Liquid holding member, cap, and cartridge

Abstract

To provide a technology of forming a liquid holding member integrally with a member to be formed, such as a cap body, and enabling the liquid holding member to be washed and reusable after absorbing liquid.SOLUTION: A liquid holding member includes: a bottom surface; and a plurality of protrusion parts formed with a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface. The protrusion parts are molded integrally with the bottom surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to technologies of a liquid holding member, a cap, and a cartridge.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique has been known in which a liquid absorbent for absorbing ink leaked from a liquid supply part is formed on a cap that is detachably attached to the liquid supply part of an ink cartridge (Patent Document 1). In this technique, the liquid absorbent is a porous body and is formed by a member separate from a cap body that forms the outer shape of the cap.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the conventional technology, since the liquid absorbent and the cap body are formed as separate members, various problems may occur. For example, it may take a long time or a large number of man-hours to assemble the cap. Also, for example, when liquid adheres to the liquid absorbent and is absorbed by the liquid absorbent, it may be difficult to wash and reuse it. Therefore, a technology for solving various problems that can occur in conventional caps is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid holding member is provided. The liquid holding member includes a bottom surface, and a plurality of convex portions formed by a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface, and the convex portions are integrally formed with the bottom surface.

[0006] (2) A liquid-holding member is provided according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid-holding member comprises a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions formed by a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface, a plurality of first corners formed by the bottom surface and the surfaces of the protrusions straddling a ridge, and a plurality of second corners formed by the surfaces of adjacent protrusions straddling a ridge.

[0007] (3) A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid-holding member comprising a bottom surface and a plurality of protrusions formed by a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface, wherein the direction along the direction in which the protrusions protrude perpendicularly from the bottom surface is defined as the first direction, and two directions perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular are defined as the second and third directions, and a plurality of sets of protrusions, each consisting of two or more different protrusions, are arranged in a line along at least one of the second and third directions.

[0008] (4) According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a cap is provided. The cap, which is detachably attached to a cartridge having a liquid supply unit, comprises an opposing surface facing the liquid supply unit and a liquid holding member as described above, disposed on the opposing surface.

[0009] (5) A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cartridge comprising a liquid supply unit having a central axis, a cartridge bottom surface, and a liquid holding member as described above, wherein the cartridge bottom surface has a bottom opening that exposes the liquid supply unit, and the liquid holding member is formed on at least a portion of the cartridge bottom surface in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis at a position surrounding the bottom opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the configuration of the printing system. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the cartridge mounting area. [Figure 3] A view of the cartridge mounting area from the +Z direction. [Figure 4]A diagram for explaining the process of mounting a cartridge to a cartridge mounting portion. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion in a state where insertion is completed. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing a cartridge and a cartridge mounting portion in a state where mounting is completed. [Figure 7] A perspective view of the cartridge. [Figure 8] Figure 1 for explaining the schematic configuration and engagement position of the cap. [Figure 9] Figure 2 for explaining the schematic configuration and engagement position of the cap. [Figure 10] Figure 1 showing an engaged state where the cap is engaged with the cartridge. [Figure 11] Figure 2 showing an engaged state where the cap is engaged with the cartridge. [Figure 12] A perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the cap. [Figure 13] An enlarged view of the region of Figure 12. [Figure 14] An enlarged view of a part of the liquid holding member shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] A view of the cap seen from the facing surface side. [Figure 16] An enlarged view of the region of Figure 15. [Figure 17] A diagram for explaining the formation position of the liquid holding member in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] A diagram for explaining the formation position of the liquid holding member in the third embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] A. First Embodiment: A-1. Configuration of the printing apparatus: FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the printing system 1 in the present embodiment. 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. Positive walking along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis is defined as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction, respectively. The directions opposite to the directions in which 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. Directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis regardless of positive or negative are called the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, respectively. The same applies to the figures and explanations shown hereinafter.

[0012] The printing system 1 includes a printing apparatus 10, a cartridge 4 that supplies ink, which is a liquid, to the printing apparatus 10, and a cap 7 shown in FIG. 8 described later that is detachably attached to the cartridge 4.

[0013] The printing apparatus 10 in the present embodiment is an inkjet printer that discharges ink as a liquid from a discharge head 22. This printing apparatus 10 is a large printer that performs printing on large-sized paper such as posters (A2 to A0, etc.). The printing apparatus 10 includes a cartridge mounting portion 6, a control portion 31, a carriage 20, a discharge head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. Further, the printing apparatus 10 includes an operation button 15 for a user to operate the operation of the printing apparatus 10.

[0014] The cartridge mounting section 6 has a first device wall 67 located on the +Y direction side. The first device wall 67 has an insertion / removal opening 674, which is an entrance / exit to the cartridge 4 storage chamber 61. Through this insertion / removal opening 674, the cartridge 4 is placed in the storage chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting section 6, and the cartridge 4 is removed from the storage chamber 61. Multiple cartridges 4 are each detachably mounted in the cartridge mounting section 6. In this embodiment, four types of cartridges 4, one of each corresponding to the four colors of ink—black, yellow, magenta, and cyan—i.e., a total of four cartridges 4 are mounted in the cartridge mounting section 6. The cartridge 4 containing black ink is also called cartridge 4K, and the cartridge 4 containing yellow ink is also called cartridge 4Y. Similarly, the cartridge 4 containing magenta ink is also called cartridge 4M, and the cartridge 4 containing cyan ink is also called cartridge 4C.

[0015] The printing device 10 has a replaceable cover 13 on the front side in the +Y direction. The replaceable cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening the replaceable cover 13, the opening of the cartridge mounting section 6 is revealed, allowing the cartridge 4 to be attached and detached. When the cartridge 4 is attached to the cartridge mounting section 6, ink can be supplied to the discharge head 22 provided on the carriage 20 via tubes 24 which act as liquid flow channels. Tubes 24 are provided for each type of ink. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the cartridge 4 to the discharge head 22 using the difference in water head. Specifically, ink is supplied to the discharge head 22 by the difference in water head between the ink level in the cartridge mounting section 6 and the discharge head 22. In other embodiments, ink may be supplied to the discharge head 22 by sucking the ink from the cartridge 4 using a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing device 10.

[0016] The ejection head 22 is equipped with nozzles for each type of ink. The ejection head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2 to print data such as characters and images. In this embodiment, the printing device 10 is a so-called "off-carriage type" printer in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 does not move in conjunction with the movement of the carriage 20. In contrast, the technology of this disclosure can also be applied to a so-called "on-carriage type" printer in which the cartridge mounting unit 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and moves together with the carriage 20.

[0017] The control unit 31 controls each part of the printing device 10 and exchanges signals with the cartridge 4. The carriage 20 moves the ejection head 22 relative to the printing paper 2.

[0018] The drive mechanism 30 moves the carriage 20 back and forth based on a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting power from the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 moves back and forth in the main scanning direction, which is along the X direction. The printing device 10 also includes a transport mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is in the +Y direction. When printing is performed, the transport mechanism moves the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, and the printed paper 2 after printing is output onto the front cover 11.

[0019] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction for transporting the printing paper 2 is defined as the Y-axis, the axis along the direction of gravity is defined as the Z-axis, and the axis along the direction of movement of the carriage 20 is defined as the X-axis. Here, "printing system 1 in use" refers to the state in which the printing system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is defined as the +Y direction, the opposite direction as the -Y direction, the direction of gravity is defined as the -Z direction, and the direction of gravity is defined as the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are directions along the horizontal direction. Also, when viewing the printing system 1 from the front, the direction from right to left is defined as the +X direction, and the opposite direction as the -X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the insertion direction D1 in which the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting section 6 for mounting is the -Y direction, and the removal direction D4 in which the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting section 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side of the cartridge mounting section 6 is also called the back side, and the +Y direction side is also called the front side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple cartridges 4 is the X direction.

