Ink refill container

Abstract

To provide an ink replenishment container comprising a recess-and-projection portion suppressed from being deformed or damaged due to an impact from the outside.SOLUTION: The ink replenishment container for replenishing an ink by engaging with an engaging portion included in a printer, comprises: a cylindrical ink outlet; a wall disposed around the ink outlet outside the ink outlet in a radial direction around a central axis of the ink outlet and extending in an axial direction along the central axis; and a recess-and-projection portion disposed in at least one location of an outer peripheral surface of the ink outlet, an inner peripheral surface of the wall, and a space between the outer peripheral surface of the ink outlet and the inner peripheral surface of the wall, the recess-and-projection portion engaging with the engaging portion included in the printer, in a state where the printer is replenished with the ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inkjet printer has been known as a recording apparatus that performs recording by ejecting ink onto a print medium. Some inkjet printers include an ink tank that stores ink, and there are models in which when the remaining amount of ink becomes low, ink is replenished by using an ink supply container containing ink. As an ink supply container, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ink supply container provided with a convex portion for identifying the type of ink around an ink extraction port, in order to prevent incorrect type of ink from being replenished in a printer configured to be capable of printing using a plurality of types of ink. Since a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion is provided around the ink injection port of the ink tank, it is possible to identify whether a correct type of ink is injected depending on whether the convex portion and the concave portion are fitted to each other.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the ink supply container disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the convex portion is exposed to the outside, there is a risk that the convex portion may be deformed or damaged by an external impact. When the convex portion is deformed or damaged, a problem may arise that the identification function provided by the convex portion and the concave portion is degraded.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided for supplying ink by engaging with an engaging portion of a printer. The ink supply container comprises a cylindrical ink outlet, a wall disposed around the ink outlet and extending axially along the central axis, located radially outside the ink outlet with respect to the central axis of the ink outlet, and a recessed portion disposed at least at one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, the inner circumferential surface of the wall, and the space between the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet and the inner circumferential surface of the wall, the recessed portion engaging with the engaging portion of the printer when supplying the ink to the printer.

[0006] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided for supplying ink by engaging with an engaging portion of a printer. The ink supply container comprises a cylindrical ink outlet, a wall located on the outside of the ink outlet in the radial direction centered on the central axis of the ink outlet and extending axially along the central axis, and a recessed portion disposed at least at one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, the inner circumferential surface of the wall, and the space between the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet and the inner circumferential surface of the wall, the recessed portion which engages with the engaging portion of the printer when supplying the ink to the printer, wherein the wall is arranged to surround at least the portion of the recessed portion excluding the portion facing the ink outlet. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the ink tank in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the ink tank in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the ink supply container in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the ink supply container in its upright position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 5. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of the ink supply container in its upright position according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the process of refilling an ink tank with ink. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 9. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of an ink supply container in which irregularities are arranged on the outer surface of the outer periphery of the ink outlet. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a plan view of an ink supply container in which irregularities are arranged in the space between the wall and the outer surface of the ink outlet. [Figure 14] Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view of an ink refill container in which the height of the uneven parts is lower than that of the walls. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of an ink supply container in which the uneven portion is arranged in the space between the wall and the outer surface of the ink outlet so as to connect the wall 434 and the outer surface of the ink outlet. [Figure 17] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII in Figure 16. [Figure 18] This is a plan view of an ink supply container having a surface with protrusions and unevenness. [Figure 19] This is a plan view of an ink supply container in which the walls are formed to surround a portion of the circumferential direction centered on the axis of the ink outlet. [Figure 20] This is a plan view of an ink supply container according to another embodiment 8. [Figure 21] This is a plan view of an ink supply container according to another embodiment 10. [Figure 22] This is a plan view of an ink supply container in which the uneven parts are arranged on the third straight section. [Figure 23]It is a plan view of an ink inlet forming portion in which a printer-side uneven portion is provided on a second linear portion. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printer 100 according to the first embodiment. The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a print medium. In FIG. 1, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis that are orthogonal to each other are illustrated. The X axis corresponds to the width direction of the printer 100, the Y axis corresponds to the depth direction of the printer 100, and the Z axis corresponds to the height direction of the printer 100. The printer 100 is installed on a horizontal installation surface defined by the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Note that the "X-axis direction" means a concept including the +X direction and the -X direction. Similarly, the "Y-axis direction" means a concept including the +Y direction and the -Y direction, and the "Z-axis direction" means a concept including the +Z direction and the -Z direction. In the present disclosure, the +X direction may be referred to as left, the -X direction as right, the +Y direction as rear, the -Y direction as front, the +Z direction as up, and the -Z direction as down.

[0009] A printer 100 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing 110 whose longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction. Inside the casing 110, a carriage (not shown) that is movable in the X-axis direction is provided. A print head that discharges ink onto a print medium is mounted on the carriage. An ink tank housing unit 160 that houses a plurality of ink tanks 700 is provided on the front surface of the casing 110 (i.e., in the -Y direction). An openable / closable cover 162 is attached to an upper portion of the ink tank housing unit 160 (i.e., in the +Z direction). The ink tanks 700 include an ink tank 700S having a small storable ink capacity and an ink tank 700L having a large ink capacity. In the present disclosure, the ink tank 700S and the ink tank 700L are collectively referred to as the ink tank 700 without distinction therebetween. Each ink tank 700 is connected to the print head of the carriage via a tube (not shown) provided on a rear surface. Accordingly, ink is supplied from each ink tank 700 to the print head via the tube. In the present disclosure, each ink tank 700 is configured such that ink is supplied from an ink supply container when the remaining amount of ink decreases. In the present disclosure, a stationary ink tank provided on the front surface of the printer 100 is described as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be an ink tank mounted on the carriage.

