Liquid supply device

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply device that requires minimal installation space and has a large storage chamber volume. [Solution] The printer 10 comprises a housing 12, a cartridge mounting section 110, an ink cartridge 140, and a cover 71. The ink cartridge 140 has a front portion 140F, a rear portion 140R, and a protruding portion 140A. The rear portion 140R protrudes forward from the cartridge case 101. The cover 71 covers the rear portion 140R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid supply device that supplies liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printer. The inkjet printer has a case separately outside. The ink cartridge is inserted into the insertion port of the case. A part of the ink cartridge inserted into the insertion port protrudes outside the case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the inkjet printer of Patent Document 1 has a case separately outside, the overall outer shape of the device becomes large. As a result, the installation space for the inkjet printer also becomes large. On the other hand, the ink cartridge and the tank desirably have a large volume in order to reduce the replacement frequency and the replenishment frequency.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid supply device having a small installation space for the device and a large volume of the storage chamber.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The liquid supply device according to the present disclosure comprises a device body, a storage unit having an opening, a first container having a first storage chamber for storing liquid, and a cover for opening and closing the opening of the storage unit. The first container has a first storage portion housed in the storage unit and a first non-housed portion protruding forward from the opening of the storage unit. The cover covers the first non-housed portion when in the closed position. The maximum length of the first non-housed portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the first non-housed portion protrudes from the opening is longer than the maximum length of the first storage portion along the second direction.

[0007] Since the first non-contained portion of the first container protrudes outside the opening of the containment unit, the installation space for the liquid supply device is small. Since the maximum length of the first non-contained portion of the first container along the second direction is longer than the maximum length of the first containment portion along the second direction, the volume of the first storage chamber of the first container is large.

[0008] (2) The first direction described above may be the front-back direction.

[0009] (3) The housing unit may have the opening on the front of the main body of the device. The second direction may be the left-right direction.

[0010] The first non-contained portion is located in the lateral space in front of the opening of the containment unit. This allows for the utilization of the lateral space.

[0011] (4) The first non-accommodating portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes in one direction from the first accommodating portion in the left-right direction.

[0012] (5) The liquid supply device may further include a second container having a second storage chamber for storing liquid. The second container may be aligned with the first storage portion in the second direction within the storage unit.

[0013] The space in the direction in which the first and second containers are lined up can be utilized.

[0014] (6) The protruding portion may protrude in the opposite direction to the second container relative to the first storage portion.

[0015] The protruding portion of the first container does not interfere with access to the second container.

[0016] (7) The first container and the second container may be housed in one space of the above-mentioned housing unit.

[0017] (8) The second container may have a second housing portion that is housed in the housing unit and a second non-housing portion that protrudes forward from the opening of the housing unit.

[0018] Since the second non-contained portion of the second container protrudes forward from the opening of the containment unit, the installation space for the liquid supply device is small, and the volume of the second storage chamber of the second container is large.

[0019] (9) The first container may be detachable from the housing unit. The second container may be detachable from the housing unit. The second container does not have to protrude outward from the opening of the housing unit. The first normal of the first rear surface of the first container may be downward than the second normal of the second rear surface of the second container.

[0020] When attaching the first container to the storage unit, it is easy to move the first container upward by pressing the first rear surface. The configuration is easy to operate in, as the first container is held in the attached state by moving upward.

[0021] (10) The first container may store a black liquid.

[0022] The black liquid, which is used in relatively large quantities, is mostly stored in the first container.

[0023] (11) The containment unit may have a sub-tank to which the liquid is connected so as to flow through the first container.

[0024] (12) The above storage unit may have a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the liquid stored in the above sub-tank.

[0025] (13) The above liquid supply device may further include a controller. The above controller may execute a first mode in which the liquid supplied from the above first container is made unusable and a second mode in which the liquid supplied from the above first container is made usable.

[0026] For example, a general usage pattern is assigned to the first mode, and a usage pattern of contracting a monthly fee up to an upper limit value is assigned to the second mode. In the second mode, the amount of liquid stored in the first container increases, and the replacement frequency of the first container or the replenishment frequency of the liquid to the first container decreases.

[0027] (14) The above second direction may be the vertical direction. The above first non-storage portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes downward with respect to the above first storage portion.

[0028] (15) The above second direction may be the vertical direction. The above first non-storage portion may have a protruding portion that protrudes upward with respect to the above first storage portion.

[0029] (16) The above first container may have a first inlet through which liquid flows into the above first storage chamber. The above second container may have a second inlet through which liquid flows into the above second storage chamber. The above second inlet may be located behind the above protruding portion.

[0030] In the front-rear direction, the first inlet and the second inlet are at the same position.

[0031] (17) The above first container may be detachable from the above storage unit. The above first container may have a first inlet through which liquid flows into the above first storage chamber.

[0032] (18) The first container may be detachable from the storage unit. The second container may be detachable from the storage unit. The first container and the second container may be a single unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] According to this disclosure, a liquid supply device that requires minimal installation space and has a large storage chamber volume. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the printer 10 with the cover 70 closed. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the printer 10 with the cover 70 open. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the printer unit 11. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing the internal configuration of the printer unit 11. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is a perspective view showing the appearance of ink cartridge 30. Figure 5(B) is a perspective view showing the appearance of ink cartridge 120. Figure 5(C) is a perspective view showing the appearance of ink cartridge 140. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the exterior of the printer 10 with the cover 71 open. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing the state in which two ink cartridges 30, one ink cartridge 120, and one ink cartridge 140 are installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a side view showing the external appearance of ink cartridge 30. Figure 8(B) is a side view showing the external appearance of ink cartridge 120. Figure 8(C) is a side view showing the external appearance of ink cartridge 140. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a block of controller 200. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example in which three ink cartridges 30 and one ink cartridge 140 are installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example in which three ink cartridges 30 and one ink cartridge 140 are installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic side view showing a modified example in which the ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic side view showing a modified example in which an ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example in which three ink cartridges 30 and one ink cartridge 140 are installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example in which an ink cartridge 160 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of how this disclosure is concretized, and the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure.

