Cartridge

Abstract

To provide a cartridge which can suppress dripping of liquid from an opening of a liquid flow passage of a liquid lead-out section.SOLUTION: A cartridge is detachably mounted in a liquid injection device including a liquid introduction section. The cartridge includes: a liquid supply section which has a supply section flow passage communicated with a liquid storage section; a valve seat which has a valve seat insertion port; a valve element which is positioned on an upstream side of the valve seat; a biasing member which biases the valve element toward the valve seat; a cap which is positioned on a downstream side of the valve seat in a flow direction; and a liquid absorption material which comes into contact with the cap. The cap has a first surface facing the valve seat, a second surface which faces the first surface and comes into contact with the liquid absorption material, a cap insertion port which is formed over the first surface and the second surface and into which the liquid introduction section is inserted, a groove which is formed on the first surface and faces the valve seat, and a hole which is formed over the first surface and the second surface and is connected to the groove. The hole comes into contact with the liquid absorption material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a cartridge that can be attached to a liquid ejection device, a configuration including a liquid storage unit that stores a liquid and a liquid supply unit that circulates the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit toward the liquid ejection device is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The cartridge is attached to a liquid ejection device, and after liquid is supplied to the liquid ejection device through the liquid supply unit, it may be removed from the liquid ejection device. In this case, since liquid adheres to the liquid flow path of the liquid supply unit, there is a risk that the liquid will drip from the liquid flow path of the liquid supply unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge that is detachably attached to a liquid ejecting device including a liquid introduction portion. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid, a liquid supply portion having a supply passage communicating with the liquid storage portion, a valve seat disposed in the supply passage and having a valve seat insertion port into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted, a valve body disposed in the supply passage for closing the valve seat insertion port and located upstream of the valve seat in the flow direction of the liquid in the supply passage when the liquid is supplied, a biasing member disposed in the supply passage for biasing the valve body toward the valve seat, a cap located downstream of the valve seat in the flow direction, and a liquid absorbent in contact with the cap. The cap has a first surface facing the valve seat, a second surface facing the first surface and in contact with the liquid absorbent, a cap insertion port formed across the first surface and the second surface into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted, a groove formed in the first surface and facing the valve seat, and a hole formed across the first surface and the second surface and connected to the groove, and the hole is in contact with the liquid absorbent.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] A. Embodiment: A-1. Configuration of the printing system: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing system 1 as an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes, which are three spatial axes orthogonal to each other, are drawn. The directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point indicate the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point are the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction, respectively. Those in the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis regardless of positive or negative are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the figures and descriptions shown hereinafter.

[0008] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 as a liquid ejection device and a plurality of cartridges 4 that supply ink, which is a liquid, to the printing device 10. The printing device 10 of the present embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects ink as a liquid from a discharge head 22. This printing device 10 is a large printer that performs printing on large-sized paper such as posters. The printing device 10 includes a cartridge mounting portion 6, a carriage 20, a discharge head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. A plurality of cartridges 4 having different ink colors stored therein are detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, respectively.

[0009] The printing apparatus 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front surface on the +Y direction side. When the +Z direction side of the replacement cover 13 is tilted forward, which is the +Y direction side, the opening of the cartridge mounting portion 6 appears, and the cartridge 4 can be attached and detached. When the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the discharge head 22 provided on the carriage 20 via the tube 24 as a liquid circulation pipe. In the present embodiment, ink is supplied from the cartridge 4 to the discharge head 22 by utilizing the head difference. Specifically, the ink is supplied to the discharge head 22 by the head difference between the liquid level of the ink in the liquid storage portion 699 and the discharge head 22. In other embodiments, the ink may be supplied to the discharge head 22 by sucking the ink in the cartridge 4 by a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10. The tube 24 is provided for each type of ink. The state in which the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6 and ink as a liquid can be supplied to the printing apparatus 10 is also referred to as a mounted state.

[0010] Nozzles are provided for each type of ink in the discharge head 22. The discharge head 22 discharges ink toward the printing paper 2 from the nozzles to print data such as characters and images. The discharge head 22 is attached to the carriage 20. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 is a printer called a so-called "off-carriage type" in which the cartridge mounting portion 6 does not move in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 20. The present disclosure is also applicable to a printer called a so-called "on-carriage type" in which the cartridge mounting portion 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and the cartridge mounting portion 6 moves together with the carriage 20.