[0010] Further, in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of ink tanks 700 may be configured to house mutually different types of ink, or may be configured to house mutually the same type of ink. Examples of the type of ink include the color of the ink. Therefore, in the present disclosure, either a configuration in which each of the plurality of ink tanks 700 houses mutually different colors of ink or a configuration in which each of the plurality of ink tanks 700 houses mutually the same color of ink can be employed. Examples of the ink color include black, yellow, magenta, and cyan.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ink tank 700 in the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a plan view of the ink tank 700 in the first embodiment. The ink tank 700 is substantially rectangular in shape and is configured to store ink inside. A viewing section 710 extending in the Z-axis direction is provided on the front of the ink tank 700. The viewing section 710 is made of a transparent material. Therefore, the user can see the ink level inside the ink tank 700 through the viewing section 710. Multiple scales are marked on the viewing section 710. The user can check the amount of ink inside the ink tank 700 by referring to the scales. As shown in Figure 1, an opening is formed on the front of the ink tank housing unit 160, and the viewing section 710 of each ink tank 700 is configured to be visible from the outside.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the top surface of the ink tank 700 is provided with a tank cap 720 and an ink inlet forming portion 730. The tank cap 720 is formed to be fitted into the ink inlet forming portion 730. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, when refilling the ink, the user can remove the tank cap 720 upwards to expose the ink inlet forming portion 730, thereby enabling the user to refill the ink.

[0013] As shown in Figure 3, the ink inlet forming portion 730 has a substantially concave shape and is formed in the center of the front side of the upper surface of the ink tank 700. The ink inlet forming portion 730 is the part that connects to the ink supply container when replenishing ink. The ink inlet forming portion 730 comprises a bottom surface 731, an ink inlet 732, an engaging portion 733, and an ink inlet surrounding portion 734. The bottom surface 731 is a horizontal plane along the XY axis, and a first through hole Ho1 is formed in the Z-axis direction at the center of the bottom surface 731.

[0014] The ink inlet 732 is positioned to overlap with the first through-hole Ho1. The ink inlet 732 has a substantially cylindrical shape with openings at both ends in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the ink inlet 732 and the first through-hole Ho1 communicate the inside and outside of the ink tank 700 and function as an ink flow path when ink is supplied from the ink supply container. The ink inlet 732 is provided with partition walls 735 that extend in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions through the central axis of the opening. That is, the ink inlet 732 is substantially divided into two in the X-axis direction by the partition walls 735. Also, as shown in Figure 2, the partition walls 735 protrude slightly upward at the opening of the ink inlet 732 in the +Z-axis direction. This protrusion is used to push in the outlet valve unit of the ink supply container when supplying ink, as will be described later.

[0015] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the engaging portion 733 is positioned in the XY plane, spaced apart from the ink inlet 732, and surrounding the ink inlet 732. The engaging portion 733 is a member that engages with the ink supply container, which will be described later. The engaging portion 733 extends in the Z-axis direction, and its height in the Z-axis direction is approximately equal to the height of the ink inlet 732 in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 3, the engaging portion 733 has a pair of first straight portions 736, a pair of first arch portions 737, and a printer-side concave / concave portion 738. Each first straight portion 736 is parallel to the Y-axis direction and is positioned apart from each other in the left-right direction, i.e., in the X-axis direction. Each first straight portion 736 is connected to each first arch portion 737 at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each first arch portion 737 is positioned apart from each other in the front-back direction, i.e., in the Y-axis direction. Each first arch portion 737 has a curved shape that is convex in the +Y direction or -Y direction in the XY plane. Each first arch portion 737 is provided with a printer-side recessed portion 738. The printer-side recessed portion 738 is a recessed shape provided on the first arch portion 737 and is formed to be able to engage with the recessed portion of the ink supply container, which will be described later. A pair of printer-side recessed portions 738 are formed on either side of the ink inlet 732. It can also be said that each printer-side recessed portion 738 is located in a point-symmetric position with respect to the ink inlet 732.

[0016] The printer-side protrusions 738 are provided at different positions for each of the multiple ink tanks 700. That is, the ink inlet forming portion 730 of each ink tank 700 has a different shape from the others. Therefore, only ink supply containers 200 having a shape corresponding to the printer-side protrusions 738 of the ink tank 700 can supply ink to that ink tank 700. In other words, the printer-side protrusions 738 function as an identifier that can identify the ink supply container 200.

