JP6060574B2 - Liquid container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid storage container that stores a liquid such as ink.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an ink cartridge that is a kind of liquid storage container, an ink cartridge having a prism (optical member) for detecting the presence or absence of ink stored inside based on the reflection state of light irradiated from the outside is known. (For example, Patent Document 1).

  In such an ink cartridge, a lid member is assembled to a container body (case) whose one side surface is open so as to close the opening, and a prism is provided on the container body so that a part is exposed from the lower surface of the container body. It is configured. Such an ink cartridge is usually mounted in an ink jet printer (liquid ejecting apparatus), and the ink stored in the main storage unit is used for printing on paper or the like.

JP 2011-206936 A

  By the way, the ink cartridge as described above has a configuration in which the lid member and the prism are located very close to each other in the container body. For this reason, when the lid member is assembled to the container body, there is a problem that the prism may come into contact with the lid member and be damaged. Even after assembly, the prism may come into contact with other members and be damaged.

Such a problem is also common in liquid storage containers that store liquids other than ink.
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems existing in the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid container that can prevent the optical member from coming into contact with the lid member and being damaged.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
The liquid container that solves the above-described problem includes at least a first surface provided with an optical member, a second surface that intersects with the first surface, and intersects with the first surface and faces the second surface. And a position closer to an end formed by the first surface and the third surface than an end formed by the first surface and the second surface. The 2nd surface is comprised by the cover member comprised so that attachment or detachment was possible.

According to the said structure, since an optical member is arrange | positioned in the position away from the cover member, when attaching a cover member, it becomes possible to suppress that an optical member contacts with a cover member and is damaged.
A liquid container that solves the above-described problem is a case that has an opening on one side surface, a lid member that covers the opening and can be attached to the case, and a liquid that is formed in the case and can store the liquid. A storage chamber; and an optical member disposed in the liquid storage chamber, a part of which is exposed on a lower surface of the case, wherein the optical member is a central portion of the case in the attachment direction of the lid member with respect to the case Rather than the lid member in the attachment direction.

According to the above configuration, since the optical member is disposed at a position away from the lid member, the optical member can be prevented from coming into contact with the lid member and being damaged when the lid member is attached to the case. .
In the liquid container, it is preferable that the optical member is partially covered by a cover member attached to the lower surface of the case.

According to the above configuration, the optical member can be protected by the cover member.
In the liquid container, it is preferable that a convex portion is formed at an end of the lower surface of the case on the opening side, and a concave portion that can be fitted to the convex portion is formed on the lid member. .

  According to the above configuration, since the concave portion is provided in the lid member, the convex portion is provided in the lid member even when the concave portion comes into contact with the optical member in an attempt to attach the lid member to the opposite side of the opening in the case. Thus, the optical member can be prevented from being damaged as compared with the case where the convex portion contacts the optical member.

In the liquid container, it is preferable that the convex portion is disposed at a position that is not opposed to the optical member in the attachment direction of the lid member with respect to the case.
According to the above configuration, the concave portion of the lid member is provided at a position facing the convex portion of the case in the attachment direction of the lid member with respect to the case, but is provided at a position not facing the optical member. When the lid member is to be attached to the side of the case opposite to the opening, it is possible to prevent the concave portion from contacting the optical member.

In the liquid container, it is preferable that the cover member is attached to the lower surface of the case so as to surround the entire periphery of the optical member.
According to the above configuration, the cover member can effectively protect the optical member against external forces from a plurality of directions.

  In the liquid container, the optical member is exposed at a corner portion on the lower surface of the case, and the lid member is adjacent to the opening in the case when the lid member is attached to the case. Provided on the mounting portion side when the case with the lid member attached is inserted into the mounting portion in the correct posture and mounted. It is preferable that a to-be-fitted portion fitted to the fitted portion is provided.

  According to the above configuration, when the case with the lid member attached is mistakenly inserted into the mounting portion with the posture direction reversed, the fitted portion does not fit into the fitting portion of the mounting portion. For example, by hitting the side wall or the like of the mounting portion, it is avoided that the portion on the optical member side in the case is inserted into the mounting portion with the wrong posture orientation. Therefore, even when the case with the lid member attached is intended to be erroneously attached to the attachment portion, the optical member can be prevented from colliding with the attachment portion by the fitted portion, so that the optical member can be protected. Become.

  The liquid container is configured to be able to supply liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus, and supplies a liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus, a fourth surface intersecting the third surface, a fifth surface facing the fourth surface, and the liquid ejecting apparatus. And a fitted portion that fits with a member provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus side, wherein the optical member is more than an end portion formed by the first surface and the fourth surface. It is preferable that the first portion and the fifth surface be disposed at a position close to an end portion, and the fitted portion is provided on the fifth surface.

  According to the above configuration, if the posture is erroneously reversed and the liquid ejecting apparatus is to be mounted on the liquid ejecting apparatus, the fitted portion does not fit into the member provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus side. By hitting the other member or the like, it is avoided that the liquid ejecting apparatus is mounted in the wrong posture direction. Therefore, even if it is intended to be erroneously attached to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the optical member is prevented from colliding with the member constituting the liquid ejecting apparatus by the fitted portion, so that the optical member can be protected.

  In the liquid container, it is preferable that an uneven portion is formed at an end portion on the optical member side of the side surface on the optical member side among a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to the opening in the case.

  According to the above configuration, the user can stably hold the case by placing a finger on the uneven portion formed at the end of the side surface of the case on the optical member side.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the ink cartridge according to the embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the ink cartridge of FIG. 1 is viewed from below. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view when the ink cartridge is viewed from the right side. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view when the ink cartridge is viewed from the left side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when a reinforcing member is arranged in a case of the ink cartridge. The perspective view of the case of the ink cartridge. The principal part expansion perspective view of FIG. Sectional drawing of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when a state when the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge holder is viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when a state when the ink cartridge is mounted in the cartridge holder is viewed from the rear side. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a first ink chamber of the ink cartridge. The expansion perspective view of the 2nd ink chamber of the ink cartridge. The left view of the case of the ink cartridge. The right view of the case of the ink cartridge. The top view of the case of the ink cartridge. The bottom view of the case of the ink cartridge. FIG. 3 is a perspective view when the reinforcing member of the ink cartridge is viewed from below. The perspective view when the reinforcing member of the ink cartridge is viewed from above.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a liquid container is embodied as an ink cartridge that is mounted and used in an ink jet printer (hereinafter abbreviated as “printer”), which is a kind of liquid ejecting apparatus, will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, “front-rear direction”, “left-right direction”, and “up-down direction” indicate the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction indicated by arrows in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, an ink cartridge 11 as an example of a liquid storage container is made of synthetic resin (in this embodiment, polypropylene (PP)), and has an opening 12 on the left side (one side). A case 13 having a substantially rectangular box shape is provided. A first air chamber 14, a first ink chamber 15 (first liquid storage chamber), and a third ink chamber 16 are arranged in this order from the rear side to the front side, approximately from the center in the up-down direction in the case 13. And are formed by side walls (partition walls) so as to have the same height.

  On the other hand, in the case 13, the second air chamber 17 and the second ink chamber 18 (second liquid storage chamber) are arranged in order from the rear side to the front side from the substantially central portion in the up-down direction. Each is partitioned by side walls (partition walls) so as to have the same height. That is, a second air chamber 17 is formed below the first air chamber 14, and a second ink chamber 18 is disposed below the first ink chamber 15 and the third ink chamber 16.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the third air chamber is located at the end of the second ink chamber 18 on the second air chamber 17 side and at the bottom of the second ink chamber 18. 36 is provided. The third air chamber 36 is used when the ink cartridge 11 is filled with ink. Specifically, the inside of the ink cartridge 11 is depressurized when it is filled with ink. The third air chamber 36 is located between the decompression hole 35 to which a decompression pump (not shown) is connected and the second air chamber 17, and decompresses the interior of the ink cartridge 11 via the second air chamber 17. Used for.

