Patent Publication Number: US-9902159-B2

Title: Inkjet recording apparatus and ink container

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-169130 filed on Aug. 28, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an inkjet recording apparatus including an ink cartridge in which an ink container is disposed, and to the ink container. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Inkjet recording apparatuses that use ink such as aqueous ink are conventionally known. In many cases, a large-sized inkjet recording apparatus consumes a large amount of ink, and therefore, it requires replacement of an ink cartridge containing an ink container at a considerably high frequency. Because the ink cartridge is high in cost, replacement of the ink cartridge containing the ink container itself places a high cost burden on the user. In view of this problem, the configuration that requires only the replacement of the ink containers, not the replacement of the ink cartridge, has been proposed (see, for example, JP 2009-279876 A). With this configuration, once the ink is used up, the user may purchase another ink container only and fit the purchased ink container into the ink cartridge. This enables the user to reuse the ink cartridge. 
     However, it is not easy for the user to find a proper installation position of the ink container relative to the ink cartridge, so in some cases, misalignment of the ink container relative to the ink needle occurs. In order to solve the problem as described above, JP 2009-279876 A discloses an adapter to be fitted to an ink container cap (also referred to as “spout”) of the ink container. The adapter is configured to be attached to a supply port side of the ink container and fitted into a predetermined position in the ink cartridge. This facilitates the user&#39;s proper positioning of the ink supply port relative to the ink needle. 
     In the above-described conventional technology, however, the support surface of the ink cartridge that supports the ink container has a flat, planer shape. Therefore, it is difficult to move and concentrate the ink to the ink supply port in the ink container. As a consequence, the ink often remains at the four corners within the ink container. This means that the ink container is replaced even before the ink in the ink container is used up sufficiently. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an inkjet recording apparatus and an ink container that can use up ink within the ink container adequately. 
     An inkjet recording apparatus according to the present invention is an inkjet recording apparatus including an ink cartridge; an ink container disposed in the ink cartridge; wherein the ink container includes a main body including an ink, and a cap disposed at one end of the main body and extending partially in the main body; the ink cartridge includes a support holding the ink container and supporting a portion of the main body; and the support includes a central portion that is lower in height than a left portion and a right potion of the central portion with respect to a main scanning direction of the inkjet recording apparatus. 
     An inkjet recording apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention enables ink to easily gather at a center or approximate center of the main body from the left and right regions because the central portion of the support is lower in height than the left portion and the right portion. In other words, it is possible to gather or concentrate the ink, so to speak, at one point or area in the main body. This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body and allows the ink to flow out through the ink container cap adequately. As a result, it becomes possible to sufficiently use the ink in the main body. As a result, the cost of the ink is reduced. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support preferably has a circular or substantially circular arc shape, for example. 
     This structure enables the ink to more easily gather at the center or approximate center of the main body from the left and right regions of the main body. This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support includes a first support inclined downward from the left portion toward the central portion, and a second support inclined downward from the right portion toward the central portion. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment enables the ink to more easily gather and concentrate at the center of the main body from the left and right regions of the main body. This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main body includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and the inkjet recording apparatus further includes an adapter attachable to and detachable from the ink container and being installed to the ink cartridge with the adapter fitted to the main body, and the adapter has a flat plate shape, and includes a securing portion and an adhesive-bonding portion on the securing portion to secure the main body to the adapter. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment enables the lower surface of the main body to be secured to the securing portion of the adapter via the adhesive-bonding portion. This prevents the position of the ink container from being misaligned relative to the ink cartridge even if, for example, the ink cartridge is moved or dropped after the adapter having been attached to the ink container is installed to the ink cartridge. As a result, the ink is prevented from scattering in the main body, which results from the misalignment. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the securing portion is positioned between a longitudinal center of the main body and the end portion of the main body on which the ink container cap is provided, with the adapter being attached to the main body. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment enables a portion of the lower surface of the main body that is located between the center of the ink container with respect to the longitudinal direction and the end portion of the main body on which the ink container cap is provided to be secured to the securing portion of the adapter via the adhesive-bonding portion. This makes it possible to lower the height of a portion near the outlet of the main body and to prevent formation of puddles of unused ink. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the support includes a cut-out portion along an outer periphery of the securing portion, and the securing portion is disposed on the cut-out portion. 
     In the structure of this preferred embodiment, the circumferential wall of the cut-out portion blocks movement of the securing portion. Therefore, misalignment of the securing portion is prevented. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inkjet recording apparatus further includes a cartridge receiver accommodating the ink cartridge, and the cartridge receiver includes an ink tube joint and an inclined portion, the ink tube joint is connected to an ink tube and includes a flow passage connected to the ink tube, the ink tube joint includes a needle capable of piercing into the ink container cap to cause the ink in the main body to flow out, and the inclined portion is inclined downward toward the ink tube joint. 
     In the structure of this preferred embodiment, the ink cartridge is supported on the inclined portion so that the ink cartridge is inclined along the inclined portion. As a result, it becomes easy to gather and concentrate the ink in a region near the ink container cap in the main body that is disposed in the ink cartridge. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an ink tub to store the ink is provided below the ink tube joint. 
