CARTRIDGE

The likelihood that a liquid discharge failure will occur in a cartridge including a liquid absorber is reduced. A cartridge includes: a liquid supply unit configured to receive a liquid supply needle; a first chamber in which a liquid absorber is arranged; a second chamber in which the liquid absorber is not arranged and the liquid supply unit is provided; and a filter that is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber. The length of the filter in a longitudinal direction is larger than half the length of the liquid absorber in the longitudinal direction, and the capillary force of the liquid absorber in a bottom face portion is larger than the capillary force of the liquid absorber in a central portion in a height direction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2017-208820 filed on Oct. 30, 2017. The entire disclosure of this Japanese application is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cartridge.

2. Related Art

A cartridge in which a liquid absorber for retaining liquid is arranged inside a liquid containing chamber of the cartridge has been known as a cartridge used in liquid ejection devices such as an inkjet printer (refer to Japanese Patent No. 3,278,410, JP-A-4-173343, JP-A-2006-76313, JP-A-2006-76314). A porous material or a fibrous material is used as the liquid absorber, for example. The liquid retained in the liquid absorber is suctioned by a liquid ejection device from a liquid supply unit provided in the bottom face or the like of the cartridge, and is supplied to the liquid ejection device.

In such a cartridge, there is a problem in that liquid is likely to remain in a portion, of the liquid absorber, that is far from the liquid supply unit due to the capillary force of the liquid absorber. Therefore, the inventors have studied a configuration in which a large filter is arranged between a liquid containing chamber and a liquid supply unit, and the liquid is allowed to flow to the liquid supply unit via the filter such that the liquid easily flows from the liquid absorber to the liquid supply unit. However, the inventors have found out that there is a problem in that, when such a large filter is provided, in the case where the cartridge is subjected to an impact due to being dropped or the like, air that exists on the liquid absorber side is likely to move toward the liquid supply unit side via the filter, and as a result, there is a possibility that a discharge failure will occur.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least some of the above-described problems, and can be realized in the following aspects.

(1) According to a first aspect of the invention, a cartridge that is to be attached to a liquid ejection device including a liquid supply needle is provided. The cartridge includes: a liquid supply unit configured to receive the liquid supply needle; a first chamber in which a liquid absorber is arranged; a second chamber in which the liquid absorber is not arranged and the liquid supply unit is provided; and a filter that is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber. The length of the filter in a longitudinal direction is larger than half the length of the liquid absorber in the longitudinal direction, and the capillary force of a bottom face portion of the liquid absorber is larger than the capillary force of a central portion of the liquid absorber in a height direction.

With this cartridge of such an aspect, since the length of the filter in the longitudinal direction is larger than half the length of the liquid absorber in the longitudinal direction, liquid can be suppressed from remaining in a portion, of the liquid absorber, far from the liquid supply unit. Also, since the capillary force of the bottom face portion of the liquid absorber is larger than the capillary force of the central portion of the liquid absorber in a height direction, ink can be preferably retained in the liquid absorber in the vicinity of the filter. As a result, even in a case where the area of the filter is large, the air that exists on the liquid absorber side is unlikely to move to the second chamber side (liquid supply unit side). Therefore, the occurrence of a liquid discharge failure can be suppressed.

(2) In the cartridge of the above-described aspect, the capillary force of the filter may be larger than the capillary force of the liquid absorber. With this cartridge of such an aspect, the air inside the liquid absorber is unlikely to enter the second chamber.

(3) In the cartridge of the above-described aspects, a level difference portion that protrudes downward may be formed in a ceiling surface of the first chamber. With this cartridge of such an aspect, the capillary force of the bottom face portion of the liquid absorber can be easily increased.

(4) In the cartridge of the above-described aspects, the maximum width of the level difference portion in a transverse direction of the filter may be larger than the maximum width of the filter in the transverse direction. With this cartridge of such an aspect, the capillary force of the bottom face portion of the liquid absorber can be preferably increased.

(5) In the cartridge of the above-described aspects, a side wall of the first chamber is provided with a protrusion that protrudes toward the inside of the first chamber, the protrusion extends in a vertical direction, and the protrusion may include a part inclined such that a projection amount increases from an upper portion toward a bottom portion of the first chamber. With this cartridge of such an aspect, because the liquid absorber can be compressed more on the bottom portion side of the first chamber, the capillary force of the liquid absorber can be increased toward the bottom portion side. Therefore, inside the liquid absorber, liquid can be allowed to flow smoothly from the upper portion side toward the bottom portion side. Also, as a result of providing the protrusion on the side wall of the first chamber, a space is formed between the liquid absorber and the side wall, and therefore the liquid inside the liquid absorber can seep out to the space when the air inside the liquid absorber expands or the like. Accordingly, the liquid inside the liquid containing chamber can be suppressed from leaking to the outside due to an increase in the liquid surface of the liquid. Also, the liquid that has seeped out to the above-described space is again absorbed by the liquid absorber, and therefore the liquid can be suppressed from remaining inside the cartridge.

The invention may be realized in various modes other than the mode as a cartridge described above. For example, the invention may be realized as modes such as a liquid ejection device including the cartridge and a liquid ejection system including the cartridge and the liquid ejection device.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A. First Embodiment

A1. Configuration of Liquid Ejection System

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a liquid ejection system100. InFIG. 1, X, Y, and Z axes that are orthogonal to each other are shown. The X, Y, and Z axes inFIG. 1correspond to the X, Y, and Z axes in the other diagrams. The X, Y, and Z axes are added, as necessary, to diagrams that will be shown in the following. A direction along the X axis is an X direction, a direction along the Y axis is a Y direction, and a direction along the Z axis is a Z direction. Also, one direction in the X direction is a +X direction, and the other direction in the X direction is a −X direction. Also, one direction in the Y direction is a +Y direction, and the other direction in the Y direction is a −Y direction. Also, one direction in the Z direction is a +Z direction, and the other direction in the Z direction is a −Z direction. In a state in which the liquid ejection system100is installed on an X-Y plane (horizontal plane) that is parallel to the X direction and the Y direction, the Z direction is a vertical direction, the +Z direction is an antigravity direction (upward direction), and the −Z direction is a gravity direction (downward direction). Also, in the liquid ejection system100, the Y direction is a front rear direction, and the X direction is a width direction (left and right direction).

The liquid ejection system100includes a cartridge set30constituted by a first cartridge10and a second cartridge20, and a liquid ejection device50. In the liquid ejection system100, the two types of cartridges10and20are detachably attached by a user to a cartridge holder60of the liquid ejection device50. The liquid ejection device50is an inkjet printer that can print on paper whose maximum size is A3 or the like. The liquid ejection device50includes a head63that can eject three or more types of liquid. In the present embodiment, the head63can eject four types of ink (black ink, yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink) whose colors are different.

The first cartridge10and the second cartridge20are attached to the cartridge holder60side by side in the X direction. The first cartridge10contains one type of liquid. In the present embodiment, the first cartridge10contains black ink. The second cartridge20contains three types of ink, namely yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink. That is, the second cartridge20contains a plurality of types of liquid, out of the types of liquid that remain when excluding the one type of liquid contained in the first cartridge10from the three or more types of liquid that the head63can eject (four types in the present embodiment). Here, the number and types of the cartridges to be attached to the cartridge holder60are not limited to those in the present embodiment. For example, two first cartridges10and one second cartridge20may be attached to the cartridge holder60. In this case, the configuration of the cartridge holder60may be changed according to the number of cartridges. Also, the types of liquid to be contained in the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20are not limited to those in the present embodiment. For example, ink of another color (light magenta or light cyan, for example) may be contained in the second cartridge20. Also, the second cartridge20may be configured to contain two types of liquid, or may be configured to contain four or more types of liquid.