[0011] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 based on a control signal from the control unit. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting the power of the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, which is the direction along the X direction. Further, the printing apparatus 10 includes a conveyance mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. When printing is performed, the printing paper 2 is moved in the sub-scanning direction by the conveyance mechanism, and the printed paper 2 after printing is output onto the front cover 11.

[0012] The cartridge 4 is detachably attached to the printing apparatus 10. The cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 6 from the insertion opening 674 in the -Y direction and is housed in the cartridge mounting portion 6.

[0013] In the present embodiment, in the usage state of the printing system 1, the axis along the sub-scanning direction for conveying the printing paper 2 is defined as the Y axis, the axis along the gravitational direction is defined as the Z axis, and the axis along the moving direction of the carriage 20 is defined as the X axis. Here, the "usage state of the printing system 1" refers to the state in which the printing system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. Also, in the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is defined as the +Y direction, the opposite direction is defined as the -Y direction, the gravitational direction is defined as the -Z direction, and the anti-gravitational direction is defined as the +Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are directions along the horizontal direction. Also, when the printing system 1 is viewed from the front side, the direction from the right side to the left side is defined as the +X direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -X direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the insertion direction in which the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 6 for attachment is the -Y direction, and the direction in which the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, in the cartridge mounting portion 6, the -Y direction side is also referred to as the back side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the front side. Also, in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of cartridges 4 is the X direction.

[0014] A-2. Explanation of the cartridge mounting portion and the cartridge in the mounted state: FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge 4 and the cartridge mounting portion 6, with the YZ plane passing through the central axis CA1 of the liquid introduction portion 642 as the cutting plane, in the mounted state. As shown in FIG. 2, in the mounted state, the cartridge 4 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 61 disposed above the cartridge mounting portion 6.

[0015] The cartridge mounting portion 6 has a liquid storage portion 699 disposed below the accommodation chamber 61 and a liquid introduction portion 642. The support member 610 forming the bottom wall of the accommodation chamber 61 supports the cartridge 4 from below. In the mounted state of the cartridge 4, the main wall 613 forming the bottom of the support member 610 is inclined with respect to the Y direction. Specifically, the main wall 613 of the support member 610 is inclined so as to be located on the -Z direction side, which is the lower side, as it goes in the +Y axis direction. This main wall 613 is parallel to the Y direction in the initial arrangement state of the cartridge mounting portion 6 where the cartridge 4 is not mounted.

[0016] The liquid storage portion 699 communicates with the discharge head 22 via the tube 24 shown in FIG. 1 and also communicates with the liquid introduction portion 642. An air inlet (not shown) for taking in air is formed in the liquid storage portion 699. The liquid introduction portion 642 is a cylindrical member and has an introduction portion flow path 682 for allowing liquid to flow therethrough. In the mounted state where the cartridge 4 is mounted in the accommodation chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting portion 6, the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are connected.

[0017] In addition to the above configuration, the cartridge mounting portion 6 has a device-side supply portion positioning portion 644 used for positioning the cartridge 4. The device-side supply portion positioning portion 644 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. By the device-side supply portion positioning portion 644, which is a protrusion of the cartridge mounting portion 6, entering the concave-shaped supply portion positioning portion 448 of the cartridge 4, the movement intersecting the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 by the liquid supply portion 442 is restricted. Thereby, the positioning of the liquid supply portion 442 with respect to the liquid introduction portion 642 is performed.

[0018] In the mounted state where the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are connected. Thereby, the ink stored in the liquid storage portion 450 of the cartridge 4 is supplied to the liquid introduction portion 642 via the liquid supply portion 442. Further, in the present embodiment, while ink is supplied from the liquid supply portion 442 to the liquid introduction portion 642, the air stored in the liquid storage portion 699 becomes bubbles and circulates through the liquid introduction portion 642, the liquid supply portion 442, and then flows into the liquid storage portion 450. Thereby, gas-liquid exchange in the liquid storage portion 450 is performed. In other embodiments, the cartridge 4 may have an air communication passage that connects the liquid storage portion 450 to the outside, and gas-liquid exchange may be performed through this air communication passage. In this case, the air communication passage is disposed at a position different from the liquid supply portion 442, and is formed, for example, in the wall forming the liquid storage portion 450.

[0019] The central axis CA1 of the liquid introduction portion 642 is parallel to the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 in the mounted state and is inclined with respect to the Z direction. Further, the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 is in the direction along the direction in which the liquid supply portion 442 extends.

