WO2007037547A1

WO2007037547A1 - Ink cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2007037547A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/320032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shingo Hattori; Tomohiro Kanbe; Toyonori Sasaki
Original assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-09-29
Filing date: 2006-09-29
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Also published as: EP1787817A2; EP1787817A3; WO2007037547A9; EP1787817B1

Abstract

An ink cartridge includes a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge; a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having a first state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented; and an urging member provided on an ink chamber-side of the valve member in the path, the urging member being capable of urging the valve member along the path toward the exterior of the cartridge. The urging member is formed of a resin or rubber material having elasticity; and when the valve member is in the first state, the urging member is compressed in a direction of the path.

Description

DESCRIPTION

INK CARTRIDGE Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is related to an ink cartridge Background Art ,

[0002] An ink cartridge stores ink to be supplied to an inkjet recor (lnkjet printer) The ink cartridge is provided with an ink storage chamber t an ink supply port that supplies ink from the ink storage chamber to the inkj ink supply port may also function as an insertion port for an ink extraction tu ink cartridge is not mounted to the inkjet printer, the ink supply port is close that ink will not leak from the ink cartridge

[0003] Mounting the ink cartridge to the inkjet printer is performe ink cartridge toward the inkjet pπnter In the inkjet printer, a hollow ink ext protrudingly arranged When the ink cartridge is mounted to the inkjet pπnt extraction tube engages the valve that closes the ink supply port of the ink ca ink supply port is opened By opening the ink supply port, the ink storage ch ink extraction tube are permitted to communicate with each other, and ink is inkjet printer via the ink extraction tube

[0004] JP-A-2005-22198 discloses an ink cartridge including an in having a valve that is urged into a closed position by a coil spring The ink s opened when the ink cartridge is mounted to an inkjet printer and an ink extr the valve by acting against an urging force of the coil spring When the valv the ink extraction needle, the ink supply port can supply ink through the ink to the inkjet pπnter

[0005] JP-A-2005-103866 discloses an ink cartπdge including a va does not employ a coil spring The valve element is constructed so as to be s [0007] The ink cartridge disclosed in JP-A-2005-103866 does not i parts, so a complex disposal procedure is not necessary However, as mentio valve member of the disclosed cartridge is opened by only slight deformatio member Thus, if there are any irregularities in the molded valve member, th may leak when it is not installed in an lnkjet printer and/or the valve member when the ink' cartridge is mounted to the inkjet printer, preventing ink from b the inkjet printer Disclosure of the Invention

[0008] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention a mentioned problems with existing ink cartridges An object of various exem embodiments of this invention is to provide an ink cartridge having an ink su can be reliably opened and closed, and that can be disposed of without the ne disposal procedure

[0009] In various exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge include case enclosing an ink chamber, a path extending from the ink chamber to an ink cartridge, a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink c path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the in the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented, and an urging m on an ink chamber-side of the valve member in the path, the urging member urging the valve member along the path toward the exterior of the cartridge exemplary embodiments, the urging member is formed of a resm or rubber m elasticity, and when the valve member is in the first state, the urging member in a direction of the path

[0010] In various exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge, includ case enclosing an ink chamber, a path extending from the ink chamber to an elasticity, and an entirety of the urging member is provided on the ink chamb valve member on the path

[0011] These and other optional features and possible advantages o of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detaile exemplary embodiments of the present invention Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] Various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be de with reference to the following figures, wherein

[0013] FIG 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge a present invention,

[0014] FIG 2(a) is a front view of a case of an exemplary ink cartri the present invention,

[0015] FIG 2(b) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cart to the present invention,

[0016] FIG 2(c) is a front view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartri the present invention,

[0017] FIG 3 (a) is a front/rear view of a case of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0018] FIG 3(b) is a left side/πght side view of a case of an exemp according to the present invention,

[0019] FIG 3(c) is a top view of a case of an exemplary ink cartrid the present invention,

[0020] FIG 3(d) is a bottom view of a case of an exemplary ink car to the present invention,

[0021] FIG 4 is a cross sectional view of the case shown in FIG 3(

[0022] FIG 5 (a) is a front/rear view of a cap of an exemplary ink c [0026] FIG 6(a) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in FIG

[0027] FIG 6(b) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in FIG

[0028] FIG 7(a) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cart to the present invention,

[0029] FIG 7(b) is a rear view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartr to the present invention,

[0030] FIG 8(a) is a left side view of a frame of an exemplary ink according to the present invention,

[0031] FIG 8(b) is a right side view of a frame of an exemplary in according to the present invention,

[0032] FIG 8(c) is a top view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartri the present invention,

[0033] FIG 8(d) is a bottom view of a frame of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0034] FIG 9 is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartrid the present invention emphasizing ribs of the frame,

[0035] FIG 10 is a front view of a disassembled frame of an exem cartridge according to the present invention,

[0036] FIG 11 is a front view of a disassembled ink supply valve exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0037] FIG 12(a) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0038] FIG 12(b) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0039] FIG 12(c) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exempl according to the present invention, [0043] FIG 13(c) is a top view of a valve member of an exemplary according to the present invention, '

[0044] FIG 13(d) is a bottom view of a valve member of an exemp cartridge according to the present invention,

[0045] FIG 13 (e) is a cross sectional view of the valve member sh 13(c),

[0046] FIG 14(a) is a side view of a first spring member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0047] FIG 14(b) is a top view of a first spring member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0048] FIG 14(c) is a bottom view of a first spring member of an e cartridge according to the present invention,

[0049] FIG 14(d) is a cross sectional view of the first spring memb

14Cb),

[0050] FIG 15 (a) is a front/rear view of a slider member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0051] FIG 15(b) is a left side/nght side view of a slider member o ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0052] FIG 15(c) is a top view of a slider member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0053] FIG 15(d) is a bottom view of a slider member of an exemp cartridge according to the present invention,

[0054] FIG 15(e) is a cross sectional view of the slider member sh 15(c),

[0055] FIG 16(a) is a side view of a support member of an exempl according to the present invention, [0059] FIG 17(a) is a side view of a check valve of an exemplary i according to the present invention,

[0060] FIG 17(b) is a top/bottom view of a check valve of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0061] FIG 17(c) is a cross sectional view of the check valve show

[0062] FIG 18(a) is a side view of a cover member of an exemplar according to the present invention,

[0063] FIG 18(b) is a top view of a cover member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0064] FIG 18(c) is a bottom view of a cover member of an exemp according to the present invention,

[0065] FIG 18(d) is a cross sectional view of the cover member sh 18(b),

[0066] FIG 19 is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge shown

[0067] FIGS 20(a)-20(b) are sequential cross sectional views show of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0068] FIG 21 is an enlargement of the cross sectional view shown the location emphasized by the arrow C,

[0069] FIGS 22(a)-22(c) are sequential front views showing manu frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0070] FIGS 23(a)-23(c) are sequential front views showing manu exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0071] FIGS 24(a) and 24(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of a case and a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present inv

[0072] FIGS 25(a)-25(c) are sequential cross sectional views show an ink insertion plug of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present i [0076] FIG 29 is a graph showing a tactile feeling when an exempl according to the present invention is mounted to an inkjet printer,

[0077] FIG 30 is a graph showing a relationship between a config inclined surface and a remaining ink amount and a relationship between the the frame inclined surface and storage capacity in an exemplary ink cartridge present invention,

[0078] FIG 31 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartri the present invention,

[0079] FIGS 32(a) and 32(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0080] FIGS 33 (a) and 33(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0081] FIG 34 is a cross sectional view of part of an ink supply po exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0082] FIGS 35(a) and 35(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0083] FIGS 36(a) and 36(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0084] FIGS 37(a) and 37(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0085] FIG 38(a) is a side view of a valve member of an exemplar [0089] FIGS 39(a) and 39(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink according to the present invention,

[0090] FIGS 40(a) and 40(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0091] FIGS 41 (a) and 41(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0092] FIGS 42(a) and 42(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention,

[0093] FIG 43 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0094] FIG 44 is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0095] FIG 45 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartri the present invention,

[0096] FIGS 46(a)-46(b) are sequential side views showing mount exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention to a mounting por printer,

[0097] FIG 47(a) and 47(b) are sequential cross sectional views sh of an empty state of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present inve

[0098] FIG 48(a) and 48(b) are sequential cross sectional views s of an empty state of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present inve

[0099] FIG 49(a) and 49(b) are sequential cross sectional views s [0103] FIG 53 (a) is a top view of a slider member of an exemplary according to the present invention, ^l

[0104] FIG 53(b) is a top view of a support member of an exempla according to the present invention,

[0105] FIG 53(c) is a top view of a sheet member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0106] FIG 54 is a cross sectional view of a joint member of an ex cartridge according to the present invention,

[0107] FIG 55 is a cross sectional view of a valve mechanism of a cartridge according to the present invention,

[0108] FIG 56 is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge present invention,

[0109] FIG 57 is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge present invention in a disassembled state,

[0110] FIG 58 (a) is a top view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartrid the present invention,

[0111] FIG 58 (b) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in FIG

[0112] FIG 59 is a front view of a disassembled frame of an exem cartridge according to the present invention,

[0113] FIG 60(a) is a front/rear view of a disassembled ink supply mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0114] FIG 60(b) is a front/rear view of a disassembled ink supply mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0115] FIG 61 (a) is a front/rear view of a supply valve j acket of an cartridge according to the present invention,

[0116] FIG 61 (b) is a left side/right side view of a supply valve jac [0120] FIG 62(a) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0121] FIG 62(b) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0122] FIG 62(c) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exempl according to the present invention,

[0123] FIG 62(d) is a cross sectional view of the joint member sho 62(b),

[0124] FIG 63 (a) is a front/rear view of a valve member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0125] FIG 63(b) is a left side/right side view of a valve member o ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0126] FIG 63(c) is a top view of a valve member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0127] FIG 63 (d) is a bottom view of a valve member of an exemp cartridge according to the present invention,

[0128] FIG 63 (e) is a cross sectional view of the valve member sh 63(c),

[0129] FIG 64(a) is a side view of a first spring member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0130] FIG 64(b) is a top view of a first spring member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0131] FIG 64(c) is a bottom view of a first spring member of an e cartridge according to the present invention,

[0132] FIG 64(d) is a cross sectional view of the first spring memb 64(b), [0136] FIG 65 (d) is a bottom view of a slider member of an exem cartridge according to the present invention,

[0137] FIG 65(e) is a cross sectional view of the slider member sh 65(c),

[0138] FIG 66(a) is a side view of a support member of an exempl according to the present invention,

[0139] FIG 66(b) is a top view of a support member of an exempla according to the present invention,

[0140] FIG 66(c) is a bottom view of a support member of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0141] FIG 66(d) is a cross sectional view of the support member s 66(b),

[0142] FIG 67(a) is a side view of a check valve of an exemplary i according to the present invention,

[0143] FIG 67(b) is a top view of the check valve shown in FIG 6

[0144] FIG 67(c) is a bottom view of a check valve of an exemplar according to the present invention,

[0145] FIG 67(d) is a cross sectional view of a check valve of an e cartridge according to the present invention,

[0146] FIG 68(a) is a side view of a cover member of an exemplar according to the present invention,

[0147] FIG 68(b) is a top view of a cover member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0148] FIG 68(c) is a bottom view of a cover member of an exemp according to the present invention,

[0149] FIG 68(d) is a cross sectional view of the cover member sh [0153] FIG 69(d) is a bottom view of an intake valve jacket of an cartridge according to the present invention,

[0154] FIG 69(e) is a cross sectional view of the intake valve jacke 69(c),

[0155] FIG 70(a) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0156] FIG 70(b) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary according to the present invention,

[0157] FIG 70(c) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exempl according to the present invention,

[0158] FIG 70(d) is a cross sectional view of the joint member sho 70(b)

[0159] FIG 71 (a) is a front/rear view of a valve member/actuator o ink cartridge according to the present invention,

[0160J FIG 71 (b) is a bottom view of a valve member/actuator of a cartridge according to the present invention,

[0161] FIG 72 is a partial cross sectional view of a frame of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0162] FIG 73(a) is a right side view of a frame of an exemplary in according to the present invention pπor to application of a film,

[0163] FIG 73 (b) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink ca to the present invention prior to application of a film,

[0164] FIG 74(a) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink ca to the present invention prior to installation of an ink supply valve mechanis intake valve mechanism,

[0165] FIG 74(b) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink ca [0169] FIG 76(a) is a perspective view of a cap and a case of an ex cartridge according to the present invention prior to assembly,

[0170] FIG 76(b) is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartrid the present invention during packaging,

[0171] FIG 77(a) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink car exemplary lnkjet printer according to the present invention prior to mounting cartridge,

[0172] FIG 77(b) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink car exemplary lnkjet pnnter according to the present invention during mounting cartridge,

[0173] FIG 77(c) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cart exemplary lnkjet pnnter according to the present invention after mounting of cartridge,

[0174] FIG 78(a) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cart exemplary lnkjet printer according to the present invention prior to dismount cartridge,

[0175] FIG 78(b) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink car exemplary lnkjet pnnter according to the present invention during dismounti cartndge,

[0176] FIG 78(c) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cart exemplary lnkjet pnnter according to the present invention after dismounting cartridge,

[0177] FIG 79(a) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink ca to the present invention,

[0178] FIG 79(b) is a rear view of a frame of an exemplary ink cart to the present invention, [0182] FIG 81 (c) is a rear view of an ink dispensing portion of an cartridge according to the present invention,

[0183] FIG 81 (d) is a rear view of an ink dispensing portion of an cartridge according to the present invention,

[0184] FIG 82(a) is a perspective view of an air intake portion of a cartridge according to the present invention,

[0185] FIG 82(b) is a rear view of an air intake portion of an exem cartridge according to the present invention,

[0186] FIG 82(c) is a front view of an air intake portion of an exe cartridge according to the present invention,

[0187] FIG 83(a) is a rear view of an ink filling portion of an exem cartridge according to the present invention,

[0188] FIG 83(b) is cross sectional view of the ink filling portion s 83(a),

[0189] FIG 84(a) is a front view of ύ frame of an exemplary ink ca to the present invention filled with ink,

[0190] FIG 84(b) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink ca to the present invention emptied of ink,

[0191] FIG 85 (a) is a front view of an ink detection projection of a cartridge according to the present invention,

[0192] FIG 85(b) is a cross sectional view of the ink detection proj FIG 85(a),

[0193] FIG 85(c) is a cross sectional view of the ink detection proj FIG 85(a),

[0194] FIG 86(a) is a side view of a detector of an exemplary ink c according to the present invention, and [0197] As shown in FIG 1, the ink cartridge 1 is provided with th is a casing body that substantially covers the frame 100 (see FIG 2), the fra can store ink, and the cap 300, which is a lid welded to the case 200, and to 100 is mounted The case 200 and the cap 300 form a casing of the ink cartri

[0198] As shown in FIG 2(a), the case 200 is formed in a substanti as seen from the front (a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 2 200 opens at a case aperture portion 210 (see lower side of FIG 2(a), FIG 3( opposite from the case aperture portion 210 (upper side of FIG 2(a)) is a cas 220, and a case sidewall 230 is arranged between the case ceiling wall 220 a aperture portion 210 The case sidewall 230 includes two pairs of sidewalls, sidewalls including two sidewalls that are substantially the same shape and o each other The two pairs of side walls form four surfaces of the case sidewa exemplary embodiments, two of the sidewalls forming the case sidewall 230 surface areas than the other sidewalls (the sidewalls opposing each other in a perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 2(a)) A case curved portion 240 m one or both of the side walls having a greater surface area The case curved be curved toward an outside of the case 200 (in a direction perpendicular to t FIG 2(a)) This case curved portion 240 forms a space that stores the frame which ink is filled, and also functions so as to improve the strength of the cas

[0199] As shown in FIG 2(b), the frame 100 is an ink storage body with a frame main body portion 110 forming a main body of the frame 100, portion 120 that is formed in the center of the frame main body portion 110 a chamber for storing _vink, a substantially cylindrical ink insertion portion 130 t ink is injected (filled) into the ink storage portion, a substantially cylindrical portion 140 through which ink in the ink storage portion 120 is supplied to a 1710 (see FIG 26), and a frame restriction portion 150 that protrudes substa [0200] As shown in FIG 2(c), the cap 300 is provided with a cap that forms a bottom surface of the ink cartridge 1, a cap sidewall 320 that ext outer edge of the cap bottom wall 310, and a cap through hole 330 (see FIG formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion 140 of the fram cap sidewall 320, at a location corresponding to the case curved portion 240 cap curved portion 340 is formed that is curved in an outward direction of th Furthermore, as shown in FIG 1, the cap 300 is welded to the case 200 so th sidewall 320 surrounds part (end portion of the case aperture portion 210 sid sidewall 230 of the case 200

[0201] The case 200 is descnbed with reference to FIGS 3 and 4 views of six surfaces of the case FIG 3 (a) is a front/rear view of the case 20 left side/πght side view of the case 200, FIG 3(c) is a top view of the case 2 is a bottom view of the case 200 FIG 4 is a cross sectional view of the case FIG 3(d) FIG 3 (a) is identical to FIG 2(a), so a detailed explanation of FI omitted

[0202] As shown in FIG 3(b), the case 200 is constructed so that a of the case 200 (the width of the horizontal direction of FIG 3(b)) becomes g case ceiling wall 220 to the case aperture portion 210 The horizontal width curved portion 240, on the other hand, is substantially constant Furthermore direction of the case sidewall 230 (vertical direction of FIG 3(b)), the case c 240 is formed so that an upper end portion of the case sidewall 230 (end port side of FIG 3(b)) is formed to be spaced from the case aperture portion 210 predetermined distance The upper end portion of the case sidewall 230 in w curved portion 240 is not formed is a case handle portion 250, and can be use when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted to the lnkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26)

[0203] As shown in FIG 3(c), the case handle portion 250 is forme [0204] As shown in FIG 3(d), a case protruding member 260 is fo ceiling wall 220 so as to protrude into the case 200 toward the case aperture shown in FIG 4, the case protruding member 260 protrudes into the case 20 corresponding substantially the height of the case handle portion 250 When stored within the case 200, the case protruding member 260 presses a part of portion 130 of the frame 100 so that the frame 100 does no{ slide due to vibr detailed explanation is provided below

[0205] As shown m FIG 4, the case aperture portion 210 of the cas provided with a first aperture end surface 211 that is positioned' in an outer d case 200, and a second aperture end surface 212 that is positioned inside of t the first aperture end surface 211 As shown in the enlarged inset in FIG 4, second aperture end surfaces 211 and 212 are formed in a stepped configurat portion of the end surface of the case aperture portion 210 is recessed Whe mounted to the cap 300, a cap protruding member 350 (see FIG 6) of the ca step between the first and second aperture end surfaces 211 and 212 Theref protruding member 350 is positioned inside of the case 200 so the case 200 a can be prevented from shifting with respect to each other

[0206] The cap 300 is described with reference to FIGS 5 and 6 F views of six surfaces of the cap 300 FIG 5 (a) is a front/rear view of the cap a left side/right side view of the cap 300, FIG 5(c) is a top view showing an the cap 300, and FIG 5(d) is a bottom view of the cap 300 FIG 6 shows cr views of the cap 300 FIG 6(a) is a cross sectional view of the cap 300 sho and FIG 6(b) is a cross sectional view of the cap 300 shown in FIG 5(c) T FIGS 6(a) and (b) are imaginary lines showing positions of the frame 100 an when mounted to the cap 300 FIG 5(a) is identical to FIG 2(c), so a detaile FIG 5(a) is omitted cap 300 As shown in FIG 6(a), the cap protruding member 350 is formed t short in the vertical direction (vertical direction of FIG 6(a)) of the cap side the case 200 is mounted to the cap 300, this cap protruding member 350 cont formed by the first and second aperture end surfaces 211 and 212, respectivel aperture portion 210

[0209] As shown in FIG 5(c), inside of the cap protruding member cap 300, a substantially cylindrical cap joint portion 360 is contacted by the i portion 140 of the frame 100 (left side of FIG 5(c)), and a pair of cap restπct 370 (right side of FIG 5(c)) restricts movement of the frame 100 by contacti restπction portion 150 of the frame 100 when the cap 300 is assembled with the frame 100

[0210] As seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of cap joint portion 360 is formed in a substantially round shape As shown in joint portion 360 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending to substantially t the cap sidewall 320 The cap joint portion 360 includes a pair of cap guide which a pair of frame loose insertion members 141 (see FIG 7) of the ink su are loosely inserted The cap guide grooves 361 are formed from the upper e surface of the upper side of FIG 6(a)) of the cap joint portion 360 toward the 310 (lower direction of FIG 6(a)) The pair of cap guide grooves 361 is sym arranged about an axis A (see FIGS 5(c) and 6(a)) of the cap joint portion 36 of the pair of cap guide grooves 361 in an axis A direction is approximately the cap joint portion 360 in the axis A direction

[0211] As shown in FIG 6(a), in the cap joint portion 360, a pair o 362 is formed, which contacts a pair of frame joint members 142 (see FIG 7) supply portion 140 when the cap 300 is assembled with the case 200 and the pair of cap joint holes 362 is symmetrically arranged about the axis A of the joint portion 360 Furthermore, as shown in FIG 6(b), the height of the pair members 370 in the axis A direction is approximately half the height of the c If the height of the pair of cap restriction members 370 is too low, movement 100 cannot be prevented On the contrary, if the height of the pair of cap rest 370 is too high, the cap restriction members 370 hinder the frame 100 from b the cap 300 ' Forming the pair of cap restriction members 370 to a height app the height of the cap sidewall 320 in the axis A direction restricts movement and allows for effective mounting of the frame 100

[0213] Additionally, the pair of cap restriction members 370 restric movement of the frame 100 about the cap joint portion 360 when the frame 1 the cap 300 The greater the distance between the cap restriction members 3 joint portion 360, the more accurately such rotational movement can be prev exemplary embodiment shown in FIG 5(c)₃ the cap joint portion 360 and the restriction members 370 are formed on both sides (positions to the side and a center) of the cap 300, so the movement of the frame 100 can be accurately r Furthermore, it is possible to even more accurately restrict movement of the increasing the distance between the cap joint portion 360 and the pair of cap members 370 (in the horizontal direction of FIG 5(c)) In such an arrangem between the ink supply portion 140 and the frame restriction portion 150 of t would also be increased

[0214] As described above, as the cap 300 and the frame 100 are m supply portion 140 is guided by the pair of cap guide grooves 361 of the cap j 360 At the same time, movement is restricted by the pair of cap restriction positioning of the cap 300 with respect to the frame 100 is easily performed the pair of frame joint members 142 of the ink supply portion 140 contacts th joint holes 362 of the cap joint portion 360, so the frame 100 and the cap 300 330 is formed in a tapered shape in which the diameter becomes smaller fro the cap bottom wall 310 progressing toward the inside of the cap 300 There ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted into the cap through hole 330, it is guide shaped inclined surface of the cap through hole 330, so the ink cartridge 1 ca mounted