The liquid ejection device50includes a controller61and a carriage62including the cartridge holder60, in addition to the cartridge holder60. The carriage62includes the above-described head63. The head63suctions ink from the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20that are attached to the cartridge holder60via later described liquid supply needles, and discharges (supplies) the ink onto a print medium64such as paper or a label. Accordingly, data such as a character, a diagram, or an image is printed on the print medium64.

The controller61controls units of the liquid ejection device50. The carriage62is configured to move relative to the print medium64. The head63includes an ink discharging mechanism that discharges ink supplied from the cartridges10and20attached to the cartridge holder60onto the print medium64. The controller61and the carriage62are electrically connected via a flexible cable65, and the ink discharging mechanism of the head63operates based on a control signal from the controller61.

In the present embodiment, the carriage62includes the head63and the cartridge holder60. The type of the liquid ejection device50in which the cartridge20is attached to the cartridge holder60on the carriage62that moves the head63, in this way, is also referred to as an “on-carriage type”. In other embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which a cartridge holder60that does not move is configured as a part that is different from a carriage62, and ink is supplied from a cartridge20attached to the cartridge holder60to a head63of the carriage62via a flexible tube. This type of printer is also referred to as an “off-carriage type”.

The liquid ejection device50includes a main scanning feed mechanism and a sub scanning feed mechanism for realizing printing onto the print medium64by relatively moving the carriage62and the print medium64. The main scanning feed mechanism of the liquid ejection device50includes a carriage motor67and a drive belt68. Power from the carriage motor67is transmitted to the carriage62via the drive belt68, and as a result, the carriage62moves back and forth along the X direction. The sub scanning feed mechanism of the liquid ejection device50includes a conveyance motor69and a platen80, power from the conveyance motor69is transmitted to the platen80, and as a result, the print medium64is conveyed in the +Y direction. The direction in which the carriage62moves back and forth may also be referred to as a main scanning direction, and the direction in which the print medium64is conveyed may also be referred to as a sub scanning direction. In the present embodiment, the main scanning direction is the X direction, and the sub scanning direction is the Y direction. The carriage motor67of the main scanning feed mechanism and the conveyance motor69of the sub scanning feed mechanism operate based on control signals from the controller61.

FIG. 2is a top view of the carriage62.FIG. 3is a perspective view of the carriage62.FIG. 2shows the carriage62in a state in which the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20are attached to the cartridge holder60.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the cartridge holder60includes five walls601,603,604,605, and606. The recess formed by the five walls601,603,604,605, and606is a cartridge attachment portion602for receiving attachment of the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20. As shown inFIG. 2, the cartridge attachment portion602includes a first attachment portion608that is located on the +X direction side and to which the first cartridge10is attached, and a second attachment portion609that is located on the −X direction side and to which the second cartridge20is attached. The cartridge attachment portion602has an opening on an upper side (+Z direction side), and the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20are attached to and detached from the cartridge holder60via this opening. The wall601is also referred to as a “device-side bottom wall601”. The wall603is also referred to as a “first device-side side wall603”. The wall604is also referred to as a “second device-side side wall604”. The wall605is also referred to as a “third device-side side wall605”. The wall606is also referred to as a “fourth device-side side wall606”.

The device-side bottom wall601forms a bottom face of the cartridge attachment portion602having a recessed shape. The first to fourth device-side side walls603,604,605, and606rise from the device-side bottom wall601in the +Z direction, and form side faces of the cartridge attachment portion602having a recessed shape. The first device-side side wall603and the second device-side side wall604oppose each other in the Y direction. The first device-side side wall603is located on the −Y direction side, and the second device-side side wall604is located on the +Y direction side. The third device-side side wall605and the fourth device-side side wall606oppose each other in the X direction. The third device-side side wall605is located on the +X direction side, and the fourth device-side side wall606is located on the −X direction side.

As shown inFIG. 3, the cartridge holder60further includes a plurality of liquid supply needles640, and a plurality of contact mechanisms70that each include a device-side terminal. In the present embodiment, four liquid supply needles640are provided. When the four liquid supply needles640are distinguished therebetween, reference signs “640A”, “640B”, “640C”, and “640D” are used. In the present embodiment, two contact mechanisms70are provided. When the two contact mechanisms70are distinguished therebetween, reference signs “70A” and “70B” are used.

The liquid supply needles640are provided in the cartridge attachment portion602inside the carriage62(cartridge holder60). The liquid supply needles640each include therein a flow passage for allowing liquid to flow. The liquid supply needles640are received by corresponding liquid supply units180and280(FIG. 2) of the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20. Accordingly, respective types of liquid contained in the first cartridge10and the second cartridge20are introduced to the flow passages inside the corresponding liquid supply needles640. The types of liquid introduced to the liquid supply needles640are supplied to the head63.

Each liquid supply needle640is a member that extends from the device-side bottom wall601in the +Z direction, and includes a base end portion645and a leading end portion642. The liquid supply needle640has a columnar shape on the base end portion645side, and has an approximately conical shape whose outer diameter decreases toward the +Z direction side, on the leading end portion642side. The base end portion645forms an end portion of the liquid supply needle640on the −Z direction side. The leading end portion642forms an end portion of the liquid supply needle640on the +Z direction side. An introduction hole is formed in the leading end portion642for introducing liquid supplied from the first cartridge10or the second cartridge20to the internal flow passage. The liquid supply needle640has a central axis C extending along the Z axis.

The four liquid supply needles640A to640D (FIG. 3) are arranged side by side in the X direction. Three liquid supply needles640A to640C out of the four liquid supply needles are arranged in the second attachment portion609. The three liquid supply needles640A to640C are respectively inserted into three corresponding liquid supply units280included in the second cartridge20. Accordingly, the different types of liquid contained in the second cartridge20respectively flow into the three liquid supply needles640A to640C. In the present embodiment, yellow ink flows into the liquid supply needle640A, magenta ink flows into the liquid supply needle640B, and cyan ink flows into the liquid supply needle640C. One liquid supply needle640D out of the four liquid supply needles is inserted into one liquid supply unit180included in the first cartridge10. Accordingly, liquid (black ink, in the present embodiment) contained in the first cartridge10flows into the liquid supply needle640D.

The contact mechanisms70are provided in the first device-side side wall603. The contact mechanism70A includes device-side terminals (device-side terminal group) that respectively come into contact with contact portions cp on a circuit board400(refer toFIG. 4) provided in the second cartridge90in a state in which the second cartridge20is attached to the second attachment portion609(hereinafter, simply referred to as a “attached state”). The contact mechanism70B includes device-side terminals (device-side terminal group) that respectively come into contact with contact portions on a circuit board provided in the first cartridge10when the first cartridge10is attached.

The cartridge holder60further includes device-side engaging portions632. The device-side engaging portions632are provided in the first device-side side wall603, and are provided on the +Z direction side relative to the contact mechanism70. Two device-side engaging portions632are provided. When the two device-side engaging portions632are distinguished therebetween, reference signs “632A” and “632D” are used. The device-side engaging portions632are each a protruding piece that protrudes from the first device-side side wall603towards the cartridge attachment portion602side (+Y direction side). The device-side engaging portion632A provided in the second attachment portion609locks an engaging member230(refer toFIG. 4) of the second cartridge20when the second cartridge20is attached. The device-side engaging portion632D provided in the first attachment portion608locks an engaging member of the first cartridge10when the first cartridge10is attached.

A2. Configuration of Cartridge

Cartridges having various configurations can be adopted as the first cartridge10. In the present embodiment, the cartridge having a configuration described in JP-A-2013-248786 is adopted as the first cartridge10. In the following, features of the second cartridge20will be described in detail. Note that, in the following, the second cartridge20may be simply referred to as a “cartridge20”.

