Liquid supply device

Abstract

A liquid supply apparatus is provided that has a tank with a hole, a reservoir chamber that stores a portion of liquid in the tank, and a flow path that stores another portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path connects the reservoir chamber and the hole. The flow path has a first funnel portion to reduce a cross-sectional area of a portion of the flow path. The first funnel portion is located at a position equal to or higher than a surface of a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that is storable in the tank in a usable attitude. The first funnel portion creates a meniscus with the liquid stored in the tank in an X1 rotated attitude in which the tank is rotated by a first angle about a first axis from the usable attitude.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a liquid supply apparatus having a reservoir chamber that stores a liquid and a hole for communicating with the outside. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an image recording apparatus with a tank having a large-capacity reservoir chamber for storing ink is known. The tank can have an injection port through which ink can be injected into the reservoir chamber from the outside and a cap for closing or opening the injection port. The image recording apparatus can have a lid that is openable / closable with respect to a housing of the image recording apparatus to cover or expose the cap. When the lid is opened, the cap can be removed from the injection port of the tank, and ink can be injected into the reservoir chamber of the tank through the injection port. Such an image recording apparatus is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Provisional Publication Laid-Open No. 2016-168728. SUMMARY

[0003] In order to equalize the air pressure in the reservoir chamber with the atmospheric pressure outside the tank, the reservoir chamber in the tank can be opened to the outside through the hole. Therefore, when the image recording apparatus is moved, tilted, or rotated with the reservoir chamber in the tank storing ink, the ink in the tank can leak to the outside through the hole. As a result, the inside of the image recording apparatus can be contaminated with the ink.

[0004] An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a liquid supply apparatus in which it can be difficult for liquid to flow out to the outside from a reservoir chamber through a hole.

[0005] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid supply apparatus having a tank, a reservoir chamber, and a flow path. The tank is configured to store a liquid, and the tank has a hole that is opened to the outside of the tank. The reservoir chamber is arranged in the tank, and the reservoir chamber is configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path is arranged in the tank, and the flow path is configured to store another portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path connects the reservoir chamber and the hole. The flow path has a first funnel portion to reduce a cross-sectional area of a portion of the flow path. The first funnel portion is located at a position equal to or higher than a surface of a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the tank in a usable attitude in which the liquid can be supplied to the outside from the tank. The first funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the tank in an X1 rotated attitude in which the tank is rotated by a first angle about a first axis extending in a horizontal direction from the usable attitude.

[0006] Optionally, the flow path can have a second funnel portion to reduce a cross-sectional area of another portion of the flow path. The second funnel portion can be located in the flow path between the first funnel portion and the aperture. The second funnel portion can be configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in the X2 rotational attitude in which the can is rotated about the first axis a second angle from the XI rotational attitude.

[0007] Optionally, the first funnel portion can be configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in the X2 rotational attitude.

[0008] Optionally, the first funnel portion can be configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in the Yl rotational attitude in which the can is rotated about a second axis that intersects the first axis and extends in the horizontal direction the first angle from the usable attitude.

[0009] Optionally, the flow path can have a second funnel portion to reduce a cross-sectional area of another portion of the flow path. The second funnel portion can be located in the flow path between the first funnel portion and the aperture. The second funnel portion can be configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in the Yl rotational attitude in which the can is rotated about a second axis that intersects the first axis and extends in the horizontal direction the first angle from the usable attitude.

[0010] Optionally, the first funnel portion can be configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in the Yl rotational attitude.

[0011] Optionally, the can can include a body having the form of a container with an opening. In the can in the usable attitude, the container can be open in the horizontal direction at the opening. The can can further include a sheet that seals the opening. The reservoir chamber and the flow path can be bounded by the body and the sheet. The first funnel portion can be bounded by a wall formed in the body and the sheet.

[0012] Optionally, the flow path can have a portion that extends in a direction that includes a horizontal component, and the first funnel portion can be located in the portion of the flow path.