[0216] The frame 100 is described with reference to FIGS 7-9 FI of the frame 100 FIG 7(a) is a front view of the frame 100, and FIG 7(b) is the frame 100 FIG 8 shows views of the frame 100 FIG 8(a) is a left side frame 100, FIG 8(b) is a right side view of the frame 100, FIG' 8(c) is a top 100, and FIG 8(d) is a bottom view of the frame 100 FIG 9 is a view in wh frame 100 are emphasized and shown In the following explanation, the righ FIG 7(a) is a horizontal direction of the frame 100 (or frame main body porti up/down direction of FIG 7(a) is a vertical direction of the frame 100 (or fra portion 110)

[0217] As shown in FIG 7(a), a through hole is formed in the fram portion 110 of the frame 100 that forms the ink storage portion 120 As sho and (b), the ink storage portion 120 has an aperture 125 on the each side of t body portion 110 These apertures 125 are respectively connected to frame b 112 Substantially circle-shaped frame protruding members 111 are formed brim portions 112, that protrude toward a front side (front side in the directio

to the paper plane of FIG 7(a)) at a position slightly separated from, but clos apertures 125 so as to surround the apertures 125 The frame protruding me welding locations (annular belt region) where the film 1430 (see FIG 19) ca the frame main body portion 110

[0218] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 7(a), an ink insertion hole 12 the ink insertion portion 130 and an ink supply hole 122 connected to the ink 120 is formed by the pair of frame inclined surfaces 124 In addition, the in

121 is formed in the frame inclined surfaces 124, so the ink injected into the portion 120 from the ink insertion hole 121 can be injected along the frame i 124, thus, bubbling of ink injected into the ink storage portion 120 can be pr

[0219] Here, the ink supply portion 140 is explained As shown in ink supply portion 140, in a position (right and left of FIG 7(a)) opposite to circumference of the ink supply portion 140, the pair of frame loose insertio that is loosely inserted into the pair of cap guide grooves 361 (see FIG 6(a)) portion 360 is formed and protrudes outward in a diameter direction from th circumference of the ink supply portion 140 Furthermore, on the outer circ ink supply portion 140, the pair of frame joint members 142 is formed, whic pair of cap joint holes 362 (see FIG 6(a)) of the cap joint portion 360 This joint members 142 is positioned on a straight line substantially perpendicular connecting the pair of frame loose insertion members 141 As shown in FIG with respect to the pair of frame joint members 142, a top portion is provide horizontal surface protruding in a horizontal direction (right/left direction of inclined surface that inclines from an outer edge of the horizontal surface to circumferential wall of the ink supply portion 140 at a bottom portion of the member 142 Insertion of the frame joint members 142 into the cap joint por smoothly performed by the inclined surface of the pair of frame joint membe frame 100 and the cap 300 are connected (locked) by the horizontal surface o of the pair of frame joint members 142

[0220] As shown in FIG 7(b), with respect to the frame 100 in a re from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 7(b)), the frame pro 111, the frame through hole 123, and the frame inclined surfaces 124 are for position and shape as those of the frame 100 in a front view (seen from a dir not be closed by the film 1430 until ink in the ink storage portion 120 is cons 19)

[0221] Furthermore, the front surface view and the back surface vi 100 differ due to the location of the ink insertion hole 121, which is connect insertion portion 130 As shown in the rear view of the frame 100 in FIG 7( insertion hole 121 does not appear in the ink storage portion 120 That is, th hole 121 is formed only on one side (front view side of FIG 7(a)) of the fra injected from one location

[0222] As shown in FIGS 7(a) and 7(b), the frame mam body porti in a substantially square shape as seen from a direction perpendicular to the four frame brim portions 112 are formed at the corners As shown in FIGS the front side and the rear side of frame 100, the frame brim portions 112 co apertures 125 of the ink storage portion 120 and are arranged as a pair of flan the outside of the frame protruding members 111 surrounding the apertures 1 respective frame bnm portions 112 are formed in a plate shape so as to sand insertion portion 130 and the ink supply portion 140 as shown in FIGS 8(c) Furthermore, as shown in FIGS 8(c) and (d), the frame protruding members on the pair of frame brim portions 112, respectively A pair of frame brim po becomes a receivmg surface of the film 1430 when the film 1430 is welded to t protruding member 111 Furthermore, a pair of frame restriction portions 150

connected to the frame brim portions 112 The frame brim portions 112 are fo plate shape, and a space is formed between the front and back frame brim porti the frame brim portions 112 weak In order to maintain the strength of the fra 112, frame πb members 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, and 490 are fo the frame πb members 410-490 are explained

[0223] As shown in FIG 8(c), the frame πb members 410, 420, 430 [0224] The frame rib member 420 includes a nb circular-cylindrica formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pair of πb protruding portio protruding toward the frame brim portions 112 from the rib circular-cylindric As shown in FIG 9, the frame rib member 420 is formed to extend in the ver (up/down direction of FIG 9) to the vicinity of the ink storage portion 120 fr edge of the upper end side of the frame main body portion 110 In the horizo (right/left direction of FIG 9) of the frame main body portion 110, the frame is formed on the frame main body portion 110 toward the center from the fra 410 Because the height of the frame brim portions 112 is small at the locati frame rib member 420 is formed, the height of the frame rib member 420 is a

[0225] In the same manner as the frame πb member 410, at the cen main body portion 110 in the horizontal direction, the frame rib member 430 formed in a flat plate shape in the vertical direction from the outer edge of th of the frame main body portion 110 As shown in FIG 9, the length of the fr 430 is determined in the same manner that the length of the frame πb membe determined

[0226] As shown in FIG 9, the frame rib member 440 is arranged i the end of the frame main body portion 110 opposite from the end where the member 410 is provided in the hoπzontal direction In the same manner as t member 420, the frame rib member 440 includes a rib circular-cylindrical po substantially cylindrical, and a pair of rib protruding portions 442 that protru frame brim portions 112 from the rib circular-cylindrical portion 441 As sh the frame rib member 440 is formed to extend from the upper end vicinity of body portion 110 to an intermediate position in the vertical direction (vertical FIG 8(b)) ofthe frame 100

[0227] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 8(c), in the horizontal directi cylindrical portion 451 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pair members 452 protruding toward the frame brim portions 112 from the rib cir portion 451 As shown in FIG 9, the frame rib member 450 is formed in the end of the frame mam body portion 110 in the horizontal direction As show the frame πb member 450 is formed to extend from the vicinity of the lower main body portion 110 to an intermediate position of the frame 100 in the ve (vertical direction of FIG 8(a))

[0229] In the same manner as the frame πb member 450, the frame includes a rib circular-cylindrical portion 461 that is substantially cylindrical protruding portions 462 protruding toward the frame brim portions 112 from cylindrical portion 461 As shown in FIG 9, the frame rib member 460 is fo in the vertical direction to the vicinity of the ink storage portion 120 from the the lower end side of the frame mam body portion 110 In the hoπzontal dir frame main body portion 110, the frame nb member 460 is formed at the cen main body portion 110 Because the height of the frame brim portions 112 is location where the frame rib member 460 is formed, the height of the frame is also small '

[0230] The frame rib member 470 is formed in a flat plate shape to vertical direction As shown in FIG 9, the length of the frame rib member 4 the length of the frame rib member 450 and slightly longer than the length of member 460 The frame rib member 480 is formed in a flat plate shape m th as the frame rib member 470 As shown in FIG 9, the frame rib member 48 the vicinity of the end of the frame main body portion 110 opposite from the frame rib member 450 is formed in the horizontal direction of the frame mai 110 As shown in FIG 8(b), the frame πb member 480 is formed to extend of the lower end of the frame main body portion 110 to an intermediate positi [0232] In addition, as shown in FIGS 8(a) and (b), in the intermedi the frame main body portion 110 in the vertical direction, the pair of frame π (second reinforcement rib) is formed so that the frame rib members 410 and frame rib members 440 and 480 are respectively connected to each other As 9, on the same straight line, the pair of frame rib members 490 is formed to e direction perpendicular to the frame rib members 410-480 from the ink stora the outer edge (end portion in the horizontal direction of the frame main bod the side end of the frame main body portion 110

[0233] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 7 and FIG 8(d), frame restri 150 are formed to protrude from the pair of frame brim portions 112, respecti frame restriction portions 150 are arranged parallel to each other The interv pair of frame restriction portions 150 corresponds to the interval that is prese pair of cap restriction members 370 formed in the cap 300

[0234] In exemplary embodiments, the frame main body portion 11 resin mateπal, and molding is performed using metal molds For example, b rib members 490 as a boundary, two different metal molds corresponding to t members 410-440 side and the frame rib members 450-480 side are prepared which the two metal molds are attached to each other, a liquid (or semi-liqui injected into the metal molding, and the frame mam body portion 110 is mol the resin Therefore, the pair of frame rib members 490 is formed by resm in gap formed between the two metal molds in a state in which two metal molds each other After hardening the resin material, by moving the metal molds in which the two metal _vmolds are separated from each other, that is, in a vertica (vertical direction of FIG 8(b)), the molded frame main body portion 110 is r the metal molds, and the frame rib members 410-480, the ink insertion portio ink supply portion 140 are formed to extend in the vertical direction Theref of two metal molds Both reinforcement of the frame brim portions 112 and of the metal molds can be accomplished

[0236] Furthermore, the rib circular-cylindrical portions 421 , 441 , function as receiving portions pushed by ejection pins when the frame main is removed from the metal molding

[0237] Thus, as explained above, the frame brim portions 112 are f plate shape causing the frame brim portions 112 to be structurally weak Ho providing the frame nb members 410-490, the strength of the frame brim po improved As a result, the frame main body portion 110 is strengthened As below, the film 1430 (see FIG 19) is welded to the frame main body portion the film 1430 against the frame brim portions 112 of the frame main body po if the frame brim portions 112 are bent, the film 1430 cannot be welded accu Furthermore, the frame main body portion 110 can be damaged However, a 9, the frame rib members 410-490 are formed to extend over substantially th main body portion 110, so damage to the frame main body portion 110 can b the frame brim portions 112 can be prevented from being bent when the film

[0238] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 9, the center axis of the ink i 130 and the center axis of the ink supply portion 140 are parallel to the cente line going through the frame rib member 430 and the frame nb member 460) storage portion 120 (frame main body portion 110) of the frame main body p position shifted from the center line in the horizontal direction (horizontal di 9) When the ink insertion portion 130 and the ink supply portion 140 are po center line of the ink storage portion 120, the ink storage portion 120 must b substantially round shape, so the distance that the ink storage portion 120 pro from the frame main body portion 110 becomes greater Accordingly, the siz main body portion 110 becomes large, and the ink cartridge 1 becomes large [0241] As shown in FIG 10, the frame 100 can be separated into f four parts are the frame main body portion 110 provided with the ink storage ink insertion portion 130, the ink supply portion 140, and the frame restπctio the film 1430 (see FIG 19) welded to the frame main body portion 110, an i 520 inserted into the ink insertion portion 130, and a valve mechanism 530 i ink supply portion 140 Among these four parts, an ink storage body is defin mam body portion 110 and the film 1430 Furthermore, the portion that for portion 120 at the center portion of the frame main body portion 110 is an in chamber formation portion The following explains the valve mechanism 53 to FIG 11

[0242] FIG 11 is a front view in showing the valve mechanism 53 its constituent parts As shown in FIG 11 , the valve mechanism 530 is provi insertion port for an ink extraction tube 1720 (see FIG 26) of the mkjet pπnt also provided with a joint member 610 formed of resm material with elastici rubber, part of the joint member 610 is exposed to the outside of the ink sup valve member 620 that closes an ink flow path when the joint member 610 c bottom wall of the valve member 620, a first spring member 630 stored in th 620 and formed of a resin elastic mateπal, a slider member 640 that covers a of the valve member 620 and can be moved in a uniaxial direction (arrow B 11, axis B direction of the valve mechanism 530) that is a moving direction o member 620 pressed by the ink extraction tube 1720, a second spring membe stored within the slider member 640 and is formed with the same shape and first spring member 630, a pedestal member 660 that contacts the second spri and receives a check valve 670, the check valve 670, and a cover member 68 itself and the pedestal member 660, covers the check valve 670 The valve can be integrally assembled, so the operation of assembling the valve mecha [0244] FIG 12 shows the j omt member 610 FIG 12(a) is a side v member 610, FIG 12(b) is a top view of the joint member 610, FIG 12(c) is of the joint member 610, and FIG 12(d) is a cross sectional view of the joint shown in FIG 12(b)

[0245] As shown in FIG 12(a), the joint member 610 includes thre view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 12(c)) portion (lower side of FIG 12(c)) is a joint outer circumferential portion 710 outer circumferential portion of the j oint member 610 The j oint outer circu 710 is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion 140 The portion abo circumferential portion 710 is a joint inner circumferential portion 720 formi circumferential portion of the j oint member 610 The j oint inner circumfere is arranged inside of the ink supply portion 140 The portion shown above th circumferential portion 720 is a joint contact portion 730 that contacts the va As shown in FIG 12(b), the axial centers of the joint outer circumferential p joint inner circumferential portion 720, and the joint contact portion 730 are same axial center as the axis B of the valve mechanism 530 Furthermore, th 610 is formed of an elastic material such as a resin or rubber

[0246] As shown in FIG 12(d), between the joint outer circumfere and the joint inner circumferential portion 720, a joint groove portion 740 is concave shape in cross section As shown in FIG 12(b), this joint groove po formed in a round shape in a plan view The joint groove portion is engaged end portion of the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion 140, w a cylindrical shape, and the joint member 610 is fixed to the ink supply porti shown in FIG 12(d), the joint contact portion 730 protrudes from a top surfa on the side contacting the valve member 620) of the joint inner circumferenti The joint contact portion 730 is formed to be narrower toward a tip end porti [0247] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 12(d), in the joint member 6 path 760 is formed, which extends through the tip end portion 734 (lower sid of the joint contact portion 730 from the bottom surface 721 of the joint inne portion 720 This ink flow path 760 includes the aperture 722 formed in the

721, a taper portion flow path 761 formed by the taper surface 723 connecte

722, a protruding portion flow path 762 formed by an inner circumferential s joint protruding portion 750 connected to the taper surface 723, a contact por 763 formed by a step surface 732 connected to the inner circumferential surf joint protruding portion 750, and an inner circumferential surface 733 of the j portion 730 connected to the step surface 732 Furthermore, the inner circu 751 of the joint protruding portion 750 is parallel to the axis B, and the step s perpendicular to the axis B

[0248] The taper portion flow path 761 is formed in a substantially shape in which the diameter gradually becomes smaller progressing from the toward the point of contact with the inner circumferential surface 751 of the j portion 750 The protruding portion flow path 762 is formed in a substantial cylindrical shape having the same inner diameter as the minimum inner diam portion flow path 761 The inner diameter of the protruding portion flow pat to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extraction tube (see FIG 2 portion flow path 763 is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape h diameter larger than that of the protruding portion flow path 762, and the inn larger than the diameter of the ink extraction tube Furthermore, the step sur formed in the boundary between the protruding portion flow path 762 and th flow path 763 Therefore, the inner diameter rapidly changes in the axis B di protruding portion flow path 762 to the contact portion flow path 763 Thus, FIG 12(d), the joint contact portion 730 has a structure notched by the inner protruding portion 750 functions so as to close around the ink extraction tub into the protruding portion flow path 762 If an area of the of joint member adhered to the outer circumference of the ink extraction tube 1720 becomes t resistance will increase when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted to the inkjet prin FIG 26), and smooth mounting cannot be accomplished However, in the e shown, e g , in FIG 12(d), the joint protruding portion 750^ris arranged so tha extraction tube 1720 contacts only the inner circumferential surface 751 Th small area of the joint member 610 in contact with the ink extraction tube 17 the ink cartridge 1 to the inkjet printer 1710 can be smoothly performed Wi ink flow path 760, when the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted, the flow pat actually flows is inside the ink extraction tube 1720 Also, as described belo the contact portion flow path 763 in a pedestal shape, displacement of the joi in the axis B direction can be minimized when the ink extraction tube 1720 i

[0250] FIG 13 shows the valve member 620 FIG 13 (a) is a front/ valve member 620, FIG 13(b) is a side view of the valve member 620, FIG view of the valve member 620, FIG 13(d) is a bottom view of the valve me FIG 13(e) is a cross sectional view of the valve member 620 shown in FIG

[0251] As shown in FIG 13(a), the valve member 620 is provided bottom wall 810 forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side in FIG valve member 620, and a valve sidewall 820 extending from the valve botto axis B direction In the valve sidewall 820, a pair of valve guide grooves 830 which a slider loose insertion member 1030 (see FIG 15) of the slider memb inserted As shown in FIG 13(c), the pair of valve guide grooves 830 is sym formed with respect to the axis B of the valve mechanism 530 Furthermore, FIG 13 (a), the pair of valve guide grooves 830 is formed along substantially sidewall 820 in the axis B direction A pair of valve restriction portions 840, slider member 640 from being shifted in the operation direction using the pa grooves 830, and to store the first spring member 630 Accordingly, the val formed to be longer and larger than the pair of valve restriction portions 840 direction of the valve mechanism 530

[0253] As shown in FIG 13(c), in the axis B direction (direction p the paper plane of FIG 13(c)) of the valve mechanism 530^ in the valve bott positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide grooves 830 and the pair o restriction portions 840, four ink flow paths 860 are formed The ink flow p through the valve bottom wall 810 in the vertical direction (direction perpen paper plane of FIG 13(c)) Furthermore, valve receiving portions 870 are pr valve bottom wall 810 that protrude upwardly (front side of the direction per paper plane of FIG 13(c)) from the bottom valve bottom wall 810 and form receiving a spring top portion 920 of the first spring member 630 The valve portions 870 include two plate-shaped members arranged substantially parall on the valve bottom wall 810 Furthermore, as shown in FIG 13(e), the heig receiving portions 870 in the axis B direction is substantially less than the he sidewall 820 The valve receiving portions 870 are arranged to prevent cont first spring member 630 and the valve bottom wall 810 when the first spnng arranged in the space within the valve sidewall 820 This arrangement is nec the first spring member 630 contacts the valve bottom wall 810, the ink flow ink does not flow The valve receiving portions 870 are arranged to ensure i ensuring that the first spring member 630 does not contact the valve bottom Therefore, only a minimal height is necessary

[0254] FIG 14 shows the first spring member 630 FIG 14(a) is a first spring member 630, FIG 14(b) is a top view of the first spring member is a bottom view of the first spring member 630, and FIG 14(d) is a cross se the axis B direction is applied (e g , when the valve member 620 pressed by t tube 1720 in an urging direction of the first spring member 630 and the seco member 650) The spring top portion 920 contacts the valve receiving portio valve member 620 and acts as a pressing portion that presses the valve mem Furthermore, the diameter of the spring bottom portion 910 is larger than the spring top portion 920, so the spring bottom portion 910 acts as a base portio spring flexible portion 930 is elastically deformed

[0256] As shown in FIG 14(d), in the first spring member 630, an i

940 extends from the bottom surface (end surface of the left side of FIG 14( bottom portion 910 to the tip end (end surface of the πght side of FIG 14(d)) top portion 920 This ink flow path 940 includes a top portion flow path 941 inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion 920, a flexible portion formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spnng flexible portion 930 portion flow path 943 formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spn portion 910 As shown in FIG 14(d), the aperture area of the ink flow path 9 becomes larger from the tip end of the spring top portion 920 to the bottom s spnng bottom portion 910 Furthermore, as shown in FIGS 14(b) and (c), th flow path 941 of the spring top portion 920 is formed in a substantially squar from the direction perpendicular to the paper plane

[0257] The aperture surface of the top portion flow path 941 is for substantially square shape so that effects caused by bubbles in ink can be red example, if the top portion flow path 941 were formed in a substantially roun direction perpendicular to the paper plane, sphencal bubbles larger in diamet portion flow path 941 could close the flow path If the flow path is closed, in properly transmitted from the ink cartridge 1 to the lnkjet printer 1710 (see FI result, printing quality by the inkjet pnnter 1710 is deteriorated However, in [0259] As shown in FIG 14(d), the spring top portion 920 is forme shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis B direction The spri 920 is formed so that the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axis B di direction of the first spnng member 630) is made uniform In the same man bottom portion 910 is also formed in a cylindrical shape, which is relatively t in the axis B direction, and the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axi uniform

[0260] In addition, as shown in FIG 14(d), the spπng flexible porti in a substantially conical shape, which is inclined at a predetermined angle w axis B direction, whereby the strength of the spring flexible portion 930 beari axis B direction is less than that of the spring bottom portion 910 and the spr 920 Furthermore, the thickness of the spring flexible portion 930 is less tha spring bottom portion 910 and the spring top portion 920, contπbuting to the of the spring flexible portion 930 Therefore, when the first spring member deformed, the spring flexible portion 930 is bent and deformed

[0261] The second spring member 650 is formed in the same shape spring member 630 The structure of the second spπng member 650 include bottom portion 910, the spnng top portion 920, the spπng flexible portions 9 flow path 940

[0262] FIG 15 shows the slider member 640 FIG 15(a) is a front/ slider member 640, FIG 15(b) is a left side/right side view of the slider mem 15(c) is a top view of the slider member 640, FIG 15(d) is a bottom view of member 640, and FIG 15(e) is a cross sectional view of the slider member 6 15(c)

[0263] As shown in FIGS 15(a) and (b), the slider member 640 is material that has a greater hardness than the first spπng member 630 and the circumferential wall 1010 and the slider protruding portion 1020 are togethe substantially cylindrical shape

[0264] The height of the slider protruding portion 1020 in the axis substantially the same as the height of the slider outer circumferential wall 1 because the spring members 630, 650 are arranged in the inner spaces 1060, respectively, of the slider member 640 in the axis B direction Furthermore, respective spring members 630, 650 in the direction perpendicular to the axi by the slider protruding portion 1020 and the slider outer circumferential wal

[0265] The slider loose insertion members 1030 extend along the sl 640 in the axis B direction (formed over the slider outer circumferential wall protruding portion 1020) Movement of the slider member 640 in the axis B smoothly by cooperation between the slider loose insertion member 1030 an valve guide grooves 830 (see FIG 13)

[0266] As shown in FIGS 15(c) and (d), inside of the slider outer c wall 1010, a slider pedestal portion 1040 is provided on which the respective 630, 650 are arranged The slider pedestal portion 1040 contacts the spring b 910 of the respective spring members 630, 650 The slider pedestal portion 1 inner spaces 1060, 1070 that accommodate the respective spring members 63 the slider member 640 In the center of the slider pedestal portion 1040, a sli 1050 is formed, and the slider through hole 1050 becomes a flow path in whi shown in FIG 15(e), in the axis B direction of the slider member 640, the sli portion 1040 is formed in a substantially intermediate position