FIG. 4is a first perspective view of the cartridge20.FIG. 5is a second perspective view of the cartridge20. The sizes of the cartridge20, namely the length (size in the Y direction), the width (size in the X direction), and the height (size in the Z direction), decrease in order of the length, the height, and the width. Also, the width (size in the X direction) of the cartridge20is larger than that of the first cartridge10. Note that the relationship in size between the length, the width, and the height of the cartridge20can be freely changed. The sizes may increase in order of the height, the length, and the width, or may be equal.

The external shape of the cartridge20is substantially a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The cartridge20includes six faces. The six faces are a bottom face201, an upper face202, a first side face (front face)204, a second side face (rear face)203, a third side face (left side face)205, and a fourth side face (right side face)206. The six faces201to206constitute a case21of the cartridge20. The faces201to206are each flat. A face being flat includes a case where the entire face is completely flat and a case where a portion of the face includes recesses and protrusions. As shown inFIG. 5, portions in which later-described liquid supply units280and an atmosphere communication port44are formed protrude from the bottom face201. The shape of the faces201to206in plan view are each substantially rectangular.

The bottom face201corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the bottom wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as a “bottom wall201”. Also, the upper face202corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the upper wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as an “upper wall202”. Also, the first side face204corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the front face wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as a “front face wall204”. Also, the second side face203corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the rear face wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as a “rear face wall203”. Also, the third side face205corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the left side wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as a “left side face wall205”. Also, the fourth side face206corresponds to a concept that includes a wall forming the right side wall of the cartridge20in the attached state, and may also be referred to as a “right side face wall206”. Note that the “wall” need not be formed by a single wall, and may be formed by a plurality of walls.

The bottom face201and the upper face202oppose each other in the Z direction. The bottom face201is located on the −Z direction side, and the upper face202is located on the +Z direction side. The bottom face201faces the device-side bottom wall601(FIG. 3) of the cartridge holder60in the attached state. The bottom face201and the upper face202are horizontal faces in the attached state. The bottom face201and the upper face202intersect the first side face204, the second side face203, the third side face205, and the fourth side face206at a substantially right angle. The bottom face201and the upper face202are faces that are parallel to the X axis and the Y axis. The bottom face201and the upper face202are faces that are orthogonal to the Z axis. When the plane parallel to the X axis and Y axis (a face orthogonal to the Z axis) is defined as an X-Y plane, the bottom face201and the upper face202are faces that are parallel to the X-Y plane. Note that, in the present embodiment, two faces “crossing” or “intersecting” means any of the states, namely a state in which the two faces are connected together and cross, a state in which an extension of one face crosses the other face, and a state in which an extension of one face crosses an extension of the other face. Also, two faces “opposing” includes a case where another object does not exist between the two faces, and a case where another object exists between the two faces.

The first side face204and the second side face203oppose each other in the Y direction. The first side face204is located on the +Y direction side, and the second side face203is located on the −Y direction side. The first side face204faces the second device-side side wall604(FIG. 3) of the cartridge holder60in the attached state. The second side face203faces the first device-side side wall603(FIG. 3) of the cartridge holder60in the attached state. The first side face204and the second side face203are vertical faces in the attached state. The first side face204and the second side face203intersect the bottom face201, the upper face202, the third side face205, and the fourth side face206at a substantially right angle. The first side face204and the second side face203are parallel to the X axis and the Z axis. The first side face204and the second side face203are faces orthogonal to the Y axis. When the plane parallel to the X axis and Z axis (a face orthogonal to the Y axis) is defined as an X-Z plane, the first side face204and the second side face203are faces parallel to the X-Z plane.

The third side face205and the fourth side face206oppose each other in the X direction. The third side face205is located on the +X direction side, and the fourth side face206is located on the −X direction side. The third side face205faces the first cartridge10in the attached state. The fourth side face206faces the fourth device-side side wall606(FIG. 3) of the cartridge holder60in the attached state. The third side face205and the fourth side face206intersect the bottom face201, the upper face202, the first side face204, and the second side face203at a substantially right angle. The third side face205and the fourth side face206are faces parallel to the Y axis and the Z axis. The third side face205and the fourth side face206are faces orthogonal to the X axis. When the plane parallel to the Y axis and Z axis (a face orthogonal to the X axis) is defined as an Y-Z plane, the third side face205and the fourth side face206are faces parallel to the Y-Z plane.

As shown inFIG. 4, the cartridge20includes, on the second side face203, the circuit board400and the lever-shaped engaging member230to be locked to the device-side engaging portion632A. A cartridge-side terminal group499is provided on the surface of the circuit board400. The cartridge-side terminal group499includes the contact portions cp that come into contact with the contact mechanism70provided in the cartridge attachment portion602. A storage device electrically connected to the cartridge-side terminal group499is provided on a back face of the circuit board400. The storage device stores information regarding the cartridge20. The information regarding the cartridge20includes information indicating the type of liquid contained therein, information indicating the amount of liquid contained therein, information indicating the consumed amount of liquid, and information indicating the manufacturing date of the cartridge20, for example. The controller61provided in the liquid ejection device50can read these pieces of information from the storage device provided in the circuit board400via the contact mechanism70and the cartridge-side terminal group499.

FIG. 6is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge20. A plurality of (three, in the present embodiment) liquid containing chambers200A,200B, and200C that respectively contain the plurality of types of liquid (yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink, in the present embodiment) described above are provided inside the case21of the cartridge20. The three liquid containing chambers200A to200C are separated from each other by side walls24that are provided inside the case21along the Y-Z plane such that the three types of liquid do not mix with each other. The liquid containing chamber200A contains yellow ink, the liquid containing chamber200B contains magenta ink, and the liquid containing chamber200C contains cyan ink. For example, the plurality of types of liquid (yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink) contained in the cartridge20are each dye ink. A filter210is fixed to a bottom portion of each of the liquid containing chambers200A,200B, and200C, and a liquid absorber299having a rectangular parallelepiped shape is placed on the filter210. The liquid absorber299is a member for retaining (absorbing) liquid using a predetermined capillary force. The liquid absorber299may be a foamable member such as urethane foam or a fibrous member formed by bundling polypropylene that is processed into a fibrous state, for example. The upper face202of the case21of the cartridge20is constituted by a lid member207and an upper face film member208attached on the lid member207. In the following, the liquid containing chamber200A, the liquid containing chamber200B, and the liquid containing chamber200C will be each referred to as a liquid containing chamber200when they are not specifically distinguished therebetween. Note that, although the cartridge20includes the three liquid containing chambers200in the present embodiment, one or two liquid containing chambers200may be provided, or four or more liquid containing chambers200may be provided.

FIG. 7is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII inFIG. 2.FIG. 8is a cross-sectional view taken alone line VIII-VIII inFIG. 2. A cross-sectional configuration across the liquid containing chamber200A is shown inFIG. 8. The cross-sectional configuration across the liquid containing chamber200B and that of the liquid containing chamber200C are almost the same as the cross-sectional configuration across the liquid containing chamber200A. As shown inFIG. 7, when the first cartridge10is attached to the cartridge holder60, the liquid supply needle640D is inserted into the liquid supply unit180of the first cartridge10. Accordingly, black ink is supplied to the head63from the first cartridge10via the liquid supply needle640D. The first cartridge10does not include a liquid absorber for retaining (absorbing) ink. That is, the first cartridge10is a direct liquid-type cartridge.