[0013] Optionally, in the can in the usable attitude, the portion of the flow path can extend in a direction that includes a vertical component.

[0014] Also, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid supply apparatus having a tank, a reservoir chamber, and a flow path. The tank is configured to store a liquid, and the tank has a wall in which a hole is formed that opens to the outside of the tank. The reservoir chamber is arranged in the tank, and the reservoir chamber is configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path is arranged in the tank, and the flow path is configured to store another portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path connects the reservoir chamber and the hole. In the tank in an X1 rotated attitude in which the tank is rotated by an angle about an axis extending in a horizontal direction from a usable attitude in which the liquid can be supplied from the tank to the outside, the reservoir chamber is configured to create an air layer with a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the tank. The air layer is surrounded by a surface of the liquid stored in the tank and a wall that bounds the reservoir chamber. The wall that bounds the reservoir chamber is different from the wall in which the hole is formed. A surface of the liquid in the flow path is maintained at a level equal to or lower than a surface of the liquid in the reservoir chamber by a negative pressure generated by the air layer.

[0015] Also, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid supply apparatus having a tank, a reservoir chamber, and a flow path. The tank is configured to store a liquid, and the tank has a hole that opens to the outside of the tank. The reservoir chamber is arranged in the tank, and the reservoir chamber is configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path is arranged in the tank, and the flow path is configured to store another portion of the liquid in the tank. The flow path connects the reservoir chamber and the hole. The flow path is bounded by at least a first wall and a second wall. In the tank in an X1 rotated attitude in which the tank is rotated by an angle about an axis extending in a horizontal direction from a usable attitude in which the liquid can be supplied from the tank to the outside, one of the first wall and the second wall is located above the other of the first wall and the second wall, and the one of the first wall and the second wall extends in one of a direction along the horizontal direction and a direction inclined downward in an orientation of flow toward the reservoir chamber.

[0016] Optionally, the flow path can have a buffer space that can store the liquid in the tank in the X1 rotated attitude.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] [ Figure 1 ]Figure 1 is a perspective view of the printer 100 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the printer 100 according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the platen 180, the carriage 190, and the tank 220 in the printer 100 according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a right side view of the tank 220 in a usable attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a usable attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a usable attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is another perspective view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a usable attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in an X1 rotated attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] [ Figure 9 ] Figure 9 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in an X2 rotated attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] [ Figure 10 ] Figure 10 is a sectional view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a Y1 rotated attitude according to this embodiment of the disclosure, viewed at the section X-X shown in Figure 5 .

[0028] [ Figure 11 ] Figure 11 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in an X1 rotated attitude according to the first variant of this embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 12 ] Figure 12 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in the X1 rotated posture according to the second modification of this embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the following paragraphs, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that various connections can be set forth between elements in the following description. These connections are generally and, unless otherwise specified, can be direct or indirect and that this description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in this respect.

[0031] In the following description, the orientation from the root of the handle toward the pointing direction indicated by the pointing arrow in will be expressed by the term "orientation", while the back-and-forth movability along the line extending through the handle and the pointing head of the arrow will be expressed by the term "direction". Also, the position relationship within the printer 100 and each part or article included in the printer 100 will be mentioned on the basis of the posture of the printer 100 in the usual usable condition as indicated by the bidirectional pointing arrow in Figure 1 Figure 1 The vertical axis between the upper side and the lower side in is defined as the up-down direction 7. The side forming the opening 330 is defined as the front face 320, and the axis between the front side and the rear side opposite to the front side is defined as the front-rear direction 8. The right-hand side and the left-hand side of the user facing the front face 320 of the printer 100 are defined as the right side and the left side, respectively. The axis between the right side and the left side is defined as the left-right direction 9. The up-down direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 cross each other orthogonally. When the printer 100 is set in this usual usable condition, the up-down direction 7 coincides with the vertical direction. In the following description, the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 can be referred to as the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9, respectively.