[0267] FIG 16 shows the pedestal member 660 FIG 16(a) is a sid pedestal member 660, FIG 16(b) is a top view of the pedestal member 660, bottom view of the pedestal member 660, and FIG 16(d) is a cross sectional pedestal member 660 shown in FIG 16(b) inclined approaching the center of the pedestal member 660, and a later-desc valve is received by the pedestal inclined surfaces 1131

[0269] As shown in FIG 16(b), the six pedestal receiving portions arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of the ped 660 Furthermore, three of the six pedestal receiving portions 1130 include through holes 1140 that extend from the front to the back of the pedestal me first pedestal through holes 1140 are formed in portions (honzontal portions receiving portions 1130) of the pedestal receiving portions 1130 other than t which the pedestal inclined surfaces 1131 are provided Thus/the first pede 1140 are formed in portions other than the portions that receive the check va configuration prevents suppression of ink flow

[0270] Furthermore, between the pedestal receiving portions 1130 member 660, second pedestal through holes 1150 are formed, which extend t pedestal intermediate portion 1120 and the pedestal bottom portion 1110 T pedestal through holes 1150 are formed between the pedestal receiving porti six second pedestal through holes 1150 are formed in a circumferential direc pedestal member 660 The second pedestal through holes 1150 form ink flo which ink flows

[0271] As shown in FIG 16(c), on the bottom surface of the pedest portion 1110, concave-shaped pedestal through grooves 1160 are formed, w respective second pedestal through holes 1150 The pedestal through groove the second pedestal through holes 1150 in substantially straight lines that pas are symmetrical about the axis B Thus, in the pedestal bottom portion 1110 through grooves 1160 are formed, which cross each other at the axis B

[0272] As shown in FIG 16(d), between the pedestal inclined surf pedestal receiving portions 1130 and the second pedestal through holes 1150 [0273] FIG 17 shows the check valve 670 FIG 17(a) is a side vie valve 670, FIG 17(b) is a top/bottom view of the check valve 670, and FIG sectional view of the check valve 670 shown in FIG 17(b)

[0274] The check valve 670 is substantially plate-shaped A check portion 1210 that forms a top surface of the check valve 670 is configured to flow path by'contacting the cover member 680 Furthermore, a check valve 1220 that forms a curved surface of the check valve 670 is received by pedes portions 1130 of the pedestal member 660 Therefore, when the check valve 1220 of the check valve 670 is received by the pedestal receiving portions 11 pedestal member 660, the ink flow path is open, and when the check valve fl of the check valve 670 contacts the cover member 680, the ink flow path is c

[0275] FIG 18 shows the cover member 680 FIG 18(a) is a side member 680, FIG 18(b) is a top view of the cover member 680, FIG 18(c) i of the cover member 680, and FIG 18(d) is a cross sectional view of the cov shown in FIG 18(b)

[0276] The cover member 680 is formed in a substantially cylindric which a lower surface side is open The cover member 680 is provided with circumferential wall 1310 that forms the outer circumference and a cover top that forms the top surface (upper side of FIG 18(a)) of the cover member 68 surface is open The pedestal member 660 is engaged with the opening of th (lower side of FIG 18(a)) of the cover member 680, and the check valve 670 accommodated between the pedestal member 660 and the cover member 680 cover member 680 and the pedestal member 660 constitute a case, which acc check valve

[0277] As shown in FIGS 18(b) and 18(c), in the cover top portion through holes 1330 are formed in circumferential locations through the cover [0279] FIG 19 shows a state in which the ink cartridge 1 is assemb the case 200 and the cap 300 In this state, the joint member 610 contacts th 310 of the cap 300 At the same time, the outer circumferential wall of the i 140 is engaged in the joint groove portion 740 of the joint member 610 Furt outer circumferential surface of the joint member 610 (joint outer circumfere (see FIG 12)) contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cap joint porti Therefore, the inner space 1440 surrounded by the case 200 and the cap 300 i to the outside of the case 200 and the cap 300, and is substantially sealed

[0280] A pair of films 1430 are welded to the frame main body por stored in a space (ink storage portion 120) that is substantially sealed by the process of welding the films 1430 is described later

[0281] The pair of films 1430 are double layer type films (hereafter "nylon polyethylene") each including a nylon film and a polyethylene film contacting the frame main body portion 110 is a polyethylene film layer Thi polyethylene completely shields liquid, but has less complete gas shielding p mimmal communication of a gas between the ink storage portion 120 and the 1440 substantially sealed by the films 1430 is possible Gas that exists withi ink storage portion 120 gradually permeates through the films 1430 and is m space 1440 Therefore, generation of bubbles within ink I can be prevented, of printing quality due to bubbles within ink I can be prevented The films 1 formed from any material as long as the strength can be maintained and the gas permeability For example, a double-layered film of a nylon film and a p film, and a film in which nylon and polyethylene, or nylon and polypropylen formed can be used

[0282] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 19, between the ink supply h frame 100 and the cover member 680, an ink flow path 1410 is formed, whic within ink I of the ink storage portion 120, a filter 1420 formed of a foam-ty provided That is, the ink flow path 1410 is a filter housing chamber that ho 1420 The filter 1420 is formed in a cylindrical shape having the same diam cross sectional shape) as the largest diameter (the diameter of the ink flow pa vicinity of the cover member 680) of the ink flow path 1410 and is arranged flow path 1410 in a compressed state by inserting the filter ^rl 420 in a directio parallel to the axis B direction of the valve mechanism 530) in which ink flo flow path 1410 from the ink supply portion 140 side Therefore, a filter with be obtained, compared to the state before insertion was performed Characte of removal of foreign matter) of the filter 1420 can be controlled, for exampl compression percentage, by appropriately selecting a reduction percentage (t shape such as the inclined surfaces of the ink flow path 1410) of the aperture flow path 1410 Accordingly, desired filter characteristics can be obtained w the material of the filter 1420 In the embodiment shown in FIG 19, the filte of a polyurethane material, but it is also acceptable to use, for example, CFH and/or foreign matter resides within an ink tube (undepicted) of the inkjet pri FIG 26) and/or the valve mechanism 530, ink may not be accurately supplie quality can be deteriorated However, by providing the filter 1420, dust and/ can be removed, so ink supply can be accurately performed, and deterioratio quality can be prevented

[0283] If, alternatively, when a sheet-like mesh member is mounted ink supply hole 122 for filtration, a mounting process is necessary and/or the body portion 110 must be manufactured to have a detachable structure Acco structure of the frame main body portion 110 would become more complex, necessary to manufacture the ink cartridge 1 would increase In contrast, inse 1420 to the ink flow path 1410 completes mounting of the filter 1420 Thus, 1420 is uniformly compressed in three-dimensions Accordingly, the filter 1 uniformly compressed, providing stable filter characteristics

[0285] The diameter of the ink supply hole 122 is smaller than the filter 1420, so entrance of the filter 1420 into the ink flow path 1410 further prevented Also, slippage of the filter 1420 into the ink storage portion 120 i However, m'order to further reliably prevent slipping of the filter 1420 into t portion 120, a member can also be provided that prevents the filter 1420 fro the ink supply hole 122

[0286] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 19, on the side (lower side o ink flow path 1410 opposite from the ink storage portion 120, an engaging p provided that is connected to the ink flow path 1410 and is engaged with the the pedestal member 660 and the cover member 680 The inner diameter of portion 1450 is larger than the inner diameter of the ink flow path 1410 and i slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cover member 680 The pedes and the cover member 680 are engaged and fixed to the engaging portion 14 the pedestal member 660 and the cover member 680 are fixed to the engagin as to contact the filter 1420 when pressed in a compressed state within the in 1410 The pedestal member 660 and the cover member 680, thus fixed, func that prevents the filter 1420 from slipping from the ink flow path 1410

[0287] On the side (lower side of FIG 19) of the engaging portion

from the ink flow path 1410, a valve mechanism insertion portion 1460 (in t mechanism insertion portion 1460, the engaging portion 1450 is also include The valve mechanism insertion portion 1460 is connected to the engaging po the valve mechanism 530 is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion porti valve mechanism insertion portion 1460 is also an ink flow path The space flow path 1410, the space formed in the engaging portion 1450, and the spac Therefore, the ink extraction tube 1720 (see FIG 26) can be smoothly insert flow path 760

[0288] The valve mechanism 530 is arranged so that the bottom su member 610 contacts the cap bottom wall 310, and the joint contact portion member 610 can contact the valve bottom wall 810 of the valve member 620 valve member 620, the first spring member 630 is stored so that the valve re 870 of the valve member 620 contacts the spπng top portion 920 of the first 630 Furthermore, the first spπng member 630 and the second spring memb in the two inner spaces 1060, 1070 divided by the slider pedestal portion 104 member 640 A bottom surface 911 (see FIG 14) of the spπng bottom porti surface 1041 (see FIG 15) of the valve member 620 side of the slider pedest At the same time, the outer circumferential side surface 912 (see FIG 14) of bottom portion 910 contacts an inner wall 1042 (see FIG 15) of the slider ou circumferential wall 1010 In the same manner, with respect to the second s 650, the bottom surface 911 of the spnng bottom portion 910 contacts a surf FIG 15) of the side (check valve 670 side) opposite to the valve member 62 pedestal portion 1040 At the same time, the outer circumferential side surfa spring bottom portion 910 contacts an inner wall 1021 (See FIG 15) of the sl portion 1020 Thus, the slider pedestal portion 1040 is the portion at which t member 630 engages the second spring member 650 As shown in FIG 19, t pedestal portion 1040 is sandwiched by the first spring member 630 and the s portion 910 of the second spring member Additionally, the valve hook porti valve member 620 inserted between the two slider protruding portions 1020 surface 1043 of the slider pedestal portion 1040 The surface 1043 is the sur the bottom surface 911 of the spring bottom portion 910 of the second spring Because of this, the slider member 640 is engaged with the valve hook portio 20(d) FIG 21 is enlarged view of a portion C of the schematic cross sectio FIG 20(c)

[0290] First, a frame manufacturing device 1510 used in the manu is described The frame manufacturing device 1510 is provided with a base p installs and supports the frame main body portion 110, vacuum devices 1530 vacuum to a film 1430, a pressing portion 1540 that presses the film 1430 ag main body portion 110, and a welding device 1550 that welds the film 1430 body portion 110

[0291] In the base portion 1520, a concave-shape base holding port formed, which can install the frame main body portion 110 The base holdin formed in a substantially square shape corresponding to the outer shape of th body portion 110 Furthermore, though not depicted, the base holding portio concave portion corresponding to the ink insertion portion 130 and the ink s 140, and positioning is performed when the frame main body portion 110 is i Furthermore, in order to perform positioning, it is also acceptable to provide that fixes the frame main body portion 110 from the upper direction (upper s 20(a)) or the side surface (horizontal direction of FIG 20(a))

[0292] The vacuum devices 1530 vacuum and hold the film 1430 I shown in FIG 20(a), four vacuum devices 1530 (two vacuum devices 1530 at the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 20 are not depicted) are vacuum devices 1530 are arranged at positions corresponding to the four corne main body portion 110 and are held so that the film 1430 is not wrinkled

[0293] The pressing portion 1540 is provided with a pressing elastic which the tip end portion (lower side of FIG 20(a)) is formed of an elastic mat of the pressing elastic portion 1541 is formed m a substantially spheπcal shape the shape of the ink storage portion 120 of the frame mam body portion 110 I controls floating of the film 1430 (discussed below) The floating control me mounted to the outer circumference of the pressing elastic portion 1541, and c the film 1430 in the vicinity of the frame protruding member 111

[0294] The welding device 1550 is a device that welds the films 143 protruding member 111 of the frame main body portion 110 The welding dev formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to cover the entire frame protr 111 of the frame main body portion 110 from an upper direction The welding thermally welds the films 1430 to the frame protruding member 111, employm portion (end portion of the lower side of FIG 20(a)) as a heat generating portio

[0295] The following describes a process of welding the films 1430 body portion 110

[0296] In the welding process, the frame main body portion 110 is se holding portion 1521 of the base portion 1520, and the film 1430 is vacuumed devices 1530 (FIG 20(a)) At this time, by cutting the film 1430 larger than th the frame main body portion 110, the film 1430 can be reliably welded to the portion 110

[0297] In FIG 20(a), for example, when a start switch of the frame device 1510 is turned on (not depicted), the vacuum devices 1530 come down shown in FIG 20(b), when the vacuum devices 1530 come down, the film 143 frame protruding member 111

[0298] Then, the pressing portion 1540 comes down to the base porti direction (lower direction of FIG 20(c)), and the pressing inclined surface 154 portion 1540 contacts the frame inclined surface 124 of the frame main body p film 1430 (state of FIG 20(c)) When the pressing portion 1540 contacts the fi (including before and after the actual contact), application of vacuum by the va 1530 is stopped, and the film 1430 can be moved Because of this, the film 14 of the frame through hole 123, looseness is generated in the center portion of t having this looseness, when ink is used and a lesser amount of ink is available ink storage portion 120 is empty), a pair of upper and lower films 1430 can be can be effectively consumed Alternatively, the films 1430 can be deformed (f reduced) due to the effect of the external surroundings in which the films are a However, providing looseness, prevents damage of the films 1430

[0300] Additionally, because the films 1430 are pressed by the pressi thickness of the films 1430 does not change For example, if welding is perfor 1430 are heated in their entirety and extended, the films 1430 can be welded in conforming to the frame inclined surfaces 124, but the films 1430 will have irr thickness, lessemng the structural strength of the films 1430 However, when t pressed by the pressing portion 1540, the inclination angle sandwiches the film pressing inclined surface 1542 and the frame inclined surfaces 124, which hav same inclination angles As descπbed later, only the welded region outside of portion 1540 is heated Therefore, the thickness of the films 1430 does not cha thickness irregularities do not arise Thus, changes in the strength of the films to the films 1430 can be prevented

[0301] Here, with reference to FIG 21 , operation of the floating cont is descπbed The floating control member 1543 is arranged in order to control film 1430 For example, because the film 1430 is sandwiched by the pressmg the frame inclined surfaces 124, there are cases that, without the floating contro the film 1430 rises along the inclination angle α of the frame inclined surfaces partly because application of vacuum by the vacuum devices 1530 is stopped application of vacuum by the vacuum devices 1530 is not stopped, there is also the film 1430 cannot be smoothly moved Because of this, in the embodiment 21, application of vacuum by the vacuum devices 1530 is stopped, and the floa [0302] Returning to FIG 20, when the film 1430 is pressed by the pr 1540, the welding device 1550 comes down in the direction of the frame protr 111 (lower side of FIG 20(d)) of the frame main body portion 110, and the tip welding device 1550 contacts the tip end (annular belt region) of the frame pro 111 via the film 1430 Heat is transmitted from the welding device 1550, the member 111 is melted, the region (annular welded region) contacting the fram member 111 of the film 1430 is melted, and heat welding is performed (FIG 2 described above, the films 1430 are formed of a double layer of nylon and poly polyethylene film is arranged to contact the frame protruding members 111 A order to weld the films 1430 to the frame protruding members 111, the frame 110 may also be formed of a polyethylene resin By using the same resin mate 1430 and the frame mam body portion 110, the films 1430 can be reliably weld protruding members 111 A nylon film has excellent strength compared to a p but its melting point is high, so the weldmg operabihty is inferior Therefore, i embodiment shown in FIG 20, the firms 1430 have a nylon and polyethylene d structure, so strength is ensured, and welding operabihty is ensured by using a layer as a layer welded to the frame mam body portion 110 and usmg a low te welding Furthermore, the nylon layer is not melted at the time of the welding there will be less change in thickness of the films in the vicinity of the welded strength of the films m the vicinity of the welded portion can also be maintaine

[0303] After heat weldmg is completed, the vacuum devices 1530, th portion 1540, and the welding device 1550 are lifted and returned to the positio 20(a) Then, an unnecessary portion of the film 1430 is cut, as needed Furthe time, it is also acceptable to perform a cooling process, which cools the portion film 1430 and the frame protruding member 111 are welded

[0304] In addition, in the weldmg process, after the pressing portion [0305] Here, the shape relationship between the films 1430 and the f portion 110 is explained With respect to the frame main body portion 110 of t shown in FIG 7, the ink storage portion 120 is formed in a substantially round 7(a)) If, however, the ink storage portion 120 is formed m a square shape, wri 1430 are generated at the four vertex portions of the square shape If wrinkles are generated and welded, ink may remain m the wrinkled portion and will not consumed However, in the embodiment described above, the ink storage porti in a substantially round shape, so it is difficult to form wrinkles m the films 14 wrinkles are formed in the films 1430, only small wrinkles are generated Acc cartridge 1 can efficiently consume ink The ink storage portion 120 can also b elliptical shape The ink storage portion 120 can even be formed in a square sh the vertex portions are formed as smooth curves That is, the shape of the ink s 120 is not limited, so long as a shape that prevents formation of wrinkles in the adopted

[0306] Welding of the films 1430 to the frame mam body portion 11 both sides of the frame main body portion 110 (weldmg of the film 1430 to the FIG 20(a)) The welding process is the same, so descπption is omitted

[0307] The following explains a method of manufacturing the fram reference to FIG 22 FIG 22 shows a method of manufacturing the frame 1 the frame main body portion 110 shown in FIG 22 includes films 1430 weld process

[0308] First, as shown in FIG 22(a), the valve mechanism 530 is mo supply portion 140 (valve mechanism insertion portion 1460 (see FIG 19)) of t body portion 110 In FIG 22(a), the valve mechanism 530 is already assemble embodiment shown in FIG 22(a), the joint member 610 is a single unit, the val the first spnng member 630, the slider member 640, and the second spring me of the cover member 680 Therefore, the cover member 680, the check valve pedestal member 660 are fixed to the engaging portion 1450 After that, the u valve member 620, the first spring member 630, the slider member 640, and t member 650 are integrally assembled, is inserted to the valve mechanism inser 1460, and finally the joint groove portion 740 of the joint member 610 is enga supply portion 140, so assembly of the valve mechanism 530 is completed B inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, the valve member 6 member 630, the slider member 640, and the second spring member 650 are in pedestal member 660, the check valve 670, and the cover member 680 are inte process simplifies the mounting process of the valve mechanism 530 In addit above, the width of the joint groove portion 740 of the joint member 610 is for smaller than the thickness of the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply p when the valve mechanism 530 is mounted, the valve mechanism 530 cannot removed

[0310] As shown in FIG 22(b), after the valve mechanism 530 is m supply portion 140, ink is injected by an ink insertion needle 1610 through the portion 130

[0311] Furthermore, in FIG 22(b), the joint member 610 is fixed t portion 140 as the joint groove portion 740 is engaged with the end portion o portion 140 Therefore, along with the valve member 620 of the valve mech

ink supply flow path of the ink supply portion 140 is completely closed, so i not leak from the ink supply portion 140 After that, as shown in FIG 22(c), injected by the ink insertion needle 1610, the ink insertion plug 520 is presse insertion portion 130

[0312] As shown in FIG 25(a), the ink insertion plug 520 is forme matenal The insertion tip end is formed in a convergent conical shape conf that the tip end of the ink insertion needle 1610 is positioned in the space X, inserted

[0314] Once ink is inserted, and an ink amount corresponding to th holding capacity of the ink storage portion 120 has been injected, as shown i pair of films 1430 extend outwardly from the surface of the frame brim porti frame main body portion 110 However, as described above, in the case side case 200, a case curved portion 240 is formed, which is curved outward Th 1430 that are extending outwardly do not contact the inner surface of the cas

[0315] Additionally, one reason for having the ink insertion portio inserting ink therethrough is that the reverse flow suppression mechanism ha valve 670 is mounted within the ink supply portion 140 The reverse flow s mechanism is arranged so that the ink supplied to the recording device does into the ink cartridge 1 when the ink cartridge 1 is mounted to the recording However, because of the reverse flow suppression mechanism, ink cannot be the ink supply portion 140 Therefore, the ink insertion portion 130 is arrang for ink insertion, and ink is injected therethrough

[0316] The following explains the process of manufacturing the in reference to FIG 23 FIG 23 shows a process of manufacturing the ink cartr

[0317] As shown in FIG 23(a), mounting of the frame 100 to the c performed so that the pair of frame loose insertion members 141 of the ink s

are loosely inserted to the pair of cap guide grooves 361 At the same time, performed so that the pair of frame restriction portions 150 are positioned be contact the pair of cap restriction members 370 Mounting of the frame 100 when the pair of frame joint members 142 are engaged with the pair of cap j As explained with reference to FIG 6, when the pair of frame joint members pair of cap joint holes 362, easy removal of the frame 100 can be prevented and the pair of cap restriction members 370 Therefore, the assembly operati simplified, and rotation of the frame 100 can be prevented

[0318] The ink supply portion 140 and the cap 300 are connected v member 610, so external vibration transmitted to the cap 300 is not directly t frame 100, and is attenuated by the joint member 610

[0319] When the frame 100 is mounted to the cap 300 as shown in joint member 610 is located between the tip end portion of the ink supply po cap bottom wall 310 of the cap 300 The j oint member 610 is sandwiched b components That is, the cap 300 functions as a pressing member that fixes joint member 610 against the ink supply portion 140 It is possible to fill wit performing the mounting process described above, but in order to reliably av ink from the ink supply portion 140 after insertion, it is acceptable to perfor insertion operation as shown in FIGS 22(b) and (c) after mounting the frame 300 and strongly fixing the joint member 610 to the ink supply portion 140

[0320] As shown in FIG 23 (b), when the frame 100 and the cap 30 the case 200 is mounted so as to cover the frame 100 In this state, the cap p member 350 contacts a step formed by the first aperture end surface 211 (see second aperture end surface 212 (see FIG 4) of the case 200 (see FIG 24(a))

[0321] As shown in FIG 23 (c), when the cap 300 and the case 200 cap protruding member 350 and the case 200 (step surface between first aper 211 and the second aperture end surface 212) may be welded from bottom w cap 300 using an ultrasonic welding device (undepicted) The dotted lines o correspond to a position where the cap protruding member 350 is formed, an location may welded by ultrasonic welding

[0322] Here, with reference to FIG 24, the process of welding the cap 300 is explained FIG 24 shows enlarged cross sectional views of a port to the cap protruding member 350 from the cap bottom wall 310 side of the Ultrasonic wave welding is well-known technology, so a detailed descπption omitted

[0324] As shown in FIG 24(b), when the case 200 and the cap 300 ultrasomc wave welding, the cap protruding member 350 and the case apertu

the case 200 are melted together and welded Then, the first aperture end sur second aperture end surface 212 are melted and disappear, and parts of the m the cap protruding member 350, the first aperture end surface 211, and the se end surface 212 are stored in a gap between the case sidewall 230 and the ca melted debris X (burr) Thus, by having a gap that stores a melted debris X sidewall 320 and the case sidewall 230, the melted debπs X is not exposed t the aesthetic appearance of the ink cartridge 1 is not damaged

[0325] The case 200 and the cap 300 are positioned by the step for second aperture end surfaces 211, 212, and the cap protruding member 350, between the cap sidewall 320 and the case sidewall 230 can be substantially entire circumference of the cap 300, and the melted debris X can be reliably