     In the structure of this preferred embodiment, the ink tub receives the ink that drips from the ink container and flows down along the inclined portion of the cartridge receiver when the needle of the ink tube joint is pulled out from the ink container cap which has been pierced by the needle, i.e., when the ink cartridge is removed together with the ink container. This prevents the ink from flowing down toward the main housing of the inkjet printer. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an ink absorber that absorbs the ink is provided in the ink tub. 
     The structures of this preferred embodiment enables the ink in the ink tub to be absorbed by the ink absorber. As a result, the ink storage capacity of the ink tub is increased. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inkjet recording apparatus further includes a pivot shaft, a sensor lever secured to the pivot shaft and pivotable about an axis of the pivot shaft to come into contact with an upper surface portion of the main body that is located frontward relative to a portion of the cap, a detection lever secured to the pivot shaft and pivoting about the axis of the pivot shaft in association with pivoting of the sensor lever, a photosensor detecting a position of a tip of the detection lever, by emitting light toward the tip of the detection lever and receiving light reflected from the tip of the detection lever, and a remaining ink amount detector that detects a remaining amount of the ink in the main body according to a voltage output by the photosensor. 
     In the structure of this preferred embodiment, the sensor lever that is in contact with the main body pivots as the remaining amount of the ink in the main body decreases. When the sensor lever pivots, the detection lever accordingly pivots, so that the position of the tip of the detection lever changes. By detecting the position of the tip of the detection lever with the photosensor, the amount of the ink remaining in the main body is able to be detected easily. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inkjet recording apparatus further includes a pivot shaft, a sensor lever secured to the pivot shaft and pivotable about an axis of the pivot shaft to come into contact with an upper surface portion of the main body that is located frontward relative to a portion of the cap, a detection lever secured to the pivot shaft and pivoting about the axis of the pivot shaft in association with pivoting of the sensor lever, a metal piece in contact with a tip of the detection lever, a strain gauge provided on the metal piece and outputting a voltage corresponding to a strain of the metal piece caused by a force imparted by the detection lever, and a remaining ink amount detector detecting a remaining amount of the ink in the main body according to the voltage output by the strain gauge. 
     In the structure of this preferred embodiment, the sensor lever that is in contact with the main body pivots as the remaining amount of the ink in the main body decreases. When the sensor lever pivots, the detection lever accordingly pivots, causing the metal piece to deform and producing strain in the metal piece. Such a structure makes it possible to easily detect the amount of the ink remaining in the main body according to the strain of the metal piece. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge receiver includes a left wall connected to a left end of the inclined portion, a right wall connected to a right end of the inclined portion, and a top surface connected to an upper end of the left wall and an upper end of the right wall, the inclined portion, the left wall, the right wall, and the top surface together define an opening through which the ink cartridge is to be inserted, the cartridge receiver further includes a cover pivotable between a first position to close the opening and a second position to open the opening, and when the ink cartridge is not disposed at a predetermined position in the cartridge receiver, a front end of the ink cartridge is disposed frontward relative to a rear surface of the cover at the first position. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment makes it possible to determine whether or not the cartridge has been placed at a predetermined position in the cartridge receptacle. That is, the operator is able to easily and accurately recognize that the ink cartridge is not placed at a predetermined position in the cartridge receiver when the cover cannot be closed because the rear surface of the cover makes contact with the front end of the ink cartridge. The operator may close the cover after placing the ink cartridge to a predetermined position in the cartridge receiver. 
     An ink container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an ink container for use in an inkjet recording apparatus and includes a main body including an ink, and an ink outlet at one end of the main body and extending partially in the main body, wherein the main body includes an ink-holding portion having a first width, and an ink outflow portion that receives the ink from the ink-holding portion and provides the ink to the ink outlet, the ink outflow portion has a second width that is less than the first width and progressively narrows from the ink-holding portion toward the ink outlet. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment enables a portion of the main body near the ink container cap to have an indented shape. This prevents formation of puddles of unused ink at the corners in the main body and makes it easy to gather and concentrate the ink at the ink outflow portion. In other words, it is possible to gather the ink to be collected and concentrate at one area or point in the main body. This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body and allows the ink to flow out through the ink container cap adequately. As a result, it becomes possible to sufficiently use the ink in the main body. 
     In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the main body includes an upper surface and a lower surface each preferably having a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape when viewed in plan, and the ink outflow portion is preferably formed by welding the upper surface and the lower surface together. 
     The structure of this preferred embodiment makes it possible to form the shape in which a portion of the main body that is near the ink container cap is depressed more easily by welding. 
     Various preferred embodiments of the present invention provide inkjet recording apparatuses and ink containers that use up the ink within the ink main body adequately. 
     The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating an inkjet printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating an inkjet printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with a cover being open. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view illustrating an ink container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that is provided with an adapter, and  FIG. 3B  is a perspective view illustrating an ink cartridge according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the ink container provided with the adapter is disposed. 