[0020] A-2. Detailed configuration of the cartridge mounting section: Figure 2 is a perspective view of the cartridge mounting section 6. Figure 3 is a view of the cartridge mounting section 6 from the +Z direction. In Figures 2 and 3, some of the components of the cartridge mounting section 6 are omitted for ease of understanding. The X direction of the cartridge mounting section 6 is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction as the depth direction, and the Z direction as the height direction. In the following, unless otherwise specified, each component of the cartridge mounting section 6 will be described assuming the initial configuration in which the cartridge 4 is not mounted.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge mounting section 6 forms a housing chamber 61 in which the cartridge 4 is housed. The housing chamber 61 is approximately rectangular in shape. The shapes of the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K within the housing chamber 61, which house each of the cartridges 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K, generally correspond to the external shapes of each of the cartridges 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K shown in Figure 1.

[0022] The cartridge mounting section 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 that form a housing chamber 61. In this disclosure, “wall” is a concept that includes a single wall as well as a wall composed of multiple walls. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion / removal opening 674 through which the cartridge 4 passes when being inserted into or removed from the housing chamber 61. The second device wall 62 forms the wall on the -Y direction side of the housing chamber 61. The second device wall 62 faces the first device wall 67 in the Y direction. The second device wall 62 is a wall that is approximately vertical along the Z direction when the printing device 10 is in use.

[0023] The upper wall 63 of the device forms the wall on the +Z side of the housing chamber 61. The lower wall 64 of the device faces the upper wall 63 in the Z direction and forms the wall on the -Z side of the housing chamber 61. The lower wall 64 of the device is formed by a support member 610. The lower wall 64 of the device has a plurality of device openings 614. In this embodiment, four device openings 614 are formed according to slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The upper wall 63 and the lower wall 64 of the device intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In this disclosure, “intersect” means any of the following states (i) to (iii). (i) A state in which two components intersect and actually intersect with each other. (ii) A state in which extending one component intersects with the other component. (iii) When each of the constituent elements is extended, the constituent elements intersect.

[0024] The first device side wall 65 forms the wall of the housing chamber 61 on the +X direction side. The second device side wall 66 faces the first device side wall 65 in the X direction and forms the wall of the housing chamber 61 on the -X direction side. The first device side wall 65 and the second device side wall 66 intersect with the second device wall 62, the first device wall 67, the device upper wall 63, and the device bottom wall 64.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cartridge mounting section 6 further includes a support member 610, a liquid storage section 699, a liquid introduction section 642, a supply section positioning section 644, a device-side terminal section 70, and an engagement forming body 677.

[0026] Multiple support members 610 are provided depending on the number of cartridges 4 to be installed. In this embodiment, four support members 610 are provided. The support members 610 form the bottom wall 64 of the device on the side facing downward gravity. The support members 610 support the cartridges 4 from the -Z direction side, which is the side facing downward gravity. The support members 610 are concave-shaped members that extend along the Y direction.

[0027] The support member 610 has a main wall 613 that forms the bottom wall 64 of the device, a first support side wall 611, and a second support side wall 612. The main wall 613 forms a concave bottom located on the side facing downward gravity. An opening 614 of the device is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the side facing the first device wall 67. The opening 614 penetrates the main wall 613 in the thickness direction of the main wall 613, which is along the Z direction. The first support side wall 611 rises from the +X side end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction, which is the direction facing upward gravity. The second support side wall 612 rises from the -X side end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction. The first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612 face each other in the X direction.

[0028] The liquid storage section 699 communicates with the discharge head 22 via the tube 24 shown in Figure 1, and also communicates with the liquid introduction section 642. The liquid storage section 699 has an air inlet (not shown) for taking in air. The liquid introduction section 642 is a cylindrical member and has an introduction channel 682 through which liquid flows.

[0029] The liquid inlet 642 receives the liquid from the cartridge 4. The liquid inlet 642 has an inlet-side central axis CA1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the device-side supply unit positioning unit 644 is received by the cartridge-side supply unit positioning unit 448, shown in Figure 5 (described later), thereby restricting the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 of the cartridge 4 relative to the liquid introduction unit 642. The device-side supply unit positioning unit 644 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped projection.

[0031] The device-side terminal section 70 is a mechanism provided for electrically connecting the cartridge 4 and the printing device 10 when the cartridge 4 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 6. The device-side terminal section 70 has a device-side terminal that contacts the cartridge-side terminal 89 of the cartridge 4.

[0032] The engagement-forming body 677 is formed on the +Y direction side of the support member 610. Furthermore, the engagement-forming body 677 is located on the -Z direction side of the insertion / removal opening 674. The engagement-forming body 677 has four elastic mounting engagement portions (not shown) corresponding to each of the slots 61C to 61K.

[0033] A-3. Explanation of the cartridge mounting process for the cartridge mounting section: Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the process of mounting cartridges 4 to the cartridge mounting section 6. In Figure 4, cartridges 4K, 4M, and 4Y, of the four types of cartridges 4, are shown in the "mounting complete state," meaning they have been mounted to the cartridge mounting section 6. The mounting complete state means that cartridge 4 is mounted to the cartridge mounting section 6 and liquid ink can be supplied to the printing device 10. Also in Figure 4, cartridge 4C is shown in the "insertion complete state," meaning it has been inserted into the cartridge mounting section 6. The insertion complete state means that cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting section 6, but the liquid supply section 442 of cartridge 4 and the liquid introduction section 642 of cartridge mounting section 6 are not connected.

[0034] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge 4 and cartridge mounting section 6 in the completed insertion state. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cartridge 4 and cartridge mounting section 6 in the completed mounting state. Both Figures 5 and 6 schematically illustrate the cross-section when the YZ plane passing through the central axis CA1 on the introduction side is used as the cutting plane.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting section 6 to a predetermined position by moving in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the cartridge 4 is rotated in the rotational mounting direction D2, which has a component in the downward direction of gravity, with the inner side of the cartridge mounting section 6 in the insertion direction D1 as the pivot point 698, thereby completing the mounting to the cartridge mounting section 6. Specifically, when mounting the cartridge 4 to the cartridge mounting section 6, a mounting process is performed. The mounting process includes a terminal connection process and a supply section connection process which is performed after the terminal connection process.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the terminal connection process involves moving the cartridge 4 through the insertion opening 674 of the first device wall 67 in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction and inserting it into the housing chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting section 6, thereby inserting the cartridge 4 to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is the position where contact is completed between the cartridge-side terminal 89 of the cartridge 4 and the device-side terminal of the cartridge mounting section 6.

[0037] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the supply unit connection process involves connecting the liquid introduction section 642 of the cartridge mounting section 6 to the liquid supply section 442 of the cartridge 4 while maintaining contact between the device-side terminal and the cartridge-side terminal 89. The detailed configuration of the cartridge 4, including the liquid supply section 442, will be described later. During the supply unit connection process, the rear wall 47 side of the cartridge 4 is rotated around the pivot point 698 of the cartridge mounting section 6 in the rotational mounting direction D2 indicated by the arrow, thereby connecting the liquid introduction section 642 and the liquid supply section 442. When the mounting is complete, as shown in Figure 4, the cartridge 4 is engaged by an engagement forming body 677 provided on the first device wall 67 side of the cartridge mounting section 6, thereby maintaining the completed mounting state.