As shown inFIG. 8, the cartridge20includes the liquid containing chamber200in which the liquid absorber299is arranged, the liquid supply unit280, a bubble trap chamber212in which the liquid supply unit280is provided, and the thin filter210. The liquid supply unit280is for receiving the liquid supply needle640, and supplying ink inside the liquid containing chamber200to the liquid ejection device50. The liquid supply unit280is provided at a position closer to the second side face203than the first side face204in the Y direction. In the attached state, the bubble trap chamber212is arranged vertically below the liquid containing chamber200. The filter210is provided between the liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212. The filter210is constituted by a PET nonwoven fabric or a stainless nonwoven fabric. In the present embodiment, the filter210is arranged along the horizontal direction in the attached state. Note that the liquid absorber is not arranged inside the bubble trap chamber212. The liquid containing chamber200may also be referred to as a “first chamber”, and the bubble trap chamber212may also be referred to as a “second chamber”.

When the cartridge20is started to be used, the bubble trap chamber212and the liquid containing chamber200are mostly filled with ink. When the ink in the liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212is consumed via the liquid supply unit280, air is introduced into the liquid containing chamber200from a later-described atmosphere communication passage40following consumption of the ink. That is, the cartridge20of the present embodiment is an atmosphere open type cartridge.

The bubble trap chamber212has a function of supplying liquid contained in the liquid containing chamber200to the liquid supply unit280, and a function of capturing (trapping) bubbles. The bubble trap chamber212stores (1) bubbles that flow in from the liquid containing chamber200via the filter210when the cartridge is subjected to an impact due to being dropped, (2) bubbles that enter via the liquid supply unit280when the liquid supply unit280has received the liquid supply needle640, and (3) bubbles that have grown inside the bubble trap chamber212. In the present embodiment, since bubbles that have generated or have entered due to some cause are stored inside the bubble trap chamber212, the occurrence of liquid supply failure can be suppressed.

As shown inFIGS. 7 and 8, when the cartridge20is attached, the liquid supply needles640are respective inserted into the corresponding liquid supply units280of the cartridge20. With this, yellow ink, magenta ink, and cyan ink are respectively supplied to the head63from the liquid containing chambers200and the bubble trap chambers212via the liquid supply needles640.

As shown inFIGS. 6 to 8, the liquid supply unit180and the liquid supply units280A to280C each include a valve mechanism284. The valve mechanisms284open and close respective inner flow passages of the liquid supply units180and280. The valve mechanism284includes in order from the leading end side of each of the liquid supply units180and280, a seal portion287, a valve body286that opens when the liquid supply needle640comes into contact therewith, and a biasing member285for closing the valve body286. The liquid supply unit280includes a valve chamber294(refer toFIG. 18). The valve body286and the biasing member285are arranged in the valve chamber294.

The seal portion287is a substantially ring-shaped member. The seal portion287is constituted by an elastic body such as rubber or elastomer, for example. The seal portion287is press-fitted into the inside of each of the liquid supply units180and280from the opening at the leading end thereof. As a result of the seal portion287coming into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the liquid supply needle640in an airtight manner, in the attached state, the liquid is suppressed from leaking out through a gap between the liquid supply needle640and each of the liquid supply units180and280. The seal portion287also functions as a valve seat with which the valve body286comes into contact when closed.

The valve body286is a member having a substantially columnar shape. The valve body286is biased in a direction toward the seal portion287by the biasing member285so as to close a hole formed in the seal portion287, in a state before the cartridges10and20are attached to the respective cartridge holders60(unattached state). That is, in the unattached state, the valve mechanism284is in a closed state.

The biasing member285is a compression coil spring. In the attached state of the cartridges10and20, the liquid supply needle640pushes the valve body286in a direction away from the seal portion287, and as a result, the biasing member285is compressed, and the valve body286moves away from the seal portion287. With this, the valve mechanism284enters an open state. An end of the biasing member285on the +Z direction side comes into contact with a wall295of the valve chamber294on the +Z direction side. Therefore, when the biasing member285is compressed, the valve chamber294restricts the movement of the biasing member285toward the +Z direction side.

In an unused state of the cartridge20, the opening288of the liquid supply unit280at the leading end is closed by a film FM (FIGS. 5 and 6). The film FM is configured to be broken by the liquid supply needles640A,640B, and640C when the cartridge20is attached to the second attachment portion609of the cartridge holder60.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a liquid containing chamber200viewed from an upper face side.FIG. 10is a plan view of the liquid containing chamber200as seen in a top view.FIG. 11is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI inFIG. 10.FIG. 12is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII inFIG. 10.FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII inFIG. 10.FIG. 14is a plan view of the lid member207as seen in a top view.FIG. 15is a plan view of the lid member207as seen in a bottom view.FIG. 16is a perspective view illustrating a lower face side of the lid member207.FIG. 17is a perspective view illustrating a cross-sectional structure of the inside of the cartridge20. Note that, although the lid member207is not shown inFIG. 10, cross sections of the lid member207are also shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, which are cross-sectional views taken along lines inFIG. 10.

As shown inFIG. 9, protrusions216that protrude toward the inside of the liquid containing chamber200are provided on the side walls24of the liquid containing chambers200. The protrusions216are provided on inner faces of a pair of side walls24that oppose each other in the X direction. Each protrusion216extends along the vertical direction (Z direction). Each protrusion216includes a portion that is inclined such that the protrusion amount increases from an upper portion of the liquid containing chamber200toward a bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. Note that, in the present embodiment, the “bottom portion214” of the liquid containing chamber200refers to, more specifically, a bottom portion of a part, of the liquid containing chamber200, in which the liquid absorber299is arranged (absorber chamber223(refer toFIG. 10)).

The protrusions216include a plurality of first protrusions217and a plurality of second protrusions218. The height of the second protrusion218in the vertical direction is larger than that of the first protrusion217. In other words, the height of the first protrusion217in the vertical direction is smaller than that of the second protrusion218. Also, a portion of the second protrusion218lower than the leading end of the first protrusion217in the vertical direction has a protruding amount toward the inside of the liquid containing chamber200that is smaller than that of the first protrusion217. A plurality of these first protrusions217and second protrusions218are alternatingly arranged in the side walls24of the liquid containing chamber200with a gap therebetween in the Y direction that is a direction intersecting the vertical direction (Z direction). As shown inFIG. 11, a face217sof a first protrusion217that faces toward the inside of the liquid containing chamber200and a face218sof a second protrusion218at a portion higher than the first protrusion217that faces toward the inside of the liquid containing chamber200are approximately on the same virtual plane VP. On the virtual plane VP, at a boundary between the first protrusion217and the second protrusion218, the protrusion amount of the second protrusion218is slightly smaller than that of the first protrusion217, and a small level difference is formed.

According to the configuration of the protrusions216described above, the cross-sectional area of the inner space of the liquid containing chamber200in a horizontal direction is smaller on the bottom portion214side of the liquid containing chamber200than on the upper portion side of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, the liquid absorber299arranged in the liquid containing chamber200is compressed more on the bottom face side of the liquid containing chamber200than on the upper face side thereof. Note that, in the present embodiment, although the cross-sectional area of the inner space of the liquid containing chamber200is smaller on the bottom portion214side than on the upper portion side as a result of inclining the protrusions216, the cross-sectional area of the inner space of the liquid containing chamber200on the bottom, portion214side can be made smaller than that on the upper portion side by inclining the side wall24.

In the present embodiment, as a result of the protrusions216coming into contact with the liquid absorber299, small spaces are formed between the liquid absorber299and the side wall24. These spaces are connected because the height of the first protrusions217is different from that of the second protrusions218, and are in communication with a later-described air chamber224. That is, in the present embodiment, as a result of forming the protrusions216on the side wall24of the liquid containing chamber200, a space A1(refer toFIG. 12) through which air or ink can flow to the air chamber224is formed between the liquid absorber299and the side wall24.

