Ink cartridge, and ink-jet recording apparatus using the same

• US 20070279462A1
• Filed: 05/30/2006
• Published: 12/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/08/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Ishizawa, Taku, Kumagai, Toshio, Kamijyo, Masanori
• Granted Patent: US 7,784,923 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 347/86
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/175 Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17509 Whilst mounted in the printer
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/1752 Mounting within the printer
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17526 Electrical contacts to the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17556 Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17566 Ink level or ink residue control
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17596 Ink pumps, ink valves
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/17573 using optical means for ink level indication
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2002/17576 using a floater for ink level indication

Abstract

There is provided an ink cartridge which is formed from an ink-filled ink pack and a hermetic outer shell case for housing the ink pack and which supplies ink to a recording head by means of application of air pressure to a space between the outer shell case and the ink pack. The outer shell case is formed by coupling an upper case and a lower case together. The ink-filled ink pack is housed in the lower case, and the upper case is laid on the lower case from above. The upper and lower cases are hermetically sealed by vibratory welding or heat welding, thus constituting the ink cartridge.

Claims

1. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a first outer shell constituent member and a second outer shell constituent member, said first outer shell constituent member having an opening and having a film hermetically sealed over said opening, said second outer shell constituent member being coupled to said first outer shell constituent member to cover said film;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell; and

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump.

20. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising an ink supply port of the ink chamber and an air inlet port disposed on a surface of the first outer shell constituent member,

wherein the opening over which the film is hermetically sealed is formed in a surface of the first outer shell constituent member different from the surface of the first outer shell constituent member where an ink supply port of the ink chamber and an air inlet port are disposed.

67. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, further comprising:

a press member disposed between the film and the ink chamber.

74. The ink cartridge according to claim 1, wherein said ink chamber is formed of two sheets of resilient film bonded together along peripheral edges thereof.

2. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a first outer shell constituent member and a second outer shell constituent member that are coupled together so that said second outer shell constituent member is laid over an opening formed in a first surface of the first outer shell constituent member;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell;

an ink supply port of the ink chamber and an air inlet port, which are disposed on a second surface of the first constituent member, the second surface being different from the first surface; and

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump.

3. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member are hermetically coupled together by vibratory welding.

4. The ink cartridge according to claim 3, wherein a continuous, substantially planar weld surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member, and a continuous director is formed on a peripheral edge of a upper case forming the second outer shell constituent member to be frictionally welded upon contact with the weld surface.

5. The ink cartridge according to claim 4, wherein an upright flange section is integrally formed on the peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member, along an outer periphery of the weld surface.

7. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member are hermetically coupled together by heat-welding.

8. The ink cartridge according to claim 7, wherein a continuous, substantially planar weld surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member, and a heat-welding film forming the second outer shell constituent member is thermally welded to the weld surface.

9. The ink cartridge according to claim 8, further comprising a reinforcement member which covers an outside of the heat-welding film.

10. The ink cartridge according to claim 9, wherein an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the lower case is formed integrally on a peripheral edge of the reinforcement member.

11. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 7 through 10, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed on the surface of the first outer shell constituent member, the surface at least partially defining the pressure chamber.

12. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of a cover forming the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface; and

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the lower case is formed integrally on the cover, the engagement section maintaining the case and the cover in a sealed state.

26. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising

a film hermetically sealed over said opening formed in said first surface of said first outer shell constituent member;

wherein said ink chamber is housed within a cavity formed by said first outer shell constituent member and said film.

27. The ink cartridge as defined in claim 2, wherein said air inlet port is formed integrally with said first constituent member, and comprises a cylindrical member which defines an air channel communicating with said pressure chamber.

28. The ink cartridge as defined in claim 2, wherein:

the ink supply port comprises a valve member;

when the ink cartridge is mounted in a recording apparatus, the valve member comes into contact with a connection section of the recording apparatus and recedes in an axial direction, thus becoming open; and

when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the valve member advances in the axial direction, thus sustaining a closed state.

29. The ink cartridge as defined in claim 28, wherein the ink supply port further comprises a spring member for urging said valve member in the advancing axial direction.