[0017] The ink inlet enclosure 734 is positioned in the XY plane, spaced apart from the engagement portion 733, and surrounding the engagement portion 733. The ink inlet enclosure 734 extends in the Z-axis direction. In the XY plane, the ink inlet enclosure 734 has a shape that is an outward expansion of the engagement portion 733. Specifically, the ink inlet enclosure 734 has a pair of second straight sections 739 and a pair of second arch sections 740. Each second straight section 739 is located in the left-right direction, i.e., the +X direction and the -X direction. Each second straight section 739 extends in the Y direction in the XY plane and is connected to each second arch section 740 at both ends. Each second arch section 740 is located in the front-back direction, i.e., the +Y direction and the -Y direction. Each second arch section 740 has a curved shape that is convex in the +Y direction or the -Y direction in the XY plane. Each first arch portion 737 of the engaging portion 733 had printer-side recesses 738 formed thereon, but the second arch portion 740 of the ink inlet enclosure portion 734 is provided with multiple protrusions 741. The protrusions 741 are convex shapes provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second arch portion 740 and are formed to engage with recesses in the walls of the ink supply container, which will be described later. The protrusions 741 are formed in pairs, flanking the ink inlet 732. The protrusions 741 are arranged around the ink inlet 732, point It could also be said that they are in symmetrical positions.

[0018] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the ink supply container 200 in the first embodiment. The ink supply container 200 is a container that holds ink for supplying ink to the ink tank 700. The ink supply container 200 has a container body 300 capable of holding ink, an ink outlet forming part 400 that forms an ink outlet, an outlet valve unit 500, and a cap 600 that is attached to the ink outlet forming part 400 and can cover the ink outlet 432. In this disclosure, the upper end side of the ink supply container 200, which is the cap 600 side, is called the "front end side," and the lower end side, which is the container body 300 side, is called the "rear end side." The container body 300 is a bottomed cylindrical container with an opening at the front end. In this disclosure, the direction parallel to the central axis C of the ink supply container 200 is called the "axial direction," and the direction extending outward from the central axis C is called the "radial direction."

[0019] The ink outlet forming section 400 is equipped with a coupling section 420 that connects to the container body section 300. An outlet valve unit 500 is installed inside the coupling section 420. Therefore, the outlet valve unit 500 can also be considered as a component that constitutes part of the ink outlet forming section 400. When ink is not supplied to the ink tank 700, the outlet valve unit 500 is configured to be in a "closed state," sealing the ink outlet and preventing ink from leaking to the outside. On the other hand, when ink is supplied to the ink tank 700, it is configured to be in an "open state," releasing the seal and allowing ink to flow into the ink inlet 732 of the ink tank 700. The "closed state" and "open state" will be described later.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the outlet valve unit 500 includes a sealing member 510, a valve body 520, a spring member 530, and a valve housing 540. The valve housing 540 houses the valve body 520 and the spring member 530 inside. The valve housing 540 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an open end in the direction of the central axis C and a closed end. The ink inlet 732 of the ink tank 700 can be inserted into and removed from the opening at the front end of the valve housing 540. The valve housing 540 has a plurality of second through holes Ho2 that penetrate in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The second through holes Ho2 are holes that penetrate the side wall of the valve housing 540 in a radial direction centered on the central axis C, and are formed to extend in the direction of the central axis C. The second through holes Ho2 also communicate with the radial gap between the valve housing 540 and the coupling portion 420.

[0021] The spring member 530 is housed within the valve housing 540. The spring member 530 is housed at the rear end within the valve housing 540 and is supported by the valve housing 540. The spring member 530 biases the valve body 520 toward the front end. In this disclosure, the spring member 530 is a coil spring.

[0022] The sealing member 510 is installed inside the valve housing 540. The sealing member 510 is located towards the tip inside the valve housing 540. The sealing member 510 has a substantially cylindrical shape with both ends open. The sealing member 510 can be made of an elastic rubber material. The sealing member 510 has an opening through which the ink inlet 732 is inserted and removed.

[0023] The valve body 520 is housed within the valve housing 540 so as to be movable in the axial direction. The valve body 520 is a substantially cylindrical member. The valve body 520 is in contact with the spring member 530 at its rear end and with the seal member 510 at its front end. The side surface of the valve body 520 faces the inner surface of the valve housing 540. The valve body 520 can slide axially guided by the valve housing 540. This allows for smooth switching between the "closed state" and the "open state," which will be described later. The valve body 520 can be made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, for example.

[0024] The outlet valve unit 500 can be in a "closed state" and an "open state". Specifically, the valve body 520 is biased toward the seal member 510 by the spring member 530. When this biasing causes the tip of the valve body 520 to close the opening of the seal member 510, it is in a "closed state". Therefore, the ink cannot move out of the container body 300. On the other hand, when replenishing ink as described later, the valve body 520 is pressed by the upper end of the partition wall 735 of the ink tank 700 in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of the spring member 530. When this pressing causes the valve body 520 to move away from the seal member 510 and the closure of the opening is released, it is in an "open state". Therefore, when replenishing ink, the ink contained in the container body 300 can move out of the ink replenishment container 200 through the opening of the seal member 510.