  After the ink is injected into the ink cartridge 11, the concave and convex portion provided between the second air chamber 17 and the third air chamber 36 and the case 13 are welded by a second sealing film 28 described later. The opening 12 is closed. Accordingly, the third air chamber 36 after ink is injected into the ink cartridge 11 communicates with the outside through the decompression hole 35, but communicates with the interior of the ink cartridge 11 (each ink chamber 15, 18, 16). It is a room that does not.

  The first air chamber 14, the second air chamber 17, the first ink chamber 15, the third ink chamber 16, and the second ink chamber 18 are all open at the opening 12. The width of the first air chamber 14 in the front-rear direction is the same as the width of the second air chamber 17 in the front-rear direction. The width of the first ink chamber 15 in the front-rear direction is larger than the width of the third ink chamber 16 in the front-rear direction. The sum of the width in the front-rear direction of the first ink chamber 15 and the width in the front-rear direction of the third ink chamber 16 is the same as the width in the front-rear direction of the second ink chamber 18.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a fourth ink chamber 20 as an example of a small liquid storage chamber having a smaller volume than the second ink chamber 18 is provided at the bottom of the storage chamber forming recess 19 that forms the second ink chamber 18. A small storage chamber forming recess 21 to be formed is provided. The small storage chamber forming recess 21 is open on the left side which is the opening 12 side. Therefore, the fourth ink chamber 20 is disposed in the second ink chamber 18.

  Further, when the horizontal direction, which is the depth direction of the storage chamber forming recess 19, is the height direction, the height of the side wall of the storage chamber forming recess 19 is higher than the height of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21. Yes. The first to fourth ink chambers 15, 18, 16, and 20 formed in the case 13 are in communication with each other and constitute a liquid storage chamber that can store ink as an example of a liquid.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, a substantially rectangular accommodation hole 22 extending to the lower surface of the case 13 is formed on the lower surface (the inner surface of the side wall) of the small housing chamber forming recess 21. A prism member 23 as an example of an optical member is welded to the accommodation hole 22 from the lower surface side of the case 13.

  The prism member 23 is made of the same polypropylene (PP) as the material forming the case 13, and includes a prismatic prism portion 23a and a rectangular plate-shaped prism support portion 23b that supports the prism portion 23a from below. Yes. In this case, the prism portion 23a and the prism support portion 23b are integrally formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in a state where the prism member 23 is welded to the case 13, the prism portion 23 a is accommodated in the accommodation hole 22, and the prism support portion 23 b is disposed on the lower end side of the accommodation hole 22. The opening is closed from the lower surface side of the case 13. Therefore, an accommodation recess 24 as an example of an optical member accommodation chamber for accommodating the prism portion 23a is formed by the accommodation hole 22 and the prism support portion 23b. That is, the prism portion 23 a is disposed in the housing recess 24.

  In this case, a part of the prism portion 23a is exposed from the lower surface of the prism support portion 23b. And the part exposed from the lower surface of the prism support part 23b in this prism part 23a is made into the light irradiation surface 23c to which light is irradiated. That is, the light irradiation surface 23c is irradiated with light from a printer (not shown) on which the ink cartridge 11 is mounted, and the presence or amount of ink in the housing recess 24 is determined based on the reflection state of the irradiated light. Detected by.

  In addition, the storage recess 24 communicates with the small storage chamber formation recess 21 above the storage recess 24, and the volume of the storage recess 24 is smaller than the volume of the small storage chamber formation recess 21. The depth of the accommodating recess 24 is set to be equal to or higher than the height of the prism portion 23a accommodated therein. In the present embodiment, the depth of the accommodation recess 24 is set to be slightly deeper than the height of the prism portion 23a.

  In other words, in a state where the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on a printer (not shown), the height of the wall (fourth wall) forming the housing recess 24 from the bottom surface 18a is higher than the height from the bottom surface 18a of the prism member 23. The storage recess 24 communicates with the small storage chamber forming recess 21 (second ink chamber 20) above the highest position of the prism member 23.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the opening of the small accommodating chamber forming recess 21 is formed by replacing the rectangular first sealing film 25 as an example of the first sealing member (sealing member) with the small accommodating chamber forming recess 21. It seals by welding to the front end surface 26 of the side wall. Therefore, the front end surface 26 of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 functions as a first welded portion of the first sealing film 25. Further, a ridge 27 is formed on the front end surfaces of the side walls of the first air chamber 14, the second air chamber 17, the first ink chamber 15, the third ink chamber 16, and the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13. .

  The opening 12 of the case 13 is sealed by welding a rectangular second sealing film 28 as an example of a second sealing member (sealing member) to the ridges 27. Accordingly, the ridge 27 functions as a second welded portion of the second sealing film 28. In this case, the width of the front end surface 26 of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is larger than the width of the ridge 27.

  That is, the thickness of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is thicker than the thickness of the ridge 27. Accordingly, the welding strength of the first sealing film 25 to the distal end surface 26 of the side wall of the small accommodating chamber forming recess 21 is stronger than the welding strength of the second sealing film 28 to the ridges 27.

  The 1st sealing film 25 in this embodiment is comprised by the multilayer film containing a polypropylene (PP) layer, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, and a polyamide (nylon) layer. On the other hand, the second sealing film 28 in the present embodiment includes a polypropylene (PP) layer, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, a polyamide (nylon) layer, a printing layer, and a barrier layer having an ink evaporation inhibiting function. It is comprised by the multilayer film containing.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a reinforcing member 29 for reinforcing the case 13 is disposed in the storage chamber forming recess 19 (second ink chamber 18). As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the reinforcing member 29 includes a V-shaped plate-like reinforcing portion 29a and a plate-like beam portion 29b provided between the inside of the reinforcing portion 29a. In a state where the reinforcing member 29 is disposed in the storage chamber forming recess 19, the front and rear corner portions located on the upper side of the storage chamber forming recess 19 and the front-rear direction on the lower surface (the inner surface of the side wall) of the storage chamber forming recess 19. It abuts at three places with the central part of the.

  Then, after the first sealing film 25 is welded to the case 13 and the reinforcing member 29 is attached, the second sealing film 28 is welded. Thereafter, a substantially rectangular plate-shaped lid member 30 is detachably attached to the case 13 so as to cover the entire opening 12 from above the second sealing film 28.

  As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the lid member 30 includes a rectangular plate-like lid body 31, and a rectangular plate-like front tongue piece portion 32 that extends perpendicularly from the front edge of the lid body 31 to the right. A rectangular plate-shaped rear tongue piece 33 extending rightward from the rear edge of the lid body 31 to the right and a rectangular plate-shaped lower tongue piece 34 extending rightward from the lower edge of the lid body 31 to the right. I have.

  The height of the front tongue piece portion 32 and the rear tongue piece portion 33 is set to be slightly more than half the height of the lid body 31, and the width (length in the front-rear direction) of the lower tongue piece portion 34 is the width of the lid body 31 ( (Length in the front-rear direction). Lower ends of the front tongue piece portion 32 and the rear tongue piece portion 33 are connected to both ends of the lower tongue piece portion 34 in the front-rear direction.

  The ink cartridge 11 with the lid member 30 attached to the case 13 is shown in FIGS. The ink cartridge 11 includes a first surface (lower surface) on which the prism member 23 is provided, a second surface (left side surface) that intersects the first surface, and a third surface that intersects the first surface and faces the second surface. A surface (right side surface), a fourth surface (rear side surface) intersecting the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface, a fifth surface (front side surface) facing the fourth surface, and the first surface And an opposing sixth surface (upper surface).

