] The rear portion 35B is a cylindrical body extending rearward from the rear end of the cylindrical body 301. The rear portion 35B is located inward from the radial center of the cylindrical body 301. The rear portion 35B is located at a distance radially inward from the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply section 33. The outer circumferential surface 305 of the rear portion 35B abuts against the inner circumferential surface at the front end of the lower support member 11. The lower sealing member 35 is an example of a second sealing member.

[0082] The lower valve 36 is located in the internal space of the lower support member 11. The lower valve 36 is movable in the front-rear direction within the internal space of the lower support member 11. The ink outlet 34 is sealed when the lower valve 36 comes into contact with the lower sealing member 35. Specifically, the lower valve 36 has a first valve 36A and a second valve 36B.

[0083] The first valve 36A is in contact with the rear surface of the internal projection 304. The first valve 36A has a cylindrical shape that extends rearward from the rear surface of the internal projection 304. The front end of the first valve 36A is closed. The rear end of the first valve 36A is open to the rear.

[0084] The first valve 36A is movable in the front-rear direction between a first closed position and a first open position. The first closed position is the position where the front end of the first valve 36A abuts against the rear surface of the internal projection 304. In the first closed position, the first valve 36A closes the lower through hole 19. The first open position is the position where the front end of the first valve 36A is located further back than in the first closed position. In the first open position, the first valve 36A opens the lower through hole 19.

[0085] The second valve 36B has a housing portion 321, a cylindrical portion 322, and a flange portion 323. The housing portion 321 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the housing portion 321 is open to the front. The rear end of the housing portion 321 is closed. The inner diameter of the housing portion 321 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first valve 36A. A portion of the first valve 36A is located in the internal space of the housing portion 321.

[0086] The cylindrical portion 322 is located in the internal space of the housing portion 321. The cylindrical portion 322 has a cylindrical shape that extends forward from the front surface of the rear wall of the housing portion 321. A part of the first valve 36A is located between the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 322 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing portion 321. The cylindrical portion 322 has an annular spring support surface 324 facing forward. The spring support surface 324 is located in the center in the front-rear direction on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 322.

[0087] The flange portion 323 has an annular shape that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the housing portion 321. The flange portion 323 is located at the front end of the housing portion 321. The protruding end of the flange portion 323 is close to the inner circumferential surface 97 of the cylindrical portion 201 of the lower support member 11. As a result, the second valve 36B is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Consequently, the posture of the second valve 36B is maintained.

[0088] The second valve 36B is movable in the front-rear direction between a second closed position and a second open position. The second closed position is the position where the front surface of the flange portion 323 abuts against the rear end 111 of the rear portion 35B. In the second closed position, the second valve 36B closes the lower through hole 19. The second open position is the position where the flange portion 323 is located further back than in the second closed position. In the second open position, the second valve 36B opens the lower through hole 19. The lower valve 36 is an example of a second valve.

[0089] The lower coil spring 37 biases the lower valve 36 toward the lower sealing member 35. Specifically, the lower coil spring 37 has a first coil spring 37A and a second valve 36B.

[0090] The first coil spring 37A is compressible in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the first coil spring 37A is supported by the spring support surface 324 of the cylindrical portion 322. The front end of the first coil spring 37A is supported by the rear surface of the front wall of the first valve 36A. As a result, the first coil spring 37A presses the front end of the first valve 36A against the rear surface of the inner projection 304 of the lower seal member 35.

[0091] The second coil spring 37B is compressible in the front-rear direction. The spring constant of the second coil spring 37B is greater than that of the first coil spring 37A. The rear end of the second coil spring 37B is supported by the spring support surface 204A of the base 204. The front end of the second coil spring 37B is supported by the rear surface of the flange portion 323. As a result, the second coil spring 37B presses the front surface of the flange portion 323 against the rear end 111 of the rear portion 35B of the lower seal member 35. The outer surface of the second coil spring 37B is close to the inner circumferential surface 202A of the reduced diameter portion 202 of the lower support member 11. As a result, the second coil spring 37B is guided in the front-rear direction. The lower coil spring 37 is an example of a second biasing member. The lower valve mechanism 12 is an example of a second valve mechanism.

[0092] The lower cap 39 is welded to the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply section 33 around the ink outlet 34. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the lower cap 39 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the lower cap 39 is open to the front. The rear end of the lower cap 39 is open to the rear. As shown in Figure 6, the lower cap 39 abuts against the lower sealing member 35 from the front. Specifically, the lower cap 39 has a lower mounting portion 81, a plurality of connecting pieces 82, and a lower contact portion 83.