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ink supply container 200 in its upright position according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in Figure 5. "Upright position of the ink supply container 200" means that the ink supply container 200 is placed on a horizontal surface such as a desk with its front end facing upwards. In the upright position, the central axis C of the ink supply container 200 is parallel to the Z-axis. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when ink is not being replenished, a cap 600 is attached to the ink supply container 200. As shown in Figure 6, a stopper portion 601 is provided on the inside of the cap 600. The stopper portion 601 is a projection that protrudes toward the rear end along the central axis C and is inserted into the ink outlet 432. Furthermore, a female thread 602 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cap 600. By screwing the female thread 602 into a male thread 460 formed on the outer circumference of the tip portion 430 of the ink outlet forming portion 400, the cap 600 is attached to cover the ink outlet 432.

[0026] Next, the ink outlet forming portion 400 of the ink supply container 200 will be described. The ink outlet forming portion 400 in this disclosure has a structure corresponding to the ink inlet forming portion 730 of the ink tank 700 described above. That is, when replenishing ink, the ink outlet forming portion 400 is configured to engage with the ink inlet forming portion 730. Specifically, the protrusions and recesses 437, which will be described later, are configured to engage with the printer-side protrusions and recesses 738 provided on the engagement portion 733 described above.

[0027] Figure 7 is a plan view of the ink supply container 200 in its upright position according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7. Figures 7 and 8 show the ink supply container 200 with the cap 600 removed.

[0028] As shown in Figure 8, the ink outlet forming section 400 includes a connecting section 420 located at the rear end and a tip section 430 located at the front end. The connecting section 420 and the tip section 430 are integrally formed with each other. The connecting section 420 has a cylindrical shape. The inner diameter of the connecting section 420 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tip side of the container body section 300. A female thread (not shown) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting section 420, and a male thread (not shown) is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the tip side of the container body section 300. Therefore, the ink outlet forming section 400 is screwed into the container body section 300.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the tip portion 430 has a substantially concave shape that opens towards the tip. The tip portion 430 comprises a bottom portion 431, an ink outlet 432, an outer periphery of the ink outlet 433, and a wall 434. A third through hole Ho3 is formed in the Z-axis direction at approximately the center of the bottom portion 431.

[0030] The ink outlet 432 is positioned to overlap with the third through-hole Ho3. The ink outlet 432 has a roughly cylindrical shape with both ends open in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 8, the ink outlet 432 and the outlet valve unit 500 are positioned so that their central axes overlap. Therefore, as described above, when the outlet valve unit 500 is in the open state, the ink outlet 432 functions as a flow path for ink when ink is supplied from the container body 300 to the ink tank 700.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the outer periphery 433 of the ink outlet is formed along the outer circumference of the ink outlet 432, surrounding it in the circumferential direction. Also, as shown in Figure 8, the ink outlet 432 is formed to extend in the direction of the central axis C. The height of the outer periphery 433 in the direction of the central axis C is slightly lower than the height of the ink outlet 432.

[0032] In this disclosure, "central axis of the ink outlet 432" refers to the normal to the opening surface of the ink outlet 432, specifically the normal passing through the center of the opening of the ink outlet 432. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the central axis C of the outlet valve unit 500 coincides with the central axis C of the ink supply container 200. Therefore, the central axis of the ink outlet 432 coincides with the central axis C of the ink supply container 200.

[0033] As shown in Figure 7, the wall 434 is formed to surround the outer periphery 433 of the ink outlet 432, radially outward from the central axis C of the ink outlet 432. The wall 434 is also formed to extend in the direction of the central axis C. The wall 434 corresponds to and is configured to engage with the engaging portion 733 of the ink tank 700 described above. Specifically, the wall 434 comprises a pair of third straight sections 435 and a pair of third arch sections 436. Each third straight section 435 is parallel to the Y-axis direction and is located apart from each other in the left-right direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. Each third straight section 435 is connected to the third arch section 436 at both ends in the Y-axis direction. Each third arch section 436 has a curved shape that is convex in the +Y direction or the -Y direction in the XY plane. The inner circumferential surface of each third arch section 436 is provided with a recessed portion 437. The uneven portion 437 has an uneven shape that can engage with the printer-side uneven portion 738 of the ink tank 700 in the XY plane, and is formed to extend in the direction of the central axis C. As described above, only the ink supply container 200 having the uneven portion 437 that can engage with the printer-side uneven portion 738 can supply ink to the ink tank 700. Therefore, the uneven portion 437 of the ink supply container 200 also functions as an identifier that can identify the ink tank 700. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the height of the uneven portion 437 in the direction of the central axis C is the same as the height of the wall 434 in the direction of the central axis C. Note that "same height" is a broad concept that includes an error of about ±5%, not just exactly the same height. Also, recessed portions 438 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of each third arch portion 436. The recessed portions 438 have a concave shape that can engage with the projection 741 of the ink tank 700. Note that the recessed portions 438 are not limited to four as shown in Figure 7, but may be provided in any number of one or more. In such cases, the number of protrusions 741 of the ink inlet forming portion 730 is provided in a quantity corresponding to the number of recessed portions 438.

[0034] As described above, the wall 434 has a shape that corresponds to the engaging portion 733 of the ink tank 700. Therefore, when ink is supplied to the ink tank 700 by the ink supply container 200, the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434 engages with the outer circumferential surface of the engaging portion 733, and the outer circumferential surface of the wall 434 engages with the inner circumferential surface of the ink inlet enclosure portion 734.