  That is, the second surface is constituted by the lid body 31, and the opening 12 corresponds to the second surface of the ink cartridge 11. Further, the front tongue piece portion 32 constitutes a part of the fifth surface, the rear tongue piece portion 33 constitutes a part of the fourth surface, and the lower tongue piece portion 34 constitutes a part of the first surface. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the prism member 23 is disposed so that a part of the prism member 23 is exposed at the right end portion (right front corner portion) of the front end portion of the lower surface of the case 13. In other words, the prism member 23 is closer to the end portion formed by the first surface and the third surface than the end portion formed by the first surface and the second surface on the first surface. It can be said that it is arranged so that a part of it is exposed. In addition, the prism member 23 is located on the first surface at a position closer to the end portion formed by the first surface and the fifth surface than the end portion formed by the first surface and the fourth surface. It can be said that the portions are arranged so as to be exposed.

  A flow path forming recess 40 that forms a part of the ink flow path (liquid flow path) in the case 13 is located at a position adjacent to the rear side of the exposed portion of the prism member 23 on the lower surface of the case 13. Is formed. A rectangular lower film 41 that seals the flow path forming recess 40 is attached to the lower surface of the case 13.

  Further, a rectangular plate-like cover member 42 is attached to the lower surface (first surface) of the case 13 so as to cover a part of the exposed prism member 23 and the lower film 41. A through hole 42 a having a substantially square shape is formed at a position corresponding to the light irradiation surface 23 c of the prism member 23 in the cover member 42. For this reason, when the cover member 42 is attached to the lower surface of the case 13, the light irradiation surface 23c of the prism member 23 is exposed from the through hole 42a.

  Therefore, the cover member 42 is attached to the lower surface of the case 13 so as to surround the entire periphery of the light irradiation surface 23 c of the prism member 23. That is, the prism member 23 is partially covered by the cover member 42 attached to the lower surface of the case 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, in the prism member 23, the exposed position of the prism member 23 on the lower surface of the case 13 is the center in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13 in the case 13. It arrange | positions so that it may become the side away from the cover member 30 in the said attachment direction rather than a part. That is, the prism member 23 is disposed on the lower surface of the case 13 so as to be exposed at the right end portion on the opposite side of the left side of the case 13 to which the lid member 30 is attached.

  A pair of front and rear projections on the left end (end formed by the first surface and the second surface) on the opening 12 side (second surface side) of the lower surface (first surface) of the case 13 43 is formed. Each convex portion 43 is provided at each of both end portions in the front-rear direction (the end portion formed by the first surface and the fourth surface and the end portion formed by the first surface and the fifth surface) on the lower surface of the case 13. Has been placed.

  In this case, each convex portion 43 is not opposed to the prism member 23 (light irradiation surface 23c) in the attachment direction of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13 (left-right direction or a direction from the second surface to the third surface). It is arranged at the position. That is, each convex part 43 is arrange | positioned in the position which does not correspond to the prism member 23 (light irradiation surface 23c) in the left-right direction.

  At positions corresponding to the convex portions 43 in the lower tongue piece portion 34 of the lid member 30, concave portions 34 a that are fitted to the convex portions 43 when the lid member 30 is attached to the case 13 are formed. . Each recessed part 34a is formed by notching the lower tongue piece part 34 in the left-right direction. Further, the front tongue piece portion 32 of the lid member 30 has a prism member 23 (light irradiation surface 23c) among the front and rear side surfaces adjacent to the opening 12 in the case 13 when the lid member 30 is attached to the case 13. It arrange | positions so that it may overlap with the left end part of the front side surface used as the side.

  In other words, the front tongue piece portion 32 is the fifth surface, and the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the second surface rather than the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the third surface. It can be said that it is formed in a close position. Further, the front tongue piece portion 32 is the fifth surface and is closer to the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the first surface than the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the sixth surface. Most of them are provided. Here, the majority means 50% or more of the area of the front tongue piece 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, on the outer (front) surface of the front tongue piece portion 32, a cartridge as an example of a mounting portion formed integrally with a carriage 44 having the ink cartridge 11 in a printer (not shown). A fitting protrusion 32a is provided as an example of a fitted portion for suppressing erroneous attachment to the holder 45.

  The fitting protrusion 32a is a so-called erroneous insertion prevention member, and corresponds to the fitting protrusion 32a in the cartridge holder 45 when the ink cartridge 11 is inserted into the cartridge holder 45 from the upper side in the correct posture and attached. It fits with a fitting recess 46 as an example of a fitting portion provided at a position. In other words, the fitting protrusion 32a is fitted with the fitting groove 46 provided on the printer side in a posture in which the ink cartridge 11 is attached to a printer (not shown) and supplies ink.

  The fitting protrusions 32a of the ink cartridge 11 have different shapes depending on, for example, the countries where they are used, and can only be fitted with the fitting grooves 46 of the cartridge holder 45 of the printer used in the same country. Yes. Therefore, for example, the ink cartridge 11 sold in Japan cannot be mounted on the cartridge holder 45 of the printer sold in the United States. The carriage 44 can move back and forth in the left-right direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the right end portion (the end portion on the prism member 23 side) of the front side surface on the prism member 23 (light irradiation surface 23 c) side among the front and rear side surfaces adjacent to the opening portion 12 in the case 13. A concave-convex portion 47 that is a concave portion or a convex portion is formed at the upper end portion in FIG.

  In other words, the concavo-convex portion 47 is the fifth surface and is formed at a position closer to the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the sixth surface than the end portion formed by the fifth surface and the first surface. It can be said that. The uneven portion 47 is the fifth surface, and is formed at a position closer to the end formed by the fifth surface and the third surface than the end formed by the fifth surface and the second surface. It can be said that. The concavo-convex portion 47 can function as an anti-slip by placing a finger when the user holds the ink cartridge 11.

  As shown in FIG. 11, an outlet 50 is formed at the right end of the front end of the lower end in the first ink chamber 15 to allow the ink stored in the first ink chamber 15 to flow out downstream. ing. A concave groove 51 (first concave groove) is formed at the front end portion of the bottom surface 15a in the first ink chamber 15 so as to extend in the left-right direction.

  That is, the concave groove 51 extends from the left end at the front end portion of the bottom surface 15 a in the first ink chamber 15 toward the outflow port 50 located at the right end and is connected to the outflow port 50. The concave groove 51 serves to guide the ink that has flowed into the concave groove 51 to the outlet 50, and thus functions as a liquid guiding portion that guides ink (liquid).

  Further, the concave groove 51 has a cross-sectional area closer to the outlet 50 than a cross-sectional area farther from the outlet 50. This can also be expressed as that the cross-sectional area in the gravitational direction at the first position of the concave groove 51 is smaller than the cross-sectional area in the gravitational direction at the second position farther from the outlet 50 than the first position. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 51 can be gradually reduced from the left side to the right side, that is, as it approaches the outlet 50. Further, the concave groove 51 is inclined so that at least a part thereof becomes lower toward the outlet 50.

  Furthermore, the concave groove 51 is adjacent to the side wall 52 on the front side of the first ink chamber 15 where the bottom surface 15a and the wall surface 52a (side surface) in the first ink chamber 15 intersect. That is, the concave groove 51 extends to the outlet 50 along the wall surface 52 a of the side wall 52. This can also be expressed as a concave groove 51 formed by the bottom surface 15a and the wall surface 52a forming the ink chamber 15.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 12, the ink stored in the second ink chamber 18 can flow out to the downstream side at the right end portion in the center portion in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface 18 a in the second ink chamber 18. An outlet 53 is formed. A concave groove 54 (second concave groove) is formed at the center of the bottom surface 18a in the second ink chamber 18 in the front-rear direction so as to extend in the left-right direction.

  That is, the concave groove 54 extends from the left end to the outlet 53 located at the right end in the center portion in the front-rear direction of the bottom surface 18 a in the second ink chamber 18. The concave groove 54 guides the ink that has flowed into the concave groove 54 to the outlet 53, and thus functions as a liquid guiding portion that guides ink (liquid).