[0036] Furthermore, the vertical direction is defined based on the state or orientation in which the printer 10 is installed for use, the front-to-back direction is defined with the side of the printer 10 with the opening 13 being the front side, and the left-to-right direction is defined when viewing the printer 10 from the front side. The state in which the printer 10 is installed for use is the state shown in Figure 1, and may be referred to as the "used state." The orientation in which the printer 10 is installed for use is the orientation shown in Figure 1, and may be referred to as the "used orientation." The front side of the printer 10 is the front. The front-to-back direction is an example of the first direction. The left-to-right direction is an example of the second direction.

[0037] [Overall configuration of printer 10] As shown in Figure 1, the housing 12 of the printer 10 is roughly rectangular. The printer 10 has various functions such as facsimile and printing functions. The printer 10 has a printer unit 11. The printer unit 11 records images on paper 18 using an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 is an example of a liquid supply device. The housing 12 is an example of the main body of the device.

[0038] On the front of the housing 12, the discharge tray 21 is located in the center in the left-right direction. A cover 70 is located to the right of the discharge tray 21. As shown in Figure 2, the cover 70 opens and closes the opening 14 of the housing 12. Through the opening 14, the refill unit 100 located inside the housing 12 is exposed to the outside. When the cover 70 is opened, the user can access the refill unit 100.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the printer unit 11 includes a first feeding unit 15A, a second feeding unit 15B, a first feeding tray 20A, a second feeding tray 20B, an output tray 21, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, an output roller unit 55, a platen 42, and a refill unit 100.

[0040] [First feeding tray 20A, second feeding tray 20B, discharge tray 21] As shown in Figure 1, the opening 13 is located on the front of the printer 10, in the center in the left-right direction. The first feed tray 20A moves in the front-back direction through the opening 13 by user operation. The first feed tray 20A supports multiple stacked sheets of paper 18. The output tray 21 is located above the first feed tray 20A. The output tray 21 moves in the front-back direction together with the first feed tray 20A. The output tray 21 supports the paper 18 that are ejected by the output roller section 55.

[0041] The second feed tray 20B is located below the first feed tray 20A. The second feed tray 20B moves in the front-back direction through the opening 13 by user operation. The second feed tray 20B supports a stack of multiple sheets of paper 18. The size of the paper 18 supported by the second feed tray 20B may differ from the size of the paper 18 supported by the first feed tray 20A.

[0042] [First feeding section 15A, second feeding section 15B] The first feeding unit 15A feeds the paper 18 supported on the first feeding tray 20A to the transport path 65. The first feeding unit 15A comprises a feeding roller 25A, a feeding arm 26A, and a shaft 27A. The feeding roller 25A is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 26A. The feeding roller 25A is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates in a direction that transports the paper 18 in the transport direction 16. The feeding arm 26A is rotatably supported on a shaft 27A supported on the frame of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26A is biased to rotate toward the bottom of the first feeding tray 20A by its own weight or by an elastic force such as a spring.

[0043] The second feeding unit 15B feeds the paper 18 supported on the second feeding tray 20B to the transport path 65. The second feeding unit 15B includes a feeding roller 25B, a feeding arm 26B, and a shaft 27B. The feeding roller 25B is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 26B. The feeding roller 25B is driven by a motor (not shown) and rotates in a direction that transports the paper 18 in the transport direction 16. The feeding arm 26B is rotatably supported on a shaft 27B supported on the frame of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26B is biased to rotate toward the bottom of the second feeding tray 20B by its own weight or by an elastic force such as a spring.

[0044] [Transportation route 65] As shown in Figure 3, the transport path 65 refers to a space partitioned by guide members that are facing each other at predetermined intervals, for example, inside the printer unit 11. The transport path 65 extends from the rear ends of the first feed tray 20A and the second feed tray 20B to the rear side of the printer unit 11. The transport path 65 extends from below to above at the rear of the printer unit 11, making a U-turn, and reaches the discharge tray 21 through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the transport path 65 between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 is located approximately in the center of the printer 10 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-back direction. The transport direction 16 of the paper 18 in the transport path 65 is indicated by an arrow in Figure 3.

[0045] [Conveyor roller section 54] As shown in Figure 3, the transport roller section 54 is located upstream of the recording section 24 in the transport direction 16. The transport roller section 54 has a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61. The transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. The transport roller 60 rotates when the motor drive is transmitted to it. The pinch roller 61 rotates together with the rotation of the transport roller 60. When the transport roller 60 rotates in the forward direction due to the forward rotation of the transport motor, the paper 18 is gripped by the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and transported in the transport direction 16.

[0046] [Discharge roller section 55] As shown in Figure 3, the discharge roller section 55 is located downstream of the recording section 24 in the transport direction 16. The discharge roller section 55 has a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63. The discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. The discharge roller 62 rotates when power is transmitted from the motor. The spur 63 rotates along with the rotation of the discharge roller 62. When the discharge roller 62 rotates in the forward direction due to the forward rotation of the transport motor, the paper 18 is gripped by the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63 and transported in the transport direction 16.