[0032] Overall configuration of the printer 100

[0033] The printer 100 as shown in Figure 1 , which is an example of a liquid supply apparatus, can record a monochrome image in a single color such as black on a sheet M (see Figure 2 ) with an inkjet recording method. The sheet M can be a sheet such as paper or an OHP film. However, it can be noted that the method of recording an image on the sheet M can not necessarily be limited to inkjet recording, but can be a different recording method such as, for example, thermal inkjet recording, which is also called bubble jet (registered trademark) recording.

[0034] The printer 100 has a housing 300, a cover 400, and a user interface (UI) 500.

[0035] The housing 300

[0036] ​The outer casing 300 can have a roughly rectangular cuboid shape. For example, in... Figure 2 As shown, the housing 300 has an opening 310 at its upper end. In other words, the housing 300 opens upward at its upper end. The opening 310 can be closed by a cover 400. The cover 400 is pivotable about an axis 410 located at the upper end of the rear 340 of the housing 300. Figure 1 As shown, UI500 is arranged on the front 320 of housing 300. UI500 may include a display and operation buttons that can be operated by the user.

[0037] Internal structure of printer 100

[0038] As in Figure 2 As shown, the printer 100 has a feeder tray 110, an exhaust tray 120, a feeder 130, an outer guide 140, an inner guide 150, a conveyor roller pair 160, an exhaust roller pair 170, a pressure plate 180, a carriage 190, a head 200, a conveyor 210, and a can 220, all housed in a housing 300.

[0039] Feeder tray 110

[0040] As in Figure 1 As shown, the feeder tray 110 can be inserted into the housing 300 through the opening 330. (As in...) Figure 2 As shown, one or more sheets M can be stacked vertically in the direction 7 on the bottom 111 of the feeder tray 110. The guide member 112 extends rearward and upward from the rear end of the bottom 111, and the extended end of the guide member 112 is located below the lower end of the outer guide member 140.

[0041] Discharge tray 120

[0042] Within the housing 300, a sheet outlet 370 is formed above the feeder tray 110. Through this sheet outlet 370, a sheet M on which an image has been recorded by the printer 100 via a liquid discharge action can be discharged. The sheet M with the recorded image can be referred to as the printed material M. The discharge tray 120 is positioned forward and below the sheet outlet 370. The discharge tray 120 can support the printed material M.

[0043] Feeder 130

[0044] The feeder 130 includes a shaft 131, a feeder arm 132, a feeder roller 133, and a drive force transmission assembly 134.

[0045] The shaft 131 is supported by a frame not shown and extends in the width direction 9 at a position above the bottom 111. The feeder arm 132 is supported at its base end portion by the shaft 131. The feeder arm 132 is pivotable in the circumferential direction 3B of the axis of the shaft 131. The feeder arm 132 extends rearward and downward from the base end portion. The feeder roller 133 is attached to the tip end portion of the feeder arm 132. The feeder roller 133 is rotatable in the circumferential direction 3C of the shaft 135 parallel to the shaft 131. The drive force transmission assembly 134 can include a gear train and a drive belt, and can be arranged inside the feeder arm 132.

[0046] The feeder roller 133 can be in contact with the uppermost one of the sheets M stacked on the bottom 111 of the feeder tray 110. The drive force transmission assembly 134 can transmit a force generated by a motor not shown to the feeder roller 133. The feeder roller 133 can be rotated by the transmitted force and apply a rearward conveying force to the uppermost sheet M. Thereby, the uppermost sheet M can be conveyed rearward on the bottom 111 and guided by the inclined surface of the guide member 112 through the sheet inlet PO to the conveyor path P.

[0047] Conveyor path P

[0048] As shown in Figure 2 , inside the housing 300, a conveyor path P for conveying the sheets M is formed. The sheet inlet PO forms an upstream end of the conveyor path P and is located directly above the extended end of the guide member 112. The conveyor path P is a so-called U-turn path and includes a curved path PI and a straight path P2. The curved path PI is bounded by the outer guide 140 and the inner guide 150 and curves substantially forward and upward from the sheet inlet PO. The straight path P2 extends substantially straight forward from the downstream end of the curved path PI to the sheet outlet 370.

