Patent Publication Number: US-7591548-B2

Title: Ink cartridge

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority benefit of Japanese Applications Nos. 2005-284652, filed on Sep. 29, 2005, and 2005-342686, filed Nov. 28, 2005, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   BACKGROUND 
   An ink cartridge stores ink to be supplied to an inkjet recording device (inkjet printer). The ink cartridge is provided with an ink storage chamber that stores ink and an ink supply port that supplies ink from the ink storage chamber to the inkjet printer. The ink supply port may also function as an insertion port for an ink extraction tube. When the ink cartridge is not mounted to the inkjet printer, the ink supply port is closed by a valve so that ink will not leak from the ink cartridge. 
   Mounting the ink cartridge to the inkjet printer is performed by pressing the ink cartridge toward the inkjet printer. In the inkjet printer, a hollow ink extraction tube is protrudingly arranged. When the ink cartridge is mounted to the inkjet printer, the ink extraction tube engages the valve that closes the ink supply port of the ink cartridge, and the ink supply port is opened. By opening the ink supply port, the ink storage chamber and the ink extraction tube are permitted to communicate with each other, and ink is supplied to the inkjet printer via the ink extraction tube. 
   JP-A-2005-22198 discloses an ink cartridge including an ink supply port having a valve that is urged into a closed position by a coil spring. The ink supply port is opened when the ink cartridge is mounted to an inkjet printer and an ink extraction tube opens the valve by acting against an urging force of the coil spring. When the valve is opened by the ink extraction needle, the ink supply port can supply ink through the ink extraction needle to the inkjet printer. 
   JP-A-2005-103866 discloses an ink cartridge including a valve element that does not employ a coil spring. The valve element is constructed so as to be slightly deformed by insertion of an ink extraction tube. The slight deformation opens an ink supply port and permits the supply of ink. 
   However, in the ink cartridges disclosed in JP-A-2005-22198 and JP-A-2005-103866, the respective ink flow paths have round cross sectional shapes. Thus, if air is present in the respective ink flow paths, the ink flow paths can be easily blocked by that air. Air is generally present in spherical bubbles within an ink flow path, so if the cross sectional shape of the ink flow path is round, the ink flow path can be easily closed by the bubbles. In particular, the smaller the ink flow path diameter in a valve body of an ink cartridge, the easier it is for ink flow path blockage to be caused by air. Obstructions to an ink flow path lead to problems with the supply of ink to an inkjet printer. 
   SUMMARY 
   Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention address the above-mentioned problems with existing ink cartridges. An object of various exemplary embodiments of this invention is to provide an ink cartridge that can provide a stable supply of ink to a recording head of an inkjet printer by preventing obstructions in an ink flow path. 
   In various exemplary embodiments, an ink cartridge includes: a cartridge case enclosing an ink chamber; and a path extending from the ink chamber to an exterior of the ink cartridge. In various exemplary embodiments, the path varies in diameter at different locations along the path; a first diameter of the path in one or more narrow sections is smaller than diameters in all other sections of the path; and the path has a polygonal cross sectional shape in at least one of the narrow sections. 
   These and other optional features and possible advantages of various aspects of this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2(   a ) is a front view of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2(   b ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2(   c ) is a front view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3(   a ) is a front/rear view of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3(   c ) is a top view of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3(   d ) is a bottom view of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the case shown in  FIG. 3(   d ); 
       FIG. 5(   a ) is a front/rear view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5(   c ) is a top view showing of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5(   d ) is a bottom view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6(   a ) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in  FIG. 5(   c ); 
       FIG. 6(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in  FIG. 5(   c ); 
       FIG. 7(   a ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7(   b ) is a rear view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8(   a ) is a left side view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8(   b ) is a right side view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8(   c ) is a top view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8(   d ) is a bottom view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention emphasizing ribs of the frame; 
       FIG. 10  is a front view of a disassembled frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a front view of a disassembled ink supply valve mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12(   a ) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12(   b ) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12(   c ) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member shown in  FIG. 12(   b ); 
       FIG. 13(   a ) is a front/rear view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13(   c ) is a top view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13(   d ) is a bottom view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member shown in  FIG. 13(   c ); 
       FIG. 14(   a ) is a side view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14(   b ) is a top view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14(   c ) is a bottom view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the first spring member shown in  FIG. 14(   b ); 
       FIG. 15(   a ) is a front/rear view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15(   c ) is a top view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15(   d ) is a bottom view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 15(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the slider member shown in  FIG. 15(   c ); 
       FIG. 16(   a ) is a side view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 16(   b ) is a top view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 16(   c ) is a bottom view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 16(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the support member shown in  FIG. 16(   b ); 
       FIG. 17(   a ) is a side view of a check valve of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 17(   b ) is a top/bottom view of a check valve of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 17(   c ) is a cross sectional view of the check valve shown in  FIG. 17(   b ); 
       FIG. 18(   a ) is a side view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 18(   b ) is a top view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 18(   c ) is a bottom view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 18(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the cover member shown in  FIG. 18(   b ); 
       FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIGS. 20(   a )- 20 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing manufacture of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 21  is an enlargement of the cross sectional view shown in  FIG. 20(   c ) at the location emphasized by the arrow C; 
       FIGS. 22(   a )- 22 ( c ) are sequential front views showing manufacture of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 23(   a )- 23 ( c ) are sequential front views showing manufacture of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 24(   a ) and  24 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing welding of a case and a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 25(   a )- 25 ( c ) are sequential cross sectional views showing mounting of an ink insertion plug of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 26(   a ) and  26 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing mounting of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention in an inkjet printer; 
       FIGS. 27(   a )- 27 ( c ) are sequential cross sectional views showing operation of a valve mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 28(   a ) and  28 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing operation of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention upon insertion of an ink extraction tube; 
       FIG. 29  is a graph showing a tactile feeling when an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention is mounted to an inkjet printer; 
       FIG. 30  is a graph showing a relationship between a configuration of a frame inclined surface and a remaining ink amount and a relationship between the configuration of the frame inclined surface and storage capacity in an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 32(   a ) and  32 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 33(   a ) and  33 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 34  is a cross sectional view of part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 35(   a ) and  35 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 36(   a ) and  36 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 37(   a ) and  37 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 38(   a ) is a side view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 38(   b ) is a top view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 38(   c ) is a bottom view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 38(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member shown in  FIG. 38(   b ); 
       FIGS. 39(   a ) and  39 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 40(   a ) and  40 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 41(   a ) and  41 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 42(   a ) and  42 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing insertion of an ink supply tube into part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 43  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 44  is a schematic cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 45  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 46(   a )- 46 ( b ) are sequential side views showing mounting of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention to a mounting portion of an inkjet printer; 
       FIG. 47(   a ) and  47 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing detection of an empty state of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 48(   a ) and  48 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing detection of an empty state of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 49(   a ) and  49 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing detection of an empty state of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIGS. 50(   a ) and  50 ( b ) are sequential cross sectional views showing welding of a case and a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 51  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 52  is a cross sectional view of part of an ink supply portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 53(   a ) is a top view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 53(   b ) is a top view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 53(   c ) is a top view of a sheet member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 54  is a cross sectional view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 55  is a cross sectional view of a valve mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 56  is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 57  is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention in a disassembled state; 
       FIG. 58(   a ) is a top view of a cap of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 58(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the cap shown in  FIG. 58(   a ); 
       FIG. 59  is a front view of a disassembled frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 60(   a ) is a front/rear view of a disassembled ink supply valve mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 60(   b ) is a front/rear view of a disassembled ink supply valve mechanism of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 61  ( a ) is a front/rear view of a supply valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 61(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a supply valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 61(   c ) is a top view of a supply valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 61(   d ) is a bottom view of a supply valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 61(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the supply valve jacket shown in  FIG. 61(   c ); 
       FIG. 62(   a ) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 62(   b ) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 62(   c ) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 62(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member shown in  FIG. 62(   b ); 
       FIG. 63(   a ) is a front/rear view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 63(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 63(   c ) is a top view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 63(   d ) is a bottom view of a valve member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 63(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member shown in  FIG. 63(   c ); 
       FIG. 64(   a ) is a side view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 64(   b ) is a top view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 64(   c ) is a bottom view of a first spring member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 64(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the first spring member shown in  FIG. 64(   b ); 
       FIG. 65(   a ) is a front/rear view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 65(   b ) is a left side/right side view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 65(   c ) is a top view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 65(   d ) is a bottom view of a slider member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 65(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the slider member shown in  FIG. 65(   c ); 
       FIG. 66(   a ) is a side view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 66(   b ) is a top view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 66(   c ) is a bottom view of a support member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 66(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the support member shown in  FIG. 66(   b ); 
       FIG. 67(   a ) is a side view of a check valve of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 67(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the check valve shown in  FIG. 67(   a ); 
       FIG. 67(   c ) is a top view of a check valve of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 67(   d ) is a bottom view of a check valve of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 68(   a ) is a side view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 68(   b ) is a top view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 68(   c ) is a bottom view of a cover member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 68(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the cover member shown in  FIG. 68(   b ); 
       FIG. 69(   a ) is a front/rear view of an intake valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 69(   b ) is a left side/right side view of an intake valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 69(   c ) is a top view of an intake valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 69(   d ) is a bottom view of an intake valve jacket of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 69(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the intake valve jacket shown in  FIG. 69(   c ); 
       FIG. 70(   a ) is a side view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 70(   b ) is a top view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 70(   c ) is a bottom view of a joint member of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 70(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member shown in  FIG. 70(   b ). 
       FIG. 71(   a ) is a front/rear view of a valve member/actuator of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 71(   b ) is a bottom view of a valve member/actuator of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 72  is a partial cross sectional view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 73(   a ) is a right side view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to application of a film; 
       FIG. 73(   b ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to application of a film; 
       FIG. 74(   a ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to installation of an ink supply valve mechanism and an air intake valve mechanism; 
       FIG. 74(   b ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to addition of ink to the frame; 
       FIG. 74(   c ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention after to addition of ink to the frame; 
       FIG. 75(   a ) is a perspective view of a frame and portions of a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to assembly; 
       FIG. 75(   b ) is a front view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 76(   a ) is a perspective view of a cap and a case of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention prior to assembly; 
       FIG. 76(   b ) is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention during packaging; 
       FIG. 77(   a ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention prior to mounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 77(   b ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention during mounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 77(   c ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention after mounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 78(   a ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention prior to dismounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 78(   b ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention during dismounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 78(   c ) is a cross sectional view of an exemplary ink cartridge and an exemplary inkjet printer according to the present invention after dismounting of the ink cartridge; 
       FIG. 79(   a ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 79(   b ) is a rear view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 80  is a partial cross sectional view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 81(   a ) is a rear view of an ink dispensing portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 81(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the ink dispensing portion shown in  FIG. 81(   a ); 
       FIG. 81(   c ) is a rear view of an ink dispensing portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 81(   d ) is a rear view of an ink dispensing portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 82(   a ) is a perspective view of an air intake portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 82(   b ) is a rear view of an air intake portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 82(   c ) is a front view of an air intake portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 83(   a ) is a rear view of an ink filling portion of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 83(   b ) is cross sectional view of the ink filling portion shown in  FIG. 83(   a ); 
       FIG. 84(   a ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention filled with ink; 
       FIG. 84(   b ) is a front view of a frame of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention emptied of ink; 
       FIG. 85(   a ) is a front view of an ink detection projection of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 85(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the ink detection projection shown in  FIG. 85(   a ); 
       FIG. 85(   c ) is a cross sectional view of the ink detection projection shown in  FIG. 85(   a ); 
       FIG. 86(   a ) is a side view of a detector of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 86(   b ) is an end view of a detector of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an ink cartridge  1  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2  is a front view of the ink cartridge  1  separated into parts.  FIG. 2(   a ) is a front view of a case  200 ,  FIG. 2(   b ) is a front view of a frame  100 , and  FIG. 2(   c ) is a front view of a cap  300 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the ink cartridge  1  is provided with: the case  200 , which is a casing body that substantially covers the frame  100  (see  FIG. 2 ); the frame  100 , which can store ink; and the cap  300 , which is a lid welded to the case  200 , and to which the frame  100  is mounted. The case  200  and the cap  300  form a casing of the ink cartridge  1 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), the case  200  is formed in a substantially square shape as seen from the front (a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 2(   a )). The case  200  opens at a case aperture portion  210  (see lower side of  FIG. 2(   a ),  FIG. 3(   d )). The surface opposite from the case aperture portion  210  (upper side of  FIG. 2(   a )) is a case ceiling wall  220 , and a case sidewall  230  is arranged between the case ceiling wall  220  and the case aperture portion  210 . The case sidewall  230  includes two pairs of sidewalls, each pair of sidewalls including two sidewalls that are substantially the same shape and opposite from each other. The two pairs of side walls form four surfaces of the case sidewall  230 . In exemplary embodiments, two of the sidewalls forming the case sidewall  230  have larger surface areas than the other sidewalls (the sidewalls opposing each other in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 2(   a )). A case curved portion  240  may be formed on one or both of the side walls having a greater surface area. The case curved portion  240  may be curved toward an outside of the case  200  (in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 2(   a )). This case curved portion  240  forms a space that stores the frame  100  in a state in which ink is filled, and also functions so as to improve the strength of the case  200 . 
   As shown in  FIG.2(   b ), the frame  100  is an ink storage body, and is provided with: a frame main body portion  110  forming a main body of the frame  100 ; an ink storage portion  120  that is formed in the center of the frame main body portion  110  and includes a chamber for storing ink; a substantially cylindrical ink insertion portion  130  through which ink is injected (filled) into the ink storage portion; a substantially cylindrical ink supply portion  140  through which ink in the ink storage portion  120  is supplied to an inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) ; and a frame restriction portion  150  that protrudes substantially parallel to the ink supply portion  140  and restricts movement of the frame  100  in a front-to-back direction (perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 2(   b )) when the frame  100  is mounted to the cap  300 .  FIG. 2(   b ) shows the frame  100  in a state in which a space for storing ink has not been formed. As discussed below, a film  1430  (see  FIG. 19)  may be welded to the frame main body portion  110  to form a space that becomes an ink storage chamber between the film  1430  and the ink storage portion  120 . A detailed explanation of various structures of the frame  100  is provided below. 
   As shown in  FIG.2(   c ), the cap  300  is provided with: a cap bottom wall  310  that forms a bottom surface of the ink cartridge  1 ; a cap sidewall  320  that extends from an outer edge of the cap bottom wall  310 ; and a cap through hole  330  (see  FIG. 5(   d )) that is formed at a position corresponding to the ink supply portion  140  of the frame  100 . On the cap sidewall  320 , at a location corresponding to the case curved portion  240  of the case  200 , a cap curved portion  340  is formed that is curved in an outward direction of the cap  300 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the cap  300  is welded to the case  200  so that the cap sidewall  320  surrounds part (end portion of the case aperture portion  210  side) of the case sidewall  230  of the case  200 . 
   The case  200  is described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 .  FIG. 3  shows views of six surfaces of the case.  FIG. 3(   a ) is a front/rear view of the case  200 ,  FIG. 3(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the case  200 ,  FIG. 3(   c ) is a top view of the case  200 , and  FIG. 3(   d ) is a bottom view of the case  200 .  FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the case  200  shown in  FIG. 3(   d ).  FIG. 3(   a ) is identical to  FIG. 2(   a ), so a detailed explanation of  FIG. 3(   a ) is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3(   b ), the case  200  is constructed so that a horizontal width of the case  200  (the width of the horizontal direction of  FIG. 3(   b )) becomes greater from the case ceiling wall  220  to the case aperture portion  210 . The horizontal width of the case curved portion  240 , on the other hand, is substantially constant. Furthermore, in the vertical direction of the case sidewall  230  (vertical direction of  FIG. 3(   b )), the case curved portion  240  is formed so that an upper end portion of the case sidewall  230  (end portion of the upper side of  FIG. 3(   b )) is formed to be spaced from the case aperture portion  210  by a predetermined distance. The upper end portion of the case sidewall  230  in which the case curved portion  240  is not formed is a case handle portion  250 , and can be used as a handle when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3(   c ), the case handle portion  250  is formed to be curved to the inside (vertical direction of  FIG. 3(   c )) of the case  200 . The curvature provides the case handle portion  250  with a shape that permits the case  200  to be easily held by a user. Additionally, when the case  200  is pressed into a mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) , by holding the case handle portion  250 , a user&#39;s hand will contact the case curved portion  240  thus preventing the case  200  from slipping from the user&#39;s hand. Therefore, compared to a case having a substantially rectangular-parallelepiped shape, ease of mounting the ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710  is improved. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3(   d ), a case protruding member  260  is formed in the case ceiling wall  220  so as to protrude into the case  200  toward the case aperture portion  210 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the case protruding member  260  protrudes into the case  200  for a distance corresponding substantially the height of the case handle portion  250 . When the frame  100  is stored within the case  200 , the case protruding member  260  presses a part of the ink insertion portion  130  of the frame  100  so that the frame  100  does not slide due to vibration, etc. A detailed explanation is provided below. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the case aperture portion  210  of the case  200  is provided with a first aperture end surface  211  that is positioned in an outer direction of the case  200 , and a second aperture end surface  212  that is positioned inside of the case  200 .from the first aperture end surface  211 . As shown in the enlarged inset in  FIG. 4 , the first and second aperture end surfaces  211  and  212  are formed in a stepped configuration so that a portion of the end surface of the case aperture portion  210  is recessed. When the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 , a cap protruding member  350  (see  FIG. 6 ) of the cap  300  contacts the step between the first and second aperture end surfaces  211  and  212 . Therefore, the cap protruding member  350  is positioned inside of the case  200  so the case  200  and the cap  300  can be prevented from shifting with respect to each other. 
   The cap  300  is described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  FIG. 5  shows views of six surfaces of the cap  300 .  FIG. 5(   a ) is a front/rear view of the cap  300 ,  FIG. 5(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the cap  300 ,  FIG. 5(   c ) is a top view showing an inner surface of the cap  300 , and  FIG. 5(   d ) is a bottom view of the cap  300 .  FIG. 6  shows cross sectional views of the cap  300 .  FIG. 6(   a ) is a cross sectional view of the cap  300  shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), and  FIG. 6(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the cap  300  shown in  FIG. 5(   c ). The broken lines in  FIGS. 6(   a ) and ( b ) are imaginary lines showing positions of the frame  100  and the case  200  when mounted to the cap  300 .  FIG. 5(   a ) is identical to  FIG. 2(   c ), so a detailed explanation of  FIG. 5(   a ) is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 5(   b ), in the cap  300 , the cap curved portions  340  are formed to be vertically symmetrical in a side surface view (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 5(   b )). Furthermore, the cap sidewall  320  is formed in a substantially perpendicular direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 5(   b )) with respect to the cap bottom wall  310 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), the cap protruding member  350  is formed at a predetermined distance from the cap sidewall  320  inside of the cap sidewall  320  within the cap  300 . As shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), the cap protruding member  350  is formed to be extremely short in the vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 6(   a )) of the cap sidewall  320 . When the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 , this cap protruding member  350  contacts the step formed by the first and second aperture end surfaces  211  and  212 , respectively, of the case aperture portion  210 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), inside of the cap protruding member  350  within the cap  300 , a substantially cylindrical cap joint portion  360  is contacted by the ink supply portion  140  of the frame  100  (left side of  FIG. 5(   c )), and a pair of cap restriction members  370  (right side of  FIG. 5(   c )) restricts movement of the frame  100  by contacting the frame restriction portion  150  of the frame  100  when the cap  300  is assembled with the case  200  and the frame  100 . 
   As seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 5(   c ), the cap joint portion  360  is formed in a substantially round shape. As shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), the cap joint portion  360  is formed in a cylindrical shape extending to substantially the same height as the cap sidewall  320 . The cap joint portion  360  includes a pair of cap guide grooves  361  in which a pair of frame loose insertion members  141  (see  FIG. 7)  of the ink supply portion  140  are loosely inserted. The cap guide grooves  361  are formed from the upper end surface (end surface of the upper side of  FIG. 6(   a )) of the cap joint portion  360  toward the cap bottom wall  310  (lower direction of  FIG. 6(   a )). The pair of cap guide grooves  361  is symmetrically arranged about an axis A (see  FIGS. 5(   c ) and  6 ( a )) of the cap joint portion  360 , and the depth of the pair of cap guide grooves  361  in an axis A direction is approximately half the height of the cap joint portion  360  in the axis A direction. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), in the cap joint portion  360 , a pair of cap joint holes  362  is formed, which contacts a pair of frame joint members  142  (see  FIG. 7)  of the ink supply portion  140  when the cap  300  is assembled with the case  200  and the frame  100 . The pair of cap joint holes  362  is symmetrically arranged about the axis A of the cap joint portion  360  and are arranged substantially perpendicular to a line connecting the pair of cap guide grooves  361 . The position of the pair of cap joint holes  362  in the axis A direction corresponds substantially to the position of the lower end portion of the pair of cap guide grooves  361 . 
   The pair of cap restriction members  370  includes a pair of flat plate-shaped members and protrudes from the inner side of the cap bottom wall  310 . The distance between the pair of cap restriction members  370  corresponds substantially to the diameter of the cap joint portion  360 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 6(   b ), the height of the pair of cap restriction members  370  in the axis A direction is approximately half the height of the cap sidewall  320 . If the height of the pair of cap restriction members  370  is too low, movement of the frame  100  cannot be prevented. On the contrary, if the height of the pair of cap restriction members  370  is too high, the cap restriction members  370  hinder the frame  100  from being mounted to the cap  300 . Forming the pair of cap restriction members  370  to a height approximately half the height of the cap sidewall  320  in the axis A direction restricts movement of the frame  100  and allows for effective mounting of the frame  100 . 
   Additionally, the pair of cap restriction members  370  restricts rotational movement of the frame  100  about the cap joint portion  360  when the frame  100  is mounted to the cap  300 . The greater the distance between the cap restriction members  370  and the cap joint portion  360 , the more accurately such rotational movement can be prevented. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), the cap joint portion  360  and the pair of cap restriction members  370  are formed on both sides (positions to the side and away from the center) of the cap  300 , so the movement of the frame  100  can be accurately restricted. Furthermore, it is possible to even more accurately restrict movement of the frame  100  by increasing the distance between the cap joint portion  360  and the pair of cap restriction members  370  (in the horizontal direction of  FIG. 5(   c )). In such an arrangement, a distance between the ink supply portion  140  and the frame restriction portion  150  of the frame  100  would also be increased. 
   As described above, as the cap  300  and the frame  100  are mounted, the ink supply portion  140  is guided by the pair of cap guide grooves  361  of the cap joint portion  360 . At the same time, movement is restricted by the pair of cap restriction members  370 , so positioning of the cap  300  with respect to the frame  100  is easily performed. Furthermore, the pair of frame joint members  142  of the ink supply portion  140  contacts the pair of cap joint holes  362  of the cap joint portion  360 , so the frame  100  and the cap  300  are connected; thus, the frame  100  and the cap  300  can be mounted in a simplified process without welding the frame  100  and the cap  300 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5(   d ), in the cap bottom wall  310  of the cap  300 , the cap through hole  330  is formed in a position corresponding to the cap joint portion  360 . The center of the cap through hole  330  is positioned on the axis A of the cap joint portion  360 . The cap through hole  330  is a hole in which an ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26)  arranged on the inkjet printer  1710  side is inserted when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ). Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 6(   a ), the cap through hole  330  is formed in a tapered shape in which the diameter becomes smaller from the outside of the cap bottom wall  310  progressing toward the inside of the cap  300 . Therefore, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the cap through hole  330 , it is guided by the taper-shaped inclined surface of the cap through hole  330 , so the ink cartridge  1  can be smoothly mounted. 
   The frame  100  is described with reference to  FIGS. 7-9 .  FIG. 7  shows views of the frame  100 .  FIG. 7(   a ) is a front view of the frame  100 , and  FIG. 7(   b ) is a rear view of the frame  100 .  FIG. 8  shows views of the frame  100 .  FIG. 8(   a ) is a left side view of the frame  100 ,  FIG. 8(   b ) is a right side view of the frame  100 ,  FIG. 8(   c ) is a top view of the frame  100 , and  FIG. 8(   d ) is a bottom view of the frame  100 .  FIG. 9  is a view in which ribs of the frame  100  are emphasized and shown. In the following explanation, the right/left direction of  FIG. 7(   a ) is a horizontal direction of the frame  100  (or frame main body portion  110 ), and the up/down direction of  FIG. 7(   a ) is a vertical direction of the frame  100  (or frame main body portion  110 ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 7(   a ), a through hole is formed in the frame main body portion  110  of the frame  100  that forms the ink storage portion  120 . As shown in  FIGS. 7(   a ) and ( b ), the ink storage portion  120  has an aperture  125  on the each side of the frame main body portion  110 . These apertures  125  are respectively connected to frame brim portions  112 . Substantially circle-shaped frame protruding members  111  are formed on the frame brim portions  112 , that protrude toward a front side (front side in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 7(   a )) at a position slightly separated from, but close to, the apertures  125  so as to surround the apertures  125 . The frame protruding members  111  are welding locations (annular belt region) where the film  1430  (see  FIG. 19)  can be welded to the frame main body portion  110 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 7(   a ), an ink insertion hole  121  connected to the ink insertion portion  130  and an ink supply hole  122  connected to the ink supply portion  140  are formed in the ink storage portion  120 . Additionally, with respect to the ink storage portion  120 , a substantially round frame through hole  123  connecting the front side and the rear side is formed in a substantially central portion of the ink storage portion  120  in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 7(   a )). Furthermore, the ink storage portion  120  is provided with a pair of frame inclined surfaces  124  inclined toward the frame through hole  123  from the apertures  125 , respectively, on the front side and the rear side of the frame main body portion  110 . The circumferential wall of the ink storage portion  120  is formed by the pair of frame inclined surfaces  124 . In addition, the ink insertion hole  121  is formed in the frame inclined surfaces  124 , so the ink injected into the ink storage portion  120  from the ink insertion hole  121  can be injected along the frame inclined surfaces  124 ; thus, bubbling of ink injected into the ink storage portion  120  can be prevented. 
   Here, the ink supply portion  140  is explained. As shown in  FIG. 7(   a ), in the ink supply portion  140 , in a position (right and left of  FIG. 7(   a )) opposite to the outer circumference of the ink supply portion  140 , the pair of frame loose insertion members  141  that is loosely inserted into the pair of cap guide grooves  361  (see  FIG. 6(   a )) of the cap joint portion  360  is formed and protrudes outward in a diameter direction from the outer circumference of the ink supply portion  140 . Furthermore, on the outer circumference of the ink supply portion  140 , the pair of frame joint members  142  is formed, which contacts the pair of cap joint holes  362  (see  FIG. 6(   a )) of the cap joint portion  360 . This pair of frame joint members  142  is positioned on a straight line substantially perpendicular to a straight line connecting the pair of frame loose insertion members  141 . As shown in  FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ), with respect to the pair of frame joint members  142 , a top portion is provided with a horizontal surface protruding in a horizontal direction (right/left direction of  FIG. 8(   a )) and an inclined surface that inclines from an outer edge of the horizontal surface toward the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140  at a bottom portion of the frame joint member  142 . Insertion of the frame joint members  142  into the cap joint portion  360  is smoothly performed by the inclined surface of the pair of frame joint members  142 , and the frame  100  and the cap  300  are connected (locked) by the horizontal surface of the top portion of the pair of frame joint members  142 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7(   b ), with respect to the frame  100  in a rear view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 7(   b )), the frame protruding member  111 , the frame through hole  123 , and the frame inclined surfaces  124  are formed in the same position and shape as those of the frame  100  in a front view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 7(   a )). The ink supply hole  122  is shown in a position that is reversed with respect to  FIG. 7(   a ). Furthermore, the ink supply hole  122  is formed at the tip end portion on the frame through hole  123  side of the frame inclined surfaces  124 , so ink stored in the ink storage portion  120  can be efficiently consumed. If an ink supply hole is formed in the frame inclined surfaces  124  away from the tip end portion, the film  1430  will adhere to the frame inclined surfaces  124  before ink in the ink storage portion  120  is consumed, thus closing the ink supply hole. However, since the ink supply hole  122  is formed at the tip end portion of the frame inclined surfaces  124 , the ink supply hole  122  will not be closed by the film  1430  until ink in the ink storage portion  120  is consumed (see  FIG. 19) . 
   Furthermore, the front surface view and the back surface view of the frame  100  differ due to the location of the ink insertion hole  121 , which is connected to the ink insertion portion  130 . As shown in the rear view of the frame  100  in  FIG. 7(   b ), the ink insertion hole  121  does not appear in the ink storage portion  120 . That is, the ink insertion hole  121  is formed only on one side (front view side of  FIG. 7(   a )) of the frame  100 , so ink is injected from one location. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ), the frame main body portion  110  is formed in a substantially square shape as seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane, and four frame brim portions  112  are formed at the comers. As shown in  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ), on the front side and the rear side of frame  100 , the frame brim portions  112  contact the two apertures  125  of the ink storage portion  120  and are arranged as a pair of flanges extending to the outside of the frame protruding members  111  surrounding the apertures  125 . The respective frame brim portions  112  are formed in a plate shape so as to sandwich the ink insertion portion  130  and the ink supply portion  140  as shown in  FIGS. 8(   c ) and ( d ). Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 8(   c ) and ( d ), the frame protruding members  111  are formed on the pair of frame brim portions  112 , respectively. A pair of frame brim portions  112  becomes a receiving surface of the film  1430  when the film  1430  is welded to the frame protruding member  111 . Furthermore, a pair of frame restriction portions  150  is arranged and connected to the frame brim portions  112 . The frame brim portions  112  are formed in a thin plate shape, and a space is formed between the front and back frame brim portions  112 , making the frame brim portions  112  weak. In order to maintain the strength of the frame brim portions  112 , frame rib members  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 ,  450 ,  460 ,  470 ,  480 , and  490  are formed. Hereafter, the frame rib members  410 - 490  are explained. 
   As shown in  FIG. 8(   c ), the frame rib members  410 ,  420 ,  430  and  440  (first reinforcement ribs) are formed between a pair of frame brim portions  112  in order to maintain the strength of the frame brim portions  112  by connecting the pair of frame brim portions  112 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  410  is arranged in the vicinity of one end in the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 8(   c ), the frame rib member  410  is formed in a flat plate shape. As shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), in the vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 8(   a )) of the frame  100 , the frame rib member  410  is formed to extend from the vicinity of the upper end of the frame main body portion  110  to an intermediate position on the frame main body portion  110 . 