[0020] A-3. Description of the Cartridge: FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge 4. The outer shape of the cartridge 4 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. For the cartridge 4, the Y direction is the depth direction, the Z direction is the height direction, and the X direction is the width direction. Regarding the outer shape of the cartridge 4, the dimension in the Y direction is the largest, and the dimensions in the Z direction and the X direction are smaller in that order. The cartridge 4 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402. The adapter 402 is attached to the liquid container 401 by fitting.

[0021] The cartridge 4 has a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, a second side wall 46, and a corner portion 89. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 face each other in the Y direction. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 face each other in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to the central axis CA2 along the extending direction of the liquid supply portion 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 face each other in the X direction. The upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side and intersects the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. The bottom wall 44 is located on the -Z direction side which is the gravity direction side in the mounted state. The bottom wall 44 intersects the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. The corner portion 89 is provided at the corner portion where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect.

[0022] The liquid container 401 has a liquid storage portion 450 and a liquid supply portion 442. The liquid storage portion 450 is the internal space of the liquid container 401 and is provided for storing liquid. The liquid supply portion 442 communicating with the liquid storage portion 450 is a cylindrical member protruding from the bottom wall 44 of the liquid container 401 toward the adapter 402 side.

[0023] The adapter 402 has a supply portion positioning portion 448 and an opening 446. The supply portion positioning portion 448 is a hole extending from the second side wall 46 toward the upper wall 43. The opening 446 is an opening formed in the bottom wall 44 for inserting the liquid supply portion 442. When the cartridge 4 is viewed from the bottom wall 44 side, the opening 446 and the liquid supply portion 442 are in an overlapping positional relationship. In the present embodiment, the liquid supply portion 442 is arranged such that the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 passes through the opening 446.

[0024] A-4. Explanation of the method of mounting the cartridge: FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the process of mounting the cartridge 4 to the cartridge mounting portion 6. When the cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting portion 6, first, the cartridge 4 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 through the insertion / removal opening 674 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the front wall 42 of the cartridge 4 is positioned. Next, the rear wall 47 side of the cartridge 4 is rotationally moved in the connection direction CD2 shown by the arrow with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum. As a result, the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are connected. The rotation fulcrum 698 is provided on the second device wall 62 side of the cartridge mounting portion 6. When the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6, the above procedure is performed in reverse. That is, the cartridge 4 is rotationally moved in the connection direction CD3 shown by the arrow with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum and then pulled out from the accommodation chamber 61. The state in which the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are connected, as shown in the state of FIG. 2, is also referred to as the mounted state. On the other hand, the state in which the liquid supply portion 442 of the cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction portion 642 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 are not connected, such as the state shown in FIG. 4 or the cartridge 4 alone, is also referred to as the non-mounted state.

[0025] A-5. Detailed description of the cartridge mounting portion and the cartridge: FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 in the mounted state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view with the YZ plane passing through the central axis CA1 and the central axis CA2 as the cutting plane. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cap 490. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the liquid supply portion 442 in the non-mounted state. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view with the plane passing through the groove 493 of the cap 490 as the cutting plane. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the main part of FIG. 7.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid supply unit 442 has a supply unit flow path 482 that communicates with the liquid storage unit 450. The liquid supply unit 442 is inserted into an inflow opening 432 formed in the housing bottom wall 431, which is the bottom wall of the liquid storage unit 450. The shape of the liquid supply unit 442 is generally cylindrical with a central axis CA2. The liquid supply unit 442 has a supply unit flow path 482 through which the liquid flows. In the supply unit flow path 482, the downstream end is the supply opening 442e1. In the mounted state, the supply unit flow path 482 is located on the side in the direction of gravity, that is, downward, as it goes toward the supply opening 442e1. The liquid supply unit 442 has a housing 480 and a guide portion 481. The housing 480 has a cylindrical shape. A plurality of slits (not shown) extending in the axial direction along the central axis CA2 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction in the portion of the housing 480 that is housed in the liquid storage unit 450. The liquid in the liquid storage unit 450 flows into the supply unit flow path 482 through these slits.

[0027] The guide portion 481 is located inside the housing 480 and extends in the axial direction along the central axis CA2. The guide portion 481 guides the movement of the cartridge-side valve body 486 in the axial direction. The guide portion 481 and the housing 480 are connected to each other at the axial end on the liquid storage unit 450 side.