[0326] As an alternative to the step of the case sidewall 230, an inc may be formed, and the corner portions of the cap protruding member 350 ca inclined surface

[0327] Here, with reference to FIG 25, the operation of the ink ins explained when the case 200 is mounted to the cap 300 FIG 25 shows cross of the ink insertion plug 520 during mounting

[0328] As shown in FIG 25 (a), the inside of the ink insertion porti insertion path, and the ink insertion path is formed by an insertion inner circu portion 131 The tip end of the insertion inner circumferential portion 131 th deeper into the ink cartridge 1 than the ink insertion hole 121 (lower side of substantially the same position as the external end surface (end surface of the 25(a)) of the ink insertion portion 130, and is not inserted to the deepest part insertion portion 130 As described above, this is to obtain the space X, whi with the ink insertion hole 121 and permits ink to be injected into the deepes insertion portion 130 (When the ink insertion plug 520 is inserted to the dee ink insertion portion 130, the space X that allows passage through the ink ins is not provided, so ink cannot be inserted by the ink insertion needle 1610 ) ink is inserted, there are cases that ink I remains in the hollow corneal space part of the insertion inner circumferential portion 131

[0329] As shown in FIG 25(b), when the case 200 is mounted to th case 200 is pressed in the cap 300 direction (state of FIG 23 (b)), the case pro 260 contacts the ink insertion plug 520, and the ink insertion plug 520 is pus protruding member 260 At this time, ink that remains in the insertion inner portion 131 is pushed by the ink insertion plug 520 As a result, ink flows in portion 120 (see FIG 19) from the ink insertion hole 121

[0330] As shown in FIG 25(c), when the case 200 and the cap 300 ink insertion plug 520 fills in the space X to the deepest part within the insert circumferential portion 131 Therefore, there is no ink within the insertion i circumferential portion 131, and all of the ink I can be injected without waste above, the ink insertion plug 520 is pressed by the case protruding member 2 the ink insertion plug 520 with the case protruding member 260, the frame 1 to wobble within the case 200

[0331] Additionally, the frame 100 is floatingly supported in a spac 200 as the ink supply portion 140 and the ink insertion portion 130 are conne to the case 200 However, the frame 100 is connected via the joint member 6 elastic mateπal on the ink supply portion 140 side and via the ink insertion pl ink insertion plug 520, the ink insertion plug 520 is prevented from slipping described above, when the case 200 and the cap 300 are welded, the ink inse pressed into the deepest part of the ink insertion portion 130 by the case prot 260 However, it is also acceptable to push the ink insertion plug 520 to the the ink insertion portion 130 immediately after ink is injected (i e , before as case 200 and the cap 300) ^}

[0332] As explained before, the ink cartridge 1 is manufactured by into the ink storage portion 120 of the frame 100, then putting the frame 100 and welding the case 200 and the cap 300 In a conventional ink cartridge, t which ink is inserted from outside of the case portion after the case is put on such conventional ink cartridges, a frame and a case must be prepared separa cartridges storing different amounts and/or colors of ink However, in the e described above, the case is put on after ink is inserted into the ink storage p frame 100 Thus, a single frame 100 can be commonly used That is, even case shapes are required, a single frame 100 can be used As a result, the ma of the ink cartridge 1 can be reduced

[0333] Furthermore, the ink cartridge 1 manufactured by the above process includes the ink insertion portion 130 and the ink insertion plug 520 cannot be visually detected from the outside Therefore, erroneous removal insertion plug 520 and splashing of ink by the user is prevented

[0334] Next, with reference to FIG 26, mounting of ink cartridge 1 printer 1710 is explained FIG 26 shows cross sectional views depicting a p mounting the ink cartridge 1 to the lnkjet printer 1710 FIG 26(a) shows a s ink cartridge 1 is mounted FIG 26(b) shows a state after the ink cartridge 1 Furthermore, the ink cartridge 1 of FIG 26 is schematically shown, so the ca cap 300 are shown in solid lines, and the frame 100 is shown in broken lines 26(a)) of ink extraction tube 1720, concave ink extraction grooves 1730 are Because of these ink extraction grooves 1730, even if the ink extraction tube the bottom surface of the valve member 620 (see FIG 19) of the valve mech ink flow path is obtained

[0336] As shown in FIG 26(a), in the mounting portion of the lnkj pair of clamp members 1740 are provided that protrude (protrude upward in sandwich the ink extraction tube 1720 At the tip ends (upper end portions i the clamp members 1740, clamp engaging portions 1750 are provided that pr direction opposite to each other and engage the cap sidewall 320 Furthermo members 1740 have flexible properties in a direction of separation from each direction of FIG 26) When the ink cartridge 1 is mounted, the clamp memb pressed in the arrow D direction by the cap bottom wall 310 and are bent T which the ink cartridge 1 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 is determined relationship between the ink extraction tube 1720 and the cap through hole 3

[0337] As shown in FIG 26(b), when ink cartridge 1 is mounted to portion of the inkjet printer 1710, the clamp engaging portions 1750 of the cl 1740 are engaged with the end portions of the cap sidewall 320 of the cap 30 cartridge 1 is fixed To remove the ink cartridge 1, one of the clamp engagin and the cap sidewall 320 can be disengaged by sliding the clamp members 17 D direction

[0338] As mentioned above, the cap sidewall 320 is arranged so th debris X (see FIG 24) generated in the process of welding the case 200 and t cannot be visually seen from the outside Furthermore, the cap sidewall 320 an engaging portion that mountingly fixes the ink cartridge 1 to the inkjet pri Therefore, there is no need for an engaging portion to separately engage the c 1740, so the complexity of the structure of the ink cartridge 1 can be reduced [0340] FIG 27(a) shows a state before the ink cartridge 1 is mount printer 1710 At this point, the valve member 620 is urged in a direction of joint member 610, which is a direction parallel to the axis B, by the first and members 630, 650 As shown in FIG 27(a), the first spring member 630 sto valve member 620 (and the slider member 640) is slightly bent There is no in the spring flexible portion 930 of the second spring member 650 arranged portion (upper side of FIG 27(a)) of the slider member 640 This configurat the bending order of the spring members 630 and 650 That is, the first sprin which the spring flexible portion 930 is already slightly bent is more easily b second spπng member 650 Thus, when the ink extraction tube 1720 is inser spring member 630 is first bent, and then the second spring member 650 is b

[0341] Bending of the spring flexible portion 930 of the first spring caused when the valve hook portions 850 of the valve member 620 are engag surface 1041 of the slider pedestal portion 1040 of the slider member 640 T FIG 27(a)) between the end surface of the msϊde of the valve bottom wall 81 member 620 and the end surface of the valve bottom wall 810 side of the val 850 is formed to be shorter than the total distance of the thickness of the slid portion 1040 of the slider member 640, the height of the vertical direction of member 630, and the height of the valve protruding portion 750 Therefore, hook portions 850 of the valve member 620 are engaged with the surface 104 member 640, bending is generated in the spring flexible portion 930 of the fi member 630 The height of the valve mechanism 530 in the axis B direction dimensional error during manufacturing the respective parts, so the greater th parts, the greater the dimensional error However, the slider member 640 co hook portions 850 of the valve member 620, so at least dimensional error in t member 630 is not a concern Accordingly, dimensional error in the valve m Therefore, in a state in which the respective spring members 630, 650 are arr slider pedestal portion 1040 of the slider member 640, the chance of the resp members 630, 650 being shifted in a direction (horizontal direction of FIG 2 perpendicular to the axis B is reduced The shape of the valve sidewall 820 member 620 is formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the inner

> ink supply portion 140 Therefore, shifting can be prevented when the valve moved in the axis B direction, rendering the extension operation of the valve in the axis B direction more stable

[0343] As shown in FIG 27(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 the joint member 610 and the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460 of the portion 140, the valve member 620 is moved in the pedestal member 660 dir direction of FIG 27(b)) by the ink extraction tube 1720 contacting the valve of the valve member 620 Along with this movement, the first spring memb compressed However, when the ink extraction tube 1720 is only partially in first spring member 630 is bent and deformed by movement of the valve me slider member 640 is not moved, and the valve hook portions 850 of the valv are separated from the slider pedestal portion 1040 of the slider member 640

[0344] When the ink extraction tube 1720 is further inserted, the va is further moved m the direction of the pedestal member 660 Along with thi member 640 is moved in the direction of the pedestal member 660 (direction urging direction of the first spring member 630 and the second spring memb

flexible deformation of the second spring member 650 begins

[0345] As shown in FIG 27(c), when the ink cartridge 1 is mounte mounting portion of the inkjet printer 1710, the second spring member 650 is deformed, and an ink flow path shown by arrow E is formed The ink flow p arrow E is a flow path that progresses, in order, through the ink storage porti most of ink flows Furthermore, a space between the valve sidewall 820 of t 620 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve mechanism insertion p becomes an ink flow path

[0346] In the main flow path, the top portion flow path 941 formed portion 920 of the first spring member 630 and the top portion flow path 941 spring top portion 920 of the second spring member 650 become the smallest the flow path and are locations at which the flow path can be easily closed by bubbles included in the ink However, as described above, the aperture of th flow path 941 is formed in a substantially square shape, so this problem can

[0347] Operation of the j omt member 610 when the ink extraction t inserted to the joint member 610 is explained with reference to FIG 28 FIG operation of the joint member 610 FIG 28(a) shows a state before the ink e 1720 is inserted, and FIG 28(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 17

[0348] As shown in FIG 28(a), in a state before the ink extraction t inserted, the joint protruding portion 750 protrudes in a substantially horizon (direction perpendicular to the axis B), and the step surface 732 is substantial Furthermore, the diameter of the tip end portion 734 of the joint contact porti by b

[0349] As shown in FIG 28(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 i the protruding portion flow path 762 via the taper portion flow path 761 from 722, the joint protruding portion 750 is displaced (displaced within the protru flow path 762) in an insertion direction (upward direction of FIG 28(b)) of t tube 1720 The joint protruding portion 750 is dragged by the ink extraction friction between the inner circumferential surface 751 and the ink extraction this point, the joint contact portion 730 has a structure notched in a pedestal s inner circumferential surface 733 and the step surface 732 Therefore, displa joint member 610 that accompanies the insertion of the ink extraction tube 1 shape change in which the joint contact portion 730 is displaced in the arrow there were no step surface 732 at the boundary of the joint contact portion 73 protruding portion 750, and the joint contact portion 730 had a shape having inclined surface toward the tip end portion 734 of the joint contact portion 7 circumferential surface 751 of the joint protruding portion 750, when the joi portion 750 was deformed so as to be displaced by the ink extraction tube 17 insertion direction of the ink extraction tube 1720, deformation of the joint p 750 would be directly transmitted to the joint contact portion 730 The joint 730 would then be displaced in the insertion direction along with the joint pr 750 As a result, an insertion stroke of the ink extraction tube 1720 to form a between the valve member 620 (see FIG 27) and the joint contact portion 73 long In such a configuration, it would be necessary to make the ink extracti long If the ink extraction tube 1720 is too long, it can contact other member damaging those members However, in the embodiment shown in FIG 28, t portion 730 is displaced in a direction (arrow F direction) substantially perpe insertion direction of the ink extraction tube 1720, so there is no need for a l form the ink flow path Thus, the chance that the ink extraction tube 1720 w members and that damage will be caused can be reduced

[0350] A tactile feeling that accompanies mounting of the ink cartr explained with reference to FIG 29 FIG 29 is a graph showing a tactile fee cartridge 1 is mounted A horizontal axis of FIG 29 shows a moving distanc the ink cartridge 1 is mounted A vertical axis of FIG 29 is a load that is ge ink cartridge 1 is mounted

[0351] As shown in FIG 29, when the ink cartridge 1 begins to be ink extraction tube 1720 contacts the valve member 620, the load rapidly inc [0353] Thus, by having the respective spring members 630, 650, th change of load Therefore, a person who mounts the ink cartridge 1 can feel the ink cartridge 1 is accurately performed This change of load is called a "t Therefore, a user can confirm through a tactile feeling, without visual exami the ink cartridge 1 is accurately mounted

[0354] Furthermore, in the same manner, the load changes when th is detached The change is shown by the curve of the load at the time of deta ink cartridge 1 as shown in FIG 29 When the ink cartridge 1 begins to be d is high because there is an elastic force that returns the respective spring me their original state, but when the detachment of the ink cartridge continues, t load becomes smooth

[0355] The inclination angle α (see FIG 21) of the frame inclined s the frame main body portion 110 is described with reference to FIG 30 FI showing the relationship between the inclination angle α of the frame incline remaining ink ampunt, and a storage capacity The hoπzontal axis (vertical 30) of FIG 30 shows the inclination angle α of the frame inclined surfaces 1 vertical axis (vertical direction of FIG 30) of FIG 30 shows the remaining i (vertical axis of the left side of FIG 30) and the storage capacity (vertical axi side of FIG 30) The black round dots of FIG 30 show the remaimng ink a black square dots show the storage capacity

[0356] In the embodiment shown in FIG 19, the frame inclined sur formed in a linear shape in a cross sectional view This configuration is prov effectively consume αnk and reduce a remainder amount of ink stored within portion 120 That is, when the frame inclined surfaces 124 are formed in a c cross sectional view, when the ink housing amount is small, the films 1430 c contact the frame inclined surfaces 124 Thus, there remains a slight gap bet standpoint of the minimum storage capacity, it is preferable that the inclinati frame inclined surfaces 124 is formed at 27° or higher

[0358] Furthermore, with respect to the remainder ink amount, the the maximum allowable remainder amount is determined The target value i This target value is shown as the broken straight line f2 in FIG 30 From th the remainder ink amount, it is preferable that the inclination angle α of the f surfaces 124 is formed at 34° or less

[0359] As shown in FIG 30, the storage capacity becomes larger i large inclination angle α However, the remainder ink amount rapidly increa value of the inclination angle α is larger than 30° According to this analysis, inclination angle α of the frame inclined surfaces 124 is 30°

[0360] Additionally, it is preferable that the inclination angle α is 2 terms of the storage capacity However, taking remainder ink amount into c preferable that the inclination angle α is within a range e of 28° to 34° Any i α set within this range, would be suitable

[0361] In the embodiment descπbed above, the frame 100, the case 300 are formed of resin material The valve mechanism 530 is also formed o By not using metal material as a structural element of the ink cartridge 1, dis performed by burning the ink cartridge 1 For example, in an ink cartridge in member (e g , the respective spring members 630, 650) of a valve mechanis metal, at the time of disposal, the ink cartridge needs to be taken apart, and t member needs to be removed This additional step raises disposal cost As t elements of the ink cartridge 1 are combustible, disposal cost can be reduced

[0362] An ink cartridge 2 is described with reference to FIG 31 I cartridge 1, the tip end portion shape of the ink insertion plug 520 (see FIG 1 substantially conical shape Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge 2, an insertion i 1830 of the ink insertion portion 1820 of the frame 1810 is formed as a subst cylindrical groove The ink insertion hole 121 is connected to the end portio FIG 31) of the deepest part, opposite to the aperture portion (upper side of F insertion inner circumferential portion 1830 The ink insertion plug 1840 th the insertion inner circumferential portion 1830 is formed in a substantially c Therefore, when the case 200 is mounted to the cap 300, and the ink insertio pushed by the case protruding member 260, the outer surface of the ink inser contacts the inner surface of the insertion inner circumferential portion 1830 That is, connection between the insertion inner circumferential portion 1830 insertion hole 121 is blocked by the ink insertion plug 1840

[0364] Therefore, in the same manner as in the ink cartridge 1, whe mounted to the cap 300, the ink insertion plug 1840 is pushed by the case pr 260 Thus, the process of manufacturing the ink cartridge 2 can be simplifie by pressing the ink insertion plug 1840 with the case protruding member 260 frame 1810 can be reduced In addition, in the same manner as in the ink car shock is applied to the case 200, it is moderated as it is transmitted to the fra the frame 1810 can be protected from external shock Furthermore, as the ca member 260 presses the ink insertion plug 1840, it also functions to prevent ink insertion plug 1840

[0365] As shown in FIG 31 , with respect to the ink insertion plug contacting the case protruding member 260 includes an insertion plug groove The insertion plug groove portion 1850 is a concave-shaped groove, and the groove is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the case prot 260 When the ink insertion plug 1840 is pressed by the case protruding me end of the case protruding member 260 engages with the insertion plug groo Thus, the chance that the position at which the ink insertion plug 1840 conta a metal material or resin material, and the ink flow path is closed Portions cartridge 3 corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge 1 are shown symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0367] FIG 32 shows cross sectional views of an ink supply portio cartridge 3 FIG 32(a) shows a state before an ink extraction tube 1720 (see inserted, and FIG 32(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is in

[0368] As shown in FIG 32, with respect to a valve mechanism 19 pedestal bottom portion 1110 of the pedestal member 660 engaged with the e 1450 and the valve member 1930 closing the ink flow path by contacting the portion 730 of the joint member 610, a coil spring member 1940 is arranged, of a substantially conical coil spπng

[0369] The valve member 1930 is formed in a substantially round f Valve through holes 1950 are formed, which become ink flow paths in the vi outer circumferential portion Though not depicted, six valve through holes substantially uniformly formed about the circumference of the valve member diameter of the valve member 1930 is formed to be substantially the same as diameter of a valve mechanism insertion portion 1960 Thus, when the valv vertically moved, the chances of inclination of the valve member 1930 are re particular, when the ink cartridge 3 is detached from the lnkjet printer 1710 ( the valve member 1930 is inclined, the position at which the joint contact po contacts the joint member 610 is changed, and ink may leak However, in th the chances of the valve member 1930 being inclined and moved are reduced of ink leakage are reduced

[0370] The coil spring member 1940 is a conical wound coil spring diameter side (upper side of FIG 32) contacts the pedestal bottom portion 11 pedestal member 660, and the smaller diameter side (lower side of FIG 32) c outer diameter of the fourth coil That is, a coil spring is used so that the inn coil is larger than the outer diameter of (n+1 )* coil

[0371] With respect to the coil spring member 1940, the valve me urged in the direction of the joint member 610 (downward direction in FIG be arranged so that the smaller diameter contacts the pedestal bottom portion pedestal member 660, and the larger diameter contacts the valve member 19

[0372] As shown in FIG 32(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 the valve mechanism insertion portion 1960, the valve member 1930 is push member 660 direction (upward direction of FIG 32(b)) by the ink extraction the coil spring member 1940 is compressed FIG 32(b) shows a state in whi cartridge 3 is mounted to the inkjet prmter 1710 (see FIG 26), and the inner coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of (n+l)* coil Thus, the s fourth coils are accommodated within the first coil That is, the corneal incli the time of non compression is set at an inclination angle such that the first t coils do not interfere in the compression direction at the time of compression ink extraction tube 1720 inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion the valve member 1930 in the pedestal member 660 direction, the coil spring compressed to be compact to a degree in which the thickness in this directio substantially the same as the diameter of the coils Therefore, the length of t portion 1910 can be shortened, in comparison to valve mechamsm formed o

members or in which the coil spring is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the can be made smaller Furthermore, as only one coil spring member 1940 nee an urging member, the structure of the valve mechanism 1920 can be simpli

[0373] The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge 3 is inkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow G The ink flow path is formed by, in through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pedestal through ho is closed Portions of the ink cartridge 4 corresponding to same portions of t are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted The va provided in the ink cartridge 4 is the same as the valve member 1930 of the i explanation thereof is omitted

[0375] FIG 33 shows cross sectional views of an ink supply portio

> cartridge 4 FIG 33 (a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is i

33(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

[0376] As shown in FIG 33, with respect to a valve mechanism 20 cartridge 4, the coil spring member 2040 includes a coil spring formed of a s cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion is arranged between th portion 1110 of the pedestal member 660 engaged with the engaging portion valve member 1930 that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint cont of the j oint member 610

[0377] The coil spring member 2040 is a wound spring coil Both the coil spring member 2040 in the extension direction (vertical direction of formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the intermediate portion is fo substantially conical shape With respect to the coil spπng member 2040, th the larger diameter (upper side of FIG 33 (a)) contacts the pedestal bottom p pedestal member 660, and the portion with the small diameter (lower side of contacts the valve member 1930 With respect to the coil spring member 20 extension direction (vertical direction in FIG 33), pitch lengths g are substan Furthermore, the coil spring member 2040 includes five coils of coil spring fifth coils are shown, starting from the larger diameter coils and progressing diameter coils The diameter of the first and second coils is substantially the inner diameter of the first and second coils is formed to be larger than the ou the third coil The inner diameter of the third coil is formed to be larger than portion with the larger diameter can contact the pedestal bottom portions 111 member 660, and the portion with the smaller diameter can contact the valve

[0379] As shown in FIG 33(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 valve mechanism insertion portion 2060, the valve member 1930 is pushed i member 660 direction (upper direction of FIG 33(b)) FIG 33 (b) shows a st ink cartridge 4 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) From the fourth coils, the inner diameter of n^ώ coil is larger than the outer diameter of the third and fourth coils are accommodated within the second coil Because the ink extraction tube 1720 inserted into the valve mechanism insertion port pushes the valve member 1930 in the direction of the pedestal member 660, t member 2040 is pressed to be compact so that the thickness in this direction substantially the same as three times the diameter of the wound coil Theref the ink supply portion 2010 in the extension direction is shortened, in compa mechanism formed of a plurality of members or in which the coil spring is fo cylindrical shape, and the ink cartridge 4 can be made smaller Furthermore, cartridge 4, only one coil spring member 2040 is used as an urging member, of the valve mechanism 2020 can be simplified

[0380] The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge 4 is inkjet pnnter 1710 (see FIG 26) is shown by arrow H The ink flow path is order, the cover through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pe

holes 1150 of the pedestal member 660, the valve through holes 1950 of the 1920, and the ink extraction tube 1720

[0381] An ink cartridge 5 is described with reference to FIG 34 I cartridge 3, the pedestal member 660 and the cover member 680 are engaged engaging portion 1450 In the ink cartridge 5, one end of the coil spring me contacts a filter stopper member 2170 that suppresses slippage of the filter 14 2170 that contacts one end side of the coil spring member 1940 and is urged of the filter 1420 (upward direction of FIG 34)

[0384] The filter stopper member 2170 is formed in a substantially shape Stopper through holes 2180 are formed, which become ink flow path of the outer circumferential portion of the filter stopper member 2170 Thou six stopper through holes 2180 are formed substantially about the circumfere stopper member 2170 The outer diameter of the filter stopper member 2170 substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertio so shifting of the position of the filter stopper member 2170 can be prevente it is also acceptable for the outer diameter of the filter stopper member 2170 diameter than the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion 21 filter stopper member 2170 can be fixed

[0385] As shown in FIG 34, the filter stopper member 2170 is con the coil spring member 1940, so the filter 1420 does not slip into the valve m insertion portion 2160 Therefore, dust and/or foreign matter can be effectiv the filter 1420 The valve mechanism 2120 includes the filter stopper memb spring member 1940, and the valve member 1930, so a structure of the ink ca simplified