   The frame rib member  420  includes a rib circular-cylindrical portion  421  formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pair of rib protruding portions  422  protruding toward the frame brim portions  112  from the rib circular-cylindrical portion  421 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  420  is formed to extend in the vertical direction (up/down direction of  FIG. 9 ) to the vicinity of the ink storage portion  120  from the outer edge of the upper end side of the frame main body portion  110 . In the horizontal direction (right/left direction of  FIG. 9 ) of the frame main body portion  110 , the frame rib member  420  is formed on the frame main body portion  110  toward the center from the frame rib member  410 . Because the height of the frame brim portions  112  is small at the location where the frame rib member  420  is formed, the height of the frame rib member  420  is also small. 
   In the same manner as the frame rib member  410 , at the center of the frame main body portion  110  in the horizontal direction, the frame rib member  430  is extendingly formed in a flat plate shape in the vertical direction from the outer edge of the upper end side of the frame main body portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the length of the frame rib member  430  is determined in the same manner that the length of the frame rib member  420  is determined. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  440  is arranged in the vicinity of the end of the frame main body portion  110  opposite from the end where the frame rib member  410  is provided in the horizontal direction. In the same manner as the frame rib member  420 , the frame rib member  440  includes a rib circular-cylindrical portion  441  that is substantially cylindrical, and a pair of rib protruding portions  442  that protrude toward the frame brim portions  112  from the rib circular-cylindrical portion  441 . As shown in  FIG. 8(   b ), the frame rib member  440  is formed to extend from the upper end vicinity of the frame main body portion  110  to an intermediate position in the vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 8(   b )) of the frame  100 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 8(   c ), in the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 , the ink insertion portion  130  extends vertically between the frame rib member  430  and the frame rib member  440 . The ink insertion portion  130  also functions as a frame rib member, because parts of an outer circumferential surface of the ink insertion portion  130  are connected to the pair of frame brim portions  112 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 8(   d ), between the frame brim portions  112 , the frame rib members  450 ,  460 ,  470 , and  480  (first reinforcement ribs) are formed, which maintain the strength of the frame brim portions  112 . The frame rib member  450  includes a rib circular-cylindrical portion  451  formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and a pair of rib protruding members  452  protruding toward the frame brim portions  112  from the rib circular-cylindrical portion  451 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  450  is formed in the vicinity of one end of the frame main body portion  110  in the horizontal direction. As shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), the frame rib member  450  is formed to extend from the vicinity of the lower end of the frame main body portion  110  to an intermediate position of the frame  100  in the vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 8(   a )). 
   In the same manner as the frame rib member  450 , the frame rib member  460  includes a rib circular-cylindrical portion  461  that is substantially cylindrical and a pair of rib protruding portions  462  protruding toward the frame brim portions  112  from the rib circular-cylindrical portion  461 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  460  is formed to extend in the vertical direction to the vicinity of the ink storage portion  120  from the outer edge of the lower end side of the frame main body portion  110 . In the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 , the frame rib member  460  is formed at the center of the frame main body portion  110 . Because the height of the frame brim portions  112  is small at the location where the frame rib member  460  is formed, the height of the frame rib member  460  is also small. 
   The frame rib member  470  is formed in a flat plate shape to extend in the vertical direction. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the length of the frame rib member  470  is shorter than the length of the frame rib member  450  and slightly longer than the length of the frame rib member  460 . The frame rib member  480  is formed in a flat plate shape in the same manner as the frame rib member  470 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the frame rib member  480  is arranged in the vicinity of the end of the frame main body portion  110  opposite from the end at which the frame rib member  450  is formed in the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 . As shown in  FIG. 8(   b ), the frame rib member  480  is formed to extend from the vicinity of the lower end of the frame main body portion  110  to an intermediate position of the frame  100  in the vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 8(   b )). 
   In addition, as shown in  FIG. 8(   d ) and  FIG. 9 , in the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 , the cylindrical ink supply portion  140  extends vertically between the frame rib members  450  and  460 . The ink supply portion  140  functions as a frame rib member, because parts of its outer circumferential surface contact the pair of frame brim portions  112 . 
   In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 8(   a ) and ( b ), in the intermediate position of the frame main body portion  110  in the vertical direction, the pair of frame rib members  490  (second reinforcement rib) is formed so that the frame rib members  410  and  450 , and the frame rib members  440  and  480  are respectively connected to each other. As shown in  FIG. 9 , on the same straight line, the pair of frame rib members  490  is formed to extend in a direction perpendicular to the frame rib members  410 - 480  from the ink storage portion  120  to the outer edge (end portion in the horizontal direction of the frame main body portion  110 ) of the side end of the frame main body portion  110 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8(   d ), frame restriction portions  150  are formed to protrude from the pair of frame brim portions  112 , respectively, and the frame restriction portions  150  are arranged parallel to each other. The interval between the pair of frame restriction portions  150  corresponds to the interval that is present between the pair of cap restriction members  370  formed in the cap  300 . 
   In exemplary embodiments, the frame main body portion  110  is formed of resin material, and molding is performed using metal molds. For example, by using the frame rib members  490  as a boundary, two different metal molds corresponding to the frame rib members  410 - 440  side and the frame rib members  450 - 480  side are prepared. In a state in which the two metal molds are attached to each other, a liquid (or semi-liquid) resin is injected into the metal molding, and the frame main body portion  110  is molded by cooling the resin. Therefore, the pair of frame rib members  490  is formed by resin injected into the gap formed between the two metal molds in a state in which two metal molds are attached to each other. After hardening the resin material, by moving the metal molds in a direction in which the two metal molds are separated from each other, that is, in a vertical direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 8(   b )), the molded frame main body portion  110  is removed from the metal molds, and the frame rib members  410 - 480 , the ink insertion portion  130 , and the ink supply portion  140  are formed to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, the frame main body portion  110  can be easily removed without hindering the movement of the metal molds in the vertical direction. 
   Thus, only the pair of frame rib members  490  is formed to extend in the horizontal direction, and other frame rib members  410 - 480 , the ink insertion portion  130 , and the ink supply portion  140  are arranged to extend in the vertical direction. Therefore, although many members that reinforce the pair of frame brim portions  112  are provided, the frame main body portion  110  can be molded in a simplified metal molding structure formed of two metal molds. Both reinforcement of the frame brim portions  112  and a cost reduction of the metal molds can be accomplished. 
   Furthermore, the rib circular-cylindrical portions  421 ,  441 ,  451 , and  461  also function as receiving portions pushed by ejection pins when the frame main body portion  110  is removed from the metal molding. 
   Thus, as explained above, the frame brim portions  112  are formed in a flat plate shape causing the frame brim portions  112  to be structurally weak. However, by providing the frame rib members  410 - 490 , the strength of the frame brim portions  112  can be improved. As a result, the frame main body portion  110  is strengthened. As described below, the film  1430  (see  FIG. 19 ) is welded to the frame main body portion  110  by pressing the film  1430  against the frame brim portions  112  of the frame main body portion  110 . Thus, if the frame brim portions  112  are bent, the film  1430  cannot be welded accurately. Furthermore, the frame main body portion  110  can be damaged. However, as shown in FIG.  9 , the frame rib members  410 - 490  are formed to extend over substantially the entire frame main body portion  110 , so damage to the frame main body portion  110  can be prevented, and the frame brim portions  112  can be prevented from being bent when the film  1430  is welded. 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the center axis of the ink insertion portion  130  and the center axis of the ink supply portion  140  are parallel to the center line (straight line going through the frame rib member  430  and the frame rib member  460 ) of the ink storage portion  120  (frame main body portion  110 ) of the frame main body portion  110  in a position shifted from the center line in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of  FIG. 9 ). When the ink insertion portion  130  and the ink supply portion  140  are positioned on the center line of the ink storage portion  120 , the ink storage portion  120  must be formed in a substantially round shape, so the distance that the ink storage portion  120  protrudes outwardly from the frame main body portion  110  becomes greater. Accordingly, the size of the frame main body portion  110  becomes large, and the ink cartridge  1  becomes large. However, when the ink insertion portion  130  and the ink supply portion  140  are formed in positions shifted from the center line of the ink storage portion  120 , the ink cartridge  1  can be made smaller. 
   Additionally, when the ink storage portion  120  is formed in a substantially elliptical shape, the ink cartridge  1  can be made smaller in the same manner as above. 
   The structure of parts of the frame  100  are described with reference to  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a front view of the frame  100  separated into its constituent parts. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , the frame  100  can be separated into four parts. The four parts are the frame main body portion  110  provided with the ink storage portion  120 , the ink insertion portion  130 , the ink supply portion  140 , and the frame restriction portions  150 ; the film  1430  (see  FIG. 19 ) welded to the frame main body portion  110 ; an ink insertion plug  520  inserted into the ink insertion portion  130 ; and a valve mechanism  530  inserted into the ink supply portion  140 . Among these four parts, an ink storage body is defined by the frame main body portion  110  and the film  1430 . Furthermore, the portion that forms the ink storage portion  120  at the center portion of the frame main body portion  110  is an ink storage chamber formation portion. The following explains the valve mechanism  530  with reference to  FIG. 11 . 
     FIG. 11  is a front view in showing the valve mechanism  530  separated into its constituent parts. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the valve mechanism  530  is provided with an insertion port for an ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26 ) of the inkjet printer  1710 , and is also provided with: a joint member  610  formed of resin material with elasticity, such as rubber, part of the joint member  610  is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion  140 ; a valve member  620  that closes an ink flow path when the joint member  610  contacts the bottom wall of the valve member  620 ; a first spring member  630  stored in the valve member  620  and formed of a resin elastic material; a slider member  640  that covers a release surface of the valve member  620  and can be moved in a uniaxial direction (arrow B direction  FIG. 11 , axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 ) that is a moving direction of the valve member  620  pressed by the ink extraction tube  1720 ; a second spring member  650  that is stored within the slider member  640  and is formed with the same shape and material as the first spring member  630 ; a pedestal member  660  that contacts the second spring member  650  and receives a check valve  670 ; the check valve  670 ; and a cover member  680  that, between itself and the pedestal member  660 , covers the check valve  670 . The valve mechanism  530  can be integrally assembled, so the operation of assembling the valve mechanism  530  with the ink supply portion  140  can be easily completed. 
   The joint member  610 , the valve member  620 , the first and second spring members  630 ,  650 , respectively, the slider member  640 , the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680  are described with reference to  FIGS. 12-18 . Furthermore, in the following explanation, the axis of the valve mechanism  530  is described as axis B (see  FIG. 11 ). 
     FIG. 12  shows the joint member  610 .  FIG. 12(   a ) is a side view of the joint member  610 ,  FIG. 12(   b ) is a top view of the joint member  610 ,  FIG. 12(   c ) is a bottom view of the joint member  610 , and  FIG. 12(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member  610  shown in  FIG. 12(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 12(   a ), the joint member  610  includes three levels in a side view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 12(   c )). The lowest level portion (lower side of  FIG. 12(   c )) is a joint outer circumferential portion  710  that forms the outer circumferential portion of the joint member  610 . The joint outer circumferential portion  710  is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion  140 . The portion above the joint outer circumferential portion  710  is a joint inner circumferential portion  720  forming the inner circumferential portion of the joint member  610 . The joint inner circumferential portion  720  is arranged inside of the ink supply portion  140 . The portion shown above the joint inner circumferential portion  720  is a joint contact portion  730  that contacts the valve member  620 . As shown in  FIG. 12(   b ), the axial centers of the joint outer circumferential portion  710 , the joint inner circumferential portion  720 , and the joint contact portion  730  are positioned on the same axial center as the axis B of the valve mechanism  530 . Furthermore, the joint member  610  is formed of an elastic material such as a resin or rubber. 
   As shown in  FIG. 12(   d ), between the joint outer circumferential portion  710  and the joint inner circumferential portion  720 , a joint groove portion  740  is formed having a concave shape in cross section. As shown in  FIG. 12(   b ), this joint groove portion  740  is formed in a round shape in a plan view. The joint groove portion is engaged with the lower end portion of the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140 , which is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the joint member  610  is fixed to the ink supply portion  140 . As shown in  FIG. 12(   d ), the joint contact portion  730  protrudes from a top surface  731  (surface on the side contacting the valve member  620 ) of the joint inner circumferential portion  720 . The joint contact portion  730  is formed to be narrower toward a tip end portion  734  (end portion to the upper side of  FIG. 12(   d )). The tip end portion  734  contacts the bottom surface of the valve member  620 , and closes the ink flow path. In addition, in the joint inner circumferential portion  720 , a joint protruding portion  750  protrudes toward the axis B from an inner circumferential surface  733 , an aperture  722  that becomes an insertion port for the ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26)  is formed on the bottom surface  721 . (lower side of  FIG. 12(   d )) of the joint inner circumferential portion  720 , and a taper surface  723  is formed between the aperture  722  and the joint protruding portion  750 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 12(   d ), in the joint member  610 , an ink flow path  760  is formed, which extends through the tip end portion  734  (lower side of  FIG. 12(   d )) of the joint contact portion  730  from the bottom surface  721  of the joint inner circumferential portion  720 . This ink flow path  760  includes the aperture  722  formed in the bottom surface  721 , a taper portion flow path  761  formed by the taper surface  723  connected to the aperture  722 , a protruding portion flow path  762  formed by an inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750  connected to the taper surface  723 , a contact portion flow path  763  formed by a step surface  732  connected to the inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750 , and an inner circumferential surface  733  of the joint contact portion  730  connected to the step surface  732 . Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750  is parallel to the axis B, and the step surface  732  is perpendicular to the axis B. 
   The taper portion flow path  761  is formed in a substantially hollow conical shape in which the diameter gradually becomes smaller progressing from the aperture  722  toward the point of contact with the inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750 . The protruding portion flow path  762  is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having the same inner diameter as the minimum inner diameter of the taper portion flow path  761 . The inner diameter of the protruding portion flow path  762  is formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extraction tube (see  FIG. 26 ). The contact portion flow path  763  is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than that of the protruding portion flow path  762 , and the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the ink extraction tube. Furthermore, the step surface  732  is formed in the boundary between the protruding portion flow path  762  and the contact portion flow path  763 . Therefore, the inner diameter rapidly changes in the axis B direction from the protruding portion flow path  762  to the contact portion flow path  763 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 12(   d ), the joint contact portion  730  has a structure notched by the inner circumferential surface  733  and the step surface  732  in a pedestal shape, and the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730  is positioned surrounding the notch portion. 
   The ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the aperture  722 , guided by the taper surface  723  of the taper portion flow path  761 , and inserted into the protruding portion flow path  762 . As discussed above, the inner diameter of the protruding portion flow path  762  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extraction tube  1720 , so the ink extraction tube  1720  is elastically adhered to the inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750  that forms the protruding portion flow path  762 . That is, the joint protruding portion  750  functions so as to close around the ink extraction tube  1720  inserted into the protruding portion flow path  762 . If an area of the of joint member  610  elastically adhered to the outer circumference of the ink extraction tube  1720  becomes too large, resistance will increase when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ), and smooth mounting cannot be accomplished. However, in the embodiment shown, e.g., in  FIG. 12(   d ), the joint protruding portion  750  is arranged so that the ink extraction tube  1720  contacts only the inner circumferential surface  751 . Thus, by having a small area of the joint member  610  in contact with the ink extraction tube  1720 , mounting of the ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710  can be smoothly performed. With respect to the ink flow path  760 , when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the flow path in which ink actually flows is inside the ink extraction tube  1720 . Also, as described below, by forming the contact portion flow path  763  in a pedestal shape, displacement of the joint member  610  in the axis B direction can be minimized when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
     FIG. 13  shows the valve member  620 .  FIG. 13(   a ) is a front/rear view of the valve member  620 ,  FIG. 13(   b ) is a side view of the valve member  620 ,  FIG. 13(   c ) is a top view of the valve member  620 ,  FIG. 13(   d ) is a bottom view of the valve member  620 , and  FIG. 13(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member  620  shown in  FIG. 13(   c ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 13(   a ), the valve member  620  is provided with a valve bottom wall  810  forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side in  FIG. 13(   a )) of the valve member  620 , and a valve sidewall  820  extending from the valve bottom wall  810  in the axis B direction. In the valve sidewall  820 , a pair of valve guide grooves  830  are formed in which a slider loose insertion member  1030  (see  FIG. 15)  of the slider member  640  is loosely inserted. As shown in  FIG. 13(   c ), the pair of valve guide grooves  830  is symmetrically formed with respect to the axis B of the valve mechanism  530 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 13(   a ), the pair of valve guide grooves  830  is formed along substantially the entire valve sidewall  820  in the axis B direction. A pair of valve restriction portions  840 , which protrude in a direction away from the valve bottom wall  810  and restrict the movement of the slider member  640 , are connected to the valve sidewall  820 . The respective valve restriction portions  840  protrude toward the axis B at the tip end (upper side of  FIG. 13(   a )) to provide valve hook portions  850  that engage with the slider member  640 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 13(   b ), in the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 , the pair of valve restriction portions  840  are formed to be shorter than the valve sidewall  820 . The pair of valve restriction portions  840  are arranged to restrict the slider member  640  using the valve hook portions  850 , while the valve sidewall  820  is arranged in order to prevent the slider member  640  from being shifted in the operation direction using the pair of valve guide grooves  830 , and to store the first spring member  630 . Accordingly, the valve sidewall  820  is formed to be longer and larger than the pair of valve restriction portions  840  in the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 13(   c ), in the axis B direction (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 13(   c )) of the valve mechanism  530 , in the valve bottom wall  810 , at positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide grooves  830  and the pair of valve restriction portions  840 , four ink flow paths  860  are formed. The ink flow paths  860  extend through the valve bottom wall  810  in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 13(   c )). Furthermore, valve receiving portions  870  are provided on the valve bottom wall  810  that protrude upwardly (front side of the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 13(   c )) from the bottom valve bottom wall  810  and form pedestals for receiving a spring top portion  920  of the first spring member  630 . The valve receiving portions  870  include two plate-shaped members arranged substantially parallel to each other on the valve bottom wall  810 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 13(   e ), the height of the valve receiving portions  870  in the axis B direction is substantially less than the height of the valve sidewall  820 . The valve receiving portions  870  are arranged to prevent contact between the first spring member  630  and the valve bottom wall  810  when the first spring member  630  is arranged in the space within the valve sidewall  820 . This arrangement is necessary because if the first spring member  630  contacts the valve bottom wall  810 , the ink flow path closes and ink does not flow. The valve receiving portions  870  are arranged to ensure ink flow by ensuring that the first spring member  630  does not contact the valve bottom wall  810 . Therefore, only a minimal height is necessary. 
     FIG. 14  shows the first spring member  630 .  FIG. 14(   a ) is a side view of the first spring member  630 ,  FIG. 14(   b ) is a top view of the first spring member  630 ,  FIG. 14(   c ) is a bottom view of the first spring member  630 , and  FIG. 14(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the first spring member  630  shown in  FIG. 14(   b ). 
   The first spring member  630  is formed in a substantially hollow conical shape (or bowl shape), and includes an annular-shaped spring bottom portion  910  that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the larger diameter) of the first spring member  630 , an annular-shaped spring top portion  920  that forms a top portion (end portion with the smaller diameter) above the first spring member  630 , and a hollow conical spring flexible portion  930  that is provided between the spring top portion  920  and the spring bottom portion  910 . The spring flexible portion  930  is bent and deformed when a load of the valve mechanism  530  in the axis B direction is applied (e.g., when the valve member  620  pressed by the ink extraction tube  1720  in an urging direction of the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 ). The spring top portion  920  contacts the valve receiving portions  870  of the valve member  620  and acts as a pressing portion that presses the valve member  620 . Furthermore, the diameter of the spring bottom portion  910  is larger than the diameter of the spring top portion  920 , so the spring bottom portion  910  acts as a base portion when the spring flexible portion  930  is elastically deformed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14(   d ), in the first spring member  630 , an ink flow path  940  extends from the bottom surface (end surface of the left side of  FIG. 14(   d )) of the spring bottom portion  910  to the tip end (end surface of the right side of  FIG. 14(   d )) of the spring top portion  920 . This ink flow path  940  includes a top portion flow path  941  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion  920 , a flexible portion flow path  942  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion  930 , and a bottom portion flow path  943  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion  910 . As shown in  FIG. 14(   d ), the aperture area of the ink flow path  940  gradually becomes larger from the tip end of the spring top portion  920  to the bottom surface of the spring bottom portion  910 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 14(   b ) and ( c ), the top portion flow path  941  of the spring top portion  920  is formed in a substantially square shape as seen from the direction perpendicular to the paper plane. 
   The aperture surface of the top portion flow path  941  is formed in a substantially square shape so that effects caused by bubbles in ink can be reduced. For example, if the top portion flow path  941  were formed in a substantially round shape in a direction perpendicular to the paper plane, spherical bubbles larger in diameter than the top portion flow path  941  could close the flow path. If the flow path is closed, ink cannot be properly transmitted from the ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ). As a result, printing quality by the inkjet printer  1710  is deteriorated. However, in the embodiment shown, e.g., in  FIG. 14(   b ), because the aperture surface of the top portion flow path  941  has a substantially square shape, even if bubbles larger than the aperture surface of the top portion flow path  941  are present, the comers are not closed. Thus, closure of the ink flow path is prevented, and chances of deteriorated printing quality are reduced. 
   It should be appreciated that the aperture surface of the top portion flow path  941  is not limited to a square shape. Other polygonal shapes, such as hexagons or star shapes, are also acceptable. 
   As shown in  FIG. 14(   d ), the spring top portion  920  is formed in a cylindrical shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis B direction. The spring top portion  920  is formed so that the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axis B direction (urging direction of the first spring member  630 ) is made uniform. In the same manner, the spring bottom portion  910  is also formed in a cylindrical shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis B direction, and the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axis B direction is uniform. 
   In addition, as shown in  FIG. 14(   d ), the spring flexible portion  930  is formed in a substantially conical shape, which is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis B direction, whereby the strength of the spring flexible portion  930  bearing a load in the axis B direction is less than that of the spring bottom portion  910  and the spring top portion  920 . Furthermore, the thickness of the spring flexible portion  930  is less than that of the spring bottom portion  910  and the spring top portion  920 , contributing to the lesser strength of the spring flexible portion  930 . Therefore, when the first spring member  630  is elastically deformed, the spring flexible portion  930  is bent and deformed. 
   The second spring member  650  is formed in the same shape as the first spring member  630 . The structure of the second spring member  650  includes the spring bottom portion  910 , the spring top portion  920 , the spring flexible portions  930 , and the ink flow path  940 . 
     FIG. 15  shows the slider member  640 .  FIG. 15(   a ) is a front/rear view of the slider member  640 ,  FIG. 15(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the slider member  640 ,  FIG. 15(   c ) is a top view of the slider member  640 ,  FIG. 15(   d ) is a bottom view of the slider member  640 , and  FIG. 15(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the slider member  640  shown in  FIG. 15(   c ). 
   As shown in  FIGS. 15(   a ) and ( b ), the slider member  640  is formed of resin material that has a greater hardness than the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 , and includes a slider outer circumferential wall  1010  that forms the outer circumference of the slider member  640 , two slider protruding portions  1020  that extend in the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530  from the slider outer circumferential wall  1010  and are formed symmetrically about the axis B, and a pair of slider loose insertion members  1030  that are arranged on and along the slider outer circumferential wall  1010  and the slider protruding portions  1020  and are formed symmetrically about the axis B and are loosely inserted to the pair of valve guide grooves  830  (see  FIG. 13) . The slider outer circumferential wall  1010  and the slider protruding portion  1020  are together formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. 
   The height of the slider protruding portion  1020  in the axis B direction is substantially the same as the height of the slider outer circumferential wall  1010 . This is because the spring members  630 ,  650  are arranged in the inner spaces  1060 ,  1070 , respectively, of the slider member  640  in the axis B direction. Furthermore, movement of the respective spring members  630 ,  650  in the direction perpendicular to the axis B is restricted by the slider protruding portion  1020  and the slider outer circumferential wall  1010 . 
   The slider loose insertion members  1030  extend along the slider member  640  in the axis B direction (formed over the slider outer circumferential wall  1010  and slider protruding portion  1020 ). Movement of the slider member  640  in the axis B direction occurs smoothly by cooperation between the slider loose insertion member  1030  and the pair of valve guide grooves  830  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
   As shown in  FIGS. 15(   c ) and ( d ), inside of the slider outer circumferential wall  1010 , a slider pedestal portion  1040  is provided on which the respective spring members  630 ,  650  are arranged. The slider pedestal portion  1040  contacts the spring bottom portion  910  of the respective spring members  630 ,  650 . The slider pedestal portion  1040  divides two inner spaces  1060 ,  1070  that accommodate the respective spring members  630 ,  650  within the slider member  640 . In the center of the slider pedestal portion  1040 , a slider through hole  1050  is formed, and the slider through hole  1050  becomes a flow path in which ink flows. As shown in  FIG. 15(   e ), in the axis B direction of the slider member  640 , the slider pedestal portion  1040  is formed in a substantially intermediate position. 
     FIG. 16  shows the pedestal member  660 .  FIG. 16(   a ) is a side view of the pedestal member  660 ,  FIG. 16(   b ) is a top view of the pedestal member  660 ,  FIG. 16(   c ) is a bottom view of the pedestal member  660 , and  FIG. 16(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the pedestal member  660  shown in  FIG. 16(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 16(   a ), the pedestal member  660  is provided with a pedestal bottom portion  1110  that forms a bottom surface of the pedestal member  660  and contacts the spring top portion  920  of the second spring member  650 , a pedestal intermediate portion  1120  that is formed with an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the pedestal bottom portion  1110 , and pedestal receiving portions  1130  that are arranged on the top surface (upper side of  FIG. 16(   a )) of the pedestal intermediate portion  1120 . The pedestal receiving portion  1130  is provided with pedestal inclined surfaces  1131  that are downwardly inclined approaching the center of the pedestal member  660 , and a later-described check valve is received by the pedestal inclined surfaces  1131 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 16(   b ), the six pedestal receiving portions  1130  are arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of the pedestal member  660 . Furthermore, three of the six pedestal receiving portions  1130  include first pedestal through holes  1140  that extend from the front to the back of the pedestal member  660 . The first pedestal through holes  1140  are formed in portions (horizontal portions of the pedestal receiving portions  1130 ) of the pedestal receiving portions  1130  other than the portions at which the pedestal inclined surfaces  1131  are provided. Thus, the first pedestal through holes  1140  are formed in portions other than the portions that receive the check valve  670 . This configuration prevents suppression of ink flow. 
   Furthermore, between the pedestal receiving portions  1130  of the pedestal member  660 , second pedestal through holes  1150  are formed, which extend through the pedestal intermediate portion  1120  and the pedestal bottom portion  1110 . The second pedestal through holes  1150  are formed between the pedestal receiving portions  1130 , so that six second pedestal through holes  1150  are formed in a circumferential direction about the pedestal member  660 . The second pedestal through holes  1150  form ink flow paths through which ink flows. 
   As shown in  FIG. 16(   c ), on the bottom surface of the pedestal bottom portion  1110 , concave-shaped pedestal through grooves  1160  are formed, which connect the respective second pedestal through holes  1150 . The pedestal through grooves  1160  connect the second pedestal through holes  1150  in substantially straight lines that pass through and are symmetrical about the axis B. Thus, in the pedestal bottom portion  1110 , three pedestal through grooves  1160  are formed, which cross each other at the axis B. 
   As shown in  FIG. 16(   d ), between the pedestal inclined surfaces  1131  of the pedestal receiving portions  1130  and the second pedestal through holes  1150 , a gap is formed in the axis B direction. Thus, even when the check valve  670  is supported by the pedestal inclined surfaces  1131 , ink flow is ensured. Furthermore, with respect to the pedestal through grooves  1160 , the end surface of the spring top portion  920  of the second spring member  650  is positioned inside of the second pedestal through holes  1150 , so even when the end surface of the spring top portion  920  of the second spring member  650  contacts the pedestal member  660 , ink flow is ensured by the pedestal through grooves  1160 . 
     FIG. 17  shows the check valve  670 .  FIG. 17(   a ) is a side view of the check valve  670 ,  FIG. 17(   b ) is a top/bottom view of the check valve  670 , and  FIG. 17(   c ) is a cross sectional view of the check valve  670  shown in  FIG. 17(   b ). 
   The check valve  670  is substantially plate-shaped. A check valve flat portion  1210  that forms a top surface of the check valve  670  is configured to close the ink flow path by contacting the cover member  680 . Furthermore, a check valve curved portion  1220  that forms a curved surface of the check valve  670  is received by pedestal receiving portions  1130  of the pedestal member  660 . Therefore, when the check valve curved portion  1220  of the check valve  670  is received by the pedestal receiving portions  1130  of the pedestal member  660 , the ink flow path is open, and when the check valve flat portion  1210  of the check valve  670  contacts the cover member  680 , the ink flow path is closed. 
     FIG. 18  shows the cover member  680 .  FIG. 18(   a ) is a side view of the cover member  680 ,  FIG. 18(   b ) is a top view of the cover member  680 ,  FIG. 18(   c ) is a bottom view of the cover member  680 , and  FIG. 18(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the cover member  680  shown in  FIG. 18(   b ). 
   The cover member  680  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which a lower surface side is open. The cover member  680  is provided with a cover outer circumferential wall  1310  that forms the outer circumference and a cover top portion  1320  that forms the top surface (upper side of  FIG. 18(   a )) of the cover member  680 , and the lower surface is open. The pedestal member  660  is engaged with the opening of the lower surface (lower side of  FIG. 18(   a )) of the cover member  680 , and the check valve  670  is accommodated between the pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680 . That is, the cover member  680  and the pedestal member  660  constitute a case, which accommodates the check valve. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 18(   b ) and  18 ( c ), in the cover top portion  1320 , six cover through holes  1330  are formed in circumferential locations through the cover top portion  1320 . These cover through holes  1330  become flow paths through which ink flows, and as the check valve  670  contacts the cover top portion  1320 , the cover through holes  1330  are closed, and the ink flow paths are closed. 
   Next, with reference to  FIG. 19 , an assembled ink cartridge  1  is described.  FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  1  shown in  FIG. 2 . In the cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  1  shown in  FIG. 19 , ink I is stored in the frame  100 . 