FIG. 10shows the manner in which the filter210is arranged in the liquid containing chamber200A, the liquid absorber299is arranged in the liquid containing chamber200C, and neither of the filter210and the liquid absorber299is provided in the liquid containing chamber200B. The shape of the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200is substantially rectangular having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The longitudinal direction runs along the Y direction, and the transverse direction runs along the X direction. Corner portions of the rectangular bottom portion214may be rounded. A large opening215is formed in the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. The opening215brings the liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212in communication. The filter210is provided between the liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212so as to close the opening215. The liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212are partitioned by the filter210. In the present embodiment, the capillary force of the filter210is larger than the capillary force of any part of the liquid absorber299.

The outer shape of the filter210is rectangular, and the size thereof is larger than that of the opening215. A positioning projection219for positioning the filter210is formed in the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. In the present embodiment, one positioning projection219is provided in each of two diagonally opposite corner portions on both ends of the opening215in the longitudinal direction (Y direction). When the filter210is fixed to the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200, first, the filter210is provisionally adhered to the positioning projection219outside of the opening215. Thereafter, the filter210is adhered to the entire surrounding area of the opening215.

As shown inFIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the outer size of the filter210is larger than that of the opening215. However, in the following description, the size of the filter210(including length, width, area, and the like) means, not the outer size of the filter210, but the size of a portion that exhibits a function of a filter, that is, the size of the portion corresponding to the opening215.

In the present embodiment, the maximum length L1of the filter210along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) is larger than half of the length L2of the liquid absorber299along the longitudinal direction of the filter210. The ratio of the length L1of the filter210relative to the length L2of the liquid absorber299is 50% or more. The ratio is preferably 75% or more, and is more preferably 90% or more. Also, the ratio may be 100%. In the present embodiment, the ratio is 93%.

In the present embodiment, in both the longitudinal direction (Y direction) and the transverse direction (X direction) of the filter210, the minimum distance from the outermost periphery of the opening215to the outer periphery of the bottom portion214is approximately the same. Therefore, a situation can be suppressed in which ink non-uniformly remains at one of the ends in the longitudinal direction of the bottom portion214and the edges in the transverse direction thereof.

The liquid containing chamber200includes the absorber chamber223in which the liquid absorber299is arranged, and the air chamber224in which the liquid absorber299is not arranged. The absorber chamber223and the air chamber224are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the absorber chamber223and the air chamber224are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the filter210. The filter210and the opening215are arranged inside the absorber chamber223in the liquid containing chamber200, and are not arranged in the air chamber224.

In the present embodiment, at least a portion of a side face291, of the liquid absorber299, that is adjacent to the air chamber224is in contact with the air inside the air chamber224. The other portion of the side face291of the liquid absorber299is in contact with a partition rib225that is provided extending in the vertical direction inside the air chamber224. The partition rib225restricts the liquid absorber299from moving inside the absorber chamber223toward the air chamber224. As shown inFIG. 11, the height of the partition rib225in the vertical direction is smaller than the height of the inner space of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, the flow of air inside the air chamber224is not disturbed by the partition rib225. Also, a plurality of the partition ribs225having different lengths in the vertical direction are provided inside one air chamber224.

As shown inFIG. 13, a connection port41for connecting the air chamber224with the atmosphere communication passage40is provided in an upper portion of the air chamber224. In the present embodiment, the connection port41is provided at a leading end of a cylindrical tube42that protrudes downward from a ceiling surface226of the air chamber224. The tube42is provided in a lower face of the lid member207that constitutes the upper face202of the liquid containing chamber200. The tube42is in communication with a portion on the upper face side of the lid member207. The atmosphere communication passage40(FIG. 12) to which the connection port41is connected is a flow passage for connecting the liquid containing chamber200to the atmosphere outside the case21, and is provided inside the case21. As shown inFIG. 12, the atmosphere communication passage40extends from an upper face side of the case21to the bottom face side. The atmosphere communication passage40passes through the first side face204of the cartridge20in the vertical direction. The atmosphere communication port44, which is a connection port between the atmosphere communication passage40and the atmosphere is provided in the bottom face201of the case21.

As shown inFIG. 14, a thin meandering, in a complicated manner, flow passage is provided in an upper face of the lid member207that is arranged on the liquid containing chamber200. This flow passage is referred to as a meandering flow passage43. The meandering flow passage43is demarcated by a groove formed in the upper face of the lid member207and an upper face film member208(refer toFIG. 6) that is attached to the upper face of the lid member207. One end of the meandering flow passage43is in communication with the tube42(FIG. 13) via a recess45provided in the upper face of the lid member207, and the other end thereof is in communication with the atmosphere communication passage40(FIG. 12) via a through hole209provided in the lid member207. Therefore, the air chamber224and the atmosphere communication passage40are connected via this meandering flow passage43. Note that, since the meandering flow passage43connects the air chamber224and the atmosphere communication passage40, the meandering flow passage43is also considered to constitute a portion of the atmosphere communication passage40.

The meandering flow passage43increases the distance from the liquid containing chamber200to the atmosphere communication port44, and therefore, the ink inside the liquid containing chamber200is suppressed from evaporating and being discharged from the atmosphere communication port44. Also, the meandering flow passage43that constitutes a portion of the atmosphere communication passage40is formed to be narrow, and therefore, has a certain capillary force that acts on the ink. Therefore, even if ink has entered into the meandering flow passage43, the ink can be suppressed from being discharged from the atmosphere communication port44via the atmosphere communication passage40(meandering flow passage43). Also, in the present embodiment, even if ink flows backward from the tube42, the ink is temporarily stored in the recess45that exists between the meandering flow passage43and the tube42. Therefore, the ink can be suppressed from entering the meandering flow passage43.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, in the present embodiment, a level difference portion227that protrudes downward is formed in the lower face of the lid member207that constitutes the ceiling surface226of the liquid containing chamber200at a portion corresponding to the absorber chamber223. The lower face of the level difference portion227is flat. Also, the level difference portion227is substantially rectangular as seen in a bottom view. The level difference portion227comes into contact with the upper face of the liquid absorber299, and compresses the liquid absorber299toward the bottom portion214side of the liquid containing chamber200. Accordingly, a bottom face portion298(refer toFIGS. 8 and 17) of the liquid absorber299is pressed against the filter210, holes in the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299decrease in size, and as a result, the capillary force in the bottom face portion298is greater than the capillary force in a central portion297(refer toFIGS. 8 and 17) of the liquid absorber299in a height direction. Note that the thickness of a portion, in the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299, in which holes decrease in size is several tens of micrometers or more. In the present embodiment, the level difference portion227comes into contact with the upper face of the liquid absorber299, and therefore, when the cartridge20is turned upside down, ink accumulated in the vicinity of the lid member207can be again absorbed by the liquid absorber299from its contact portion.

In the present embodiment, the maximum width W1(FIG. 15) of the level difference portion227in the transverse direction (X direction) of the filter210is larger than the maximum width W2(FIG. 10) of the filter210in the transverse direction of the filter210. Also, in the present embodiment, the maximum length L3(FIG. 15) of the level difference portion227in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the filter210is larger than the maximum length L1(FIG. 10) of the filter210in the longitudinal direction of the filter210. That is, in the present embodiment, the level difference portion227is larger than the filter210. Therefore, the liquid absorber299can be favorably compressed toward the filter210. Note that, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, in the present embodiment, the level difference portion227is provided with a plurality of stripe shaped notches229, extending from an end in the +X direction and from an end in the −X direction. As a result of providing these notches229, a sink mark is suppressed from being generated when the lid member207is produced. Note that the notches229may be omitted.