[0028] The liquid supply unit 442 includes a cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 in the supply unit flow path 482. The cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 opens and closes the supply unit flow path 482. The cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 has a cartridge-side valve seat 485 as a valve seat, a cartridge-side valve body 486 as a valve body, and a cartridge-side biasing member 487 as a biasing member.

[0029] The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is disposed near the supply opening 442e1. The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is an annular member. The cartridge-side valve seat 485 is formed of an elastic member such as synthetic rubber or elastomer, for example. The outer peripheral surface of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 is airtightly attached to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 480. A valve seat insertion port 485a penetrating in the direction along the central axis CA2 is formed in the cartridge-side valve seat 485. A protruding portion 485b protruding inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 that forms the valve seat insertion port 485a. The protruding portion 485b is disposed at the downstream end in the liquid flow direction of the supply unit flow path 482. At the time of mounting, the liquid introduction portion 642 is inserted into the valve seat insertion port 485a.

[0030] The cartridge-side valve body 486 is slidably attached to the liquid supply unit 442 in the axial direction along the central axis CA2. The cartridge-side valve body 486 is a rod-shaped member extending in the direction along the central axis CA2. The cartridge-side valve body 486 is located upstream of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 in the liquid flow direction of the supply unit flow path 482 when supplying liquid. When not mounted, the cartridge-side valve body 486 abuts against the valve seat insertion port 485a to close the valve seat insertion port 485a. As a result, the cartridge-side valve body 486 is in a closed valve state.

[0031] The cartridge-side biasing member 487 biases the cartridge-side valve body 486 in the direction toward the cartridge-side valve seat 485. The cartridge-side biasing member 487 is, for example, a compression coil spring. In the cartridge-side biasing member 487, one end abuts against the cartridge-side valve body 486 and the other end abuts against the liquid supply unit 442. The space between the inner peripheral surface of the housing 480 and the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and between the guide portion 481 and the cartridge-side valve body 486 is the supply unit flow path 482.

[0032] The liquid supply unit 442 further includes a cap 490 and a liquid absorbent 470 for absorbing liquid. The cap 490 is attached downstream of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 in the flow direction. The liquid absorbent 470 is attached downstream of the cap 490 in the flow direction. The liquid absorbent 470 is in the form of a sheet and is a member for holding liquid by capillary force. Examples of the liquid absorbent 470 include a porous body formed of polyvinyl alcohol, a foamed member such as urethane foam, and a member formed of a nonwoven fabric. In the present embodiment, a porous body formed of polyvinyl alcohol is used.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid introduction unit 642 is connected to the liquid supply unit 442 and receives the liquid from the liquid supply unit 442 when the cartridge 4 is mounted. The liquid introduction unit 642 has an introduction unit flow path 682 through which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 442 flows. The liquid introduction unit 642 has a central axis CA1. The central axis CA1 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0034] The liquid introduction unit 642 includes a hollow introduction unit main body 680 and a device-side valve mechanism 681 disposed in the introduction unit flow path 682. The tip portion of the introduction unit main body 680 has a cylindrical shape. The liquid introduction unit 642 includes the introduction unit main body 680 and the device-side valve mechanism 681. The introduction unit main body 680 is hollow, and the tip portion has a cylindrical shape. An introduction unit flow path 682 is formed inside the introduction unit main body 680.

[0035] The device-side valve mechanism 681 is disposed in the introduction unit flow path 682 and opens and closes the introduction unit flow path 682. The device-side valve mechanism 681 includes a device-side valve seat 687 formed by the introduction unit main body 680, a device-side valve body 685, and a device-side biasing member 683. The device-side valve seat 687 is a portion of the introduction unit main body 680 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA1. The device-side valve seat 687 has a device-side valve hole 689 that is a part of the introduction unit flow path 682.

[0036] The device-side valve body 685 is a rod-shaped member extending in the direction along the central axis CA1. The device-side valve body 685 is located within the introduction part flow path 682 and opens and closes the introduction part flow path 682. An arrangement part 686 is formed on the device-side valve body 685. The arrangement part 686 is a part of the main body of the device-side valve body 685 where the size in the direction orthogonal to the central axis CA1 is larger than other parts. The arrangement part 686 faces the device-side valve seat 687. An annular elastic member, i.e., a seal member 688, is attached to the arrangement part 686. The seal member 688 is formed of an elastomer or rubber. In a state where the liquid introduction part 642 and the liquid supply part 442 are not connected, the seal member 688 abuts airtightly against the device-side valve seat 687, and the device-side valve body 685 closes the device-side valve hole 689 of the device-side valve seat 687. Thereby, the device-side valve body 685 is in a closed valve state.