  Further, the concave groove 54 has a cross-sectional area closer to the outlet 53 than a cross-sectional area farther from the outlet 53. That is, the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 54 gradually decreases from the left side to the right side, that is, as it approaches the outflow port 53. Further, the concave groove 54 is inclined so as to become lower toward the outlet 53.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the groove 54 of the second ink chamber 18 has a smaller cross-sectional area than the groove 51 of the first ink chamber 15. That is, the distance from the center portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18 to the groove 54 is from the center portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 15 a of the first ink chamber 15. It is shorter than the distance to the concave groove 51.

  In other words, the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 54 on the side close to the center portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion that forms the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18 of both the concave grooves 51, 54 is equal to that of the first ink chamber 15. It is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 51 on the side far from the central portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 15a.

  Further, the distance between the concave groove 51 and the side wall 52 intersecting the bottom surface 15a is shorter than the distance between the concave groove 54 and the side wall intersecting the bottom surface 18a (the side wall forming the second ink chamber 18). . That is, it is expressed that the cross-sectional area in the gravity direction at a position away from the outlet 50 in the concave groove 51 is larger than the cross-sectional area in the gravity direction at a position away from the outlet 53 in the concave groove 54 by the same predetermined distance. You can also

  As shown in FIG. 12, two rectangular columnar block members 55 are provided on the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18 so as to sandwich the outlet 53 in the front-rear direction. In this case, each block member 55 is provided so as to connect the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18 and the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21. A groove 55 a extending along the bottom surface 18 a is formed toward the concave groove 54 at a position adjacent to the bottom surface 18 a on the side surface that intersects the bottom surface 18 a of each block member 55.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a rectangular right film 60 is attached to the right side surface of the case 13 so as to cover the entire right side surface. A belt-like upper film 61 is attached to the right end of the upper surface of the case 13. An engagement lever 62 formed so as to be elastically deformable extends from the right end portion at the upper end portion of the rear side surface of the case 13 and extends obliquely upward to the rear side. Is provided so that the locking claw 62a extends along the horizontal direction.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on the cartridge holder 45 of the printer (not shown), the engaging lever 62 is elastically deformed, and the engaging claw 62a is the cartridge. The holder 45 is engaged with a locking recess 63 provided at a position corresponding to the locking claw 62a. Then, the locking claw 62 a is locked in the locking recess 63, so that the ink cartridge 11 is locked in a positioning state with respect to the cartridge holder 45.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 9, and 10, a circuit board 64 on which a semiconductor memory element is mounted is provided at a position below the engagement lever 62 on the rear side surface of the case 13. Stores various information related to the ink cartridge 11 (for example, remaining ink information).

  The terminal 64a exposed on the surface of the circuit board 64 comes into contact with the connection terminal 65 provided on the cartridge holder 45 when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on the cartridge holder 45 of the printer (not shown). As a result, various information is exchanged with a control device (not shown) on the printer side.

  An air release hole 66 for introducing air from the atmosphere into the case 13 is provided on the upper surface of the case 13. On the other hand, on the lower surface of the case 13, a supply port 67 into which an ink supply needle (not shown) provided on the cartridge holder 45 is fitted when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on a cartridge holder 45 of a printer (not shown). Is formed as an opening.

  That is, the ink cartridge 11 is an open type that introduces air from the supply port 67 to the printer (not shown) side outside the case 13 and supplies the air while introducing air into the case 13 through the atmosphere opening hole 66. It is configured as an ink cartridge.

  The air opening hole 66 is sealed with a film 68. The film 68 is peeled off by the user before the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on a cartridge holder 45 of a printer (not shown) and put into use. As the film 68 is peeled off, the air opening hole 66 is exposed to the outside, and the inside of the case 13 of the ink cartridge 11 is communicated with the air.

  Similarly, the supply port 67 is also sealed with a film 69. The film 69 is pierced by an ink supply needle (not shown) provided on the cartridge holder 45 when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on a cartridge holder 45 of a printer (not shown).

  In the supply port 67, an annular seal member 70 made of an elastomer or the like that allows the ink supply needle (not shown) on the cartridge holder 45 side to be inserted into the supply port 67, and a supply valve seated on the seal member 70 71 and a coil spring 72 that urges the supply valve 71 toward the seal member 70 are accommodated. That is, the supply port 67 is always in a closed state in which the outflow of ink to the outside of the case 13 is restricted by the supply valve 71 biased by the coil spring 72 being pressed against the seal member 70.

  On the other hand, when an ink supply needle (not shown) on the cartridge holder 45 side is inserted into the supply port 67, the supply valve 71 is pushed against the urging force of the coil spring 72 by being pushed by the ink supply needle. It moves to the inside of the supply port 67 and is separated from the seal member 70. As a result, the supply port 67 is in an open state in which the outflow of ink to the outside of the case 13 is allowed.

  When the supply port 67 is opened, the ink in the ink cartridge 11 is supplied to the ink supply needle through a key groove (not shown) formed in the supply port 67. As this key groove, a well-known groove configuration can be adopted (for example, a groove 55 shown in FIG. 9 of JP 2010-284901 A). Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-284901 has a configuration in which one key groove is provided, but in this embodiment, two or more key grooves may be provided in order to suppress pressure loss. When two or more key grooves are provided, pressure loss can be efficiently suppressed by providing them at intervals of 180 degrees.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 13, a circular concave differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 74 for accommodating the differential pressure valve 73 and a rectangular concave gas-liquid separation chamber 75 are formed on the right surface side of the case 13. In the differential pressure valve storage chamber 74, a substantially disc-shaped valve body 76 that can be elastically deformed, a valve lid 77 that covers the opening of the differential pressure valve storage chamber 74, and the valve lid 77 and the valve body 76 are interposed. The coil spring 78 is accommodated. Since the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 74 is located between the fourth ink chamber 20 and the supply port 67, the differential pressure valve 73 is connected to an ink flow path (liquid that communicates between the fourth ink chamber 20 and the supply port 67. It is interposed in the middle of the flow path).

  A rectangular annular protrusion 79 is formed on the inner bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 75 along the inner surface, and a gas-liquid separation membrane 80 having a rectangular shape is attached so as to align with the top of the protrusion 79. Has been. The gas-liquid separation membrane 80 is made of a material that allows gas to pass while blocking the passage of liquid, and has a function of separating gas (air) and liquid (ink). That is, the gas-liquid separation film 80 is interposed in the middle of a passage communicating between the atmosphere opening hole 66 (see FIG. 9) and the first ink chamber 15, and the ink in the first ink chamber 15 is released to the atmosphere. The holes 66 are prevented from flowing out of the case 13.

Next, the passage structure of the atmosphere communication passage from the atmosphere opening hole 66 to the first ink chamber 15 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, below the atmosphere opening hole 66 in the case 13, one end side communicates with the atmosphere opening hole 66 and the other end side opens to the front upper end portion on the right side surface of the case 13. Is formed. On the rear side of the passage 90 on the right side surface of the case 13, a meandering narrow groove 91 is formed so as to communicate the passage 90 and the gas-liquid separation chamber 75.

  A through hole 92 is formed at the rear upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber 75, and the through hole 92 communicates with a passage 93 formed on the upper surface of the case 13. A through hole 94 is formed at the rear side of the through hole 92 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 94 communicates with the passage 93.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a through hole 95 is formed obliquely below the through hole 94 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 94 and the through hole 95 are formed on the right side surface of the case 13. It communicates through a passage 96 having an inverted L shape. The through hole 95 communicates with the first air chamber 14 on the left side surface of the case 13. A through hole 97 is formed at the front lower end of the first air chamber 14.