[0038] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when removing the cartridge 4 from the cartridge mounting section 6, the user lifts the rear wall 47 side of the cartridge 4. This causes the user to rotate the front wall 42 side, which is located opposite the rear wall 47 side in the Y direction, in the disconnection direction D3, which is the opposite direction to the rotation mounting direction D2, using the pivot point 698 as a pivot. During this rotational movement, the engagement by the engagement forming body 677 shown in Figure 4 is released. After rotating the cartridge 4 in the disconnection direction D3 and the cartridge 4 is in the insertion completed state shown in Figure 5, the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting section 6 by moving the cartridge 4 in the removal direction D4, which is the +Y direction.

[0039] A-4. Detailed configuration of the cartridge: Figure 7 is a perspective view of cartridge 4. The external shape of cartridge 4 is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. For cartridge 4, the X direction is the width direction, the Y direction is the depth direction, and the Z direction is the height direction. In the following figures, the XYZ directions indicated in each figure for cartridge 4 are based on the inserted state shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the external dimensions of cartridge 4 are largest in the Y direction, followed by the Z direction and then the X direction. Cartridge 4 comprises a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402. The adapter 402 is attached to the liquid container 401 by fitting.

[0040] The liquid container 401 comprises a main body 41 forming an outer shell, a liquid container 450, and a liquid supply unit 442. The main body 41 has a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, and a second side wall 46. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 face each other in the Y direction. The front wall 42 is located on the -Y direction side, and the rear wall 47 is located on the +Y direction side. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 face each other in the Z direction. In the inserted state, the upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side, opposite to the side where the liquid introduction unit 642 is located. The bottom wall 44 is located on the -Z direction side. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 face each other in the X direction. The first side wall 45 is located on the -X direction side, and the second side wall 46 is located on the +X direction side. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 intersect with the front wall 42, the rear wall 47, the top wall 43, and the bottom wall 44, respectively.

[0041] The liquid storage section 450 is a liquid container for storing ink as a liquid. The liquid storage section 450 is formed in the internal space of the liquid storage body 401.

[0042] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the liquid supply unit 442 is a component for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid storage unit 450 to the liquid introduction unit 642 of the cartridge mounting unit 6. The liquid supply unit 442 has an outlet opening 432 for allowing the liquid contained in the liquid storage unit 450 to flow out. Thus, the liquid supply unit 442 communicates with the liquid storage unit 450 through the outlet opening 432. The liquid supply unit 442 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the bottom wall 44 toward the adapter 402. The liquid supply unit 442 has a supply unit side central axis CA2. The supply unit side central axis CA2 extends in the direction along which the liquid supply unit 442 extends, and in this embodiment, it extends along the Z direction.

[0043] The adapter 402 comprises an outer shell portion 41a forming an outer shell, a supply portion placement chamber 461, a cartridge-side supply portion positioning portion 448, a cartridge-side engagement portion 488, and a bottom opening 446.

[0044] The outer shell 41a has a cartridge front surface 42a, a cartridge rear surface 47a, a cartridge bottom surface 44a, a first cartridge side surface 45a, and a second cartridge side surface 46a. The cartridge front surface 42a and the cartridge rear surface 47a face each other in the Y direction. In the mounted state with the adapter 402 attached to the liquid container 401, the cartridge front surface 42a is located on the -Y direction side, which is the front wall 42 side. The cartridge rear surface 47a is located on the +Y direction side, which is the rear wall 47 side. The cartridge bottom surface 44a faces the bottom wall 44 in the Z direction when mounted. The cartridge bottom surface 44a is located on the -Z direction side and intersects with the cartridge front surface 42a and the cartridge rear surface 47a. The first cartridge side surface 45a and the second cartridge side surface 46a face each other in the X direction. In the installed state, the first cartridge side surface 45a is located on the first side wall 45 side, and the second cartridge side surface 46a is located on the second side wall 46 side. The first cartridge side surface 45a and the second cartridge side surface 46a intersect with the cartridge front surface 42a, the cartridge rear surface 47a, and the cartridge bottom surface 44a, respectively.

[0045] The supply unit placement chamber 461 is a space provided to accommodate the liquid supply unit 442 when installed. The supply unit placement chamber 461 is formed in the adapter 402 on the +Y direction side, which is the insertion direction D1, and is enclosed by the cartridge bottom surface 44a, the first cartridge side surface 45a, and the second cartridge side surface 46a.

[0046] The cartridge-side supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recess formed in the cartridge bottom surface 44a. The cartridge-side engagement portion 488 is an engagement mechanism formed to attach the cap 7, described later, to the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is in the pre-insertion state. Here, the "pre-insertion state" of the cartridge 4 refers to the state in which the cartridge 4 is not inserted and mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 6. In this embodiment, the cartridge-side engagement portion 488 is formed within the recess that serves as the cartridge-side supply unit positioning portion 448. However, the position and shape of the cartridge-side engagement portion 488 are not limited to this. The cartridge-side engagement portion 488 only needs to be provided so as to be able to engage with the cap-side engagement portion 721.

[0047] The bottom opening 446 exposes the liquid supply unit 442. The bottom opening 446 is a hole formed to penetrate the inner and outer surfaces of the cartridge bottom surface 44a. The bottom opening 446 is formed in the portion of the cartridge bottom surface 44a where the supply unit chamber 461 is located. In this embodiment, the bottom opening 446 is located on the side of the cartridge bottom surface 44a closer to the cartridge rear surface 47a. In the installed state, the other end 442a of the liquid supply unit 442 shown in Figures 5 and 7 is located inside the bottom opening 446. The liquid supply unit 442 is positioned such that the supply unit side central axis CA2 passes through the bottom opening 446.

[0048] An outer edge portion 499 is formed on the bottom surface 44a of the cartridge, extending circumferentially around the central axis CA2 on the supply side, so as to surround the bottom opening 446. The outer edge portion 499 is formed in a position that is exposed to the outside of the cartridge 4.

[0049] A-5. Cap details: Figure 8 is the first diagram illustrating the schematic configuration and engagement position of the cap 7. Figure 9 is the second diagram illustrating the schematic configuration and engagement position of the cap 7. Figure 10 is the first diagram showing the engagement state in which the cap 7 is engaged with the cartridge 4. Figure 11 is the second diagram showing the engagement state in which the cap 7 is engaged with the cartridge 4. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the cap 7.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, for the cap 7, the X direction is the short side, the Y direction is the long side, and the Z direction is the thickness side. In the following figures, the XYZ directions indicated for the cap 7 in each figure are based on the "engaged state" in which the cap 7 is engaged with the cartridge 4, as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0051] The cap 7 is a component that is detachably attached to the cartridge 4 having a liquid supply section 442. In the pre-insertion state before insertion into the cartridge mounting section 6 of the cartridge 4, the cap 7 covers the liquid supply section 442 and at least a portion of the area surrounding the liquid supply section 442. In this way, the cap 7 protects the liquid supply section 442 and prevents liquid from leaking outside the cartridge 4 and cap 7 if the liquid contained in the liquid storage section 450 leaks from the liquid supply section 442. As shown in Figure 12, the cap 7 comprises a cap body section 71, a cap-side engaging section 721, and a liquid holding member 8.

[0052] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the cap body portion 71 is a substantially plate-shaped member formed to be parallel to the cartridge bottom surface 44a when engaged. In other words, the cap body portion 71 is formed to extend in the X and Y directions. The cap body portion 71 has a thickness along the Z direction. The cap body portion 71 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene, for example.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the cap body portion 71 has an opposing surface 71s that faces the liquid supply portion 442 when engaged. As shown in Figure 12, a recess 710s for positioning the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the opposing surface 71s.