[0049] Conveyor roller pair 160

[0050] As shown in Figure 2 , the conveyor roller pair 160 includes a drive roller 161 and a pinch roller 162. The drive roller 161 and the pinch roller 162 are arranged to contact each other in the vertical direction 7 across the downstream end portion of the curved path PI and extend in the width direction 9 along the downstream end portion of the curved path PI.

[0051] The drive roller 161 can be rotated by a force generated in a motor not shown. The pinch roller 162 can be rotated by the rotation of the drive roller 161. The drive roller 161 and the pinch roller 162 can pinch and rotate the sheet M to convey the sheet M in the conveying orientation 4, for example, forward. Thereby, the sheet M can be conveyed downstream in the straight path P2.

[0052] Discharge roller pair 170

[0053] As shown in Figure 2 , the discharge roller pair 170 includes a drive roller 171 and a toothed roller 172. The drive roller 171 and the toothed roller 172 are arranged to contact each other in the vertical direction 7 across the linear path P2 between the platen 180 and the sheet outlet 370 in the linear path P2 and extend in the width direction 9 along the linear path P2.

[0054] The drive roller 171 can be rotated by a force generated in a not-shown motor. The toothed roller 172 can be rotated by the rotation of the drive roller 171. The drive roller 171 and the toothed roller 172 can pinch and rotate the sheet M to further convey the sheet M downstream in the conveyance orientation 4. Thereby, the sheet M can be discharged to the outside through the sheet outlet 370.

[0055] The platen 180

[0056] The platen 180 is located between the conveyor roller pair 160 and the discharge roller pair 170 in the front-rear direction 8. The platen 180 has a support surface 181 that extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the width direction 9. The support surface 181 bounds the lowermost portion of the linear path P2 and can support the sheet M from below. The support surface 181 can be formed by upper end faces of a plurality of ribs that project upward from the platen 180 and extend longitudinally in the front-rear direction 8. Alternatively, however, the support surface 181 can be a flat upper surface of the platen 180.

[0057] The carriage 190

[0058] The printer 100 further has guide rails 191A, 191B arranged inside the housing 300. As shown in Figure 2 , the guide rails 191A, 191B are located at a position higher than the support surface 181 and are supported by a not-shown frame. As shown in Figure 3 , in a top plan view, as shown in Figure 3 , the guide rails 191A, 191B are arranged to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction 8 and extend longitudinally in the width direction 9. The support surface 181 of the platen 180 is located between the guide rails 191A, 191B in the front-rear direction 8.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3 , the carriage 190 is located between the guide rails 191A, 191B and is supported by the guide rails 191A, 191B. The carriage 190 can be moved on the guide rails 191A, 191B by a force transmitted through the conveyor 210 to move reciprocally in the width direction 9.

[0060] The conveyor 210

[0061] As shown in Figure 3As shown, the conveyor 210 includes two (2) pulleys 211 and an endless belt 212. These pulleys 211 are separated from each other in the width direction 9 on a guide rail 191A. Each pulley 211 can rotate circumferentially along its axis extending in the vertical direction 7. The endless belt 212 is taut around the pulleys 211 and is connected to a carriage 190. One of the pulleys 211 on the right can be rotated by a force generated in a motor (not shown). Therefore, the head 200 connected to the endless belt 212 can reciprocate between these pulleys 211 in the width direction 9.

[0062] First 200

[0063] As in Figure 2 As shown, head 200 is mounted on carriage 190. A plurality of nozzles 203 are formed arranged along the front-rear direction 8 on the lower surface 201 of head 200. The lower surface 201 of head 200 faces downward toward the support surface 181 of pressure plate 180. Head 200 houses piezoelectric devices (not shown) corresponding to nozzles 203 on a one-to-one basis. A drive waveform modulated for each piezoelectric device can be applied to the piezoelectric device, thereby allowing head 200 to discharge ink through nozzles 203 downward in the discharge orientation 7D and consume ink stored in head 200.