  The through hole 97 opens to the right side surface of the case 13, and a through hole 98 is formed below the through hole 97 on the right side surface of the case 13. The through hole 97 and the through hole 98 communicate with each other through a substantially inverted U-shaped passage 99 formed on the right side surface of the case 13. The through hole 98 communicates with the second air chamber 17 on the left side surface of the case 13. A through hole 100 is formed in the rear lower end portion of the second air chamber 17, and the through hole 100 opens at the rear lower end portion on the right side surface of the case 13.

  A through hole 101 is formed on the right side surface of the case 13 obliquely above the differential pressure valve accommodating chamber 74, and the through hole 100 and the through hole 101 pass through a substantially crank-shaped passage 102 formed on the right side surface of the case 13. Communicated through. The through hole 101 communicates with the first ink chamber 15 formed on the left side surface of the case 13.

Next, the configuration of the ink flow path (liquid flow path) from the first ink chamber 15 to the supply port 67 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the outlet 50 of the first ink chamber 15 opens below the narrow groove 91 on the right side surface of the case 13. A through hole 110 is formed in front of the outlet 50 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the outlet 50 and the through hole 110 communicate with each other via a U-shaped channel 111 formed on the right side of the case 13. doing. The through hole 110 communicates with the third ink chamber 16 formed on the left side surface of the case 13.

  A through hole 112 is formed at the lower end of the third ink chamber 16, and the through hole 112 opens to the front side of the through hole 110 on the right side surface of the case 13. A through hole 113 is formed below the through hole 112 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 112 and the through hole 113 communicate with each other via a linear channel 114 formed on the right side surface of the case 13. ing. The through hole 113 opens to the left side surface of the case 13 and communicates with the second ink chamber 18 via a flow path 115 formed on the left side surface of the case 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the outlet 53 of the second ink chamber 18 communicates with a flow path 116 formed on the lower surface of the case 13. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the flow path 116 communicates with the through-hole 117, and the through-hole 117 is connected to a through-hole 118 formed obliquely below the front side of the differential pressure valve housing chamber 74 on the right side surface of the case 13. Communicate. A through hole 119 is formed above the through hole 118 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 118 and the through hole 119 communicate with each other via a flow path 120 formed on the right side surface of the case 13.

  The through hole 119 communicates with the fourth ink chamber 20 formed on the left side surface of the case 13. A through hole 121 is formed in the housing recess 24 communicating with the fourth ink chamber 20, and the through hole 121 opens at the front lower end portion on the right side surface of the case 13. A through hole 122 is formed behind the through hole 121 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 121 and the through hole 122 communicate with each other via a linear flow path 123 formed on the right side surface of the case 13. Yes.

  As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 16, the through hole 122 communicates with the flow path 124 formed on the lower surface of the case 13, and the flow path 124 communicates with the flow path 125 formed on the lower surface of the case 13. ing. The flow path 125 communicates with a crank-shaped flow path 126 formed on the left side surface of the case 13. The channel 126 communicates with a through hole 127 formed on the left side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 127 communicates with the differential pressure valve housing chamber 74 on the right side surface of the case 13.

  The through hole 127 communicates with a through hole 128 formed in the center portion of the differential pressure valve storage chamber 74 via a flow path 129 formed in the differential pressure valve storage chamber 74. The through hole 128 opens on the left side surface of the case 13. The through hole 128 communicates with a flow path 131 formed on the lower surface of the case 13 via an L-shaped flow path 130 formed on the left side surface of the case 13. The channel 131 communicates with a channel 132 formed on the lower surface of the case 13, and the channel 132 communicates with a through hole 133 formed on the right side surface of the case 13.

  A through hole 134 is formed behind the through hole 133 on the right side surface of the case 13, and the through hole 133 and the through hole 134 communicate with each other via a linear flow path 135 formed on the right side surface of the case 13. Yes. The through hole 134 communicates with a supply port 67 formed on the lower surface of the case 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 13, the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 constitute a part of an ink flow path (liquid flow path) that guides the ink in the second ink chamber 18 to the supply port 67. Yes. The ink flow path (liquid flow path) includes a flow path forming groove M that forms the bottom wall and side wall of the ink flow path, and a first sealing film 25 that closes the opening of the flow path forming groove M. Yes. Therefore, the flow path forming groove M constitutes the flow path 126 and the flow path 130.

  Further, when the horizontal direction which is the depth direction of the storage chamber forming recess 19 is the height direction, the side wall (first wall; flow path) on the downstream side of the prism portion 23a (prism member 23) in the flow path forming groove M. 126 and the side wall of the flow path 130 are lower than the height of the side wall (second wall) of the storage chamber forming recess 19 and are the same as the height of the side wall (third wall) of the small storage chamber forming recess 21. ing. The opening of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is sealed with the first sealing film 25 together with the opening of the flow path forming groove M. The fourth ink chamber 20 is formed on the upstream side from the position (accommodation recess 24) where the prism portion 23a (prism member 23) is disposed in the ink flow path (liquid flow path).

Next, the operation when the lid member 30 is assembled to the case 13 in the ink cartridge 11 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, when the lid member 30 is assembled to the case 13, the lid member 30 is assembled to the case 13 so as to close the opening 12 of the case 13. Then, in the lid member 30, the lid main body 31 closes the opening 12 of the case 13, the front tongue piece portion 32 overlaps the left end portion on the front side surface of the case 13, and the rear tongue piece portion 33 is the left end on the rear side surface of the case 13. The lower tongue piece 34 overlaps the left end of the lower surface of the case 13.

  At this time, each concave portion 34 a formed in the lower tongue piece portion 34 of the lid member 30 is fitted to each convex portion 43 formed on the lower surface of the case 13. Thereby, the lid member 30 is assembled to the case 13. In this case, the prism member 23 is exposed at a position away from the lower tongue piece 34 on the lower surface of the case 13 (the right end of the lower surface of the case 13 opposite to the opening 12 side). It is suppressed that it contacts with the part 34 and is damaged.

  In addition, even when the lid member 30 is mistakenly assembled to the right side surface of the case 13 opposite to the opening 12 in the assembly operation of the lid member 30 to the case 13 described above, Each concave portion 34 a formed in the lower tongue piece portion 34 does not correspond to the exposed position of the prism member 23 in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 to the case 13. For this reason, it is suppressed that each recessed part 34a formed in the lower tongue piece part 34 contacts the prism member 23. FIG.

  In this case, even if each concave portion 34 a comes into contact with the prism member 23, each concave portion 34 a does not have a protruding portion, so that each concave portion 34 a is suppressed from damaging the prism member 23. Therefore, the prism member 23 is suitably protected in the assembly operation of the lid member 30 to the case 13.

Next, the operation when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted on the cartridge holder 45 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge holder 45, first, the ink cartridge 11 is inserted into the cartridge holder 45 of the printer (not shown) in the correct orientation. Then, the engaging claw 62a of the engaging lever 62 is engaged with the engaging recess 63 in a state where the terminal 64a of the circuit board 64 is in contact with the connection terminal 65 and the engaging protrusion 32a is engaged with the engaging recess 46. Stopped. Thereby, the mounting of the ink cartridge 11 to the cartridge holder 45 is completed.

  Incidentally, when the ink cartridge 11 is mistakenly inserted into the cartridge holder 45 in the reverse direction, the fitting protrusion 32a arranged on the front side surface of the ink cartridge 11 hits the side wall of the cartridge holder 45, so that the front side of the ink cartridge 11 is lifted. It will be in a state inclined like this. For this reason, the prism member 23 exposed at the front end portion on the lower surface of the ink cartridge 11 is prevented from entering the back of the cartridge holder 45. Therefore, the prism member 23 is prevented from being damaged by coming into contact with the member in the cartridge holder 45.