[0054] The cap-side engaging portion 721 is an engaging mechanism formed to attach the cap 7 to the cartridge 4 before the cartridge 4 is inserted. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cap-side engaging portion 721 engages with the cartridge-side engaging portion 488 of the cartridge 4. In Figures 8 and 9, the engagement position between the cartridge-side engaging portion 488 and the cap-side engaging portion 721 is indicated by arrows.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cap-side engaging portion 721 is a projection that protrudes from the opposing surface 71s, as shown in Figure 12. Specifically, the cap-side engaging portion 721 is a pinch-type projection provided with a slanted surface 721a and a space S, as shown in Figure 12, so that it can bend when pressed into the cartridge-side engaging portion 488 shown in Figure 8. In this embodiment, the two cap-side engaging portions 721 are formed to protrude from the cap body portion 71 in the Z direction. The shapes of the two cap-side engaging portions 721 are symmetrical with respect to the axis along the Y direction. Both cap-side engaging portions 721 are formed on the +Y direction side of the opposing surface 71s, opposite to the side where the liquid holding member 8 is formed.

[0056] The cap 7 of this embodiment is attached to the cartridge 4 as follows. Specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, with the opposing surface 71s positioned so as to be approximately parallel to the cartridge bottom surface 44a, the cap-side engaging portion 721 is pressed into the cartridge-side engaging portion 488 in the direction indicated by the arrow. As a result, the cap 7 is attached to the cartridge 4 by engaging the cap-side engaging portion 721 and the cartridge-side engaging portion 488.

[0057] The shape and position of the cap-side engaging portion 721 are not limited to those shown. The cap-side engaging portion 721 should be provided so as to be able to engage with the cartridge-side engaging portion 488. Furthermore, the number of cap-side engaging portions 721 formed on a single cap 7 is not limited to two; it may be one or three or more. Also, the method of engaging the cap-side engaging portion 721 and the cartridge-side engaging portion 488 is not limited to those shown; they may be engaged by methods other than press-fitting.

[0058] The cap-side engaging portion 721 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The cap-side engaging portion 721 and the cap body portion 71 may be formed of different materials, or they may be formed of the same material.

[0059] The liquid-holding member 8 is a member that holds ink as a liquid. As shown in Figure 12, the liquid-holding member 8 is integrally formed with the cap body portion 71, which is the member to be formed. In this embodiment, the liquid-holding member 8 is formed in a recessed portion 710s on the opposing surface 71s, at a position facing the outflow opening 432.

[0060] The liquid-holding member 8 is made of a material that can be washed and reused. Examples of materials that can be washed and reused include synthetic resins such as polypropylene. In other words, the liquid-holding member 8 is made of a material or structure that is easier to wash and reuse than a porous body made of synthetic resins such as polyvinyl alcohol. The liquid-holding member 8 may be made of the same material as the cap body 71, or it may be made of a different material. In this case, since the liquid-holding member 8 is integrally molded with the cap body 71, it is preferable that it be made of a material that is easy to integrally mold with the cap body 71 during the manufacturing process.

[0061] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of region R1 in Figure 12. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the detailed configuration of the liquid holding member 8. Figure 14 is an enlarged view of a part of the liquid holding member 8 shown in Figure 13. Figure 15 is a view of the cap 7 from the opposing surface 71s side. Figure 16 is an enlarged view of region R2 in Figure 15. Figure 16 is a top view showing the detailed configuration of the liquid holding member 8, and shows the liquid holding member 8 as viewed from the +Z direction side. The liquid holding member 8 comprises a bottom surface 81, a plurality of protrusions 83, and a plurality of corners 85-88.

[0062] A protrusion 83 is positioned on the bottom surface 81, as shown in Figure 13. The bottom surface 81 is a roughly plate-shaped member formed to be roughly parallel to the opposing surface 71s shown in Figure 12. In other words, the bottom surface 81 is formed to extend in the X and Y directions. The bottom surface 81 is the surface that forms the bottom of the recessed portion 710s.

[0063] In the following, the first direction for the liquid-holding member 8 is defined as the direction along the direction in which the protrusion 83 protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom surface 81. The second and third directions are defined as two directions perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular. In this embodiment, the first direction is along the Z direction and coincides with the thickness direction of the cap 7. The second direction is along the X direction and coincides with the short side direction of the cap 7. The third direction is along the Y direction and coincides with the long side direction of the cap 7.

[0064] Multiple protrusions 83 are formed on the base surface 81 so as to protrude from the base surface 81. The protrusions 83 and the base surface 81 are molded together as a single unit. A polyhedron is formed by the protrusions 83 and the base surface 81.

[0065] Furthermore, multiple sets of convex portions 830, each consisting of two or more different convex portions 83, are arranged in a row along at least one of the second and third directions. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, multiple sets of convex portions 830, each consisting of two adjacent first convex portions 83a and second convex portions 83b whose orientations in the second and third directions differ from each other, are arranged in a row along the second and third directions. In other words, the convex portion 83 is formed such that the first convex portion 83a and the second convex portion 83b are arranged alternately in the X and Y directions. The second convex portion 83b has a shape obtained by rotating the shape of the first convex portion 83a by 90 degrees on the base surface 81 along the XY plane, with respect to the Z axis along the Z direction. In other words, the first protrusion 83a and the second protrusion 83b have the same shape, but their orientation differs when they are positioned on the base surface 81. In the following, when there is no need to distinguish between the first protrusion 83a and the second protrusion 83b, they will simply be referred to as "protrusion 83".

[0066] As shown in Figure 13, the protrusion 83 is formed by a plurality of surfaces 831 to 834. Specifically, the protrusion 83 has a first top surface 831, a second top surface 832, a first side surface 833, and a second side surface 834. Each of the surfaces 831 to 834 is a plane.

[0067] The first side surface 833 and the second side surface 834 are each approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 81. The first side surface 833 and the second side surface 834 are each surfaces along either the XZ plane, which is parallel to the X and Z directions, or the YZ plane, which is parallel to the Y and Z directions. The first side surface 833 and the second side surface 834 are parallel to each other in either the X direction as a second direction or the Y direction as a third direction. In this embodiment, the first side surface 833a of the first protrusion 83a and the second side surface 834a of the first protrusion 83a are opposite each other in the Y direction. The first side surface 833b of the second protrusion 83b and the second side surface 834b of the second protrusion 83b are opposite each other in the X direction.

[0068] The first vertex 831 is connected to the second vertex 832, the first side surface 833, and the second side surface 834. The second vertex 832 is connected to the first vertex 831, the first side surface 833, and the second side surface 834. The vertices 83m and 83n, which are the connection points between the first vertex 831 and the second vertex 832, form lines that extend in either the X direction or the Y direction. In this embodiment, the first vertex 83m, as the vertex 83m of the first convex 83a, extends in the Y direction. The second vertex 83n, as the vertex 83n of the second convex 83b, extends in the X direction. The vertices 83m and 83n form the vertices of the convex 83.

[0069] The first vertex 831 and the second vertex 832 each extend in a direction that is inclined with respect to the base surface 81, rather than being parallel to it. The first vertex 831 is inclined so that it is located towards the base surface 81 as it moves away from the first vertex 83m. The second vertex 832 extends in a direction that is inclined towards the base surface 81 as it moves away from the second vertex 83n. In this embodiment, the first vertex 831 and the second vertex 832 are inclined such that the interior angle 837 formed by the vertices 83m and 83n, that is, the interior angle 837 formed by the first vertex 831 and the second vertex 832, is 120 degrees. Note that the vertices 83m and 83n are connection parts formed by two surfaces 831 and 832 on the same convex portion 83, and therefore do not correspond to the corners 85 to 88 which will be described in detail later.