[0093] The lower mounting portion 81 is located at the ink outlet 34. The lower mounting portion 81 has a lower contact wall 81A and a lower welded wall 81B. The lower contact wall 81A is located at the front end of the ink supply portion 33. The lower contact wall 81A is annular in shape. The rear surface of the lower contact wall 81A is in contact with the front end of the ink supply portion 33 around its entire circumference.

[0094] The lower welded wall 81B has an annular shape that extends rearward from the rear surface of the lower contact wall 81A. The outer circumferential surface of the lower welded wall 81B is located radially inward of the lower cap 39 than the outer circumferential surface of the lower contact wall 81A. The lower end of the lower welded wall 81B is in contact with the lower front stepped surface 415 of the ink supply section 33. The rear end of the lower welded wall 81B is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, so as it moves radially inward of the lower cap 39, it moves forward. The lower end of the lower welded wall 81B is fixed to the lower front stepped surface 415 by welding. The lower mounting section 81 is an example of the second cap body.

[0095] Multiple connecting pieces 82 extend rearward from the inner edge of the rear surface of the lower contact wall 81A. The multiple connecting pieces 82 are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the lower contact wall 81A. The multiple connecting pieces 82 have a flat plate shape that extends in the circumferential and front-rear directions of the lower contact wall 81A. The inner and rear surfaces of the multiple connecting pieces 82 are inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as they are positioned towards the rear, they are inward in the radial direction of the lower contact wall 81A. A lower gap 85 exists between adjacent connecting pieces 82 in the circumferential direction of the lower contact wall 81A. The lower gap 85 is positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the lower contact wall 81A.

[0096] The lower contact portion 83 is located at a distance behind the lower mounting portion 81. The lower contact portion 83 has an annular shape extending rearward from the rear end of the inner surface of the plurality of connecting pieces 82. The lower contact portion 83 connects the plurality of connecting pieces 82 in the circumferential direction. In other words, the plurality of connecting pieces 82 connect the lower mounting portion 81 and the lower contact portion 83 in the front-rear direction. The outer circumferential surface 123 of the lower contact portion 83 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 124 of the front portion 35A of the lower sealing member 35. The lower contact portion 83 has two notches 87 cut out forward from the rear end surface 83A of the lower contact portion 83. The two notches 87 are located at 180 degrees from the center of the lower contact portion 83. The two notches 87 have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the circumferential direction of the lower contact portion 83. The rear end surface 83A of the lower contact portion 83 is in contact with the front surface of the internal projection 304 of the lower sealing member 35. The lower contact portion 83 is an example of a third contact portion. The lower cap 39 is an example of a second cap.

[0097] As shown in Figure 5, the upper valve mechanism 504 is at least partially housed within the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper valve mechanism 504 includes an upper support member 38, an upper sealing member 17, an upper valve 50, an upper coil spring 49, and an upper cap 55. The upper valve mechanism 504 is an example of a first valve mechanism.

[0098] The upper support member 38 is located in the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the upper support member 38 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The upper support member 38 has a cylindrical body 38A, an outer rib 38B, a plurality of inner ribs 38C, a plurality of front spring support sections 38D, and a plurality of rear spring support sections 38E.

[0099] The cylindrical body 38A is cylindrical in shape and extends in the front-rear direction. The rear end of the cylindrical body 38A is closed. The front end of the cylindrical body 38A is open to the front. As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the cylindrical body 38A extends rearward from a position behind the atmospheric communication port 501 to a position slightly behind the center of the ink storage chamber 46 in the front-rear direction. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A is slightly inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as it extends towards the rear. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the upper support member 38 is a tapered surface that slightly decreases in diameter as it extends towards the rear.

[0100] As shown in Figures 5, 9, and 10, the cylindrical body 38A has three slits 53 that connect the internal space of the cylindrical body 38A to the outside. The three slits 53 are positioned equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. In other words, the three slits 53 are positioned at 120 degrees from the center of the cylindrical body 38A. The three slits 53 extend in the front-rear direction. The three slits 53 extend from the front end of the cylindrical body 38A to the rear end of the cylindrical body 38A. The three slits 53 open to the rear at the rear end of the cylindrical body 38A.

[0101] The outer rib 38B has an annular shape that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A. The outer rib 38B is located in front of the three slits 53. The rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the cylindrical body 38A such that it moves towards the rearward direction as it moves radially inward of the cylindrical body 38A. The rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B abuts against the upper rear stepped surface 502C of the atmospheric communication portion 502 from the rear. This positions the upper support member 38 in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B and the upper rear stepped surface 502C of the atmospheric communication portion 502 abut at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction. This makes it difficult for ink from the ink storage chamber 46 to leak forward through the gap between the rear surface 48 and the upper rear stepped surface 502C. The upper rear stepped surface 502C is an example of a stepped surface. The rear surface 48 is an example of the rear surface of the outer rib.