[0035] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the replenishment state in which ink is replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700. The ink replenishment performed using the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 700 described above will be explained below. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of Figure 9. In this disclosure, "replenishment state" refers to the state in which the cap 600 of the ink replenishment container 200 is removed, the ink replenishment container 200 is inverted, and connected to the ink tank 700. When the user confirms that the amount of ink in the ink tank 700 has decreased from the viewing area 710 on the front of the ink tank 700, they start replenishing the ink. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the user opens the tank cap 720 upwards to expose the ink inlet forming part 730 to the outside. Next, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the cap 600 of the ink replenishment container 200 is removed, the ink replenishment container 200 is inverted, and the positions of the ink outlet forming part 400 and the ink inlet forming part 730 are aligned and engaged. At this time, the user confirms that the uneven portion 437 of the ink outlet forming portion 400 engages with the printer-side uneven portion 738 of the ink inlet forming portion 730, and that the projection 741 of the ink inlet forming portion 730 engages with the recessed portion 438 of the ink outlet forming portion 400.

[0036] If the system does not engage, it will be clear that the ink in the ink refill container 200 being refilled is different from the ink in the ink tank 700. In other words, the user will be able to recognize that they are trying to refill with the wrong ink refill container 200. When the correct ink refill container 200 is engaged, as shown in Figure 10, the user can push the ink refill container 200 further downward, causing the valve body 520 of the outlet valve unit 500 to come into contact with the upper end of the compartment wall 735 of the ink tank 700 and be pushed towards the rear end. This causes the outlet valve unit 500 to open, allowing ink to flow from the ink refill container 200 into the ink chamber 701 in the ink tank 700.

[0037] When the user finishes supplying ink to the ink tank 700 from the ink supply container 200, the user pulls the ink supply container 200 upwards. This closes the outlet valve unit 500, stopping the outflow of ink from the ink supply container 200 to the ink tank 700.

[0038] In the ink supply container 200 according to the first embodiment described above, an uneven surface 437 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434 of the ink outlet forming section 400. With this configuration, the uneven surface 437 is protected by the wall 434, so that deformation or damage to the uneven surface 437 due to external impact can be suppressed.

[0039] Furthermore, since the uneven portion 437 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the ink supply container 200 compared to a configuration in which the uneven portion is arranged on the outside of the wall 434.

[0040] Furthermore, since the uneven surface 437 is formed on the inner surface of the wall 434, even if ink droplets leak out from the ink outlet 432, the ink droplets are retained on the uneven surface 437. This prevents the user's hands and the printer 100 from getting stained by ink droplets.

[0041] Furthermore, since the wall 434 has a pair of third straight sections 435 and a pair of third arch sections 436, by aligning the positions of each third straight section 435 of the ink supply container 200 with each first straight section 736 of the ink tank 700, or by aligning the positions of each third arch section 436 of the ink supply container 200 with each first arch section 737 of the ink tank 700, it becomes easier for the user to connect the ink supply container 200 and the ink tank 700 when refilling the ink.

[0042] Furthermore, since the uneven portion 437 is formed in a position symmetrical to the ink outlet 432, the user can easily align the container when refilling the ink. Therefore, the time required for the user to confirm the connection direction between the ink refill container 200 and the ink tank 700 can be reduced.

[0043] Furthermore, since recessed portions 438 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of each third arch portion 436, these recessed portions 438 can also function as identifiers. Therefore, the shape patterns of the ink outlet forming portion 400 can be increased by changing the position and number of recessed portions 438. In addition, compared to a configuration in which recessed portions 438 are not formed, the number of engagement points between the ink outlet forming portion 400 and the ink inlet forming portion 730 increases, making it easier to stabilize the posture of the ink supply container 200 when it is being refilled.

[0044] B. Other embodiments: B1. Other Embodiments 1: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 was arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 11 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200a in which the uneven portion 437a is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the uneven portion 437a may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433. Since the ink outlet outer periphery 433 is formed along the periphery of the ink outlet 432, the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433 can also be said to be the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet 432. In accordance with the ink supply container 200a with such a configuration, in the ink inlet forming portion 730 of the ink tank 700, the printer-side uneven portion 738 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the ink inlet 732. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, since the uneven portion 437a is formed further inward in the radial direction than the uneven portion 437 formed on the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, deformation or damage to the uneven portion 437a due to impact can be further suppressed.

[0045] B2. Another Embodiment 2: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 was disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 13 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200b in which the uneven portion 437b is disposed in the space between the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV of Figure 13. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the uneven portion 437b may be disposed in the space between the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433. The uneven portion 437b is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape extending from the bottom portion 431 along the central axis C. Corresponding to the ink supply container 200b with the above configuration, in the ink inlet forming portion 730 of the ink tank 700, the printer-side uneven portion 738 is formed so as to extend in the Z-axis direction from the bottom surface 731 in the space surrounded by the ink inlet 732, the first straight portion 736, and the first arch portion 737. With this configuration as well, the same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0046] B3. Other Embodiments 3: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 was disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The uneven portion 437 may be disposed at two or all of the following locations: the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer circumferential portion 433, and the space between the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer circumferential portion 433. In this configuration as well, the same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the uneven portion 437 is disposed at only one of the following locations: the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer circumferential portion 433, and the space between the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer circumferential portion 433, the number of possible locations for the uneven portion 437 can be increased. Therefore, the number of shape patterns of the uneven portion 437 that function as an identifier can be increased without expanding the size of the ink outlet forming portion 400. Furthermore, since the number of protrusions 437 that engage with the printer-side protrusions 738 increases, the posture of the ink supply container 200 becomes more stable when the ink is being replenished. In this configuration, the printer-side protrusions 738 are formed at the corresponding positions of the ink outlet forming portion 400 of the ink tank 700.