[0037] The device-side biasing member 683 biases the device-side valve body 685 in the direction toward the device-side valve seat 687. The device-side biasing member 683 is, for example, a compression coil spring. In the device-side biasing member 683, one end abuts against the arrangement part 686, and the other end abuts against the pedestal 684. The pedestal 684 is a member forming the base end 642a shown in FIG. 2 of the liquid introduction part 642 and is attached to the introduction part main body 680.

[0038] When the cartridge 4 is mounted, the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 is pushed by the liquid introduction part 642, and the cartridge-side valve body 486 moves away from the cartridge-side valve seat 485 to open the valve. On the other hand, when the cartridge 4 is mounted, the device-side valve body 685 moves away from the device-side valve seat 687 of the introduction part main body 680 to be in an open valve state. Then, the supply part flow path 482 and the introduction part flow path 682 are connected. In the mounted state, the liquid stored in the liquid storage part 450 flows into the supply part flow path 482, flows from the supply part flow path 482 into the introduction part flow path 682, and is supplied to the liquid storage part 699.

[0039] A-6. Detailed Explanation of the Cap: The cartridge 4 may be attached to the printing apparatus 10 and then removed from the printing apparatus 10 after liquid is supplied to the printing apparatus 10 through the liquid supply unit 442. In this case, since liquid adheres to the supply unit flow path 482 of the liquid supply unit 442, there is a risk that the liquid may drip outside the cartridge 4 from the tip of the supply unit flow path 482. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a cap 490 for guiding the liquid to the liquid absorbent 470 is attached to the liquid supply unit 442. Thereby, as described below, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the liquid from the liquid supply unit 442 of the cartridge 4 to the outside.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, the cap 490 has an annular shape. The cap includes a disk portion 491, an annular portion 492, a plurality of grooves 493, a plurality of holes 495, and a cap insertion port 498. As shown in FIG. 8, the disk portion 491 extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis CA2. The annular portion 492 rises on the side where the cartridge-side valve mechanism 484 is located in the axial direction along the central axis CA2 with the outer periphery of the disk portion 491 as the base end. The cap 490 is fixed to the housing 480 by fitting the annular portion 492 to the downstream end portion of the housing 480 in the liquid flow direction.

[0041] The disc portion 491 has a first surface 496 facing the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and a second surface 497 that is on the side opposite to the first surface 496 and faces the first surface 496. The thickness of the disc portion 491 is non-uniform, and a step is formed on the first surface 496. Here, the thickness of the disc portion 491 is the distance between the first surface 496 and the second surface 497 in the direction of the central axis CA2. Specifically, the step on the first surface 496 is formed so as to approach the second surface 497 in the direction from the cap insertion port 498 toward the annular portion 492. The thickness of the disc portion 491 on the annular portion 492 side is thinner than the thickness on the cap insertion port 498 side. The second surface 497 is in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. The disc portion 491 has a cap insertion port 498 into which the liquid introduction portion 642 is inserted and a plurality of holes 495 formed on the outer peripheral side of the cap insertion port 498. The cap insertion port 498 is located in the central region of the disc portion 491 and penetrates the disc portion 491. That is, the cap insertion port 498 is formed across the first surface 496 and the second surface 497. As shown in FIG. 5, at the time of mounting, the liquid introduction portion 642 is inserted into the cap insertion port 498. As shown in FIG. 8, each of the plurality of holes 495 penetrates the disc portion 491 at the position of the peripheral edge portion of the disc portion 491. That is, each of the plurality of holes 495 is formed across the first surface 496 and the second surface 497. As shown in FIG. 6, the number of the plurality of holes 495 is eight in the present embodiment. The plurality of holes 495 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction of the disc portion 491.