     FIG. 19  shows a state in which the ink cartridge  1  is assembled by welding the case  200  and the cap  300 . In this state, the joint member  610  contacts the cap bottom wall  310  of the cap  300 . At the same time, the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140  is engaged in the joint groove portion  740  of the joint member  610 . Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the joint member  610  (joint outer circumferential portion  710  (see  FIG. 12 )) contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cap joint portion  360 . Therefore, the inner space  1440  surrounded by the case  200  and the cap  300  is not connected to the outside of the case  200  and the cap  300 , and is substantially sealed. 
   A pair of films  1430  are welded to the frame main body portion  110 . Ink I is stored in a space (ink storage portion  120 ) that is substantially sealed by the films  1430 . A process of welding the films  1430  is described later. 
   The pair of films  1430  are double layer type films (hereafter referred to as “nylon polyethylene”) each including a nylon film and a polyethylene film. The side contacting the frame main body portion  110  is a polyethylene film layer. This nylon polyethylene completely shields liquid, but has less complete gas shielding properties. Thus, minimal communication of a gas between the ink storage portion  120  and the inner space  1440  substantially sealed by the films  1430  is possible. Gas that exists within ink I within the ink storage portion  120  gradually permeates through the films  1430  and is moved to the inner space  1440 . Therefore, generation of bubbles within ink I can be prevented, and deterioration of printing quality due to bubbles within ink I can be prevented. The films  1430  can be formed from any material as long as the strength can be maintained and the material has some gas permeability. For example, a double-layered film of a nylon film and a polypropylene film, and a film in which nylon and polyethylene, or nylon and polypropylene are mixed and formed can be used. 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 19 , between the ink supply hole  122  of the frame  100  and the cover member  680 , an ink flow path  1410  is formed, which is provided with a hollow conical portion or bowl shaped portion in which an aperture size is reduced from the cover member  680  to the ink supply hole  122 . Furthermore, on the ink supply hole  122  side from the bowl-shaped portion in the ink flow path  1410 , a hollow cylindrical portion is formed, which is connected to the smaller diameter side of the bowl-shaped portion. On the cover member  680  side from the bowl-shaped portion in the ink flow path  1410 , a hollow cylindrical portion is formed, which is connected to the larger diameter side of the bowl-shaped portion. In the ink flow path  1410 , in order to remove dust and/or foreign matter within ink I of the ink storage portion  120 , a filter  1420  formed of a foam-type material is provided. That is, the ink flow path  1410  is a filter housing chamber that houses the filter  1420 . The filter  1420  is formed in a cylindrical shape having the same diameter (the same cross sectional shape) as the largest diameter (the diameter of the ink flow path  1410  in the vicinity of the cover member  680 ) of the ink flow path  1410  and is arranged within the ink flow path  1410  in a compressed state by inserting the filter  1420  in a direction (direction parallel to the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 ) in which ink flows into the ink flow path  1410  from the ink supply portion  140  side. Therefore, a filter with finer pores can be obtained, compared to the state before insertion was performed. Characteristics (efficiency of removal of foreign matter) of the filter  1420  can be controlled, for example, by adjusting a compression percentage, by appropriately selecting a reduction percentage (the inner surface shape such as the inclined surfaces of the ink flow path  1410 ) of the aperture size of the ink flow path  1410 . Accordingly, desired filter characteristics can be obtained without changing the material of the filter  1420 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the filter  1420  is formed of a polyurethane material, but it is also acceptable to use, for example, CFH  40 . If dust and/or foreign matter resides within an ink tube (undepicted) of the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ) and/or the valve mechanism  530 , ink may not be accurately supplied, and printing quality can be deteriorated. However, by providing the filter  1420 , dust and/or foreign matter can be removed, so ink supply can be accurately performed, and deterioration of printing quality can be prevented. 
   If, alternatively, when a sheet-like mesh member is mounted or welded to the ink supply hole  122  for filtration, a mounting process is necessary and/or the frame main body portion  110  must be manufactured to have a detachable structure. Accordingly, the structure of the frame main body portion  110  would become more complex, and the time necessary to manufacture the ink cartridge  1  would increase. In contrast, inserting the filter  1420  to the ink flow path  1410  completes mounting of the filter  1420 . Thus, the structure of the frame main body portion  110  is simplified, and the manufacturing process can also be simplified. 
   When inserted into the ink flow path  1410 , the filter  1420  is compressed in an insertion direction (direction parallel to the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 ) as movement in the insertion direction is restricted by the ink supply hole  122 . The filter  1420  is also compressed in a direction of a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction by the inner surface of the hollow conical shape of the ink flow path  1410 . Therefore, the filter  1420  is uniformly compressed in three-dimensions. Accordingly, the filter  1420  as a whole is uniformly compressed, providing stable filter characteristics. 
   The diameter of the ink supply hole  122  is smaller than the diameter of the filter  1420 , so entrance of the filter  1420  into the ink flow path  1410  further than needed is prevented. Also, slippage of the filter  1420  into the ink storage portion  120  is prevented. However, in order to further reliably prevent slipping of the filter  1420  into the ink storage portion  120 , a member can also be provided that prevents the filter  1420  from slipping into the ink supply hole  122 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 19 , on the side (lower side of  FIG. 19 ) of the ink flow path  1410  opposite from the ink storage portion  120 , an engaging portion  1450  is provided that is connected to the ink flow path  1410  and is engaged with the case formed by the pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680 . The inner diameter of the engaging portion  1450  is larger than the inner diameter of the ink flow path  1410  and is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cover member  680 . The pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680  are engaged and fixed to the engaging portion  1450 . Therefore, the pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680  are fixed to the engaging portion  1450  so as to contact the filter  1420  when pressed in a compressed state within the ink flow path  1410 . The pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680 , thus fixed, function as a stopper that prevents the filter  1420  from slipping from the ink flow path  1410 . 
   On the side (lower side of  FIG. 19 ) of the engaging portion  1450  opposite from the ink flow path  1410 , a valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  (in the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the engaging portion  1450  is also included) is provided. The valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  is connected to the engaging portion  1450 , and the valve mechanism  530  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 . The valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  is also an ink flow path. The space formed in the ink flow path  1410 , the space formed in the engaging portion  1450 , and the space formed in the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , form an ink flow path chamber in the ink supply portion  140 , which becomes an ink supply path when ink is supplied to the outside of the ink cartridge  1 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the ink flow path chamber is formed inside of the ink supply portion  140 , which is formed in a cylindrical shape. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 19 , when the valve mechanism  530  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the inclination angle of the cap through hole  330  and the inclination angle of the taper portion flow path  761  of the joint member  610  are formed to be identical. Also, the plane of connection between the taper portion flow path  761  and the cap through hole  330  has no step. Therefore, the ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26 ) can be smoothly inserted into the ink flow path  760 . 
   The valve mechanism  530  is arranged so that the bottom surface of the joint member  610  contacts the cap bottom wall  310 , and the joint contact portion  730  of the joint member  610  can contact the valve bottom wall  810  of the valve member  620 . Inside of the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630  is stored so that the valve receiving portion  870  of the valve member  620  contacts the spring top portion  920  of the first spring member  630 . Furthermore, the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650  are stored in the two inner spaces  1060 ,  1070  divided by the slider pedestal portion  1040  of the slider member  640 . A bottom surface  911  (see  FIG. 14 ) of the spring bottom portion  910  contacts a surface  1041  (see  FIG. 15 ) of the valve member  620  side of the slider pedestal portion  1040 . At the same time, the outer circumferential side surface  912  (see  FIG. 14 ) of the spring bottom portion  910  contacts an inner wall  1042  (see  FIG. 15 ) of the slider outer circumferential wall  1010 . In the same manner, with respect to the second spring member  650 , the bottom surface  911  of the spring bottom portion  910  contacts a surface  1043  (see  FIG. 15 ) of the side (check valve  670  side) opposite to the valve member  620  of the slider pedestal portion  1040 . At the same time, the outer circumferential side surface  912  of the spring bottom portion  910  contacts an inner wall  1021  (See  FIG. 15 ) of the slider protruding portion  1020 . Thus, the slider pedestal portion  1040  is the portion at which the first spring member  630  engages the second spring member  650 . As shown in  FIG. 19 , the slider pedestal portion  1040  is sandwiched by the first spring member  630  and the spring bottom portion  910  of the second spring member. Additionally, the valve hook portions  850  of the valve member  620  inserted between the two slider protruding portions  1020  contact the surface  1043  of the slider pedestal portion  1040 . The surface  1043  is the surface that contacts the bottom surface  911  of the spring bottom portion  910  of the second spring member  650 . Because of this, the slider member  640  is engaged with the valve hook portions  850 . The spring top portion  920  of the second spring member  650  can contact the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660 . Furthermore, the check valve  670  is stored between the pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680 . Arrangement of the respective members of the valve mechanism  530  and the operation will be described later in detail. 
   The following explains a process of manufacturing the frame  100  with reference to  FIGS. 20 and 21 .  FIG. 20  shows a schematic cross sectional view of a process of manufacturing the frame  100 . The manufacturing process progresses from  FIG. 20(   a ) to  FIG. 20(   d ).  FIG. 21  is enlarged view of a portion C of the schematic cross sectional view shown in  FIG. 20(   c ). 
   First, a frame manufacturing device  1510  used in the manufacturing process is described. The frame manufacturing device  1510  is provided with a base portion  1520  that installs and supports the frame main body portion  110 , vacuum devices  1530  that apply a vacuum to a film  1430 , a pressing portion  1540  that presses the film  1430  against the frame main body portion  110 , and a welding device  1550  that welds the film  1430  to the frame main body portion  110 . 
   In the base portion  1520 , a concave-shape base holding portion  1521  is formed, which can install the frame main body portion  110 . The base holding portion  1521  is formed in a substantially square shape corresponding to the outer shape of the frame main body portion  10 . Furthermore, though not depicted, the base holding portion  1521  has a concave portion corresponding to the ink insertion portion  130  and the ink supply portion  140 , and positioning is performed when the frame main body portion  110  is installed. Furthermore, in order to perform positioning, it is also acceptable to provide a clamp member that fixes the frame main body portion  110  from the upper direction (upper side of  FIG. 20(   a )) or the side surface (horizontal direction of  FIG. 20(   a )). 
   The vacuum devices  1530  vacuum and hold the film  1430 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20(   a ), four vacuum devices  1530  (two vacuum devices  1530  at the front side in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 20  are not depicted) are used. The vacuum devices  1530  are arranged at positions corresponding to the four comers of the frame main body portion  110  and are held so that the film  1430  is not wrinkled. 
   The pressing portion  1540  is provided with a pressing elastic portion  1541 , of which the tip end portion (lower side of  FIG. 20(   a )) is formed of an elastic material. The tip end of the pressing elastic portion  1541  is formed in a substantially spherical shape corresponding to the shape of the ink storage portion  120  of the frame main body portion  110 . In the tip end portion of the pressing elastic portion  1541 , when the pressing portion  1540  presses the film  1430  in order to contact the frame inclined surfaces  124  of the frame main body portion  110 , a pressing inclined surface  1542  is formed corresponding to the inclination angle α (see  FIG. 21)  of the frame inclined surfaces  124 . Therefore, between the frame inclined surfaces  124  of the frame main body portion  110  and the film  1430 , formation of a gap is prevented when the films  1430  are pressed by the pressing portion  1540 . In addition, in the pressing portion  1540 , when the pressing portion  1540  presses the film  1430 , a floating control member  1543  is provided that controls floating of the film  1430  (discussed below). The floating control member  1543  is mounted to the outer circumference of the pressing elastic portion  1541 , and controls floating of the film  1430  in the vicinity of the frame protruding member  111 . 
   The welding device  1550  is a device that welds the films  1430  to the frame protruding member  111  of the frame main body portion  110 . The welding device  1550  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape so as to cover the entire frame protruding member  111  of the frame main body portion  110  from an upper direction. The welding device  1550  thermally welds the films  1430  to the frame protruding member  111 , employing the tip end portion (end portion of the lower side of  FIG. 20(   a )) as a heat generating portion. 
   The following describes a process of welding the films  1430  to the frame main body portion  110 . 
   In the welding process, the frame main body portion  110  is set within the base holding portion  1521  of the base portion  1520 , and the film  1430  is vacuumed by the vacuum devices  1530  ( FIG. 20(   a )). At this time, by cutting the film  1430  larger than the outer shape of the frame main body portion  110 , the film  1430  can be reliably welded to the frame main body portion  110 . 
   In  FIG. 20(   a ), for example, when a start switch of the frame manufacturing device  1510  is turned on (not depicted), the vacuum devices  1530  come down ( FIG. 20(   b )). As shown in  FIG. 20(   b ), when the vacuum devices  1530  come down, the film  1430  contacts the frame protruding member  111 . 
   Then, the pressing portion  1540  comes down to the base portion  1520  direction (lower direction of  FIG. 20(   c )), and the pressing inclined surface  1542  of the pressing portion  1540  contacts the frame inclined surface  124  of the frame main body portion  110  via the film  1430  (state of  FIG. 20(   c )). When the pressing portion  1540  contacts the film  1430  (including before and after the actual contact), application of vacuum by the vacuum devices  1530  is stopped, and the film  1430  can be moved. Because of this, the film  1430  is pressed by the pressing portion  1540 , and is moved toward the center of the frame through hole  123  of the frame main body portion  110 . 
   In addition, as shown in  FIG. 20(   c ), part of the film  1430  is pressed through the frame through hole  123  until it reaches the side on which the frame inclined surface  124  is provided (frame inclined surface  124  of the lower side of  FIG. 20(   c )), which is the side opposite to the frame inclined surface  124  (frame inclined surface  124  of the upper side of  FIG. 20(   c )) on the side contacting the pressing portion  1540 . By pressing the film  1430  past the center portion of the frame through hole  123 , looseness is generated in the center portion of the film  1430 . By having this looseness, when ink is used and a lesser amount of ink is available (state in which ink storage portion  120  is empty), a pair of upper and lower films  1430  can be adhered, and ink can be effectively consumed. Alternatively, the films  1430  can be deformed (for example, reduced) due to the effect of the external surroundings in which the films are arranged. However, providing looseness, prevents damage of the films  1430 . 
   Additionally, because the films  1430  are pressed by the pressing portion  1540 , thickness of the films  1430  does not change. For example, if welding is performed as the films  1430  are heated in their entirety and extended, the films  1430  can be welded in a shape conforming to the frame inclined surfaces  124 , but the films  1430  will have irregularities in thickness, lessening the structural strength of the films  1430 . However, when the films  1430  are pressed by the pressing portion  1540 , the inclination angle sandwiches the film between the pressing inclined surface  1542  and the frame inclined surfaces  124 , which have substantially the same inclination angles. As described later, only the welded region outside of the pressing portion  1540  is heated. Therefore, the thickness of the films  1430  does not change and thickness irregularities do not arise. Thus, changes in the strength of the films  1430  and damage to the films  1430  can be prevented. 
   Here, with reference to  FIG. 21 , operation of the floating control member  1543  is described. The floating control member  1543  is arranged in order to control floating of the film  1430 . For example, because the film  1430  is sandwiched by the pressing portion  1540  and the frame inclined surfaces  124 , there are cases that, without the floating control member  1543 , the film  1430  rises along the inclination angle α of the frame inclined surfaces  124 . This is partly because application of vacuum by the vacuum devices  1530  is stopped. However, if the application of vacuum by the vacuum devices  1530  is not stopped, there is also a problem that the film  1430  cannot be smoothly moved. Because of this, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , application of vacuum by the vacuum devices  1530  is stopped, and the floating control member  1543  is provided. If the film  1430  rises between the frame inclined surface  124  and the frame protruding member  111 , looseness may be generated in the film  1430 , and the film  1430  may not contact the frame protruding member  111 . Thus, the film  1430  cannot be accurately welded. However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 , by providing the floating control member  1543 , floating of the film  1430  can be controlled so the film  1430  can be accurately welded. 
   Returning to  FIG. 20 , when the film  1430  is pressed by the pressing portion  1540 , the welding device  1550  comes down in the direction of the frame protruding member  111  (lower side of  FIG. 20(   d )) of the frame main body portion  110 , and the tip end of the welding device  1550  contacts the tip end (annular belt region) of the frame protruding member  111  via the film  1430 . Heat is transmitted from the welding device  1550 , the frame protruding member  111  is melted, the region (annular welded region) contacting the frame protruding member  111  of the film  1430  is melted, and heat welding is performed ( FIG. 20(   d )). As described above, the films  1430  are formed of a double layer of nylon and polyethylene, and the polyethylene film is arranged to contact the frame protruding members  111 . Additionally, in order to weld the films  1430  to the frame protruding members  111 , the frame main body portion  110  may also be formed of a polyethylene resin. By using the same resin material for the films  1430  and the frame main body portion  110 , the films  1430  can be reliably welded to the frame protruding members  111 . A nylon film has excellent strength compared to a polyethylene film, but its melting point is high, so the welding operability is inferior. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the films  1430  have a nylon and polyethylene double-layer structure, so strength is ensured, and welding operability is ensured by using a polyethylene layer as a layer welded to the frame main body portion  110  and using a low temperature for welding. Furthermore, the nylon layer is not melted at the time of the welding operation, so there will be less change in thickness of the films in the vicinity of the welded portion, and the strength of the films in the vicinity of the welded portion can also be maintained. 
   After heat welding is completed, the vacuum devices  1530 , the pressing portion  1540 , and the welding device  1550  are lifted and returned to the position shown in  FIG. 20(   a ). Then, an unnecessary portion of the film  1430  is cut, as needed. Furthermore, at this time, it is also acceptable to perform a cooling process, which cools the portion at which the film  1430  and the frame protruding member  111  are welded. 
   In addition, in the welding process, after the pressing portion  1540  comes down, and the pressing inclined surface  1542  contacts the frame inclined surfaces  124 , the vacuum devices  1530  are stopped. After that, the welding device  1550  comes down, and the films  1430  and the frame protruding member  111  are heat welded. However, when the films  1430  are inserted into the frame through hole  123  to a lesser extent by the pressing inclined surface  1542  (when the capacity of the ink storage portion  120  is small), it is also acceptable to stop application of vacuum by the vacuum devices  1530  after the welding device  1550  comes down and performing heat welding. 
   Here, the shape relationship between the films  1430  and the frame main body portion  110  is explained. With respect to the frame main body portion  110  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the ink storage portion  120  is formed in a substantially round shape (see  FIG. 7(   a )). If, however, the ink storage portion  120  is formed in a square shape, wrinkles of the films  1430  are generated at the four vertex portions of the square shape. If wrinkles in the films  1430  are generated and welded, ink may remain in the wrinkled portion and will not be efficiently consumed. However, in the embodiment described above, the ink storage portion  120  is formed in a substantially round shape, so it is difficult to form wrinkles in the films  1430  and, even if wrinkles are formed in the films  1430 , only small wrinkles are generated. Accordingly, the ink cartridge  1  can efficiently consume ink. The ink storage portion  120  can also be formed in an elliptical shape. The ink storage portion  120  can even be formed in a square shape as long as the vertex portions are formed as smooth curves. That is, the shape of the ink storage portion  120  is not limited, so long as a shape that prevents formation of wrinkles in the films  1430  is adopted. 
   Welding of the films  1430  to the frame main body portion  110  is performed on both sides of the frame main body portion  110  (welding of the film  1430  to the lower side in  FIG. 20(   a )). The welding process is the same, so description is omitted. 
   The following explains a method of manufacturing the frame  100  with reference to  FIG. 22 .  FIG. 22  shows a method of manufacturing the frame  100 . Furthermore, the frame main body portion  110  shown in  FIG. 22  includes films  1430  welded via a welding process. 
   First, as shown in  FIG. 22(   a ), the valve mechanism  530  is mounted to the ink supply portion  140  (valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  (see  FIG. 19) ) of the frame main body portion  110 . In  FIG. 22(   a ), the valve mechanism  530  is already assembled. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22(   a ), the joint member  610  is a single unit, the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , and the second spring member  650  are integrated, and the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680  are integrated. Hereafter, the process of assembling the valve mechanism  530  is explained. 
   First, the filter  1420  is inserted to the ink flow path  1410  (see  FIG. 19 ). Furthermore, a reverse flow suppression mechanism, in which the cover member  680 , the check valve  670 , and the pedestal member  660  are integrally assembled, is pressed into the engaging portion  1450  (see  FIG. 19 ). As mentioned above, the engaging portion  1450  within the ink supply portion  140  is formed to have an inner diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cover member  680 . Therefore, the cover member  680 , the check valve  670 , and the pedestal member  660  are fixed to the engaging portion  1450 . After that, the unit, in which the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , and the second spring member  650  are integrally assembled, is inserted to the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , and finally the joint groove portion  740  of the joint member  610  is engaged with the ink supply portion  140 , so assembly of the valve mechanism  530  is completed. Before being inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , and the second spring member  650  are integrated, and the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680  are integrated. This process simplifies the mounting process of the valve mechanism  530 . In addition, as described above, the width of the joint groove portion  740  of the joint member  610  is formed to be slightly smaller than the thickness of the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140 , so when the valve mechanism  530  is mounted, the valve mechanism  530  cannot be easily removed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 22(   b ), after the valve mechanism  530  is mounted to the ink supply portion  140 , ink is injected by an ink insertion needle  1610  through the ink insertion portion  130 . 
   Furthermore, in  FIG. 22(   b ), the joint member  610  is fixed to the ink supply portion  140  as the joint groove portion  740  is engaged with the end portion of the ink supply portion  140 . Therefore, along with the valve member  620  of the valve mechanism  530 , the ink supply flow path of the ink supply portion  140  is completely closed, so injected ink does not leak from the ink supply portion  140 . After that, as shown in  FIG. 22(   c ), when ink is injected by the ink insertion needle  1610 , the ink insertion plug  520  is pressed into the ink insertion portion  130 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 25(   a ), the ink insertion plug  520  is formed of an elastic material. The insertion tip end is formed in a convergent conical shape conforming to the inner surface shape of the ink insertion portion  130 . The ink insertion plug  520  initially is not inserted to the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130 , and the rear end surface is pressed to a position in the vicinity of the aperture end surface of the ink insertion portion  130 . 
   Thus, in the deepest end of the ink insertion portion  130 , a space X is formed, which is connected to the ink storage portion  120  via the ink insertion hole  121 . In this state, the ink insertion needle  1610  can penetrate through the ink insertion plug  520  so that the tip end of the ink insertion needle  1610  is positioned in the space X, and ink can be inserted. 
   Once ink is inserted, and an ink amount corresponding to the maximum holding capacity of the ink storage portion  120  has been injected, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the pair of films  1430  extend outwardly from the surface of the frame brim portions  112  of the frame main body portion  110 . However, as described above, in the case sidewall  230  of the case  200 , a case curved portion  240  is formed, which is curved outward. Therefore, the films  1430  that are extending outwardly do not contact the inner surface of the case  200 . 
   Additionally, one reason for having the ink insertion portion  130  and inserting ink therethrough is that the reverse flow suppression mechanism having the check valve  670  is mounted within the ink supply portion  140 . The reverse flow suppression mechanism is arranged so that the ink supplied to the recording device does not reverse flow into the ink cartridge  1  when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the recording device. However, because of the reverse flow suppression mechanism, ink cannot be inserted through the ink supply portion  140 . Therefore, the ink insertion portion  130  is arranged exclusively for ink insertion, and ink is injected therethrough. 
   The following explains the process of manufacturing the ink cartridge  1  with reference to  FIG. 23 .  FIG. 23  shows a process of manufacturing the ink cartridge  1 . 
   As shown in  FIG.23(   a ), mounting of the frame  100  to the cap  300  is performed so that the pair of frame loose insertion members  141  of the ink supply portion  140  are loosely inserted to the pair of cap guide grooves  361 . At the same time, mounting is performed so that the pair of frame restriction portions  150  are positioned between and contact the pair of cap restriction members  370 . Mounting of the frame  100  is completed when the pair of frame joint members  142  are engaged with the pair of cap joint holes  362 . As explained with reference to  FIG. 6 , when the pair of frame joint members  142  contact the pair of cap joint holes  362 , easy removal of the frame  100  can be prevented. At the same time, rotation of the frame  100  is restricted by the pair of frame restriction portions  150  and the pair of cap restriction members  370 , so the frame  100  and the cap  300  can be mounted without any wobbling. That is, the frame  100  and the cap  300  are mounted without a fixing operation by adhesive or welding, and the pair of frame joint members  142  and the pair of cap joint holes  362  contact each other by mechanical engagement. Therefore, the frame  100  could easily shift about the cylindrical cap joint portion  360 , with respect to the cap  300 . However, rotation of the frame  100  is prevented by the pair of frame restriction portions  150  and the pair of cap restriction members  370 . Therefore, the assembly operation can be simplified, and rotation of the frame  100  can be prevented. 
   The ink supply portion  140  and the cap  300  are connected via the joint member  610 , so external vibration transmitted to the cap  300  is not directly transmitted to the frame  100 , and is attenuated by the joint member  610 . 
   When the frame  100  is mounted to the cap  300  as shown in  FIG. 23(   b ), the joint member  610  is located between the tip end portion of the ink supply portion  140  and the cap bottom wall  310  of the cap  300 . The joint member  610  is sandwiched between these components. That is, the cap  300  functions as a pressing member that fixes and presses the joint member  610  against the ink supply portion  140 . It is possible to fill with ink before performing the mounting process described above, but in order to reliably avoid leakage of ink from the ink supply portion  140  after insertion, it is acceptable to perform the ink insertion operation as shown in  FIGS. 22(   b ) and ( c ) after mounting the frame  100  to the cap  300  and strongly fixing the joint member  610  to the ink supply portion  140 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 23(   b ), when the frame  100  and the cap  300  are mounted, the case  200  is mounted so as to cover the frame  100 . In this state, the cap protruding member  350  contacts a step formed by the first aperture end surface  211  (see  FIG. 4)  and the second aperture end surface  212  (see  FIG. 4 ) of the case  200  (see  FIG. 24(   a )). 
   As shown in  FIG. 23(   c ), when the cap  300  and the case  200  are mounted, the cap protruding member  350  and the case  200  (step surface between first aperture end surface  211  and the second aperture end surface  212 ) may be welded from bottom wall side of the cap  300  using an ultrasonic welding device (undepicted). The dotted lines of  FIG. 23(   c ) correspond to a position where the cap protruding member  350  is formed, and the dotted-line location may welded by ultrasonic welding. 
   Here, with reference to  FIG. 24 , the process of welding the case  200  and the cap  300  is explained.  FIG. 24  shows enlarged cross sectional views of a portion of the ink cartridge  1  where the case  200  and the cap  300  may be welded.  FIG. 24(   a ) shows a state before welding, and  FIG. 24(   b ) shows a state after welding. 
     FIG. 24(   a ) shows a state in which the cap protruding member  350  of the cap  300  contacts a step that is formed by the first aperture end surface  211  and the second aperture end surface  212  of the case  200  such that part of the end surface is notched. In  FIG. 24(   a ), a slight gap is formed between the cap sidewall  320  of the cap  300  and the case sidewall  230 . In this state, an ultrasonic wave is locally applied to a position corresponding to the cap protruding member  350  from the cap bottom wall  310  side of the cap  300 . Ultrasonic wave welding is well-known technology, so a detailed description thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 24(   b ), when the case  200  and the cap  300  are welded by ultrasonic wave welding, the cap protruding member  350  and the case aperture portion  210  of the case  200  are melted together and welded. Then, the first aperture end surface  211  and the second aperture end surface  212  are melted and disappear, and parts of the melted portion of the cap protruding member  350 , the first aperture end surface  211 , and the second aperture end surface  212  are stored in a gap between the case sidewall  230  and the cap sidewall  320  as melted debris X (burr). Thus, by having a gap that stores a melted debris X between the cap sidewall  320  and the case sidewall  230 , the melted debris X is not exposed to the outside, and the aesthetic appearance of the ink cartridge  1  is not damaged. 
   The case  200  and the cap  300  are positioned by the step formed by first and second aperture end surfaces  211 ,  212 , and the cap protruding member  350 , so the gap between the cap sidewall  320  and the case sidewall  230  can be substantially uniform over the entire circumference of the cap  300 , and the melted debris X can be reliably stored in the gap. 
   As an alternative to the step of the case sidewall  230 , an inclined surface may be formed, and the corner portions of the cap protruding member  350  can contact the inclined surface. 
   Here, with reference to  FIG. 25 , the operation of the ink insertion plug  520  is explained when the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 .  FIG. 25  shows cross sectional views of the ink insertion plug  520  during mounting. 
   As shown in  FIG. 25(   a ), the inside of the ink insertion portion  130  is an ink insertion path, and the ink insertion path is formed by an insertion inner circumferential portion  131 . The tip end of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131  that extends deeper into the ink cartridge  1  than the ink insertion hole  121  (lower side of  FIG. 25(   a )) is formed in a hollow conical shape. This configuration is provided because the ink storage portion  120  is formed by the frame inclined surfaces  124 , and the deepest part of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131  becomes a shape conforming to the frame inclined surfaces  124 . Furthermore, the tip end of the ink insertion plug  520  is formed in a convergent conical shape so as to match the shape of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131 . When the frame  100  is manufactured and ink insertion is completed, the top portion end surface (end surface of the upper side of  FIG. 25(   a )) of the ink insertion plug  520  is arranged in substantially the same position as the external end surface (end surface of the top side of  FIG. 25(   a )) of the ink insertion portion  130 , and is not inserted to the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130 . As described above, this is to obtain the space X, which communicates with the ink insertion hole  121  and permits ink to be injected into the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130 . (When the ink insertion plug  520  is inserted to the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130 , the space X that allows passage through the ink insertion hole  121  is not provided, so ink cannot be inserted by the ink insertion needle  1610 .) As a result, when ink is inserted, there are cases that ink I remains in the hollow conical space X in the deepest part of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 25(   b ), when the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 , if the case  200  is pressed in the cap  300  direction (state of  FIG. 23(   b )), the case protruding member  260  contacts the ink insertion plug  520 , and the ink insertion plug  520  is pushed by the case protruding member  260 . At this time, ink that remains in the insertion inner circumferential portion  131  is pushed by the ink insertion plug  520 . As a result, ink flows into the ink storage portion  120  (see  FIG. 19)  from the ink insertion hole  121 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 25(   c ), when the case  200  and the cap  300  are welded, the ink insertion plug  520  fills in the space X to the deepest part within the insertion inner circumferential portion  131 . Therefore, there is no ink within the insertion inner circumferential portion  131 , and all of the ink I can be injected without waste. As indicated above, the ink insertion plug  520  is pressed by the case protruding member  260 . By pressing the ink insertion plug  520  with the case protruding member  260 , the frame  100  is less likely to wobble within the case  200 . 