[0102] Multiple internal ribs 38C protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A. Multiple internal ribs 38C are located at the front end of the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A. Multiple internal ribs 38C extend in the front-rear direction. Multiple internal ribs 38C are located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. In this embodiment, six internal ribs are located at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. Multiple internal ribs 38C are an example of multiple second ribs. The circumferential direction is an example of the circumferential direction.

[0103] The multiple front spring support portions 38D are positioned at a distance from the multiple internal ribs 38C. The multiple front spring support portions 38D protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A beyond the multiple internal ribs 38C. The multiple front spring support portions 38D extend in the front-rear direction. The multiple front spring support portions 38D are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. In this embodiment, three front spring support portions are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. The multiple front spring support portions 38D are an example of multiple third ribs.

[0104] The multiple rear spring support portions 38E extend rearward from the rear ends of the multiple inner ribs 38C to the front surface of the rear wall 54 of the cylindrical body 38A. The multiple rear spring support portions 38E protrude inward from the multiple inner ribs 38C. The front surfaces 314 of the multiple rear spring support portions 38E face forward. The multiple rear spring support portions 38E are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A. In this embodiment, three rear spring support portions 38E are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical body 38A.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, the upper sealing member 17 is located in the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper sealing member 17 has a cylindrical shape extending in the front-rear direction. The front end of the upper sealing member 17 is located in front of the atmospheric communication opening 501. The lower sealing member 35 is an annular elastic member. The material of the lower sealing member 35 is, for example, rubber.

[0106] As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the upper sealing member 17 has a circular upper through-hole 57 that penetrates in the front-rear direction. The upper sealing member 17 has a sealing body 17A, a rear lip 17B, and an outer contact portion 17C. The upper sealing member 17 is an example of a first sealing member.

[0107] The seal body 17A defines an upper through hole 57. The thickness of the seal body 17A decreases towards the front so that the inner diameter of the upper through hole 57 increases. The upper through hole 57 is an example of a first through hole. The outer circumference of the rear surface 67 of the seal body 17A abuts against the front surfaces of a plurality of inner ribs 38C. As a result, the plurality of inner ribs 38C abut against the rear surface 67 of the seal body 17A uniformly in the circumferential direction of the upper support member 38. The rear lip 17B has an annular shape that extends rearward from the entire circumference of the inner part of the rear surface 67 of the seal body 17A. The rear surface 67 is an example of the rear surface of the first seal member.

[0108] The outer contact portion 17C has an annular shape extending outward from the outer peripheral surface of the seal body 17A. The outer contact portion 17C is located behind the center of the seal body 17A in the front-rear direction. The outer contact portion 17C has a rear portion 61 and a front portion 62. The rear portion 61 constitutes the area behind the center of the outer contact portion 17C in the front-rear direction. The rear surface 112 of the rear portion 61 abuts against the front end 511 of the upper support member 38. As a result, the upper seal member 17 is positioned in the front-rear direction. The front end 511 is an example of a second contact portion.

[0109] The front portion 62 is located in front of the center in the front-rear direction of the outer contact portion 17C. The front portion 62 protrudes radially outward from the upper sealing member 17 compared to the rear portion 61. The outer peripheral surface 113 of the front portion 62 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The front surface 114 of the front portion 62 is a plane facing forward. The front surface 114 of the front portion 62 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The outer contact portion 17C is an example of a first contact portion. The front surface 114 is an example of a front surface.

[0110] The upper valve 50 is located in the internal space of the upper support member 38. The upper valve 50 has a cylindrical body 50A, a contact piece 50B, and a columnar body 50C.

[0111] The cylindrical body 50A is located behind the upper sealing member 17. The cylindrical body 50A has a cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction. The front end 313 of the cylindrical body 50A is closed. The rear end of the cylindrical body 50A is open to the rear. The outer circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical body 50A is spaced radially inward from the protruding end faces 311 of the multiple front spring support portions 38D to the upper support member 38. The front surface of the cylindrical body 50A is in contact with the rear lip 17B of the upper sealing member 17.

[0112] The contact piece 50B has an annular shape that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface 312 of the cylindrical body 50A toward the upper support member 38. The contact piece 50B is located at the front end of the cylindrical body 50A. The protruding end of the contact piece 50B abuts against the protruding ends of the multiple inner ribs 38C. The columnar body 50C has a columnar shape that extends forward from the front end 313 of the cylindrical body 50A. The columnar body 50C extends in the front-rear direction toward the upper through hole 57. A gap exists between the columnar body 50C and the inner surface of the upper through hole 57 through which air can flow.

[0113] The upper valve 50 is movable in the front-rear direction between a third closed position and a third open position. The third closed position is the position where the front end 313 of the cylindrical body 50A abuts against the rear lip 17B. In the third closed position, the upper valve 50 closes the upper through hole 57. The third open position is the position where the front end 313 of the cylindrical body 50A is moved rearward from the rear lip 17B. In the third open position, the upper valve 50 opens the upper through hole 57.