         FIG. 4-1  is a perspective view of an adapter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4-2  is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-II-IV-II in  FIG. 4-1 , illustrating an adapter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention that is fitted to an ink cartridge. 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view illustrating an ink container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view illustrating a contact point of a sensor lever on an ink container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating an inclined portion and an ink tub according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a detector that detects a remaining ink amount according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an illustrative view illustrating that a cover  6  does not close, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view illustrating an ink container according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a support of an ink cartridge according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of remaining ink amount detector according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinbelow, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An inkjet recording apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an inkjet printer  100  that performs printing on recording paper K as a recording medium. In the following description, the terms “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” respectively refer to left, right, up, and down as defined based on the perspective of the operator facing the inkjet printer  100 . A direction toward the operator relative to the inkjet printer  100  is defined as “frontward,” and a direction away from the operator relative to the inkjet printer  100  is defined as “rearward.” In  FIG. 1 , reference characters F (see  FIG. 2 ), Re (see  FIG. 2 ), L, R, U, and D refer to front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively. These directional terms are, however, merely provided for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the arrangements of the inkjet printer  100  according to the preferred embodiments in any way. An ink head  107  is capable of moving leftward and rightward, and the recording paper K is capable of being transferred frontward and rearward. Where a direction in which the ink head  107  moves and a direction in which the recording paper K is transferred are referred to as “main scanning direction Y” and “sub-scanning direction X” (see  FIG. 2 ), respectively, the main scanning direction Y corresponds to a lateral direction, i.e., a left-to-right/right-to-left direction, while the sub-scanning direction X corresponds to a longitudinal direction, i.e., a front-to-rear/rear-to-front direction. The main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. It should be noted, however, that the main scanning direction Y and the sub-scanning direction X are not particularly limited thereto, and may be set appropriately, for example, depending on the type of the inkjet printer  100 . The recording medium may be any other sheet-shaped recording medium, such as a resin sheet, for example. The recording medium is not limited to a flexible sheet-shaped medium, but may be a hard recording medium, such as a glass plate, for example. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the inkjet printer  100  includes a main housing  101 , sides  102 ,  103 , a platen  104 , legs  105 ,  106 , an ink head  107 , and cartridge receivers  108 ,  109  to respectively accommodate a plurality of later-described ink cartridges  1  (see  FIG. 2 ). The main housing  101  is a housing extending in a lateral direction. The platen  104  capable of supporting the recording paper K is provided in the main housing  101 . The side  102  of a housing is connected to a front left portion of the main housing  101 . The side  103  of a housing is connected to a front right portion of the main housing  101 . The legs  105  and  106  that support the main housing  101  are attached to a lower portion of the main housing  101 . The leg  106  is positioned rightward relative to the leg  105 . The ink head  107  is disposed in the main housing  101 . The cartridge receivers  108  and  109  are provided in an upper left portion of the main housing  101 . The cartridge receiver  109  is disposed to the right of the cartridge receiver  108  so as to be lined up with the cartridge receiver  108 . Although the two cartridge receivers  108  and  109  are provided in the present preferred embodiment, it is also possible to provide only one cartridge receiver, or three or more cartridge receivers. 
     In  FIG. 1 , a region in which the recording paper K is disposed (i.e., the printing area) that extends in a lateral direction is defined as a region R 1 , a region of the cartridge receiver  108  that extends in a lateral direction is defined as a region R 2 , and a region of the cartridge receiver  109  that extends in a lateral direction is defined as a region R 3 . A portion of the region R 2  overlaps the region R 1  with respect to the lateral direction of the inkjet printer  100 . The entirety of the region R 3  overlaps the region R 1  with respect to the lateral direction of the inkjet printer  100 . In other words, a portion of the region R 2  is positioned above the region R 1 , and the entirety of the region R 3  is positioned above the region R 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cartridge receiver  108  extends in a main scanning direction Y, i.e., in a lateral direction. The cartridge receiver  108  includes an inclined portion  2 , a left wall  3 , a right wall  4 , a top surface  5 , and a cover  6 . The configuration of the cartridge receiver  109  is preferably the same as that of the cartridge receiver  108 . For this reason, only the cartridge receiver  109  will be described in detail below. The inclined portion  2  supports an ink cartridge  1  that holds an ink container  110  including ink. The ink container  110  includes an ink with a color such as yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), black (K), or other colors. The inclined portion  2  is inclined downward toward the rear. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal surface HS of the inclined portion  2  preferably is, for example, about 5 degrees. Thus, the ink cartridge  1  supported by the inclined portion  2  is inclined downward toward the rear. Returning to  FIG. 2 , the left wall  3  is connected to the left end of the inclined portion  2 . The right wall  4  is connected to the right end of the inclined portion  2 . The top surface  5  is connected to the upper end of the left wall  3  and the upper end of the right wall  4 . The inclined portion  2 , the left wall  3 , the right wall  4 , and the top surface  5  together define an opening  7  into which the ink cartridge  1  is able to be inserted from the front toward the rear.  FIG. 2  shows that the cartridge receiver  108  accommodates four ink cartridges  1 , for example. Thus, together with the cartridge receiver  109 , a total of eight ink cartridges  1  are preferably accommodated in the inkjet printer  100  according to the present preferred embodiment, for example. However, the number of the ink cartridges  1  to be accommodated in the inkjet printer  101  is not limited thereto. 