   Additionally, the frame  100  is floatingly supported in a space within the case  200  as the ink supply portion  140  and the ink insertion portion  130  are connected with respect to the case  200 . However, the frame  100  is connected via the joint member  610  formed of an elastic material on the ink supply portion  140  side and via the ink insertion plug  520  formed of the same elastic material on the ink insertion portion  130  side, so the frame  100  is supported in the space within the case  200  in a damping state. Therefore, even if a shock is applied to the case  200 , the vibration is attenuated by an elastic material and is transmitted to the frame  100 , so the effect of the external shock with respect to the frame  100  can be reduced. Therefore, the joint member  610  and the ink insertion plug  520  also function as a damper that suppresses vibration applied to the case  200  from being transmitted to the frame  100 . In comparison with a cartridge in which an exclusive damper member is arranged, the number of parts is reduced. In addition, because the case protruding member  260  presses the ink insertion plug  520 , the ink insertion plug  520  is prevented from slipping. Although, as described above, when the case  200  and the cap  300  are welded, the ink insertion plug  520  is pressed into the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130  by the case protruding member  260 . However, it is also acceptable to push the ink insertion plug  520  to the deepest part of the ink insertion portion  130  immediately after ink is injected (i.e., before assembly of the case  200  and the cap  300 ). 
   As explained before, the ink cartridge  1  is manufactured by inserting ink I into the ink storage portion  120  of the frame  100 , then putting the frame  100  in the case  200 , and welding the case  200  and the cap  300 . In a conventional ink cartridge, there are cases in which ink is inserted from outside of the case portion after the case is put on the frame. In such conventional ink cartridges, a frame and a case must be prepared separately for cartridges storing different amounts and/or colors of ink. However, in the embodiment described above, the case is put on after ink is inserted into the ink storage portion  120  of the frame  100 . Thus, a single frame  100  can be commonly used. That is, even when multiple case shapes are required, a single frame  100  can be used. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the ink cartridge  1  can be reduced. 
   Furthermore, the ink cartridge  1  manufactured by the above-described process includes the ink insertion portion  130  and the ink insertion plug  520  at locations that cannot be visually detected from the outside. Therefore, erroneous removal of the ink insertion plug  520  and splashing of ink by the user is prevented. 
   Next, with reference to  FIG. 26 , mounting of ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710  is explained.  FIG. 26  shows cross sectional views depicting a process of mounting the ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710 .  FIG. 26(   a ) shows a state before the ink cartridge  1  is mounted.  FIG. 26(   b ) shows a state after the ink cartridge  1  is mounted. Furthermore, the ink cartridge  1  of  FIG. 26  is schematically shown, so the case  200  and the cap  300  are shown in solid lines, and the frame  100  is shown in broken lines. 
   As shown in  FIG. 26(   a ), in the mounting portion at which the ink cartridge  1  of the inkjet printer  1710  is mounted, the hollow ink extraction tube  1720  is provided, which extends through the joint member  610  (see  FIG. 19)  of the valve mechanism  530  within the ink cartridge  1  from the cap through hole  330  and extracts ink I from the ink cartridge  1 . The ink extraction tube  1720  is connected to a head (undepicted) of the inkjet printer  1710  via an undepicted flow path. The ink extraction tube  1720  protrudes from the mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710  (protruding upward in  FIG. 26 ). At the tip end (upper side of  FIG. 26(   a )) of ink extraction tube  1720 , concave ink extraction grooves  1730  are provided. Because of these ink extraction grooves  1730 , even if the ink extraction tube  1720  contacts the bottom surface of the valve member  620  (see  FIG. 19)  of the valve mechanism  530 , an ink flow path is obtained. 
   As shown in  FIG. 26(   a ), in the mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710 , a pair of clamp members  1740  are provided that protrude (protrude upward in  FIG. 26(   a )) and sandwich the ink extraction tube  1720 . At the tip ends (upper end portions in  FIG. 26(   a )) of the clamp members  1740 , clamp engaging portions  1750  are provided that protrude in a direction opposite to each other and engage the cap sidewall  320 . Furthermore, the clamp members  1740  have flexible properties in a direction of separation from each other (arrow D direction of  FIG. 26) . When the ink cartridge  1  is mounted, the clamp members  1740  are pressed in the arrow D direction by the cap bottom wall  310  and are bent. The direction in which the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is determined by the positional relationship between the ink extraction tube  1720  and the cap through hole  330 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 26(   b ), when ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710 , the clamp engaging portions  1750  of the clamp members  1740  are engaged with the end portions of the cap sidewall  320  of the cap  300 , and the ink cartridge  1  is fixed. To remove the ink cartridge  1 , one of the clamp engaging portions  1750  and the cap sidewall  320  can be disengaged by sliding the clamp members  1740  in the arrow D direction. 
   As mentioned above, the cap sidewall  320  is arranged so that the melted debris X (see  FIG. 24 ) generated in the process of welding the case  200  and the cap  300  cannot be visually seen from the outside. Furthermore, the cap sidewall  320  also functions as an engaging portion that mountingly fixes the ink cartridge  1  to the inkjet printer  1710 . Therefore, there is no need for an engaging portion to separately engage the clamp members  1740 , so the complexity of the structure of the ink cartridge  1  can be reduced and cost reduction can be achieved. 
   Operation of the valve mechanism  530  when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism  530  is described below with reference to  FIG. 27 .  FIG. 27  shows operation of the valve mechanism  530 .  FIG. 27(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted.  FIG. 27(   b ) shows a state in which the ink extraction tube  1720  is being inserted.  FIG. 27(   c ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  1  in which the ink extraction tube  1720  has been completely inserted (see  FIG. 26) . 
     FIG. 27(   a ) shows a state before the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710 . At this point, the valve member  620  is urged in a direction of contact with the joint member  610 , which is a direction parallel to the axis B, by the first and second spring members  630 ,  650 . As shown in  FIG. 27(   a ), the first spring member  630  stored within the valve member  620  (and the slider member  640 ) is slightly bent. There is no flexing, however, in the spring flexible portion  930  of the second spring member  650  arranged on the top portion (upper side of  FIG. 27(   a )) of the slider member  640 . This configuration determines the bending order of the spring members  630  and  650 . That is, the first spring member  630  in which the spring flexible portion  930  is already slightly bent is more easily bent than the second spring member  650 . Thus, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the first spring member  630  is first bent, and then the second spring member  650  is bent. 
   Bending of the spring flexible portion  930  of the first spring member  630  is caused when the valve hook portions  850  of the valve member  620  are engaged with the surface  1041  of the slider pedestal portion  1040  of the slider member  640 . The distance (see  FIG. 27(   a )) between the end surface of the inside of the valve bottom wall  810  of the valve member  620  and the end surface of the valve bottom wall  810  side of the valve hook portions  850  is formed to be shorter than the total distance of the thickness of the slider pedestal portion  1040  of the slider member  640 , the height of the vertical direction of the first spring member  630 , and the height of the valve protruding portion  750 . Therefore, when the valve hook portions  850  of the valve member  620  are engaged with the surface  1043  of the slider member  640 , bending is generated in the spring flexible portion  930  of the first spring member  630 . The height of the valve mechanism  530  in the axis B direction is subject to dimensional error during manufacturing the respective parts, so the greater the number of parts, the greater the dimensional error. However, the slider member  640  contacts the valve hook portions  850  of the valve member  620 , so at least dimensional error in the first spring member  630  is not a concern. Accordingly, dimensional error in the valve mechanism  530  is reduced, and the extension operation of the valve mechanism  530  is stable. 
   As shown in  FIG. 27(   a ), the inner diameter of the valve sidewall  820  of the valve member  620  is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the slider outer circumferential wall  1010  of the slider member  640 . Therefore, when the slider member  640  is moved in the axis B direction of the valve mechanism  530 , generation of shifting in the moving direction can be prevented. Additionally, the inner diameter of the slider outer circumferential wall  1010  is formed to be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the spring bottom portion  910  of the respective spring members  630 ,  650 . Therefore, in a state in which the respective spring members  630 ,  650  are arranged on the slider pedestal portion  1040  of the slider member  640 , the chance of the respective spring members  630 ,  650  being shifted in a direction (horizontal direction of  FIG. 27(   a )) perpendicular to the axis B is reduced. The shape of the valve sidewall  820  of the valve member  620  is formed to be substantially the same as the shape of the inner diameter of the ink supply portion  140 . Therefore, shifting can be prevented when the valve member  620  is moved in the axis B direction, rendering the extension operation of the valve mechanism  530  in the axis B direction more stable. 
   As shown in  FIG. 27(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the joint member  610  and the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  of the ink supply portion  140 , the valve member  620  is moved in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 27(   b )) by the ink extraction tube  1720  contacting the valve bottom wall  810  of the valve member  620 . Along with this movement, the first spring member  630  is compressed. However, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is only partially inserted, only the first spring member  630  is bent and deformed by movement of the valve member  620 , so the slider member  640  is not moved, and the valve hook portions  850  of the valve member  620  are separated from the slider pedestal portion  1040  of the slider member  640 . 
   When the ink extraction tube  1720  is further inserted, the valve member  620  is further moved in the direction of the pedestal member  660 . Along with this, the slider member  640  is moved in the direction of the pedestal member  660  (direction opposite to the urging direction of the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 ), and flexible deformation of the second spring member  650  begins. 
   As shown in  FIG. 27(   c ), when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710 , the second spring member  650  is elastically deformed, and an ink flow path shown by arrow E is formed. The ink flow path shown by the arrow E is a flow path that progresses, in order, through the ink storage portion  120  (see  FIG. 19) , the ink supply hole  122  (see  FIG. 19 ), the filter  1420  (see  FIG. 19 ) within the ink flow path  1410 , the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the first pedestal through holes  1140  and second pedestal through holes  1150 , the pedestal through grooves  1160 , the ink flow path  940  of the second spring member  650 , the slider through hole  1050 , the ink flow path  940  of the first spring member  630 , a flow path formed between the first spring member  630  and the valve receiving portion  870 , ink flow paths  860  of the valve member  620 , a flow path going through the ink extraction grooves  1730  of the ink extraction tube  1720 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . This flow path becomes a main flow path in which most of ink flows. Furthermore, a space between the valve sidewall  820  of the valve member  620  and the inner circumferential surface of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460  also becomes an ink flow path. 
   In the main flow path, the top portion flow path  941  formed in the spring top portion  920  of the first spring member  630  and the top portion flow path  941  formed in the spring top portion  920  of the second spring member  650  become the smallest cross sections of the flow path and are locations at which the flow path can be easily closed by the presence of bubbles included in the ink. However, as described above, the aperture of the top portion flow path  941  is formed in a substantially square shape, so this problem can be avoided. 
   Operation of the joint member  610  when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to the joint member  610  is explained with reference to  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 28  shows operation of the joint member  610 .  FIG.28(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 28(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 28(   a ), in a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the joint protruding portion  750  protrudes in a substantially horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the axis B), and the step surface  732  is substantially horizontal. Furthermore, the diameter of the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730  is shown by b. 
   As shown in  FIG. 28(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the protruding portion flow path  762  via the taper portion flow path  761  from the aperture  722 , the joint protruding portion  750  is displaced (displaced within the protruding portion flow path  762 ) in an insertion direction (upward direction of  FIG. 28(   b )) of the ink extraction tube  1720 . The joint protruding portion  750  is dragged by the ink extraction tube  1720  due to friction between the inner circumferential surface  751  and the ink extraction tube  1720 . At this point, the joint contact portion  730  has a structure notched in a pedestal shape by the inner circumferential surface  733  and the step surface  732 . Therefore, displacement of the joint protruding portion  750  by ink extraction tube  1720  in the insertion direction is not directly transmitted to the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 28(   b ), the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730  is hardly displaced in the insertion direction, and the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730  is slightly displaced in the direction (arrow F direction) of separation from the ink extraction tube  1720 . The diameter of the joint contact portion  730  in this state is shown by b 1 , and is slightly larger than the diameter b of  FIG. 28(   a ). That is, the shape change in the joint member  610  that accompanies the insertion of the ink extraction tube  1720  becomes a shape change in which the joint contact portion  730  is displaced in the arrow F direction. If there were no step surface  732  at the boundary of the joint contact portion  730  and the joint protruding portion  750 , and the joint contact portion  730  had a shape having a moderately inclined surface toward the tip end portion  734  of the joint contact portion  730  from the inner circumferential surface  751  of the joint protruding portion  750 , when the joint protruding portion  750  was deformed so as to be displaced by the ink extraction tube  1720  in the insertion direction of the ink extraction tube  1720 , deformation of the joint protruding portion  750  would be directly transmitted to the joint contact portion  730 . The joint contact portion  730  would then be displaced in the insertion direction along with the joint protruding portion  750 . As a result, an insertion stroke of the ink extraction tube  1720  to form an ink flow path between the valve member  620  (see  FIG. 27)  and the joint contact portion  730 , would be long. In such a configuration, it would be necessary to make the ink extraction tube  1720  long. If the ink extraction tube  1720  is too long, it can contact other members, easily damaging those members. However, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 28 , the joint contact portion  730  is displaced in a direction (arrow F direction) substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the ink extraction tube  1720 , so there is no need for a long stroke to form the ink flow path. Thus, the chance that the ink extraction tube  1720  will contact other members and that damage will be caused can be reduced. 
   A tactile feeling that accompanies mounting of the ink cartridge  1  is explained with reference to  FIG. 29 .  FIG. 29  is a graph showing a tactile feeling when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted. A horizontal axis of  FIG. 29  shows a moving distance (stroke) when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted. A vertical axis of  FIG. 29  is a load that is generated when the ink cartridge  1  is mounted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 29 , when the ink cartridge  1  begins to be mounted, and the ink extraction tube  1720  contacts the valve member  620 , the load rapidly increases. Then, when the spring flexible portions  930  of the first spring member  630  begin to be elastically deformed, the load rapidly decreases. This change in state is point c of  FIG. 29  (intermediate state between  FIG. 27(   a ) and  FIG. 27(   b )). 
   After that, if mounting of the ink cartridge  1  continues, elastic deformation of the first spring member  630  is completed, and elastic deformation of the second spring member  650  begins. At this point, the load rapidly increases again. This state is shown by point d of  FIG. 29 . 
   Thus, by having the respective spring members  630 ,  650 , there is a two-level change of load. Therefore, a person who mounts the ink cartridge  1  can feel that mounting of the ink cartridge  1  is accurately performed. This change of load is called a “tactile feeling”. Therefore, a user can confirm through a tactile feeling, without visual examination, whether the ink cartridge  1  is accurately mounted. 
   Furthermore, in the same manner, the load changes when the ink cartridge  1  is detached. The change is shown by the curve of the load at the time of detachment of the ink cartridge  1  as shown in  FIG. 29 . When the ink cartridge  1  begins to be detached, the load is high because there is an elastic force that returns the respective spring members  630 ,  650  to their original state, but when the detachment of the ink cartridge continues, the change in the load becomes smooth. 
   The inclination angle a (see  FIG. 21 ) of the frame inclined surfaces  124  of the frame main body portion  110  is described with reference to  FIG. 30 .  FIG. 30  is a graph showing the relationship between the inclination angle a of the frame inclined surfaces  124 , a remaining ink amount, and a storage capacity. The horizontal axis (vertical direction of  FIG. 30 ) of  FIG. 30  shows the inclination angle a of the frame inclined surfaces  124 , and the vertical axis (vertical direction of  FIG. 30 ) of  FIG. 30  shows the remaining ink amount (vertical axis of the left side of  FIG. 30 ) and the storage capacity (vertical axis of the right side of  FIG. 30 ). The black round dots of  FIG. 30  show the remaining ink amount, and the black square dots show the storage capacity. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 , the frame inclined surfaces  124  are formed in a linear shape in a cross sectional view. This configuration is provided to effectively consume ink and reduce a remainder amount of ink stored within the ink storage portion  120 . That is, when the frame inclined surfaces  124  are formed in a curved shape in a cross sectional view, when the ink housing amount is small, the films  1430  cannot accurately contact the frame inclined surfaces  124 . Thus, there remains a slight gap between the frame inclined surfaces  124  and the films  1430 , and ink is stored therein. 
   Additionally, the frame inclination angle a of the frame inclined surfaces  124  is set at an angle at which a large ink storage amount can be obtained and the a remainder ink amount can be reduced. In the embodiment described above, the frame inclination angle α is set to be 30°. With respect to the ink cartridge  1 , the minimum allowable storage capacity is determined. The storage capacity is 23 milliliters (hereafter referred to as “ml”), which is shown as the broken straight line f 1  in  FIG. 30 . As shown in  FIG. 30 , from the standpoint of the minimum storage capacity, it is preferable that the inclination angle a of the frame inclined surfaces  124  is formed at 27° or higher. 
   Furthermore, with respect to the remainder ink amount, the target value of the maximum allowable remainder amount is determined. The target value is 1.5 ml or less. This target value is shown as the broken straight line f 2  in  FIG. 30 . From the standpoint of the remainder ink amount, it is preferable that the inclination angle a of the frame inclined surfaces  124  is formed at 34° or less. 
   As shown in  FIG. 30 , the storage capacity becomes larger in proportion to a large inclination angle α. However, the remainder ink amount rapidly increases when the value of the inclination angle α is larger than 30°. According to this analysis, an optimal inclination angle α of the frame inclined surfaces  124  is 30°. 
   Additionally, it is preferable that the inclination angle α is 27° or more in terms of the storage capacity. However, taking remainder ink amount into consideration, it is preferable that the inclination angle α is within a range e of 28° to 34°. Any inclination angle α set within this range, would be suitable. 
   In the embodiment described above, the frame  100 , the case  200 , and the cap  300  are formed of resin material. The valve mechanism  530  is also formed of resin material. By not using metal material as a structural element of the ink cartridge  1 , disposal can be performed by burning the ink cartridge  1 . For example, in an ink cartridge in which an urging member (e.g., the respective spring members  630 ,  650 ) of a valve mechanism is formed of metal, at the time of disposal, the ink cartridge needs to be taken apart, and the urging member needs to be removed. This additional step raises disposal cost. As the structural elements of the ink cartridge  1  are combustible, disposal cost can be reduced. 
   An ink cartridge  2  is described with reference to  FIG. 31 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the tip end portion shape of the ink insertion plug  520  (see  FIG. 19 ) is formed in a substantially conical shape. Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge  2 , an insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  of an ink insertion portion  1820  of a frame  1810  is formed as a substantially hollow cylindrical groove. At the same time, an ink insertion plug  1840  to be inserted into the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Portions of the ink cartridge  2  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  2 . As shown in  FIG. 31 , with respect to the ink cartridge  2 , the shape of the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  of the ink insertion portion  1820  of the frame  1810  is formed as a substantially hollow cylindrical groove. The ink insertion hole  121  is connected to the end portion (lower side of  FIG. 31 ) of the deepest part, opposite to the aperture portion (upper side of  FIG. 31 ), of the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830 . The ink insertion plug  1840  that is inserted to the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Therefore, when the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 , and the ink insertion plug  1840  is pushed by the case protruding member  260 , the outer surface of the ink insertion plug  1840  contacts the inner surface of the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  without any gap. That is, connection between the insertion inner circumferential portion  1830  and the ink insertion hole  121  is blocked by the ink insertion plug  1840 . 
   Therefore, in the same manner as in the ink cartridge  1 , when the case  200  is mounted to the cap  300 , the ink insertion plug  1840  is pushed by the case protruding member  260 . Thus, the process of manufacturing the ink cartridge  2  can be simplified. Additionally, by pressing the ink insertion plug  1840  with the case protruding member  260 , wobbling of the frame  1810  can be reduced. In addition, in the same manner as in the ink cartridge  1 , even if shock is applied to the case  200 , it is moderated as it is transmitted to the frame  1810 . Thus, the frame  1810  can be protected from external shock. Furthermore, as the case protruding member  260  presses the ink insertion plug  1840 , it also functions to prevent slippage of the ink insertion plug  1840 . 
   As shown in  FIG.31 , with respect to the ink insertion plug  1840 , the portion contacting the case protruding member  260  includes an insertion plug groove portion  1850 . The insertion plug groove portion  1850  is a concave-shaped groove, and the diameter of the groove is formed to be substantially the same as the diameter of the case protruding member  260 . When the ink insertion plug  1840  is pressed by the case protruding member  260 , the tip end of the case protruding member  260  engages with the insertion plug groove portion  1850 . Thus, the chance that the position at which the ink insertion plug  1840  contacts the case protruding member  260  will be shifted and the frame  1810  will inclined is reduced. When the frame  1810  is inclined, the load to be applied to the joint member  610  changes and ink may leak. The insertion plug groove portion  1850 , prevents such ink leakage. 
   An ink cartridge  3  is described with reference to  FIG. 32 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the valve member  620  is urged in the joint member  610  direction by an elastic force of the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 , so the ink flow path is closed (see  FIG. 27(   a )). Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge  3 , a valve member  1930  is urged in the joint member  610  direction by an elastic force of a coil spring member  1940  formed of a metal material or resin material, and the ink flow path is closed. Portions of the ink cartridge  3  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 32  shows cross sectional views of an ink supply portion  1910  of the ink cartridge  3 .  FIG. 32(   a ) shows a state before an ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26)  is inserted, and  FIG. 32(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 32 , with respect to a valve mechanism  1920 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  1930  closing the ink flow path by contacting the joint contact portion  730  of the joint member  610 , a coil spring member  1940  is arranged, which is formed of a substantially conical coil spring. 
   The valve member  1930  is formed in a substantially round flat plate shape. Valve through holes  1950  are formed, which become ink flow paths in the vicinity of the outer circumferential portion. Though not depicted, six valve through holes  1950  are substantially uniformly formed about the circumference of the valve member  1930 . The diameter of the valve member  1930  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of a valve mechanism insertion portion  1960 . Thus, when the valve member  1930  is vertically moved, the chances of inclination of the valve member  1930  are reduced. In particular, when the ink cartridge  3  is detached from the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ), if the valve member  1930  is inclined, the position at which the joint contact portion  730  contacts the joint member  610  is changed, and ink may leak. However, in the ink cartridge  3 , the chances of the valve member  1930  being inclined and moved are reduced, so the chances of ink leakage are reduced. 
   The coil spring member  1940  is a conical wound coil spring. The large diameter side (upper side of  FIG. 32 ) contacts the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660 , and the smaller diameter side (lower side of  FIG. 32 ) contacts the valve member  1930 . With respect to the coil spring member  1940 , in the extension direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 32 ), pitch lengths g are formed to be substantially the same. Furthermore, the coil spring member  1940  of the ink cartridge  3  is formed of four coils of coil spring. The first through fourth coils are shown progressing from large diameter to small diameter. The inner diameter of the first coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the second coil. The inner diameter of the second coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the third coil. The inner diameter of the third coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the fourth coil. That is, a coil spring is used so that the inner diameter of n th  coil is larger than the outer diameter of (n+1) th  coil. 
   With respect to the coil spring member  1940 , the valve member  1930  can be urged in the direction of the joint member  610  (downward direction in  FIG. 32 ), so it can also be arranged so that the smaller diameter contacts the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660 , and the larger diameter contacts the valve member  1930 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 32(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1960 , the valve member  1930  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upward direction of  FIG. 32(   b )) by the ink extraction tube  1720 , and the coil spring member  1940  is compressed.  FIG. 32(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  3  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) , and the inner diameter of n th  coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of (n+1) th  coil. Thus, the second through fourth coils are accommodated within the first coil. That is, the conical inclination angle at the time of non-compression is set at an inclination angle such that the first through fourth coils do not interfere in the compression direction at the time of compression. Thus, when the ink extraction tube  1720  inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1960  and pushes the valve member  1930  in the pedestal member  660  direction, the coil spring member  1940  is compressed to be compact to a degree in which the thickness in this direction becomes substantially the same as the diameter of the coils. Therefore, the length of the ink supply portion  1910  can be shortened, in comparison to valve mechanism formed of a plurality of members or in which the coil spring is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the ink cartridge  3  can be made smaller. Furthermore, as only one coil spring member  1940  needs to be used as an urging member, the structure of the valve mechanism  1920  can be simplified. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  3  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow G. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the valve through holes  1950  of the valve member  1930 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  4  is described with reference to  FIG. 33 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the valve member  620  is urged in the joint member  610  direction by an elastic force of the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 , and the ink flow path is closed. Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge  4 , the valve member  1930  is urged in the joint member  610  direction by an elastic force of a coil spring member  2040 , and the ink flow path is closed. Portions of the ink cartridge  4  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted The valve member  1930  provided in the ink cartridge  4  is the same as the valve member  1930  of the ink cartridge  3 , so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 33  shows cross sectional views of an ink supply portion  2010  of the ink cartridge  4 .  FIG. 33(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 33(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 33 , with respect to a valve mechanism  2020  of the ink cartridge  4 , the coil spring member  2040  includes a coil spring formed of a substantially cylindrical portion and a substantially conical portion is arranged between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  1930  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint contact portion  730  of the joint member  610 . 
   The coil spring member  2040  is a wound spring coil. Both end portions of the coil spring member  2040  in the extension direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 33(   a )) are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the intermediate portion is formed in a substantially conical shape. With respect to the coil spring member  2040 , the portion with the larger diameter (upper side of  FIG. 33(   a )) contacts the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660 , and the portion with the small diameter (lower side of  FIG. 33(   a )) contacts the valve member  1930 . With respect to the coil spring member  2040 , in the extension direction (vertical direction in  FIG. 33) , pitch lengths g are substantially the same. Furthermore, the coil spring member  2040  includes five coils of coil spring. The first through fifth coils are shown, starting from the larger diameter coils and progressing to the smaller diameter coils. The diameter of the first and second coils is substantially the same size. The inner diameter of the first and second coils is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the third coil. The inner diameter of the third coil is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the fourth coil. Furthermore, the diameter of the fourth and fifth coils is formed to be substantially the same. That is, the second through fourth coils are formed to be a substantially conical shape, and with respect to the second through fourth coils, the inner diameter of n th  coil is larger than the outer diameter of (n+1) th  coil. 
   Additionally, with respect to the coil spring member  2040 , the valve member  1930  is urged in the joint member  610  direction (lower direction of  FIG. 33 ). Thus, the portion with the smaller diameter can contact the pedestal bottom portions  1110  of the pedestal member  660 , and the portion with the large diameter can contact the valve member  1930 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 33(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to a valve mechanism insertion portion  2060 , the valve member  1930  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 33(   b )).  FIG. 33(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  4  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) . From the second to the fourth coils, the inner diameter of n th  coil is larger than the outer diameter of (n+1) th  coil, so the third and fourth coils are accommodated within the second coil. Because of this, when the ink extraction tube  1720  inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  2060  and pushes the valve member  1930  in the direction of the pedestal member  660 , the coil spring member  2040  is pressed to be compact so that the thickness in this direction becomes substantially the same as three times the diameter of the wound coil. Therefore, the length of the ink supply portion  2010  in the extension direction is shortened, in comparison to a valve mechanism formed of a plurality of members or in which the coil spring is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the ink cartridge  4  can be made smaller. Furthermore, in the ink cartridge  4 , only one coil spring member  2040  is used as an urging member, so the structure of the valve mechanism  2020  can be simplified. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  4  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ) is shown by arrow H. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the valve through holes  1950  of the valve mechanism  1920 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  5  is described with reference to  FIG. 34 . In the ink cartridge  3 , the pedestal member  660  and the cover member  680  are engaged with the engaging portion  1450 . In the ink cartridge  5 , one end of the coil spring member  1940  contacts a filter stopper member  2170  that suppresses slippage of the filter  1420 . Portions of the ink cartridge  5  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  3  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 34  is a cross sectional view of an ink supply portion  2110  of the ink cartridge  5 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 34 , the valve mechanism  2120  of the ink cartridge  5  includes the valve member  1930 , the coil spring member  1940 , and the filter stopper member  2170  that contacts one end side of the coil spring member  1940  and is urged in the direction of the filter  1420  (upward direction of  FIG. 34 ). 
   The filter stopper member  2170  is formed in a substantially round flat plate shape. Stopper through holes  2180  are formed, which become ink flow paths in the vicinity of the outer circumferential portion of the filter stopper member  2170 . Though not depicted, six stopper through holes  2180  are formed substantially about the circumference of the filter stopper member  2170 . The outer diameter of the filter stopper member  2170  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  2160 , so shifting of the position of the filter stopper member  2170  can be prevented. Furthermore, it is also acceptable for the outer diameter of the filter stopper member  2170  to have a larger diameter than the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  2160 . Further, the filter stopper member  2170  can be fixed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 34 , the filter stopper member  2170  is constantly urged by the coil spring member  1940 , so the filter  1420  does not slip into the valve mechanism insertion portion  2160 . Therefore, dust and/or foreign matter can be effectively removed by the filter  1420 . The valve mechanism  2120  includes the filter stopper member  2170 , the coil spring member  1940 , and the valve member  1930 , so a structure of the ink cartridge  5  can be simplified. 
   An ink cartridge  6  is described with reference to  FIG. 35 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the valve mechanism  530  includes the joint member  610 , the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , the second spring member  650 , the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680 . In the ink cartridge  6 , a valve member  1930  is provided that does not include the slider member  640  and has a different shape. The valve member  1930  of the ink cartridge  6  is the same as the valve member  1930  of the ink cartridge  3 , so explanation thereof is omitted. Portions of the ink cartridge  6  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 35  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  6 .  FIG. 35(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 35(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 35(   a ), with respect to a valve mechanism  2220  of the ink cartridge  6 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  1930  that closes an ink flow path by contacting the joint contact portion  730  of the joint member  610 , a first spring member  2240  and a second spring member  2250  are arranged, which are formed of resin material having elasticity such as rubber. 
   The first spring member  2240  is formed of the same material and has the same shape as the first spring member  630  of the ink cartridge  1 . The structure of the first spring member  2240  includes an annular spring bottom portion  910  that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the large diameter) of the first spring member  2240 , the annular spring top portion  920  that has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the spring bottom portion  910  and forms a top surface (end portion with smaller diameter) of the first spring member  2240 , and a hollow conical spring flexible portion  930  that connects the spring top portion  920  and the spring bottom portion  910  and is flexibly deformed when a load is applied. The ink flow path  940  is also provided in first spring member  2240 , including the top portion flow path  941  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion  920 , a flexible portion flow path  942  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion  930 , and a bottom portion flow path  943  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion  910 . 