[0047] [Record Section 24] As shown in Figure 3, the recording unit 24 is located between the transport roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 in the transport direction 16. The recording unit 24 faces the platen 42 in the vertical direction across the transport path 65. The recording unit 24 is located above the transport path 65 in the vertical direction. The recording unit 24 comprises a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The guide rails 43 and 44 are spaced apart in the front-rear direction and each extends in the left-right direction. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 44. The belt mechanism rotates when power is transmitted from a motor. When the belt mechanism rotates, the carriage 23 moves in the left-right direction. The range of movement of the carriage 23 is shown by a dashed line in Figure 4. The carriage 23 moves to the right and left in the left-right direction from the transport path 65.

[0049] The refill unit 100 and the recording head 39 are connected by ink tubes 32. The control board on which the controller 200 is mounted and the head control board on the recording head 39 are electrically connected by a flexible flat cable 33. The ink tubes 32 and the flexible flat cable 33 extend from the carriage 23, respectively. The ink tubes 32 supply the ink stored in the refill unit 100 to the recording head 39. Four ink tubes 32, through which each color ink flows, extend from the sub-tank 103 and are connected to the recording head 39. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits control signals output from the controller 200 to the recording head 39. Ink is an example of a liquid.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the carriage 23 is equipped with a recording head 39. Although not shown in the figure, multiple nozzles are located on the underside of the recording head 39. The multiple nozzles are arranged in rows along the front-to-back direction. These rows of nozzles are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction, forming four rows. Each of the four rows of nozzles corresponds to one of four ink tubes 32. Ink is supplied to each of the multiple nozzles in each row through each ink tube 32.

[0051] The recording head 39 has multiple piezoelectric elements corresponding to multiple nozzles. During image recording, the head control board of the recording head 39 selectively applies a drive voltage to the multiple piezoelectric elements based on the recording data. By selectively deforming the multiple piezoelectric elements, ink is selectively ejected from the multiple nozzles as tiny ink droplets. As the carriage 23 moves, the recording head 39 ejects the ink droplets toward the paper 18 supported by the platen 42. As a result, an image is recorded on the paper 18.

[0052] [Platen 42] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the platen 42 is positioned between the transport roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 in the transport direction 16. The platen 42 faces the recording section 24 in the vertical direction. The platen 42 supports the paper 18 being transported by the transport roller section 54 from below.

[0053] [Refill Unit 100] As shown in Figure 3, the printer 10 is equipped with a refill unit 100. The refill unit 100 supplies ink to the recording head 39. The refill unit 100 is equipped with a cartridge mounting section 110 into which an ink cartridge 30 can be installed and a sub-tank 103. In Figure 3, the state in which the ink cartridge 30 has been installed in the cartridge mounting section 110 is shown. In other words, in Figure 3, the ink cartridge 30 is in the installed state. This position of the ink cartridge 30 is the position for use. Also, the relative positional relationship between the recording unit 24 and the refill unit 100 in Figure 3 is different from the actual positional relationship. That is, in Figure 3, the ink storage chamber 80 of the ink cartridge 30 is located above the recording unit 24, but in reality, the storage chamber 80 is located below the recording unit 24.

[0054] [Cartridge mounting section 110] As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge mounting section 110 comprises a cartridge case 101 and an ink needle 102. The cartridge mounting section 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30, each containing cyan, magenta, yellow, or black ink. The cartridge mounting section 110 is an example of a storage unit.

[0055] The cartridge case 101 is box-shaped with a rearward-facing opening 112. When the cover 70 of the printer 10 is opened, the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101 is exposed to the outside through the opening 14. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge case 101 through the opening 112. The installed ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 101 through the opening 112.

[0056] The ink needle 102 is a hollow tube. The ink needle 102 is located at the bottom of the end surface 111 of the cartridge case 101. The end surface 111 is the surface that demarcates the rear end of the internal space of the cartridge case 101. The ink needle 102 protrudes forward from the end surface 111. The front end of the ink needle 102 is open toward the front. Although not shown in Figure 3, four ink needles 102 are arranged on the end surface 111, spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0057] A lock shaft 113 is located in the internal space of the cartridge case 101, near the opening 112 and near the upper end. The lock shaft 113 is a rod extending in the left-right direction. The lock surface 90 of the ink cartridge 30 contacts the lock shaft 113 from the front. This holds the ink cartridge 30 inside the cartridge case 101.

[0058] A contact 106 is located in the internal space of the cartridge case 101, on a downward-facing surface. The contact 106 is electrically connected to the controller 200. When the ink cartridge 30 is held in the cartridge case 101, the contact 106 makes electrical contact with the IC board 91. This allows the controller 200 to read information from the IC board 91 or write information to the IC board 91.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, a sub-tank 103 is located behind the cartridge case 101. As shown in Figure 4, there is one sub-tank 103, which is approximately the same size as the cartridge case 101 in the left-right direction. The sub-tank 103 is divided into four storage chambers 115 by its internal walls. The storage chambers 115 store ink. Note that in Figure 4, the cartridge mounting section 110 and the ink cartridge 30 are shown schematically.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, an atmospheric communication port 114 is located at the top of the sub-tank 103. Through the atmospheric communication port 114, the storage chamber 115 is in communication with the outside of the sub-tank 103. As a result, the storage chamber 115 is open to the atmosphere. As shown in Figure 4, the storage chamber 115 is in communication with the internal spaces of the four ink needles 102 at its front.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, the storage chamber 115 has an outflow port 116. In Figure 33, one outflow port 116 is shown, but the four outflow ports 116 correspond to four storage chambers 115. An ink tube 32 is connected to the outflow port 116. There are four ink tubes 32 for the four outflow ports 116. The ink stored in the storage chamber 115 is supplied to the recording head 39 through the four ink tubes 32 from the four outflow ports 116.