[0386] An ink cartridge 6 is descnbed with reference to FIG 35 I cartridge 1, the valve mechanism 530 includes the joint member 610, the val the first spring member 630, the slider member 640, the second spring memb pedestal member 660, the check valve 670, and the cover member 680 In th a valve member 193p is provided that does not include the slider member 64 different shape The valve member 1930 of the ink cartridge 6 is the same as member 1930 of the ink cartridge 3, so explanation thereof is omitted Portio cartridge 6 corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge 1 are shown contacting the joint contact portion 730 of the joint member 610, a first spri and a second spring member 2250 are arranged, which are formed of resin m elasticity such as rubber

[0389] The first spring member 2240 is formed of the same materi same shape as the first spπng member 630 of the ink cartridge 1 The struct spring member 2240 includes an annular spring bottom portion 910 that for surface (end portion with the large diameter) of the first spring member 224 spring top portion 920 that has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the s portion 910 and forms a top surface (end portion with smaller diameter) of t member 2240, and a hollow conical spring flexible portion 930 that connects portion 920 and the spring bottom portion 910 and is flexibly deformed whe applied The ink flow path 940 is also provided in first spring member 2240 top portion flow path 941 that becomes the inner circumferential surface of t portion 920, a flexible portion flow path 942 that becomes the inner circumf of the spring flexible portion 930, and a bottom portion flow path 943 that b circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion 910

[0390] The second spring member 2250 is formed of the same mat same shape as the first spring member 2240 (the outer shape size is different spring bottom portion 910, the spring top portion 920, the spring flexible por ink flow path 940 (top portion flow path 941, flexible portion flow path 942, flow path 943) The second spring member 2250 is arranged opposite to, an with, the first spring member 2240 in a vertical direction

[0391] As shown in FIG 35, the respective spring top portions 920 spring member 2240 and the second spring member 2250 contact each other, bottom portions 910 are arranged so as to contact a respective one of the ped portion 1110 of the pedestal member 660 and the valve member 1930 The s [0392] As shown in FIG 35(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, the valve member 1930 is push member 660 direction (upper direction of FIG 35(b)) FIG 35(b) shows a st ink cartridge 6 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) In FIG 3 flexible portions 930 of the first spring member 2240 and the second spring elastically deformed

[0393] At this point, when the first spring member 2240 and the se member 2250 are elastically deformed, the side surfaces of the spring botto with the largest diameter contact the inner wall of the ink supply portion 140 the diameter direction is restricted Therefore, axis wobbling that can easily elastic deformation is prevented

[0394] The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge 6 is inkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow J The ink flow path is formed by, in o through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pedestal through h pedestal member 660, the ink flow paths 940 of the respective spring membe the ink flow path of the valve through holes 1950 of the valve member 1930, extraction tube 1720

[0395] An ink cartridge 7 is described with reference to FIG 36 I cartridge 1, the valve member 620 is urged in the direction of the joint memb elastic force of the first spring member 630 and the second spring member 6 flow path is closed (see FIG 27(a)) In the ink cartridge 7, the valve membe the joint member 610 direction by an elastic force of a spring member 2340 t a substantially cylindrical shape, and the ink flow path is closed Portions of 7 corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge 1 are shown with the sa explanation thereof is omitted Furthermore, the valve member 1930 of the i the same as the valve member 1930 of the ink cartridge 3, so explanation the arranged, which is formed of resin material having elasticity such as rubber a substantially hollow cylindrical shape

[0398] With respect to the spring member 2340, two spring end po including a spring end portion that contacts the pedestal bottom portion 1110 member 660 and a spring end portion that contacts the valve member 1930 a respective ends (upper side and lower side of FIG 36) of the spring member the two spring end portions 2350, a spring flexible portion 2360 is formed, deformed when a load is applied The spπng flexible portion 2360 is formed than the spring end portions 2350, so the strength of the spring flexible porti weaker When the spring member 2340 is elastically deformed, the spring fl 2360 is bent and deformed Furthermore, the outer diameter of each of the s portions 2350 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of mechanism insertion portion 1460, so the chances of the position of the sprin being shifted are reduced

[0399] As shown in FIG 36(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, the valve member 1930 is push member 660 direction (upper direction of FIG 36(b)) FIG 36(b) shows a st ink cartridge 7 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) and shows the spring flexible portion 2360 is elastically deformed The spring flexible elastically deformed alternately in directions substantially perpendicular to th direction (vertical direction of FIG 36)

[0400] In addition, the ink flow path in a state in which the ink cart mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow K An ink flow path is order, the cover through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pe holes 1150 of the pedestal member 660, the hollow internal portion of the sp 2340, the valve through holes 1950 of the valve member 1930, and the ink e different shape Portions of the ink cartridge 8 corresponding to same portio cartridge 1 are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitt

[0402] FIG 37 shows cross sectional views of the ink supply porti cartridge 8 FIG 37(a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is i

37(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

} [0403] As shown in FIG 37(a), with respect to the valve mechanis cartridge 8, between the pedestal bottom portion 1110 of the pedestal membe with the engaging portion 1450 and the valve member 2430 that closes the in contacting a joint member 2470, a first spring member 2440 and a second sp 2450 are arranged, which are formed of resin material having elasticity such

[0404] The valve member 2430 is explained with reference to FIG shows the valve member 2430 FIG 38(a) is a side view of the valve memb 38(b) is a top view of the valve member 2430 FIG 38(c) is a bottom view o member 2430 FIG 38(d) is a cross sectional view of the valve member 243 38(b)

[0405] As shown in FIG 38(a), the valve member 2430 includes a portion 2431 that forms a bottom wall (lower side of FIG 38(a)) of the valve valve outer circumferential portion 2432 that forms an outer circumferential member 2430, valve groove portions 2433 that extend toward the valve botto from the top end surface (end surface of the top side of FIG 38 (a)) of the val circumferential portion 2432, and a valve protruding portion 2434 that protru valve bottom portion 2431 to a side opposite from the valve outer circumfere 2432 (lower direction of FIG 38(a))

[0406] As shown in FIG 38(b), the valve groove portions 2433 are locations of the valve outer circumferential portion 2432, and are formed at s identical intervals about the circumference of the valve outer circumferential valve member 2430, and receive the first spring member 2440 The valve re 2435 receive the first spring member 2440 by contacting the spring top porti spπng member 2440 The valve receiving portions 2435 include valve contr that control shifting of the first spring member 2440 by contacting the side s spring top portion 920 and valve receiving surfaces 2437 that receive the spri 920 by contacting the aperture surface of the top portion flow path 941 of the portion 920

[0408] As shown in FIG 38(d), with respect to the valve receiving the valve control surfaces 2436 are formed in a substantially intermediate po height direction (vertical direction of FIG 38(d)) of the valve receiving porti valve receiving surfaces 2437 are formed to be substantially parallel to the v portion 2431 Therefore, the first spring member 2440 can be received witho

[0409] Returning to FIG 37(a), the joint member 2470 includes a j circumferential portion 2471 that forms the outer circumferential wall of the j 2470 and is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion 140, a joint inne portion 2472 that is accommodated within the ink supply portion 140, a joint portion 2473 that is formed between the joint inner circumferential portion 2 outer circumferential portion 2471 and is engaged with the outer circumferen ink supply portion 140, and a joint insertion portion 2474 that is formed m th circumferential portion 2472 and in which the ink extraction tube 1720 is ins member 2470 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the ink flo as the joint inner circumferential portion 2472 contacts the valve protruding the valve member 2430

[0410] Furthermore, the top surface of the joint inner circumferenti which contacts the valve protruding portions 2434 of the joint inner circumfe 2472, is a flat surface structure of the first spring member 2440 is mainly provided with the annula portion 910 that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the larger diamete spring member 2440, the annular spring top portion 920 that forms a top sur with the smaller diameter) of the first spπng member 2440, and the hollow c flexible portion 930 that connects the spring top portion 920 and the spring b 910 The hollow corneal spring flexible portion 930 is flexibly deformed wh applied The ink flow path 940 is also included, includes the top portion flo becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion 920, the f flow path 942 that becomes the inner circumferential surface oif the spring fl 930, and the bottom portion flow path 943 that becomes the inner circumfere the spring bottom portion 910

[0413] The second spring member 2450 has the same shape as the member 2440 and includes the spring bottom portion 910, the spring top por spπng flexible portion 930, and the ink flow path 940 (top portion flow path portion flow path 942, and bottom portion flow path 943) The second sprin is arranged in a reverse configuration with respect to the first spπng member vertical direction As shown in FIG 37(a), the respective spring bottom port first spring member 2440 and the second spring member 2450 contact each o spring top portions 920 contact a respective one of the pedestal bottom porti pedestal member 660 and the valve receiving portions 2435 of the valve me also acceptable for the contact surfaces of the respective spring bottom porti attached (e g , welded) to each other Furthermore, the outer diameter of eac bottom portions 910 of the respective spring members 2440, 2450 is formed substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertio so even if the respective spπng members 2440, 2450 are deformed, the chanc position being shifted in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pedestal through h pedestal member 660, ink flow paths 940 of the spring members 2440, 2450, of the valve groove portions 2433 of the valve member 2430, and the ink ext

[0416] An ink cartridge 9 is described with reference to FIG 39 I cartridge 8, between the pedestal member 660 that receives the check valve member 2430 that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member 2 spring member 2440 and the second spring member 2450 are provided In t a spring member 2540 is provided between the pedestal member 660 and the 2430 Portions of the ink cartridge 9 corresponding to same portions of the i shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0417] FIG 39 shows cross sectional views of the ink supply porti cartridge 9 FIG 39(a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is i 39(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

[0418] As shown in FIG 39(a), with respect to the valve mechanis cartridge 9, between the pedestal bottom portion 1110 of the pedestal membe with the engaging portion 1450 and the valve member 2430 that closes the in contacting the joint member 2470, the spring member 2540 is arranged The 2540 is formed of resin material with elasticity such as rubber

[0419] The spring member 2540 is provided with a spnng cylindric that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a spring end portion 2560 smaller than that of the spring cylindrical portion 2550 that contacts the valv portions 2435 of the valve member 2430, and a hollow conical spring flexibl that connects the spring end portion 2560 and the spring cylindrical portion 2 flexibly deformed when a load is applied The spring cylindrical portion 255 inner circumferential surface of the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, deformation in the outer diameter direction is restricted As a result, the spri [0421] Furthermore, the ink flow path in a state in which the ink c mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow M The ink flow path order, the ink flow path of the cover through holes 1330 of the cover membe pedestal through holes 1150 of the pedestal member 660, the hollow internal spring member 2540, the valve groove portions 2433 of the valve member 2 extraction tube 1720

[0422] An ink cartridge 10 is described with reference to FIG 40 cartridge 8, between the pedestal member 660 that supports the check valve member 2430 that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member 2 spring member 2440 and the second spnng member 2450 are provided In t 10, by contrast, between the pedestal member 660 and the valve member 243 member 2640 and a second spring member 2650 are provided, which are for materials having elasticity, such as rubber, formed in a substantially hollow shape Portions of the ink cartridge 10 corresponding to same portions of the are shown with tfye same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0423] FIG 40 shows cross sectional views of the ink supply porti cartridge 10 FIG 40(a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is FIG 40(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

[0424] As shown in FIG 40(a), with respect to a valve mechanism cartridge 10, between the pedestal bottom portion 1110 of the pedestal mem with the engaging portion 1450 and the valve member 2430 that closes the in contacting the joint member 2470, the first spring member 2640 and the seco member 2650 are arranged, which are formed in a substantially hollow hemi

[0425] The first spring member 2640 is provided with a spring end that contacts the valve receiving portions 2435 of the valve member 2430, an flexible portion 2670 that has a substantially hollow hemispheπcal shape ext [0426] As shown in FIG 40(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 the valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, the valve member 2430 is press direction of the pedestal member 660 (upward direction in FIG 40(b)) FIG state in which the ink cartridge 10 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see respective spring flexible portion 2670 of the respective spring members 264 elastically deformed

[0427] The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge 10 is inkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow N The ink flow path is formed by, in through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pedestal through h pedestal member 660, the respective spring members 2640, 2650, the valve 2433 of the valve member 2430, and the ink extraction tube 1720

[0428] An ink cartridge 11 is described with reference to FIG 41 cartridge 8, between the pedestal member 660 that receives the check valve 6 member 2430 that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member 2 spring member 2440 and the second spring member 2450 are provided In th 11, by contrast, between the pedestal member 660 and the valve member 243 member 2740 and a slider member 2780 that operates in conjunction with th 2740 are provided Portions of the ink cartridge 11 corresponding to same p cartridge 8 are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitt

[0429] FIG 41 shows cross sectional views of the ink supply porti cartridge 11 FIG 41 (a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is FIG 41(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

[0430] As shown in FIG 41 (a), with respect to the valve mechanis cartridge 11, between the pedestal bottom portion 1110 of the pedestal mem with the engaging portion 1450 and the valve member 2430 that closes the in contacting the joint member 2470, the spring member 2740 formed of resin deformed when a load is applied, and a spring groove portion 2753 that is fo concave shape in order to be engagingly fixed to the slider member 2780 T depicted, the spring groove portion 2753 is formed over the outer circumfere the spnng cylindrical portion 2750 Additionally, the spring cylindrical porti formed to be thicker than the spring flexible portion 2752, so the strength of portion 2750 is increased and the spring flexible portion 2752 is flexibly def

[0432] The slider member 2780 is formed in a substantially round provided at its inner circumferential surface with a slider mounting portion 2 spnng member 2740 is mounted A slider convex portion 2782 is formed in in the slider mounting portion 2781 and is engaged with the spring groove p Though not depicted, the slider mounting portion 2781 and the slider convex formed over the inner circumferential surface of the slider member 2780 Th slider convex portion 2782 is engaged with the spring groove portion 2753, a member 2780 is fixed to the spring member 2740 The slider member 2780 i material harder than that of the spring member 2740 Thus, when the ink ext 1720 is inserted, the spnng member 2740 is flexibly deformed without havin member 2780 deformed In addition, the outer diameter of the slide member to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism ins 1460, so that shifting of the slider member 2780 from the moving direction c

[0433] As shown in FIG 41(b), when the ink extraction tube 1720 valve mechanism insertion portion 1460, the valve member 2430 is pushed i member 660 direction (upper direction of FIG 36(b)) FIG 41(b) shows a st ink cartridge 11 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) and in w flexible portion 2752 is elastically deformed With respect to the operation o mechanism 2720, when the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted, the slider m moved in the direction of the pedestal member 660 (upward direction in FIG through holes 1150 of the pedestal member 660, the inside of the spring me valve groove portions 2433 of the valve member 2430, and the ink extractio

[0435] An ink cartridge 12 is described with reference to FIG 42 cartridge 8, between the pedestal member 660 that receives the check valve 6 member 2430 that seal ink flow path by contacting the joint member 2470, a member 2440 and a second spring member 2450 are provided, which are for material having elasticity, such as rubber In the ink cartridge 12, by contrast pedestal member 660 and the valve member 2430, a first spring member 284 spring member 2850, and a slider member 2880 that is sandwiched and oper and second spπng members 2840, 2850, are provided Portions of the ink ca corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge 8 are shown with the sam explanation thereof is omitted

[0436] FIG 42 shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portio cartridge 12 FIG 42(a) shows a state before the ink extraction tube 1720 is FIG 42(b) shows a state after the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted

[0437] As shown in FIG 42(a), between the pedestal bottom portio pedestal member 660 engaged with the engaging portion 1450 and the valve that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member 2470, a valve m of the ink cartridge 12 is provided The valve mechanism 2820 includes the member 2840, the second spring member 2850, and the slider member 2880, arranged between the second spring member 2850 and the first spring memb accommodates part of the respective spring members 2840, 2850, and is mov conjunction with the respective spring members 2840, 2850

[0438] The first spring member 2840 is formed in the same shape ( size is different) as the first spring member 630 of the ink cartridge 12 Ther structure of the first spring member 2840 is mainly provided with an annular surface of the spnng top portion 920, a flexible portion flow path 942 forme circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion 930, and a bottom porti formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion 910

[0439] The second spring member 2850 is formed in the same sha spring member 2840 and includes the spring bottom portion 910, the spring t the spring flexible portion 930, and the ink flow path 940 (top portion flow p portion flow path 942, and bottom portion flow path 943) The second sprin is arranged in a reverse configuration with respect to the first spring member vertical direction

[0440] The slider member 2880 is provided with a cylindrical slide circumferential portion 2890 that forms an outer wall of the slider member 2 intermediate wall 2891 that contacts the spnng bottom portions 910 of the fi member 2840 and of the second spring member 2850, and a slider through h formed through the slider intermediate wall 2891 and becomes the ink flow Furthermore, the inner diameter of the slider outer circumferential portions 2 substantially the same as the outer diameter of the spring bottom portions 91 respective spring members 2840, 2850, so shifting of the arrangement of the members 2840, 2850 can be prevented The outer diameter of the slider me formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mecha portion 1460, so shifting of the slider member 2880 from the moving directi prevented The slider member 2880 is formed of resm material harder than t respective spring members 2840, 2850 Therefore, when the ink extraction t inserted, the respective spring members 2840, 2850 are flexibly deformed wi the slider member 2880

[0441] As shown in FIG 42(a), the respective spring bottom portio first spring member 2840 and the second spring member 2850 contact the sli the ink cartridge 12 is mounted to the lnkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) and i spπng flexible portions 930 are elastically deformed

[0443] With respect to operation of the valve mechanism 2820, wh extraction tube 1720 is inserted, the slider member 2880 is moved in the ped 660 direction (upward direction in FIG 42(b)), the slider member 2880 cont member 660, and movement of the slider member 2880 is restricted Instea the pedestal member 660, movement of the slider member 2880 can also be contacting the end surface of the inner wall of the ink supply portion 140 T extraction tube 1720 is further inserted, the spring flexible portions 930 of th members 2840, 2850 are elastically deformed The slider member 2880 per extraction tube 1720 to be smoothly inserted Also, movement is restricted member 2880, so extreme deformation of the second spnng member 2850 ca Because extreme deformation of the second spπng member 2850 that would being returned to its oπginal state can be prevented, and ink leakage can be

[0444] The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge 12 is lnkjet printer 1710 is shown by arrow P The ink flow path is formed by, in through holes 1330 of the cover member 680, the second pedestal through h pedestal member 660, the ink flow path 940 the second spring member 2850 through hole 2892 of the slider member 2880, the ink flow path 940 of the fi member 2840, the valve groove portions 2433 of the valve member 2430, an extraction tube 1720

[0445] An ink cartridge 13 is described with reference to FIG 43 cartridge 1, the ink insertion plug 520 is pressed by the case protruding mem frame 100 is supported with respect to the case 200 by the ink supply portion insertion portion 130, and external vibration transmitted to the frame 100 is r Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge 13, a portion other than the ink insertion port [0447] As shown in FIG 43, the case 3210 of the ink cartridge 1 the case protruding member 3220 protruding toward the cap 300 side (lower from the ceiling wall of the case 3210 The case protruding member 3220 is substantially central portion of the ceiling wall of the case 3210

[0448] The case protruding member 3220 presses the frame 100 to side by contacting a portion other than the ink insertion portion 130 of the fr state in which the case 3210 and the cap 300 are welded Therefore, the cha 100 being moved by vibration or the like can be reduced In addition, the ca member 3220 is formed in a substantially central portion of the ceiling wall so the center position, in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of FI frame 100, is pressed Thus, the frame 100 is stable in a pressed state, and frame 100 can be further reduced

[0449] Additionally, with respect to the ink cartridge 13, at the tim manufacturing the frame 100 (see FIG 22(c)), the ink insertion plug 520 to the ink insertion portion 130 is pressed so as to contact the end surface of th the insertion inner circumferential portion 131 opposite to the aperture of the portion 130, after ink is inserted

[0450] An ink cartridge 14 is described with reference to FIG 44 cartridge 1 , the ink insertion plug 520 is pressed by the case protruding mem frame 100 is supported with respect to the case 200 by the ink supply portion insertion portion 130, and external vibration to be transmitted to the frame 1 reduced In the ink cartridge 14, by contrast, a case protruding member 3320 3310 presses a frame receiving portion 3340 formed in the frame 3330, inste insertion portion 130, so external vibration transmitted to the frame 3330 ca Portions of the ink cartridge 14 corresponding to same portions of the ink ca shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted formed to be sharpened The frame 3330 is provided with the frame receivin formed of an elastic material in a position corresponding to the case protrudi and different from a position in which the ink insertion portion 130 is forme 3310 and the cap 300 are welded, the case protruding member 3320 pierces i receiving portion 3340, and presses the frame 3330 toward the cap 300 side

[0453] Therefore, in the same manner as in the ink cartridge 1 , eve applied to the case 3310, the shock is moderated as it is transmitted to the fra frame 3330 can be protected from the external shock Furthermore, the case member 3320 is formed in a substantially central portion of the ceiling wall Thus, it pierces into the center position of the frame 3330 in the horizontal di (honzontal direction of FIG 44), so the frame 3330 is stabilized in a pressed

[0454] Additionally, in the ink cartridge 14, at the time of manufac 3330 (see FIG 22(c)), after ink is inserted, the ink insertion plug 520 to be p ink insertion portion 130 is pressed so as to contact the end surface of the de insertion inner circumferential portion 131 opposite to the aperture of the ink portion 130

[0455] An ink cartridge 15 is described with reference to FIG 45 cartridge 1, the check valve 670 is formed to a substantially plate shape In t 15, by contrast, a check valve 3430 is provided with a plate-shaped portion a portion Portions of the ink cartridge 15 corresponding to same portions of t 1 are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0456] FIG 45 is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge 15

[0457] A valve mechanism 3420 of the ink cartridge 15 is provided member 610, the valve member 620, the first spring member 630, the slider second spring member 650, and the pedestal member 660 that have the same ink cartridge 1 The valve mechanism 3420 is further provided with a check [0459] The cover member 3450 is provided with a cover outer circ

3451 that forms an outer circumferential wall of the cover member 3450, a c

3452 that forms a top portion of the cover member 3450, first cover through are formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of the cover top portion 3452 and flow path, and a second cover through hole 3454, formed at the axis position portion 3452, in which the check valve shaft portion 3432 is inserted Furth diameter of the second cover through hole 3454 is larger than the diameter o shaft portion 3432, and is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the chec portion 3433 Therefore, after the check valve shaft portion 3432 goes throu cover through hole 3454, the check valve 3430 does not slip from the cover at the time of manufacturing the valve mechanism 3420, the chances of losin valve 3430 can be reduced

[0460] Furthermore, in the ink cartridge 15, the check valve shaft p the check valve 3430 is arranged within the ink flow path 1410 Both the ch portion 3432 of the check valve 3430 and the filter 1420 may be arranged wi path 1410, however