[0114] The upper coil spring 49 is located in the internal space of the upper support member 38. The upper coil spring 49 is located between the contact piece 50B and the plurality of rear spring support parts 38E. The upper coil spring 49 is compressible in the front-rear direction. The front end of the upper coil spring 49 is supported by the rear surface of the contact piece 50B. The rear end of the upper coil spring 49 is supported by the front surface 314 of the plurality of rear spring support parts 38E. The outer peripheral surface 49A of the upper coil spring 49 is in contact with the protruding end surfaces 311 of the plurality of front spring support parts 38D. The upper coil spring 49 is an example of a first biasing member.

[0115] As shown in Figure 5, the upper cap 55 is located at the atmospheric communication port 501. The upper cap 55 is attached to the front end of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The upper cap 55 abuts against the upper sealing member 17 from the front. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the upper cap 55 has an annular shape. Specifically, the upper cap 55 has an upper mounting portion 351 and an upper contact portion 352. The upper cap 55 is an example of a first cap.

[0116] As shown in Figure 5, the upper mounting portion 351 is located at the front end of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The upper mounting portion 351 has an upper contact wall 351A and an upper welded wall 351B. The upper contact wall 351A is annular in shape. The upper contact wall 351A abuts against the front end of the atmospheric communication portion 502 around its entire circumference.

[0117] The upper welded wall 351B has an annular shape that extends rearward from the rear surface of the upper contact wall 351A. The outer circumferential surface of the upper welded wall 351B is located radially inward of the upper cap 55 than the outer circumferential surface of the upper contact wall 351A. The rear surface 361 of the upper welded wall 351B is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the upper cap 55 such that it moves forward as it moves radially inward of the upper cap 55. The rear surface 361 of the upper welded wall 351B is in contact with the upper front stepped surface 502B of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The upper welded wall 351B is fixed to the upper front stepped surface 502B by welding. The upper mounting portion 351 is an example of the first cap body.

[0118] The upper contact portion 352 has an annular shape that extends downward from the entire circumference of the inner surface of the upper welded wall 351B. The outer surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352 is located at a distance from the inner surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502 radially inward of the upper cap 55. The rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 abuts against the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17. The upper contact portion 352 is an example of a first rib.

[0119] The rear surface 352A has a first plane 371 and a first inclined surface 372. The first plane 371 is located radially inward of the upper cap 55 on the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352. The first plane 371 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The first plane 371 faces rearward. The first plane 371 is slightly recessed rearward from the front surface 114 of the front portion 62.

[0120] The first inclined surface 372 is located radially outward of the upper cap 55 of the first plane 371. The first inclined surface 372 is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the upper cap 55 such that it moves forward as it moves radially outward of the upper cap 55. The first inclined surface 372 is slightly embedded rearward from the front surface 114 of the front portion 62.

[0121] An upper gap 375 exists between the outer circumferential surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352 and the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The upper gap 375 is defined by the outer circumferential surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352, the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502, the rear surface 361 of the upper welded wall 351B, and the front surface 114 of the front portion 62. The upper gap 375 is an example of a gap.

[0122] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, the front cover 32 is box-shaped and opens to the rear. The front cover 32 covers the front end of the container body 31. The front cover 32 covers the upper front wall 40U, the front end of the upper wall 44, the front end of the left wall 42, and the front end of the right wall 43 of the container body 31.

[0123] The left wall of the front cover 32 has two left through holes 58L that are separated vertically. The two left through holes 58L are located at the rear end of the left wall of the front cover 32. The two left through holes 58L penetrate the left wall of the front cover 32 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the left, the two left through holes 58L are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0124] The vertical length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the vertical length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The front-to-back length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the front-to-back length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The two left engaging projections 52L are inserted into the two left through holes 58L.

[0125] The right wall of the front cover 32 has two right through holes 58R that are separated vertically. The two right through holes 58R are located at the rear end of the right wall of the front cover 32. The two right through holes 58R penetrate the right wall of the front cover 32 in the left-right direction. When viewed from the right, the two right through holes 58R are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0126] The vertical length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the vertical length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The front-to-back length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the front-to-back length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The two right engaging protrusions 52R are inserted into the two right through holes 58R. As a result, the front cover 32 is assembled to the container body 31.

[0127] The two left through holes 58L are larger than the outer shape of the two left engaging protrusions 52L. The two right through holes 58R are larger than the outer shape of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. Therefore, when the container body 31 and the front cover 32 are assembled, the front cover 32 is movable relative to the container body 31 in the vertical and front-back directions.