     The cover  6  is allowed to open frontward by a hinge  8  connected to a lower portion of the cover  6 . Thus, the cover  6  is pivotable between a first position P 1 , at which it closes the opening  7 , and a second position P 2 , at which it opens the opening  7 . The cover  6  makes contact with an upper portion of the side  102  when it is at the second position P 2 . This restricts the cover  6  to the second position P 2  so as not to open any further. Here, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the position at which the ink cartridge  1  is disposed in a later-described cartridge receptacle  11  of the cartridge receiver  108  (see  FIG. 2 ) is defined as a position P 3 . On the other hand, the position at which the ink cartridge  1  is not disposed in the cartridge receptacle  11  is defined as a position P 4 . When the ink cartridge  1  is at the position P 4 , a front end  1   b  of the ink cartridge  1  is disposed frontward beyond a rear surface  6   a  of the cover  6  that is assumed to be at the first position P 1  (see  FIG. 2 ). Therefore, when the ink cartridge  1  is not disposed at the appropriate position P 3 , the rear surface  6   a  of the cover  6  makes contact with the front end  1   b  of the ink cartridge  1  when closing the cover  6 . As a consequence, the cover  6  does not close. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the cartridge receiver  108  (see  FIG. 2 ) is provided with the cartridge receptacle  11  that corresponds to the ink cartridge  1  to be accommodated therein. The ink cartridge  1  is disposed in a predetermined position in the cartridge receptacle  11 , such that it is accommodated in the cartridge receiver  108 . Thus, the ink cartridge  1  is disposed in the cartridge receiver  108  via the cartridge receptacle  11 . The cartridge receptacle  11  includes a lower surface  11   a , a left wall  11   b  connected to the left end of the lower surface  11   a , a right wall  11   c  connected to the right end of the lower surface  11   a , and a rear surface  11   d  connected to the rear end of the lower surface  11   a , the rear end of the left wall  11   b,  and the rear end of the right wall  11   c . With such a configuration, an opening  11   e  is provided in a front portion of the cartridge receptacle  11 , and an opening  11   f  is provided in an upper portion of the cartridge receptacle  11 . Each of the left wall  11   b  and the right wall  11   c  includes a groove  11   h  into which a later-described rib  12   a   1  of an adapter  12  is to be fitted when positioning the adapter  12  relative to the ink cartridge  1 . The ink cartridge  1  is inserted through the opening  11   e  of the cartridge receptacle  11 . When inserting the ink cartridge  1 , the lower surface  1   a  of the ink cartridge  1  slides over the lower surface  11   a  of the cartridge receptacle  11 . This allows the ink cartridge  1  to be inserted easily into the cartridge receptacle  11 . A needle  11   g  extending frontward and having a flow passage therein is provided at the center of the rear surface  11   d  of the cartridge receptacle  11 . 
     Here, an adapter to be fitted to the ink container  110  (see  FIG. 2 ) in accordance with the present preferred embodiment will be described below. Before the ink container  110  is placed in the ink cartridge  1 , the ink container  110  is fitted with an adapter  12  as shown in  FIG. 3A . Then, the ink container  110  fitted with the adapter  12  is placed at a predetermined position in the ink cartridge  1 . The adapter  12  is attachable to and detachable from the ink container  110 . More specifically, the adapter  12  is attachable to and detachable from a portion of the ink container  110  that is near an ink container cap  111  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4-1 , the adapter  12  includes a rear surface  12   a , an upper surface  12   b  connected to an upper end of the rear surface  12   a , a lower surface  12   c  connected to a lower end of the rear surface  12   a  and extending frontward relative to a front end of the upper surface  12   b , a left wall  12   d  connected to a left end of the upper surface  12   b , and a right wall  12   e  connected to a right end of the upper surface  12   b . A left portion and a right portion of the rear surface  12   a  have respective ribs  12   a   1  provided thereon. The left wall  12   d  includes a left protruding portion  12   d   1  spaced upward from a left portion of the lower surface  12   c  and protruding frontward. As a result, a gap  13  is provided between a lower end of the left protruding portion  12   d   1  and the left portion of the lower surface  12   c . Likewise, the right wall  12   e  includes a right protruding portion  12   e   1  spaced upward from a right portion of the lower surface  12   c  and protruding frontward. As a result, a gap  14  is provided between a lower end of the right protruding portion  12   e   1  and the right portion of the lower surface  12   c . A plurality of ribs  12   g , each preferably having a thin plate shape, are provided on the lower surface of the upper surface  12   b  so as to be arrayed in a lateral direction at regular or approximately regular intervals. As illustrated in  FIG. 4-2 , the length of each of the ribs  12   g  along the vertical direction is the same or substantially the same as that length of the left protruding portion  12   d   1  and the right protruding portion  12   e   1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4-1 , the length of each of the ribs  12   g  along the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of the left protruding portion  12   d   1  and the right protruding portion  12   e   1 . With the ink container cap  111  (see  FIG. 5 ) disposed at a predetermined position in the rear surface  12   a  of the adapter  12 , a rear portion of a later-described main body  112  is placed in the gap  13  and the gap  14 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 4-2 , a left portion in a rear portion of a later-described upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112  is inserted through the gap  13  without making contact with the left protruding portion  12   d   1 . A right portion in the rear portion of the upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112  is inserted through the gap  14  without making contact with the right protruding portion  12   e   1 . The upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112  is not in contact with the ribs  12   g . Such a configuration allows the rear portion of the main body  112  to be positioned relative to the adapter  12  without receiving a pressing force from the adapter  12 , i.e., in a free condition. Note that in  FIG. 4-2 , the arrangement condition of the upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112  is shown by the dash-dot-dot lines. 