[0461] An ink cartridge 16 is described with reference to FIG 46 1 is mounted to the inkjet printer 1710 (see FIG 26) by a pair of clamp mem ink cartridge 16, by contrast, is mounted using one clamp member 3543, and 16 is detached by a clamp releasing member 3544

[0462] FIG 46 is a side view showing a process of mounting the in a mounting portion 3530

[0463] As shown in FIG 46(a), with respect to the ink cartridge 16, surfaces opposite to a case 3510, case protruding portions 3520, 3521 are res formed The lengths of these case protruding portions 3520, 3521 in the dire FIG 46) of mounting the ink cartridge 16 are different The case protruding [0464] The mounting portion 3530 is provided with a sidewall sup that supports the side surface (part of the side surface of the case 3510 and p sidewall 320 of the cap 300) of the ink cartridge 16 from the lower direction, support plate 3541 that receives the cap bottom wall 310 of the cap 300, urgi 3542 that urge the bottom wall support plate 3541 in a direction opposite to t direction (opposite to the arrow R direction), a clamp member 3543 that loc cartridge 16 with the mounting portion 3530 by being engaged with the cap s the cap 300, and a clamp releasing member 3544 that releases the clamp me an engaged state

[0465] Additionally, the inner side (surface side contacting the side ink cartridge 16) of the sidewall support plate 3540 is formed in a shape corr shape (curvature) of the cap sidewall 320 When the ink cartridge 16 is mou cartridge 16 is guided in the bottom wall support plate 3541 direction (right FIG 46(a)) by the inner side of the sidewall support plate 3540 In the clam member 3544, a slide groove (undepicted) is formed, which has a shape corr shape of the case protruding portion 3520 In the same manner as the sidewa 3540, the ink cartridge 16 is guided in the bottom wall support plate 3541 dir direction of FIG 46(a)) by the slide groove of the clamp releasing member 3 the ink cartridge 16 can be smoothly mounted, and mounting of the ink cartri direction inclined with respect to the bottom wall support plate 3541 can be

[0466] In the bottom wall support plate 3541, a through hole 3545 through which the ink extraction tube 3550 can be inserted When the botto plate 3541 is moved in the mounting direction (arrow R direction), the ink e 3550 inserted through the through hole 3545 protrudes to the ink cartridge 1

[0467] In the clamp member 3543, an inclined surface 3546 is for inclined with respect to the mounting direction (arrow R direction) In the cl protruding portion 3520 contacts an undepicted slide groove of the clamp rel 3544, and the ink cartridge 16 is guided to the sidewall support plate 3540 mounting operation of the ink cartridge 16 continues, the cap bottom wall 31 contacts the bottom wall support plate 3541, and the bottom wall support pla pressed in a direction opposite to an urging force of the urging members 354 direction R) At this time, the cap bottom wall 310 contacts the inclined sur clamp member 3543, and the clamp member 3543 is bent in a direction of se cap sidewall 320 (upper direction of FIG 46(b)) Furthermore, when the ink inserted, contact between the cap sidewall 320 and the inclined surface 3546 member 3543 discontinues, and the clamp member 3543 returns to its origin cartridge 16 locks by engaging the cap sidewall 320

[0469] As shown in FIG 46(c), the ink cartridge 16 is detached by clamp releasing member 3544 in the mounting direction (arrow R direction) contact with the inclined surface 3547 of the clamp releasing member 3544, surface 3546 of the clamp member 3543 is bent in a direction of separation f sidewall 320, and the engagement of the clamp member 3543 and the cap sid released At this time, the bottom wall support plate 3541 is pressed counter direction by the urging force of the urging members 3542, and is moved to a which the cap bottom wall 310 does not contact the inclined surface 3546 of member 3543

[0470] Therefore, during mounting, the ink cartridge 16 is inserted mounting portion 3530 During dismounting of the ink cartridge 16, the cla member 3544 is pressed Therefore, the ink cartridge 16 can be simply attac detached

[0471] An ink cartridge 17 is described with reference to FIG 47 schematic cross sectional views of a structure for detecting an empty state of between a frame aperture portion 3623 on the frame inclined surface 3621 a through holes 3624 Therefore, the size of the film 3630 on the frame inclin side is different from the size of the film 3631 on the frame inclined surface an ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface 3620 side is different fr storage capacity on the frame inclined surface 3621 side

[0473] As shown in FIG 47(a), on the film 363θ/a shielding plate Furthermore, a connector 3650 is arranged on part of the case 200, which per contact to the outside when the ink cartridge 17 is mounted to an inkjet print A detecting sensor 3660 is connected to the connector 3650 via signal lines sensor 3660 is a sensor that detects an empty state of the ink cartridge 17 and type photo sensor with a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion the shielding plate 3640 shields an optical path between the light emitting po light receiving portion of the detecting sensor 3660, the detecting sensor 366 and ink empty state is detected

[0474] FIG 47(a) shows a state in which an sufficient amount of in within the frame 3610 As shown in FIG 47(a), the shielding plate 3640 is s parallel to the frame 3610, and does not shield an optical path of the detectin

[0475] In the inkjet printer, when printing is repeated, the amount o and the films 3630, 3631 are bent in the respective frame inclined surfaces 3 directions At this time, the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surfac small, so ink I on the frame inclined surface 3621 side is first used up, and th contacts the frame inclined surface 3621

[0476] Furthermore, in the inkjet printer, when printing is repeated, frame inclined surface 3620 side is also used up, and the film 3630 contacts t inclined surface 3620 At this point, the shielding plate 3640 also contacts th surface 3620 via the film 3630 This state is shown in FIG 47(b) When the [0478] An ink cartridge 18 is described with reference to FIG 48 cartridge 17, by having different inclination angles of the frame inclined surf the empty state is accurately detected In the ink cartridge 18, by contrast, by aperture sizes of the frame aperture portions 3770, 3771, the empty state is a detected Portions of the ink cartridge 18 corresponding to same portions of 17 are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0479] FIG 48 includes schematic views showing a structure for d empty state of the ink cartridge 18

[0480] As shown in FIG 48(a), with respect to the frame 3710 of t 18, the inclination angles with respect to a horizontal surface (aperture surfac aperture portion 3770) of the frame inclined surfaces 3720, 3721 are made to the sizes of the frame aperture portions 3770, 3771 constituted by the respect inclined surfaces 3720, 3721 are different That is, the diameter of the apertu aperture portion 3770 is different from the diameter of the aperture of the fra portion 3771 Thus, the size of the film 3730 on the frame inclined surface 3 aperture portion 3770) side is different from the size of the film 3731 on the f surface 3721 (frame aperture portion 3771) side Thus, the ink storage capac inclined surface 3720 (frame aperture portion 3770) side is different from the capacity on the frame inclined surface 3721 (frame aperture portion 3771) si

[0481] Because of this configuration, in the lnkjet printer, when pri the amount of ink I within the frame 3710 decreases, and ink I stored on the surface 3721 side is first used up Then, ink I on the frame inclined surface 3 up (state of FIG 48(b)) The shielding plate 3640 is mounted to the film 373 inclined surface 3720 side with the larger ink capacity, so in a state in which up, the optical path of the detecting sensor 3660 is shielded, and the empty st

[0482] Thus, as explained, by employing a size difference in the ap Portions of the ink cartridge 19 corresponding to same portions of the ink ca shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0484] FIG 49 includes schematic views showing a structure for d empty state of the ink cartridge 19

[0485] With respect to the frame 3810 of the ink cartridge 19, the in the frame inclined surfaces 3820, 3821 are formed to be the same, and the dia apertures of the frame aperture portions 3870, 3871 is also formed to be the sa the ink storage capacity on the frame mclmed surface 3820 (frame aperture po substantially the same as the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface aperture portion 3871) side However, the films 3830, 3831 of the ink cartridg different thicknesses, and the film 3830 is formed to be thicker than the film 3 the film 3830 is stronger than the film 3831 , so when the amount of ink I reduc first contacts the frame inclined surface 3821 Then, the film 3830 contacts th surface 3820 The shielding plate 3640 is mounted to the film 3830 that is thic in which ink I is used up, the optical path of the detectmg sensor 3660 is shield state is detected

[0486] Thus, as explained, by employing different strengths for the the order in which the films 3730, 3731 bend as ink is used is determined, so t be accurately detected

[0487] Furthermore, in the ink cartridges 17, 18 and 19, the shieldin mounted to the respective films 3630, 3730, and 3830 that are flexibly deform respective films contact the frame inclined surfaces 3620, 3720, 3820, there is the moving direction of shielding plate 3640 will shifted and out of the optical detecting sensor 3660 Accordingly, it is also acceptable to provide a guide me depicted) that guides the shielding plate 3640 to the optical path of the detectm For example, guide members can be arranged on both sides so as to sandwich t [0489] A detecting sensor can also be provided on the ink) et printer configuration, when an ink cartridge is mounted, part of the case shields the op detecting sensor Part of the case is formed to be transparent or translucent, so light that is emitted from the light emitting portion of the detecting sensor Th 3640 is mounted so that, when there is no ink I, the shielding plate 3640 enters and shields the optical path of the detectmg sensor Therefore, even when the is provided on the lnkjet pnnter, the empty state can be accurately detected F detecting sensor is not arranged within the case, the cost of manufacturing the i can be reduced

[0490] By changing the film size, the ink capacities on the inclined s be changed Thus, in the process of welding the film (see FIG 20), it is also ac change the amount of the film pressed by the pressmg portion With this confi size is different and the ink capacity is different Thus, the empty state can be detected

[0491] As long as the bending order of the films is determined, it is a films formed from different materials but with the same film thickness are wel configuration, even if the film thicknesses are the same, the material quality is film strength is also different Thus, the bending order of the films can be dete empty state can be accurately detected

[0492] An ink cartridge 20 is descnbed with reference to FIG 50 O protruding member 350 of the ink cartridge 1, the end surface of the case 200 s be a flat surface On a cap protruding member 3910 of the ink cartridge 20, by end is formed to have a convergent shape Portions of the ink cartridge 20 co same portions of the ink cartridge 1 are shown with the same symbols, so ex is omitted

[0493] FIG 50 includes enlarged cross sectional views of a portion [0495] If the inclined surface of the cap protruding member 3910 is downwardly inclined in the cap sidewall 320 direction, when the cap protrudin is melted the melted debπs X is guided to a gap between the cap sidewall 320 sidewall 230 Therefore, the chances of the melted debns X entering the ink c reduced

[0496] An ink cartridge 21 is described with reference to FIG 51 F sectional view of part of an ink supply portion 4010 of the ink cartridge 21 In 21 , an ink flow path 4020 is formed to be different from that of the ink cartridg the ink cartridge 21 corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge 1 are same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted

[0497] As shown m FIG 51, the ink flow path 4020 of the ink suppl includes a first flow path 4030 formed in a truncated cone shape and a second formed in a substantially cylindrical shape The diameter of the second flow p smaller than the minimum diameter of the first flow path 4030 Therefore, a st is formed between the first flow path 4030 and the second flow path 4031 Th 4032 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the filter 40

[0498] When the ink cartridge 21 is manufactured, if the filter 4040 t cylindrical shape of substantially the same diameter as the maximum diameter path 4030 is inserted to the ink flow path 4020, the filter 4040 contacts the step within the ink flow path 4020 The diameter of the second flow path 4031 is s diameter of the first flow path 4030, so the step surface 4032 functions as a wa restncts further entrance of the filter 4040 into the ink flow path 4020 Theref 4040 is not pressed into the second flow path 4031 Accordingly, the problem being pushed mto the ink storage portion 120 can be prevented

[0499] An ink cartridge 22 is described with reference to FIG 52 sectional view of part of an ink supply portion 4110 of the ink cartridge 22 even if the filter 4140 is pushed into the ink flow path 4120, the chances of filt pushed into the ink storage portion 120 are reduced

[0501] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments desc Various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art

[0502] For example, with reference to FIG 53, modified examples o member, the pedestal member, and the cover member are explained FIG 53 i of a slider member 4210, a pedestal member 4220, and a cover member 4230 slider member 4210, pedestal member 4220 and cover member 4230 correspo portions of the slider member 640, the pedestal member 660, and the cover m ink cartridge 1 are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is om

[0503] As shown in FIG 53 (a), in the direction perpendicular to th slider through hole 4211 of the slider member 4210 is formed m a substantia As shown in FIG 53(b), in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane, fir through holes 4221 and second pedestal through holes 4222 of the pedestal formed in a substantially square shape Additionally, as shown in FIG 53(c) holes 4231 of the cover member 4230 are formed in a substantially square s direction perpendicular to the paper plane

[0504] By making the respective through holes (slider through hole pedestal through holes 4221, second pedestal through holes 4222, and cover th 4231), which form an ink flow path, substantially square in shape as described effects on ink flow due to formation of ink bubbles can be reduced Thus, by of the slider member 4210, the pedestal member 4220, and the cover member of ink bubbles can be reduced, and printing quality deterioration can be preven

[0505] In any of the valve mechanisms descnbed above, if the flow flows is formed in a square shape, the effects of ink bubbles can be further red holes having a square shape are mentioned above, holes having any polygonal 140, a joint contact portion 3040 that protrudes toward the valve member 620 ( (upper side of FIG 54(b)) from a top surface 3031 of the joint inner circumfere 3030 and contacts the valve member 620, a first joint groove portion 3050 that between the joint outer circumferential portion 3020 and the joint inner circum 3030 and engaged with the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion second joint groove portion 3070 that is formed in the periphery of the joint co 3040 in the joint inner circumferential portion 3030 The second joint groove opened to the top surface 3031 of the joint inner circumferential portion 3030, direction is parallel to the axis B, and the bottom surface of the groove has sub same height as a connecting point of a taper portion flow path 3061, and a seal 3062, which will be described later

[0508] In the joint member 3010, an ink flow path 3060 is formed, w tip end portion 3041 (lower side of FIG 12(d)) of the jomt contact portion 304 surface 3032 of the joint inner circumferential portion 3030

[0509] The ink flow path 3060 is provided with an aperture 3033 for bottom surface 3032, the taper portion flow path 3061 formed by a taper surfac to the aperture 3033, the substantially hollow cylindrical seal portion flow path formed by an inner circumferential surface 3035 parallel to the axis B connecte surface 3034 and seals the ink extraction tube 1720, and a contact portion flow formed by an inner circumferential surface 3042 of the joint contact portion 30 the inner circumferential surface 3035

[0510] When the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted to the ink flow joint member 3010, the outer circumferential surface of the ink extraction tube contacts the inner circumferential surface 3035 of the seal portion flow path 30 inner circumferential surface 3035 is dragged by the ink extraction tube 1720 d of the contact surface and is displaced in the insertion direction, and this displa [0511] A valve mechanism 3110 is descnbed with reference to FIG cross sectional view of the valve mechanism 3110

[0512] As shown in FIG 55, in the same manner as in the ink cartri mechanism 3110 is provided with the first spπng member 630, the slider mem second spring member 650, the pedestal member 660, the check valve 670, an member 680 Furthermore, the valve mechanism 3110 is also provided with a 3120, and a valve member 3140

[0513] The joint member 3120 of the valve mechanism 3110 is prov outer circumferential portion 3130 that forms the outer circumferential wall of 3120 and is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion 140, a joint inner portion 3131 that forms the inner circumferential portion of the joint outer circ portion 3130 and is inserted into the ink supply portion 140, ajoint groove por formed between the joint inner circumferential portion 3131 and the joint oute portion 3130 and is engaged with the outer circumferential wall of the ink sup and an ink flow path 3133 that is formed at the center of the jomt inner circum 3131

[0514] In the same manner as in the ink cartridge 1, the valve memb provided with the valve bottom wall 810 that forms the bottom surface of the 3140, the valve sidewall 820 that forms the outer circumferential wall of the v 3140, the pair of valve guide grooves 830 in which the slider loose insertion m loosely inserted, the pair of valve restriction portions 840 that restrict moveme member 640, and the valve hook portions 850 that engage the slider member 6 in the valve bottom wall 810, a valve protruding portion 3150 is formed, whic joint member 3120 direction This valve protruding portion 3150 is formed so the ink flow path 3133 of the joint member 3120, and the ink flow path is clos the joint member 3120 which when the ink extraction tube 1720 is inserted, the joint member is separ valve member at an early stage and the ink flow path is formed, either a struct protrusion is formed on the joint member side or a structure in which a protrus the valve member side may be employed

[0517] Other exemplary modified examples are descπbed below F above described embodiments, the cap 300 includes the cap sidewall 320 It is not include the cap sidewall 320 In such a structure, the engaging portion that mounting portion of the lnkjet pπnter 1710 (see FIG 26) can engage the case s

[0518] Furthermore, with respect to the valve member 1930 descπb flow path is the valve through holes 1950, but the shape of the valve through h also formed in a square shape as seen from a top view Furthermore, the stopp 2180 of the filter stopper member 2170 can also be formed in a square shape a top view By employing such a structure, blockage of the ink flow path due to be reduced

[0519] Additionally, as descπbed above, the cover member 680 and member 660 are engaged with the engaging portion 1450 However, the cover check valve 670, and the pedestal member 660 can be excluded, and the filter 2170 can also be employed

[0520] Furthermore, in ink cartndges in which when the spnng mem pedestal bottom portion 1110, the flow path of the second pedestal through hol closed, a pedestal member lacking the pedestal through groove 1160 cold be e

[0521] Additionally, the structure by which the cap sidewall is provi and the melted debris resulting from welding the cap to the case cannot be visu the outside, can also be applied to thermal welding of the cap and the case, as the ink cartndge [0524] FIG 57 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 5001 in a state showing the case 5200 the cap 5300 and the frame 5100 As shown in 5200 includes a front case portion 5220 and a rear case portion 5210 The fr 5220 and the rear case portion 5210, when assembled, enclose the frame 510 cartridge 5001 is assembled, the cap 5300 covers one end of the assembled f 5220 and rear case portion 5210 ^r

[0525] The frame 5100 includes a frame body 5110, an ink supply intake port 5130, an ink detection projection 5140, an ink filling chamber 51 5160 The film 5160 is adhered to upper edges of sidewalls of the frame bod together, the film 5160 and the frame sidewalls enclose an ink storage space port 5120 is configured to permit supply of ink from the ink cartridge 5001 t printer 6000 via an ink supply valve mechanism 5500 (see FIG 60(a)) The 5130 is configured to permit air to enter from an exterior of the ink cartridge storage space via an air intake valve mechanism 5510 (see FIG 60(b)), as in from the ink cartridge 5001 via the ink supply port 5120 The ink detection is configured so as to communicate with a detection device 6014 (see FIG 7 cartridge 5001 is installed in the inkjet pnnter 6000, so that the presence, abs amount of ink in the ink storage space can be detected by the inkjet printer 6 filling chamber 5150 is configured to permit introduction of ink into the ink the ink cartridge 5001

[0526] As indicated above, the case 5200 includes a front case port rear case portion 5210 The front case portion 5220 and the rear case portion various features for accommodating the frame 5100 and permitting communi the frame 5100 and the exterior of the ink cartridge 5001 when the front case and the rear case portion 5210 are assembled A front supply aperture portio front case portion 5220 and a rear supply aperture portion 5211 of the rear ca aperture portion 5212 for accommodating the air intake valve mechanism 55 detector aperture portion 5223 of the front case portion 5220 and a rear ink d portion 5213 of the rear case portion 5210 form an accommodating space thr ink detection projection 5140 can communicate with the detection device 60

[0527] A front supply side projection portion 5224a and a correspo on the rear case portion 5210 form a supply side projection for positioning th 5001 with respect to the inkjet printer 6000 and for positioning the case 5200 the cap 5300 Likewise, a front intake side projection portion 5224b and a re projection portion 5214b form an intake side projection for positioning the in with respect to the inkjet printer 6000 and for positioning the case 5200 with cap 5300 The front supply side projection portion 5224a includes a front su projection outer surface 5224a2 for positioning the ink cartridge 5001 with r inkjet printer 6000 The rear supply side projection portion 5214a includes a projection outer surface 5214a2 for positioning the ink cartridge 5001 with re inkjet printer 6000 and a rear supply side projection aperture 5214al for posi 5200 with respect to the cap 5300 The front intake side projection portion 5 front intake side projection receiving portion 5224b2 for positioning the ink with respect to the inkjet printer 6000 and a front intake side projection apert positioning the case 5200 with respect to the cap 5300 The rear intake side portion 5214b includes a rear intake side projection receiving portion 5214b2 the ink cartridge 5001 with respect to the inkjet printer 6000 and a rear intake aperture 5214bl for positioning the case 5200 with respect to the cap 5300

[0528] The rear case portion 5210 further includes positioning pins 5215c for positioning the frame 5100 When the ink cartridge 5001 is assem positioning pins 5215a, 5215b, 5215c communicate with respective positioni the frame 5100 [0530] The front case portion 5220 includes a front intake side out and the rear case portion 5210 includes a rear intake side inner surface 5217 side outer surface 5227 and the rear intake side inner surface 5217 assist in p ink cartridge 5001 during mounting of the ink cartridge 5001 to the lnkjet pri front intake side outer surface 5227 includes an intake side inclined outer sur the rear intake side inner surface 5217 includes an intake side inclined inner which, in cooperation, guide the ink cartridge 5001 during installation and pr cartridge 5001 from being pressed too deeply into the inkjet printer 6000

[0531] The cap 5300, as discussed above, along with the assemble portion 5220 and rear case portion 5210, enclose the frame 5100 The cap 5 air intake structure 5310 for accommodating a protruding portion of the air i of the frame 5100

[0532] FIG 58 shows the cap 5300 FIG 58(a) is a top view of th 58(b) is a cross sectional view of the cap As discussed above, the cap 5300 intake structure 5310, which is positioned opposite from the air intake valve when the ink cartridge 5001 is assembled FIGS 58(a) and (b) show, in parti structures of the cap 5300 that are used to fix the cap 5300 to the case 5200 a cross wall 5321 and edge walls 5322, which define a projection receiving s receiving the intake side projection of the case 5200 when the cap 5300 is pl 5200 The cap 5300 also includes engaging projections 5330a, 5330b for en projection apertures on the case 5200 Each of the engaging projections 533 includes an extension member 5330a2, 5330b2 which extends from the inner cap 5300 and an engaging tab 5330al, 5330bl provided on the end of the ext 5330a2, 5330b2 The inner surface also includes positioning walls 5340a, 53 located on either side of the ink detection projection 5140 when the ink cartri assembled [0534] The ink supply chamber 5116 is provided with an ink suppl rib 5116a, and the air intake chamber 5117 is provided with an air intake val 5117a The ink supply valve fastening rib 5116a and the air intake valve fas secure the ink supply valve mechanism 5500 and the air intake valve mecha respectively, by engaging the tab receiving apertures 5603a, 5703a of the su 5600 and the intake valve jacket 5700, respectively ^r

[0535] The frame body 5110 includes an ink storage space bounde 5400a that extend perpendicularly with respect to the plane of FIG 59 The are provided with film contact surfaces (outer film contact surface 5112a an contact surfaces 5411a, 5412a, 5413a, 5414a, 5415a, 5416a, 5417a, 5418a) adhered to the frame body 5110 at the film contact surfaces The film 5160 5400a enclose the ink storage space