[0070] Furthermore, the first top surface 831a of the first protrusion 83a is connected to the first side surface 833b of the adjacent second protrusion 83b, forming a ridge line 850. The second top surface 832a of the first protrusion 83a is connected to the second side surface 834b of the adjacent second protrusion 83b, forming a ridge line 850. Also, the first top surface 831b of the second protrusion 83b is connected to the first side surface 833a of the adjacent first protrusion 83a, forming a ridge line 850. The second top surface 832b of the second protrusion 83b is connected to the second side surface 834a of the adjacent first protrusion 83a, forming a ridge line 850. In other words, adjacent protrusions 83a and 83b are in contact with each other without any gaps between them.

[0071] Each of the multiple corners 85-88 holds liquid by capillary action. Corners 85-88 are formed by the connection of two surfaces 81 and 831-834, as shown in Figure 13. For multiple corners 85-88, adjacent corners 85-88 are connected to each other. In Figure 13, for ease of understanding, a portion of the ridge line 850 where adjacent corners 85-88 are connected is shown with a thick line. In Figures 13 and 16, the first representative corner 85, the second representative corner 86, the third representative corner 87, and the fourth representative corner 88 are shown as representatives of a portion of the multiple corners 85-88.

[0072] Each of the multiple corners 85-88 is either a first corner 851 or a second corner 852. The first corner 851 is a corner formed by adjacent base surfaces 81 and surfaces 833 and 834 of the convex portion 83, straddling the ridge line 850. The first corner 851 is, for example, a fourth representative corner 88 formed by adjacent base surfaces 81 and the first side surface 833a of the first convex portion 83a, straddling the ridge line 850. The first corner 851 is also, for example, a second representative corner 86 formed by adjacent base surfaces 81 and the first side surface 833b of the second convex portion 83b, straddling the ridge line 850. The second corner 852 is a corner formed by the adjacent faces 831a to 834a of the first protrusion 83a and the faces 831b to 834b of the second protrusion 83b, straddling the ridge line 850. The second corner 852 is, for example, a first representative corner 85 formed by the adjacent first top surface 831a of the first protrusion 83a and the first side surface 833b of the second protrusion 83b, straddling the ridge line 850. The second corner 852 is also, for example, a third representative corner 87 formed by the adjacent first side surface 833a of the first protrusion 83a and the first side surface 833b of the second protrusion 83b, straddling the ridge line 850.

[0073] The angles 867,887 formed by at least one first corner 851 and the angles 857,877 formed by at least one second corner 852 are 90 degrees or less. In this embodiment, the angles 867,887 formed by the first corner 851 and the angles 857,877 formed by the second corner 852 are all 90 degrees or less. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ridges 850 forming the first corner 851 and the second corner 852 each include those whose first, second, and third directional components are in different directions from each other. In other words, the multiple ridges 850 extend in different directions from each other in their first, second, and third directional components. The multiple ridges 850 are continuously connected. Thus, in this embodiment, the multiple corners 85 to 88 can be distinguished into a first type corner 861, a second type corner 862, and a third type corner 863. The first type corner 861 is a corner that extends in a direction having a first directional component. In the example shown in Figure 13, the first type corner 861 is the third representative corner 87. The second type corner 862 is a corner that extends in a direction having a second directional component. In the example shown in Figure 13, the second type corner 862 is the fourth representative corner 88. The third type corner 863 is a corner extending in a direction having a third directional component. In the example shown in Figure 13, the third type corner 863 is the first representative corner 85 and the second representative corner 86. In other words, the liquid holding member 8 has multiple corners 85-88 formed in a three-dimensional direction by ridges 850 extending in either the X, Y, or Z direction. In this way, when liquid adheres to the liquid holding member 8, the liquid does not remain on the top 83m,83n side but flows towards the multiple corners 85-88. The liquid then accumulates along the shape of the corners 85-88 that spread in a three-dimensional direction, and is held in the liquid holding member 8 in a generally uniform manner.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the multiple corners 85 to 88 have a bottom-side corner 871 located closer to the bottom surface 81 and a surface-side corner 872 located further away from the bottom surface 81 than the bottom-side corner 871. In the example shown in Figure 14, the bottom-side corners 871 are the second representative corner 86, the third representative corner 87, and the fourth representative corner 88. The surface-side corner 872 is the first representative corner 85.

[0076] Here, if the cartridge 4 is subjected to an impact while engaged, such as by dropping, the liquid held at the surface-side corner 872 is more likely to leak or splash outside the liquid-holding member 8 than the liquid held at the bottom-side corner 871. If liquid leaks outside the liquid-holding member 8, even if the cap 7 is attached to the cartridge 4, there is a possibility that the liquid may leak outside the cartridge 4 and cap 7 through, for example, the gap between the opposing surface 71s and the cartridge bottom surface 44a. Therefore, it is preferable that the surface-side corner 872 has a greater liquid-holding force than the bottom-side corner 871. In this case, generally, the liquid-holding force can be increased by making the contact angle between the surfaces 831 to 834 forming the corners 85 to 88 and the liquid smaller, thereby increasing the surface tension of the solid corners 85 to 88. Therefore, the sharper the angles 857, 867, 877, and 887 formed by the corners 85 to 88, the greater the force that can hold the liquid by capillary action.

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple corners 85 to 88 are formed such that at least one of the angles 857 formed by the surface-side corners 872 is smaller than the angles 867, 877, and 887 formed by the bottom-side corners 871. Figure 13 illustrates the case where all of the angles 857 formed by the surface-side corners 872 are smaller than the angles 867, 877, and 887 formed by the bottom-side corners 871. Specifically, the angle 867 formed by the second representative corner 86 as the bottom-side corner 871 is 90 degrees. The angle 877 formed by the third representative corner 87 is 90 degrees. The angle 887 formed by the fourth representative corner 88 is 90 degrees. In contrast, the angle 857 formed by the first representative corner 85, which is the surface-side corner 872, is 60 degrees, which is smaller than the 90 degrees formed by the angles 867, 877, and 887 of the bottom-side corners 871. In other words, the liquid-holding member 8 is formed such that, in the engaged state, the angle 857 formed by the surface-side corner 872, which is located closer to the outflow opening 432 shown in Figure 8, is sharper than the angle formed by the bottom-side corner 871.