     A circular hole  15  is provided in a left portion of the rear surface  12   a  of the adapter  12 , and a long hole  16  is provided in a right portion of the rear surface  12   a . A left portion and a right portion of the rear surface  11   d  of the cartridge receptacle  11  (see  FIG. 3B ) are provided with respective positioning pins extending frontward, which are not shown in the drawings. When placing the ink cartridge  1  (see  FIG. 3B ) containing the adapter  12  attached to the ink container  110  into the cartridge receptacle  11  (see  FIG. 3B ), which is provided in the cartridge receiver  108  (see  FIG. 2 ), one of the positioning pins is inserted in the hole  15 , and the other one of the positioning pins is inserted in the long hole  16 . With such a configuration, the ink cartridge  1  is allowed to be positioned properly relative to the cartridge receptacle  11 . In addition, a circular hole  17  is provided at the center of the rear surface  12   a  of the adapter  12 . When fitting the adapter  12  to the ink container  110  (see  FIG. 5 ), the ink container cap  111  (see  FIG. 5 ) is inserted into the hole  17 . In such a configuration, when placing the ink container  110  from which a portion of the ink container cap  111  protrudes outward through the hole  17  of the adapter  12  into the ink cartridge  1  to install the ink cartridge  1  into the cartridge receptacle  11 , the needle  11   g  pierces into the ink container cap  111 . This enables the ink in the main body  112  to flow out of the main body  112  and flow into the flow passage within the needle  11   g.    
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4-1 , a securing portion  12   f  that is slidable in a longitudinal direction is provided at the center of the lower surface  12   c  of the adapter  12 . The securing portion  12   f  preferably has a flat plate shape. The securing portion  12   f  preferably is rectangular or substantially rectangular. The securing portion  12   f  is able to be positioned between the center of the ink container  110  with respect to its longitudinal direction D 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) and an end portion  112   a  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the ink container  110  on which the ink container cap  111  is provided, with the adapter  12  being attached to the ink container  110  (see  FIG. 5 ). The securing portion  12   f  is preferably provided with an adhesive-bonding portion  18 . In the present preferred embodiment, a double-sided tape, for example, may define the adhesive-bonding portion  18 . However, the adhesive-bonding portion  18  is not limited to the double-sided tape, but it is possible to use other types of adhesive materials or securing materials. When fitting the adapter  12  to the ink container  110  (see  FIG. 5 ), the securing portion  12   f  is positioned below the lower surface of the ink container  110 . Thus, when fitting the adapter  12  to the ink container  110 , the lower surface of the ink container  110  is secured to the securing portion  12   f  by the adhesive-bonding portion  18 . This allows the ink container  110  to be positioned properly relative to the adapter  12 . In addition, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , a cut-out portion  10   a  having a shape that matches the outer shape of the securing portion  12   f  of the adapter  12 , in other words, a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, is provided in a rear portion of a later-described support  10  of the ink cartridge  1 . When placing the adapter  12  that has been positioned properly relative to the ink container  110  into a predetermined position of the ink cartridge  1 , the securing portion  12   f  is placed into the cut-out portion  10   a.    
     Next, the ink cartridge  1  will be described below. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the ink cartridge  1  holds a portion of the main body  112  that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction of the main body  112 . The ink cartridge  1  holds the ink container  110  so that the longitudinal direction D 1  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the main body  112  is set along the sub-scanning direction X (see  FIG. 2 ) and that the ink container cap  111  (see  FIG. 5 ) faces rearward. The ink cartridge  1  includes a support  10  that orients the main body  112  in a horizontally laid state. The length of the support  10  along the longitudinal direction is preferably longer than the length of the support  10  along the lateral direction (i.e., the width). 
     The support  10  is structured such that a central portion  10 C of the support  10  with respect to the main scanning direction Y (see  FIG. 2 ) is lower in height than a left portion  10 L and a right portion  10 R of the support  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4-2 , the left portion  10 L of the support  10  is connected to a left plate  1   c  disposed on the left of the ink cartridge  1 , and the right portion  10 R of the support  10  is connected to a right plate  1   d  disposed on the right of the ink cartridge  1 . The support  10  preferably has a circular or substantially circular arc shape, for example. As illustrated in  FIGS. 3B and 4-2 , the support  10  includes a curved portion  10 BL between the left portion  10 L and the central portion  10 C, the curved portion  10 BL preferably having a curved shape such that its height becomes lower toward the central portion  10 C. The support  10  includes a curved portion  10 BR between the right portion  10 R and the central portion  10 C, the curved portion  10 BR preferably having a curved shape such that its height becomes lower toward the central portion  10 C. When the ink container  110  is placed on the support  10  having such a shape, the curved portion  10 BR and the curved portion  10 BL respectively support later-described welded regions WR 1  and WR 2  of the ink container  110 . As the remaining amount of the ink in the main body  112  gradually decreases, the ink tends to gather at the center of the main body  112  with respect to the lateral direction. The welded regions WR 1  and WR 2  of the ink container  110  will be described in detail later. Note that in  FIG. 4-2 , the ink container  110  is depicted by dash-dot-dot lines, and the ink cartridge  1  is also depicted by the cross-sectional view and dash-dot-dot lines, in order to facilitate understanding. 