30. The ink cartridge as defined in claim 2, wherein:

the ink supply port comprises an outlet section exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member;

an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

31. The ink cartridge as defined in claim 2, wherein the ink supply port further comprises an outlet section and a sealing member, said sealing member interposed between the ink outlet section and the outer shell in a radial direction of the ink outlet section.

32. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a flange section formed along a periphery of said opening;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a lug-shaped member protruding inward from an inner surface of said second outer shell constituent member;

said flange section and said lug shaped member engage with each other and couple said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member together.

33. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising:

a film member, wherein;

said film member seals said ink chamber between said film member and said first outer shell constituent member in said opening of said first outer shell constituent member; and

said second outer shell constituent member functions as a cover for preventing expansion of the film member when the film member receives the pressurized air.

34. The ink cartridge according to claim 32, wherein:

said lug-shaped member comprises a tapered surface and an engagement step section; and

when said second outer shell constituent member is attached to said first outer shell constituent member, said flange section is relatively guided by and along said tapered surface to engage with said engagement step section.

35. The ink cartridge according to claim 32, wherein:

said second outer shell constituent member comprises a generally planar section acting as a cover and a fold section formed integrally with, and generally perpendicular to, said planar section; and

said inner surface of said second outer shell constituent member corresponds to an interior surface of said fold section.

36. The ink cartridge according to claim 35, wherein a plurality of independent lug-shaped members are intermittently formed on said interior surface of said fold section.

37. The ink cartridge according to claim 35, wherein:

a slit hole is formed through said planar section of said second outer shell constituent member to correspond in location to said lug-shaped member; and

said slit hole has a long axis along said fold section.

38. The ink cartridge according to claim 33, wherein said film member is sealed to an edge of said opening of said first outer shell constituent member by heat welding.

39. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said outer shell member is generally of a rectangular receptacle-like shape.

40. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said first outer shell constituent member is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

41. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed to protrude from an inner side of said bottom wall.

42. The ink cartridge according to claim 41, wherein said reinforcement ribs formed on an inner side of said bottom wall are formed in a grid-like pattern.

43. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein a first side wall of said side walls is arranged at an angle greater than perpendicular from said bottom surface, such that, in plan view, said opening is of a larger area than said bottom surface.

44. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein:

a proximal end of said side wall mates to said bottom surface;

a distal end of said side wall defines said opening; and

an upright flange section and continuous weld surface are arranged on a distal end of said side wall so as to form a perimeter of said opening.

45. The ink cartridge according to claim 42, wherein said reinforcement ribs vary in height relative to said bottom surface.

46. The ink cartridge according to claim 45, wherein said reinforcement ribs are taller at peripheral regions of said bottom surface than in other portions of said bottom surface.

47. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said second outer shell constituent member is generally of a planar shape.

48. The ink cartridge according to claim 47, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed to protrude from an inner side of said second outer shell constituent member.

49. The ink cartridge according to claim 48, wherein said reinforcement ribs formed on an inner side of said second outer shell constituent member are formed in a grid-like pattern.

50. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said second outer shell constituent member comprises a director arranged along a periphery thereof.

51. The ink cartridge according to claim 44, wherein:

said second outer shell constituent member comprises a director arranged along a periphery thereof; and

said director corresponds to said upright flange section and continuous weld surface.

52. The ink cartridge according to claim 51, wherein a tip face of said director is melted together with a portion of said weld surface, to thereby connect said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member.

53. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said ink chamber is formed of two sheets of resilient film bonded together along peripheral edges thereof.

54. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said ink chamber is covered by a metal foil.

55. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a columnar positioning pin arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said columnar positioning pin enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

56. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member is coupled to said second outer shell constituent member along outer peripheral edges thereof; and

said coupling is provided by an arcuate contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said first outer shell constituent member interfacing with an arcuate mating contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said second outer shell constituent member.

57. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein said ink supply port comprises:

an annular packing member arranged at a distal end thereof;

an axially movable valve member arranged axially inside of said annular packing member, wherein;

said axially movable valve member controls the supply of ink to said recording apparatus.

58. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising a circuit board, said circuit board comprising a data means for storing data.

59. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, further comprising a press member arranged between said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member.