[0078] According to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 12, a liquid-holding member 8 can be formed using a part of the cap 7, which is the member to be molded, as the bottom surface 81. In other words, the liquid-holding member 8 and the member to be molded can be molded integrally. This reduces the time and man-hours required to form the liquid-holding member 8 on the member to be molded.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the liquid holding member 8 formed on the cap 7 comprises a bottom surface 81 and a protrusion 83 formed by a plurality of surfaces 831 to 834, the protrusion 83 protruding from the bottom surface 81 and molded integrally with the bottom surface 81. As a result, the liquid holding member 8 has a first corner 851 formed by the bottom surface 81 and the surfaces 833 and 834 of the protrusion 83 straddling the ridge line 850, and a second corner 852 formed by the surfaces 831 to 834 of adjacent protrusions 83 straddling the ridge line 850. At this time, of the plurality of corners 85 to 88, the angle 857, 867, 877, 887 formed by at least one of the corners 85 to 88 is 90 degrees or less. In this configuration, when the cap 7 is attached to the cartridge 4 and liquid adheres to the liquid-holding member 8, the liquid is attracted to and retained at the corners 85-88 by capillary force. In other words, by utilizing the capillary force acting on the continuously formed corners 85-88, the liquid-holding member 8 can hold liquid without providing a separate liquid absorbent material such as a porous body with a structure capable of absorbing liquid. Therefore, the liquid-holding member 8 does not need to be made of a material that has the property of absorbing liquid, such as a porous body made of synthetic resin such as polyvinyl alcohol. Thus, the liquid-holding member 8 can be made of a material or structure that is easy to reuse by cleaning. As a result, even if liquid adheres to the liquid-holding member 8 and liquid is held in the liquid-holding member 8, it can be cleaned and reused.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the liquid-holding member 8 can be cleaned to restore its liquid-holding capacity to the same level as before it began holding liquid. This allows the liquid-holding member 8 to be used repeatedly.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 13, the liquid-holding member 8 can form corners 85-88 for holding liquid by forming a plurality of protrusions 83 that protrude from the bottom surface 81. In other words, the liquid-holding member 8 can obtain the ability to hold liquid through its structural features, even if the material itself does not have the property of absorbing liquid. Therefore, the constraints on the type of material used to form the liquid-holding member 8 can be reduced, and the liquid-holding member 8 can be formed from a material that can be molded integrally with the cap body 71.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the time and man-hours required for assembling the cap 7 can be reduced, and the liquid holding member 8 can be cleaned and reused. This eliminates various problems that may occur in the cap 7.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 13, the first direction is the direction along the direction that protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom surface 81 of the protrusion 83. The second and third directions are perpendicular to the first direction and are mutually perpendicular. In other words, the first, second, and third directions are three-dimensional directions. The multiple corners 85-88 have a first type corner 861 having a first-direction component, a second type corner 862 having a second-direction component, and a third type corner 863 having a third-direction component. This makes it possible to form multiple corners 85-88 in the three-dimensional direction in the liquid holding member 8. In this way, the range of the liquid holding area realized by the multiple continuously formed corners 85-88 can be expanded in the three-dimensional direction. Furthermore, compared to the case where the direction in which the corners 85-88 extend is limited to one direction, the number of corners 85-88 can be increased in the first embodiment described above. Therefore, when liquid adheres to the liquid holding member 8, the liquid can be held more reliably.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, some of the multiple corners 85 to 88 extend in a direction along the first direction. This makes it possible to more reliably secure the liquid holding area in the depth direction along the first direction, from the surface side to the bottom surface 81 side of the liquid holding member 8. Thus, the liquid holding force of the liquid holding member 8 can be further improved.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 14, the multiple corners 85 to 88 include a bottom-side corner 871 and a surface-side corner 872 located further away from the bottom surface 81 than the bottom-side corner 871. In this case, the angle 857 formed by at least one surface-side corner 872 is smaller than the angles 867, 877, and 887 formed by the bottom-side corners 871. This makes the liquid-holding force at the surface-side corner 872 greater than the liquid-holding force at the bottom-side corner 871. Therefore, when the cartridge 4 and cap 7 are subjected to impact due to dropping or the like in the engaged state, the holding force of the surface-side corner 872, from which the held liquid is more likely to leak out than the bottom-side corner 871, can be increased. As a result, the liquid-holding member 8 can hold the liquid more reliably. Therefore, by preventing the liquid from leaking to the outside without being held by the liquid-holding member 8, the possibility of liquid leaking to the outside through the gap between the opposing surface 71s and the cartridge bottom surface 44a can be further reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid leaking from the outlet opening 432 from splashing to the outside or adhering to other objects.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the opposing surface 71s of the cap 7, which is detachably attached to the cartridge 4 having the liquid supply unit 442, as shown in Figure 8, and which faces the liquid supply unit 442. In this way, when the cartridge 4 is engaged with the cap 7, the liquid holding member 8 can more reliably hold the liquid that leaks out from the outlet opening 432.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the opposing surface 71s at a position facing the outlet opening 432. This makes it possible to more reliably hold the liquid leaking from the outlet opening 432 when the cartridge 4 is engaged with the cap 7.

[0088] B. Second Embodiment: Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the formation position of the liquid-holding member 8 in the second embodiment. Figure 17 shows a magnified view of the bottom opening 446 of the cartridge 4 shown in Figure 7 and the area around the bottom opening 446. In this embodiment, the formation position of the liquid-holding member 8 is different from that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 12. The configuration of the liquid-holding member 8 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 16. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the liquid-holding member 8 holds the liquid by capillary force, similar to the first embodiment. Components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In the second embodiment, the bottom surface 81 of the liquid-holding member 8 is the bottom surface 44a of the cartridge, and the protruding direction of the convex portion 83 is the -Z direction.

[0089] The liquid holding member 8 is formed on the cartridge bottom surface 44a at a position surrounding the bottom opening 446, in a circumferential direction centered on the supply unit side central axis CA2. The supply unit side central axis CA2 extends along the Z direction, which is the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends, as in Figure 7.

[0090] In this embodiment, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the outer edge portion 499. In Figure 17, cross-hatching is applied to the portion where the liquid holding member 8 is formed. The outer edge portion 499 here refers to the portion of the cartridge bottom surface 44a that surrounds the bottom opening 446 and is formed in the circumferential direction with respect to the supply side central axis CA2. In the example shown in Figure 17, the outer edge portion 499 has a roughly hexagonal shape with its centroid G located on the supply side central axis CA2 and on the XY plane parallel to the cartridge bottom surface 44a, and the central portion including the bottom opening 446 is open.

[0091] According to the second embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the outer edge portion 499 that extends circumferentially around the supply unit side central axis CA2, at a position surrounding the bottom opening 446 of the cartridge bottom surface 44a. In this way, liquid leaked from the outlet opening 432 can be held near the liquid supply unit 442. This reduces the possibility of liquid adhering to the area around the liquid supply unit 442 if liquid leaks from the outlet opening 432 in the insertion completed state shown in Figure 5 or the mounting completed state shown in Figure 6.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 7, when the cap 7 is not attached to the cartridge 4, if liquid leaks from the outlet opening 432, the possibility of liquid splashing can be reduced.

[0093] The shape of the liquid-holding member 8 formed on the cartridge bottom surface 44a is not limited to this, and other shapes are also possible. The liquid-holding member 8 does not have to be formed on the cartridge bottom surface 44a in a position surrounding the bottom surface opening 446, and does not need to be formed in the circumferential direction around the supply unit side central axis CA2, but may be formed in at least a part of the circumferential direction.

[0094] Furthermore, the formation position of the liquid-holding member 8 is not limited to this. The liquid-holding member 8 should be formed in a position that can easily hold the liquid leaking from the outlet opening 432, and may, for example, be formed on the peripheral edge 470 shown in Figure 17. The peripheral edge 470 referred to here is the portion of the liquid supply unit 442 that is formed circumferentially along the outlet opening 432. The peripheral edge 470 is formed circumferentially inward from the outer edge 499 with respect to the supply unit side central axis CA2, and is closer to the outlet opening 432 in the +Z direction than the outer edge 499 in the Z direction.

[0095] C. Third Embodiment: Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the formation position of the liquid holding member 8 in the third embodiment. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the liquid supply section 442 and the outlet opening 432 in the completed insertion state shown in Figure 4. In Figure 18, the liquid supply section 442 is shown as being cut along the YZ plane passing through the central axis CA2 on the supply section side. Figure 18 also illustrates a portion of the configuration of the liquid introduction section 642.

[0096] In this embodiment, the formation position of the liquid-holding member 8 differs from that of the first embodiment shown in Figure 12 and the second embodiment shown in Figure 17. The configuration of the liquid-holding member 8 is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in Figures 13 and 16. Therefore, in this embodiment as well, the liquid-holding member 8 holds the liquid by capillary force. Components identical to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In the third embodiment, the bottom surface 81 of the liquid-holding member 8 is part of the liquid introduction section 642. The specific formation position of the liquid-holding member 8 and the protruding direction of the convex portion 83 will be described later.