[0062] The sub-tank 103 has an ink sensor 104. The ink sensor 104 is located outside the sub-tank 103 and is in the same position as the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction. The ink sensor 104 has a light-emitting element that emits light toward the sub-tank 103 and a light-receiving element that receives light from the sub-tank 103. The outer wall of the sub-tank 103 opposite the ink sensor 104 is a translucent prism. The prism reflects light from the light-emitting element when it is in contact with the ink in the storage chamber 115, and transmits light from the light-emitting element when it is not in contact with the ink. The ink sensor 104 outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the light received by the light-receiving element. As a result, the ink sensor 104 detects the ink level.

[0063] Based on the signal output from the ink sensor 104, the controller 200 determines whether or not there is ink in the storage chamber 115 at the height where the ink sensor 104 is located. Based on the signal output from the ink sensor 104, the controller 200 determines whether the ink level in the storage chamber 115 has fallen below the height where the ink sensor 104 is located. In response to the ink level in the storage chamber 115 falling to a predetermined height, the controller 200 displays on a display or the like that the ink cartridge 30 needs to be replaced.

[0064] [Controller 200] As shown in Figure 9, the controller 200 includes a CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, EEPROM 204, and ASIC 205. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, EEPROM 204, and ASIC 205 are interconnected via an internal bus 206. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, EEPROM 204, and ASIC 205 are mounted on a circuit board located within the enclosure 12.

[0065] ROM202 stores programs for controlling the operation of printer 10. CPU201 executes programs using RAM203 and EEPROM204. EEPROM204 stores the type of mode set for printer 10. There are two modes: normal mode and contract mode. Controller200 determines whether or not to allow the use of ink cartridges 30 according to the mode stored in EEPROM204. Normal mode is a mode in which ink cartridges 30 purchased by the user can be used. In contract mode, for example, printer 10 is connected to the supplier's server via the internet. Operational information of printer 10 is sent to the server as needed. Operational information includes, for example, the number of pages printed and the remaining ink level. The user agrees with the supplier, for example, on a monthly limit on the number of pages printed. The user pays a fee to the supplier based on the agreement. The supplier provides ink cartridges to the user free of charge. Normal mode is an example of the first mode. Contract mode is an example of the second mode.

[0066] [Ink Cartridge 30] An ink cartridge 30 is a container in which ink is stored. In this embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 is used in normal operation mode. Three ink cartridges 30, each storing cyan, magenta, and yellow ink, are identical in shape. One ink cartridge 30, which stores black ink, is longer in the left-right direction than the other ink cartridges 30, but otherwise has the same shape. An ink cartridge 30 is an example of a second container that does not have a second non-container portion.

[0067] The configuration of the ink cartridge 30 is described below. As shown in Figure 5(A), the vertical, front-to-back, and left-to-right dimensions of the ink cartridge 30 are slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the cartridge case 101. Figure 5(A) schematically shows the ink cartridge 30 in its operating position. In the following description, the front-to-back, vertical, and left-to-right directions are defined with the orientation in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted being forward. In the printer 10, the orientation in which the ink cartridge 30 is inserted is rearward.

[0068] The ink cartridge 30 comprises a front wall 81, a rear wall 82, an upper wall 83, a lower wall 84, a left wall 85, a right wall 86, and a sub-front wall 81A. As shown in Figure 3, the internal space enclosed by these walls is the storage chamber 80. The storage chamber 80 stores ink. The storage chamber 80 is an example of a second storage chamber.

[0069] An atmospheric communication port 89 that opens forward is located on the front wall 81. The storage chamber 80 is connected to the outside through the atmospheric communication port 89. This allows the storage chamber 80 to communicate with the atmosphere.

[0070] A protrusion 87 is located on the upper wall 83. The protrusion 87 projects upward from the upper wall 83. The rearward-facing surface of the protrusion 87 is the locking surface 90. The locking surface 90 extends along the vertical and horizontal directions. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking surface 90 contacts the lock shaft 113 towards the rear.

[0071] On the protrusion 87, the surface in front of the locking surface 90 is inclined upward and forward. During the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking shaft 113 is guided to the rear of the locking surface 90 while contacting the inclined surface of the protrusion 87.

[0072] On the upper wall 83, the IC substrate 91 is located in front of the locking surface 90. The IC substrate 91 is a substrate made of, for example, silicone or glass epoxy, on which the IC and electrodes are mounted. The electrodes are facing upward.

[0073] The electrodes of the IC board 91 come into contact with the contacts 106 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge case 101. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 101, the IC board 91 comes into contact with the contacts 106 and becomes electrically conductive.

[0074] An IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit. Information about the ink cartridge 30 is stored in the IC in a readable format. This information about the ink cartridge 30 includes data such as the lot number, manufacturing date, and ink color.

[0075] A supply port 92 is located on the sub-front wall 81A. The supply port 92 opens forward. The supply port 92 is in communication with the storage chamber 80. The supply port 92 is opened and closed by a valve or the like. In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge case 101, the ink needle 102 enters the supply port 92. The internal space of the ink needle 102 that enters the supply port 92 is in communication with the storage chamber 80. The ink in the storage chamber 80 flows out through the internal space of the ink needle 102 to the storage chamber 115 of the sub-tank 103. Since the storage chamber 80 and the storage chamber 115 are both in communication with the atmosphere, the difference in the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 80 and the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 115 (water head difference) causes the ink to flow from the storage chamber 80 to the storage chamber 115.