[0064] While the carriage 190 moves unidirectionally, either left or right, for one pass, the head 200 can move above the support surface 181 of the pressure plate 180. The head 200, moving along with the carriage 190, can discharge ink through the nozzle 203 to record one line of image on the sheet M for that pass.

[0065] 220 cans

[0066] As in Figure 3 As shown, can 220 is mounted on carriage 190 together with head 200. Can 220 is positioned higher than head 200 and is attached to head 200 such that can 220 cannot be easily removed from head 200. Can 220 may be a so-called carriage-integrated can that can be attached to housing 300 by being mounted on carriage 190.

[0067] Can 220 can store ink, for example, as a liquid. The ink color can be, for example, black. (As in...) Figure 4 As shown, ink in tank 220 can flow through outlet port 242 and can be supplied to head 200.

[0068] As in Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1, the tank 220 has a substantially rectangular cuboid shape. A through-hole 221 is formed through the tank 220 in the width direction 9 at a position lower than the center of the tank 220 in the vertical direction 7. The shape of the through-hole 221 is not limited. Also, the upper and lower corner portions of the front side of the tank 220 are recessed inward to form steps, but the shape of the recesses is not limited.

[0069] The tank 220 includes a body 222 and a sheet 223. As shown in FIG. 1, the body 222 has the form of a container that opens to the right at an opening 224. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet 223 closes the opening 224 of the body 222. The body 222 and the sheet 223 can be made of, for example, synthetic resin. The sheet 223 can be welded or bonded to the edge of the opening 224 of the body 222 to seal the opening 224 liquid-tightly. Figure 6 Figure 4 The body 222 and the sheet 223 can be made of, for example, synthetic resin. The sheet 223 can be welded or bonded to the edge of the opening 224 of the body 222 to seal the opening 224 liquid-tightly.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, the body 222 has a front wall 230, a rear wall 231, a left side wall 232, an upper wall 233, a sub-upper wall 234, a lower wall 235, and a sub-lower wall 236. The front wall 230 and the rear wall 231 are separated in the front-rear direction 8. The upper wall 233 and the sub-upper wall 234 are separated in the vertical direction 7, and the lower wall 235 and the sub-lower wall 236 are separated in the vertical direction 7. The left side wall 232 is separated from the sheet 223 in the width direction 9. Figures 5-7 The upper end of the front wall 230 is continuous with the front end of the upper wall 234. The lower end of the front wall 230 is continuous with the front end of the sub-lower wall 236. The upper end of the rear wall 231 is continuous with the rear end of the upper wall 233. The lower end of the rear wall 231 is continuous with the rear end of the lower wall 235. The leftward ends of the front wall 230, the rear wall 231, the upper wall 233, the sub-upper wall 234, the lower wall 235, and the sub-lower wall 236 are continuous with the left side wall 232.

[0071] The upper wall 233 and the sub-upper wall 234 are separated in the vertical direction 7 and in the front-rear direction 8. The front end of the front wall 230 and the rear end of the sub-upper wall 234 are connected by an upper step wall 237. The lower end of the upper step wall 237 is positioned lower than the sub-upper wall 234. The lower wall 235 and the sub-lower wall 236 are separated in the vertical direction 7 and in the front-rear direction 8. The front end of the lower wall 235 and the rear end of the sub-lower wall 236 are connected by a lower step wall 238. The leftward ends of the upper step wall 237 and the lower step wall 238 are continuous with the left side wall 232.

[0072]

[0073] ​​In the upper wall 233, an air communication hole 240 is formed. The air communication hole 240 is formed through the upper wall 233 in the vertical direction 7. The air communication hole 240 connects the flow path 244 in the tank 220 with the atmosphere outside the tank 220. In other words, the flow path 244 in the tank 220 and the atmosphere outside the tank 220 communicate through the air communication hole 240. The air communication hole 240 is always open. Therefore, the reservoir chamber 243 is open to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240 and the flow path 244.