[0097] The liquid introduction section 642 has a tip section 651 that is inserted into the liquid supply section 442, and a base section 652 that is located in the -Z direction, which is the direction of gravity downwards, compared to the tip section 651. In this state, when the cartridge 4 has been fully inserted, the base section 652 side is the direction of gravity downwards, and the tip section 651 side is the direction of gravity upwards. In the example shown in Figure 18, the tip section 651 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the base section 652 in the radial direction around the introduction section's central axis CA1.

[0098] The base portion 652 has a tapered portion 91, a body portion 92, and an end portion 93. The tapered portion 91 is located on the +Z side of the base portion 652, closest to the tip portion 651. The end portion 93 is located on the -Z side of the base portion 652, furthest from the tip portion 651. The body portion 92 is located between the tapered portion 91 and the end portion 93, connecting the tapered portion 91 and the end portion 93. In the example shown in Figure 18, the tapered portion 91 protrudes from one end 92a of the body portion 92 toward one end 651a of the tip portion 651, and is dome-shaped with one end 651a of the tip portion 651 being open. The diameter of the tapered portion 91 decreases as it moves away from one end 92a of the body portion 92. The body portion 92 is a portion formed to extend in the Z direction in the circumferential direction around the introduction side central axis CA1. The body portion 92 is generally cylindrical in shape. The end portion 93 is connected to the other end 92b of the body portion 92 and is formed to extend in the X direction circumferentially around the introduction-side central axis CA1. In other words, the end portion 93 faces the cartridge bottom surface 44a when insertion is complete. Note that the base portion 652 shown in Figure 18 is just one example of a base portion 652, and the shape and configuration of the base portion 652 are not limited to this.

[0099] The liquid-holding member 8 is formed on the surface of the base end portion 652 of the liquid introduction portion 642. Here, "surface" refers to the surface formed on the outside of the liquid introduction portion 642, where the side approaching the introduction portion side central axis CA1 is considered the inside and the side moving away from the introduction portion side central axis CA1 is considered the outside. In this embodiment, the liquid-holding member 8 is formed on the sloped portion 91 and the end portion 93 of the base end portion 652, respectively. In Figure 18, cross-hatching is applied to the area where the liquid-holding member 8 is formed. For the liquid-holding member 8 formed on the sloped portion 91, the protruding direction of the convex portion 83 is approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 81. For the liquid-holding member 8 formed on the end portion 93, the protruding direction of the convex portion 83 is in the +Z direction, where the cartridge bottom surface 44a is located when insertion is complete.

[0100] According to the third embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the surface of the base end portion 652 of the liquid introduction portion 642. In this way, in the insertion completed state shown in Figure 5 and the mounting completed state shown in Figure 6, the liquid leaked from the outlet opening 432 can be held in the liquid introduction portion 642, which is located on the side facing downward gravity. In other words, the liquid can be held near the connection portion 542 between the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642. This makes it easier for the liquid holding member 8 to hold the liquid if the liquid leaked from the outlet opening 432 drips towards the liquid introduction portion 642. Therefore, the possibility of liquid leaking to the outside, other than the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642, can be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the sloped portion 91 located on the surface of the base end portion 652 of the liquid introduction portion 642, on the side closer to the connection portion 542 between the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642. In this way, the liquid holding member 8 on the sloped portion 91 can quickly hold the liquid that has leaked from the outlet opening 432 in the insertion completed state and from the connection portion 542 in the mounting completed state.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on the end portion 93 of the base portion 652 of the liquid introduction portion 642, which is formed on the side of the surface that is lower in the direction of gravity than the gradient portion 91. In this way, for example, liquid leaking from the outlet opening 432 when insertion is complete, or from the connection portion 542 when installation is complete, can be held by the liquid holding member 8 formed on the end portion 93 like a receptacle. This further reduces the possibility of liquid leaking to the outside, other than the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment described above, the liquid holding member 8 is formed on both the gradient portion 91 and the end portion 93. In this way, if liquid that could not be held in the gradient portion 91 flows to the end portion 93, the liquid can be held at the end portion 93. This further reduces the possibility of liquid leaking to the outside, other than the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642.

[0104] D. Other embodiments: In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 12, the liquid holding member 8 was formed as part of a cap 7 that is detachably attached to the cartridge 4. In the second embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 17, the liquid holding member 8 was formed in the cartridge 4 that contains the liquid, at a position surrounding the bottom opening 446 that exposes the liquid supply section 442. In the third embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 18, the liquid holding member 8 was formed on the surface of the base end 652 of the liquid introduction section 642 provided in the printing device 10. However, the object on which the liquid holding member 8 is formed is not limited to these. The liquid holding member 8 may, for example, be formed as part of an ink supply container that supplies liquid ink to the ink tank provided in the printing device 10.

[0105] E. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate.

[0106] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid-holding member is provided. This liquid-holding member comprises a bottom surface and a plurality of protrusions formed by a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface, wherein the protrusions are integrally molded with the bottom surface. According to this embodiment, a plurality of continuously formed corners of the liquid-holding member are integrally molded with the bottom surface. According to this embodiment, a liquid-holding member can be formed using a part of a workpiece, such as a cap, as the bottom surface. In other words, the liquid-holding member and the workpiece can be integrally molded. This reduces the time and man-hours required to form the liquid-holding member on the workpiece.

[0107] (2) A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid-holding member. This liquid-holding member comprises a bottom surface, a plurality of protrusions formed by a plurality of surfaces and projecting from the bottom surface, a plurality of first corners formed by the bottom surface and the surfaces of the protrusions straddling a ridge, and a plurality of second corners formed by the surfaces of adjacent protrusions straddling a ridge. In this embodiment, the liquid-holding member can hold liquid by utilizing the capillary force acting on the plurality of first and second corners. In other words, even if the material itself does not have the property of absorbing liquid, the liquid-holding member can obtain the force to hold liquid through its structural features. This reduces the constraints on the type of material used to form the liquid-holding member, and allows it to be formed from a material that can be molded integrally with the member to be formed and that can be reused by washing. Furthermore, when liquid is held in the liquid-holding member, it can be washed and reused. As described above, various problems that occur in conventional members to be formed, such as caps, can be eliminated.

[0108] (3) In the above embodiment, the angle formed by at least one of the first corners and the angle formed by at least one of the second corners may each be 90 degrees or less. In this embodiment, by making the angle formed by at least one of the first corners and the angle formed by at least one of the second corners 90 degrees or less, the capillary force acting on the first corners and the second corners can be increased. As a result, when liquid adheres to the liquid-holding member, the liquid-holding member can hold the liquid more reliably.

[0109] (4) In the above embodiment, if the direction along the direction in which the protrusion protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the protrusion is defined as the first direction, and two directions perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular are defined as the second and third directions, the edges forming the first and second corners may include those whose first, second, and third direction components are in different directions from each other. According to this embodiment, the liquid holding member can form a plurality of first and second corners that extend in different directions from each other in any of the three-dimensional directions. As a result, when liquid adheres to the liquid holding member, the liquid holding member can hold the liquid more reliably.

[0110] (5) In the above embodiment, the angle formed by at least one of the second corners may be smaller than the angle formed by the first corner. According to this embodiment, the capillary force acting on the second corner, which is formed with a smaller angle than the angle formed by the first corner, can be made greater than the capillary force acting on the first corner. This makes it possible to further increase the liquid retention capacity in the second corner, where the retained liquid is more likely to leak out than in the first corner.