[0042] The plurality of grooves 493 extend in the radial direction, which is a separation direction away from the cap insertion port 498, with one end being the inner peripheral surface of the annular portion 492, on the first surface 496. The plurality of grooves 493 are formed eight in number at intervals in the circumferential direction. The groove 493 has a bottom surface 493a and two side surfaces 493b rising from respective both ends of the bottom surface 493a in the circumferential direction. Two corners 493c are formed by the bottom surface 493a and the two side surfaces 493b. The corner 493c extends along the extending direction of the groove 493. For one groove 493, the shape when viewed along the extending direction of the groove 493 is a rectangle with the first surface 496 side being open. As shown in FIG. 8, the groove 493 is formed with a substantially uniform depth, and a step is also formed in the groove 493 along the step of the first surface 496. A hole 495 connected to the groove 493 is disposed at the other end of the groove 493. The hole 495 has an inner peripheral surface 495a. The hole 495 is in contact with the annular portion 492, and a part of the inner peripheral surface 495a is also the side wall of the annular portion 492. As shown in FIG. 6, a recessed corner portion 495b is formed in the inner peripheral surface 495a. The corner 493c of the groove 493 and the corner portion 495b of the hole 495 are connected. In the present embodiment, the shape of the hole 495 when viewed from the direction of the central axis CA2 is a rectangle.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the groove 493 faces the cartridge-side valve seat 485. The hole 495 is in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. That is, the hole 495 and the second surface 497 around the hole 495 that partitions the hole 495 are in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. One end of the groove 493 is disposed near the protruding portion 485b of the cartridge-side valve seat 485. As described above, when removed from the printing apparatus 10, the cartridge 4 is rotationally moved in the connection direction CD3 shown by the arrow with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum, and becomes the state shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the central axis CA2 is in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the liquid adhering to the inner peripheral surface forming the valve seat insertion port 485a of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 accumulates near the protruding portion 485b. Since one end of the groove 493 is disposed near the protruding portion 485b, the liquid near the protruding portion 485b travels along the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion 485b and is guided into the groove 493. In the groove 493, a corner 493c is formed by the bottom surface 493a and the side surface 493b. For this reason, the liquid that has entered the groove 493 travels along the corner 493c due to capillary force. Since the corner 493c of the groove 493 and the corner portion 495b of the hole 495 are connected, the liquid is further guided into the hole 495 due to capillary force. Since the hole 495 is in contact with the liquid absorbent 470, the liquid that has entered the hole 495 is absorbed by the liquid absorbent 470. In this way, since the liquid adhering to the cartridge-side valve seat 485 travels through the groove 493 and the hole 495 formed in the cap 490 and is absorbed by the liquid absorbent 470, dripping of the liquid from the supply unit flow path 482 to the outside of the cartridge 4 can be suppressed.

[0044] According to the above embodiment, the cartridge 4 has a cap 490 located downstream of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 in the flow direction of the supply unit flow path 482 when supplying liquid. The cap 490 has a first surface 496 facing the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and a second surface 497 in contact with the liquid absorbent 470. The first surface 496 has a groove 493 facing the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and a hole 495 connected to the groove 493. Thereby, when the liquid introduction part 642 of the printing apparatus 10 is inserted and removed, the liquid adhering to the valve seat insertion port 485a of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 travels along the outer surface of the cartridge-side valve seat 485 and is guided to the groove 493 facing the cartridge-side valve seat 485. The liquid that has entered the groove 493 further travels along the groove 493 and is absorbed by the liquid absorbent 470 through the hole 495 connected to the groove 493. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the dripping of the liquid from the supply unit flow path 482 to the outside of the cartridge 4.

[0045] Also according to the above embodiment, the cap 490 has a plurality of grooves 493. Thereby, the liquid adhering to the valve seat insertion port 485a can be evenly absorbed, and the dripping of the liquid to the outside of the cartridge 4 can be suppressed over the entire circumference of the valve seat insertion port 485a.

[0046] Also according to the above embodiment, the groove 493 has a bottom surface 493a and a side surface 493b rising from the bottom surface 493a. And a corner 493c is formed by the bottom surface 493a and the side surface 493b. For this reason, since the liquid travels along the corner 493c due to capillary force, the liquid can be reliably guided to the hole 495. Further, the hole 495 has an inner peripheral surface 495a formed with a corner portion 495b recessed outward. And the corner portion 495b is connected to the corner 493c. For this reason, since the liquid travels along the corner portion 495b due to capillary force, the liquid can be reliably guided to the liquid absorbent 470 through the hole 495.

[0047] Also, according to the above embodiment, the groove 493 extends in the radial direction, which is a direction away from the cap insertion port 498. And a hole 495 is formed at the end of the groove 493. Thereby, the liquid absorbent 470 can be arranged away from the cap insertion port 498. The degree of freedom in arranging the liquid absorbent 470 can be increased.

[0048] B. Other Embodiments: B-1. Other Embodiment 1: In the above embodiment, eight grooves 493 and eight holes 495 are formed in the cap 490. The number of the grooves 493 and the holes 495 is not limited to eight, and may be one. Regardless of the number, since the grooves 493 and the holes 495 are formed in the cap 490, dripping of the liquid to the outside of the cartridge 4 can be suppressed.