[0074] In the sub upper wall 234, an injection port 241 is formed. The injection port 241 is formed through the sub upper wall 234 in the vertical direction 7. The injection port 241 can connect the reservoir chamber 243 in the tank 220 with the outside of the tank 220. Ink can be injected into the reservoir chamber 243 through the injection port 241. Although not shown in the drawings, the injection port 241 can be sealed by, for example, a rubber plug or a cap.

[0075] In the rear wall 231, an outflow port 242 is formed at a lower position close to the lower end of the rear wall 231. The outflow port 242 is formed through the rear wall 231 in the front-rear direction 8. The outflow port 242 connects the sub reservoir chamber 245 in the tank 220 with the outside of the tank 220. Ink stored in the sub reservoir chamber 245 can flow out to the outside through the outflow port 242. Although not shown in the drawings, the outflow port 242 can be connected with the head 200 through a flow path that can be formed by, for example, a tube or a flow path member made of resin, so that ink can flow through the flow path to reach the head 200.

[0076] The body 222 of the tank 220 can be mainly formed of a light-transmissive material, such as a transparent resin. Therefore, a user can visually recognize the surface level of ink stored in the tank 220. As shown in Figure 7 On the front wall 230, an upper index 225 and a lower index 226 are shown in

[0077] Internal structure of the tank 220

[0078] As shown in Figures 5-7As shown, inside the can 220, a storage chamber 243, a flow path 244, and a secondary storage chamber 245 are formed. Ink can be stored in and can flow through the storage chamber 243, the flow path 244, and the secondary storage chamber 245. Within the internal space of the can 220, defined by the body 222 and the sheet 223, the storage chamber 243, the flow path 244, and the secondary storage chamber 245 are defined by dividing walls 251-256, which will be described further below. The storage chamber 243 and the flow path 244 are continuous to allow ink to flow between the storage chamber 243 and the flow path 244, and the storage chamber 243 and the secondary storage chamber 245 are continuous to allow ink to flow between the storage chamber 243 and the secondary storage chamber 245. The flow path 244 is continuous with the storage chamber 243 and the air communication port 240. In other words, the storage chamber 243, the flow path 244, and the auxiliary storage chamber 245 are not independent spaces, but are divided into partially continuous spaces.

[0079] As in Figures 5-7 As shown, a first dividing wall 251 extends along the front-rear direction 8 between the lower stepped wall 238 and the rear wall 231. The front end of the first dividing wall 251 is continuous with the upper end of the lower stepped wall 238. The rear end of the first dividing wall 251 is continuous with the rear wall 231. The left end of the first dividing wall 251 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the first dividing wall 251. The front portion of the first dividing wall 251 defines a reservoir chamber 243 and a secondary reservoir chamber 245. The rear portion of the first dividing wall 251 defines the secondary reservoir chamber 245 and a through-hole 221. A hole 246 is formed in the front portion of the first dividing wall 251 in the vertical direction 7. Through this hole 246, ink and air can flow between the reservoir chamber 243 and the secondary reservoir chamber 245.

[0080] As in Figures 5-7 As shown, a second dividing wall 252 extends along the longitudinal direction 8 between the front wall 230 and the rear wall 231. This second dividing wall 252 is positioned above the first dividing wall 251. The upper rear portion of the second dividing wall 252 slopes rearward to gradually increase in height. The front end of the second dividing wall 252 is separated from the front wall 230 in the longitudinal direction 8. The rear end of the second dividing wall 252 is continuous with the rear wall 231. The left end of the second dividing wall 252 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the second dividing wall 252. The second dividing wall 252 defines a portion of the flow path 244. The front portion of the second dividing wall 252 faces the secondary lower wall 236. The front portion of the second dividing wall 252 and the secondary lower wall 236 form a space extending from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246.