[0047] B4. Other Embodiments 4: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the height of the uneven portion 437 in the direction of the central axis C was the same as the height of the wall 434 in the direction of the central axis C, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an ink supply container 200d in which the height of the uneven portion 437d is configured to be lower than that of the wall 434. As shown in Figure 15, the height of the uneven portion 437d may be configured to be lower than that of the wall 434. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, because the height of the uneven portion 437d is lower than that of the wall 434, impacts from the central axis C direction as well as the radial direction are less likely to be applied to the uneven portion 437d. Therefore, deformation and damage to the uneven portion 437d due to external impacts can be further suppressed.

[0048] B5. Other Embodiments 5: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 was arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the wall 434, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 16 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200e in which the uneven portion 437e is arranged in the space between the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433, connecting the wall 434 and the ink outlet outer periphery 433. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII of Figure 16. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the uneven portion 437e may be arranged continuously in the space between the wall 434 and the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet outer periphery 433. In this configuration as well, the same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, in this configuration, the space between the wall 434 and the ink outlet outer periphery 433 is divided into two by the uneven portion 437e. Therefore, when multiple ink droplets adhere to the space on which the droplets are placed, compared to a configuration where the space is not divided into two, it is possible to suppress the aggregation of ink droplets and the formation of large ink droplets. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the soiling of the user's hands and the printer 100 by large ink droplets. Note that the space divided by the uneven portion 437e does not have to be divided into two, and may be divided into three or more arbitrary spaces.

[0049] B6. Other Embodiments 6: The uneven portion 437e of the other embodiment 5 described above may have protruding portions 441 formed thereon. Figure 18 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200f having an uneven portion 437f on which protruding portions 441 are formed. As shown in Figure 18, protruding portions 441 are provided protruding in the +X direction and the -X direction of the uneven portion 437f. This configuration also provides the same effects as the ink supply container 200e of the other embodiment 5. Furthermore, the shape patterns of the uneven portion 437f can be increased by changing the position and number of protruding portions 441. Therefore, the patterns of the uneven portion 437f that serve as identifiers can be further increased without expanding the size of the ink outlet forming portion 400.

[0050] B7. Other Embodiments 7: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the wall 434 was formed to surround the entire circumferential direction around the central axis C of the ink outlet 432, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Figure 19 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200g in which the wall 434g is formed to surround a part of the circumferential direction around the central axis C of the ink outlet 432. As shown in Figure 19, the wall 434g may be provided only in the +Y and -Y directions of the ink outlet 432. That is, the pair of second straight sections 739 may be removed from the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment, and the wall 434g may be composed only of the pair of second arch sections 740. The same effects as the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment can be obtained with such a configuration as well. Furthermore, since there is no member corresponding to the second straight section 739, the size of the ink outlet forming section 400 can be reduced.

[0051] B8. Other Embodiments 8: In the other embodiment 7 described above, the wall 434g may be formed to surround at least the portion of the uneven portion 437 excluding the portion facing the ink outlet 432. Figure 20 is a plan view of the ink supply container 200h according to another embodiment 8. As shown in Figure 20, the wall 434h of the ink supply container 200h is located in part around the outer periphery 433 of the ink outlet, extends in the direction of the central axis C, and is arranged to surround the uneven portion 437. Specifically, the wall 434h includes a pair of fourth straight portions 435h and an arc portion 436h. Each fourth straight portion 435h is formed to extend in the direction of the Y axis. Each fourth straight portion 435h is connected to the outer periphery 433 of the ink outlet at the end on the ink outlet 432 side and connected to the arc portion 436h at the other end. The arc portion 436h is spaced apart from the outer periphery 433 of the ink outlet and is arranged in an arc shape. Both ends of the arc portion 436h are connected to the fourth straight portion 435h. An uneven portion 437 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the arc portion 436h, and a recessed portion 438 is formed on the outer circumferential surface. In this embodiment, a pair of regions surrounded by the wall 434h are formed on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the ink outlet 432, and are located at offset positions from each other in the X-axis direction. With this configuration, the uneven portion 437 is surrounded by the wall 434h, except for the portion facing the outer circumferential portion 433 of the ink outlet and the portion on the tip side. This configuration also provides the same effects as the ink supply container 200g according to other embodiments 7. Furthermore, with the ink supply container 200h of this embodiment, since the uneven portion 437 is protected by the pair of fourth straight portion 435h and the arc portion 436h, damage and deformation of the uneven portion 437 can be further suppressed.