60. The ink cartridge according to claim 59, wherein said press member is generally ring-shaped with a window shaped opening in the center thereof.

61. The ink cartridge according to claim 59, wherein the surfaces of said press member facing said first outer shell constituent member are tapered.

62. The ink cartridge according to claim 43, wherein outer reinforcement ribs are formed on outer surfaces of said side walls.

63. The ink cartridge according to claim 46, wherein a protruberance is formed on said taller portion of said rib, said protruberance engaging an outer periphery of said ink chamber to hold said ink chamber in place in said outer shell member.

64. The ink cartridge according to claim 46, wherein a protrusion is formed on said taller portion of said rib, said protrusion engaging with a through hole on an outer periphery of said ink chamber to hold said ink chamber in place in said outer shell member.

65. The ink cartridge according to claim 43, wherein a protruberance is formed on a peripheral edge of an inner side of said first side wall, said protruberance engaging an outer periphery of said ink chamber to hold said ink chamber in place in said outer shell member.

66. The ink cartridge according to claim 43, wherein a protrusion is formed on a peripheral edge of an inner side of said first side wall, said protrusion engaging with a through hole on an outer periphery of said ink chamber to hold said ink chamber in place in said outer shell member.

69. The ink cartridge according to claim 59, further comprising:

a film hermetically sealing the opening of the first outer shell constituent member, wherein the press member is disposed between the film and the ink chamber.

70. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink supply port is accessible.

71. The ink cartridge according to claim 70, wherein the air inlet port is relatively positioned with respect to the ink supply port to put the pressure chamber into a communication state with an atmosphere when the ink supply port is closed.

72. The ink cartridge according to claim 71, further comprising:

a pair of positioning holes provided to the outer shell member and accessible in the direction in which the ink supply port is accessible, wherein the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink supply port.

73. The ink cartridge according to claim 72, further comprising:

a data storage unit provided to the outer shell member and accessible in the direction in which the ink supply port is accessible, wherein the data storage unit is positioned opposite from the air inlet port with respect to the ink supply port.

77. The ink cartridge according to claim 12, further comprising

a film hermetically sealed over said opening formed in said first surface of said first outer shell constituent member;

wherein said ink chamber is housed within a cavity formed by said first outer shell constituent member and said film.

78. The ink cartridge according to claim 26, wherein a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of a cover forming the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface; and

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the lower case is formed integrally on the cover, the engagement section maintaining the case and the cover in a sealed state.

79. The ink cartridge according to claim 26, wherein said first outer shell constituent member is generally of a concave shape, formed by at least two side walls and a bottom wall.

80. The ink cartridge according to claim 33, wherein a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of a cover forming the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface; and

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the lower case is formed integrally on the cover, the engagement section maintaining the case and the cover in a sealed state.

81. The ink cartridge according to claim 33, wherein said first outer shell constituent member is generally of a concave shape, formed by at least two side walls and a bottom wall.

82. The ink cartridge according to claim 33, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member is coupled to said second outer shell constituent member along outer peripheral edges thereof; and

said coupling is provided by an arcuate contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said first outer shell constituent member interfacing with an arcuate mating contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said second outer shell constituent member.

83. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of a lower case forming the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of a cover forming the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface; and

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the lower case is formed integrally on the cover, the engagement section maintaining the case and the cover in a sealed state.

84. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, further comprising

a film hermetically sealed over said opening formed in said first surface of said first outer shell constituent member;

wherein said ink chamber is housed within a cavity formed by said first outer shell constituent member and said film.

85. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a flange section formed along a periphery of said opening;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a lug-shaped member protruding inward from an inner surface of said second outer shell constituent member;

said flange section and said lug shaped member engage with each other and couple said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member together.

86. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, further comprising:

a film member, wherein;

said film member seals said ink chamber between said film member and said first outer shell constituent member in said opening of said first outer shell constituent member; and

said second outer shell constituent member functions as a cover for preventing expansion of the film member when the film member receives the pressurized air.

87. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed to protrude from an inner side of the bottom wall facing the ink chamber.

88. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a columnar positioning pin arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said columnar positioning pin enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

89. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member is coupled to said second outer shell constituent member along outer peripheral edges thereof; and

said coupling is provided by an arcuate contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said first outer shell constituent member interfacing with an arcuate mating contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said second outer shell constituent member.

90. The ink cartridge according to claim 40, further comprising a press member arranged between said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member.

91. The ink cartridge according to claim 2, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a first mechanical locking feature;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a second mechanical locking feature;

said first and second outer shell constituent members interact with each other to mechanically connect said first and second mechanical locking features; and

one of said first and second mechanical locking features is elastically deformable.

6. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a first outer shell constituent member and a second outer shell constituent member that are hermetically coupled together;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell member; and

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed on surfaces of the first and second outer shell constituent members, the surfaces at least partially defining the pressure chamber.

13. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus, comprising:

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein;

an ink outlet port communicating with an interior of the ink chamber;

a cartridge case formed for housing the ink chamber;

a pressurized air inlet port, through which, when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, pressurized air is introduced into the cartridge case;

first and second cases which constitute the cartridge case, said second case having a circumferential portion;

a flange section formed along an edge of an opening of the first case, wherein said circumferential portion of said second case covers said flange section; and

at least one lug-shaped member which is formed on the second case and engages with the flange section, thereby coupling the first and second cases together, wherein said lug-shaped member protrudes inward from an inner surface of said circumferential portion wherein the ink outlet port and the pressurized air inlet port are arranged on the same front wall of the cartridge case, wherein, after the ink chamber is housed in the first case, the edge of the opening of the case is sealed by a film member, thereby realizing a sealed state, and wherein the second case functions as a cover for preventing expansion of the film member when the film member receives the pressurized air.

14. The ink cartridge according to claim 13, wherein a tapered surface and an engagement step section are formed on the lug-shaped member such that, when the second case is attached to the first case, the flange section is relatively guided by and along the tapered surface to engage with the engagement step section.

15. The ink cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the second case is formed from a planar section acting as a cover and a fold section formed integral with and perpendicular to the planar section, and the lug-shaped member is formed on an interior surface of the fold section.

16. The ink cartridge according to claim 15, wherein a plurality of independent lug-shaped members are intermittently formed on the interior surface of the fold section.

17. The ink cartridge according to claim 16, wherein slit holes are formed through the planar section of the second case to correspond in location to the plurality of independent lug-shaped members, and to be elongated along the fold section.

18. The ink cartridge according to any one of claims 14 through 17, wherein the film member is sealed to the edge of the opening of the first case by heat welding.

19. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus, including an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, and a cartridge case formed for housing the ink chamber, wherein, when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, pressurized air is introduced into the cartridge case, the ink cartridge comprising:

first and second cases which constitute the cartridge case, said second case is formed from a planar section acting as a cover and a fold section formed integral with and perpendicular to the planar section;

at least one lug-shaped member which is formed on the fold section of the second case; and

at least one slit formed through the second case at a location corresponding to the location of the lug-shaped member, said slit extending in a direction parallel to the fold section.

21. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a case and a heat-welding film;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell; and

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump,

wherein the case and the heat-welding film are hermetically sealed together by heat-welding, and

wherein a continuous, substantially planar weld surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of the case, and said heat-welding film is thermally welded to the weld surface.

22. The ink cartridge according to claim 21, further comprising a reinforcement member which covers an outside of the heat-welding film.

23. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the case is formed integrally on a peripheral edge of the reinforcement member.

24. The ink cartridge according to claim 21, wherein reinforcement ribs are formed on the surface of the case, the surface at least partially defining the pressure chamber.

25. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a case and a heat-welding film;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell;

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump; and

a cover coupled to the case to cover said film, wherein an engagement section removably engaging a peripheral edge of the case is formed integrally on the cover.

75. The ink cartridge according to claim 25, wherein the case and the heat-welding film are hermetically sealed together by heat-welding.

76. The ink cartridge according to claim 75, wherein a continuous, substantially planar weld surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of the case, and said heat-welding film is thermally,welded to the weld surface.

68. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus which supplies ink to a recording head by application of pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member constructed at least by a case and a heat-welding film;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed within the outer shell; and

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump.

a press member disposed between the film and the ink chamber.