[0128] [Injecting ink into ink cartridge 30] As shown in Figure 14, ink is injected into the ink cartridge 30 through an ink outlet 34 that faces upward, opposite to the vertical direction, into the ink storage chamber 46. The orientation of the ink cartridge 30 shown in Figure 14 is the injection orientation. In the injection orientation, the atmospheric communication port 501 also faces upward. Figure 14 shows the maximum ink level L when the maximum amount of ink has been injected into the ink storage chamber 46. The lower ends 53A of the three slits 53 are located below the maximum ink level L.

[0129] As ink is injected into the ink storage chamber 46, ink bubbles form on the liquid surface. If these ink bubbles remain, they may be supplied to the recording head 21, potentially causing printing defects. In this embodiment, as the liquid level rises with the injection of ink, the bubbles come into contact with the three slits 53. This causes the bubbles to disappear.

[0130] [Installing ink cartridge 30 into cartridge case 110] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward through the opening 105 into the internal space of the cartridge case 110. The lower end of the inserted ink cartridge 30 is supported by the guide surface 161 of the cartridge case 110.

[0131] As the ink cartridge 30 is inserted further forward, the ink outlet 34 receives the supply tube 102. Once the supply tube 102 is received by the ink outlet 34, the supply tube 102 pushes the first valve 36A backward against the biasing force of the first coil spring 37A. As a result, the first valve 36A moves backward from the first closed position to the first open position.

[0132] As the first valve 36A moves backward, the biasing force of the first coil spring 37A increases. When the first valve 36A moves backward a predetermined distance, the biasing force of the first coil spring 37A becomes stronger than the biasing force of the second coil spring 37B. As a result, the second valve 36B moves backward from the second closed position to the second open position against the biasing force of the second coil spring 37B. This creates communication between the internal space of the lower support member 11 and the internal space of the supply pipe 102. Consequently, ink from the ink storage chamber 46 is supplied to the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 through the internal space of the supply pipe 102.

[0133] Simultaneously, the atmospheric communication port 501 receives the rod 121. Once the rod 121 is received by the atmospheric communication port 501, it pushes the upper valve 50 backward against the biasing force of the upper coil spring 49. As a result, the upper valve 50 moves from the third closed position to the third open position. This opens the atmospheric communication port 501. Air flows into the ink storage chamber 46 from the outside through the opened atmospheric communication port 501, the internal space of the upper support member 38, and the three slits 53.

[0134] [Effects of this embodiment] In the above embodiment, the temperature of the ink storage chamber 46 may rise when the ink cartridge 30 is not installed in the cartridge case 110. When the ink cartridge 30 is not installed in the cartridge case 110, for example, it is during transport of the ink cartridge 30. When the temperature of the ink storage chamber 46 rises, the air pressure in the ink storage chamber 46 increases, and a forward pushing force acts on the upper sealing member 17. As a result, the upper sealing member 17 deforms. During transport of the ink cartridge 30, the ink cartridge 30 is not in the installed position, so if the upper sealing member 17 deforms, ink is likely to leak to the outside from the ink outlet 34.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the first inclined surface 372 of the upper cap 55 abuts against the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17. Therefore, when a forward pushing force is applied to the upper sealing member 17, a force acts on the upper sealing member 17 from the first plane 371 in a direction that presses the front portion 62 against the inner circumferential surface 502A. As a result, the upper sealing member 17 adheres firmly to the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. Consequently, leakage of ink from the atmospheric communication port 501 to the outside through the space between the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502 and the outer circumferential surface 113 of the front portion 62 is suppressed.

[0136] In the above embodiment, when the upper cap 55 is welded to the tip of the atmospheric communication portion 502, the melted portion that molten out from the upper welded wall 351B flows into the upper gap 375. As a result, the upper welded wall 351B is welded to the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502, which suppresses excessive deformation of the upper cap 55.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 is in contact with the front surface of the upper sealing member 17. The upper gap 375 is defined by the outer peripheral surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352 and the inner peripheral surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The upper gap 375 is defined by the rear surface 361 of the upper welded wall 351B and the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17. Therefore, the eluted portion that flows into the upper gap 375 due to the welding of the upper welded wall 351B is trapped in the upper gap 375. Consequently, the eluted portion of the upper welded wall 351B is less likely to overflow into the upper cap 55 through the gap between the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 and the front surface 114 of the front portion 62.

[0138] Furthermore, even if ink leaks into the upper gap 375 through the gap between the outer circumferential surface 113 of the front portion 62 and the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502, the leaked ink is trapped in the upper gap 375. Therefore, the ink that leaks into the upper gap 375 is less likely to flow out into the inside of the upper cap 55 through the gap between the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 and the front surface 114 of the front portion 62. As a result, leakage of ink from the ink storage chamber 46 to the outside through the atmospheric communication port 501 is suppressed.