[0052] B9. Other Embodiments 9: In the above-described embodiment 8, the wall 434h was formed to surround the portion of the uneven portion 437 excluding at least the portion facing the ink outlet 432 and the end face on the tip side. However, in addition to this configuration, the wall 434h may also be further formed between the uneven portion 437 and the ink outlet 432. That is, the portion of the uneven portion 437 excluding the end face on the tip side is surrounded by the wall 434h. With this configuration, the uneven portion 437 is surrounded on all four sides, so damage and deformation due to external impacts to the uneven portion 437 can be further suppressed.

[0053] B10. Other Embodiments 10: The regions enclosed by the walls 434h of the other embodiment 8 described above may be located at positions aligned with each other in the X-axis direction. Figure 21 is a plan view of the ink supply container 200i according to another embodiment 10. As shown in Figure 21, the regions enclosed by the walls 434i are formed in pairs on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the ink outlet 432 and are located at positions aligned with each other in the X-axis direction. This configuration also provides the same effects as the ink supply container 200h according to other embodiment 8.

[0054] B11. Other Embodiments 11: In the above-described embodiments 8 to 10, there was a pair of regions enclosed by walls 434h, but instead of a pair, any number of regions may exist.

[0055] B12. Other Embodiments 12: In the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 was arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the third arch portion 436, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The uneven portion 437 may be provided on the third straight portion 435 instead of the third arch portion 436. Furthermore, in the ink supply container 200 of the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion 437 of the ink supply container 200, which functions as a convex portion, and the printer-side uneven portion 738 of the ink tank 700, which functions as a concave portion, were configured to engage with each other, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The uneven portion 437 of the ink supply container 200 may function as a concave portion, and the printer-side uneven portion 738 of the ink tank 700 may function as a convex portion. Figure 22 is a plan view of an ink supply container 200j in which the uneven portion 437j is arranged on the third straight portion 435. Figure 23 is a plan view of the ink inlet forming section 730j in which the printer-side recessed portion 738j is provided on the second straight section 739. As shown in Figure 22, the recessed portion 437j of the ink supply container 200j is configured in the third straight section 435 as a portion in which the inner circumferential surface protrudes inward and the outer circumferential surface is recessed inward. The recessed portion 437j is arranged in pairs at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the ink outlet 432. As shown in Figure 23, corresponding to the ink supply container 200j with this configuration, in the ink inlet forming section 730j of the ink tank 700, the printer-side recessed portion 738j is arranged so as to protrude inward from the inner circumferential surface of the second straight section 739. The printer-side recessed portion 738j is formed in pairs at point-symmetrical positions with respect to the ink inlet 732. When replenishing ink, the ink replenishment container 200j shown in Figure 22 is attached to the ink inlet forming section 730j shown in Figure 23, at which point the pair of protrusions 437j and the pair of printer-side protrusions 738j engage with each other. This configuration also provides the same effects as the ink replenishment container 200 of the first embodiment.

[0056] C. 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 in 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.

[0057] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided for supplying ink by engaging with an engaging portion of a printer. The ink supply container comprises a cylindrical ink outlet, a wall disposed around the ink outlet and extending axially along the central axis, on the outside of the ink outlet in the radial direction centered on the central axis of the ink outlet, and a recessed portion disposed at least at one of the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, the inner circumferential surface of the wall, and the space between the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet and the inner circumferential surface of the wall, the recessed portion engaging with the engaging portion of the printer when supplying the ink to the printer. In this type of ink refill container, the uneven surface is located at least one of the following locations: the outer surface of the ink outlet, the inner surface of the wall, and the space between the outer surface of the ink outlet and the inner surface of the wall. Therefore, the uneven surface is shielded by the wall in the radial direction. Compared to a configuration in which the uneven surface is exposed to the outside, deformation and damage to the uneven surface due to impact can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the uneven surface is provided at least one of the following locations: the outer surface of the ink outlet, the inner surface of the wall, and the space between the outer surface of the ink outlet and the inner surface of the wall, the number of possible arrangements of the uneven surfaces can be easily increased by increasing the number of locations where the uneven surfaces are provided. Furthermore, since the location of the uneven surface is the space between the outer surface of the ink outlet and the inner surface of the wall, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the ink supply container compared to a configuration in which the uneven surface is located outside the wall. Furthermore, if ink droplets leak from the ink refill container, they are retained in the uneven surface, thus preventing the user's hands or the printer from getting stained by the ink droplets.

[0058] (2) In the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion may be arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet. With this type of ink refill container, the uneven surface is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, so the uneven surface is formed further inward in the radial direction of the ink refill container. Therefore, deformation and damage to the uneven surface due to external impact can be further suppressed.

[0059] (3) In the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet, the inner circumferential surface of the wall, and the space between the outer circumferential surface of the ink outlet and the inner circumferential surface of the wall. With this type of ink refill container, the uneven surface is arranged on the outer surface of the ink outlet, the inner surface of the wall, and the space between the outer surface of the ink outlet and the inner surface of the wall. Compared to a configuration where the uneven surface is arranged in only one of these locations, it is possible to increase the number of arrangement patterns for the uneven surface without increasing the size of the ink refill container. Furthermore, because the number of interlocking parts that engage with the printer's engagement parts increases, the ink refill container becomes more stable when refilling ink by tilting it.