  When taking out the ink cartridge 11 mounted in the cartridge holder 45 from the cartridge holder 45, first, the user presses the engagement lever 62 with the index finger while putting the thumb on the uneven portion 47. Then, the engagement lever 62 is elastically deformed, and the locking state of the locking claw 62a by the locking recess 63 is released. In this state, when the ink cartridge 11 is pulled upward, the cartridge holder 45 is removed from the cartridge holder 45.

  At this time, the frictional force between the ink cartridge 11 and the thumb is increased by the concavo-convex portion 47, so that the thumb is less likely to slip with respect to the ink cartridge 11. Therefore, the user can hold the ink cartridge 11 stably.

  At this time, when the user holds the ink cartridge 11, the concave and convex portion 47 and the engagement lever 62 that are touched with the thumb and forefinger are located at the right end portion of the ink cartridge 11, and the prism member 23 is at the right end portion on the lower surface of the ink cartridge 11. Exposed. Therefore, the height of the prism member 23 is maintained even when the ink cartridge 11 is rotated about 90 degrees, for example, with the user's thumb and index finger as the rotation axis. For this reason, the rotation of the ink cartridge 11 prevents the prism member 23 from hitting other objects.

Next, an operation when the ink cartridge 11 mounted on the cartridge holder 45 is used will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, the ink in the ink cartridge 11 is supplied from the supply port 67 to the printer (not shown) through an ink supply needle (not shown) provided in the cartridge holder 45. Ink in the ink cartridge 11 is consumed in the printer (not shown) as ink in the first ink chamber 15, ink in the third ink chamber 16, ink in the second ink chamber 18, and fourth ink. The ink chamber 20 gradually decreases in the order of ink.

  That is, when the ink in the first ink chamber 15 runs out, the ink in the third ink chamber 16 begins to decrease. When the ink in the third ink chamber 16 runs out, the ink in the second ink chamber 18 begins to decrease, and the second ink chamber When 18 ink runs out, the ink in the fourth ink chamber 20 starts to decrease.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 11, when the ink in the first ink chamber 15 flows out from the outlet 50 to the downstream side and decreases, the ink flows along the bottom surface 15a and flows into the concave groove 51. At this time, the concave groove 51 is inclined so that the cross-sectional area near the outlet 50 is smaller than the cross-sectional area far from the outlet 50 and becomes lower toward the outlet 50. The ink that has flowed into the groove 51 is efficiently guided to the outlet 50 by the capillary force and gravity. Therefore, residual ink remaining in the first ink chamber 15 is reduced.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the ink in the second ink chamber 18 flows out from the outlet 53 to the downstream side and decreases, the ink flows along the bottom surface 18a and flows into the concave groove 54. At this time, like the concave groove 51, the concave groove 54 has a cross-sectional area nearer to the outlet 53 that is smaller than a sectional area farther from the outlet 53 and becomes lower toward the outlet 53. Therefore, the ink flowing into the concave groove 54 is efficiently guided to the outlet 53 by the capillary force and gravity.

  Further, two rectangular columnar block members 55 are provided on the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18 so as to sandwich the outlet 53 in the front-rear direction. 55a is formed to extend toward the concave groove 54 (so as to extend in a direction crossing the concave groove 54). In other words, it can be said that at least a part of the concave groove 54 is located between the respective grooves 55 a formed in the respective block members 55. For this reason, each ink located on the opposite side of each groove member 54 with respect to the concave groove 54 on the bottom surface 18a of the second ink chamber 18 is guided to the concave groove 54 side by the groove 55a, and then is recessed. It is guided to the outlet 53 by the groove 54. Therefore, residual ink remaining in the second ink chamber 18 is reduced.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 13, when ink is consumed by a printer (not shown) and the ink in the fourth ink chamber 20 runs out, the ink in the housing recess 24 that houses the prism portion 23a starts to decrease. Then, light is applied to the prism portion 23a from a printer (not shown), and the ink in the storage recess 24 is detected to a level at which it is detected that the ink in the storage recess 24 is absent by the printer based on the reflection state of the irradiated light. When the ink is reduced, the residual ink remaining on the downstream side from the inside of the housing recess 24 cannot be used. Therefore, the residual ink is discarded together with the used ink cartridge 11 as it is.

  In this regard, in the ink cartridge 11 of the present embodiment, when the horizontal direction that is the depth direction of the storage chamber forming recess 19 is the height direction, the ink flow path on the downstream side of the storage recess 24 that stores the prism portion 23a. The height of the side walls of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 that constitute a part of the flow path is much lower than the height of the side walls of the storage chamber forming recess 19. For this reason, compared with the case where the height of the side wall of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 is made the same as the height of the side wall of the storage chamber formation recessed part 19, the volume of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 becomes remarkably small.

  Therefore, the residual ink remaining in the ink flow path on the downstream side from the inside of the housing recess 24 when the printer (not shown) detects that there is no ink in the housing recess 24 is reduced. As a result, the amount of residual ink discarded together with the ink cartridge 11 is reduced.

As described above, according to the embodiment described in detail, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) On the bottom surface 15a in the first ink chamber 15 and the bottom surface 18a in the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13, concave grooves 51 and 54 extending toward the outlets 50 and 53 are formed, respectively. For this reason, even when the ink stored in the first and second ink chambers 15 and 18 is little remaining, the ink can be guided to the outlets 50 and 53 by the concave grooves 51 and 54, respectively. Therefore, the residual ink remaining in the first and second ink chambers 15 and 18 of the used ink cartridge 11 can be reduced.

  (2) The concave grooves 51 and 54 formed in the first and second ink chambers 15 and 18 in the case 13 have cross-sectional areas closer to the outlets 50 and 53, respectively, on the side farther from the outlets 50 and 53. It is smaller than the cross-sectional area. For this reason, the ink which flowed into the concave grooves 51 and 54 can be effectively guided to the outlets 50 and 53 side by the capillary force.

  (3) Normally, the strength of the wall portion in the case 13 is lower at the center portion farthest from the corner portion intersecting with the other adjacent wall portion. In this regard, in the present embodiment, of the concave grooves 51 and 54 of the first and second ink chambers 15 and 18 in the case 13, the central portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion that forms the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18. The cross-sectional area of the concave groove 54 on the near side is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 51 on the side far from the central part in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 15a of the first ink chamber 15. For this reason, it can suppress that the intensity | strength of the wall part which forms the bottom face 18a of the 2nd ink chamber 18 in case 13 falls.

  (4) The concave groove 51 of the first ink chamber 15 in the case 13 is formed at a position adjacent to the front side wall 52 of the first ink chamber 15 on the bottom surface 15 a of the first ink chamber 15. For this reason, it is possible to suppress the strength of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 15 a of the first ink chamber 15 from decreasing due to the formation of the groove 51 by forming the groove 51 adjacent to the side wall 52. .

  (5) Since the concave grooves 51 and 54 formed in the first and second ink chambers 15 and 18 in the case 13 are inclined to become lower toward the outlets 50 and 53, the concave grooves 51 and The ink that has flowed into 54 can be guided to the outlets 50 and 53 by gravity.

  (6) A block member 55 is provided on the bottom surface 18 a in the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13, and the bottom surface 18 a is adjacent to the bottom surface 18 a on the side surface that intersects the bottom surface 18 a of the block member 55. A groove 55 a extending along the groove is formed toward the concave groove 54. For this reason, the ink located on the opposite side of the groove 54 in the second ink chamber 18 across the block member 55 can be guided to the groove 54 side by the groove 55a.

  (7) In the second ink chamber 18, two block members 55 are provided so as to sandwich the concave groove 54 in the front-rear direction on the bottom surface 18a. For this reason, each ink located on the opposite side of each groove member 54 with respect to the groove 54 in the second ink chamber 18 is guided to the groove 54 side by the groove 55 a formed in each block member 55. be able to.