[0536] Structures similar to the structures shown in FIG 59 are pro side of the frame body 5110 (not shown in FIG 59) The front and rear side body 5110 are separated by partition walls, including a lower central partitio an upper central partition wall 5442 Ink and/or air are permitted to pass thr walls to occupy ink storage spaces on both the front and rear sides of the fra Such passage is made possible by a lower air intake aperture 5433a, an uppe through hole 5436 and partition through holes 5443, 5444, 5445, 5446 Also 5113 and 5114 permit passage between front and rear sides of the frame bod

[0537] The frame body 5110 includes an air intake structure to pre ink through the air intake chamber 5117 and to ensure controlled introductio ink storage space After air enters the frame body 5110 through the air intak the air enters the lower air intake chamber 5431 The air then passes through air intake passage 5433 to an upper air intake chamber 5432 The air can the remainder of the ink storage space through the upper air intake aperture 5435 [0539] The frame body 5110 further includes a detector 5470 for d presence, absence and/or amount of ink in the ink cartridge 5001 The detect a detector float 5471, a detector mounting pin 5472a, and a detector arm 547 float 5471 is buoyant in ink, permitting the detector 5470 to move in respons ink in the ink storage space The detector mounting pin 5472a is seated on t 5425 in the ink storage space when the ink cartridge 5001 is assembled The mounting pm 5472a and the detector mount 5425 are configured so that the d rotates about the detector mount 5425 in response to an amount of ink in the space The detector arm 5473 includes a float arm portion 5473a adjacent to 5471, a detector plate 5473 c at an end of the detector 5470 opposite from the 5471, and a plate arm portion 5473b extending between the float arm portion detector plate 5473c The detector plate 5473c is capable of obstructing a be is configured to move into and out of the ink detection projection 5140 in res amount of ink in the ink storage space

[0540] Outside of the ink storage space of the frame body 5110, po apertures 5460a, 5460b, 5460c are provided The positioning apertures 5460 ensure the position of the frame body 5110, when the frame is fitted in the ca particular, the positioning apertures 5460a, 5460b, 5460c engage the position 5215b, 5215c of the case 5200

[0541] FIGS 60(a) and (b) are front/rear views of an ink supply val 5500 and an air intake valve mechanism 5510, respectively, of an exemplary

according to the present invention, separated into their constituent parts As 60(a), the ink supply valve mechanism 5500 is provided with an insertion po for the ink extraction tube 6015 of the lnkjet printer 6000 The ink supply va 5500 includes multiple components The ink supply valve mechanism 5500 i valve j acket 5600 and a j omt member 5610 The supply valve j acket 5600 su moves when pressed by the ink extraction tube 6015 A second spring mem within the slider member 5640 and is formed in the same shape and of the sa the first spring member 5630 A pedestal member 5660 contacts the second 5650 and receives a check valve 5670 A cover member 5680 and the pedest sandwich and cover the check valve 5670 The valve member 5620, the first 5630, the slider member 5640 and the second spring member 5650 constitute valve assembly 5501 The various components of the ink supply valve mech be integrally assembled, so that the operation of assembling the ink supply v 5500 in the frame 5100 can be simplified

[0542] As shown in FIG 60(b), the air intake valve mechanism 551 with an actuator port (the lower end) through which an actuator (discussed b a surface outside of the ink cartridge 5001 The air intake valve mechanism multiple components The air intake valve mechanism 5510 includes an inta 5700 and a joint member 5710 The intake valve jacket 5700 surrounds the j 5710, provides a path for the actuator, and protrudes from the frame 5100 w cartridge 5001 is assembled The joint member 5710 may be formed of a res elasticity, such as rubber A valve member/actuator 5720 is provided above t 5710, and closes an air flow path when the joint member 5710 contacts a bot valve member/actuator 5720 A first spring member 5730 is stored in the val member/actuator 5720 and is formed of a resin elastic material A slider me a release surface of the valve member/actuator 5720 and can be moved in a u (axis 02 direction of the air intake valve mechanism 5510), which is a directi valve member/actuator 5720 moves when pressed by a surface on the exterio cartridge 5001 A second spring member 5750 is stored within the slider me formed in the same shape and of the same material as the first spring membe valve member/actuator 5720, the first spring member 5730, the slider membe view of the supply valve jacket 5600, and FIG 61(e) is a cross sectional vie valve jacket 5600

[0544] The supply valve jacket 5600 is formed in a substantially cy As shown in FIG 61 (a), the supply valve jacket includes an outer circumfere and an inner circumferential wall 5602 located below the outer circumferenti Tab receiving apertures 5603a, 5603b are formed in the front and rear sides o circumferential wall 5601 When the supply valve jacket 5600 is fitted onto the tab receiving apertures 5603 receive tabs on the frame 5100 to securely h valve jacket 5600 in place As shown in FIG 61(b), positioning slots 5604a, formed in the left and right sides of the outer circumferential wall 5601 The 5604a, 5604b are capable of receiving substantially planar portions of the fra ensure that the supply valve jacket 5600 is properly positioned As can be se the positioning slots 5604a, 5604b extend to the upper edge of the outer circ 5601

[0545] As can be seen in FIGS 61(c), (d) and (e), in a lower interio supply valve jacket 5600, several walls define an extraction tube receiving st The extraction tube receiving structure includes a horizontal wall 5606d that horizontally from the outer circumferential wall 5601 to the inner circumfere A bottom wall 5606c forms a bottom surface of the supply valve jacket 5600 5606e extends between the horizontal wall 5606d and the bottom wall 5606c wall 5606b defines a substantially conical space that is wider near the bottom valve jacket 5600 and narrows toward the extraction tube receiving aperture effectively guide the extraction tube into the extraction tube aperture 5606a extraction tube receiving structure define a ring-shaped trench 5607 on an int supply valve jacket 5600

[0546] FIG 62 shows the joint member 5610 FIG 62(a) is a side outer circumferential portion 5611 is a joint inner circumferential portion 56 inner circumferential portion of the j oint member 5610 The j oint outer circ portion 5611 and the joint inner circumferential portion 5612 are arranged in supply valve jacket 5600 The portion shown above the joint inner circumfe 5612 is a joint contact portion 5613 that contacts the valve member 5620 A 62(b), the axial centers of the joint outer circumferential portion 5611, the jo circumferential portion 5612, and the joint contact portion 5613 are position axial center as the axis 01 of the ink supply valve mechanism 5500 Further member 5610 is formed of an elastic material such as a resin rubber

[0548] As shown in FIG 62(d), the joint contact portion 5613 protr surface 5612a (surface on the side contacting the valve member 5620) of the circumferential portion 5612 The joint contact portion 5613 is formed to be a tip end portion 5613a (end portion to the upper side of FIG 62(d)) The tip 5613a contacts the bottom surface of the valve member 5620, and closes the addition, in the joint inner circumferential portion 5612, a joint protruding p protrudes toward the axis 01 from an inner circumferential surface 5613b, an that becomes an insertion port for the ink extraction tube 6015 is formed on t surface 5612b (lower side of FIG 62(d)) of the joint inner circumferential po step surface 5614b is formed between the aperture 5612c and the joint protru 5614

[0549] Furthermore, as shown in FIG 62(d), in the joint member 5 path 5615 is formed, which extends through the tip end portion 5613a (upper 62(d)) of the joint contact portion 5613 from the bottom surface 5612b of the circumferential portion 5612 This ink flow path 5615 includes the aperture the bottom surface 5612b, a taper portion flow path 5615c formed by steppe connected to the aperture 5612c, a protruding portion flow path 5615b forme aperture 5612c along the stepped surface 5612d toward the point of contact circumferential surface 5614a of the j oint protruding portion 5614 The prot flow path 5615b is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having diameter as the minimum inner diameter of the taper portion flow path 5615 diameter of the protruding portion flow path 5615b is formed to be slightly s diameter of the ink extraction tube 6015 The contact portion flow path 561 substantially hollow cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than t protruding portion flow path 5615b, and the inner diameter is larger than the ink extraction tube 6015 Furthermore, the step surface 5614b is formed in t between the protruding portion flow path 5615b and the contact portion flow Therefore, the inner diameter rapidly changes in the axis 01 direction from t portion flow path 5615b to the contact portion flow path 5615a Thus, as sh 62(d), the joint contact portion 5613 has a structure notched by the inner circ surface 5613b and the step surface 5614b in a pedestal shape, and the tip end the joint contact portion 5613 is positioned surrounding the notch portion

[0551] The ink extraction tube 6015 is inserted into the aperture 56 the stepped surface 5612d of the taper portion flow path 5615c, and inserted protruding portion flow path 5615b As discussed above, the inner diameter portion flow path 5615b is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extra so the ink extraction tube 6015 is elastically adhered to the inner circumferen 5614a of the joint protruding portion 5614 that forms the protruding portion That is, the joint protruding portion 5614 functions so as to close around the tube 6015 inserted into the protruding portion flow path 5615b If an area of member 5610 elastically adhered to the outer circumference of the ink extrac becomes too large, resistance will increase when the ink cartridge 5001 is mo inkjet printer 6000, and smooth mounting cannot be accomplished Howeve displacement of the joint member 5610 in the axis 01 direction can be mini ink extraction tube 6015 is inserted

[0552] FIG 63 shows the valve member 5620 FIG 63 (a) is a fron valve member 5620, FIG 63(b) is a side view of the valve member 5620, FI view of the valve member 5620, FIG 63(d) is a bottom view of the valve me FIG 63(e) is a cross sectional view of the valve member 5620 shown in FIG

[0553] As shown m FIG 63(a), the valve member 5620 is provide bottom wall 5621 forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side in FIG valve member 5620, and a valve sidewall 5622 extending from the valve bot the axis 01 direction The valve sidewall 5622 is provided with valve sidew extending in the axis 01 direction along the valve sidewall 5622 In the valv a pair of valve guide grooves 5623 are formed in which a slider loose inserti slider member 5640 is loosely inserted As shown in FIG 63(c), the pair of grooves 5623 is symmetrically formed with respect to the axis 01 of the ink s mechanism 5500 Furthermore, as shown in FIG 63(a), the pair of valve gui is formed along substantially the entire valve sidewall 5622 in the axis 01 dir extension portions 5624 protrudes in a direction away from the valve bottom defines upper edges of the valve guide grooves 5623 A pair of valve restrict 5625, which protrude in a direction away from the valve bottom wall 5621 a movement of the slider member 5640, are connected to the valve sidewall 56 respective valve restriction portions 5625 protrude toward the axis 01 at the t side of FIG 63 (a)) to provide valve hook portions 5626 that engage with the 5640

[0554] As shown in FIG 63 (b), in the axis 01 direction of the ink s mechanism 5500, the pair of valve restriction portions 5625 are formed to be valve sidewall 5622 The pair of valve restriction portions 5625 are arranged [0555] As shown in FIG 63 (c), in the axis Ol direction (direction the paper plane of FIG 63(c)) of the ink supply valve mechanism 5500, in th wall 5621, at positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide grooves 562 valve restriction portions 5625, four ink flow paths 5627 are formed The in 5627 extend through the valve bottom wall 5621 in the vertical direction (di perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 63(c)) Furthermore, valve receivin 5629 are provided on the valve bottom wall 5621 that protrude upwardly (fr direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 63 (c)) from the valve bott form pedestals for receiving a spring top portion 5632 of the first spring me valve receiving portions 5628 include two plate-shaped members arranged s parallel to each other on the valve bottom wall 5621 The valve receiving po include two crescent-shaped members arranged to surround the valve receivi on the valve bottom wall 5621 Furthermore, as shown in FIG 63 (e), the hei receiving portions 5628, 5629 in the axis 01 direction is substantially less th the valve sidewall 5622 The valve receiving portions 5628, 5629 are arrang contact between the first spring member 5630 and the valve bottom wall 562 spring member 5630 is arranged in the space within the valve sidewall 5622 positioning of the first spring member 5630 with respect to the valve membe arrangement is necessary because if the first spring member 5630 contacts th wall 5621, the ink flow path closes and ink does not flow

[0556] FIG 64 shows the first spring member 5630 FIG 64(a) is first spring member 5630, FIG 64(b) is a top view of the first spring membe 64(c) is a bottom view of the first spring member 5630, and FIG 64(d) is a c view of the first spring member 5630 shown in FIG 64(b)

[0557] The first spring member 5630 is formed in a substantially h conical/hemispherical shape (or bowl shape), and includes an annular-shape contacts the valve receiving portions 5628, 5629 of the valve member 5620 pressing portion that presses the valve member 5620 Furthermore, the diam bottom portion 5631 is larger than the diameter of the spring top portion 563 bottom portion 5631 acts as a base portion when the spring flexible portion 5 deformed

[0558] As shown in FIG 64(d), in the first spπng member 5630, a 5634 extends from the bottom surface (end surface of the left side of FIG 64 bottom portion 5631 to the tip end (end surface of the right side of FIG 64(d top portion 5632 This ink flow path 5634 includes a top portion flow path 5 the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion 5632, a flexible po 5634b formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spπng flexible port bottom portion flow path 5634c formed by the inner circumferential surface bottom portion 5631 As shown in FIG 64(d), the aperture area of the ink fl gradually becomes larger from the tip end of the spring top portion 5632 to t of the spring bottom portion 5631

[0559] As shown in FIG 64(d), the spring top portion 5632 is form cylindrical shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis 01 directio top portion 5632 is formed so that the cross sectional shape perpendicular to direction (urging direction of the first spring member 5630) is made uniform manner, the spring bottom portion 5631 is also formed in a cylindrical shape, relatively thick and extends in the axis 01 direction, and the cross sectional s perpendicular to the axis 01 direction is uniform

[0560] In addition, as shown in FIG 64(d), the spring flexible porti formed in a substantially conical/hemispherical shape, which curves with res 01 direction, whereby the strength of the spring flexible portion 5633 bearing axis 01 direction is less than that of the spring bottom portion 5631 and the s bottom portion 5631, the spring top portion 5632, the spring flexible portion ink flow path 5634

[0562] FIG 65 shows the slider member 5640 FIG 65(a) is a fron slider member 5640, FIG 65(b) is a left side/right side view of the slider me 65 (c) is a top view of the slider member 5640, FIG 65 (d) is a bottom view o member 5640, and FIG 65(e) is a cross sectional view of the slider member FIG 65(c)

[0563] As shown in FIGS 65(a) and (b), the slider member 5640 is material that has a greater hardness than the first spring member 5630 and th member 5650, and includes a slider outer circumferential wall 5641 that for circumference of the slider member 5640, two slider protruding portions 564 extend in the axis 01 direction of the ink supply valve mechanism 5500 from circumferential wall 5641 and are formed symmetrically about the axis 01, a loose insertion members 5643 that are arranged on and along the slider outer wall 5641 and the slider protruding portions 5642a, are formed symmetricall 01 and are loosely inserted to the pair of valve guide grooves of the valve me slider outer circumferential wall 5641 and the slider protruding portions 5642 together formed in a substantially cylindrical shape

[0564] The spring members 5630, 5650 are arranged in the inner sp member 5640 in the axis 01 direction Movement of the respective spring m 5650 in the direction perpendicular to the axis 01 is restricted by the slider pr portions 5642a, 5642b and the slider outer circumferential wall 5641

[0565] The slider loose insertion members 5643 extend along the sl 5640 in the axis 01 direction (formed over the slider outer circumferential wa slider protruding portion 5642a) Movement of the slider member 5640 in th direction occurs smoothly by cooperation between the slider loose insertion 5645 is formed, and the slider through hole 5645 becomes a flow path in whi shown in FIG 65(e), in the axis 01 direction of the slider member 5640, the portion 5644 is formed in a substantially intermediate position

[0567] FIG 66 shows the pedestal member 5660 FIG 66(a) is a si pedestal member 5660, FIG 66(b) is a top view of the pedestal member 566 bottom view of the pedestal member 5660, and FIG 66(d) is a cross sectiona pedestal member 5660 shown in FIG 66(b)

[0568] As shown in FIG 66(a), the pedestal member 5660 is provi pedestal bottom portion 5661 that forms a bottom surface of the pedestal me contacts the spring top portion 5632 of the second spring member 5650 The member 5660 is provided with spring positioning protrusions 5665, which en positioning of the second spring member 5650 with respect to the pedestal m The pedestal member is further provided with pedestal receiving portions 56 arranged on the top surface (upper side of FIG 66(a)) of the pedestal bottom The pedestal receiving portions 5662 are provided with pedestal inclined sur are downwardly inclined approaching the center of the pedestal member 566 described check valve 5670 is received by the pedestal inclined surfaces 566

[0569] As shown in FIG 66(b), the six pedestal receiving portions arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction about the 5660 Furthermore, three of the six pedestal receiving portions 5662 include through holes 5662b that extend from the front to the back of the pedestal me first pedestal through holes 5662b are formed in portions (horizontal portions receiving portions 5662) of the pedestal receiving portions 5662 other than th which the pedestal inclined surfaces 5662a are provided Thus, the first pede holes 662b are formed in portions other than the portions that receive the che This configuration prevents suppression of ink flow [0571] As shown in FIG 66(c), on the bottom surface of the pedes portion 5661, concave-shaped pedestal through grooves 5664 are formed, w respective second pedestal through holes 5663 The pedestal through groove the second pedestal through holes 5663 in a substantially straight lines that p are symmetrical about the axis 01 Thus, in the pedestal bottom portion 566 t through grooves 5664 are formed, which cross each other at the axis 01

[0572] As shown in FIG 66(d), between the pedestal inclined surf pedestal receiving portions 5662 and the second pedestal through holes 5663 in the axis 01 direction Thus, even when the check valve 5670 is supported inclined surfaces 5662a, ink flow is ensured Furthermore, with respect to th through grooves 5664, the end surface of the spring top portion 5632 of the s member 5650 is positioned inside of the second pedestal through holes 5663, the end surface of the spring top portion 5632 of the second spring member 5 pedestal member 5660, ink flow is ensured by the pedestal through grooves

[0573] FIG 67 shows the check valve 5670 FIG 67(a) is a side vi valve 5670, FIG 67(b) is a top view of the check valve 5670, FIG 67(c) is a the check valve 5670, and FIG 67(d) is a cross sectional view of the check v

[0574] The check valve 5670 is provided with a check valve plate is formed in a substantially plate shape, a check valve shaft portion 5672 that substantially bar shape, and a check valve ball portion 5672a that is formed i spherical shape An upper surface of the check valve plate portion 5671 incl portion 5671a in proximity to the check valve shaft portion 5672 and a thin p an outer periphery of the check valve plate portion 5671 The lower surface valve plate portion 5671 is received by pedestal receiving portions 5662 of t member 5660 Therefore, when the check valve plate portion 5671 of the ch received by the pedestal receiving portions 5662 of the pedestal member 566 [0576] The cover member 5680 is formed in a substantially cylindr which a lower surface side is open The cover member 5680 is provided wit circumferential wall 5681 that forms the outer circumference and a cover to that forms the top surface (upper side of FIG 68(a)) of the cover member 56 surface is open The pedestal member 5660 is engaged with the opening of t (lower side of FIG 68(a)) of the cover member 5680, and the check valve 56 accommodated between the pedestal member 5660 and the cover member 5 cover member 5680 and the pedestal member 5660 constitute a case, which the check valve

[0577] As shown in FIGS 68(b) and (c), in the cover top portion 5 through holes 5683 are formed in circumferential locations through the cove 5682 These cover through holes 5683 become flow paths through which in the check valve 5670 contacts the cover top portion 5682, the cover through closed, and the ink flow paths are closed A check valve accommodating hol which the check valve shaft portion 5672 of the check valve 5670 passes is a the cover top portion 5682

[0578] FIG 69 shows the intake valve jacket 5700 FIG 69(a) is a of the intake valve jacket 5700, FIG 69(b) is a left side/right side view of th jacket 5700, FIG 69(c) is a top view of the intake valve jacket 5700, FIG 69 view of the intake valve jacket 5700, and FIG 69(e) is a cross sectional view valve jacket 5700

[0579] The intake valve jacket 5700 is formed in a substantially cyl As shown in FIG 69(a), the supply valve jacket includes an outer circumfere and a bottom wall 5702 adjoining a bottom edge of the outer circumferential receiving apertures 5703a, 5703b are formed in the front and rear sides of the circumferential wall 5701 When the intake valve jacket 5700 is fitted onto t [0580] As can be seen in FIGS 69(c), (d) and (e), the bottom wall circular aperture 5705 Portions of the joint member 5710 and the valve me 5720 protrude through the circular aperture 5705 when the ink cartridge 500

[0581] FIG 70 shows the joint member 5710 FIG 70(a) is a side member 5710, FIG 70(b) is a top view of the joint member 5710, FIG 70(c) of the joint member 5710, and FIG 70(d) is a cross sectional view of the joi shown in FIG 70(b)

[0582] As shown in FIG 70(a), the joint member 5710 includes fo view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of FIG 70(c)) portion (lower side of FIG 70(c)) is a collar portion 5714 The collar portio to the outside of the frame 5100 through the intake valve jacket 5700 Abov portion 5714 is a joint outer circumferential portion 5711 that forms the oute portion of the joint member 5710 The portion above the joint outer circumf 5711 is a joint inner circumferential portion 5712 forming the inner circumfe the j omt member 5710 The j oint outer circumferential portion 5711 and the circumferential portion 5712 are arranged inside of the supply valve jacket 5 shown above the joint inner circumferential portion 5712 is a joint contact p contacts the valve member/actuator 5720 As shown in FIG 70(b), the axial joint outer circumferential portion 5711, the joint inner circumferential porti joint contact portion 5713 are positioned on the same axial center as the axis intake valve mechanism 5510 Furthermore, the j oint member 5710 is forme material such as a resin rubber

[0583] As shown in FIG 70(d), the joint contact portion 5713 protr surface 5712a (surface on the side contacting the valve member/actuator 572 inner circumferential portion 5712 The joint contact portion 5713 is formed toward a tip end portion 5713a (end portion to the upper side of FIG 70(d)) [0584] FIG 71 shows the valve member/actuator 5720 FIG 71(a) view of the valve member/actuator 5720, and FIG 71(b) is a bottom view of member/actuator 5720

[0585] As shown in FIG 71 (a), the valve member/actuator 5720 is valve bottom wall 5721 forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side i the valve member/actuator 5720, and a valve sidewall 5722 extending from t wall 5721 in the axis 02 direction The valve sidewall 5722 is provided with ribs 5722a extending in the axis 01 direction along the valve sidewall 5722 sidewall 5722, a pair of valve guide grooves are formed in which a slider loo member of the slider member 5740 is loosely inserted The pair of valve gui is symmetrically formed with respect to the axis 02 of the air intake valve me The pair of valve guide grooves 5723 is formed along substantially the entire 5722 in the axis 02 direction A pair of extension portions 5724 protrudes in from the valve bottom wall 5721 and defines upper edges of the valve guide pair of valve restriction portions 5725, which protrude in a direction away fro bottom wall 5721 and restrict the movement of the slider member 5740, are c valve sidewall 5722 The respective valve restriction portions 5725 protrude 02 at the tip end (upper side of FIG 71 (a)) and are provided with valve hook that engage with the slider member 5740