92. An ink cartridge for use with a recording apparatus, including an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, and a cartridge case formed for housing the ink chamber, wherein, when the ink cartridge is mounted to the recording apparatus, pressurized air is introduced into the cartridge case, the ink cartridge comprising:

first and second cases which constitute the cartridge case, said second case having a circumferential portion;

a flange section formed along an edge of an opening of the first case, wherein said circumferential portion of said second case covers said flange section; and

at least one lug-shaped member which is formed on the second case and engages with the flange section, thereby coupling the first and second cases together, wherein said lug-shaped member protrudes inward from an inner surface of said circumferential portion,

wherein, after the ink chamber is housed in the first case, the edge of the opening of the case is sealed by a film member, thereby realizing a sealed state, and wherein the second case functions as a cover for preventing expansion of the film member when the film member receives the pressurized air.

93. An ink cartridge constructed so as to supply ink to a recording head by receiving pressurized air produced by an air pressurization pump, comprising:

an outer shell member;

an ink chamber of flexible material storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed in the outer shell member;

a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell member and the ink chamber, and adapted to receive the pressurized air produced by the air pressurization pump;

a pressurized air inlet port provided to the outer shell member, wherein the pressurized air supplied from the air pressurization pump is introduced to the pressurized air inlet port; and

an ink outlet section which is provided to the ink chamber, and which enables outflow of ink from the ink chamber;

wherein;

when the ink cartridge is installed in a recording apparatus and used for a printing operation, the pressure chamber is sealed from the atmosphere; and

when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air inlet port is released, to thereby bring the pressure chamber in communication with the atmosphere, and the ink outlet section is brought into a closed state.

94. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, further comprising a film arranged between said outer shell member and said ink chamber.

95. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, further comprising a press member arranged between said outer shell member and said ink chamber.

96. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible.

97. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein said outer shell member is generally of a rectangular receptacle-like shape.

98. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein said ink chamber comprises two sheets of resilient film bonded together along peripheral edges thereof.

99. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein said ink chamber is covered by a metal foil.

100. The ink cartridge according claim 93, wherein the outer shell member further comprises ribs formed on an inner surface.

101. The ink cartridge according claim 93, wherein the outer shell member further comprises ribs formed on an outer surface.

102. The ink cartridge according claim 101, wherein the ribs are formed in a depression in the outer surface.

103. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a columnar positioning pin arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said columnar positioning pin enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

104. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein:

the outer shell comprises a pair of positioning holes accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink outlet section.

105. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, further comprising a circuit board, said circuit board comprising a data means for storing data.

106. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the outer shell member comprises a data storage unit accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible.

107. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein:

the outer shell member comprises a first outer shell constituent member and a second outer shell constituent member that are coupled together so that said second outer shell constituent member is laid over an opening formed in a first surface of the first outer shell constituent member; and

the ink outlet and the air inlet port are disposed on a second surface of the first constituent member, the second surface being different from the first surface.

108. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the outer shell member comprises:

a case member containing the ink chamber;

a lid member coupled to the case member; and

a film hermetically sealing an opening of the case member and being interposed between the case member and the lid member.

109. The ink cartridge according to claim 108, further comprising:

a press member provided within the pressure chamber and disposed between the film and the ink chamber.

110. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the pressurized air inlet port is formed integrally with the outer shell member, and includes a cylindrical member which defines an air channel communicating with the pressure chamber.

111. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein the ink outlet section comprises a valve member, wherein:

when the ink cartridge is mounted a recording apparatus, the valve member comes into contact with a connection section of the recording apparatus and recedes in an axial direction, thus becoming open; and

when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the valve member advances in the axial direction, thus sustaining a closed state.

112. The ink cartridge according to claim 111, wherein the ink outlet section has a spring member for urging the valve member so as to advance in the axial direction.

113. The ink cartridge according to claim 110, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

114. The ink cartridge according to claims 111, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

115. The ink cartridge according to claim 112, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

116. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, further comprising a film hermetically sealed over said opening formed in said first surface of said first outer shell constituent member, wherein said ink chamber is housed within a cavity formed by said first outer shell constituent member and said film.

117. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member are hermetically coupled together by vibratory welding.

118. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein:

a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface;

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the first outer shell constituent member is formed integrally on the second outer shell constituent member; and

the engagement section maintains the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member in a sealed state.

119. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a flange section formed along a periphery of said opening;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a lug-shaped member protruding inward from an inner surface of said second outer shell constituent member;

said flange section and said lug shaped member engage with each other and couple said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member together.

120. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein said first outer shell constituent member is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

121. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein said second outer shell constituent member is generally of a planar shape.

122. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein said second outer shell constituent member comprises a director arranged along a periphery thereof.

123. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member is coupled to said second outer shell constituent member along outer peripheral edges thereof; and

said coupling is provided by an arcuate contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said first outer shell constituent member interfacing with an arcuate mating contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said second outer shell constituent member.

124. The ink cartridge according to claim 107, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a first mechanical locking feature;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a second mechanical locking feature;

said first and second outer shell constituent members interact with each other to mechanically connect said first and second mechanical locking features; and

one of said first and second mechanical locking features is elastically deformable.

157. The ink cartridge according to claim 93, wherein said outer shell member comprises a first outer shell and a second outer shell that are coupled together so that the second outer shell covers an opening formed in a first surface of the first outer shell,

wherein the flexible material of the ink chamber comprises a first film, which is disposed on a side of the ink chamber facing the second outer shell.

158. The ink cartridge according to claim 157, wherein a second film is formed between the second outer shell and the first film of the ink chamber.

159. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein the pressure chamber is formed between the first film and the second film.

160. The ink cartridges according to claim 159, wherein the first outer shell comprises a flange portion and a first interior surface,

wherein the flange portion extends around a periphery of the first outer shell,

wherein the first interior surface is located in an interior of the first outer shell and inside the flange portion,

wherein a peripheral edge portion of the second film is formed on the first interior surface, and

wherein the flange portion extends above the peripheral edge portion when viewed in a direction from the first interior surface towards the second outer shell.

161. The ink cartridges according to claim 160, wherein at least a portion of the second outer shell is disposed below an upper surface of the flange portion when the first outer shell and the second outer shell are coupled together.

162. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein the ink outlet and the air inlet port are disposed on a second surface of the first outer shell, and

wherein the second surface is different than the first surface.

163. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein said first outer shell is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

164. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein said second outer shell is generally of a planar shape.

165. The ink cartridge according to claim 163, wherein said second outer shell is generally of a planar shape.

166. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein the air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible.

167. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein said outer shell member is generally of a rectangular receptacle-like shape.

168. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a positioning projection arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said positioning projection enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

169. The ink cartridge according to claim 158, wherein:

the outer shell comprises a pair of positioning holes accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink outlet section.

125. An ink cartridge having a pressure chamber which is hermetically sealed from an atmosphere and receives a pressurized air when the ink cartridge is mounted onto a recording apparatus and used for a printing operation, the ink cartridge comprising:

an outer shell member;

an ink chamber storing ink therein, the ink chamber being housed in the outer shell member to define the pressure chamber between the ink chamber and the outer shell member;

an ink outlet section which is provided to the ink chamber so that ink in the ink chamber can flow out from the ink outlet section, and which is hermetically coupled to the outer shell member; and

a pressurized air inlet port sealable to put the pressure chamber into a hermetically sealed state from the atmosphere;

wherein the pressurized air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible, and relatively positioned with respect to the ink outlet section to put the pressure chamber into a communication state with the atmosphere when the ink outlet section is closed.

126. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, further comprising a film arranged between said outer shell member and said ink chamber.

127. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, further comprising a press member arranged between said outer shell member and said ink chamber.

128. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein said outer shell member is generally of a rectangular receptacle-like shape.

129. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein said ink chamber comprises two sheets of resilient film bonded together along peripheral edges thereof.

130. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein said ink chamber is covered by a metal foil.

131. The ink cartridge according claim 125, wherein the outer shell member further comprises ribs formed on an inner surface.

132. The ink cartridge according claim 125, wherein the outer shell member further comprises ribs formed on an outer surface.