[0076] [Ink Cartridge 120] The configuration of the ink cartridge 120 is described below. The ink cartridge 120 is used in the printer 10 with the contract mode set. As shown in Figure 5(B), the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ink cartridge 120 are slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the cartridge case 101. The front-to-back dimension of the ink cartridge 120 is larger than the internal dimensions of the cartridge case 101. Therefore, the front portion 120F of the ink cartridge 120 is housed in the cartridge case 101, but the rear portion 120R is not housed in the cartridge case 101 and protrudes outward from the opening 112.

[0077] The ink cartridge 120 is an example of a second container having a second non-contained portion. The front portion 120F is an example of the second containment portion. The rear portion 120R is an example of the second non-contained portion. Figure 5(B) schematically shows the ink cartridge 120 in its usage position.

[0078] The ink cartridge 120 comprises a front wall 121, a rear wall 122, an upper wall 123, a lower wall 124, a left wall 125, a right wall 126, and a sub-front wall 121A. The internal space enclosed by these walls is the storage chamber. The storage chamber stores ink. The volume of the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 120 is larger than the volume of the storage chamber 80 of the ink cartridge 30. The storage chamber is an example of a second storage chamber.

[0079] An atmospheric communication port 129 that opens forward is located on the front wall 121. The storage chamber is connected to the outside through the atmospheric communication port 129. This allows the storage chamber to communicate with the atmosphere.

[0080] A protrusion 127 is located on the upper wall 123. The protrusion 127 projects upward from the upper wall 123. The rearward-facing surface of the protrusion 127 is the locking surface 128. The locking surface 128 extends along the vertical and horizontal directions. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking surface 128 contacts the lock shaft 113 towards the rear.

[0081] On the protrusion 127, the surface in front of the locking surface 128 is inclined upward and forward. During the process of inserting the ink cartridge 120 into the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking shaft 113 is guided behind the locking surface 128 while contacting the inclined surface of the protrusion 127.

[0082] On the upper wall 123, the IC substrate 131 is located in front of the locking surface 128. The IC substrate 131 is a substrate made of, for example, silicone or glass epoxy, on which the IC and electrodes are mounted. The electrodes are facing upward.

[0083] The electrodes of the IC board 131 come into contact with the contacts 106 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 120 into the cartridge case 101. When the ink cartridge 120 is installed in the cartridge case 101, the IC board 131 comes into contact with the contacts 106 and becomes electrically conductive.

[0084] A supply port 130 is located on the sub-front wall 121A. The supply port 130 opens forward. The supply port 130 is in communication with the storage chamber. The supply port 130 is opened and closed by a valve or the like. In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 120 into the cartridge case 101, the ink needle 102 enters the supply port 130. The internal space of the ink needle 102 that enters the supply port 130 is in communication with the storage chamber. The ink in the storage chamber flows out through the internal space of the ink needle 102 to the storage chamber 115 of the sub-tank 103. Since the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 120 and the storage chamber 115 are both in communication with the atmosphere, the difference in the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 120 and the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 115 (water head difference) causes the ink to flow from the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 120 to the storage chamber 115.

[0085] [Ink Cartridge 140] The configuration of the ink cartridge 140 is described below. The ink cartridge 140 is used in the printer 10 with the contract mode set. As shown in Figure 5(C), the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the ink cartridge 140 are slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the cartridge case 101. The front-to-back dimension of the ink cartridge 140 is larger than the internal dimensions of the cartridge case 101. Therefore, the front portion 140F of the ink cartridge 140 is housed in the cartridge case 101, but the rear portion 140R is not housed in the cartridge case 101 and protrudes outward from the opening 112.

[0086] The ink cartridge 140 is an example of a first container. The front portion 140F is an example of a first containment portion. The rear portion 140R is an example of a first non-containment portion. Figure 5(C) schematically shows the ink cartridge 140 in the usage position.

[0087] The ink cartridge 140 comprises a front wall 141, a rear wall 142, an upper wall 143, a lower wall 144, a left wall 145, a right wall 146, and a sub-front wall 141A. The rear portion 140R has a protruding portion 140A. The protruding portion 140A protrudes to the left from the left wall 145. The length of the protruding portion 140A in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the front portion 140F in the left-right direction. The left-right direction is an example of a second direction. The internal space enclosed by each wall of the ink cartridge 140 and the internal space of the protruding portion 140A are continuous and form a storage chamber. The storage chamber stores ink. The volume of the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 140 is greater than the volume of the storage chamber 80 of the ink cartridge 30. The volume of the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 140 is greater than the volume of the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 120. The ink cartridge 140 storage chamber is an example of the first storage chamber.

[0088] An atmospheric communication port 149 that opens forward is located on the front wall 141. The storage chamber is connected to the outside through the atmospheric communication port 149. This allows the storage chamber to communicate with the atmosphere.

[0089] A protrusion 147 is located on the upper wall 143. The protrusion 147 projects upward from the upper wall 143. The rearward-facing surface of the protrusion 147 is the locking surface 148. The locking surface 148 extends along the vertical and horizontal directions. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking surface 148 contacts the lock shaft 113 towards the rear.

[0090] On the protrusion 147, the surface in front of the locking surface 148 is inclined upward and forward. During the process of inserting the ink cartridge 140 into the cartridge mounting section 110, the locking shaft 113 is guided to the rear of the locking surface 148 while contacting the inclined surface of the protrusion 147.