     Next, the ink container  110  according to the present preferred embodiment will be described below. As illustrated in FIG.  5 , the ink container  110  includes the ink container cap  111  and the main body  112  including an ink. The ink container cap  111  is connected at the center or approximate center of one end portion  112   a  of the main body  112  with respect to the longitudinal direction D 1 . A portion of the ink container cap  111  is inserted in the main body  112 . The main body  112  is preferably has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. The main body  112  includes an upper surface  112   b  and a lower surface  112   c , each of which preferably has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape. 
     The main body  112  includes an ink-filled portion  113 , an ink outflow portion  114  connected to the ink-filled portion  113 , and an ink supply portion  115  connected to the ink outflow portion  114  therein. The ink-filled portion  113  preferably has a constant or substantially constant width. The ink outflow portion  114  preferably has a width progressively narrowing from the ink-filled portion  113 . The ink outflow portion  114  is positioned closer to the ink container cap  111  relative to the center of the main body  112  with respect to the longitudinal direction D 1 . A portion of the ink container cap  111  is inserted in the ink supply portion  115 . The ink supply portion  115  preferably has a constant or substantially constant width that is narrower than the width of the ink-filled portion  113 . The ink outflow portion  114  and the ink supply portion  115  preferably are formed by welding the upper surface  112   b  and the lower surface  112   c  of the main body  112  together, for example. As illustrated in FIG.  5 , the main body  112  is preferably provided with the two welded regions WR 1  and WR 2  indicated by hatched areas. Each of the welded regions WR 1  and WR 2  preferably has a trapezoidal shape when viewed in plan, for example. 
     Next, a non-limiting example of a method for detecting the remaining amount of ink in the main body  112  (see  FIG. 5 ) will be described below. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , a plate  11   b   1  protruding rightward is connected to the left wall  11   b  of the cartridge receptacle  11 . The plate  11   b   1  is provided with a sensor lever  20  to detect the remaining amount of ink in the main body  112 . In the following, the sensor lever  20  will be described. 
     The sensor lever  20  includes plate-shaped shaft supports  21  and  22  extending upward and spaced apart from each other on the plate  11   b   1 , a pivot shaft  23  connected to the shaft supports  21  and  22  and pivotable about the axis, and a sensor lever  24  secured to the pivot shaft  23  and pivotable about the axis of the pivot shaft  23 . The sensor lever  20  also includes a detection lever  25  secured to a rear end portion of the pivot shaft  23  and pivotable about the axis of the pivot shaft  23  in association with pivoting of the sensor lever  24 , and a metal piece  28  (see  FIG. 7 ) in contact with a tip of the detection lever  25  and elastically deformed by receiving a force from the detection lever  25 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the sensor lever  20  further includes a strain gauge  29  and a remaining ink amount detector  30 , which includes, for example, a microcomputer. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the sensor lever  24  extends obliquely rightward and downward. A tip  24   a  of the sensor lever  24  is disposed in contact with the upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112 . The tip  24   a  of the sensor lever  24  is in contact with a contact region SR shown in  FIG. 6 . The contact region SR is a portion of the upper surface  112   b  of the main body  112  that is located frontward relative to a front end  111   a  of the ink container cap  111  inserted in the main body  112 . More specifically, the contact region SR is a portion in the ink supply portion  115 , which is positioned rearward relative to the ink outflow portion  114 , that is located frontward relative to the front end  111   a  of the ink container cap  111 . In the main body  112 , the region near the front end  111   a  of the ink container cap is a region in which the ink remains just before the ink in the main body  112  is completely used. When the tip  24   a  of the sensor lever  24  is brought into contact with the portion near the front end  111   a  of the ink container cap  111 , it is possible to properly detect the amount of ink remaining in the main body  112  without being adversely affected by the bulge of the main body  112  caused by the front end  111   a . It should be noted that the tip  24   a  of the sensor lever  24  should be in contact with a portion of the upper surface  112   b  that is rearward relative to the boundary line L 1  between the ink outflow portion  114  and the ink supply portion  115  and also frontward relative to the front end  111   a  of the ink container cap  111 . 
     Like the sensor lever  24 , the detection lever  25  extends obliquely rightward and downward, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Here, a plate-shaped support  31  is secured to the rear surface  11   b  of the cartridge receptacle  11 . A pair of block-shaped holders  26  and  27  are provided on the support  31  so as to be spaced apart from each other. A metal piece  28  is clamped between the holder  26  and the holder  27 . The thickness of the metal piece  28  is such that it can be elastically deformed by receiving an external force. A tip  25   a  of the detection lever  25  is in contact with an upper surface of the metal piece  28 . The strain gauge  29  (see  FIG. 8 ) is disposed on a lower surface of the metal piece  28 . When the metal piece  28  is deformed by receiving a force from the tip  25   a  of the detection lever  25 , the strain gauge  29  outputs a voltage corresponding to the strain produced in the metal piece  28 . The remaining ink amount detector  30  detects the remaining amount of the ink in the main body  112  (see  FIG. 6 ) according to the voltage output by the strain gauge  29 . 