[0139] In the above embodiment, the upper sealing member 17 is positioned in the front-rear direction by the rear surface 112 of the rear portion 61 contacting the front end 511 of the upper support member 38. This makes it easy to assemble the upper sealing member 17 to the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the multiple internal ribs 38C are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper support member 38 on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A of the upper support member 38. Therefore, the front surfaces of the multiple internal ribs 38C are uniformly in contact with the rear surface 112 of the rear portion 61 of the upper seal member 17 in the circumferential direction of the upper support member 38. As a result, the upper seal member 17 is less likely to tilt, and ink from the ink storage chamber 46 is less likely to leak from the atmospheric communication port 501. Since the multiple internal ribs 38C are positioned at intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper support member 38, a flow path for air to flow is secured in the internal space of the upper support member 38. The protruding ends of the multiple internal ribs 38C are in contact with the protruding ends of the contact pieces 50B, so the upper valve 50 is less likely to tilt.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the outer circumferential surface 49A of the upper coil spring 49 is in contact with the protruding end faces 311 of the multiple front spring support portions 38D. Therefore, the upper coil spring 49 is guided in the front-rear direction by the multiple front spring support portions 38D, making it less prone to tilting. As a result, the upper valve 50, which is biased by the upper coil spring 49, is less prone to tilting, and the upper valve 50 moves smoothly in the front-rear direction between the third closed position and the third open position.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the upper support member 38 is positioned in the front-rear direction by the rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B contacting the upper rear stepped surface 502C of the atmospheric communication portion 502. The rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B and the upper rear stepped surface 502C of the atmospheric communication portion 502 contact each other at an angle with respect to the front-rear direction. Therefore, the ink in the ink storage chamber 46 is less likely to leak forward through the gap between the rear surface 48 of the outer rib 38B and the upper rear stepped surface 502C of the atmospheric communication portion 502.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the container body 31 is formed by blow molding. As a result, when the blow pin is screwed into the parison, a buildup of material 119 may occur on the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. In particular, as shown in Figure 15, a buildup of material 119 is likely to occur on the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502 at a position 120 degrees from the atmospheric communication portion 502.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the upper support member 38 has three slits 53 that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the upper support member 38. The three slits 53 communicate the internal space of the cylindrical body 38A with the outside. The three slits 53 extend in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the user inserts the upper support member 38 into the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502, the three slits 53 allow the user to avoid the accumulation of material 119. Thus, the user can easily insert the upper support member 38 into the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502.

[0145] In the above embodiment, the upper support member 38 communicates the internal space of the cylindrical body 38A with the outside and has three slits 53 extending in the front-rear direction. Therefore, even if ink bubbles form on the liquid surface when ink is injected into the ink cartridge 30, these bubbles are easily eliminated by contacting the three slits 53. Consequently, printing defects caused by ink bubbles being sent to the recording head 21 are suppressed.

[0146] In the above embodiment, in the ink cartridge 30 in the injection position, the lower ends 53A of the three slits 53 of the upper support member 38 are located below the maximum liquid level L of the ink storage chamber 46. Therefore, bubbles formed on the liquid surface due to ink injection come into contact with the three slits 53 as the liquid level rises with the injection of ink. Consequently, the bubbles tend to disappear.

[0147] In the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is not installed in the cartridge case 110, the temperature of the ink storage chamber 46 may rise. When the temperature of the ink storage chamber 46 rises, the air pressure in the ink storage chamber 46 increases, and a forward pushing force acts on the lower sealing member 35. As a result, the front-to-back position of the lower sealing member 35 may shift backward. Consequently, the lower valve 36 may not be able to sufficiently close the lower through-hole 19, and ink from the ink storage chamber 46 may leak to the outside from the ink outlet 34.

[0148] In the above embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 123 of the lower contact portion 83 of the lower cap 39, which is located in front of the lower sealing member 35, contacts the inner peripheral surface 124 of the front portion 35A of the lower sealing member 35. As a result, the front portion 35A of the lower sealing member 35 adheres firmly to the inner peripheral surface 33A of the ink supply portion 33, making it difficult for the lower sealing member 35 to shift backward in the front-rear direction. Therefore, ink from the ink storage chamber 46 is less likely to leak to the outside from the ink outlet 34.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the eluted portion melted by the welding of the lower welded wall 81B flows into the lower gap 85. Therefore, when the lower welded wall 81B is welded to the inner circumferential surface 33A of the ink supply unit 33, excessive deformation of the lower cap 39 is suppressed.