[0091] On the upper wall 143, the IC substrate 151 is located in front of the locking surface 148. The IC substrate 151 is a substrate made of, for example, silicone or glass epoxy, on which the IC and electrodes are mounted. The electrodes are facing upward.

[0092] The electrodes of the IC board 151 come into contact with the contacts 106 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 140 into the cartridge case 101. When the ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge case 101, the IC board 151 comes into contact with the contacts 106 and becomes electrically conductive.

[0093] A supply port 150 is located on the sub-front wall 121A. The supply port 150 opens forward. The supply port 150 is in communication with the storage chamber. The supply port 150 is opened and closed by a valve or the like. In the process of inserting the ink cartridge 140 into the cartridge case 101, the ink needle 102 enters the supply port 150. The internal space of the ink needle 102 that enters the supply port 150 is in communication with the storage chamber. The ink in the storage chamber flows out through the internal space of the ink needle 102 to the storage chamber 115 of the sub-tank 103. Since the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 140 and the storage chamber 115 are both in communication with the atmosphere, the difference in the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 140 and the liquid level of the ink in the storage chamber 115 (water head difference) causes the ink to flow from the storage chamber of the ink cartridge 140 to the storage chamber 115.

[0094] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the normal L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 is downward compared to the normal L2 of the outer surface of the rear wall 82 of the ink cartridge 30. The normal L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 is downward compared to the normal L3 of the outer surface of the rear wall 122 of the ink cartridge 120. In other words, in the front-to-back direction, the lower end of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 is closer to the front wall 141 than the upper end. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the rear wall 82 is a plane that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The outer surface of the rear wall 122 is a plane that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The outer surface of the rear wall 142 is a plane that faces rearward and downward. The outer surface of the rear wall 142 is an example of a first rear surface. The outer surfaces of the rear wall 82 and the rear wall 122 are examples of a second rear surface. Normal L1 is an example of a first normal. Normals L2 and L3 are examples of second normals.

[0095] [Printer 10 in contract mode] When the printer 10 is set to contract mode, the user or operator replaces the printer 10's cover 70 with cover 71, as shown in Figure 6. Cover 71 opens and closes the opening 14 of the housing 12.

[0096] The cover 71 is box-shaped. The internal volume of the cover 71 is larger than the internal volume of the cover 70. When closed, the front end of the cover 71 is located further forward than the front end of the cover 70 when closed. When closed, the cover 71 accommodates the rear portion 120R of the ink cartridge 120 in its internal space. When closed, the cover 71 accommodates the rear portion 140R and the protruding portion 140A of the ink cartridge 140 in its internal space. Therefore, the ink cartridges 120 and 140 can be installed in the printer 10 with the cover 71 attached. Note that the ink cartridge 30 can also be installed in the printer 10 with the cover 71 attached.

[0097] The controller 200 disables the ink supplied from ink cartridges 120 and 140, depending on whether normal mode is set. The controller 200 determines the type of ink cartridge, for example, based on the lot number read from the IC board 131 of ink cartridge 120. The types of ink cartridges are ink cartridge 30, ink cartridge 120, and ink cartridge 140. Disabling the ink means, for example, that the printer 10 does not perform a recording operation when ink cartridge 120 or ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. Therefore, in the printer 10 with normal mode set, the controller 200 performs a recording operation when only ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0098] The controller 200 makes the ink supplied from ink cartridges 120 and 140 available for use, depending on the contract mode set. Making the ink available means, for example, executing the recording operation of the printer 10 when either ink cartridge 120 or ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. Therefore, in the printer 10 with the contract mode set, the controller 200 executes the recording operation regardless of whether ink cartridge 30, ink cartridge 120, or ink cartridge 140 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0099] Figure 7 shows the state in which two ink cartridges 30, one ink cartridge 120, and one ink cartridge 140 are installed in the cartridge mounting section 110. The two ink cartridges 30 store cyan ink and magenta ink. Ink cartridge 120 stores yellow ink. Ink cartridge 140 stores black ink. In Figure 7, as in Figure 1, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-and-down directions are defined with respect to the printer 10.

[0100] Two ink cartridges 30, one ink cartridge 120, and one ink cartridge 140 are located in the internal space of one cartridge case 101. The two ink cartridges 30 are located at the leftmost position and the position to its right within the internal space of the cartridge case 101. The one ink cartridge 120 is located second from the rightmost position within the internal space of the cartridge case 101. The one ink cartridge 140 is located at the rightmost position within the internal space of the cartridge case 101.

[0101] Within the internal space of the cartridge case 101, the ink cartridge 30 is aligned horizontally with the front portion 120F of the ink cartridge 120 and the front portion 140F of the ink cartridge 140. The protruding portion 140A of the ink cartridge 140 protrudes in the opposite direction to the orientation of the ink cartridges 30 and 120, i.e., to the right.

[0102] In Figure 7, the cover 71 is in a closed position, with the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101 closed. In this state, the rear portion 120R of the ink cartridge 120 and the rear portion 140R and protruding portion 140A of the ink cartridge 140 are covered within the internal space of the cover 71. The two ink cartridges 30 do not protrude out of the opening of the cartridge case 101. The right side of the cover 71 and the right side of the housing 12 are on the same virtual plane.

[0103] [Effects of the Embodiment] Since the rear portion 140R of the ink cartridge 140 protrudes forward from the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101, the installation space for the printer 10 is small. The maximum length of the rear portion 140R of the ink cartridge 140 in the left-right direction is longer than the maximum length of the front portion 140F in the left-right direction, so the volume of the ink cartridge 140's storage chamber is large.