133. The ink cartridge according claim 132, wherein the ribs are formed in a depression in the outer surface.

134. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a columnar positioning pin arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said columnar positioning pin enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

135. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein:

the outer shell comprises a pair of positioning holes accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink outlet section.

136. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, further comprising a circuit board, said circuit board comprising a data means for storing data.

137. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein:

the outer shell member comprises a data storage unit accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the data storage unit is positioned opposite from the pressurized air inlet port with respect to the ink outlet section.

138. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein:

the outer shell member comprises a first outer shell constituent member and a second outer shell constituent member that are coupled together so that said second outer shell constituent member is laid over an opening formed in a first surface of the first outer shell constituent member; and

the ink outlet and the air inlet port are disposed on a second surface of the first constituent member, the second surface being different from the first surface.

139. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein the outer shell member comprises:

a case member containing the ink chamber;

a lid member coupled to the case member; and

a film hermetically sealing an opening of the case member and being interposed between the case member and the lid member.

140. The ink cartridge according to claim 139, further comprising:

a press member provided within the pressure chamber and disposed between the film and the ink chamber.

141. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein the pressurized air inlet port is formed integrally with the outer shell member, and includes a cylindrical member which defines an air channel communicating with the pressure chamber.

142. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein the ink outlet section comprises a valve member, wherein:

when the ink cartridge is mounted a recording apparatus, the valve member comes into contact with a connection section of the recording apparatus and recedes in an axial direction, thus becoming open; and

when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the valve member advances in the axial direction, thus sustaining a closed state.

143. The ink cartridge according to claim 142, wherein the ink outlet section has a spring member for urging the valve member so as to advance in the axial direction.

144. The ink cartridge according to claim 141, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

145. The ink cartridge according to claims 142, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

146. The ink cartridge according to claim 143, wherein:

the ink outlet section is exposed to the outside of the outer shell member by way of an opening section formed in the outer shell member, wherein an O-ring is interposed between the opening section and the ink outlet section; and

an engagement member is provided for establishing a sealed state between the opening section and the ink outlet section by pressing the O-ring.

147. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, further comprising a film hermetically sealed over said opening formed in said first surface of said first outer shell constituent member, wherein said ink chamber is housed within a cavity formed by said first outer shell constituent member and said film.

148. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member are hermetically coupled together by vibratory welding.

149. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein:

a first continuous, closely contactable surface is formed over the entirety of a peripheral edge of the first outer shell constituent member;

a second closely contactable surface is formed on a peripheral edge of the second outer shell constituent member to be brought into close contact with the first closely contactable surface;

an engagement section removably engaging the peripheral edge of the first outer shell constituent member is formed integrally on the second outer shell constituent member; and

the engagement section maintains the first outer shell constituent member and the second outer shell constituent member in a sealed state.

150. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a flange section formed along a periphery of said opening;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a lug-shaped member protruding inward from an inner surface of said second outer shell constituent member;

said flange section and said lug shaped member engage with each other and couple said first outer shell constituent member and said second outer shell constituent member together.

151. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein said first outer shell constituent member is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

152. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein said second outer shell constituent member is generally of a planar shape.

153. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein said second outer shell constituent member comprises a director arranged along a periphery thereof.

154. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member is coupled to said second outer shell constituent member along outer peripheral edges thereof; and

said coupling is provided by an arcuate contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said first outer shell constituent member interfacing with an arcuate mating contact surface arranged to extend along said peripheral edge of said second outer shell constituent member.

155. The ink cartridge according to claim 138, wherein:

said first outer shell constituent member further comprises a first mechanical locking feature;

said second outer shell constituent member further comprises a second mechanical locking feature;

said first and second outer shell constituent members interact with each other to mechanically connect said first and second mechanical locking features; and

one of said first and second mechanical locking features is elastically deformable.

170. The ink cartridge according to claim 125, wherein said outer shell member comprises a first outer shell and a second outer shell that are coupled together so that the second outer shell covers an opening formed in a first surface of the first outer shell,

wherein the flexible material of the ink chamber comprises a first film, which is disposed on a side of the ink chamber facing the second outer shell.