   The second spring member  2250  is formed of the same material and has the same shape as the first spring member  2240  (the outer shape size is different) and includes the spring bottom portion  910 , the spring top portion  920 , the spring flexible portion  930 , and the ink flow path  940  (top portion flow path  941 , flexible portion flow path  942 , bottom portion flow path  943 ). The second spring member  2250  is arranged opposite to, and symmetrically with, the first spring member  2240  in a vertical direction. 
   As shown in  FIG. 35 , the respective spring top portions  920  of the first spring member  2240  and the second spring member  2250  contact each other, and the spring bottom portions  910  are arranged so as to contact a respective one of the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  and the valve member  1930 . The side surfaces of the spring bottom portions  910  contact the inner wall of the ink supply portion  140 , which has a hollow cylindrical shape, so movement in the diameter direction is restricted. The contact surfaces of the respective spring top portions  920  may be attached (e.g., welded). The outer diameter of the spring bottom portion  910  is formed have substantially the same diameter as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so the chances of shifting of the positions of the respective spring members  2240 ,  2250  are reduced. 
   As shown in  FIG. 35(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  1930  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 35(   b )).  FIG. 35(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  6  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) . In  FIG. 35(   b ), the spring flexible portions  930  of the first spring member  2240  and the second spring member  2250  are elastically deformed. 
   At this point, when the first spring member  2240  and the second spring member  2250  are elastically deformed, the side surfaces of the spring bottom portions  910  with the largest diameter contact the inner wall of the ink supply portion  140 , so movement in the diameter direction is restricted. Therefore, axis wobbling that can easily be generated by elastic deformation is prevented. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  6  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow J. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the ink flow paths  940  of the respective spring members  2240 ,  2250 , the ink flow path of the valve through holes  1950  of the valve member  1930 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  7  is described with reference to  FIG. 36 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the valve member  620  is urged in the direction of the joint member  610  by the elastic force of the first spring member  630  and the second spring member  650 , and the ink flow path is closed (see  FIG. 27(   a )). In the ink cartridge  7 , the valve member  1930  is urged in the joint member  610  direction by an elastic force of a spring member  2340  that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and the ink flow path is closed. Portions of the ink cartridge  7  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. Furthermore, the valve member  1930  of the ink cartridge  7  is the same as the valve member  1930  of the ink cartridge  3 , so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 36  is a cross sectional view of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  7 .  FIG. 36(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted.  FIG. 36(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 36 , with respect to a valve mechanism  2320  of the ink cartridge  7 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  1930  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint contact portion  730  of the joint member  610 , a spring member  2340  is arranged, which is formed of resin material having elasticity such as rubber and has a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. 
   With respect to the spring member  2340 , two spring end portions  2350 , including a spring end portion that contacts the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  and a spring end portion that contacts the valve member  1930  are formed on respective ends (upper side and lower side of  FIG. 36 ) of the spring member  2340 . Between the two spring end portions  2350 , a spring flexible portion  2360  is formed, which is bent and deformed when a load is applied. The spring flexible portion  2360  is formed to be thinner than the spring end portions  2350 , so the strength of the spring flexible portion  2360  is weaker. When the spring member  2340  is elastically deformed, the spring flexible portion  2360  is bent and deformed. Furthermore, the outer diameter of each of the spring end portions  2350  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so the chances of the position of the spring member  2340  being shifted are reduced. 
   As shown in  FIG. 36(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  1930  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 36(   b )).  FIG. 36(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  7  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26)  and shows a state in which the spring flexible portion  2360  is elastically deformed. The spring flexible portion  2360  is elastically deformed alternately in directions substantially perpendicular to the extension direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 36 ). 
   In addition, the ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  7  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow K. An ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the hollow internal portion of the spring member  2340 , the valve through holes  1950  of the valve member  1930 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  8  is described with reference to  FIG. 37 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the valve mechanism  530  includes the joint member  610 , the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , the second spring member  650 , the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680 . In the ink cartridge  8 , a valve member  2430  is provided that does not include the slider member  640  and has a different shape. Portions of the ink cartridge  8  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 37  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  8 .  FIG. 37(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 37(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 37(   a ), with respect to the valve mechanism  2320  of the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting a joint member  2470 , a first spring member  2440  and a second spring member  2450  are arranged, which are formed of resin material having elasticity such as rubber. 
   The valve member  2430  is explained with reference to  FIG. 38 .  FIG. 38  shows the valve member  2430 .  FIG. 38(   a ) is a side view of the valve member  2430 .  FIG. 38(   b ) is a top view of the valve member  2430 .  FIG. 38(   c ) is a bottom view of the valve member  2430 .  FIG. 38(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member  2430  shown in  FIG. 38(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 38(   a ), the valve member  2430  includes a valve bottom portion  2431  that forms a bottom wall (lower side of  FIG. 38(   a )) of the valve member  2430 , a valve outer circumferential portion  2432  that forms an outer circumferential wall of the valve member  2430 , valve groove portions  2433  that extend toward the valve bottom portion  2431  from the top end surface (end surface of the top side of  FIG. 38(   a )) of the valve outer circumferential portion  2432 , and a valve protruding portion  2434  that protrudes from the valve bottom portion  2431  to a side opposite from the valve outer circumferential portion  2432  (lower direction of  FIG. 38(   a )). 
   As shown in  FIG. 38(   b ), the valve groove portions  2433  are formed at four locations of the valve outer circumferential portion  2432 , and are formed at substantially identical intervals about the circumference of the valve outer circumferential portion  2432 . As shown in  FIG. 38(   c ), the valve protruding portions  2434  are formed on the outer edge portion of the valve bottom portion  2431 . As the valve protruding portion  2434  contacts the joint member  2470  (see  FIG. 37) , the ink flow path is closed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 38(   b ), valve receiving portions  2435  are formed in the valve member  2430  that protrude toward the center of the valve member  2430  from the valve outer circumferential portion  2432 . The valve receiving portions  2435  are formed in intermediate positions between the valve groove portions  2433  about the circumference of the valve member  2430 , and receive the first spring member  2440 . The valve receiving portions  2435  receive the first spring member  2440  by contacting the spring top portion  920  of the first spring member  2440 . The valve receiving portions  2435  include valve control surfaces  2436  that control shifting of the first spring member  2440  by contacting the side surface of the spring top portion  920  and valve receiving surfaces  2437  that receive the spring top portion  920  by contacting the aperture surface of the top portion flow path  941  of the spring top portion  920 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 38(   d ), with respect to the valve receiving portions  2435 , the valve control surfaces  2436  are formed in a substantially intermediate position in the height direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 38(   d )) of the valve receiving portions  2435 . The valve receiving surfaces  2437  are formed to be substantially parallel to the valve bottom portion  2431 . Therefore, the first spring member  2440  can be received without wobbling. 
   Returning to  FIG.37(   a ), the joint member  2470  includes a joint outer circumferential portion  2471  that forms the outer circumferential wall of the joint member  2470  and is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion  140 , a joint inner circumferential portion  2472  that is accommodated within the ink supply portion  140 , a joint engaging portion  2473  that is formed between the joint inner circumferential portion  2472  and the joint outer circumferential portion  2471  and is engaged with the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140 , and a joint insertion portion  2474  that is formed in the joint inner circumferential portion  2472  and in which the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. The joint member  2470  is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and the ink flow path is closed as the joint inner circumferential portion  2472  contacts the valve protruding portion  2434  of the valve member  2430 . 
   Furthermore, the top surface of the joint inner circumferential portion  2472 , which contacts the valve protruding portions  2434  of the joint inner circumferential portion  2472 , is a flat surface. 
   As shown in  FIG. 37(   a ), with respect to the valve mechanism  2420  of the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  are arranged. 
   The first spring member  2440  of the ink cartridge  8  has the same shape (the outer shape size is different) as the first spring member  630  of the ink cartridge  1 . The structure of the first spring member  2440  is mainly provided with the annular spring bottom portion  910  that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the larger diameter) of the first spring member  2440 , the annular spring top portion  920  that forms a top surface (end portion with the smaller diameter) of the first spring member  2440 , and the hollow conical spring flexible portion  930  that connects the spring top portion  920  and the spring bottom portion  910 . The hollow conical spring flexible portion  930  is flexibly deformed when a load is applied. The ink flow path  940  is also included, includes the top portion flow path  941  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion  920 , the flexible portion flow path  942  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion  930 , and the bottom portion flow path  943  that becomes the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion  910 . 
   The second spring member  2450  has the same shape as the first spring member  2440  and includes the spring bottom portion  910 , the spring top portion  920 , the spring flexible portion  930 , and the ink flow path  940  (top portion flow path  941 , flexible portion flow path  942 , and bottom portion flow path  943 ). The second spring member  2450  is arranged in a reverse configuration with respect to the first spring member  2440  in the vertical direction. As shown in  FIG. 37(   a ), the respective spring bottom portions  910  of the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  contact each other, and the spring top portions  920  contact a respective one of the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  and the valve receiving portions  2435  of the valve member  2430 . It is also acceptable for the contact surfaces of the respective spring bottom portions  910  to be attached (e.g., welded) to each other. Furthermore, the outer diameter of each of the spring bottom portions  910  of the respective spring members  2440 ,  2450  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so even if the respective spring members  2440 ,  2450  are deformed, the chances of the position being shifted in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction are reduced. 
   As shown in  FIG. 37(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  2430  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 37(   b )).  FIG. 37(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  8  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) , and the spring flexible portions  930  of the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  are elastically deformed. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  8  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow L. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , ink flow paths  940  of the spring members  2440 ,  2450 , the ink flow path of the valve groove portions  2433  of the valve member  2430 , and the ink extraction tube. 
   An ink cartridge  9  is described with reference to  FIG. 39 . In the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal member  660  that receives the check valve  670  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  are provided. In the ink cartridge  9 , a spring member  2540  is provided between the pedestal member  660  and the valve member  2430 . Portions of the ink cartridge  9  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  8  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 39  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  9 .  FIG. 39(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 39(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 39(   a ), with respect to the valve mechanism  2520  of the ink cartridge  9 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the spring member  2540  is arranged. The spring member  2540  is formed of resin material with elasticity such as rubber. 
   The spring member  2540  is provided with a spring cylindrical portion  2550  that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a spring end portion  2560  with a diameter smaller than that of the spring cylindrical portion  2550  that contacts the valve receiving portions  2435  of the valve member  2430 , and a hollow conical spring flexible portion  2570  that connects the spring end portion  2560  and the spring cylindrical portion  2550  and is flexibly deformed when a load is applied. The spring cylindrical portion  2550  contacts the inner circumferential surface of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so elastic deformation in the outer diameter direction is restricted. As a result, the spring flexible portion  2570  is elastically deformed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 39(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  2430  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 36(   b )).  FIG. 39(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  9  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) , and the spring flexible portion  2570  is elastically deformed. 
   Furthermore, the ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  9  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow M. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the ink flow path of the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the hollow internal portion of the spring member  2540 , the valve groove portions  2433  of the valve member  2430 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  10  is described with reference to  FIG. 40 . In the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal member  660  that supports the check valve  670  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  are provided. In the ink cartridge  10 , by contrast, between the pedestal member  660  and the valve member  2430 , a first spring member  2640  and a second spring member  2650  are provided, which are formed of resin materials having elasticity, such as rubber, formed in a substantially hollow hemispherical shape. Portions of the ink cartridge  10  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  8  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 40  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  10 .  FIG. 40(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 40(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 40(   a ), with respect to a valve mechanism  2620  of the ink cartridge  10 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the first spring member  2640  and the second spring member  2650  are arranged, which are formed in a substantially hollow hemispherical shape. 
   The first spring member  2640  is provided with a spring end portion  2660  that contacts the valve receiving portions  2435  of the valve member  2430 , and a spring flexible portion  2670  that has a substantially hollow hemispherical shape extending in the diameter direction from the spring end portion  2660 . The second spring member  2650  is formed in the same shape as the first spring member  2640 , and is provided with the spring end portion  2660  and the spring flexible portion  2670 . The aperture portions of the spring flexible portion  2670  of the first and second spring member  2640 ,  2650  contact each other without any gap. The aperture portions of the spring flexible portion  2670  of the first and second spring members  2640 ,  2650  can also be connected to each other by an adhesive (e.g., by welding). 
   As shown in  FIG. 40(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted into the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  2430  is pressed in the direction of the pedestal member  660  (upward direction in  FIG. 40(   b )).  FIG. 40(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26) , and the respective spring flexible portion  2670  of the respective spring members  2640 ,  2650  is elastically deformed. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  10  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow N. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the respective spring members  2640 ,  2650 , the valve groove portions  2433  of the valve member  2430 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  11  is described with reference to  FIG. 41 . In the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal member  660  that receives the check valve  670  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the first spring member  2440  and the second spring member  2450  are provided. In the ink cartridge  11 , by contrast, between the pedestal member  660  and the valve member  2430 , a spring member  2740  and a slider member  2780  that operates in conjunction with the spring member  2740  are provided. Portions of the ink cartridge  11  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  8  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 41  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  11 .  FIG. 41  ( a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 41(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 41(   a ), with respect to the valve mechanism  2720  of the ink cartridge  11 , between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , the spring member  2740  formed of resin material with elasticity such as rubber, and the slider member  2780  that is connected to the spring member  2740  and restricts movement of the spring member  2740  in the extension direction (vertical direction of  FIG. 41(   a )), are arranged. 
   The spring member  2740  is provided with a spring cylindrical portion  2750  that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, a spring end portion  2751  that contacts the valve receiving portions  2435  of the valve member  2430 , a spring flexible portion  2752  that connects the spring end portion  2751  and the spring cylindrical portion  2750  and is flexibly deformed when a load is applied, and a spring groove portion  2753  that is formed in a concave shape in order to be engagingly fixed to the slider member  2780 . Though not depicted, the spring groove portion  2753  is formed over the outer circumferential surface of the spring cylindrical portion  2750 . Additionally, the spring cylindrical portion  2750  is formed to be thicker than the spring flexible portion  2752 , so the strength of the cylindrical portion  2750  is increased and the spring flexible portion  2752  is flexibly deformed. 
   The slider member  2780  is formed in a substantially round shape and is provided at its inner circumferential surface with a slider mounting portion  2781  in which the spring member  2740  is mounted. A slider convex portion  2782  is formed in a convex shape in the slider mounting portion  2781  and is engaged with the spring groove portion  2753 . Though not depicted, the slider mounting portion  2781  and the slider convex portion  2782  are formed over the inner circumferential surface of the slider member  2780 . Therefore, the slider convex portion  2782  is engaged with the spring groove portion  2753 , and the slider member  2780  is fixed to the spring member  2740 . The slider member  2780  is formed of resin material harder than that of the spring member  2740 . Thus, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the spring member  2740  is flexibly deformed without having the slider member  2780  deformed. In addition, the outer diameter of the slide member  2780  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so that shifting of the slider member  2780  from the moving direction can be prevented. 
   As shown in  FIG. 41(   b ), when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  2430  is pushed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upper direction of  FIG. 36(   b )).  FIG. 41  ( b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  11  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26)  and in which the spring flexible portion  2752  is elastically deformed. With respect to the operation of the valve mechanism  2720 , when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the slider member  2780  is moved in the direction of the pedestal member  660  (upward direction in  FIG. 41(   b )). When the slider member  2780  and the pedestal member  660  come into contact, movement of the slider member  2780  (spring member  2740 ) is restricted. When the ink extraction tube  1720  is further inserted, the spring flexible portion  2752  is elastically deformed. Thus, the slider member  2780  permits the ink extraction tube  1720  to be smoothly inserted. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  11  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow O. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the ink flow path of the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the inside of the spring member  2740 , the valve groove portions  2433  of the valve member  2430 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  12  is described with reference to  FIG. 42 . In the ink cartridge  8 , between the pedestal member  660  that receives the check valve  670  and the valve member  2430  that seal ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , a first spring member  2440  and a second spring member  2450  are provided, which are formed of resin material having elasticity, such as rubber. In the ink cartridge  12 , by contrast, between the pedestal member  660  and the valve member  2430 , a first spring member  2840 , a second spring member  2850 , and a slider member  2880  that is sandwiched and operated by the first and second spring members  2840 ,  2850 , are provided. Portions of the ink cartridge  12  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  8  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 42  shows cross sectional views of the ink supply portion  140  of the ink cartridge  12 .  FIG. 42(   a ) shows a state before the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, and  FIG. 42(   b ) shows a state after the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 42(   a ), between the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  engaged with the engaging portion  1450  and the valve member  2430  that closes the ink flow path by contacting the joint member  2470 , a valve mechanism  2820  of the ink cartridge  12  is provided. The valve mechanism  2820  includes the first spring member  2840 , the second spring member  2850 , and the slider member  2880 , which is arranged between the second spring member  2850  and the first spring member  2840 , accommodates part of the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850 , and is moved in conjunction with the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850 . 
   The first spring member  2840  is formed in the same shape (the outer shape size is different) as the first spring member  630  of the ink cartridge  12 . Therefore, the structure of the first spring member  2840  is mainly provided with an annular spring bottom portion  910  that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the larger diameter) of the first spring member  2840 , an annular spring top portion  920  that is formed having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the spring bottom portion  910  and that forms the top surface (end portion with a smaller diameter) of the first spring member  2840 , and a hollow conical spring flexible portion  930  connects the spring top portion  920  and the spring bottom portion  910  and is flexibly deformed when a load is applied. Furthermore, an ink flow path  940  is provided, which includes a top portion flow path  941  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion  920 , a flexible portion flow path  942  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion  930 , and a bottom portion flow path  943  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion  910 . 
   The second spring member  2850  is formed in the same shape as the first spring member  2840  and includes the spring bottom portion  910 , the spring top portion  920 , the spring flexible portion  930 , and the ink flow path  940  (top portion flow path  941 , flexible portion flow path  942 , and bottom portion flow path  943 ). The second spring member  2850  is arranged in a reverse configuration with respect to the first spring member  2840  in the vertical direction. 
   The slider member  2880  is provided with a cylindrical slider outer circumferential portion  2890  that forms an outer wall of the slider member  2880 , a slider intermediate wall  2891  that contacts the spring bottom portions  910  of the first spring member  2840  and of the second spring member  2850 , and a slider through hole  2892  that is formed through the slider intermediate wall  2891  and becomes the ink flow path. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the slider outer circumferential portions  2890  is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the spring bottom portions  910  of the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850 , so shifting of the arrangement of the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850  can be prevented. The outer diameter of the slider member  2880  is formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , so shifting of the slider member  2880  from the moving direction can be prevented. The slider member  2880  is formed of resin material harder than that of the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850 . Therefore, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the respective spring members  2840 ,  2850  are flexibly deformed without deforming the slider member  2880 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 42(   a ), the respective spring bottom portions  910  of the first spring member  2840  and the second spring member  2850  contact the slider intermediate wall  2891 . At the same time, the respective spring top portions  920  are arranged so as to contact the pedestal bottom portion  1110  of the pedestal member  660  and the valve receiving portions  2435  of the valve member  2430 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 42(   b ), if the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to the valve mechanism insertion portion  1460 , the valve member  2430  is pressed in the pedestal member  660  direction (upward direction in  FIG. 36(   b )).  FIG. 42(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  12  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26)  and in which the spring flexible portions  930  are elastically deformed. 
   With respect to operation of the valve mechanism  2820 , when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the slider member  2880  is moved in the pedestal member  660  direction (upward direction in  FIG. 42(   b )), the slider member  2880  contacts the pedestal member  660 , and movement of the slider member  2880  is restricted. Instead of contacting the pedestal member  660 , movement of the slider member  2880  can also be restricted by contacting the end surface of the inner wall of the ink supply portion  140 . Then, when the ink extraction tube  1720  is further inserted, the spring flexible portions  930  of the spring members  2840 ,  2850  are elastically deformed. The slider member  2880  permits the ink extraction tube  1720  to be smoothly inserted. Also, movement is restricted by the slider member  2880 , so extreme deformation of the second spring member  2850  can be prevented. Because extreme deformation of the second spring member  2850  that would prevent it from being returned to its original state can be prevented, and ink leakage can be prevented. 
   The ink flow path in a state in which the ink cartridge  12  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  is shown by arrow P. The ink flow path is formed by, in order, the cover through holes  1330  of the cover member  680 , the second pedestal through holes  1150  of the pedestal member  660 , the ink flow path  940  the second spring member  2850 , the slider through hole  2892  of the slider member  2880 , the ink flow path  940  of the first spring member  2840 , the valve groove portions  2433  of the valve member  2430 , and the ink extraction tube  1720 . 
   An ink cartridge  13  is described with reference to  FIG. 43 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the ink insertion plug  520  is pressed by the case protruding member  260 , the frame  100  is supported with respect to the case  200  by the ink supply portion  140  and the ink insertion portion  130 , and external vibration transmitted to the frame  100  is reduced. Meanwhile, in the ink cartridge  13 , a portion other than the ink insertion portion  130  of the frame  100  is pressed by a case protruding member  3220 , to control external vibration. Portions of the ink cartridge  13  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 43  is a schematic cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  13 . In  FIG. 43 , the frame  100  is shown with dotted lines, and a case  3210  and the cap  300  are shown with solid lines. 
   As shown in  FIG. 43 , the case  3210  of the ink cartridge  13  is provided with the case protruding member  3220  protruding toward the cap  300  side (lower side of  FIG. 43 ) from the ceiling wall of the case  3210 . The case protruding member  3220  is formed in a substantially central portion of the ceiling wall of the case  3210 . 
   The case protruding member  3220  presses the frame  100  toward the cap  300  side by contacting a portion other than the ink insertion portion  130  of the frame  100  in a state in which the case  3210  and the cap  300  are welded. Therefore, the chances of the frame  100  being moved by vibration or the like can be reduced. In addition, the case protruding member  3220  is formed in a substantially central portion of the ceiling wall of the case  3210 , so the center position, in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of  FIG. 43 ) of the frame  100 , is pressed. Thus, the frame  100  is stable in a pressed state, and movement of the frame  100  can be further reduced. 
   Additionally, with respect to the ink cartridge  13 , at the time of manufacturing the frame  100  (see  FIG. 22(   c )), the ink insertion plug  520  to be pressed into the ink insertion portion  130  is pressed so as to contact the end surface of the deepest part of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131  opposite to the aperture of the ink insertion portion  130 , after ink is inserted. 
   An ink cartridge  14  is described with reference to  FIG. 44 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the ink insertion plug  520  is pressed by the case protruding member  260 , the frame  100  is supported with respect to the case  200  by the ink supply portion  140  and the ink insertion portion  130 , and external vibration to be transmitted to the frame  100  can be reduced. In the ink cartridge  14 , by contrast, a case protruding member  3320  formed in a case  3310  presses a frame receiving portion  3340  formed in the frame  3330 , instead of the ink insertion portion  130 , so external vibration transmitted to the frame  3330  can be reduced. Portions of the ink cartridge  14  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 44  is a schematic cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  14 . In  FIG. 44 , the frame  100  is shown by dotted lines, and the case  3310  and the cap  300  are shown by solid lines. 
   As shown in  FIG. 44 , the case  3310  of the ink cartridge  14  protrudes toward the cap  300  side (lower side of  FIG. 44 ) from the ceiling wall of the case  3310 , and the case protruding member  3320  is provided, which is formed in a substantially center portion of the ceiling wall of the case  3310 . With respect to the case protruding member  3320 , the tip end is formed to be sharpened. The frame  3330  is provided with the frame receiving portion  3340  formed of an elastic material in a position corresponding to the case protruding member  3320  and different from a position in which the ink insertion portion  130  is formed. When the case  3310  and the cap  300  are welded, the case protruding member  3320  pierces into the frame receiving portion  3340 , and presses the frame  3330  toward the cap  300  side. 
   Therefore, in the same manner as in the ink cartridge  1 , even if a shock is applied to the case  3310 , the shock is moderated as it is transmitted to the frame  3330 , so the frame  3330  can be protected from the external shock. Furthermore, the case protruding member  3320  is formed in a substantially central portion of the ceiling wall of the case  3310 . Thus, it pierces into the center position of the frame  3330  in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction of  FIG. 44 ), so the frame  3330  is stabilized in a pressed state. 
   Additionally, in the ink cartridge  14 , at the time of manufacturing the frame  3330  (see  FIG. 22(   c )), after ink is inserted, the ink insertion plug  520  to be pressed into the ink insertion portion  130  is pressed so as to contact the end surface of the deepest part of the insertion inner circumferential portion  131  opposite to the aperture of the ink insertion portion  130 . 
   An ink cartridge  15  is described with reference to  FIG. 45 . In the ink cartridge  1 , the check valve  670  is formed to a substantially plate shape. In the ink cartridge  15 , by contrast, a check valve  3430  is provided with a plate-shaped portion and a shaft portion. Portions of the ink cartridge  15  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 45  is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  15 . 
   A valve mechanism  3420  of the ink cartridge  15  is provided with the joint member  610 , the valve member  620 , the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , the second spring member  650 , and the pedestal member  660  that have the same shape as in the ink cartridge  1 . The valve mechanism  3420  is further provided with a check valve  3430  and a cover member  3450 . 
   The check valve  3430  is provided with a check valve plate portion  3431  that is formed in a substantially plate shape, a check valve shaft portion  3432  that is formed in a substantially bar shape, and a check valve ball portion  3433  that is located in the vicinity of the cover member  3450  of the check valve shaft portion  3432  and is formed in a substantially spherical shape. 
   The cover member  3450  is provided with a cover outer circumferential wall  3451  that forms an outer circumferential wall of the cover member  3450 , a cover top portion  3452  that forms a top portion of the cover member  3450 , first cover through holes  3453  that are formed in the vicinity of the outer edge of the cover top portion  3452  and form an ink flow path, and a second cover through hole  3454 , formed at the axis position of the cover top portion  3452 , in which the check valve shaft portion  3432  is inserted. Furthermore, the diameter of the second cover through hole  3454  is larger than the diameter of the check valve shaft portion  3432 , and is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the check valve ball portion  3433 . Therefore, after the check valve shaft portion  3432  goes through the second cover through hole  3454 , the check valve  3430  does not slip from the cover member  3450 , so at the time of manufacturing the valve mechanism  3420 , the chances of losing the check valve  3430  can be reduced. 
   Furthermore, in the ink cartridge  15 , the check valve shaft portion  3432  of the check valve  3430  is arranged within the ink flow path  1410 . Both the check valve shaft portion  3432  of the check valve  3430  and the filter  1420  may be arranged within the ink flow path  1410 , however. 
   An ink cartridge  16  is described with reference to  FIG. 46 . The ink cartridge  1  is mounted to the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ) by a pair of clamp members  1740 . The ink cartridge  16 , by contrast, is mounted using one clamp member  3543 , and the ink cartridge  16  is detached by a clamp releasing member  3544 . 
     FIG. 46  is a side view showing a process of mounting the ink cartridge  16  to a mounting portion  3530 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 46(   a ), with respect to the ink cartridge  16 , on a pair of side surfaces opposite to a case  3510 , case protruding portions  3520 ,  3521  are respectively formed. The lengths of these case protruding portions  3520 ,  3521  in the direction (arrow R of  FIG. 46)  of mounting the ink cartridge  16  are different. The case protruding portions  3520 ,  3521  protrude to the same position as the cap sidewall  320  of the cap  300  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the mounting direction. The case protruding portion  3520  has a smaller length in the mounting direction of the ink cartridge  16  (upper side of  FIG. 46(   a )) than the case protruding portion  3521 , and the case protruding portion  3521  has a greater length in the mounting direction of the ink cartridge  16  (lower side of  FIG. 46(   a )) than the case protruding portion  3520 . Furthermore, the cap  300  is formed in the same shape as in the ink cartridge  1 , and part of the case  3510  is surrounded by the cap sidewall  320 . 
   The mounting portion  3530  is provided with a sidewall support plate  3540  that supports the side surface (part of the side surface of the case  3510  and part of the cap sidewall  320  of the cap  300 ) of the ink cartridge  16  from the lower direction, a bottom wall support plate  3541  that receives the cap bottom wall  310  of the cap  300 , urging members  3542  that urge the bottom wall support plate  3541  in a direction opposite to the mounting direction (opposite to the arrow R direction), a clamp member  3543  that locks the ink cartridge  16  with the mounting portion  3530  by being engaged with the cap sidewall  320  of the cap  300 , and a clamp releasing member  3544  that releases the clamp member  3543  from an engaged state. 
   Additionally, the inner side (surface side contacting the side surface of the ink cartridge  16 ) of the sidewall support plate  3540  is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape (curvature) of the cap sidewall  320 . When the ink cartridge  16  is mounted, the ink cartridge  16  is guided in the bottom wall support plate  3541  direction (right direction of  FIG. 46(   a )) by the inner side of the sidewall support plate  3540 . In the clamp releasing member  3544 , a slide groove (undepicted) is formed, which has a shape corresponding to the shape of the case protruding portion  3520 . In the same manner as the sidewall support plate  3540 , the ink cartridge  16  is guided in the bottom wall support plate  3541  direction (right direction of  FIG. 46(   a )) by the slide groove of the clamp releasing member  3544 . Therefore, the ink cartridge  16  can be smoothly mounted, and mounting of the ink cartridge  16  in a direction inclined with respect to the bottom wall support plate  3541  can be prevented. 
   In the bottom wall support plate  3541 , a through hole  3545  is formed, through which the ink extraction tube  3550  can be inserted. When the bottom wall support plate  3541  is moved in the mounting direction (arrow R direction), the ink extraction tube  3550  inserted through the through hole  3545  protrudes to the ink cartridge  16  side. 
   In the clamp member  3543 , an inclined surface  3546  is formed, which is inclined with respect to the mounting direction (arrow R direction). In the clamp releasing member  3544 , an inclined surface  3547  is formed, which corresponds to the inclined surface  3546  of the clamp member  3543 . The clamp member  3543  and the clamp releasing member  3544  are arranged so that the inclined surfaces (inclined surface  3546  and inclined surface  3547 ) are substantially parallel to each other. 