[0150] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the first plane 371 of the upper cap 55 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. However, the first plane 371 may be slightly inclined with respect to the radial direction of the upper cap 55 such that it moves slightly forward as it moves radially inward of the upper cap 55. Alternatively, the first plane 371 may be slightly inclined with respect to the radial direction of the upper cap 55 such that it moves slightly backward as it moves radially inward of the upper cap 55.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. However, the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17 may have a second plane 411 and a second inclined surface 412, as shown in Figure 16.

[0152] The second plane 411 is located on the inner circumference of the front surface 114 of the front portion 62. The second plane 411 is a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The second plane 411 abuts the first plane 371 of the upper contact portion 352 in the front-rear direction.

[0153] The second inclined surface 412 is adjacent to the second plane 411 radially outward of the upper sealing member 17. The second inclined surface 412 is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the upper sealing member 17 such that it moves forward as it moves radially outward of the upper sealing member 17. The second inclined surface 412 abuts with the first inclined surface 372 of the upper contact portion 352 in the front-rear direction.

[0154] In this configuration, the upper sealing member 17 is more likely to receive a force from the first inclined surface 372 that presses the upper sealing member 17 against the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication section 502. Therefore, when the air pressure in the ink storage chamber 46 increases, the upper sealing member 17 is more likely to adhere firmly to the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication section 502.

[0155] In the above embodiment, the upper cap 55 was attached to the front end of the atmospheric communication section 502 by welding. However, the method of attaching the upper cap 55 is not limited as long as it can be attached to the front end of the atmospheric communication section 502. For example, the upper cap 55 may be attached to the atmospheric communication section 502 by adhesive.

[0156] In the above embodiment, an upper gap 375 exists between the outer circumferential surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352 and the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502. However, the upper gap 375 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the outer circumferential surface 376 of the upper contact portion 352 may contact the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502.

[0157] In the above embodiment, the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 of the upper cap 55 abuts against the front surface 114 of the front portion 62 of the upper sealing member 17. However, if a part of the upper cap 55 abuts against the upper sealing member 17 from the front, the rear surface 352A of the upper contact portion 352 does not need to abut against the front surface 114 of the front portion 62.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the upper valve mechanism 504 includes an upper support member 38. However, the upper support member 38 may be omitted. In this case, the upper valve 50 and the upper coil spring 49 are supported on the inner circumferential surface 502A of the atmospheric communication portion 502.

[0159] In the above embodiment, the multiple internal ribs 38C are positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper sealing member 17 on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A. However, the multiple internal ribs 38C do not necessarily have to be positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the upper sealing member 17 on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 38A.

[0160] In the above embodiment, the multiple internal ribs 38C abut against the rear surface of the upper sealing member 17 and the contact piece 50B of the upper valve 50. However, the multiple internal ribs 38C do not need to abut against the rear surface of the upper sealing member 17 and the contact piece 50B of the upper valve 50. Furthermore, the multiple internal ribs 38C may be omitted.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the multiple front spring support portions 38D abut against the outer circumferential surface 49A of the upper coil spring 49. However, the multiple front spring support portions 38D do not need to abut against the outer circumferential surface 49A of the upper coil spring 49. Furthermore, the multiple front spring support portions 38D may be omitted.

[0162] In the above embodiment, the cylindrical body 38A of the upper support member 38 has three slits 53. However, the cylindrical body 38A only needs to have one or more slits 53. Also, the three slits 53 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the rear end of the cylindrical body 38A may open to the rear.

[0163] In the above embodiment, in the injection position with the atmospheric communication port 501 facing upward, the lower ends 53A of the three slits 53 are located below the maximum liquid level L. However, the lower ends 53A of the three slits 53 may also be located above the maximum liquid level L.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the lower valve 36 has a first valve 36A and a second valve 36B. However, the first valve 36A or the second valve 36B may be omitted.

[0165] In the above embodiment, a lower gap 85 exists between adjacent connecting pieces 82 in the circumferential direction of the lower cap 39. However, the lower gap 85 does not have to exist. In this case, the multiple connecting pieces 82 may be continuous in the circumferential direction of the lower cap 39, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 10. Printer 12. Lower valve mechanism 12 (an example of a second valve mechanism) 17. Upper sealing member (an example of the first sealing member) 17A... Seal body 17C...External contact part (an example of the first contact part) 30... Ink cartridge (an example of a liquid cartridge) 31. Container body (an example of a housing) 33. Ink supply unit (an example of the second cylinder unit) 36...Lower valve (an example of the second valve) 37. Lower coil spring (an example of a second biasing member) 38. Upper support member (an example of a support member) 38B... Outer rib 38C...Internal rib (an example of the second rib) 38D...Front spring support section (an example of the third rib) 39...Lower cap (an example of a second cap) 48...rear 49. Upper coil spring (an example of the first biasing member) 50... Upper valve (an example of the first valve) 53...Slit 55...Upper cap (an example of the first cap) 57... Upper through-hole (an example of the first through-hole) 67...rear 81...Lower mounting section (an example of the second cap body) 82...Connection piece 124...Inner peripheral surface 83...Lower contact section (an example of the third contact section) 351... Upper mounting part (an example of the first cap body) 352... Upper contact section (an example of the first rib) 371...1st plane 372...1st slope 375... Upper gap (an example of a gap) 411...2nd plane 412...Second slope 502...Atmospheric communication section (an example of the first cylindrical section) 502A...Inner surface 502C... Upper rear stepped surface (an example of a stepped surface) 504... Upper valve mechanism (an example of a first valve mechanism) 511...Front end (an example of the second contact part) L...Maximum liquid level