  (8) The prism member 23 of the ink cartridge 11 is exposed at the right end of the lower surface of the case 13 on the side away from the lid member 30 in the attaching direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 to the case 13. For this reason, when attaching the lid member 30 to the case 13, the prism member 23 can be prevented from coming into contact with the lid member 30 and being damaged.

  (9) Since the prism member 23 of the ink cartridge 11 is partially covered by the cover member 42 attached to the lower surface of the case 13, the prism member 23 can be protected by the cover member 42. Further, since the cover member 42 is separate from the lid member 30, the lid member 30 can be made smaller than when the lid member 30 and the cover member 42 are integrally formed.

  (10) A convex portion 43 is formed at an end portion (left end portion) on the opening 12 side of the lower surface of the case 13, and the convex portion 43 is formed on the lid member 30 when the lid member 30 is attached to the case 13. A recess 34a that can be fitted is formed. For this reason, even when the concave portion 34a comes into contact with the prism member 23 in an attempt to attach the lid member 30 to the opposite side (right side) of the opening 13 in the case 13, the convex portion is provided on the lid member 30 instead of the concave portion 34a. Thus, the prism member 23 can be prevented from being damaged as compared with the case where the convex portion contacts the prism member 23.

  (11) The convex portion 43 of the case 13 is disposed at a position that does not face the exposed position of the prism member 23 in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13. That is, the concave portion 34 a of the lid member 30 is provided at a position facing the convex portion 43 of the case 13 in the attachment direction of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13, but is not opposed to the exposed position of the prism member 23. Is provided. For this reason, when it is going to attach the cover member 30 to the opposite side (right side) to the opening part 12 in case 13, it can be made to avoid that the recessed part 34a contacts the prism member 23. FIG.

  (12) Since the cover member 42 is attached to the lower surface of the case 13 so as to surround the entire periphery of the light irradiation surface 23c of the prism member 23, the cover member 42 causes the light irradiation surface 23c of the prism member 23 to extend in a plurality of directions. It is possible to effectively protect against external force from.

  (13) The prism member 23 is exposed at the right front corner of the lower surface of the case 13. And when the lid member 30 is attached to the case 13, the lid member 30 is disposed so as to overlap the front side surface adjacent to the opening 12 in the case 13, and the case 13 with the lid member 30 attached is correctly attached. A fitting ridge 32a is provided to be fitted to a fitting groove 46 provided on the cartridge holder 45 side when the cartridge holder 45 is inserted and mounted in the posture direction. For this reason, when the ink cartridge 11 is mistakenly inserted into the cartridge holder 45 with its orientation turned back and forth, the fitting protrusion 32a does not fit into the fitting groove 46, and the side wall of the cartridge holder 45 is inserted. It comes to hit. Therefore, it can be avoided that the prism member 23 side (front side) portion of the case 13 is inserted into the cartridge holder 45 with the wrong orientation. Therefore, even when the ink cartridge 11 is erroneously attached to the cartridge holder 45, the prism member 23 can be prevented from colliding with the member in the cartridge holder 45 by the fitting protrusions 32a, so that the prism member 23 is protected. can do.

  (14) An uneven portion 47 is formed at the upper end of the right end portion (end portion on the prism member 23 side) of the front side surface (side surface on the prism member 23 side) adjacent to the opening 12 in the case 13. For this reason, when the user holds the ink cartridge 11, the finger is hardly slipped by placing the finger on the uneven portion 47, so that the ink cartridge 11 can be held stably.

  (15) In the ink cartridge 11, when the horizontal direction that is the depth direction of the storage chamber forming recess 19 is the height direction, a part of the ink flow path on the downstream side of the storage recess 24 that stores the prism portion 23 a is formed. The heights of the side walls of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 are lower than the height of the side walls of the storage chamber forming recess 19. For this reason, compared with the case where the height of the side wall of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 is made the same as the height of the side wall of the storage chamber formation recessed part 19, the volume of the flow path 126 and the flow path 130 can be made small. Therefore, the residual ink remaining in the ink flow path downstream of the inside of the storage recess 24 at the time when the printer (not shown) detects that there is no ink in the storage recess 24 in which the prism portion 23a is stored is reduced. be able to.

  (16) A fourth ink chamber 20 having a smaller volume than the second ink chamber 18 is formed on the upstream side from the position where the prism portion 23 a is disposed in the ink flow path in the case 13. When the left-right direction is the height direction, the height of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 that forms the fourth ink chamber 20 is the height of the flow path forming groove M that forms the flow path 126 and the flow path 130. The opening of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is sealed by the first sealing film 25 together with the flow path forming groove M. For this reason, since the prism member 23 is disposed in the fourth ink chamber 20 having a smaller volume than the second ink chamber 18, the position of the prism member 23 is larger than when the prism member 23 is disposed in the second ink chamber 18. Thus, it is possible to reduce the residual ink remaining after it is detected that there is no ink.

  (17) Since the fourth ink chamber 20 is arranged in the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13, the case 13 is made in comparison with the case where the fourth ink chamber 20 is arranged outside the second ink chamber 18. Can be small.

  (18) In the case 13, the small accommodating chamber forming concave portion 21 is formed with an accommodating concave portion 24 smaller than the small accommodating chamber forming concave portion 21, and the prism portion 23 a is disposed in the accommodating concave portion 24. For this reason, compared with the case where the prism portion 23a (prism member 23) is disposed in the small storage chamber forming recess 21, the residual ink remaining after the absence of ink at the position of the prism portion 23a is further reduced. Can do.

(19) Since the depth of the accommodating recess 24 is deeper than the height of the prism portion 23 a, the prism portion 23 a can be completely accommodated by the accommodating recess 24.
(20) The storage recess 24 communicates with the small storage chamber formation recess 21 (fourth ink chamber 20) above the storage recess 24. For this reason, since the ink in the storage recess 24 disappears after the ink in the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is exhausted, the presence or amount of ink in the case 13 can be accurately determined by storing the prism portion 23a in the storage recess 24. Can be detected.

(21) The opening of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is sealed by welding the first sealing film 25, and the opening (opening 12) of the storage chamber forming recess 19 welds the second sealing film 28. It is sealed by. The front end surface 26 to which the first sealing film 25 is welded on the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is the side wall of the storage chamber forming recess 19 (second ink chamber 18) to which the second sealing film 28 is welded. The thickness is thicker than the protrusion 27 on the front end surface. For this reason, the welding strength of the first sealing film 25 to the front end surface 26 of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is set so that the second sealing film 28 is welded to the protrusion 27 on the front end surface of the side wall of the storage chamber forming recess 19. It can be higher than the strength.
(Example of change)
In addition, you may change the said embodiment as follows.

The two block members 55 are not necessarily arranged so as to sandwich the concave groove 54, and the two block members 55 may be arranged on one side of the concave groove 54.
-At least one groove 55a of the two block members 55 may be omitted.

-At least one of the two block members 55 may be omitted.
-Each block member 55 does not necessarily need to be configured in a quadrangular prism shape, and may be configured in a cylindrical shape, for example. Each block member 55 is preferably constituted by a member (such as a wall) arranged such that the groove 55 a extends toward the concave groove 54.

The concave grooves 51 and 54 do not necessarily have to be inclined so as to become lower toward the outlets 50 and 53.
The recessed groove 51 is not necessarily formed at a position adjacent to the front side wall 52 of the first ink chamber 15 in the bottom surface 15 a of the first ink chamber 15.

  Of the concave grooves 51, 54 of the first and second ink chambers 15, 18 in the case 13, the concave groove 54 on the side close to the center portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 18 a of the second ink chamber 18. Is not necessarily smaller than the cross-sectional area of the concave groove 51 on the side farther from the central portion in the front-rear direction of the wall portion forming the bottom surface 15a of the first ink chamber 15.