[0586] Extending from the valve bottom wall 5721 of the valve me 5720, an actuator 5721a is provided The actuator 5721a extends away from wall 5721 in the axis 02 direction The actuator 5721a is provided with actua which extend vertically along the length of the actuator 5721a When the ink is assembled, the actuator 5721a extends to the outside of the ink cartridge 5 actuator 5721a is pressed by a surface outside of the ink cartridge 5001, the r presses the valve member/actuator 5720 upwardly in the axis 02 direction, op sidewall 5722 is formed to be longer and larger than the pair of valve restrict 5725 in the axis 02 direction of the air intake valve mechanism 5510

[0588] In the axis 02 direction of the air intake valve mechanism 5 bottom wall 5721, at positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide groo pair of valve restriction portions 5725, four air flow paths 5727 are formed paths 5727 extend through the valve bottom wall 5721 in the vertical directi receiving portions 5728, 5729 (see FIG 80) are provided on the valve botto protrude upwardly from the valve bottom wall 5721 and form pedestals for r top portion 5732 of the first spring member 5730

[0589] As shown in FIG 60, and discussed above, the air intake va 5510 also includes the first spring member 5730, the slider member 5740, an spring member 5750 The structures of these features are not shown in separ because the structures correspond substantially to the first spring member 57 member 5740, and the second spring member 5750, respectively, of the ink s mechanism 5510 For example, the first spring member 5730 includes a spri portion 5731, a spring top portion 5732, a spring flexible portion 5733, and a 5734, that correspond substantially in structure to the spring bottom portion top portion 5632, the spring flexible portion 5633, and the ink flow path 563 spring member 5630 Likewise, the slider member 5740 includes slider prot 5742a, 5742b, slider loose insertion members 5743, a slider pedestal portion slider through hole 5745, that correspond substantially in structure to the slid portions 5742a, 5742b, the slider loose insertion members 5743, the slider pe 5744, and the slider through hole 5745 of the slider member 5640 Also, the member 5750 includes a spring bottom portion 5751, a spring top portion 57 flexible portion 5753, and an air flow path 5754, that correspond substantiall the spnng bottom portion 5651, the spring top portion 5652, the spring flexi [0591] The ink supply valve mechanism 5500 is situated in the fra that its constituent elements are arranged in order from the bottom of the fra (left side of FIG 72) as follows the supply valve jacket 5600 at the bottom joint member 5610, the valve member 5620, the first spring member 5630, t 5640, the second spring member 5650, the pedestal member 5660, the check the cover member 5680 at the topmost position The ink supply valve mech inserted into an ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion 5800 provide supply chamber 5116 of the frame body 5110 Above the ink supply valve insertion portion 5800 (to the right side of FIG 72), an ink supply chamber 5 Ink is supplied to the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion 5800 of 5110 from an ink supply aperture 5423 via the ink supply chamber 5801, a s 5801a that holds the cover member 5680, and an ink supply chamber apertur separates the ink supply chamber 5801 and the stepped portion 5801a

[0592] The air intake valve mechanism 5510 is situated in the fram that its constituent elements are arranged in order from the bottom of the fra (left side of FIG 72) as follows the intake valve jacket 5700 at the bottomm joint member 5710, the valve member/actuator 5720, the first spring membe member 5740, and the second spnng member 5750 at the topmost position valve mechanism 5510 is inserted into is inserted into an air intake valve me insertion portion 5810 provided in an air intake chamber 5117 of the frame b air intake valve mechanism insertion portion 5810 communicates with a low chamber 4431 of the frame body 5110 via a lower air intake chamber apertur intake valve insertion portion is provided with spring member receiving port receiving the second spring member 5750

[0593] FIG 73 shows how the film 5160 is affixed to the frame bo 73 (a) is a right side view of the frame body 5110 prior to application of the f portion 5900, which is applied to the frame body 5110 A remainder of the f be cut away and discarded, after the films 5160 have been affixed to the fra

[0595] FIG 74 shows a process by which the frame body 5110 is f FIG 74(a) is a front view of the frame body 5110 prior to installation of the mechanism 5500 and the air intake valve mechanism 5510, FIG 74(b) is a fr frame body 5110 prior to addition of ink to the frame5110, and FIG 74(c) is the frame body 5110 after to addition of ink to the frame body 5110

[0596] FIG 74(a) shows the frame body 5110 after the film 5160 h to its front side The bold lines in FIGS 74(a), (b) and (c) show the location 5160 is sealed on the frame body 5110 When the components of the ink su mechanism 5500 and the air intake valve mechanism 5510, shown in FIG 7 into contact with the ink supply chamber 5116 and the air intake chamber 51 direction of the shown arrows, the ink supply valve fastemng rib 5116a of th chamber 5116, and the air intake valve fastemng nb 5117a of the air intake c engage the tab receiving apertures 5603a, 5703a of the supply valve jacket 5 intake valve jacket 5700, respectively (also, a rear side ink supply valve faste shown) and a rear side air intake valve fastening rib (not shown) engage the t apertures 5603b, 5703b, respectively)

[0597] FIG 74(b) shows communication between a pressure reduci and the frame body 5110 after the ink supply valve mechanism 5500 and the mechanism 5510 are assembled to the frame body 5110 The pressure reduci includes a vacuum pump 5912 and an extraction tube 5911 The extraction t inserted into the ink supply port 5120 and air in the ink storage space of the is extracted from the frame body 5110 As a result, the ink storage space has than an area outside of the ink storage space (e g , atmospheric pressure) In insertion needle 5920 is inserted into the frame body 5110 (e g , through the cartridge 5001 is assembled by bringing the front case portion 5200b and the 5200a together so that the ink supply port 5120, the air intake port 5130, and projection 5140 are seated in the rear supply aperture portion 5211, the rear portion 5212, and the rear ink detector aperture portion 5213, respectively positioning apertures 5460a, 5460b, 5460c are brought into contact with the 5215a, 5215b, 5215c so as achieve engagement The assembled cartridge 50 FIG 75(b)

[0599] FIG 76 shows preparation and packaging of the ink cartridg 76(a) is a perspective view of the cap 5300 and the case 5200 prior to assem 76(b) is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 5001 during packaging

[0600] As shown in FIG 76(a), the cap 5300 is assembled to the ca direction of the shown arrows During assembly, the engaging projections 5 engaging with the projection apertures on the case 5200 (e g , the projection by the rear intake side projection aperture 5214bl and a front intake side proj 5224bl) As shown in FIG 76(b), the ink cartridge 5001 is placed into a resi resin bag 5930 is prepared for shipping, etc , using a pressure reducing devic pressure reducing device 5940 includes a vacuum pump 5942 and an extracti The extraction tube 5911 is inserted an aperture 5931 in the resin bag 5930, a resin bag 5930 is extracted As a result, after sealing the aperture 5931, the r has a lower pressure than an area outside of the ink storage space (e g , atmos

[0601] FIG 77 shows the operation of mounting the ink cartridge 5 printer 6000 FIG 77(a) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge 5001 a printer 6000 prior to mounting, FIG 77(b) is a cross sectional view of the in and the inkjet printer 6000 during mounting, and FIG 77(c) is a cross sectio ink cartridge 5001 and the inkjet printer 6000 after mounting

[0602] As shown m FIG 77(a), the inkjet printer 6000 includes a c connected to the ink passage 6013a and extends horizontally away from the 6013 The mounting base 6013 further includes an air passage 6013b throug be provided to the ink cartridge 5001

[0603] A detection device 6014 is provided on the mounting base 6 detection device includes a light emitting portion 6014a and a light receiving shown) The detection device 6014 is configured to receive the ink detection between the light emitting portion 6014a and the light receiving portion

[0604] At the locations where the mounting base 6013 intersects wi walls 6011, a supply side recess 6016a and an intake side recess 6016b are pr intake side displacement projection 6016bl is provided along the intake side 6011 adjacent to the intake side recess 6016b

[0605] A cover 6017 is provided at an edge (right edge in FIG 77) side receiving wall 6011 The cover includes a cover hinge projection 6017a 6017b and a cover upper surface 6017c The cover 6017 is further provided projection 6017d that engages a cover receiving recess 6018 of the cartridge assembly 6010

[0606] As shown in FIG 77(a), prior to mounting, the cover 6017 mounting assembly 6010 is opened, and the ink cartridge 5001 is positioned surface of the ink cartridge 5001 (after the cap 5300 is removed) will be inse lnkjet printer 6000 The mounting procedure begins by moving the ink cartri direction shown by the arrow E As shown in FIG 77(b), the ink cartridge 5 horizontally inserted into the space defined by the mounting base 6013 and t walls 6011 As the ink cartridge 5001 is inserted into the space, the front int projection portion 5224b of the ink cartridge 5001 contacts the intake side di projection 6016bl, causing the intake side receiving wall 6011 to be moved from front intake side outer surface 5227 of the ink cartridge 5001 the air passage 6013b, and the ink detection projection 5140 is located betwe emitting portion 6014a and the light receiving portion When the ink cartrid positioned as shown in FIG 77(c), the inkjet printer 6000 can perform printi

[0608] FIG 78 shows the operation of dismounting the ink cartridg inkjet printer 6000 FIG 78(a) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge i inkjet printer 6000 prior to dismounting, FIG 78(b) is a cross sectional view cartridge 5001 and the inkjet printer 6000 during dismounting, and FIG 78(c sectional view of the ink cartridge 5001 and the inkjet printer 6000 after dis

[0609] In FIG 78(a), the ink cartridge 5001 is positioned as shown The dismounting procedure begins by moving the cover 6017 in the directio arrow S As the cover 6017 is further moved as shown by the arrow T, the c projection 6017a engages and pulls the supply side restnctor plate 5226b of t 5001 The force created by the engagement of the cover hinge projection 60 supply side restnctor plate 5226b causes disengagement of other portions of 5001 and the cartridge mounting assembly 6010 The intake side engaging p disengages from the intake side recess 5227b The front supply side projecti and the front intake side projection portion 5224b disengage from the supply 6016a and the intake side recess 6016b, respectively The ink supply port 51 from the ink extraction tube 6015, and the ink detection projection 5140 dise detection device 6014

[0610] After the various features of the ink cartridge 5001 disengag various features of the cartridge mounting assembly 6010, as discussed abov completed by completely removing the ink cartridge 5001, as shown by the a

[0611] FIG 79 shows opposite sides of the frame body 5110 FIG view of the frame body 5110, and FIG 79(b) is a rear view of the frame bod

[0612] The features of the frame body 5110 are discussed above in an inner film contact surface 541 Ib corresponds to the inner film contact sur film contact surfaces 5412bl, 5412b2 correspond to inner film contact surfa film contact surface 5413b corresponds to inner film contact surface 5413a, i surface 5414b corresponds to inner film contact surface 5414a, inner film co 5415b corresponds to inner film contact surface 5415a, inner film contact su corresponds to inner film contact surface 5416a, inner film contact surface 5 to inner film contact surface 5417a, and inner film contact surface 5418b cor film contact surface 5418a As these structures correspond to the structures 59, further description is not provided

[0613] FIG 80 is a partial cross sectional view of the frame 5015, s direction of ink flow out of the cartridge and the direction of air flow throug cartridge As shown in FIG 80, ink flows out of the frame 5015 along the in shown by the arrow K when the ink extraction tube 6015 is inserted into the i mechanism insertion portion 5800 Ink enters the ink supply chamber 5801 t supply aperture 5423, and then flows through the ink supply chamber apertur ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion 5800 In the ink supply valve insertion portion 5800, the ink flows, in order, through the cover through hol cover member 5680, the first pedestal through holes 5662b and second pedes 5663, the pedestal through grooves 5664, the ink flow path 5634 of the secon 5650, the slider through hole 5645, the ink flow path 5634 of the first spring flow path formed between the first spring member 5630 and the valve receivi 5628, 5629, ink flow paths 5627 of the valve member 5620, and the ink extr Ink also flows downwardly around a circumferential edge of the ink supply v 5501

[0614] Air flows into the frame 5015 along the air flow path shown when the actuator 5721a contacts the mounting base 6013 of the lnkjet pnnte [0615] FIG 81 shows an ink dispensing portion 5420 of the frame 81 (a) is a rear view of the ink dispensing portion 5420, FIG 81(b) is a cross the ink dispensing portion 5420, FIG 81(c) is a rear view of the ink dispensi and FIG 81(d) is a rear view of the ink dispensing portion 5420

[0616] The ink dispensing portion includes an ink dispensing porti 5424 that encloses an ink dispensing portion chamber 5424a, and an ink disp semi-conical wall 5422 that encloses ink supply semi-conical chamber 5426 dispensing portion chamber 5424a and the ink supply semi-conical chamber through the ink supply aperture 5423, and the ink supply semi-conical cham to the ink supply chamber 5116 through the ink supply chamber aperture 542 seen in FIG 81 (a), the ink dispensing portion chamber 5424a and the ink sup 5423 are located in a position lower than the sidewall 400b when the ink cart installed in the inkjet printer 6000 Accordingly, as shown in FIG 81(c), ink the ink dispensing portion chamber 5424a when the ink cartridge 5001 is ins inkjet printer 6000, and is dispensed out of the ink cartridge 5001 through th aperture 5423 and the ink supply chamber aperture 5421 as shown by the arr of the position of the ink dispensing portion chamber 5424a when the ink car installed in the inkjet printer 6000 (lower than a remainder of the frame body smallest amount of ink D may be remaining in the ink cartridge 5001 before 5001 is no longer able to dispense ink As a result, the ink cartridge 5001 ca dispense a large proportion of stored ink

[0617] FIG 82 shows an air intake portion 5430 of the frame body 82(a) is a perspective view of the air intake portion 5430, FIG 82(b) is a rear intake portion 5430, and FIG 82(c) is a front view of the air intake portion 5

[0618] As shown in FIG 82(a), the air intake portion 5430 includes intake chamber 5431, the upper air intake chamber 5432, and the central air i the central air intake passage 5433 to the upper air intake chamber 5432 Th aperture 5435 is provided at a front surface 5437a of the air intake portion 5 the air intake portion 5430 to a remainder of the front side of the frame body upper air intake through hole 5436 connects the air intake portion 5430 to th frame body 5110 As shown in FIGS 82(b) and (c), the features of the air in 5430 are arranged so that, even when the ink cartridge 5001 is filled to capac can enter into the ink cartridge 5001 from the air intake chamber 5117, and i out of the ink cartridge 5001 through the air intake chamber 5117

[0619] FIG 83 shows an ink filling portion 5450 of the frame body 83(a) is a rear view of the ink filling portion 5450, and FIG 83(b) is cross se the ink filling portion 5450

[0620] As shown in FIG 83(a), the ink filling portion 5450 include chamber wall 5451, the ink filling aperture 5452, and the ink filling structure filling chamber wall 5451 has an open end (ink filling chamber opening 5451 end (ink filling chamber base wall 545 Ib) As discussed above, the stopper inserted into the ink filling portion 5450 via the ink filling chamber opening filling structure 5453 includes an inverted horseshoe-shaped ink filling struct and ink filling structure tips 5454 The ink filling structure 5453 is provided surface of the ink filling chamber wall 5451, and the ink filling aperture 545 through the ink filling chamber wall 5451 to a location near the base of the i structure 5453 By virtue of this structure ink can exit the ink filling aperture relatively low position and enter the ink storage space at a relatively high pos the ink filling structure 5453 is configured so that the ink cartridge 5001 can to a level higher than the ink filling aperture 5452, when the ink cartridge 50 upright position Thus, it is possible to more efficiently use the space of the i of the frame body 5110 sufficient ink in the frame body 5110 to conduct printing operations As sho when the frame body 5110 is emptied of ink, the detector plate 5473c has m location between the light emitting portion 6014a and the light receiving por detection device 6014 In this state, light emitted by the light emitting portio the light receiving portion, and the detection device 6014 determines that the

> sufficient ink in the frame body 5110 to conduct printing operations

[0622] The detector 5470 (and thus the detector plate 5473c) move changes in an amount of ink in the frame body 5110 In particular, the detec buoyant in ink Accordingly, as the level of ink rises, the detector float 5471 detector 5470 is rotatably mounted to the frame body 5110, and the detector located on an opposite end of the detector 5470 from the detector float 5471 the detector float 5471 rises with the level of ink, the detector plate 5473c is downwardly into the location between the light emitting portion 6014a and t portion of the detection device 6014 Likewise, as the detector float 5471 si of ink, the detector plate 5473 c is rotated upwardly out of the location betwe emitting portion 6014a and the light receiving portion of the detection device movement of the detector plate 5473c with the level of ink in the frame body detection of the presence, absence and/or amount of ink in the frame body 51 cartridge 5001 is installed in the inkjet printer 6000

[0623] FIG 85 shows the ink detection projection 5140 of the fram

FIG 85(a) is a front view of the ink detection projection 5140, and FIGS 85( cross sectional views of the ink detection projection 5140

[0624] As shown in FIG 85 (a), the ink detection projection 5140 i detection recess 5141 bounded by an ink detection supply wall 5141a and an intake sidewall 5141b Within the ink detection recess 5141, ink detection re 5142 is provided In proximity to the ink detection projection, a detector are between the light emitting portion 6014a and the light receiving portion of t device 6014 of the inkjet printer 6000

[0626] FIG 86 shows the detector 5470 FIG 86(a) is a side view 5470, and FIG 86(b) is an end view of the detector 5470 The various featu 5470, discussed above, are shown in FIG 86 In particular, the detector 547 detector float 5471, a detector mounting portion 5472 including the detector 5472a, and the detector arm 5473 The detector arm 5473 includes the float 5473a adjacent to the detector float 5471, the detector plate 5473c at an end 5470 opposite from the detector float 5471, and the plate arm portion 5473b between the float arm portion 5473a and the detector plate 5473c The detec further provided with detector ribs 5473d protruding from lateral surfaces of 5473 to improve the structural stability of the detector arm 5473

[0627] FIG 86 further shows the detector plate pins 5473el, 5473e plate pms 5473el, 5473e2 extend outwardly from each face of the detector p thus prevent the relatively large flat surface of the detector plate 5473c from similarly flat surfaces of the inner surface of the ink detection recess 5141 du of ink between the flat surfaces The pins 5473el , 5473e2 thus prevent the p erroneous ink detection that could result if the detector plate 5473 c adheres t surface of the ink detection recess 5141 as the ink level in the ink cartridge 5

[0628] While this invention has been descnbed in conjunction with embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presentl may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art Accor exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to not limiting Various changes may be made without departing from the spiri the invention Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or l

Claims

1 An ink cartridge, comprising a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber, a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the in a valve member provided in the path, the valve member havin which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink c path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the in the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented, and an urging member provided on an ink chamber-side of the val path, the urging member being capable of urging the valve member along the exterior of the cartridge, wherein the urging member is formed of a resin or rubber material havi when the valve member is in the first state, the urging member a direction of the path

2 The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a se member, wherein when the valve is in the second state, the second urging me compressed in the direction of the path

3 The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a se member, wherein the urging member and the second urging member are alig in which the valve member is urged by the urging member

4 The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising a se member wherein _^ the urging member has a first shape and the second urging me second shape, and the first shape and the second shape are substantially symmetri 7 The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the urging member comprises an ink chamber-side portion, an portion and an intermediate portion provided between the ink chamber-side exteπor-side portion, and the ink chamber-side portion and the exterior-side portion eac structural strength than the intermediate portion

8 The ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the hollow portion is bounded by a wall, and a first thickness of the wall in the ink chamber-sicle portion an thickness of the wall in the exterior-side portion are each greater than a third wall in the intermediate portion

9 The ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein the hollow portion is bounded by a wall, a first section of the wall in the ink chamber-side portion exten direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the valve member is ur urging member, a second section of the wall in the exterior-side portion extend direction, and a third section of the wall in the intermediate portion extends i direction different from the first direction

10 The ink cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the hollow portion has a width in a direction transverse to a dir the valve member is urged by the urging member, and the width increases toward at least one of an ink chamber-side side of the urging member

11 The ink cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein the resin or ru at least a portion of each of the urging member and the valve situated in the cylindrical member, the urging member is on an ink chamber-side of the valve me cylindrical member, and the valve member is on an ink chamber-side of the insertion po cylindrical member

14 The ink cartridge of claim 1, wherein when the valve member i state, at least one of ink and air is permitted to pass between the ink chamber of the cartridge

15 An ink cartridge, comprising a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber, a path extending from the ink chamber to an extenor of the ink a valve member provided in the path, the valve member having which communication between the ink chamber and the exterior of the ink c path is permitted and a second state in which communication between the in the exterior of the ink cartridge along the path is prevented, and an urging member provided on an ink chamber-side of the valv path, the urging member being capable of urging the valve member along the exterior of the cartridge, wherein the urging member is formed of a resin or rubber material havi an entirety of the urging member is provided on the ink chamb valve member on the path

16 The ink cartridge according to claim 15, further comprising a s member, wherein when the valve is in the second state, the second urging me compressed in the direction of the path the first shape and the second shape are substantially symmet situated between the urging member and the second urging member, the pla substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the valve member is urge member

19 The ink cartridge according to claim 15, wherein when the va the first state, the urging member is compressed in a direction of the path

20 The ink cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the urging hollow portion, and when the valve member is in the first state, the ink cha exterior of the cartridge communicate through the hollow portion

21 The ink cartridge according to claim 20, wherein the urging member comprises an ink chamber-side portion, an portion and an intermediate portion provided between the ink chamber-side exterior-side portion, and the ink chamber-side portion and the exterior-side portion eac structural strength than the intermediate portion

22 The ink cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the hollow portion is bounded by a wall, and a first thickness of the wall in the ink chamber-side portion an thickness of the wall in the exterior-side portion are each greater than a thir wall m the intermediate portion

23 The ink cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the hollow portion is bounded by a wall, a first section of the wall in the ink chamber-side portion exte direction substantially parallel to a direction in which the valve member is u urging member, a second section of the wall in the exterior-side portion exten 25 The ink cartridge according to claim 15, wherein the resin or combustible

26 The ink cartridge according to claim 15, further comprising a receiving a hollow ink extraction member of an inkjet recording device whe is installed in the inkjet recording device, wherein when the insertion port r extraction member, the valve member is moved from the second state to the

27 The ink cartridge according to claim 26, wherein the cartridge case comprises a hollow cylindrical member, the path extends through the hollow cylindrical member, at least a portion of each of the urging member and the valve situated in the cylindrical member, the urging member is on an ink chamber-side of the valve me cylindrical member, and the valve member is on an ink chamber-side of the insertion p cylindrical member

28 The ink cartridge of claim 15, wherein when the valve memb state, at least one of ink and air is permitted to pass between the ink chambe of the cartridge