[0104] In particular, the space in the left-right direction in front of the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101 can be utilized as the space occupied by the ink cartridge 140 storage chamber. Since the ink cartridges 30, 120, and 140 are arranged in the left-right direction within the internal space of the cartridge case 101, the space in the direction in which the various ink cartridges are arranged can be utilized.

[0105] The protruding portion 140A of the ink cartridge 140 protrudes in the opposite direction to the ink cartridge 120, making it easy for the user to access the ink cartridge 120. In other words, the protruding portion 140A does not interfere with access to the ink cartridge 120.

[0106] Since the ink cartridge 120 has a front portion 120F that is housed in the cartridge case 101 and a rear portion 120R that protrudes forward from the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101, the installation space for the printer 10 is small and the volume of the ink cartridge 120 storage chamber is large.

[0107] The normal vector L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 of ink cartridge 140 is downward compared to the normal vector L2 of the outer surface of the rear wall 82 of ink cartridge 30. The normal vector L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 is also downward compared to the normal vector L3 of the outer surface of the rear wall 122 of ink cartridge 120. As a result, When a user installs the ink cartridge 140 into the cartridge case 101, they can easily push the outer surface of the rear wall 142 to move the ink cartridge 140 upward. As the ink cartridge 140 moves upward, the locking surface 148 comes into contact with the locking shaft 113. This holds the ink cartridge 140 in the installed position.

[0108] Since ink cartridge 140 stores black ink, a relatively large amount of black ink is stored in ink cartridge 140 because it is used in larger quantities.

[0109] The controller 200 disables the use of ink supplied from ink cartridge 140 when printer 10 is set to normal use mode, and enables the use of ink supplied from ink cartridge 140 when printer 10 is set to contract mode. As a result, in contract mode, the amount of ink stored in ink cartridge 140 is greater than the amount of ink stored in ink cartridge 30, thus reducing the frequency of replacement of ink cartridge 140.

[0110] [Differentiation] In the embodiment described above, the protruding portion 140A of the ink cartridge 140 protruded to the right when mounted in the cartridge case 101. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 10, the ink cartridge 140 may have a protruding portion 140B that protrudes to the left from the rear portion 140R. In this case, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted to the left of the ink cartridge 140, which is located at the right end of the internal space of the cartridge case 101. The protruding portion 140B is located in front of the ink cartridge 30. The protruding portion 140B may occupy the entire space in front of three ink cartridges 30, or it may occupy the space in front of one or two ink cartridges 30. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the ink cartridge 140 may have both a protruding portion 140A and a protruding portion 140B.

[0111] Furthermore, in printer 10 with a contract mode set, the user can arbitrarily select which combination of ink cartridges 30, 120, or 140 is to be installed in the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0112] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the ink cartridge 140 may have a protruding portion 140C that protrudes upward from the rear portion 140R instead of the protruding portion 140A. In this case, the cover 71 will be sized to cover the protruding portion 140C. Also, as shown in Figure 13, the ink cartridge 140 may have a protruding portion 140D that protrudes downward from the rear portion 140R instead of the protruding portion 140A. In this case, the cover 71 will be sized to cover the protruding portion 140D. Note that the ink stored in the protruding portion 140D may not flow out into the storage chamber 115 of the sub-tank 103 depending on the head difference. Therefore, a flow path connecting the internal space of the protruding portion 140D and the internal space of the front portion 140F may be provided in the storage chamber, and the ink may be forcibly drained from the internal space of the protruding portion 140D into the storage chamber 115 by a mechanism that creates negative pressure in the storage chamber 115.

[0113] Furthermore, in the modified example shown in Figure 10, the three ink cartridges 30 and the one ink cartridge 140 may each have an inlet for refilling the storage chamber with ink. As shown in Figure 13, the ink cartridge 30 has an inlet 93 that penetrates the upper wall 83. The ink cartridge 140 has an inlet 152 that penetrates the upper wall 143. Although not shown in the figure, the inlets 93 and 152 are opened and closed by caps.

[0114] With three ink cartridges 30 and one ink cartridge 140 installed in the cartridge case 101, the three inlets 93 and one inlet 152 are located behind the protruding portion 140B. Furthermore, the three inlets 93 and one inlet 152 are located in front of the lock shaft 113. Also, the three inlets 93 and one inlet 152 are aligned horizontally. Inlet 93 is an example of a second inlet. Inlet 152 is an example of a first inlet.

[0115] For example, when the ink stored in the storage chamber 80 of ink cartridge 30 is consumed and becomes low, the user can transfer ink stored in a bottle or other container into the storage chamber 80 through the inlet 93. Similarly, when the ink stored in the storage chamber of ink cartridge 140 is consumed and becomes low, the user can transfer ink stored in a bottle or other container into the storage chamber through the inlet 152. The user can also attach and detach ink cartridges 30 and 140 to and from the cartridge mounting section 110. In this modified example, the user can arbitrarily choose which combination of ink cartridges 30, 120, and 140 to attach to the cartridge mounting section 110. In this case, although not shown in the figure, ink cartridge 120 has an inlet that penetrates the upper wall 123.

[0116] In Figure 14, the three ink cartridges 30 and the one ink cartridge 140 are independently detachable from the cartridge mounting section 110. However, as shown in Figure 15, the three ink cartridges 30 and the one ink cartridge 140 may be formed as a single molded product, forming an ink cartridge 160. In this case, the internal space of the ink cartridge 160 is divided into four storage chambers by a partition wall 161. Although not shown in the figure, each storage chamber has an atmospheric communication port and a supply port. There may be only one of the protrusions 87 and 147. There may be only one of the IC substrates 91 and 151. The three inlets 93 and the one inlet 152 each communicate with the corresponding storage chamber.