     In such a configuration, in the initial state, the tip  24   a  of the sensor lever  24  (see  FIG. 3B ) is in contact with the contact region SR (see  FIG. 6 ), and the tip of the detection lever  25  is in contact with the upper surface of the metal piece  28  to such a degree that the metal piece  28  does not bend. Then, as the remaining amount of the ink in the main body  112  decreases, the sensor lever  24  pivots while maintaining the contact with the main body  112 . This causes the detection lever  25  to also pivot in association with the pivoting of the sensor lever  24 . As a result, the tip  25   a  of the detection lever  25  causes the metal piece  28  to bend downward. The strain gauge  29  (see  FIG. 8 ) outputs a voltage corresponding to the strain amount of the metal piece  28  that has been bent downward. Thus, the remaining ink amount detector  30  detects the remaining ink amount according to the output voltage. 
     Then, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , an ink tube joint  40  is provided in the cartridge receiver  108  (see  FIG. 2 ). More specifically, the ink tube joint  40  is provided on the rear surface  11   d  of the cartridge receptacle  11  disposed in the cartridge receiver  108 . A rear portion of the ink tube joint  40  is connected to an ink tube  41  connected to the ink head  107  (see  FIG. 1 ). Note that  FIG. 7  depicts only a portion of the ink tube  41 . A front portion of the ink tube joint  40  is provided with the needle  11   g  (see  FIG. 3B ). As described previously, the flow passage in communication with the ink tube  41  is inside the needle  11   g . When the ink cartridge  1  (see  FIG. 3B ) holding the ink container  110  (see  FIG. 5 ) is inserted into the cartridge receptacle  11 , the needle  11   g  pierces into the main body  112  through the ink container cap  111  (see  FIG. 5 ). This causes the ink in the main body  112  to flow into the ink tube  41  through the flow passage of the needle  11 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , an ink tub  42  is provided below the ink tube joint  40 . The ink tub  42  is disposed rearward relative to the cartridge receptacle  11 . It is also possible that a portion of the ink tub  42  may overlap a portion of the cartridge receptacle  11  along the longitudinal direction. 
     The ink tub  42  opens upwardly. The ink tub  42  receives and stores the ink that leaks downward from, for example, the connecting portion between the ink tube joint  40  and the ink tub  41 . The ink tub  42  extends in a lateral direction. The ink tub  42  has the same or approximately the same length as the length of the main housing  101  along the lateral direction. 
     An ink absorber  43  to absorb the ink is provided in the ink tub  42 . The ink absorber  43  may be, for example, a sponge. The ink absorber  43  is disposed on a bottom portion of the ink tub  42 . The ink absorber  43  extends in a lateral direction. The ink absorber  43  has the same or approximately the same length as the inner dimension of the ink tub  42  along the lateral direction. It is also possible to prepare a plurality of ink absorbers  43  with a shorter length and provide the plurality of ink absorbers  43  in the ink tub  42  so as to be spaced apart from each other. When the ink absorber  43  sufficiently absorbs the ink stored in the ink tub  42 , the ink absorber  43  may be replaced. Alternatively, the ink absorber  43  may be used repeatedly by removing the absorbed ink therefrom. 
     As thus far described, the present preferred embodiment enables the ink to gather at the center of the main body  112  easily from the left and right regions in the main body  112  because the central portion  10 C of the support  10  for supporting the ink container  110  is lower in height than the left portion  10 L and the right portion  10 R. In other words, it is possible to gather the ink, so to speak, such that the ink is collected at one point in the main body  112 . This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body  112  and allows the ink to flow out through the ink container cap  111  adequately. Therefore, it becomes possible to use up the ink in the main body  112  adequately. As a result, the cost of the ink is able to be reduced. 
     In addition, the present preferred embodiment enables the ink to gather at the center of the main body  112  more easily from the left and right regions in the main body  112 . This inhibits a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body  112 . 
     Moreover, the present preferred embodiment enables the lower surface  112   c  of the main body  112  to be secured to the securing portion  12   f  of the adapter  12  via the adhesive-bonding portion  18 . This prevents the position of the ink container  110  from being misaligned relative to the ink cartridge  1  even if, for example, the ink cartridge  1  is moved or dropped after the adapter  12  fitted to the ink container  110  has been installed to the ink cartridge  1 . As a result, the ink is prevented from scattering in the main body  112 , which results from the misalignment. 
     Moreover, the present preferred embodiment enables a portion of the lower surface  112   c  of the main body  112  that is between the center of the ink container  110  with respect to the longitudinal direction D 1  and the end portion  112   a  on which the ink container cap  111  is provided to be secured to the securing portion  12   f  of the adapter  12  via the adhesive-bonding portion  18 . This makes it possible to lower the height of a portion near the outlet of the main body  112 . As a result, it is possible to prevent formation of ink puddles of unused ink in the main body  112 . 
     Furthermore, in the present preferred embodiment, the securing portion  12   f  of the adapter  12  is disposed on the cut-out portion  10   a . Thus, the circumferential wall of the cut-out portion  10   a  blocks movement of the securing portion  12   f . Therefore, misalignment of the securing portion  12   f  is prevented. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the ink cartridge  1  is preferably supported on the inclined portion  2 , so that the ink cartridge  1  is inclined downward toward the ink tube joint  40 . This allows the ink in the main body  112  to gather in a region near the ink container cap  111  easily. 