Claims

1. A liquid cartridge that can be installed in a printer, A housing having a first cylindrical portion that opens forward in the direction in which the liquid cartridge is installed in the printer, It comprises a first valve mechanism, at least a portion of which is housed within the first cylindrical portion described above, The above-mentioned first valve mechanism is, It has a first through hole and a first sealing member that abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, A first valve is located within the first cylindrical portion and is movable between a closed position that closes the first through-hole and an open position that opens the first through-hole. A first biasing member that biases the first valve forward toward the closed position, It comprises an annular first cap attached to the first cylindrical portion described above, The first cap is in contact with the first sealing member from the front and has an annular first inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction so as it extends outward in the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, it moves forward.

2. The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing member abuts the first inclined surface from the rear and has an annular second inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction so as it extends outward, it extends forward.

3. The first cap is located inward on the first inclined surface, opposite to the outward direction, and faces backward, and has a first plane that contacts the first sealing member from the front. The liquid cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first sealing member is located inward of the second inclined surface, faces forward, and has a second plane that contacts the first plane.

4. The first cap mentioned above is An annular first cap body is welded to the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, It has an annular first rib that extends rearward from the first cap body and has the first inclined surface located at its rear end, The liquid cartridge according to claim 1, wherein a gap exists between the outer circumferential surface of the first rib and the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion.

5. The above-mentioned first sealing member is, An annular seal body defining the first through-hole, It has an annular first contact portion that extends outward from the outer circumferential surface of the seal body and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion, The liquid cartridge according to claim 4, wherein the rear end of the first rib is in contact with the front surface of the first contact portion from the front.

6. The first valve mechanism described above extends in the front-rear direction within the first cylindrical portion and further comprises a cylindrical support member that houses the first valve and the first biasing member. The liquid cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the support member has a second contact portion that contacts the first contact portion from the rear.

7. The support member described above extends inward from the front end of the inner circumferential surface of the support member, in the opposite direction to the outward direction, and has a plurality of second ribs that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the support member. The liquid cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of second ribs abut against the rear surface of the first sealing member and the outer circumferential surface of the first valve.

8. The first biasing member described above is a coil spring that can be compressed in the front-rear direction. The support member has a plurality of third ribs located behind the plurality of second ribs, extending inward from the inner circumferential surface of the support member, and positioned at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the support member. The liquid cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of third ribs are in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the coil spring.

9. The inner circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion has an annular stepped surface that is inclined in the front-rear direction, in the opposite direction to the outward direction as it moves towards the rear. The above-mentioned support member has an annular outer rib that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the support member, The rear surface of the outer rib is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction so as it moves inward, opposite to the outward direction, and contacts the stepped surface, as described in claim 6 of the liquid cartridge.

10. The liquid cartridge according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the support member communicates the internal space of the support member with the outside and has a slit extending in the front-rear direction.

11. The liquid cartridge according to claim 10, wherein in the injection position with the opening of the first cylindrical portion facing upward, the lower end of the slit is located below the maximum liquid level when the maximum amount of liquid is injected into the housing.

12. The liquid cartridge according to claim 10, wherein the support member has three slits that are equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the support member.

13. A liquid cartridge that can be installed in a printer, A housing having a second cylindrical portion that opens forward in the direction in which the liquid cartridge is installed in the printer, It comprises a second valve mechanism, at least a portion of which is housed within the second cylindrical portion, The above-mentioned second valve mechanism is, It has a second through hole and a second sealing member that abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, A second valve is located within the second cylindrical portion and is movable between a closed position that closes the second through-hole and an open position that opens the second through-hole. A second biasing member that biases the second valve forward toward the closed position, A liquid cartridge comprising: an annular second cap attached to the second cylindrical portion, located in front of the second sealing member, and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second sealing member.

14. The second cap mentioned above is An annular second cap body is welded to the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion, A third contact portion is located at the rear of the second cap body, opposite to the front, and contacts the second sealing member, The liquid cartridge according to claim 13, comprising a plurality of connecting pieces that connect the second cap body and the third contact portion in the front-rear direction and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the second cap.

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