[0117] In the embodiment described above, the normal vector L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 of the ink cartridge 140 is downward compared to the normal vector L2 of the outer surface of the rear wall 82 of the ink cartridge 30. The normal vector L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 is downward compared to the normal vector L3 of the outer surface of the rear wall 122 of the ink cartridge 120. However, it is not limited to this. The normal vector L1 of the outer surface of the rear wall 142 of the ink cartridge 140 may be in the same direction as the normal vector L2, or in the same direction as the normal vector L3. Also, the normal vector L3 of the outer surface of the rear wall 122 of the ink cartridge 120 may be downward compared to the normal vector L2 of the outer surface of the rear wall 82 of the ink cartridge 30. In other words, the outer surface of the rear wall 122 may be a plane that faces rearward and downward.

[0118] Furthermore, the sub-tank 103 may be omitted in the cartridge mounting section 110. Also, in the aforementioned refill unit 100, ink is supplied from the storage chamber 80 of the ink cartridge 30 to the storage chamber 115 of the sub-tank 103 by a difference in water head, but the method of supplying ink is not limited to this. For example, ink may be supplied from the storage chamber 80 to the storage chamber 115 by gas-liquid displacement, which is called chicken feed, or ink may be supplied from the storage chamber 80 to the storage chamber 115 by a pump or the like.

[0119] Furthermore, the cartridge mounting section 110 was located only to the right of the output tray 21 in the printer 10. Alternatively, the cartridge mounting section 110 may be located to the left of the output tray 21. Also, the cartridge mounting section 110 may be located both to the right and to the left of the output tray 21. Moreover, the cartridge mounting section 110 may not be exposed to the outside on the front of the printer 10, but may be exposed to the outside on the right or left side. In this case, the ink cartridges 30, 120, and 140 may be arranged in any combination in the front-to-back direction.

[0120] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, ink cartridges 120 and 140 could not be used in printer 10 when normal mode was set, but they may be usable in printer 10 when normal mode is set.

[0121] Furthermore, although the aforementioned recording head 39 is mounted on the carriage 23 and ejects ink while moving from side to side, the recording head 39 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the carriage 23. In this case, the nozzle surface of the recording head 39 extends across the movement range of the carriage 23. Note that there may be one or more recording heads 39. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0122] 10. Printer (liquid supply device) 12. Enclosure (main unit of the device) 30... Ink cartridge (second container) 50... Controller 70, 71... Cover 80...Storage chamber (second storage chamber) 93...Inlet (second inlet) 103... Sub-tank 104... Ink Sensor 110...Cartridge mounting section (storage unit) 120... Ink cartridge (second container) 120F... Front section (second storage section) 120R...Rear section (Second non-containment section) 140... Ink cartridge (first container) 140A...Protruding part 140F... Front section (First storage area) 140R...Rear section (First non-storage section) 152...Inlet (1st inlet)

Claims

1. The main body of the device, A housing unit having an opening, A first container having a first storage chamber for storing liquid, It includes a cover that opens and closes the opening of the above-mentioned housing unit, The first container has a first housing portion that is housed in the housing unit and a first non-housing portion that protrudes forward from the opening of the housing unit. The above cover covers the first non-accommodated portion when in the closed position. A liquid supply device in which the maximum length of the first non-contained portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction in which the first non-contained portion protrudes from the opening is longer than the maximum length of the first contained portion along the second direction.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is the front-to-back direction.

3. The above housing unit has the above opening on the front of the main body of the device, The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is the left-right direction.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 3, wherein the first non-contained portion has a protruding portion that protrudes in one direction in the left-right direction relative to the first containment portion.

5. It further comprises a second container having a second storage chamber for storing liquid, The liquid supply device according to claim 4, wherein the second container is aligned with the first storage portion in the storage unit in the second direction.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein the above-mentioned protruding portion protrudes in the opposite direction to the second container relative to the first storage portion.

7. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein the first container and the second container are housed in one space of the above-mentioned housing unit.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein the second container has a second housing portion housed in the housing unit and a second non-housing portion protruding forward from the opening of the housing unit.

9. The first container described above is detachable from the storage unit described above. The second container described above is detachable from the storage unit described above. The second container described above does not protrude outward from the opening of the housing unit described above. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein the first normal to the first rear surface of the first container is more downward than the second normal to the second rear surface of the second container.

10. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, wherein the first container stores a black liquid.

11. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the containment unit has a sub-tank to which the liquid can flow through the first container.

12. The liquid supply device according to claim 11, wherein the storage unit has a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the liquid stored in the sub-tank.

13. It also has a controller, The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the controller performs a first mode in which the liquid supplied from the first container is unusable, and a second mode in which the liquid supplied from the first container is usable.

14. The second direction mentioned above is the vertical direction. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first non-contained portion has a protruding portion that protrudes downward from the first containment portion.

15. The second direction mentioned above is the vertical direction. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first non-contained portion has a protruding portion that protrudes upward relative to the first containment portion.

16. The first container has a first inlet for liquid to flow into the first storage chamber. The second container has a second inlet for liquid to flow into the second storage chamber. The liquid supply device according to claim 8, wherein the second inlet is located behind the protruding portion.

17. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the first container is detachable from the storage unit and has a first inlet for flowing liquid into the first storage chamber.

18. The first container described above is detachable from the storage unit described above. The second container described above is detachable from the storage unit described above. The liquid supply device according to claim 16, wherein the first container and the second container are an integral part.

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