  The concave grooves 51 and 54 do not necessarily have to have a cross-sectional area closer to the outlets 50 and 53 smaller than a sectional area farther from the outlets 50 and 53. The concave grooves 51 and 54 may all have a constant cross-sectional area, or the cross-sectional area near the outflow ports 50 and 53 may be larger than the cross-sectional area far from the outflow ports 50 and 53. .

-You may make it incline so that the bottom face 15a in the 1st ink chamber 15 may become so low that it goes to the outflow port 50 side.
-At least one of the two concave grooves 51, 54 may be changed to a ridge. In this case, the ridge functions as a liquid guiding portion that guides ink (liquid) to the outlets 50 and 53.

  A concave groove extending toward the through hole 112 and the accommodating concave portion 24 may be formed on the bottom surfaces of the third and fourth ink chambers 16 and 20, respectively. In this way, the ink on the bottom surfaces of the third and fourth ink chambers 16 and 20 can be guided to the through hole 112 and the accommodating recess 24 by the recessed grooves, respectively.

The first to fourth ink chambers 15, 18, 16, and 20 may arbitrarily change the magnitude relationship between each other.
The number of liquid storage chambers formed in the case 13 may be arbitrarily changed as long as it is one or more.

-The uneven part 47 formed in the case 13 may be omitted.
The exposed position of the prism member 23 on the lower surface of the case 13 does not necessarily have to be a corner portion.

The exposed position of the prism member 23 on the lower surface of the case 13 does not necessarily need to be the end (front end) on the fitting protrusion 32a side.
The cover member 42 is not necessarily attached to the lower surface of the case 13 so as to surround the entire periphery of the light irradiation surface 23 c of the prism member 23. That is, the cover member 42 may be attached to the lower surface of the case 13 so as to surround a part of the periphery of the light irradiation surface 23 c of the prism member 23.

  The convex portion 43 of the case 13 does not necessarily need to be disposed at a position that does not face the exposed position of the prism member 23 in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13. That is, the convex portion 43 of the case 13 may be disposed at a position facing the exposed position of the prism member 23 in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13.

-The convex part 43 formed in the case 13 and the concave part 34a formed in the lid member 30 may be omitted.
The cover member 42 may be attached to the lower surface of the case 13 so as to cover the entire prism member 23. In this case, the cover member 42 is made of a translucent material so that the prism member 23 is irradiated with light from the printer side when the ink cartridge 11 is mounted in the cartridge holder 45 of the printer (not shown). Is preferred.

  The prism member 23 of the ink cartridge 11 is in an arbitrary position as long as it is located on the lower surface of the case 13 on the side farther from the lid member 30 than the central portion in the attachment direction (left-right direction) of the lid member 30 with respect to the case 13. You may make it expose with.

  -Although the 1st sealing film 25 was comprised with the multilayer film containing a polypropylene (PP) layer, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) layer, and a polyamide (nylon) layer, as a structure which abbreviate | omitted the polyamide layer Also good.

  The first sealing film 25 may further include at least one of a printing layer and a barrier layer having an ink evaporation suppressing function in addition to the configuration of the above embodiment. In this case, the first sealing film 25 is different from the second sealing film 28 in that both surfaces thereof are in contact with the ink.

  The thickness of the front end surface 26 to which the first sealing film 25 is welded on the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is not necessarily limited to the storage chamber forming recess 19 (second ink chamber 18) to which the second sealing film 28 is welded. It is not necessary to make it thicker than the thickness of the ridge 27 on the front end surface of the side wall.

  The storage recess 24 does not necessarily need to communicate with the small storage chamber formation recess 21 (fourth ink chamber 20) above the storage recess 24. That is, for example, the storage recess 24 may communicate with the small storage chamber forming recess 21 (fourth ink chamber 20) on the side thereof.

  -The depth of the accommodating recess 24 is not necessarily deeper than the height of the prism portion 23a. That is, the depth of the accommodating recess 24 may be the same as the height of the prism portion 23a or may be shallower than the height of the prism portion 23a.

The storage recess 24 may be omitted, and the prism portion 23a (prism member 23) may be disposed in the small storage chamber forming recess 21.
The fourth ink chamber 20 is not necessarily arranged in the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13. That is, the fourth ink chamber 20 may be formed outside the second ink chamber 18 in the case 13.

  When the horizontal direction is the height direction, the height of the side wall of the small chamber forming recess 21 that forms the fourth ink chamber 20 is not necessarily the height of the channel forming groove M that forms the channel 126 and the channel 130. It need not be the same as the side wall height.

Although the width of the front end surface 26 of the side wall of the small storage chamber forming recess 21 is larger than the width of the ridge 27, the thickness of the first wall may simply be greater than the thickness of the second wall. .
The liquid container is not limited to the ink cartridge 11 that is used by being mounted on an ink jet printer. For example, a printing apparatus, a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, or a surface emission used in a facsimile, a copying machine, or the like. You may apply to the liquid storage container with which the liquid materials, such as an electrode material used for manufacture of a display, and a color material, are mounted | worn with other liquid ejecting apparatuses. Further, the present invention may be applied to a liquid container that is used by being mounted on a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic material used for biochip manufacturing, or a sample ejecting apparatus as a precision pipette.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Ink cartridge as an example of a liquid storage container, 12 ... Opening part, 13 ... Case, 15 ... 1st ink chamber which comprises a liquid storage chamber, 16 ... 3rd ink chamber which comprises a liquid storage chamber, 18 ... Liquid Second ink chamber constituting the storage chamber, 20... Fourth ink chamber constituting the liquid storage chamber, 23. Prism member as an example of optical member, 30... Lid member, 32 a. Joint convex line 34a ... concave part 42 ... cover member 43 ... convex part 45 ... cartridge holder as an example of mounting part 46 ... fitting concave part as an example of fitting part, 47 ... uneven part.

Claims (7)

At least a first surface provided with an optical member, a second surface intersecting the first surface, a third surface intersecting the first surface and facing the second surface, and light of the optical member A cover member attached to the first surface so as to surround the entire periphery of the irradiation surface ;
The optical member is disposed at a position closer to an end portion formed by the first surface and the third surface than an end portion formed by the first surface and the second surface,
The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the second surface includes a lid member configured to be detachable. A case having an opening on one side;
A lid member covering the opening and attachable to the case;
A liquid storage chamber formed in the case and capable of storing a liquid;
An optical member disposed in the liquid storage chamber, a part of which is exposed on the lower surface of the case ;
The cover member attached to the lower surface of the case so as to surround the entire periphery of the light irradiation surface of the optical member ;
The optical member is disposed at a position on the side that is farther from the lid member in the attachment direction than a central portion of the case in the attachment direction of the lid member with respect to the case. container. A convex portion is formed at an end portion on the opening side of the lower surface of the case,
The concave portion capable of fitting with the convex portion is formed in the lid member.
2. The liquid container according to 2. The liquid container according to claim 3 , wherein the convex portion is disposed at a position that is not opposed to the optical member in a direction in which the lid member is attached to the case. The optical member is exposed at a corner portion on the lower surface of the case,
The lid member is disposed so as to overlap a side surface on the optical member side among a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to the opening in the case when the lid member is attached to the case. A fitted portion that is fitted to a fitting portion provided on the mounting portion side when the worn case is inserted into the mounting portion in a correct posture and mounted is provided. The liquid container according to claim 2 . It is configured to be able to supply liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus,
A fourth surface intersecting the third surface;
A fifth surface facing the fourth surface;
In a posture of supplying the liquid to the liquid ejecting apparatus, the apparatus further includes a fitted portion that fits with a member provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus side,
The optical member is disposed at a position closer to an end portion formed by the first surface and the fifth surface than an end portion formed by the first surface and the fourth surface,
The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the fitted portion is provided on the fifth surface. 3. The liquid according to claim 2 , wherein an uneven portion is formed at an end portion on the optical member side of the side surface on the optical member side among a plurality of side surfaces adjacent to the opening in the case. Containment container.