     In the present preferred embodiment, the ink tub  42  receives the ink that drips from the ink container  110  and flows down along the inclined portion  2  of the cartridge receiver  108  when the needle  11   g  of the ink tube joint  40  is pulled out from the ink container cap  111  that has been pierced by the needle  11   g , i.e., when the ink cartridge  1  is removed together with the ink container  110 . This prevents the ink from flowing down toward the main housing of the inkjet printer  100 . 
     In addition, in the present preferred embodiment, the ink absorber  43  is preferably provided in the ink tub  42 . This enables the ink in the ink tub  42  to be absorbed by the ink absorber  43 . As a result, the ink storage capacity of the ink tub  42  is increased. 
     Furthermore, in the present preferred embodiment, the sensor lever  24  that is in contact with the main body  112  pivots as the remaining amount of the ink in the main body  112  decreases. When the sensor lever  24  pivots, the detection lever  25  accordingly pivots, causing the metal piece  28  to deform and producing strain in the metal piece  28 . Such a configuration makes it possible to easily detect the amount of the ink remaining in the main body  112  according to the strain of the metal piece  28 . 
     In the present preferred embodiment, when the ink cartridge  1  is not disposed at a predetermined position in the cartridge receptacle  11  of the cartridge receiver  108 , the rear surface  6   a  of the cover  6  makes contact with the front end  1   b  of the ink cartridge  1 , thus preventing the cover  6  from closing. This enables the operator to recognize misalignment of the ink cartridge  1  easily. 
     The present preferred embodiment enables a portion of the main body  112  near the ink container cap  111  to have an indented shape. This prevents formation of ink puddles of unused ink at the corners in the main body  112  and makes it easy to gather the ink of the ink-filled portion  113  at the ink outflow portion  114 . In other words, it is possible to gather the ink such that the ink is concentrated at one point in the main body  112 . This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body  112  and allows the ink to flow out through the ink container cap  111  adequately. As a result, it becomes possible to sufficiently use the ink in the main body  112 . 
     The present preferred embodiment enables a portion of the main body  112  near the ink container cap  111  to have an indented shape easily by welding the upper surface  112   b  and the lower surface  112   c  of the main body  112 . 
     Hereinabove, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described. It should be noted, however, that the foregoing preferred embodiments are merely exemplary, and the present invention may be embodied in various other forms or preferred embodiments, for example, such as described below. 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiment, the ink outflow portion  114  having a width progressively narrowing from the ink-filled portion  113  is preferably formed by forming the welded regions WR 1  and WR 2  by welding the upper surface  112   b  and the lower surface  112   c  of the main body  112  together, but the ink outflow portion  114  is not limited thereto. It is also possible to provide an ink container  110   a  in which the ink outflow portion  114  having a trapezoidal or substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed in plan has been provided in advance, as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiment, the support  10  of the ink cartridge  1  preferably has a circular or substantially circular arc shape, but the support  10  is not limited thereto. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , it is possible to provide a support  50  including a first support  51  inclined downward from the left portion toward the central portion in cross section, and a second support inclined downward from the right portion toward the central portion in cross section. Providing such a support  50  allows the ink to gather at the center of the main body  112  from the left and right regions in the main body  112  more easily. This prevents a large amount of ink from remaining in the main body  112 . 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiments, the amount of the ink remaining in the main body  112  is detected preferably using the strain gauge  29 , but this is merely illustrative. It is also possible to use a photosensor  29   a  (see  FIG. 12 ) that detects the position of the tip of the detection lever  25  by emitting light toward the tip of the detection lever  25  and receiving light reflected from the tip of the detecting lever  25 . The photosensor  29   a  may be fixed between the holders  26  and  27 . In that case, the remaining amount of the ink in the main body  112  is detected by, for example, a remaining ink amount detector  30   a  (see also  FIG. 12 ) preferably including a microcomputer, according to the voltage output by the photosensor  29 . This makes it possible to detect the amount of the ink remaining in the main body  112  easily according to the position of the tip of the detection lever  25 . 
     Alternatively, it is possible to provide a structure in which the first support  51  has a stepped shape and the second support  52  also has a stepped shape. 
     Furthermore, when the ink cartridge  1  is not disposed at the predetermined position P 3  in the cartridge receptacle  11 , the operator maybe notified, for example, by lighting an indicator light that the positioning of the ink cartridge  1  relative to the cartridge receptacle  11  is inappropriate. 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiments, the inclined portion  2  of the cartridge receiver  108  preferably is a fixed type, in which it is inclined at a predetermined angle and fixed, but the inclined portion  2  is not limited thereto. It is also possible to provide a variable-type configuration in which the inclination angle of the inclined portion  2  is able to be varied depending on the amount of the ink remaining in the main body  112 . 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiments, the amount of the ink remaining in the main body  112  is detected preferably using the sensor lever  24  and the detection lever  25 , but this is merely illustrative. For example, the remaining ink amount may be detected by, for example, an optical position sensor. 
     In the foregoing preferred embodiments, the left plate  1   c,  the right plate  1   d , and the lower surface  1   a  of the ink cartridge  1  as well as the support  10  are preferably separate elements, but they may be formed integrally with each other from plastic, for example. Likewise, the adapter  12  and the securing portion  12   f  are preferably separate elements in the foregoing preferred embodiments, but they may be formed integrally with each other from plastic, for example. 
     While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.