[0060] (4) In the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion may have the same height as the wall or a lower height than the wall in the axial direction. With this type of ink refill container, the axial height of the uneven surface is less than or equal to the axial height of the wall, so the uneven surface is further shielded by the wall. Therefore, deformation and damage to the uneven surface due to external impacts from the axial direction as well as the radial direction can be further suppressed.

[0061] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the uneven portion may have an uneven shape when viewed in the axial direction from the tip side of the ink outlet. This type of ink refill container allows for an increase in the number of identifying shape patterns due to the shape of the uneven surface.

[0062] (6) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, an ink supply container is provided for supplying ink by engaging with an engaging portion of a printer. The ink supply container comprises a cylindrical ink outlet, a wall located on the outside of the ink outlet in the radial direction about the central axis of the ink outlet and extending axially along the central axis, and a recessed portion disposed at least at one of the outer surface of the ink outlet, the inner surface of the wall, and the space between the outer surface of the ink outlet and the inner surface of the wall, the recessed portion which engages with the engaging portion of the printer when supplying the ink to the printer, wherein the wall is arranged to surround at least the portion of the recessed portion excluding the portion facing the ink outlet. With this type of ink refill container, the wall is positioned only on a portion of the area around the ink outlet, allowing for a more compact design compared to a configuration where the wall completely surrounds the ink outlet. Furthermore, since the uneven surfaces are shielded by the wall, deformation and damage to these surfaces due to external impacts can be suppressed.

[0063] (7) According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a printer is provided in which the printer-side protrusions and recesses that engage with the protrusions and recesses of the ink supply container of the above embodiment are provided on the engaging portion. With this type of printer, the uneven surfaces of the ink supply container and the uneven surfaces of the printer engage properly, thus preventing accidental ink injection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 100...Printer, 110...Housing, 160...Ink tank housing unit, 162...Lid, 200, 200a, 200b, 200d, 200e, 200f, 200g, 200h, 200j...Ink refill container, 300...Container body, 400...Ink outlet forming part, 420...Connecting part, 430...Tip part, 431...Bottom part, 432... Ink outlet, 433... Outer circumference of ink outlet, 434, 434g, 434h... Wall, 435... Third straight section, 435h... Fourth straight section, 436... Third arch section, 436h... Arc section, 437, 437a, 437b, 437d, 437e, 437f, 437j... Uneven section, 438... Recessed section, 441... Protruding section, 460... Male screw, 500... Outlet Valve unit, 510...Sealing member, 520...Valve body, 530...Spring member, 540...Valve housing, 600...Cap, 601...Plug part, 602...Female thread, 700, 700L, 700S...Ink tank, 701...Ink chamber, 710...Visibility part, 720...Tank cap, 730, 730j...Ink inlet forming part, 731...Bottom surface, 732...Ink inlet, 733...Engaging part, 734...Ink inlet surrounding part, 735...Partition wall, 736...First straight part, 737...First arch part, 738, 738j...Printer side uneven part, 739...Second straight part, 740...Second arch part, 741...Protrusion, C...Central axis, Ho1...First through hole, Ho2...Second through hole, Ho3...Third through hole

Claims

1. An ink supply container for supplying ink to a printer having an ink inlet and an engaging portion spaced apart from the ink inlet and surrounding the outer circumference of the ink inlet, wherein the engaging portion has a pair of printer-side first straight portions and a pair of printer-side first arch portions, The aforementioned ink supply container is A cylindrical ink outlet configured to be connectable to the aforementioned ink inlet, With the ink outlet facing upward, a cylindrical outer periphery of the ink outlet is continuous with the ink outlet at a position lower than the ink outlet and surrounds the ink outlet in the circumferential direction, The ink outlet is located on the outer periphery of the ink outlet in the radial direction centered on the central axis of the ink outlet, and comprises a wall that surrounds the circumferential direction of the outer periphery of the ink outlet and extends in the axial direction along the central axis, The aforementioned wall is In a plan view from the ink outlet side in the axial direction, it consists of a pair of straight sections and a pair of arched sections, with both ends of each of the straight sections connected to the respective arched sections. The inner surfaces of the pair of straight sections and the inner surfaces of the pair of arched sections are configured to engage with the outer surfaces of the pair of printer-side first straight sections and the pair of printer-side first arched sections, respectively. An ink supply container wherein each of the pair of arched portions has a convex portion on its inner surface that is configured to engage with a concave portion of a printer-side convex portion, which is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the ink outlet of the printer's engaging portion, and the convex portion of the convex portion is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the ink outlet of the printer.

2. An ink supply container according to claim 1, The printer is provided with an ink inlet enclosure portion that is spaced apart from the engagement portion and surrounds the outer circumference of the engagement portion, the ink inlet enclosure portion having a pair of printer-side second straight portions and a pair of printer-side second arch portions, each of the pair of printer-side second arch portions having projections arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the ink inlet, The ink supply container is an ink supply container in which recessed portions configured to engage with the projections are provided on the outer surface of each of the pair of arch portions.

3. An ink supply container according to claim 1 or 2, An ink supply container in which the protrusions of the uneven portion have a height equal to or lower than the wall in the axial direction.

Images