     FIG. 46(   b ) shows a state in which the ink cartridge  16  is mounted to the mounting portion  3530 . When the ink cartridge  16  is mounted to the mounting portion  3530 , the case  3510  and the cap sidewall  320  contact the sidewall support plate  3540 , the case protruding portion  3520  contacts an undepicted slide groove of the clamp releasing member  3544 , and the ink cartridge  16  is guided to the sidewall support plate  3540 . When the mounting operation of the ink cartridge  16  continues, the cap bottom wall  310  of the cap  300  contacts the bottom wall support plate  3541 , and the bottom wall support plate  3541  is pressed in a direction opposite to an urging force of the urging members  3542  (mounting direction R). At this time, the cap bottom wall  310  contacts the inclined surface  3546  of the clamp member  3543 , and the clamp member  3543  is bent in a direction of separation from the cap sidewall  320  (upper direction of  FIG. 46(   b )). Furthermore, when the ink cartridge  16  is inserted, contact between the cap sidewall  320  and the inclined surface  3546  of the clamp member  3543  discontinues, and the clamp member  3543  returns to its original state. The ink cartridge  16  locks by engaging the cap sidewall  320 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 46(   c ), the ink cartridge  16  is detached by pressing the clamp releasing member  3544  in the mounting direction (arrow R direction). Then, by contact with the inclined surface  3547  of the clamp releasing member  3544 , the inclined surface  3546  of the clamp member  3543  is bent in a direction of separation from the cap sidewall  320 , and the engagement of the clamp member  3543  and the cap sidewall  320  is released. At this time, the bottom wall support plate  3541  is pressed counter to the mounting direction by the urging force of the urging members  3542 , and is moved to a position in which the cap bottom wall  310  does not contact the inclined surface  3546  of the clamp member  3543 . 
   Therefore, during mounting, the ink cartridge  16  is inserted into the mounting portion  3530 . During dismounting of the ink cartridge  16 , the clamp releasing member  3544  is pressed. Therefore, the ink cartridge  16  can be simply attached and detached. 
   An ink cartridge  17  is described with reference to  FIG. 47 .  FIG. 47  includes schematic cross sectional views of a structure for detecting an empty state of the ink cartridge  17 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 47(   a ), with respect to a frame  3610  of the ink cartridge  17 , the inclination angles of frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621  are made different. Additionally, the frame inclined surface  3620  side and the frame inclined surface  3621  side are connected to frame through holes  3624 . When the inclination angles of the frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621  are different, the distance between the frame aperture portion  3622  on the frame inclined surface  3620  side and the frame through holes  3624  is different from the distance between a frame aperture portion  3623  on the frame inclined surface  3621  and the frame through holes  3624 . Therefore, the size of the film  3630  on the frame inclined surface  3620  side is different from the size of the film  3631  on the frame inclined surface  3621  side. Thus, an ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3620  side is different from an ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3621  side. 
   As shown in  FIG. 47(   a ), on the film  3630 , a shielding plate  3640  is mounted. Furthermore, a connector  3650  is arranged on part of the case  200 , which permits electrical contact to the outside when the ink cartridge  17  is mounted to an inkjet printer (undepicted). A detecting sensor  3660  is connected to the connector  3650  via signal lines. The detecting sensor  3660  is a sensor that detects an empty state of the ink cartridge  17  and is a transparent type photo sensor with a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. Therefore, when the shielding plate  3640  shields an optical path between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the detecting sensor  3660 , the detecting sensor  3660  is turned on, and ink empty state is detected. 
     FIG. 47(   a ) shows a state in which an sufficient amount of ink I is present within the frame  3610 . As shown in  FIG. 47(   a ), the shielding plate  3640  is substantially parallel to the frame  3610 , and does not shield an optical path of the detecting sensor  3660 . 
   In the inkjet printer, when printing is repeated, the amount of ink I decreases, and the films  3630 ,  3631  are bent in the respective frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621  directions. At this time, the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3621  side is small, so ink I on the frame inclined surface  3621  side is first used up, and the film  3631  contacts the frame inclined surface  3621 . 
   Furthermore, in the inkjet printer, when printing is repeated, ink on the frame inclined surface  3620  side is also used up, and the film  3630  contacts the frame inclined surface  3620 . At this point, the shielding plate  3640  also contacts the frame inclined surface  3620  via the film  3630 . This state is shown in  FIG. 47(   b ). When the shielding plate  3640  also contacts the frame inclined surface  3620 , the shielding plate  3640  shields an optical path of the detecting sensor  3660 , so the ink empty state is detected by the detecting sensor  3660 . 
   Thus, as explained, by setting the difference in the inclination angles of the frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621 , the bending order of the films  3630 ,  3631  can be determined when ink I is used up. By mounting the shielding plate  3640  to the film  3630  with a larger capacity for storing the ink R, the empty state can be accurately detected. 
   An ink cartridge  18  is described with reference to  FIG. 48 . In the ink cartridge  17 , by having different inclination angles of the frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621 , the empty state is accurately detected. In the ink cartridge  18 , by contrast, by having different aperture sizes of the frame aperture portions  3770 ,  3771 , the empty state is accurately detected. Portions of the ink cartridge  18  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  17  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 48  includes schematic views showing a structure for detecting the empty state of the ink cartridge  18 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 48(   a ), with respect to the frame  3710  of the ink cartridge  18 , the inclination angles with respect to a horizontal surface (aperture surface of the frame aperture portion  3770 ) of the frame inclined surfaces  3720 ,  3721  are made to be identical, but the sizes of the frame aperture portions  3770 ,  3771  constituted by the respective frame inclined surfaces  3720 ,  3721  are different. That is, the diameter of the aperture of the frame aperture portion  3770  is different from the diameter of the aperture of the frame aperture portion  3771 . Thus, the size of the film  3730  on the frame inclined surface  3720  (frame aperture portion  3770 ) side is different from the size of the film  3731  on the frame inclined surface  3721  (frame aperture portion  3771 ) side. Thus, the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3720  (frame aperture portion  3770 ) side is different from the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3721  (frame aperture portion  3771 ) side. 
   Because of this configuration, in the inkjet printer, when printing is repeated, the amount of ink I within the frame  3710  decreases, and ink I stored on the frame inclined surface  3721  side is first used up. Then, ink I on the frame inclined surface  3720  side is used up (state of  FIG. 48(   b )). The shielding plate  3640  is mounted to the film  3730  on the frame inclined surface  3720  side with the larger ink capacity, so in a state in which the ink I is used up, the optical path of the detecting sensor  3660  is shielded, and the empty state is detected. 
   Thus, as explained, by employing a size difference in the apertures of the frame aperture portions  3770 ,  3771 , the bending order of the films  3730 ,  3731  can be determined, and the empty state can be accurately detected. 
   An ink cartridge  19  is described with reference to  FIG. 49 . In the ink cartridge  17 , by having different inclination angles of the frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3621 , the empty state can be accurately detected. In the ink cartridge  19 , by contrast, by having different thicknesses for the films  3830 ,  3831 , the empty state can be accurately detected. Portions of the ink cartridge  19  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  17  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 49  includes schematic views showing a structure for detecting the empty state of the ink cartridge  19 . 
   With respect to the frame  3810  of the ink cartridge  19 , the inclination angles of the frame inclined surfaces  3820 ,  3821  are formed to be the same, and the diameter size of the apertures of the frame aperture portions  3870 ,  3871  is also formed to be the same. Furthermore, the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3820  (frame aperture portion  3870 ) side is substantially the same as the ink storage capacity on the frame inclined surface  3821  (frame aperture portion  3871 ) side. However, the films  3830 ,  3831  of the ink cartridge  19  have different thicknesses, and the film  3830  is formed to be thicker than the film  3831 . Therefore, the film  3830  is stronger than the film  3831 , so when the amount of ink I reduces, the film  3831  first contacts the frame inclined surface  3821 . Then, the film  3830  contacts the frame inclined surface  3820 . The shielding plate  3640  is mounted to the film  3830  that is thicker, so in a state in which ink I is used up, the optical path of the detecting sensor  3660  is shielded, and the empty state is detected. 
   Thus, as explained, by employing different strengths for the films  3830 , 3831 , the order in which the films  3730 ,  3731  bend as ink is used is determined, so the empty state can be accurately detected. 
   Furthermore, in the ink cartridges  17 ,  18  and  19 , the shielding plate  3640  is mounted to the respective films  3630 ,  3730 , and  3830  that are flexibly deformed. When the respective films contact the frame inclined surfaces  3620 ,  3720 ,  3820 , there is a possibility that the moving direction of shielding plate  3640  will shifted and out of the optical path of the detecting sensor  3660 . Accordingly, it is also acceptable to provide a guide member (not depicted) that guides the shielding plate  3640  to the optical path of the detecting sensor  3660 . For example, guide members can be arranged on both sides so as to sandwich the shielding plate  3640  and a path to the detecting sensor  3660  can be formed, or the moving direction of the shielding plate  3640  can be restricted by having a support portion that supports part of the shielding plate  3640  with respect to the frame. 
   In the ink cartridges  17 ,  18  and  19 , the empty state can also be detected by using configurations described above together with a method of calculating the empty state from the amount of ink ejected using an undepicted control device. Employing such a configuration permits even more accurate detection of the empty state. 
   A detecting sensor can also be provided on the inkjet printer. In this configuration, when an ink cartridge is mounted, part of the case shields the optical path of the detecting sensor. Part of the case is formed to be transparent or translucent, so as to transmit light that is emitted from the light emitting portion of the detecting sensor. The shielding plate  3640  is mounted so that, when there is no ink I, the shielding plate  3640  enters part of the case and shields the optical path of the detecting sensor. Therefore, even when the detecting sensor is provided on the inkjet printer, the empty state can be accurately detected. Furthermore, if the detecting sensor is not arranged within the case, the cost of manufacturing the ink cartridge cost can be reduced. 
   By changing the film size, the ink capacities on the inclined surface sides can be changed. Thus, in the process of welding the film (see  FIG. 20 ), it is also acceptable to change the amount of the film pressed by the pressing portion. With this configuration, the film size is different and the ink capacity is different. Thus, the empty state can be accurately detected. 
   As long as the bending order of the films is determined, it is also acceptable if films formed from different materials but with the same film thickness are welded. With this configuration, even if the film thicknesses are the same, the material quality is different, so the film strength is also different. Thus, the bending order of the films can be determined, and the empty state can be accurately detected. 
   An ink cartridge  20  is described with reference to  FIG. 50 . On the cap protruding member  350  of the ink cartridge  1 , the end surface of the case  200  side is formed to be a flat surface. On a cap protruding member  3910  of the ink cartridge  20 , by contrast, the tip end is formed to have a convergent shape. Portions of the ink cartridge  20  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge I are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
     FIG. 50  includes enlarged cross sectional views of a portion of the ink cartridge  20  at which the case  200  and the cap  300  of the ink cartridge  20  are welded. 
   As shown in  FIG. 50(   a ), with respect to the ink cartridge  20 , the tip end of the cap protruding member  3910  of the cap  300  is formed to have a convergent shape. Thus, compared to the case in which the tip end of the cap protruding member  3910  is formed to have a flat surface, the cap protruding member  3910  is promptly melted, and melted debris X can easily flow downward. Therefore, the cap  300  and the case  200  can be welded at an early stage. 
   If the inclined surface of the cap protruding member  3910  is formed to be downwardly inclined in the cap sidewall  320  direction, when the cap protruding member  3910  is melted the melted debris X is guided to a gap between the cap sidewall  320  and the case sidewall  230 . Therefore, the chances of the melted debris X entering the ink cartridge can be reduced. 
   An ink cartridge  21  is described with reference to  FIG. 51 .  FIG. 51  is a cross sectional view of part of an ink supply portion  4010  of the ink cartridge  21 . In the ink cartridge  21 , an ink flow path  4020  is formed to be different from that of the ink cartridge  1 . Portions of the ink cartridge  21  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 51 , the ink flow path  4020  of the ink supply portion  4010  includes a first flow path  4030  formed in a truncated cone shape and a second flow path  4031  formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The diameter of the second flow path  4031  is smaller than the minimum diameter of the first flow path  4030 . Therefore, a step surface  4032  is formed between the first flow path  4030  and the second flow path  4031 . The step surface  4032  protrudes in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the filter  4040  is inserted. 
   When the ink cartridge  21  is manufactured, if the filter  4040  that is formed in a cylindrical shape of substantially the same diameter as the maximum diameter of the first flow path  4030  is inserted to the ink flow path  4020 , the filter  4040  contacts the step surface  4032  within the ink flow path  4020 . The diameter of the second flow path  4031  is smaller than the diameter of the first flow path  4030 , so the step surface  4032  functions as a wall surface that restricts further entrance of the filter  4040  into the ink flow path  4020 . Therefore, the filter  4040  is not pressed into the second flow path  4031 . Accordingly, the problem of the filter  4040  being pushed into the ink storage portion  120  can be prevented. 
   An ink cartridge  22  is described with reference to  FIG. 52 .  FIG. 52  is a cross sectional view of part of an ink supply portion  4110  of the ink cartridge  22 . An ink flow path  4120  of the ink cartridge  22  is different from that of the ink cartridge  1 . Portions of the ink cartridge  22  corresponding to same portions of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 52 , the overall ink flow path  4120  of the ink supply portion  4110  is formed to have a hollow conical shape. An aperture of an ink supply hole  4131  formed at one end on the ink storage portion  120  side of the ink flow path  4120  is formed to be the smallest within the ink flow path  4120 . Therefore, when the ink cartridge  22  is manufactured, even if the filter  4140  is pushed into the ink flow path  4120 , the chances of filter  4140  being pushed into the ink storage portion  120  are reduced. 
   The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
   For example, with reference to  FIG. 53 , modified examples of the slider member, the pedestal member, and the cover member are explained.  FIG. 53  includes top views of a slider member  4210 , a pedestal member  4220 , and a cover member  4230 . Portions of the slider member  4210 , pedestal member  4220  and cover member  4230  corresponding to same portions of the slider member  640 , the pedestal member  660 , and the cover member  680  of the ink cartridge  1  are shown with the same symbols, so explanation thereof is omitted. 
   As shown in  FIG. 53(   a ), in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane, the slider through hole  4211  of the slider member  4210  is formed in a substantially square shape. As shown in  FIG. 53(   b ), in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane, first pedestal through holes  4221  and second pedestal through holes  4222  of the pedestal member  4220  are formed in a substantially square shape. Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 53(   c ), cover through holes  4231  of the cover member  4230  are formed in a substantially square shape in the direction perpendicular to the paper plane. 
   By making the respective through holes (slider through hole  4211 , first pedestal through holes  4221 , second pedestal through holes  4222 , and cover through holes  4231 ), which form an ink flow path, substantially square in shape as described above, adverse effects on ink flow due to formation of ink bubbles can be reduced. Thus, by using one or more of the slider member  4210 , the pedestal member  4220 , and the cover member  4230 , the effects of ink bubbles can be reduced, and printing quality deterioration can be prevented. 
   In any of the valve mechanisms described above, if the flow path in which ink flows is formed in a square shape, the effects of ink bubbles can be further reduced. Although holes having a square shape are mentioned above, holes having any polygonal shapes other than a substantially round shape can be employed. 
   A modified joint member  3010  is described with reference to  FIG. 54 .  FIG. 54  is a cross sectional view of the joint member  3010 . 
   The joint member  3010  is provided with a joint outer circumferential portion  3020  that forms the outer circumferential wall of the joint member  3010  and is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion  140 , a joint inner circumferential portion  3030  that is formed inside of the joint outer circumferential portion  3020  and is inserted to the ink supply portion  140 , a joint contact portion  3040  that protrudes toward the valve member  620  (see  FIG. 19 ) side (upper side of  FIG. 54(   b )) from a top surface  3031  of the joint inner circumferential portion  3030  and contacts the valve member  620 , a first joint groove portion  3050  that is formed between the joint outer circumferential portion  3020  and the joint inner circumferential portion  3030  and engaged with the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140 , and a second joint groove portion  3070  that is formed in the periphery of the joint contact portion  3040  in the joint inner circumferential portion  3030 . The second joint groove portion  3070  is opened to the top surface  3031  of the joint inner circumferential portion  3030 , the depth direction is parallel to the axis B, and the bottom surface of the groove has substantially the same height as a connecting point of a taper portion flow path  3061 , and a seal portion flow path  3062 , which will be described later. 
   In the joint member  3010 , an ink flow path  3060  is formed, which extends to a tip end portion  3041  (lower side of  FIG. 12(   d )) of the joint contact portion  3040  from a bottom surface  3032  of the joint inner circumferential portion  3030 . 
   The ink flow path  3060  is provided with an aperture  3033  formed at the bottom surface  3032 , the taper portion flow path  3061  formed by a taper surface  3034  connected to the aperture  3033 , the substantially hollow cylindrical seal portion flow path  3062  that is formed by an inner circumferential surface  3035  parallel to the axis B connected to the taper surface  3034  and seals the ink extraction tube  1720 , and a contact portion flow path  3063  that is formed by an inner circumferential surface  3042  of the joint contact portion  3040  connected to the inner circumferential surface  3035 . 
   When the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted to the ink flow path  3060  of the joint member  3010 , the outer circumferential surface of the ink extraction tube  1720  elastically contacts the inner circumferential surface  3035  of the seal portion flow path  3062 . Then, the inner circumferential surface  3035  is dragged by the ink extraction tube  1720  due to the friction of the contact surface and is displaced in the insertion direction, and this displacement is transmitted to the joint contact portion  3040 . However, the joint contact portion  3040  is easily bent in a direction of separation from the axis B by the second joint groove portions  3070  formed surrounding the joint contact portion. Thus, the joint contact portion  3040  is displaced so as to lean in the direction of the second joint groove portion  3070  (arrow Q direction of  FIG. 54(   b )). Therefore, the joint contact portion  3040  is hardly lifted to the valve member  620  side, so the valve member  620  is separated from the joint contact portion  3040  at an early stage, and the ink flow path is formed. Therefore, the stroke at the time of mounting the ink cartridge can be shortened. 
   A valve mechanism  3110  is described with reference to  FIG. 55 .  FIG. 55  is a cross sectional view of the valve mechanism  3110 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 55 , in the same manner as in the ink cartridge  1 , the valve mechanism  3110  is provided with the first spring member  630 , the slider member  640 , the second spring member  650 , the pedestal member  660 , the check valve  670 , and the cover member  680 . Furthermore, the valve mechanism  3110  is also provided with a joint member  3120 , and a valve member  3140 . 
   The joint member  3120  of the valve mechanism  3110  is provided with a joint outer circumferential portion  3130  that forms the outer circumferential wall of the joint member  3120  and is exposed to the outside of the ink supply portion  140 , a joint inner circumferential portion  3131  that forms the inner circumferential portion of the joint outer circumferential portion  3130  and is inserted into the ink supply portion  140 , a joint groove portion  3132  that is formed between the joint inner circumferential portion  3131  and the joint outer circumferential portion  3130  and is engaged with the outer circumferential wall of the ink supply portion  140 , and an ink flow path  3133  that is formed at the center of the joint inner circumferential portion  3131 . 
   In the same manner as in the ink cartridge  1 , the valve member  3140  is provided with the valve bottom wall  810  that forms the bottom surface of the valve member  3140 , the valve sidewall  820  that forms the outer circumferential wall of the valve member  3140 , the pair of valve guide grooves  830  in which the slider loose insertion member  1030  are loosely inserted, the pair of valve restriction portions  840  that restrict movement of the slider member  640 , and the valve hook portions  850  that engage the slider member  640 . Furthermore, in the valve bottom wall  810 , a valve protruding portion  3150  is formed, which protrudes in the joint member  3120  direction. This valve protruding portion  3150  is formed so as to surround the ink flow path  3133  of the joint member  3120 , and the ink flow path is closed by contacting the joint member  3120 . 
   When the ink extraction tube  1720  (see  FIG. 26 ) is inserted into the joint member  3120 , the valve member  3140  is lifted toward the pedestal member  660  (upper side of  FIG. 54 . Therefore, the valve protruding portion  3150  is separated from the joint member  3120  at an early stage, and the ink flow path is formed. Thus, the stroke at the time of mounting an ink cartridge can be shortened. 
   As long as a structure is provided in which, as explained with respect to  FIGS. 54 and 55 , the ink flow path is closed as the joint member contacts the valve member, and in which when the ink extraction tube  1720  is inserted, the joint member is separated from the valve member at an early stage and the ink flow path is formed, either a structure in which a protrusion is formed on the joint member side or a structure in which a protrusion is formed on the valve member side may be employed. 
   Other exemplary modified examples are described below. For example, in the above described embodiments, the cap  300  includes the cap sidewall  320 . It is also acceptable not include the cap sidewall  320 . In such a structure, the engaging portion that is fixed to the mounting portion of the inkjet printer  1710  (see  FIG. 26 ) can engage the case sidewall  230 . 
   Furthermore, with respect to the valve member  1930  described above, the ink flow path is the valve through holes  1950 , but the shape of the valve through holes  1950  can be also formed in a square shape as seen from a top view. Furthermore, the stopper through hole  2180  of the filter stopper member  2170  can also be formed in a square shape as seen from the top view. By employing such a structure, blockage of the ink flow path due to ink bubbles can be reduced. 
   Additionally, as described above, the cover member  680  and the pedestal member  660  are engaged with the engaging portion  1450 . However, the cover member  680 , the check valve  670 , and the pedestal member  660  can be excluded, and the filter stopper member  2170  can also be employed. 
   Furthermore, in ink cartridges in which when the spring members contact the pedestal bottom portion  1110 , the flow path of the second pedestal through holes  1150  is not closed, a pedestal member lacking the pedestal through groove  1160  cold be employed. 
   Additionally, the structure by which the cap sidewall is provided with a step and the melted debris resulting from welding the cap to the case cannot be visually seen from the outside, can also be applied to thermal welding of the cap and the case, as well as welding the ink cartridge. 
   A further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 56-86 . 
     FIG. 56  is a perspective view of an exemplary ink cartridge  5001  according to the present invention for supplying ink to an inkjet printer  6000  (see  FIG. 77 ). As shown in  FIG. 56 , the ink cartridge  5001  is provided with a case  5200  and a cap  5300 , which enclose a frame  5100  (see  FIG. 57 ). The case  5200  and the cap  5300  form a casing of the ink cartridge  5001 . 
     FIG. 57  is a perspective view of the ink cartridge  5001  in a disassembled state showing the case  5200  the cap  5300  and the frame  5100 . As shown in  FIG. 57 , the case  5200  includes a front case portion  5220  and a rear case portion  5210 . The front case portion  5220  and the rear case portion  5210 , when assembled, enclose the frame  5100 . When the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled, the cap  5300  covers one end of the assembled front case portion  5220  and rear case portion  5210 . 
   The frame  5100  includes a frame body  5110 , an ink supply port  5120 , an air intake port  5130 , an ink detection projection  5140 , an ink filling chamber  5150  and a film  5160 . The film  5160  is adhered to upper edges of sidewalls of the frame body  5110  so that, together, the film  5160  and the frame sidewalls enclose an ink storage space. The ink supply port  5120  is configured to permit supply of ink from the ink cartridge  5001  to the inkjet printer  6000  via an ink supply valve mechanism  5500  (see  FIG. 60(   a )). The air intake port  5130  is configured to permit air to enter from an exterior of the ink cartridge  5001  into the ink storage space via an air intake valve mechanism  5510  (see  FIG. 60(   b )), as ink is discharged from the ink cartridge  5001  via the ink supply port  5120 . The ink detection projection  5140  is configured so as to communicate with a detection device  6014  (see  FIG. 77)  when the ink cartridge  5001  is installed in the inkjet printer  6000 , so that the presence, absence and/or amount of ink in the ink storage space can be detected by the inkjet printer  6000 . The ink filling chamber  5150  is configured to permit introduction of ink into the ink storage space of the ink cartridge  5001 . 
   As indicated above, the case  5200  includes a front case portion  5220  and a rear case portion  5210 . The front case portion  5220  and the rear case portion  5210  include various features for accommodating the frame  5100  and permitting communication between the frame  5100  and the exterior of the ink cartridge  5001  when the front case portion  5220  and the rear case portion  5210  are assembled. A front supply aperture portion  5221  of the front case portion  5220  and a rear supply aperture portion  5211  of the rear case portion  5210  form a supply aperture  5221   a  through which the ink supply port  5120  communicates with the exterior of the ink cartridge  5001 . The rear case portion  5210  also includes an ink supply valve accommodating surface  5211   a  in the vicinity of the rear supply aperture portion  5211  for accommodating the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 . A front air intake aperture portion  5222  of the front case portion  5220  and a rear air intake aperture portion  5212  of the rear case portion  5210  form an air intake aperture  5222   a  through which the air intake port  5130  communicates with the exterior of the ink cartridge  5001 . The rear case portion  5210  also includes an air intake valve accommodating surface  5212   a  in the vicinity of the rear air intake aperture portion  5212  for accommodating the air intake valve mechanism  5510 . A front ink detector aperture portion  5223  of the front case portion  5220  and a rear ink detector aperture portion  5213  of the rear case portion  5210  form an accommodating space through which the ink detection projection  5140  can communicate with the detection device  6014 . 
   A front supply side projection portion  5224   a  and a corresponding structure on the rear case portion  5210  form a supply side projection for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000  and for positioning the case  5200  with respect to the cap  5300 . Likewise, a front intake side projection portion  5224   b  and a rear intake side projection portion  5214   b  form an intake side projection for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000  and for positioning the case  5200  with respect to the cap  5300 . The front supply side projection portion  5224   a  includes a front supply side projection outer surface  5224   a   2  for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000 . The rear supply side projection portion  5214   a  includes a rear supply side projection outer surface  5214   a   2  for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000  and a rear supply side projection aperture  5214   a   1  for positioning the case  5200  with respect to the cap  5300 . The front intake side projection portion  5224   b  includes a front intake side projection receiving portion  5224   b   2  for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000  and a front intake side projection aperture  5224   b   1  for positioning the case  5200  with respect to the cap  5300 . The rear intake side projection portion  5214   b  includes a rear intake side projection receiving portion  5214   b   2  for positioning the ink cartridge  5001  with respect to the inkjet printer  6000  and a rear intake side projection aperture  5214   b   1  for positioning the case  5200  with respect to the cap  5300 . 
   The rear case portion  5210  further includes positioning pins  5215   a ,  5215   b ,  5215   c  for positioning the frame  5100 . When the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled, the positioning pins  5215   a ,  5215   b ,  5215   c  communicate with respective positioning apertures of the frame  5100 . 
   The front case portion  5220  includes a front supply side outer surface  5226  and the rear case portion  5210  includes a rear supply side outer surface  5216 . The front supply side outer surface  5226  and the rear supply side outer surface  5216  assist in positioning the ink cartridge  5001  during mounting of the ink cartridge  5001  to the inkjet printer  6000 . The front supply side outer surface  5226  includes a supply side inclined outer surface  5226   a  and a supply side restrictor plate  5226   b , which, respectively, guide the ink cartridge  5001  during installation and prevent the ink cartridge  5001  from being pressed to deeply into the inkjet printer  6000 . 
   The front case portion  5220  includes a front intake side outer surface  5227  and the rear case portion  5210  includes a rear intake side inner surface  5217 . The front intake side outer surface  5227  and the rear intake side inner surface  5217  assist in positioning the ink cartridge  5001  during mounting of the ink cartridge  5001  to the inkjet printer  6000 . The front intake side outer surface  5227  includes an intake side inclined outer surface  5227   a  and the rear intake side inner surface  5217  includes an intake side inclined inner surface  5217   a , which, in cooperation, guide the ink cartridge  5001  during installation and prevent the ink cartridge  5001  from being pressed too deeply into the inkjet printer  6000 . 
   The cap  5300 , as discussed above, along with the assembled front case portion  5220  and rear case portion  5210 , enclose the frame  5100 . The cap  5300  includes an air intake structure  5310  for accommodating a protruding portion of the air intake port  5130  of the frame  5100 . 
     FIG. 58  shows the cap  5300 .  FIG. 58(   a ) is a top view of the cap, and  FIG. 58(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the cap. As discussed above, the cap  5300  includes an air intake structure  5310 , which is positioned opposite from the air intake valve mechanism  5510  when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled.  FIGS. 58(   a ) and ( b ) show, in particular, internal structures of the cap  5300  that are used to fix the cap  5300  to the case  5200 . The cap includes a cross wall  5321  and edge walls  5322 , which define a projection receiving space  5320  for receiving the intake side projection of the case  5200  when the cap  5300  is placed on the case  5200 . The cap  5300  also includes engaging projections  5330   a ,  5330   b  for engaging with the projection apertures on the case  5200 . Each of the engaging projections  5330   a ,  5330   b  includes an extension member  5330   a   2 ,  5330   b   2  which extends from the inner surface of the cap  5300  and an engaging tab  5330   a   1 ,  5330   b   1  provided on the end of the extension member  5330   a   2 ,  5330   b   2 . The inner surface also includes positioning walls  5340   a ,  5340   b  that are located on either side of the ink detection projection  5140  when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled. 
     FIG. 59  is a front view of the frame body  5110  disassembled to show its various structures. As can be seen in  FIG. 59 , the frame body  5110  includes an ink supply chamber  5116  forming the ink supply port  5120  and accommodating the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 , and an air intake chamber  5117  forming the air intake port  5130  and accommodating the air intake valve mechanism  5510 . In addition, the frame body  5110  includes an ink filling chamber  5150 , a detector  5470 , and an ink storage space defined by various structures discussed below. 
   The ink supply chamber  5116  is provided with an ink supply valve fastening rib  5116   a , and the air intake chamber  5117  is provided with an air intake valve fastening rib  5117   a . The ink supply valve fastening rib  5116   a  and the air intake valve fastening rib  5117   a  secure the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510 , respectively, by engaging the tab receiving apertures  5603   a ,  5703   a  of the supply valve jacket  5600  and the intake valve jacket  5700 , respectively. 
   The frame body  5110  includes an ink storage space bounded by sidewalls  5400   a  that extend perpendicularly with respect to the plane of  FIG. 59 . The sidewalls  5400   a  are provided with film contact surfaces (outer film contact surface  5112   a  and inner film contact surfaces  5411   a ,  5412   a ,  5413   a ,  5414   a ,  5415   a ,  5416   a ,  5417   a ,  5418   a ). The film  5160  is adhered to the frame body  5110  at the film contact surfaces. The film  5160  and the sidewalls  5400   a  enclose the ink storage space. 
   Structures similar to the structures shown in  FIG. 59  are provided on the rear side of the frame body  5110  (not shown in  FIG. 59 ). The front and rear sides of the frame body  5110  are separated by partition walls, including a lower central partition wall  5441  and an upper central partition wall  5442 . Ink and/or air are permitted to pass through the partition walls to occupy ink storage spaces on both the front and rear sides of the frame body  5110 . Such passage is made possible by a lower air intake aperture  5433   a , an upper air intake through hole  5436  and partition through holes  5443 ,  5444 ,  5445 ,  5446 . Also, open areas  5113  and  5114  permit passage between front and rear sides of the frame body  5110 . 