171. The ink cartridge according to claim 170, wherein a second film is formed between the second outer shell and the first film of the ink chamber.

172. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein the pressure chamber is formed between the first film and the second film.

173. The ink cartridges according to claim 172, wherein the first outer shell comprises a flange portion and a first interior surface,

wherein the flange portion extends around a periphery of the first outer shell,

wherein the first interior surface is located in an interior of the first outer shell and inside the flange portion,

wherein a peripheral edge portion of the second film is formed on the first interior surface, and

wherein the flange portion extends above the peripheral edge portion when viewed in a direction from the first interior surface towards the second outer shell.

174. The ink cartridges according to claim 173, wherein at least a portion of the second outer shell is disposed below an upper surface of the flange portion when the first outer shell and the second outer shell are coupled together.

175. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein the ink outlet and the air inlet port are disposed on a second surface of the first outer shell, and

wherein the second surface is different than the first surface.

176. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein said first outer shell is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

177. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein said second outer shell is generally of a planar shape.

178. The ink cartridge according to claim 176, wherein said second outer shell is generally of a planar shape.

179. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein the air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible.

180. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein said outer shell member is generally of a rectangular receptacle-like shape.

181. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a positioning projection arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said positioning projection enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

182. The ink cartridge according to claim 171, wherein:

the outer shell comprises a pair of positioning holes accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink outlet section.

156. An ink cartridge, comprising:

a lower tub-shaped case comprising an upper opening and an air inlet port;

an upper case connected to the lower tub-shaped case to close the upper opening thereof;

a flexible ink chamber, arranged within the tub-shaped lower case, comprising an ink outlet section, wherein;

the lower tub-shaped case, upper case, and flexible ink chamber define a pressure chamber therebetween;

the pressure chamber receives pressurized air, from a recording apparatus in which the ink cartridge is installed, through the air inlet port;

when the ink cartridge is installed in a recording apparatus and used for a printing operation, the pressure chamber is sealed from the atmosphere; and

when the ink cartridge is removed from the recording apparatus, the pressurized air inlet port is released, to thereby bring the pressure chamber in communication with the atmosphere, and the ink outlet section is brought into a closed state.

183. The ink cartridge according to claim 156, wherein the flexible ink chamber comprises a first film, which is disposed on a side of the flexible ink chamber facing the upper case.

184. The ink cartridge according to claim 183, wherein a second film is formed between the upper case and the first film of the flexible ink chamber.

185. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein the pressure chamber is formed between the first film and the second film.

186. The ink cartridges according to claim 185, wherein the lower tub-shaped case comprises a flange portion and a first interior surface,

wherein the flange portion extends around a periphery of the lower tub-shaped case,

wherein the first interior surface is located in an interior of the lower tub-shaped case and inside the flange portion,

wherein a peripheral edge portion of the second film is formed on the first interior surface, and

wherein the flange portion extends above the peripheral edge portion when viewed in a direction from the first interior surface towards the upper case.

187. The ink cartridges according to claim 186, wherein at least a portion of the upper case is disposed below an upper surface of the flange portion when the lower tub-shaped -case and the upper case are connected together.

188. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein the ink outlet section and the air inlet port are disposed on a second surface of the first outer shell, and wherein the second surface is different than the first surface.

189. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein said lower tub-shaped case is generally of a concave shape, formed by side walls and a bottom wall.

190. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein said upper case is generally of a planar shape.

191. The ink cartridge according to claim 189, wherein said upper case is generally of a planar shape.

192. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein the air inlet port is accessible in a direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible.

193. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein said lower tub-shaped case and said upper case generally have a rectangular receptacle-like shape when connected together.

194. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, further comprising a positioning opening hole, wherein:

said positioning opening hole corresponds to a positioning projection arranged on a connection mechanism of said recording apparatus; and

said positioning projection enters said positioning opening hole when said ink cartridge is loaded into said recording apparatus, and helps position said ink cartridge in said recording apparatus.

195. The ink cartridge according to claim 184, wherein:

the lower tub-shaped case comprises a pair of positioning holes accessible in the direction in which the ink outlet section is accessible; and

the positioning holes are positioned opposite from each other with respect to the ink outlet section.