In the present embodiment, in a state in which the level difference portion227comes into contact with the upper face of the liquid absorber299, a small amount of space A2(FIG. 15) exists between the lid member207and the liquid absorber299around the level difference portion227. The space A2is in communication with the air chamber224. Therefore, even if air has expanded in an upper portion of the liquid absorber299, the air can be discharged from the atmosphere communication passage40via the notches229, the space A2, and the air chamber224. Accordingly, the ink can be suppressed from leaking out from the liquid supply unit280due to an increase in the pressure inside the liquid containing chamber200.

As shown inFIGS. 15 and 16, protruding walls46are formed in the lower face of the lid member207that constitutes the upper face202of the case21. The protruding walls46are located between the respective level difference portions227and the connection ports41(tubes42), in the lid member207. Also, the protruding walls46are located between the respective absorber chambers223and the connection ports41(tubes42), in the liquid containing chamber200. The width of each protruding wall46in the X direction is almost the same as the width of the upper portion of the liquid containing chamber200. In the present embodiment, a corner of the upper portion of each liquid absorber299comes into contact with the corresponding protruding wall46, as shown inFIG. 17.

FIG. 18is a perspective view illustrating a structure of the bubble trap chamber212.FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX inFIG. 18.FIG. 20is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX inFIG. 18.FIG. 21is an X-Z cross-sectional view in the vicinity of the liquid supply unit280. Note that the structure of the bubble trap chamber212corresponding to one liquid containing chamber200out of the three liquid containing chambers200is shown inFIGS. 18 to 21.

FIG. 18shows a state in which the bubble trap chamber212is seen from the opening215formed in the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. In the present embodiment, the bubble trap chamber212includes a liquid guidance passage231for guiding liquid to the liquid supply unit280. Even if bubbles exist inside the bubble trap chamber212, as a result of ink flowing inside the liquid guidance passage231, the ink can be allowed to flow smoothly inside the bubble trap chamber212to the liquid supply unit280.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of liquid guidance passages231are provided in the bubble trap chamber212. The plurality of liquid guidance passages231include a first liquid guidance passage232and second liquid guidance passages233. Each first liquid guidance passage232is formed in a side face of the bubble trap chamber212so as to extend from an upper portion to a lower portion, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 19. The second liquid guidance passage233is formed in the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212so as to extend in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the bubble trap chamber212toward the liquid supply unit280, as shown inFIGS. 18 and 20. In the present embodiment, each liquid guidance passage231is constituted by a groove. Also, as shown inFIG. 8, the depth of the second liquid guidance passage233from the bottom face213increases toward the liquid supply unit280such that the cross-sectional area of the flow passage increases toward the liquid supply unit280. Note that the liquid guidance passages231are not limited to grooves, and can be constituted by ribs as well. In the case where the liquid guidance passages231are constituted by ribs, pairs of ribs are provided in the bottom face213and the side faces of the bubble trap chamber212such that ink is allowed to flow between each pair of ribs.

As shown inFIGS. 8 and 18, the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212is inclined such that the height thereof decreases toward the liquid supply unit280. Also, in the present embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 20, the distance between at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the filter210and the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212, specifically the distance between a peripheral portion P of the filter210on the farther side from the liquid supply unit280and the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212is smaller than the distance between any other portion of the filter210(portion other than the peripheral portion P) and the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212. In the present embodiment, as a result of configuring the bubble trap chamber212such that the angle of inclination of the bottom face213relative to the horizontal direction decreases step by step from the liquid supply unit280toward the peripheral portion P of the filter210, the distance between the peripheral portion P of the filter210and the bottom face213is made smaller than the distance between any other portion (portion other than the peripheral portion P) of the filter210and the bottom face213.

As shown inFIG. 18, in the present embodiment, a circular hole is provided in an upper portion of the valve chamber294of the liquid supply unit280, and a slit-like hole extending in the vertical direction is provided in a side portion of the valve chamber294. The inner space of the valve chamber294is in communication with the bubble trap chamber212in an upper and side portions thereof through these holes. Also, in the present embodiment, the bubble trap chamber212is divided into two spaces A3and A4in the Y direction by the valve chamber294. However, these two spaces A3and A4are in communication through a gap G between the upper face293and the filter210of the valve chamber294as shown inFIGS. 18 and 21.

A3. Effects of First Embodiment

(1-1) According to the present embodiment described above, the relatively large filter210is arranged between the liquid containing chamber200and the bubble trap chamber212of the cartridge20, as shown inFIGS. 8 and 10. Accordingly, when the cartridge20is used, ink can easily flow from the liquid containing chamber200to the bubble trap chamber212and the liquid supply unit280. As a result, ink can be suppressed from remaining in a part, of the absorber299, that is far from the liquid supply unit280.

(1-2) In the present embodiment, the bottom face portion298(FIG. 17) of the liquid absorber299is more compressed than the central portion297of the liquid absorber299in the height direction, and as a result, the capillary force of the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299can be increased. Accordingly, in a state in which the cartridge20is filled with ink, a layer of ink is formed in the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299. As a result, when the cartridge20is subjected to an impact due to being dropped or the like, bubbles can be suppressed from flowing out from the liquid absorber299side to the bubble trap chamber212side by this ink layer, for example. Therefore, even in a case where the size of the filter210is large as in the present embodiment, bubbles can be effectively suppressed from flowing out from the liquid absorber299side to the bubble trap chamber212side. Also, since bubbles can be suppressed from flowing out from the liquid absorber299side to the bubble trap chamber212side, ink can be suppressed from excessively returning from the bubble trap chamber212side to the liquid absorber299side due to bubbles entering into the bubble trap chamber212. As a result, ink can be suppressed from leaking out from the liquid containing chamber200via the atmosphere communication passage40.

(1-3) In the present embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the inner space of the liquid containing chamber200in the horizontal direction is smaller on the bottom portion214side of the liquid containing chamber200than on the upper portion side of the liquid containing chamber200, and as a result, the liquid absorber299having a rectangular parallelepiped shape is more compressed on the bottom portion214side of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, the capillary force of the liquid absorber299can be increased toward the bottom portion214side, and ink can be allowed to flow smoothly inside the liquid absorber299from the upper portion side toward the bottom portion214side.

(1-4) In the present embodiment, protrusions216(FIG. 9) extending in the vertical direction are provided in the side wall24of the liquid containing chamber200, and each of the protrusions216includes the part inclined such that the protruding amount increases from the upper portion toward the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, since the liquid absorber299can be compressed more on the bottom portion214side of the liquid containing chamber200, the capillary force of the liquid absorber299can be increased toward the bottom portion214side. As a result, ink can be allowed to flow smoothly inside the liquid absorber299from the upper portion side toward the bottom portion214side. Also, as a result of providing the protrusions216in the side wall24, a space is formed between the side face of the liquid absorber299and the side wall24. Therefore, when the air inside the liquid absorber299expands due to some cause such as an increase in the ambient temperature, the ink inside the liquid absorber299seeps out to the space between the liquid absorber299and the side wall24. Accordingly, the ink inside the liquid containing chamber200can be suppressed from leaking to the outside of the cartridge20due to an increase in the liquid surface of the ink as a result of expansion of the air inside the liquid absorber299. Also, because the ink that has seeped out into the space between the liquid absorber299and the side wall24is again absorbed by the liquid absorber299, liquid can be suppressed from remaining inside the cartridge10.

(1-5) In the present embodiment, the first protrusions217and the second protrusions218that are taller than the first protrusions217are alternatingly arranged in the side wall24inside the liquid containing chamber200with a gap therebetween. Therefore, spaces that are formed when the protrusions216come into contact with the liquid absorber299are caused to be in communication through portions above the first protrusions217, and the ink that has seeped out from the liquid absorber299can be suppressed from non-uniformly existing inside the liquid containing chamber200. As a result, ink can be effectively suppressed from leaking to the outside of the cartridge10. Moreover, in the present embodiment, these spaces are in communication with the air chamber224, and as a result, the liquid that has seeped out from the liquid absorber299is allowed to flow to the air chamber that has a relatively large capacity, and the liquid can be suppressed from leaking to the outside. Also, when air is discharged from the liquid absorber299to the above-described spaces, the air is discharged outside via the air chamber224and the atmosphere communication passage40. Accordingly, ink can be effectively suppressed from leaking out from the liquid supply unit280side due to expanded air.