   The frame body  5110  includes an air intake structure to prevent outflow of ink through the air intake chamber  5117  and to ensure controlled introduction of air into the ink storage space. After air enters the frame body  5110  through the air intake chamber  5117 , the air enters the lower air intake chamber  5431 . The air then passes through a narrow central air intake passage  5433  to an upper air intake chamber  5432 . The air can then pass to a remainder of the ink storage space through the upper air intake aperture  5435 . 
   The frame body  5110  includes an ink filling chamber  5150  including an ink filling chamber wall  5451 . The ink filling chamber  5150  is fitted with a stopper  5520  having a top surface  5520   a . When the stopper  5520  is partially inserted into the ink filling chamber  5150 , it is possible to introduce ink into the ink storage space by inserting an ink insertion needle (not shown) through the top surface  5520   a  of the stopper  5520  and into a space below the stopper  5520  in the ink filling portion  5150 . 
   The frame body  5110  further includes a detector  5470  for detecting the presence, absence and/or amount of ink in the ink cartridge  5001 . The detector  5470  includes a detector float  5471 , a detector mounting pin  5472   a , and a detector arm  5473 . The detector float  5471  is buoyant in ink, permitting the detector  5470  to move in response to a level of ink in the ink storage space. The detector mounting pin  5472   a  is seated on the detector mount  5425  in the ink storage space when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled. The detector mounting pin  5472   a  and the detector mount  5425  are configured so that the detector  5470  rotates about the detector mount  5425  in response to an amount of ink in the ink storage space. The detector arm  5473  includes a float arm portion  5473   a  adjacent to the detector float  5471 , a detector plate  5473   c  at an end of the detector  5470  opposite from the detector float  5471 , and a plate arm portion  5473   b  extending between the float arm portion  5473   a  and the detector plate  5473   c . The detector plate  5473   c  is capable of obstructing a beam of light, and is configured to move into and out of the ink detection projection  5140  in response to the amount of ink in the ink storage space. 
   Outside of the ink storage space of the frame body  5110 , positioning apertures  5460   a ,  5460   b ,  5460   c  are provided. The positioning apertures  5460   a ,  5460   b ,  5460   c  ensure the position of the frame body  5110 , when the frame is fitted in the case  5200 . In particular, the positioning apertures  5460   a ,  5460   b ,  5460   c  engage the positioning pins  5215   a ,  5215   b ,  5215   c  of the case  5200 . 
     FIGS. 60(   a ) and ( b ) are front/rear views of an ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and an air intake valve mechanism  5510 , respectively, of an exemplary ink cartridge according to the present invention, separated into their constituent parts. As shown in  FIG. 60(   a ), the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  is provided with an insertion port (the lower end) for the ink extraction tube  6015  of the inkjet printer  6000 . The ink supply valve mechanism  5500  includes multiple components. The ink supply valve mechanism  5500  includes a supply valve jacket  5600  and a joint member  5610 . The supply valve jacket  5600  surrounds the joint member  5610 , receives the ink extraction tube  6015 , and protrudes from the frame  5100  when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled. The joint member  5610  may be formed of a resin material with elasticity, such as rubber. A valve member  5620  is provided above the joint member  5610 , and closes an ink flow path when the joint member  5610  contacts a bottom wall of the valve member  5620 . A first spring member  5630  is stored in the valve member  5620  and is formed of a resin elastic material. A slider member  5640  covers a release surface of the valve member  5620  and can be moved in a uniaxial direction (axis  01  direction of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 ), which is a direction in which the valve member  5620  moves when pressed by the ink extraction tube  6015 . A second spring member  5650  is stored within the slider member  5640  and is formed in the same shape and of the same material as the first spring member  5630 . A pedestal member  5660  contacts the second spring member  5650  and receives a check valve  5670 . A cover member  5680  and the pedestal member  5660  sandwich and cover the check valve  5670 . The valve member  5620 , the first spring member  5630 , the slider member  5640  and the second spring member  5650  constitute an ink supply valve assembly  5501 . The various components of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  can be integrally assembled, so that the operation of assembling the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  in the frame  5100  can be simplified. 
   As shown in  FIG. 60(   b ), the air intake valve mechanism  5510  is provided with an actuator port (the lower end) through which an actuator (discussed below) can contact a surface outside of the ink cartridge  5001 . The air intake valve mechanism  5510  includes multiple components. The air intake valve mechanism  5510  includes an intake valve jacket  5700  and a joint member  5710 . The intake valve jacket  5700  surrounds the joint member  5710 , provides a path for the actuator, and protrudes from the frame  5100  when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled. The joint member  5710  may be formed of a resin material with elasticity, such as rubber. A valve member/actuator  5720  is provided above the joint member  5710 , and closes an air flow path when the joint member  5710  contacts a bottom wall of the valve member/actuator  5720 . A first spring member  5730  is stored in the valve member/actuator  5720  and is formed of a resin elastic material. A slider member  5740  covers a release surface of the valve member/actuator  5720  and can be moved in a uniaxial direction (axis  02  direction of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 ), which is a direction in which the valve member/actuator  5720  moves when pressed by a surface on the exterior of the ink cartridge  5001 . A second spring member  5750  is stored within the slider member  5740  and is formed in the same shape and of the same material as the first spring member  5730 . The valve member/actuator  5720 , the first spring member  5730 , the slider member  5740  and the second spring member  5750  constitute an air intake valve assembly  5511 . The various components of the air intake valve mechanism  5510  can be integrally assembled, so that the operation of assembling the air intake valve mechanism  5510  in the frame  5100  can be simplified. 
     FIG. 61  shows the supply valve jacket  5600 .  FIG. 61(   a ) is a front/rear view of the supply valve jacket  5600 ,  FIG. 61(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the supply valve jacket  5600 ,  FIG. 61(   c ) is a top view of the supply valve jacket  5600 ,  FIG. 61(   d ) is a bottom view of the supply valve jacket  5600 , and  FIG. 61(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the supply valve jacket  5600 . 
   The supply valve jacket  5600  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 61(   a ), the supply valve jacket includes an outer circumferential wall  5601  and an inner circumferential wall  5602  located below the outer circumferential wall  5601 . Tab receiving apertures  5603   a ,  5603   b  are formed in the front and rear sides of the outer circumferential wall  5601 . When the supply valve jacket  5600  is fitted onto the frame  5100 , the tab receiving apertures  5603  receive tabs on the frame  5100  to securely hold the supply valve jacket  5600  in place. As shown in  FIG. 61  ( b ), positioning slots  5604   a ,  5604   b  are formed in the left and right sides of the outer circumferential wall  5601 . The positioning slots  5604   a ,  5604   b  are capable of receiving substantially planar portions of the frame  5100  to ensure that the supply valve jacket  5600  is properly positioned. As can be seen in  FIG. 61  ( c ), the positioning slots  5604   a ,  5604   b  extend to the upper edge of the outer circumferential wall  5601 . 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 61(   c ), ( d ) and ( e ), in a lower interior portion of the supply valve jacket  5600 , several walls define an extraction tube receiving structure  5605 . The extraction tube receiving structure includes a horizontal wall  5606 d that extends horizontally from the outer circumferential wall  5601  to the inner circumferential wall  5602 . A bottom wall  5606   c  forms a bottom surface of the supply valve jacket  5600 . A vertical wall  5606   e  extends between the horizontal wall  5606   d  and the bottom wall  5606   c . An inclined wall  5606   b  defines a substantially conical space that is wider near the bottom of the supply valve jacket  5600  and narrows toward the extraction tube receiving aperture  5606   a  to effectively guide the extraction tube into the extraction tube aperture  5606   a . The walls of the extraction tube receiving structure define a ring-shaped trench  5607  on an interior of the supply valve jacket  5600 . 
     FIG. 62  shows the joint member  5610 .  FIG. 62(   a ) is a side view the joint member  5610 ,  FIG. 62(   b ) is a top view of the joint member  5610 ,  FIG. 62(   c ) is a bottom view of the joint member  5610 , and  FIG. 62(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member  5610  shown in  FIG. 62(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 62(   a ), the joint member  5610  includes three levels in a side view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 62(   c )). The lowest level portion (lower side of  FIG. 62(   c )) is a joint outer circumferential portion  5611  that forms the outer circumferential portion of the joint member  5610 . The portion above the joint outer circumferential portion  5611  is a joint inner circumferential portion  5612  forming the inner circumferential portion of the joint member  5610 . The joint outer circumferential portion  5611  and the joint inner circumferential portion  5612  are arranged inside of the supply valve jacket  5600 . The portion shown above the joint inner circumferential portion  5612  is a joint contact portion  5613  that contacts the valve member  5620 . As shown in  FIG. 62(   b ), the axial centers of the joint outer circumferential portion  5611 , the joint inner circumferential portion  5612 , and the joint contact portion  5613  are positioned on the same axial center as the axis  01  of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 . Furthermore, the joint member  5610  is formed of an elastic material such as a resin rubber. 
   As shown in  FIG. 62(   d ), the joint contact portion  5613  protrudes from a top surface  5612   a  (surface on the side contacting the valve member  5620 ) of the joint inner circumferential portion  5612 . The joint contact portion  5613  is formed to be narrower toward a tip end portion  5613   a  (end portion to the upper side of  FIG. 62(   d )). The tip end portion  5613   a  contacts the bottom surface of the valve member  5620 , and closes the ink flow path. In addition, in the joint inner circumferential portion  5612 , a joint protruding portion  5614  protrudes toward the axis  01  from an inner circumferential surface  5613   b , an aperture  5612   c  that becomes an insertion port for the ink extraction tube  6015  is formed on the bottom surface  5612   b  (lower side of  FIG. 62(   d )) of the joint inner circumferential portion  5612 , and a step surface  5614   b  is formed between the aperture  5612   c  and the joint protruding portion  5614 . 
   Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 62(   d ), in the joint member  5610 , an ink flow path  5615  is formed, which extends through the tip end portion  5613   a  (upper side of  FIG. 62(   d )) of the joint contact portion  5613  from the bottom surface  5612   b  of the joint inner circumferential portion  5612 . This ink flow path  5615  includes the aperture  5612   c  formed in the bottom surface  5612   b , a taper portion flow path  5615   c  formed by stepped surface  5612   d  connected to the aperture  5612   c , a protruding portion flow path  5615   b  formed by an inner circumferential surface  5614   a  of the joint protruding portion  5614  connected to the stepped surface  5612   d , a contact portion flow path  5615   a  formed by a step surface  5614   b  connected to the inner circumferential surface  5614   a  of the joint protruding portion  5614 , and an inner circumferential surface  5613   b  of the joint contact portion  5613  connected to the step surface  5614   b . Furthermore, the inner circumferential surface  5614   a  of the joint protruding portion  5614  is parallel to the axis  01 , and the step surface  5614   b  is perpendicular to the axis  01 . 
   The taper portion flow path  5615   c  is formed in a substantially hollow conical shape in which the diameter incrementally becomes smaller progressing from the aperture  5612   c  along the stepped surface  5612   d  toward the point of contact with the inner circumferential surface  5614   a  of the joint protruding portion  5614 . The protruding portion flow path  5615   b  is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having the same inner diameter as the minimum inner diameter of the taper portion flow path  5615   c . The inner diameter of the protruding portion flow path  5615   b  is formed to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extraction tube  6015 . The contact portion flow path  5615   a  is formed in a substantially hollow cylindrical shape having an inner diameter larger than that of the protruding portion flow path  5615   b , and the inner diameter is larger than the diameter of the ink extraction tube  6015 . Furthermore, the step surface  5614   b  is formed in the boundary between the protruding portion flow path  5615   b  and the contact portion flow path  5615   a . Therefore, the inner diameter rapidly changes in the axis  01  direction from the protruding portion flow path  5615   b  to the contact portion flow path  5615   a . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 62(   d ), the joint contact portion  5613  has a structure notched by the inner circumferential surface  5613   b  and the step surface  5614   b  in a pedestal shape, and the tip end portion  5613   a  of the joint contact portion  5613  is positioned surrounding the notch portion. 
   The ink extraction tube  6015  is inserted into the aperture  5612   c , guided by the stepped surface  5612   d  of the taper portion flow path  5615   c , and inserted into the protruding portion flow path  5615   b . As discussed above, the inner diameter of the protruding portion flow path  5615   b  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ink extraction tube  6015 , so the ink extraction tube  6015  is elastically adhered to the inner circumferential surface  5614   a  of the joint protruding portion  5614  that forms the protruding portion flow path  5615   b . That is, the joint protruding portion  5614  functions so as to close around the ink extraction tube  6015  inserted into the protruding portion flow path  5615   b . If an area of the of joint member  5610  elastically adhered to the outer circumference of the ink extraction tube  6015  becomes too large, resistance will increase when the ink cartridge  5001  is mounted to the inkjet printer  6000 , and smooth mounting cannot be accomplished. However, in the embodiment shown, e.g., in  FIG. 62(   d ), the joint protruding portion  5614  is arranged so that the ink extraction tube  6015  contacts only the inner circumferential surface  5614   a . Thus, by having a small area of the joint member  5610  in contact with the ink extraction tube  6015 , mounting of the ink cartridge  5001  to the inkjet printer  6000  can be smoothly performed. With respect to the ink flow path  5615 , when the ink extraction tube  6015  is inserted, the flow path in which ink actually flows is inside the ink extraction tube  6015 . Also, as described below, by forming the contact portion flow path  5615   a  in a pedestal shape, displacement of the joint member  5610  in the axis  01  direction can be minimized when the ink extraction tube  6015  is inserted. 
     FIG. 63  shows the valve member  5620 .  FIG. 63(   a ) is a front/rear view of the valve member  5620 ,  FIG. 63(   b ) is a side view of the valve member  5620 ,  FIG. 63(   c ) is a top view of the valve member  5620 ,  FIG. 63(   d ) is a bottom view of the valve member  5620 , and  FIG. 63(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the valve member  5620  shown in  FIG. 63(   c ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 63(   a ), the valve member  5620  is provided with a valve bottom wall  5621  forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side in  FIG. 63(   a )) of the valve member  5620 , and a valve sidewall  5622  extending from the valve bottom wall  5621  in the axis  01  direction. The valve sidewall  5622  is provided with valve sidewall ribs  5622   a  extending in the axis  01  direction along the valve sidewall  5622 . In the valve sidewall  5622 , a pair of valve guide grooves  5623  are formed in which a slider loose insertion member of the slider member  5640  is loosely inserted. As shown in  FIG. 63(   c ), the pair of valve guide grooves  5623  is symmetrically formed with respect to the axis  01  of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 63(   a ), the pair of valve guide grooves  5623  is formed along substantially the entire valve sidewall  5622  in the axis  01  direction. A pair of extension portions  5624  protrudes in a direction away from the valve bottom wall  5621  and defines upper edges of the valve guide grooves  5623 . A pair of valve restriction portions  5625 , which protrude in a direction away from the valve bottom wall  5621  and restrict the movement of the slider member  5640 , are connected to the valve sidewall  5622 . The respective valve restriction portions  5625  protrude toward the axis  01  at the tip end (upper side of  FIG. 63(   a )) to provide valve hook portions  5626  that engage with the slider member  5640 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 63(   b ), in the axis  01  direction of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 , the pair of valve restriction portions  5625  are formed to be shorter than the valve sidewall  5622 . The pair of valve restriction portions  5625  are arranged to restrict the slider member  5640  using the valve hook portions  5626 , while the valve sidewall  5622  is arranged in order to suppress the slider member  5640  from being shifted in the operation direction using the pair of valve guide grooves  5623 , and to store the first spring member  5630 . Accordingly, the valve sidewall  5622  is formed to be longer and larger than the pair of valve restriction portions  5625  in the axis  01  direction of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 63(   c ), in the axis  01  direction (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 63(   c )) of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500 , in the valve bottom wall  5621 , at positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide grooves  5623  and the pair of valve restriction portions  5625 , four ink flow paths  5627  are formed. The ink flow paths  5627  extend through the valve bottom wall  5621  in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 63(   c )). Furthermore, valve receiving portions  5628 ,  5629  are provided on the valve bottom wall  5621  that protrude upwardly (front side of the direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 63(   c )) from the valve bottom wall  5621  and form pedestals for receiving a spring top portion  5632  of the first spring member  5630 . The valve receiving portions  5628  include two plate-shaped members arranged substantially parallel to each other on the valve bottom wall  5621 . The valve receiving portions  5629  include two crescent-shaped members arranged to surround the valve receiving portions  5628  on the valve bottom wall  5621 . Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 63(   e ), the height of the valve receiving portions  5628 ,  5629  in the axis  01  direction is substantially less than the height of the valve sidewall  5622 . The valve receiving portions  5628 ,  5629  are arranged to prevent contact between the first spring member  5630  and the valve bottom wall  5621  when the first spring member  5630  is arranged in the space within the valve sidewall  5622  and to ensure positioning of the first spring member  5630  with respect to the valve member  5620 . This arrangement is necessary because if the first spring member  5630  contacts the valve bottom wall  5621 , the ink flow path closes and ink does not flow. 
     FIG. 64  shows the first spring member  5630 .  FIG. 64(   a ) is a side view of the first spring member  5630 ,  FIG. 64(   b ) is a top view of the first spring member  5630 ,  FIG. 64(   c ) is a bottom view of the first spring member  5630 , and  FIG. 64(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the first spring member  5630  shown in  FIG. 64(   b ). 
   The first spring member  5630  is formed in a substantially hollow conical/hemispherical shape (or bowl shape), and includes an annular-shaped spring bottom portion  5631  that forms a bottom surface (end portion with the larger diameter) of the first spring member  5630 , an annular-shaped spring top portion  5632  that forms a top portion (end portion with the smaller diameter) above the first spring member  5630 , and hollow conical spring flexible portion  5633  that is provided between the spring top portion  5632  and the spring bottom portion  5631 . The spring flexible portion  5633  is bent and deformed when a load of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  in the axis  01  direction is applied (e.g., when the valve member  5620  pressed by the ink extraction tube  6015  in an urging direction of the first spring member  5630  and the second spring member  5650 ). The spring top portion  5632  contacts the valve receiving portions  5628 ,  5629  of the valve member  5620  and acts as a pressing portion that presses the valve member  5620 . Furthermore, the diameter of the spring bottom portion  5631  is larger than the diameter of the spring top portion  5632 , so the spring bottom portion  5631  acts as a base portion when the spring flexible portion  5633  is elastically deformed. 
   As shown in  FIG. 64(   d ), in the first spring member  5630 , an ink flow path  5634  extends from the bottom surface (end surface of the left side of  FIG. 64(   d )) of the spring bottom portion  5631  to the tip end (end surface of the right side of  FIG. 64(   d )) of the spring top portion  5632 . This ink flow path  5634  includes a top portion flow path  5634   a  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring top portion  5632 , a flexible portion flow path  5634   b  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring flexible portion  5633 , and a bottom portion flow path  5634   c  formed by the inner circumferential surface of the spring bottom portion  5631 . As shown in  FIG. 64(   d ), the aperture area of the ink flow path  5634  gradually becomes larger from the tip end of the spring top portion  5632  to the bottom surface of the spring bottom portion  5631 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 64(   d ), the spring top portion  5632  is formed in a cylindrical shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis  01  direction. The spring top portion  5632  is formed so that the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axis  01  direction (urging direction of the first spring member  5630 ) is made uniform. In the same manner, the spring bottom portion  5631  is also formed in a cylindrical shape, which is relatively thick and extends in the axis  01  direction, and the cross sectional shape perpendicular to the axis  01  direction is uniform. 
   In addition, as shown in  FIG. 64(   d ), the spring flexible portion  5633  is formed in a substantially conical/hemispherical shape, which curves with respect to the axis  01  direction, whereby the strength of the spring flexible portion  5633  bearing a load in the axis  01  direction is less than that of the spring bottom portion  5631  and the spring top portion  5632 . Furthermore, the thickness of the spring flexible portion  5633  is less than that of the spring bottom portion  5631  and the spring top portion  5632 , contributing to the lesser strength of the spring flexible portion  5633 . Therefore, when the first spring member  5630  is elastically deformed, the spring flexible portion  5633  is bent and deformed. 
   The second spring member  5650  is formed in the same shape as the first spring member  5630 . The structure of the second spring member  5650  includes the spring bottom portion  5631 , the spring top portion  5632 , the spring flexible portions  5633 , and the ink flow path  5634 . 
     FIG. 65  shows the slider member  5640 .  FIG. 65(   a ) is a front/rear view of the slider member  5640 ,  FIG. 65(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the slider member  5640 ,  FIG. 65(   c ) is a top view of the slider member  5640 ,  FIG. 65(   d ) is a bottom view of the slider member  5640 , and  FIG. 65(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the slider member  5640  shown in  FIG. 65(   c ). 
   As shown in  FIGS. 65(   a ) and ( b ), the slider member  5640  is formed of resin material that has a greater hardness than the first spring member  5630  and the second spring member  5650 , and includes a slider outer circumferential wall  5641  that forms the outer circumference of the slider member  5640 , two slider protruding portions  5642   a ,  5642   b  that extend in the axis  01  direction of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  from the slider outer circumferential wall  5641  and are formed symmetrically about the axis  01 , and a pair of slider loose insertion members  5643  that are arranged on and along the slider outer circumferential wall  5641  and the slider protruding portions  5642   a , are formed symmetrically about the axis  01  and are loosely inserted to the pair of valve guide grooves of the valve member  5620 . The slider outer circumferential wall  5641  and the slider protruding portions  5642   a  and  5642   b  are together formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. 
   The spring members  5630 ,  5650  are arranged in the inner spaces of the slider member  5640  in the axis  01  direction. Movement of the respective spring members  5630 ,  5650  in the direction perpendicular to the axis  01  is restricted by the slider protruding portions  5642   a ,  5642   b  and the slider outer circumferential wall  5641 . 
   The slider loose insertion members  5643  extend along the slider member  5640  in the axis  01  direction (formed over the slider outer circumferential wall  5641  and slider protruding portion  5642   a ). Movement of the slider member  5640  in the axis  01  direction occurs smoothly by cooperation between the slider loose insertion member  1030  and the pair of valve guide grooves of the valve member  5620 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 65(   c ) and ( d ), inside of the slider outer circumferential wall  5641 , a slider pedestal portion  5644  is provided on which the respective spring members  5630 ,  5650  are arranged. The slider pedestal portion  5644  contacts the spring bottom portion  5631  of the respective spring members  5630 ,  5650 . The slider pedestal portion  5644  divides two inner spaces that accommodate the respective spring members  5630 ,  5650  within the slider member  5640 . In the center of the slider pedestal portion  5644 , a slider through hole  5645  is formed, and the slider through hole  5645  becomes a flow path in which ink flows. As shown in  FIG. 65(   e ), in the axis  01  direction of the slider member  5640 , the slider pedestal portion  5644  is formed in a substantially intermediate position. 
     FIG. 66  shows the pedestal member  5660 .  FIG. 66(   a ) is a side view of the pedestal member  5660 ,  FIG. 66(   b ) is a top view of the pedestal member  5660 ,  FIG. 66(   c ) is a bottom view of the pedestal member  5660 , and  FIG. 66(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the pedestal member  5660  shown in  FIG. 66(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 66(   a ), the pedestal member  5660  is provided with a pedestal bottom portion  5661  that forms a bottom surface of the pedestal member  5660  and contacts the spring top portion  5632  of the second spring member  5650 . The pedestal member  5660  is provided with spring positioning protrusions  5665 , which ensure proper positioning of the second spring member  5650  with respect to the pedestal member  5660 . The pedestal member is further provided with pedestal receiving portions  5662  that are arranged on the top surface (upper side of  FIG. 66(   a )) of the pedestal bottom portion  5661 . The pedestal receiving portions  5662  are provided with pedestal inclined surfaces  5662   a  that are downwardly inclined approaching the center of the pedestal member  5660 , and the later-described check valve  5670  is received by the pedestal inclined surfaces  5662   a.    
   As shown in  FIG. 66(   b ), the six pedestal receiving portions  5662  are arranged at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction about the pedestal member  5660 . Furthermore, three of the six pedestal receiving portions  5662  include first pedestal through holes  5662   b  that extend from the front to the back of the pedestal member  5660 . The first pedestal through holes  5662   b  are formed in portions (horizontal portions of the pedestal receiving portions  5662 ) of the pedestal receiving portions  5662  other than the portions at which the pedestal inclined surfaces  5662   a  are provided. Thus, the first pedestal through holes  662   b  are formed in portions other than the portions that receive the check valve  5670 . This configuration prevents suppression of ink flow. 
   Furthermore, between the pedestal receiving portions  5662  of the pedestal member  5660 , second pedestal through holes  5663  are formed, which extend through the pedestal bottom portion  5661 . The second pedestal through holes  5663  are formed between the pedestal receiving portions  5662 , so that six second pedestal through holes  5663  are formed in a circumferential direction about the pedestal member  5660 . The second pedestal through holes  5663  form ink flow paths through which ink flows. 
   As shown in  FIG. 66(   c ), on the bottom surface of the pedestal bottom portion  5661 , concave-shaped pedestal through grooves  5664  are formed, which connect the respective second pedestal through holes  5663 . The pedestal through grooves  5664  connect the second pedestal through holes  5663  in a substantially straight lines that pass through and are symmetrical about the axis  01 . Thus, in the pedestal bottom portion  5661 , three pedestal through grooves  5664  are formed, which cross each other at the axis  01 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 66(   d ), between the pedestal inclined surfaces  5662   a  of the pedestal receiving portions  5662  and the second pedestal through holes  5663 , a gap is formed in the axis  01  direction. Thus, even when the check valve  5670  is supported by the pedestal inclined surfaces  5662   a , ink flow is ensured. Furthermore, with respect to the pedestal through grooves  5664 , the end surface of the spring top portion  5632  of the second spring member  5650  is positioned inside of the second pedestal through holes  5663 , so even when the end surface of the spring top portion  5632  of the second spring member  5650  contacts the pedestal member  5660 , ink flow is ensured by the pedestal through grooves  5664 . 
     FIG. 67  shows the check valve  5670 .  FIG. 67(   a ) is a side view of a check valve  5670 ,  FIG. 67(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the check valve  5670 ,  FIG. 67(   c ) is a top view of the check valve  5670 , and  FIG. 67(   d ) is a bottom view of the check valve  5670 . 
   The check valve  5670  is provided with a check valve plate portion  5671  that is formed in a substantially plate shape, a check valve shaft portion  5672  that is formed in a substantially bar shape, and a check valve ball portion  5672   a  that is formed in a substantially spherical shape. An upper surface of the check valve plate portion  5671  includes a thick portion  5671   a  in proximity to the check valve shaft portion  5672  and a thin portion  5671   b  at an outer periphery of the check valve plate portion  5671 . The lower surface of the check valve plate portion  5671  is received by pedestal receiving portions  5662  of the pedestal member  5660 . Therefore, when the check valve plate portion  5671  of the check valve  5670  is received by the pedestal receiving portions  5662  of the pedestal member  5660 , the ink flow path is open, and when the check valve plate portion  5671  of the check valve  5670  contacts the cover member  5680 , the ink flow path is closed. 
     FIG. 68  shows the cover member  5680 .  FIG. 68(   a ) is a side view of the cover member  5680 ,  FIG. 68(   b ) is a top view of the cover member  5680 ,  FIG. 68(   c ) is a bottom view of the cover member  5680 , and  FIG. 68(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the cover member  5680  shown in  FIG. 68(   b ). 
   The cover member  5680  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape in which a lower surface side is open. The cover member  5680  is provided with a cover outer circumferential wall  5681  that forms the outer circumference and a cover top portion  5682  that forms the top surface (upper side of  FIG. 68(   a )) of the cover member  5680 , and the lower surface is open. The pedestal member  5660  is engaged with the opening of the lower surface (lower side of  FIG. 68(   a )) of the cover member  5680 , and the check valve  5670  is accommodated between the pedestal member  5660  and the cover member  5680 . That is, the cover member  5680  and the pedestal member  5660  constitute a case, which accommodates the check valve. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 68(   b ) and ( c ), in the cover top portion  5682 , six cover through holes  5683  are formed in circumferential locations through the cover top portion  5682 . These cover through holes  5683  become flow paths through which ink flows, and as the check valve  5670  contacts the cover top portion  5682 , the cover through holes  5683  are closed, and the ink flow paths are closed. A check valve accommodating hole  5684  through which the check valve shaft portion  5672  of the check valve  5670  passes is also provided in the cover top portion  5682 . 
   the intake valve jacket  5700 .  FIG. 69(   a ) is a front/rear view of the intake valve jacket  5700 ,  FIG. 69(   b ) is a left side/right side view of the intake valve jacket  5700 ,  FIG. 69(   c ) is a top view of the intake valve jacket  5700 ,  FIG. 69(   d ) is a bottom view of the intake valve jacket  5700 , and  FIG. 69(   e ) is a cross sectional view of the intake valve jacket  5700 . 
   The intake valve jacket  5700  is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. As shown in  FIG. 69(   a ), the supply valve jacket includes an outer circumferential wall  5701  and a bottom wall  5702  adjoining a bottom edge of the outer circumferential wall  5701 . Tab receiving apertures  5703   a ,  5703   b  are formed in the front and rear sides of the outer circumferential wall  5701 . When the intake valve jacket  5700  is fitted onto the frame  5100 , the tab receiving apertures  5703  receive tabs on the frame  5100  to securely hold the intake valve jacket  5700  in place. As shown in  FIG. 69(   b ), positioning slots  5704   a ,  5704   b  are formed in the left and right sides of the outer circumferential wall  5701 . The positioning slots  5704   a ,  5704   b  are capable of receiving substantially planar portions of the frame  5100  to ensure that the intake valve jacket  5700  is properly positioned. As can be seen in  FIG. 69(   c ), the positioning slots  5704   a ,  5704   b  extend to the upper edge of the outer circumferential wall  5701 . 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 69(   c ), ( d ) and ( e ), the bottom wall  5702  includes a circular aperture  5705 . Portions of the joint member  5710  and the valve member/actuator  5720  protrude through the circular aperture  5705  when the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled. 
     FIG. 70  shows the joint member  5710 .  FIG. 70(   a ) is a side view the joint member  5710 ,  FIG. 70(   b ) is a top view of the joint member  5710 ,  FIG. 70(   c ) is a bottom view of the joint member  5710 , and  FIG. 70(   d ) is a cross sectional view of the joint member  5710  shown in  FIG. 70(   b ). 