[0111] (6) A third embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid holding member. This liquid holding member comprises a bottom surface and a plurality of protrusions formed by a plurality of surfaces and protruding from the bottom surface, wherein the direction along the direction in which the protrusions protrude perpendicularly from the bottom surface is defined as the first direction, and two directions perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular are defined as the second and third directions, and a plurality of sets of protrusions consisting of two or more different protrusions are arranged in a line along at least one of the second and third directions. According to this embodiment, a plurality of first and second protrusions can be formed by arranging a plurality of sets of protrusions consisting of two or more different protrusions in a line along the second and third directions on the bottom surface.

[0112] (7) According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, a cap is provided. The cap, which is detachably attached to a cartridge having a liquid supply unit, comprises an opposing surface facing the liquid supply unit and a liquid retaining member as described in the above embodiment, disposed on the opposing surface. According to this embodiment, by attaching the cap with the liquid retaining member to the cartridge, the liquid retaining member can hold liquid leaked from the liquid supply unit. This reduces the possibility that liquid leaked from the liquid supply unit will leak or splash outside the cartridge and cap.

[0113] (8) In the above embodiment, the liquid supply unit has an outlet opening for discharging the liquid contained inside the cartridge to the outside, and the liquid holding member may be formed on the opposing surface at a position facing the outlet opening. In this embodiment, when the cap on which the liquid holding member is formed is attached to the cartridge, the liquid holding member can be formed at a position facing the outlet opening which serves as the source of the liquid. This allows the liquid holding member to more reliably hold the liquid that leaks out from the outlet opening.

[0114] (9) A fifth embodiment of the present disclosure provides a cartridge comprising a liquid supply unit having a central axis, a cartridge bottom surface, and a liquid retaining member as described above, wherein the cartridge bottom surface has a bottom opening that exposes the liquid supply unit, and the liquid retaining member is formed on at least a portion of the cartridge bottom surface in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis at a position surrounding the bottom opening. In this embodiment, if the liquid contained in the cartridge leaks from the liquid supply unit, the liquid retaining member formed on the side closer to the bottom opening can retain the liquid. This reduces the possibility of the liquid adhering to or splashing around the cartridge.

[0115] Not all of the components of each form of the present disclosure described above are essential, and it is possible to modify, delete, replace with other new components, or delete some of the limitations of some of the components as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described herein. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine some or all of the technical features included in one form of the present disclosure described above with some or all of the technical features included in another form of the present disclosure described above to form an independent form of the present disclosure in order to solve some or all of the problems described above or to achieve some or all of the effects described herein.

[0116] This disclosure can also be implemented in various forms other than liquid-holding members, cartridges, and printing apparatus. For example, it can be implemented in the form of a method for manufacturing liquid-holding members, cartridges, and printing apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1…Printing system, 2…Printing paper, 4,4C,4K,4M,4Y…Cartridge, 6…Cartridge mounting section, 7…Cap, 8…Liquid retention member, 10…Printing device, 11…Front cover, 13…Replacement cover, 15…Operation button, 20…Carriage, 22…Discharge head, 24…Tube, 30…Drive mechanism, 31…Control unit, 32…Timing belt, 34…Drive motor, 41…Main body, 41a…Outer shell, 42…Front wall, 42a…Cartridge front, 43…Top wall, 44…Bottom wall, 44a…Cartridge bottom, 45…First side wall, 45a…First cartridge side 46...Second side wall, 46a...Second cartridge side, 47...Rear wall, 47a...Rear surface of cartridge, 61...Housing chamber, 61C, 61K, 61M, 61Y...Slots, 62...Second device wall, 63...Upper device wall, 64...Bottom device wall, 65...First device side wall, 66...Second device side wall, 67...First device wall, 70...Device side terminal section, 71...Cap body section, 71s...Opposite surface, 81...Bottom surface, 83...Protrusion, 83a...First protrusion, 83b...Second protrusion, 83m...First apex, 83n...Second apex, 85...First representative corner, 86...Second representative corner, 87...Third representative corner, 88...Fourth representative corner, 91...Slope 92...Body section, 92a...One end of the body section, 92b...Other end of the body section, 93...End section, 401...Liquid container, 402...Adapter, 432...Outlet opening, 442...Liquid supply section, 442a...Other end of the liquid supply section, 446...Bottom opening, 448...Cartridge side supply section positioning section, 450...Liquid container section, 461...Supply section placement chamber, 470...Peripheral section, 488...Cartridge side engagement section, 499...Outer edge section, 542...Connection section, 610...Support member, 611...First support side wall, 612...Second support side wall, 613...Main wall, 614...Device opening, 642...Liquid introduction section, 644...Device side supply Feeding section positioning section, 651...tip section, 651a...one end of tip section, 652...base section, 674...insertion / removal opening, 677...engagement forming body, 682...inlet section flow path, 698...rotation pivot point, 699...liquid storage section, 710s...recess section, 721...cap side engagement section, 721a...slope section, 830...convex section set, 831, 831a, 831b...first top surface, 832, 832a, 832b...second top surface, 833, 833a, 833b...first side surface, 834, 834a, 834b...second side surface, 837...inner angle, 850...ridge line, 851...first corner section, 852...second corner section, 857, 867, 877,887...Angle formed by the corner, 861...First type corner, 862...Second type corner, 863...Third type corner, 871...Bottom side corner, 872...Surface side corner, CA1...Introductory side central axis, CA2...Supply side central axis, D1...Insertion direction, D2...Rotation mounting direction, D3...Disconnection direction, D4...Removal direction, G...Center of gravity, S...Space

Claims

1. A liquid holding member, The bottom and, Formed by multiple surfaces, with multiple protrusions projecting from the bottom surface, The bottom surface and the surface of the protrusion form a plurality of first corners that straddle the ridge, The adjacent protrusions have a plurality of second corners formed by the surfaces of the protrusions straddling the ridge line, The aforementioned protrusion is a liquid-holding member integrally molded with the bottom surface.

2. A liquid holding member according to claim 1, The angle formed by at least one of the first corners and the angle formed by at least one of the second corners Each of these is a liquid-holding member with a temperature of 90 degrees or less.

3. A liquid holding member according to claim 1 or claim 2, The direction along the direction in which the protrusion of the aforementioned convex portion protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom surface is defined as the first direction. When two directions that are perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular are designated as the second and third directions, The ridges forming the first and second corners are in different directions in any of the first, second, and third directional components. A liquid-holding member, including a liquid-holding member.

4. A liquid holding member according to claim 1 or claim 2, At least one of the second corners has an angle smaller than the first corner, in a liquid Retaining member.

5. A liquid holding member according to Claim 1, The direction along the direction in which the protrusion of the aforementioned convex portion protrudes perpendicularly from the bottom surface is defined as the first direction. In a field where two directions perpendicular to the first direction and mutually perpendicular are designated as the second and third directions, In conjunction with, A set of protrusions consisting of two or more different protrusions is located in the second direction and the third direction. Liquid-holding members arranged in a line along at least one side.

6. A cap that is detachably attached to a cartridge having a liquid supply section, The opposing surface facing the liquid supply unit, Liquid holder according to either claim 1 or claim 2, disposed on the opposing surface A cap comprising a component.

7. The cap according to claim 6, The liquid supply unit is designed to allow the liquid contained inside the cartridge to flow out to the outside. It has an outlet opening, The liquid-holding member is formed on the opposing surface at a position facing the outlet opening. It's a cap.

8. It is a cartridge, A liquid supply unit having a central axis, The bottom of the cartridge and A liquid holding member according to either claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: The bottom surface of the cartridge has a bottom opening that exposes the liquid supply section. The liquid-holding member is positioned on the bottom surface of the cartridge, surrounding the bottom opening. In this, a cartridge is formed in at least a portion of the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis. Ji.

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