(1-6) In the present embodiment, the faces217s, of the first protrusions217, that face toward the liquid containing chamber200side and faces218s, of portions of the second protrusions218that are higher than the first protrusions217, that face toward the liquid containing chamber200side are approximately on the same virtual plane VP, as shown inFIG. 11, and as a result, the liquid absorber299can be favorably compressed from the side faces thereof by the first protrusions217and the second protrusions218. Accordingly, the capillary force of the liquid absorber299can be gradually increased from the upper portion toward the bottom portion, and ink can be allowed to flow smoothly toward the bottom portion.

(1-7) In the present embodiment, the positioning projections219for positioning the filter210are provided in the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, the filter210can be easily fixed to the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200.

(2-1) According to the present embodiment, the capillary force of the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299is larger than the capillary force of the central portion297of the liquid absorber299in the height direction, and therefore ink can be favorably retained in the liquid absorber299in the vicinity of the filter210. As a result, even in a case where the area of the filter210is large, when the cartridge20has been subjected to an impact due to being dropped or the like, the air existing on the liquid absorber299side is unlikely to enter the bubble trap chamber212(liquid supply unit280). Therefore, the occurrence of an ink discharge failure (supply failure) can be suppressed.

(2-2) Moreover, in the present embodiment, since the capillary force of the filter210that is arranged below the liquid absorber299is larger than the capillary force of the liquid absorber299, ink is likely to be retained in the filter210. As a result, the air inside the liquid absorber299is unlikely to enter the bubble trap chamber212. Also, because the filter210can collect ink, the ink can be suppressed from remaining in the liquid absorber299. Note that, in the other embodiments, the capillary force of the filter210may be smaller than the capillary force of the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299.

(2-3) In the present embodiment, the level difference portion227that protrudes downward is formed in the ceiling surface226of the liquid containing chamber200. Therefore, the capillary force of the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299can be easily increased.

(2-4) In the present embodiment, the maximum width W1(FIG. 15) of the level difference portion227in the transverse direction of the filter210is larger than the maximum width W2(FIG. 10) of the filter210in the transverse direction of the filter210. Therefore, the capillary force of the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299can be favorably increased.

(3-1) In the present embodiment, the absorber chamber223in which the liquid absorber299is arranged and the air chamber224in which the liquid absorber299is not arranged are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, in the liquid containing chamber200, and a side face of the liquid absorber299comes into contact with the air inside the air chamber224. Therefore, the ink that has leaked out from the liquid absorber299, due to a change in the temperature or internal pressure, a change in the orientation of the cartridge10, or the like, enters the air chamber224adjacent to the liquid absorber299, and the ink that has entered the air chamber224is again absorbed by the liquid absorber299. Also, in the present embodiment, since the connection port41that connects the air chamber224and the atmosphere communication passage40is provided in an upper portion of the air chamber224, the likelihood of the ink that has leaked out to the air chamber224from the liquid absorber299leaking outside the cartridge10can be reduced. Therefore, according to the cartridge20in the present embodiment, a cartridge can be provided in which ink is unlikely to leak out, and ink can be supplied to the liquid ejection device50without waste.

(3-2) In the present embodiment, the connection port41that is in communication with the atmosphere is provided at the leading end of the tube42that protrudes downward from the ceiling surface226of the air chamber224, and as a result, even if the orientation of the cartridge10is changed in a state in which ink exists in the air chamber224, the ink is unlikely to enter the atmosphere communication passage40. Therefore, ink can be suppressed from leaking to the outside.

(3-3) In the present embodiment, the atmosphere communication port44that is a connection port between the atmosphere communication passage40and the atmosphere is provided in the bottom face201of the case21, and the atmosphere communication passage40extends from the upper face202side of the case21to the bottom face201side. Therefore, even if the cartridge20is turned upside down, because the atmosphere communication port44faces upward, ink is unlikely to leak outside of the cartridge10.

(3-4) In the present embodiment, since the meandering flow passage43that is a part of the atmosphere communication passage40exerts a capillary force on ink, even if the ink enters the meandering flow passage43, the ink is unlikely to leak outside. Also, even if the ink has entered the meandering flow passage43, because the air flows into the meandering flow passage43from the atmosphere communication passage40as the ink inside the liquid containing chamber200is consumed, it is possible for the ink inside the meandering flow passage43to again return to the liquid containing chamber200via the air chamber224.

(3-5) In the present embodiment, the protruding wall46that protrudes downward is provided in the upper face202of the case21so as to be arranged between the absorber chamber223and the connection port41. Therefore, even if the cartridge20is turned upside down, ink can be suppressed from flowing from the absorber chamber223side to the connection port41side. Also, since the protruding wall46is provided between the absorber chamber223and the connection port41, the liquid absorber299can be suppressed from moving to the air chamber224side over the protruding wall46. Also, in the present embodiment, since the liquid absorber299comes into contact with the protruding wall46, even if the cartridge20is turned upside down, the ink accumulated in the vicinity of the lid member207can be returned to the liquid absorber299from the contact portion between the liquid absorber299and the protruding wall46.

(4-1) According to the present embodiment, since the liquid guidance passage231that guides ink to the liquid supply unit280is provided in the bubble trap chamber212, the ink inside the bubble trap chamber212can easily flow to the liquid supply unit280via the liquid guidance passage231. Therefore, even if bubbles exist in the bubble trap chamber212, the flow of ink being hampered by the bubbles can be suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of an ink discharge failure can be suppressed.

(4-2) In the present embodiment, a plurality of liquid guidance passages231are provided in the bubble trap chamber212. Therefore, ink can be allowed to favorably flow to the liquid supply unit280inside the bubble trap chamber212.

(4-3) In the present embodiment, the plurality of liquid guidance passages231include the first liquid guidance passage232that is formed in the side face of the bubble trap chamber212so as to extend downward from the upper portion. Therefore, ink can be allowed to favorably flow from the liquid containing chamber200to the bubble trap chamber212.

(4-4) In the present embodiment, the plurality of liquid guidance passages231include the second liquid guidance passage233formed so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the bubble trap chamber212toward the liquid supply unit280. Therefore, the ink inside the bubble trap chamber212can be allowed to favorably flow to the liquid supply unit280.

(4-5) In the present embodiment, the second liquid guidance passage233is formed as a groove, and the cross-sectional area of the flow passage increases toward the liquid supply unit280. Therefore, the flow passage resistance of the second liquid guidance passage233can be reduced, and ink is allowed to favorably flow to the liquid supply unit280.

(4-6) In the present embodiment, the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212is inclined such that the height thereof decreases toward the liquid supply unit280. Therefore, the ink inside the bubble trap chamber212is allowed to favorably flow to the liquid supply unit280.

(4-7) In the present embodiment, the liquid guidance passage231can be configured by a groove or ribs. Therefore, the liquid guidance passage231can be formed with a simple structure.

(4-8) In the present embodiment, in at least a portion of the peripheral portion of the filter210, the distance between the filter210and the bottom face213of the bubble trap chamber212is smaller than the distance between any other portion of the filter210and the bottom face213. Therefore, bubbles are not likely to enter the portion whose distance between the filter210and the bottom face213is small, from any other portion of the bubble trap chamber212. As a result, in the portion whose distance between the filter210and the bottom face213is small, ink can be allowed to favorably flow from the filter210to the inside of the bubble trap chamber212.