   As shown in  FIG. 70(   a ), the joint member  5710  includes four levels in a side view (seen from a direction perpendicular to the paper plane of  FIG. 70(   c )). The lowest level portion (lower side of  FIG. 70(   c )) is a collar portion  5714 . The collar portion  5714  is exposed to the outside of the frame  5100  through the intake valve jacket  5700 . Above the collar portion  5714  is a joint outer circumferential portion  5711  that forms the outer circumferential portion of the joint member  5710 . The portion above the joint outer circumferential portion  5711  is a joint inner circumferential portion  5712  forming the inner circumferential portion of the joint member  5710 . The joint outer circumferential portion  5711  and the joint inner circumferential portion  5712  are arranged inside of the supply valve jacket  5700 . The portion shown above the joint inner circumferential portion  5712  is a joint contact portion  5713  that contacts the valve member/actuator  5720 . As shown in  FIG. 70(   b ), the axial centers of the joint outer circumferential portion  5711 , the joint inner circumferential portion  5712 , and the joint contact portion  5713  are positioned on the same axial center as the axis  02  of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 . Furthermore, the joint member  5710  is formed of an elastic material such as a resin rubber. 
   As shown in  FIG. 70(   d ), the joint contact portion  5713  protrudes from a top surface  5712   a  (surface on the side contacting the valve member/actuator  5720 ) of the joint inner circumferential portion  5712 . The joint contact portion  5713  is formed to be narrower toward a tip end portion  5713   a  (end portion to the upper side of  FIG. 70(   d )). The tip end portion  5713   a  contacts the bottom surface of the valve member/actuator  5720 , and closes the air flow path. In the joint member  5710 , an air flow path  5715  is formed having a stepped structure that decreases in width as it approaches the tip end portion  5713   a . When the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled, the actuator  5721   a  of the valve member/actuator  5720  extends through the air flow path  5715 . 
     FIG. 71  shows the valve member/actuator  5720 .  FIG. 71(   a ) is a front/rear view of the valve member/actuator  5720 , and  FIG. 71  ( b ) is a bottom view of the valve member/actuator  5720 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 71(   a ), the valve member/actuator  5720  is provided with a valve bottom wall  5721  forming a bottom surface (surface at the lower side in  FIG. 71(   a )) of the valve member/actuator  5720 , and a valve sidewall  5722  extending from the valve bottom wall  5721  in the axis  02  direction. The valve sidewall  5722  is provided with valve sidewall ribs  5722   a  extending in the axis  01  direction along the valve sidewall  5722 . In the valve sidewall  5722 , a pair of valve guide grooves are formed in which a slider loose insertion member of the slider member  5740  is loosely inserted. The pair of valve guide grooves  5723  is symmetrically formed with respect to the axis  02  of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 . The pair of valve guide grooves  5723  is formed along substantially the entire valve sidewall  5722  in the axis  02  direction. A pair of extension portions  5724  protrudes in a direction away from the valve bottom wall  5721  and defines upper edges of the valve guide grooves  5723 . A pair of valve restriction portions  5725 , which protrude in a direction away from the valve bottom wall  5721  and restrict the movement of the slider member  5740 , are connected to the valve sidewall  5722 . The respective valve restriction portions  5725  protrude toward the axis  02  at the tip end (upper side of  FIG. 71  ( a )) and are provided with valve hook portions  5726  that engage with the slider member  5740 . 
   Extending from the valve bottom wall  5721  of the valve member/actuator  5720 , an actuator  5721   a  is provided. The actuator  5721   a  extends away from the valve bottom wall  5721  in the axis  02  direction. The actuator  5721   a  is provided with actuator ribs  5721   b , which extend vertically along the length of the actuator  5721   a . When the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled, the actuator  5721   a  extends to the outside of the ink cartridge  5001 . When the actuator  5721   a  is pressed by a surface outside of the ink cartridge  5001 , the resulting force presses the valve member/actuator  5720  upwardly in the axis  02  direction, operating to open the air intake valve mechanism  5510  and to permit air to flow into the ink cartridge  5001 . 
   In the axis  02  direction of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 , the pair of valve restriction portions  5725  are formed to be shorter than the valve sidewall  5722 . The pair of valve restriction portions  5725  are arranged to restrict the slider member  5740  using the valve hook portions  5726 , while the valve sidewall  5722  is arranged in order to suppress the slider member  5740  from being shifted in the operation direction using the pair of valve guide grooves  5723 , and to store the first spring member  5730 . Accordingly, the valve sidewall  5722  is formed to be longer and larger than the pair of valve restriction portions  5725  in the axis  02  direction of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 . 
   In the axis  02  direction of the air intake valve mechanism  5510 , in the valve bottom wall  5721 , at positions corresponding to the pair of valve guide grooves  5723  and the pair of valve restriction portions  5725 , four air flow paths  5727  are formed. The air flow paths  5727  extend through the valve bottom wall  5721  in the vertical direction. Valve receiving portions  5728 ,  5729  (see  FIG. 80 ) are provided on the valve bottom wall  5721  that protrude upwardly from the valve bottom wall  5721  and form pedestals for receiving a spring top portion  5732  of the first spring member  5730 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 60 , and discussed above, the air intake valve mechanism  5510  also includes the first spring member  5730 , the slider member  5740 , and the second spring member  5750 . The structures of these features are not shown in separate drawings because the structures correspond substantially to the first spring member  5730 , the slider member  5740 , and the second spring member  5750 , respectively, of the ink supply valve mechanism  5510 . For example, the first spring member  5730  includes a spring bottom portion  5731 , a spring top portion  5732 , a spring flexible portion  5733 , and an air flow path  5734 , that correspond substantially in structure to the spring bottom portion  5631 , the spring top portion  5632 , the spring flexible portion  5633 , and the ink flow path  5634  of the first spring member  5630 . Likewise, the slider member  5740  includes slider protruding portions  5742   a ,  5742   b , slider loose insertion members  5743 , a slider pedestal portion  5744 , and a slider through hole  5745 , that correspond substantially in structure to the slider protruding portions  5742   a ,  5742   b , the slider loose insertion members  5743 , the slider pedestal portion  5744 , and the slider through hole  5745  of the slider member  5640 . Also, the second spring member  5750  includes a spring bottom portion  5751 , a spring top portion  5752 , a spring flexible portion  5753 , and an air flow path  5754 , that correspond substantially in structure to the spring bottom portion  5651 , the spring top portion  5652 , the spring flexible portion  5653 , and the ink flow path  5654  of the second spring member  5630 . 
     FIG. 72  is a partial cross sectional view of the frame body  5110  showing the configurations of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510  assembled in the frame body  5110 . As shown in  FIG. 72 , the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510  are separated in the frame body  5110  by the ink detection projection  5140 . 
   The ink supply valve mechanism  5500  is situated in the frame body  5110  so that its constituent elements are arranged in order from the bottom of the frame body  5110  (left side of  FIG. 72 ) as follows: the supply valve jacket  5600  at the bottommost position, the joint member  5610 , the valve member  5620 , the first spring member  5630 , the slider member  5640 , the second spring member  5650 , the pedestal member  5660 , the check valve  5670  and the cover member  5680  at the topmost position. The ink supply valve mechanism  5500  is inserted into an ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800  provided in the ink supply chamber  5116  of the frame body  5110 . Above the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800  (to the right side of  FIG. 72 ), an ink supply chamber  5801  is provided. Ink is supplied to the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800  of the frame body  5110  from an ink supply aperture  5423  via the ink supply chamber  5801 , a stepped portion  5801   a  that holds the cover member  5680 , and an ink supply chamber aperture  5421  that separates the ink supply chamber  5801  and the stepped portion  5801   a.    
   The air intake valve mechanism  5510  is situated in the frame body  5110  so that its constituent elements are arranged in order from the bottom of the frame body  5110  (left side of  FIG. 72 ) as follows: the intake valve jacket  5700  at the bottommost position, the joint member  5710 , the valve member/actuator  5720 , the first spring member  5730 , the slider member  5740 , and the second spring member  5750  at the topmost position. The air intake valve mechanism  5510  is inserted into is inserted into an air intake valve mechanism insertion portion  5810  provided in an air intake chamber  5117  of the frame body  5110 . The air intake valve mechanism insertion portion  5810  communicates with a lower air intake chamber  4431  of the frame body  5110  via a lower air intake chamber aperture  5434 . The air intake valve insertion portion is provided with spring member receiving portions  5811  for receiving the second spring member  5750 . 
     FIG. 73  shows how the film  5160  is affixed to the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 73(   a ) is a right side view of the frame body  5110  prior to application of the film  5110 , and  FIG. 73(   b ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  prior to application of the film  5160 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 73(   a ), prior to application of films  5160  to the frame body  5110 , the films are placed in proximity to the outer film contact surface  5112   a  of the front side of the frame body  5110  and an outer film contact surface  5112   b  of the rear side of the frame body  5110 . As indicated by the arrows H, the films  5160  are affixed to the outer film contact surface  5112   a  and the outer film contact surface  5112   b  by application of heat and pressure (e.g., heat welding). As shown in  FIG. 73(   b ), the films  5160  include a contact portion  5900 , which is applied to the frame body  5110 . A remainder of the films  5160  may be cut away and discarded, after the films  5160  have been affixed to the frame body  5110 . 
     FIG. 74  shows a process by which the frame body  5110  is filled with ink.  FIG. 74(   a ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  prior to installation of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510 ,  FIG. 74(   b ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  prior to addition of ink to the frame  5110 , and  FIG. 74(   c ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  after to addition of ink to the frame body  5110 . 
     FIG. 74(   a ) shows the frame body  5110  after the film  5160  has been affixed to its front side. The bold lines in  FIGS. 74(   a ), ( b ) and ( c ) show the locations where the film  5160  is sealed on the frame body  5110 . When the components of the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510 , shown in  FIG. 74(   a ), are brought into contact with the ink supply chamber  5116  and the air intake chamber  5117  in the direction of the shown arrows, the ink supply valve fastening rib  5116   a  of the ink supply chamber  5116 , and the air intake valve fastening rib  5117   a  of the air intake chamber  5117  engage the tab receiving apertures  5603   a ,  5703   a  of the supply valve jacket  5600  and the intake valve jacket  5700 , respectively (also, a rear side ink supply valve fastening rib (not shown) and a rear side air intake valve fastening rib (not shown) engage the tab receiving apertures  5603   b ,  5703   b , respectively). 
     FIG. 74(   b ) shows communication between a pressure reducing device  5910  and the frame body  5110  after the ink supply valve mechanism  5500  and the air intake valve mechanism  5510  are assembled to the frame body  5110 . The pressure reducing device  5910  includes a vacuum pump  5912  and an extraction tube  5911 . The extraction tube  5911  is inserted into the ink-supply port  5120  and air in the ink storage space of the frame body  5110  is extracted from the frame body  5110 . As a result, the ink storage space has a lower pressure than an area outside of the ink storage space (e.g., atmospheric pressure). In  FIG. 74(   c ), an ink insertion needle  5920  is inserted into the frame body  5110  (e.g., through the stopper  5520 ), and the frame body  5110  is filled with ink. Preferably, after filling, an ink level I is lower than a location of the upper air intake aperture  5435  and the upper air intake through hole  5436 , when the frame body  5110  is in an upright position. 
     FIG. 75  shows assembly of the frame body  5110  and the case  5200 .  FIG. 75(   a ) is a perspective view of the frame body  5110 , the rear case portion  5210 , and the front case portion  5220  prior to assembly, and  FIG. 75(   b ) is a front view of the ink cartridge  5001  after assembly of the frame body  5110  and the case  5200 . As shown in  FIG. 75(   a ), the ink cartridge  5001  is assembled by bringing the front case portion  5200   b  and the rear case portion  5200   a  together so that the ink supply port  5120 , the air intake port  5130 , and the ink detection projection  5140  are seated in the rear supply aperture portion  5211 , the rear air intake aperture portion  5212 , and the rear ink detector aperture portion  5213 , respectively. Also, the positioning apertures  5460   a ,  5460   b ,  5460   c  are brought into contact with the positioning pins  5215   a ,  5215   b ,  5215   c  so as achieve engagement. The assembled cartridge  5001  is shown in  FIG. 75(   b ). 
     FIG. 76  shows preparation and packaging of the ink cartridge  5001 .  FIG. 76(   a ) is a perspective view of the cap  5300  and the case  5200  prior to assembly, and  FIG. 76(   b ) is a perspective view of the ink cartridge  5001  during packaging. 
   As shown in  FIG. 76(   a ), the cap  5300  is assembled to the case  5200  in the direction of the shown arrows. During assembly, the engaging projections  5330   a ,  5330   b  for engaging with the projection apertures on the case  5200  (e.g., the projection aperture formed by the rear intake side projection aperture  5214   b   1  and a front intake side projection aperture  5224   b   1 ). As shown in  FIG. 76(   b ), the ink cartridge  5001  is placed into a resin bag  5930 . The resin bag  5930  is prepared for shipping, etc., using a pressure reducing device  5940 . The pressure reducing device  5940  includes a vacuum pump  5942  and an extraction tube  5941 . The extraction tube  5911  is inserted an aperture  5931  in the resin bag  5930 , and air in the resin bag  5930  is extracted. As a result, after sealing the aperture  5931 , the resin bag  5930  has a lower pressure than an area outside of the ink storage space (e.g., atmospheric pressure). 
     FIG. 77  shows the operation of mounting the ink cartridge  5001  to the inkjet printer  6000 .  FIG. 77(   a ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  prior to mounting,  FIG. 77(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  during mounting, and  FIG. 77(   c ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  after mounting. 
   As shown in  FIG. 77(   a ), the inkjet printer  6000  includes a cartridge mounting assembly  6010  for mounting the ink cartridge  5001 . The cartridge mounting assembly  6010  includes receiving walls  6011  for receiving the sides of the ink cartridge  5001 . The receiving wall  6011  on the side of the cartridge mounting assembly  6010  corresponding to the intake side of the ink cartridge  5001  includes an intake side engaging protrusion  6011   a . The ink cartridge mounting assembly  6010  also includes a mounting base  6013  for receiving a bottom portion of the ink cartridge  5001 . The mounting base  6013  includes an ink passage  6013   a  for supplying ink to a print head (not shown). An ink extraction tube  6015  is connected to the ink passage  6013   a  and extends horizontally away from the mounting base  6013 . The mounting base  6013  further includes an air passage  6013   b  through which air can be provided to the ink cartridge  5001 . 
   A detection device  6014  is provided on the mounting base  6013 . The detection device includes a light emitting portion  6014   a  and a light receiving portion (not shown). The detection device  6014  is configured to receive the ink detection projection  5140  between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion. 
   At the locations where the mounting base  6013  intersects with the receiving walls  6011 , a supply side recess  6016   a  and an intake side recess  6016   b  are provided. An intake side displacement projection  6016   b   1  is provided along the intake side receiving wall  6011  adjacent to the intake side recess  6016   b.    
   A cover  6017  is provided at an edge (right edge in  FIG. 77 ) of the supply side receiving wall  6011 . The cover includes a cover hinge projection  6017   a , a cover hinge  6017   b  and a cover upper surface  6017   c . The cover  6017  is further provided with a cover end projection  6017   d  that engages a cover receiving recess  6018  of the cartridge mounting assembly  6010 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 77(   a ), prior to mounting, the cover  6017  of the cartridge mounting assembly  6010  is opened, and the ink cartridge  5001  is positioned so that a bottom surface of the ink cartridge  5001  (after the cap  5300  is removed) will be inserted first into the inkjet printer  6000 . The mounting procedure begins by moving the ink cartridge  5001  in the direction shown by the arrow E. As shown in  FIG. 77(   b ), the ink cartridge  5001  is horizontally inserted into the space defined by the mounting base  6013  and the receiving walls  6011 . As the ink cartridge  5001  is inserted into the space, the front intake side projection portion  5224   b  of the ink cartridge  5001  contacts the intake side displacement projection  6016   b   1 , causing the intake side receiving wall  6011  to be moved outwardly away from front intake side outer surface  5227  of the ink cartridge  5001 . 
   When the ink cartridge  5001  is fully inserted into the cartridge mounting assembly  6010 , the intake side receiving wall  6011  returns toward the intake side outer surface  5227  of the ink cartridge  5001 , and the intake side engaging protrusion  6011   a  engages the intake side recess  5227   b  of the ink cartridge  5001 . The supply side restrictor plate  5226   b  engages the cover hinge projection  6017   a , and the cover  6017  is closed over the top surface of the ink cartridge  5001  in the direction of the arrow F. The ink extraction tube  6015  is inserted into the ink supply port  5120 , the air intake port  5130  is moved into proximity with the air passage  6013   b , and the ink detection projection  5140  is located between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion. When the ink cartridge  5001  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 77(   c ), the inkjet printer  6000  can perform printing operations. 
     FIG. 78  shows the operation of dismounting the ink cartridge  5001  from the inkjet printer  6000 .  FIG. 78(   a ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  prior to dismounting,  FIG. 78(   b ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  during dismounting, and  FIG. 78(   c ) is a cross sectional view of the ink cartridge  5001  and the inkjet printer  6000  after dismounting. 
   In  FIG. 78(   a ), the ink cartridge  5001  is positioned as shown in  FIG. 77(   c ). The dismounting procedure begins by moving the cover  6017  in the direction shown with the arrow S. As the cover  6017  is further moved as shown by the arrow T, the cover hinge projection  6017   a  engages and pulls the supply side restrictor plate  5226   b  of the ink cartridge  5001 . The force created by the engagement of the cover hinge projection  6017   a  and the supply side restrictor plate  5226   b  causes disengagement of other portions of the ink cartridge  5001  and the cartridge mounting assembly  6010 . The intake side engaging protrusion  6011   a  disengages from the intake side recess  5227   b . The front supply side projection portion  5224   a  and the front intake side projection portion  5224   b  disengage from the supply side recess  6016   a  and the intake side recess  6016   b , respectively. The ink supply port  5120  disengages from the ink extraction tube  6015 , and the ink detection projection  5140  disengages from the detection device  6014 . 
   After the various features of the ink cartridge  5001  disengage from the various features of the cartridge mounting assembly  6010 , as discussed above, dismounting is completed by completely removing the ink cartridge  5001 , as shown by the arrow U. 
     FIG. 79  shows opposite sides of the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 79(   a ) is a front view of the frame body  5110 , and  FIG. 79(   b ) is a rear view of the frame body  5110 . 
   The features of the frame body  5110  are discussed above in detail with reference to  FIG. 59 .  FIG. 79  shows an opening  5111   a/b  and a lower central partition wall  5440 , which are not shown in  FIG. 59 . As to the remaining features, various corresponding features ate provided on both the front side ( FIG. 79(   a )) and the rear side ( FIG. 79(   b )) of the frame body  5110 . A description of those features appearing in both  FIG. 59  and  FIG. 79  is provided above with reference to  FIG. 59 . The following features appear only on the rear side of the frame body  5110  (see  FIG. 79(   b )): the outer film contact surface  5112   b  corresponds to the outer film contact surface  5112   a ; the sidewalls  5400   b  correspond to the sidewalls  5400   a ; an inner film contact surface  5411   b  corresponds to the inner film contact surface  5411   a ; inner film contact surfaces  5412   b   1  ,  5412   b   2  correspond to inner film contact surface  5412   a ; inner film contact surface  5413   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5413   a ; inner film contact surface  5414   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5414   a ; inner film contact surface  5415   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5415   a ; inner film contact surface  5416   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5416   a ; inner film contact surface  5417   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5417   a ; and inner film contact surface  5418   b  corresponds to inner film contact surface  5418   a . As these structures correspond to the structures described in  FIG. 59 , further description is not provided. 
     FIG. 80  is a partial cross sectional view of the frame  5015 , showing the direction of ink flow out of the cartridge and the direction of air flow through into the cartridge. As shown in  FIG. 80 , ink flows out of the frame  5015  along the ink flow path shown by the arrow K when the ink extraction tube  6015  is inserted into the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800 . Ink enters the ink supply chamber  5801  through the ink supply aperture  5423 , and then flows through the ink supply chamber aperture  5421  into the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800 . In the ink supply valve mechanism insertion portion  5800 , the ink flows, in order, through the cover through holes  5683  of the cover member  5680 , the first pedestal through holes  5662   b  and second pedestal through holes  5663 , the pedestal through grooves  5664 , the ink flow path  5634  of the second spring member  5650 , the slider through hole  5645 , the ink flow path  5634  of the first spring member  5630 , a flow path formed between the first spring member  5630  and the valve receiving portions  5628 ,  5629 , ink flow paths  5627  of the valve member  5620 , and the ink extraction tube  6015 . Ink also flows downwardly around a circumferential edge of the ink supply valve assembly  5501 . 
   Air flows into the frame  5015  along the air flow path shown by the arrow L when the actuator  5721   a  contacts the mounting base  6013  of the inkjet printer  6000 . As shown in  FIG. 80 , when the actuator  5721   a  is actuated, air flows, in order, through the intake valve jacket  5700 , the air flow path  5715  of the joint member  5710 , the air flow paths  5727  of the valve member/actuator  5720 , the air flow path  5734  of the first spring member  5730 , the slider through hole  5745  of the slider member  5740 , the air flow path  5754  of the second spring member  5750 , the lower air intake chamber aperture  5434 , and into the lower air intake chamber  5431 . Air also flows upwardly around a circumferential edge of the air intake valve assembly  5511 . 
     FIG. 81  shows an ink dispensing portion  5420  of the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 81  ( a ) is a rear view of the ink dispensing portion  5420 ,  FIG. 81  ( b ) is a cross sectional view of the ink dispensing portion  5420 ,  FIG. 81  ( c ) is a rear view of the ink dispensing portion  5420 , and  FIG. 81  ( d ) is a rear view of the ink dispensing portion  5420 . 
   The ink dispensing portion includes an ink dispensing portion base wall  5424  that encloses an ink dispensing portion chamber  5424   a , and an ink dispensing portion semi-conical wall  5422  that encloses ink supply semi-conical chamber  5426 . The ink dispensing portion chamber  5424   a  and the ink supply semi-conical chamber  5426  are joined through the ink supply aperture  5423 , and the ink supply semi-conical chamber  5426  is joined to the ink supply chamber  5116  through the ink supply chamber aperture  5421 . As can be seen in  FIG. 81  ( a ), the ink dispensing portion chamber  5424   a  and the ink supply aperture  5423  are located in a position lower than the sidewall  400   b  when the ink cartridge  5001  is installed in the inkjet printer  6000 . Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 81(   c ), ink accumulates in the ink dispensing portion chamber  5424   a  when the ink cartridge  5001  is installed in the inkjet printer  6000 , and is dispensed out of the ink cartridge  5001  through the ink supply aperture  5423  and the ink supply chamber aperture  5421  as shown by the arrow C. Because of the position of the ink dispensing portion chamber  5424   a  when the ink cartridge  5001  is installed in the inkjet printer  6000  (lower than a remainder of the frame body  5110 ), only the. smallest amount of ink D may be remaining in the ink cartridge  5001  before the ink cartridge  5001  is no longer able to dispense ink. As a result, the ink cartridge  5001  can efficiently dispense a large proportion of stored ink. 
     FIG. 82  shows an air intake portion  5430  of the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 82(   a ) is a perspective view of the air intake portion  5430 ,  FIG. 82(   b ) is a rear view of the air intake portion  5430 , and  FIG. 82(   c ) is a front view of the air intake portion  5430 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 82(   a ), the air intake portion  5430  includes the lower air intake chamber  5431 , the upper air intake chamber  5432 , and the central air intake passage  5433  extending between the lower air intake chamber  5431  and the upper air intake chamber  5432 . The lower air intake chamber  5431  is defined by a lower air intake chamber wall  5431   a , and the upper air intake chamber  5432  is defined by an upper air intake chamber wall  5432   a . The lower air intake chamber aperture  5434  is provided near a rear surface  5437   b  of the air intake portion  5430  and connects the lower air intake chamber  5431  to the air intake chamber  5117 . The lower air intake aperture  5433   a  connects the lower air intake chamber  5431  to the central air intake passage  5433 . The middle air intake aperture  5433   b  connects the central air intake passage  5433  to the upper air intake chamber  5432 . The upper air intake aperture  5435  is provided at a front surface  5437   a  of the air intake portion  5430  and connects the air intake portion  5430  to a remainder of the front side of the frame body  5110 , and the upper air intake through hole  5436  connects the air intake portion  5430  to the rear side of the frame body  5110 . As shown in  FIGS. 82(   b ) and ( c ), the features of the air intake portion  5430  are arranged so that, even when the ink cartridge  5001  is filled to capacity with ink, air can enter into the ink cartridge  5001  from the air intake chamber  5117 , and ink will not leak out of the ink cartridge  5001  through the air intake chamber  5117 . 
     FIG. 83  shows an ink filling portion  5450  of the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 83(   a ) is a rear view of the ink filling portion  5450 , and  FIG. 83(   b ) is cross sectional view of the ink filling portion  5450 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 83(   a ), the ink filling portion  5450  includes the ink filling chamber wall  5451 , the ink filling aperture  5452 , and the ink filling structure  5453 . The ink filling chamber wall  5451  has an open end (ink filling chamber opening  5451   a ) and a closed end (ink filling chamber base wall  5451   b ). As discussed above, the stopper  5520  can be inserted into the ink filling portion  5450  via the ink filling chamber opening  5451   a . The ink filling structure  5453  includes an inverted horseshoe-shaped ink filling structure wall  5453   a  and ink filling structure tips  5454 . The ink filling structure  5453  is provided on an outer surface of the ink filling chamber wall  5451 , and the ink filling aperture  5452  protrudes through the ink filling chamber wall  5451  to a location near the base of the ink filling structure  5453 . By virtue of this structure ink can exit the ink filling aperture  5452  at a relatively low position and enter the ink storage space at a relatively high position. That is, the ink filling structure  5453  is configured so that the ink cartridge  5001  can be filled with ink to a level higher than the ink filling aperture  5452 , when the ink cartridge  5001  is in an upright position. Thus, it is possible to more efficiently use the space of the ink storage space of the frame body  5110 . 
     FIG. 84  shows operation of the detector  5470 .  FIG. 84(   a ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  filled with ink, and  FIG. 84(   b ) is a front view of the frame body  5110  emptied of ink. As shown  FIG. 84(   a ), when the frame body  5110  is filled with ink, the detector plate  5473   c  of the detector  5470  is located within the ink detection projection  5140  at a location between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion of the detection device  6014  of the inkjet printer  6000 . In this state, the detector plate  5473   c  prevents light emitted by the light emitting portion  6014   a  from reaching the light receiving portion. When this obstruction takes place, the detection device  6014  determines that there is sufficient ink in the frame body  5110  to conduct printing operations. As shown in  FIG. 84(   b ), when the frame body  5110  is emptied of ink, the detector plate  5473   c  has moved out of the location between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion of the detection device  6014 . In this state, light emitted by the light emitting portion  6014   a  reaches the light receiving portion, and the detection device  6014  determines that there is not sufficient ink in the frame body  5110  to conduct printing operations. 
   The detector  5470  (and thus the detector plate  5473   c ) moves in response to changes in an amount of ink in the frame body  5110 . In particular, the detector float  5471  is buoyant in ink. Accordingly, as the level of ink rises, the detector float  5471  rises also. The detector  5470  is rotatably mounted to the frame body  5110 , and the detector plate  5473   c  is located on an opposite end of the detector  5470  from the detector float  5471 . Accordingly, as the detector float  5471  rises with the level of ink, the detector plate  5473   c  is rotated downwardly into the location between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion of the detection device  6014 . Likewise, as the detector float  5471  sinks with the level of ink, the detector plate  5473   c  is rotated upwardly out of the location between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion of the detection device  6014 . Thus, movement of the detector plate  5473   c  with the level of ink in the frame body  5110  allows detection of the presence, absence and/or amount of ink in the frame body  5110 , when the ink cartridge  5001  is installed in the inkjet printer  6000 . 
     FIG. 85  shows the ink detection projection  5140  of the frame body  5110 .  FIG. 85(   a ) is a front view of the ink detection projection  5140 , and  FIGS. 85(   b ) and ( c ) are cross sectional views of the ink detection projection  5140 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 85(   a ), the ink detection projection  5140  includes an ink detection recess  5141  bounded by an ink detection supply wall  5141   a  and an ink detection intake sidewall  5141   b . Within the ink detection recess  5141 , ink detection restricting wall  5142  is provided. In proximity to the ink detection projection, a detector area sidewall  5143   a  and a detector area partition  5143  are provided. 
   As can be seen in  FIGS. 85(   b ) and ( c ), when the ink cartridge  5001  is sufficiently full of ink, the detector plate  5473   c  of the detector  5470  is positioned within the ink detection recess  5141 . The detector plate  5473   c  is seated on the ink detection restricting wall  5142 . These structures ensure that, when the ink cartridge  5001  is sufficiently full of ink, the detector plate  5473   c  is positioned such that the detector plate  5473   c  is positioned between the light emitting portion  6014   a  and the light receiving portion of the detection device  6014  of the inkjet printer  6000 . 
     FIG. 86  shows the detector  5470 .  FIG. 86(   a ) is a side view of the detector  5470 , and  FIG. 86(   b ) is an end view of the detector  5470 . The various features of the detector  5470 , discussed above, are shown in  FIG. 86 . In particular, the detector  5470  includes the detector float  5471 , a detector mounting portion  5472  including the detector mounting pin  5472   a , and the detector arm  5473 . The detector arm  5473  includes the float arm portion  5473   a  adjacent to the detector float  5471 , the detector plate  5473   c  at an end of the detector  5470  opposite from the detector float  5471 , and the plate arm portion  5473   b  extending between the float arm portion  5473   a  and the detector plate  5473   c . The detector arm  5473  is further provided with detector ribs  5473   d  protruding from lateral surfaces of the detector arm  5473  to improve the structural stability of the detector arm  5473 . 
     FIG. 86  further shows the detector plate pins  5473   e   1 ,  5473   e   2 . The detector plate pins  5473   e   1 ,  5473   e   2  extend outwardly from each face of the detector plate  5473   c , and thus prevent the relatively large flat surface of the detector plate  5473   c  from “sticking” to similarly flat surfaces of the inner surface of the ink detection recess  5141  due to the presence of ink between the flat surfaces. The pins  5473   e   1 ,  5473   e   2  thus prevent the potential erroneous ink detection that could result if the detector plate  5473   c  adheres to an inner surface of the ink detection recess  5141  as the ink level in the ink cartridge  5001  declines. 
   While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.