[0049] B-2. Other Embodiment 2: In the above embodiment, the shape of the groove 493 is a rectangle with the first surface 496 side open. The shape of the groove 493 is not limited to a rectangle, and may be a polygon. Regardless of the shape, since corners are formed on the plurality of surfaces forming the groove 493, capillary force acts on the formed corners, and the liquid can be reliably guided along the corners. The same applies to the hole 495. That is, in the present embodiment, the shape of the hole 495 is a rectangle, but it is not limited to a rectangle and may be a polygon.

[0050] B-3. Other Embodiment 3: In the above embodiment, one hole 495 is provided for one groove 493. Alternatively, one hole 495 may be provided for a plurality of grooves 493. Also, a plurality of holes 495 may be provided for one groove 493. Regardless of the arrangement mode of the groove 493 and the hole 495, since the hole 495 is connected to the groove 493, the liquid guided to the groove 493 can be absorbed by the liquid absorbent 470 through the hole 495.

[0051] B-4. Other Embodiment 4: The present disclosure is applicable not only to inkjet printers and their ink cartridges, but also to any printing apparatus that ejects other liquids than ink and their cartridges. For example, it is applicable to various printing apparatuses and their cartridges as follows. (1) An image recording apparatus such as a facsimile machine (2) A printing apparatus that ejects a coloring material used in the manufacture of a color filter for an image display device such as a liquid crystal display (3) A printing apparatus that ejects an electrode material used in the formation of electrodes for an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, a surface emission display (Field Emission Display, FED), etc. (4) A printing apparatus that ejects a liquid containing a biological organic substance used in the manufacture of a biochip (5) A sample printing apparatus as a precision pipette (6) A printing apparatus for lubricating oil (7) A printing apparatus for resin liquid (8) A printing apparatus that ejects lubricating oil pinpoint to precision machinery such as watches and cameras (9) A printing apparatus that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used for an optical communication element, etc. (10) A printing apparatus that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching liquid for etching a substrate, etc. (11) A printing apparatus including a liquid ejection head that discharges any other minute amount of droplets

[0052] Note that the "droplet" refers to the state of the liquid ejected from the printing device, and includes those with a granular, teardrop, or trailing filamentous shape. Also, the "liquid" here may be any material that the printing device can eject. For example, the "liquid" may be a material in a state when the substance is in a liquid phase, including highly viscous or low-viscosity liquid materials, as well as liquid materials such as sols, gels, water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. Further, not only liquids as a state of matter, but also those in which particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent are included in the "liquid". Also, typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink is assumed to include general aqueous ink, oil-based ink, and various liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot melt ink.

[0053] C. Other Forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be appropriately replaced or combined in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Also, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0054] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cartridge that is detachably attached to a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid introduction portion. The cartridge includes a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid, a liquid supply portion having a supply portion flow path communicating with the liquid storage portion, a valve seat disposed in the supply portion flow path and having a valve seat insertion port into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted, a valve body disposed in the supply portion flow path for closing the valve seat insertion port, the valve body being located upstream of the valve seat in the flow direction of the liquid in the supply portion flow path when supplying the liquid, a biasing member disposed in the supply portion flow path for biasing the valve body toward the valve seat, a cap located downstream of the valve seat in the flow direction, and a liquid absorbent in contact with the cap. The cap has a first surface facing the valve seat, a second surface facing the first surface and in contact with the liquid absorbent, a cap insertion port formed across the first surface and the second surface into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted, a groove formed in the first surface and facing the valve seat, and a hole formed across the first surface and the second surface and connected to the groove. The hole is in contact with the liquid absorbent. According to this aspect, when the liquid introduction portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus is inserted and removed, the liquid adhering to the valve seat insertion port of the valve seat travels along the outer surface of the valve seat and is guided to the groove facing the valve seat. The liquid that has entered the groove further travels along the groove and is absorbed by the liquid absorbent in contact with the hole through the hole connected to the groove. Therefore, it is possible to suppress dripping of the liquid from the supply portion flow path to the outside of the cartridge.

[0055] (2) In the above aspect, the cap may have a plurality of the grooves. According to this aspect, it is possible to uniformly absorb the liquid adhering to the valve seat insertion port, and it is possible to suppress dripping of the liquid to the outside of the cartridge over the entire circumference of the valve seat insertion port.