(4-9) In the present embodiment, the inside of the valve chamber294that constitutes the liquid supply unit280is in communication with the bubble trap chamber212in an upper and side portions. Therefore, bubbles inside the valve chamber294can enter the inside of the bubble trap chamber212. As a result, the likelihood that bubbles will be discharged from the liquid supply unit280can be reduced.

(4-10) In the present embodiment, the bubble trap chamber212is divided into the plurality of spaces A3and A4by the valve chamber294, and the plurality of spaces A3and A4are in communication via the gap G between the upper face293of the valve chamber294and the filter210. Therefore, the space in which bubbles can exist is increased inside the bubble trap chamber212. As a result, the likelihood that bubbles will be discharged from the liquid supply unit can be reduced.

(5-1) According to the present embodiment, ink can be concentrated in the bottom face portion298of the liquid absorber299and the filter210that is arranged below the liquid absorber299, and as a result, ink can be smoothly supplied from the liquid containing chamber200side to the bubble trap chamber212that is arranged below the liquid containing chamber200. Also, since the liquid guidance passage231is provided inside the bubble trap chamber212, even if bubbles exist inside the bubble trap chamber212, ink can flow smoothly inside the bubble trap chamber212. Therefore, the cartridge20that can be applied to a liquid ejection device in which ink is ejected at high speed can be provided.

(5-2) The cartridge20of the present embodiment includes the valve mechanism284constituted by the valve body286and the biasing member285in the liquid supply unit280so as to be able to receive the liquid supply needle640. Therefore, in a state in which the cartridge20is not in use, ink inside the liquid containing chamber200can be effectively suppressed from leaking out from the liquid supply unit280not only by the film FM but also by the valve mechanism284.

B. Second Embodiment

FIG. 22is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge20bin a second embodiment.FIG. 23is a perspective view of the cartridge20bshown inFIG. 22. In the above-described first embodiment, the length of the filter210provided in the cartridge20is 50% or more of the length of the liquid absorber299in the Y direction. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the size of a filter210bis smaller than 50% of the length of the liquid absorber299. Also, a bubble trap chamber212bhas a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and liquid guidance passages231bare formed in inner faces of the bubble trap chamber212bon the +Y direction side and on the −Y direction side so as to extend in the vertical direction. According to this second embodiment as well, ink inside the bubble trap chamber212bis allowed to flow smoothly to the liquid supply unit280.

FIG. 24is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge20cin a third embodiment.FIG. 25is a perspective view of the cartridge20cshown inFIG. 24. In the above-described second embodiment, the length of the filter210bis smaller than 50% of the length of the liquid absorber299in the Y direction. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the length of a filter210cis 50% or more of the length of the liquid absorber299, similarly to the first embodiment. Note that, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, a bottom face213cof a bubble trap chamber212cis not inclined toward the liquid supply unit280, but is flat, and is oriented downward in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the liquid supply unit280. Also, in the present embodiment, a liquid guidance passage231cis formed in the horizontal direction in the bottom face213cof the bubble trap chamber212c, and is oriented downward in the vertical direction in the vicinity of the bubble trap chamber212c. According to this third embodiment as well, ink inside the bubble trap chamber212cis allowed to flow smoothly to the liquid supply unit280.

FIG. 26is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge20din a fourth embodiment.FIG. 27is a perspective view of the cartridge20dshown inFIG. 26. In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a bottom face213dof a bubble trap chamber212dis inclined toward the liquid supply unit280. However, unlike the first embodiment, the bottom face213dof the bubble trap chamber212ddoes not near a filter210din a peripheral portion of the filter210d, and is oriented in the vertical direction. Note that, a liquid guidance passage231dis formed in the vertical direction in a portion of the bottom face213dthat is oriented in the vertical direction, in the peripheral portion of the filter210d, and the liquid guidance passage231dis continuously formed in the inclined bottom face213das well so as to reach the liquid supply unit280. According to this third embodiment as well, ink inside the bubble trap chamber212dis allowed to flow smoothly to the liquid supply unit280.

FIG. 28is a cross-sectional view of a cartridge20ein a fifth embodiment. In the present embodiment, in an attached state of the cartridge20e, a filter210eis inclined relative to the horizontal direction (Y direction) indicated by the broken line. With this configuration, because bubbles inside a bubble trap chamber212emove upward along the inclined filter210e, the likelihood that bubbles will be discharged from the liquid supply unit280can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the filter210eis inclined such that the position of the end of the filter210eon a side farther from the liquid supply unit280is higher than that of the other end. Therefore, the position at which bubbles are accumulated can be set apart from the liquid supply unit280, and the likelihood that bubbles will be discharged from the liquid supply unit280can further be reduced.

F. Other Embodiments

(F1) In the above-described embodiments, the size of the filter210is smaller than the size of the bottom portion214of the liquid containing chamber200. In contrast, the entirety of the bottom portion of the liquid containing chamber200, or the entirety of the upper face of the bubble trap chamber212may be constituted by the filter210.

(F2) The configuration of the cartridge20is not limited to those described in the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted. For example, the cartridge20may at least include the liquid containing chamber200and the liquid supply unit280. Some of or all of the filter210, the bubble trap chamber212, the liquid absorber299, the absorber chamber223, the air chamber224, the connection port41, the tube42, the atmosphere communication passage40, the atmosphere communication port44, the meandering flow passage43, the recess45, the protrusion216, the protruding wall46, the level difference portion227, the liquid guidance passage231, the valve body286, the biasing member285, the valve chamber294, the positioning projection219, and the like can be omitted as appropriate, as long as the cartridge20can exhibit at least some of the effects of the above-described embodiments.

(F3) The invention can be applied to, not limited to a printer and its ink cartridge, any liquid ejection devices that consume a liquid other than ink and a cartridge to be used in these liquid ejection devices. For example, the invention can be applied to a cartridge to be used in the following various liquid ejection devices.

(1) Image recording apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus

(2) Color material ejection recording apparatuses used to manufacture color filters for image display apparatuses such as a liquid crystal display

(3) Electrode material ejection apparatuses used to form electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), or the like

(4) Liquid consuming apparatuses that eject liquid containing biological organic matter used to manufacture biochips

(5) Sample ejection apparatuses serving as precision pipettes

(8) Liquid consuming apparatuses that perform pinpoint ejection of lubricating oil to precision machines such as a watch and a camera

(9) Liquid consuming apparatuses that eject a transparent resin solution such as a UV-cured resin solution onto substrates in order to form micro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) or the like used in optical communication elements or the like

(10) Liquid consuming apparatuses that eject acid or alkaline etchant in order to etch substrates or the like

(11) Liquid consuming apparatuses that include liquid consumption heads for discharging a very small amount of any other kind of droplet.

Note that the “droplet” refers to a state of the liquid discharged from liquid ejection devices, and includes droplets having a granular shape, a tear-drop shape, and a shape with a thread-like trailing end. The “Liquid” mentioned here need only be a material that can be consumed by liquid ejection devices. For example, the “liquid” need only be a material in a state where a substance is in a liquid phase, and a liquid material having a high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, and other liquid materials such as inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, and liquid metal (metallic melt) are also included as a “liquid”. Furthermore, the “liquid” is not limited to being a single-state substance, and also includes particles of a functional material made from solid matter, such as pigment or metal particles, that are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, or the like. Representative examples of the liquid include ink such as that described in the above embodiment, liquid crystal, or the like. Here, the “ink” encompasses general water-based ink and oil-based ink, as well as various types of liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot melt ink.

The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be achieved by various configurations without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the technical features in the embodiments that correspond to the technical features in the aspects described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems described above, or in order to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. A technical feature that is not described as essential in the specification can be deleted as appropriate.