[0056] (3) In the above aspect, the groove may have a bottom surface and a side surface rising from the bottom surface, and an angle may be formed by the bottom surface and the side surface. According to this aspect, the liquid can be surely guided to the hole because the liquid travels along the angle due to capillary force.

[0057] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the hole has an inner peripheral surface formed with a corner portion recessed outward, and the corner portion may be connected to the corner. According to this embodiment, the liquid guided to the corner of the groove can further travel along the corner portion of the hole by capillary force and be reliably guided to the liquid absorbent.

[0058] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the groove may extend in a separation direction away from the cap insertion port, and the hole may be formed at an end portion of the groove in the separation direction. According to this embodiment, the liquid absorbent can be arranged away from the cap insertion port. The degree of freedom in arranging the liquid absorbent can be increased.

[0059] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present disclosure can be realized in forms such as a method for manufacturing a cartridge and a liquid supply unit of a cartridge.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0060] 1…Printing system, 2…Printing paper, 4…Cartridge, 6…Cartridge mounting part, 10…Printing device, 13…Replacement cover, 20…Carriage, 22…Discharge head, 24…Tube, 30…Drive mechanism, 32…Timing belt, 34…Drive motor, 42…Front wall, 43…Upper wall, 44…Bottom wall, 45…First side wall, 46…Second side wall, 47…Rear wall, 61…Accommodation chamber, 62…Second device wall, 89…Corner part, 401…Liquid container, 402…Adapter, 431…Container bottom wall, 432…Inflow opening, 442…Liquid supply part, 446…Opening, 448…Supply part positioning part, 450…Liquid storage part, 470…Liquid absorbent, 480…Housing, 481…Guide part, 482…Supply part flow path, 484…Cartridge side valve mechanism, 485…Cartridge side valve seat, 485a…Valve seat insertion port, 485b…Protrusion, 486…Cartridge side valve body, 487…Cartridge side biasing member, 490…Cap, 491…Disk part, 492…Annular part, 493…Groove, 493a…Bottom surface, 493b…Side surface, 493c…Corner, 495…Hole, 495a…Inner peripheral surface, 495b…Corner part, 496…First surface, 497…Second surface, 498…Cap insertion port, 610…Support member, 613…Main wall, 642…Liquid introduction part, 642a…Base end, 644…Device side supply part positioning part, 674…Insertion / removal opening, 680…Introduction part main body, 681…Device side valve mechanism, 682…Introduction part flow path, 683…Device side biasing member, 684…Base, 685…Device side valve body, 686…Arrangement part, 687…Device side valve seat, 688…Sealing member, 689…Device side valve hole, 698…Rotation fulcrum, 699…Liquid storage part, CA1, CA2…Central axis, CD2, CD3…Connection direction

Claims

1. A cartridge detachably attached to a liquid ejecting apparatus having a liquid introduction portion, the cartridge comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing a liquid; a liquid supply portion having a supply portion flow path communicating with the liquid storage portion; a valve seat disposed in the supply portion flow path, the valve seat having a valve seat insertion port into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted; a valve body disposed in the supply portion flow path for closing the valve seat insertion port, the valve body being located upstream of the valve seat in the flow direction of the liquid in the supply portion flow path when the liquid is supplied; a biasing member disposed in the supply portion flow path for biasing the valve body toward the valve seat; a cap located downstream of the valve seat in the flow direction; a liquid absorbent located downstream of the cap in the flow direction and in contact with the cap; and the cap includes: a disk portion disposed between the liquid absorbent and the valve seat; a first surface of the disk portion, the first surface facing the valve seat; a second surface of the disk portion, the second surface being opposite to the first surface and in contact with the liquid absorbent; a cap insertion port formed across the first surface and the second surface and into which the liquid introduction portion is inserted; a groove formed in the first surface, the groove facing the valve seat; a hole formed across the first surface and the second surface and connected to the groove; and the hole is in contact with the liquid absorbent. The cartridge.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cap has a plurality of the grooves. The cartridge.

3. The cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the groove has a bottom surface and side surfaces rising from the bottom surface, and a corner is formed by the bottom surface and the side surfaces. The cartridge.

4. The cartridge according to claim 3, wherein the hole has a rectangular shape with corners, and the corners of the hole are connected to the corners of the groove. The cartridge.

5. The cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the groove extends in a separation direction away from the cap insertion port, and the hole is formed at an end of the groove in the separation direction. The cartridge.

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