[0081] As shown in Figures 5-7 Between the first partition wall 251 and the second partition wall 252, a third partition wall 253 extends along the vertical direction 7. The third partition wall 253 is located rearward with respect to the hole 246. The upper end of the third partition wall 253 is continuous with the second partition wall 252. The lower end of the third partition wall 253 is continuous with the first partition wall 251. The leftward end of the third partition wall 253 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the rightward end of the third partition wall 253. The third partition wall 253 delimits a space continuous from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246 and the through-hole 221.

[0082] As shown in Figures 5-7 Between the front wall 230 and the rear wall 231, a fourth partition wall 254 extends along the front-rear direction 8. The fourth partition wall 254 is positioned spaced apart upward from the second partition wall 252. The fourth partition wall 254 is inclined rearward to gradually become higher. The front end of the fourth partition wall 254 is separated from the front wall 230 in the front-rear direction 8. The rear end of the fourth partition wall 254 is separated from the rear wall 231 in the front-rear direction 8. The leftward end of the fourth partition wall 254 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the rightward end of the fourth partition wall 254. The fourth partition wall 254 delimits a portion of the flow path 244. The front end of the fourth partition wall 254 is located substantially rearward with respect to the front end of the second partition wall 252. The second partition wall 252 and the fourth partition wall 254 delimit a lower flow path 244L, which forms a portion of the flow path 244. The lower flow path 244L is a flow path extending rearward from a front-lower region in the reservoir chamber 243. The fourth partition wall 254 delimits the lower flow path 244L and the reservoir chamber 243.

[0083] As shown in Figures 5-7 Between the upper step wall 237 and the rear wall 231, a fifth partition wall 255 extends along the front-rear direction 8. The fifth partition wall 255 is positioned spaced apart upward from the fourth partition wall 254. The fifth partition wall 255 is inclined rearward to gradually become lower. The front end of the fifth partition wall 255 is continuous with the lower end of the upper step wall 237. The rear end of the fifth partition wall 255 is separated from the rear wall 231 in the front-rear direction 8. The leftward end of the fifth partition wall 255 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the rightward end of the fifth partition wall 255. The fifth partition wall 255 delimits a portion of the flow path 244. The fifth partition wall 255, the upper wall 233, and the upper step wall 237 delimit an upper flow path 244U, which forms another portion of the flow path 244. The upper flow path 244U is a flow path located upward of the reservoir chamber 243 and continuous with the air communication hole 240. The fifth partition wall 255 and the upper step wall 237 delimit the upper flow path 244U and the reservoir chamber 243.

[0084] As shown in Figures 5-7 between the fourth dividing wall 254 and the fifth dividing wall 255, a sixth dividing wall 256, as an example of a second wall, extends along the vertical direction 7. As the sixth dividing wall 256 extends upward, the sixth dividing wall 256 gradually inclines rearward. In other words, as the sixth dividing wall 256 extends upward, a distance between the sixth dividing wall 256 and the rear wall 231, as an example of a first wall, decreases. An upper end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with a rear end of the fifth dividing wall 255. A lower end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with a rear end of the fourth dividing wall 254. A leftward end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to a rightward end of the sixth dividing wall 256. The sixth dividing wall 256 demarcates a portion of the flow path 244. The sixth dividing wall 256 and a portion of the rear wall 231 demarcate a vertical flow path 244M, which forms another portion of the flow path 244. The vertical flow path 244M is a flow path that connects the lower flow path 244L and the upper flow path 244U. The sixth dividing wall 256 demarcates the vertical flow path 244M and the reservoir chamber 243.

[0085] As shown in Figures 5-7 between the sixth dividing wall 256 and the rear wall 231, a first partition wall 261 extends along the front-rear direction 8. The first partition wall 261 is located in an upper region in the vertical flow path 244M. A front end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the sixth dividing wall 256. A rear end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the rear wall 231. A leftward end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A rightward end of the first partition wall 261 is located leftward with respect to the rightward end of the sixth dividing wall 256 and the rightward end of the rear wall 231. The sheet 223 is not attached to the rightward end of the first partition wall 261. Thus, a gap is created between the rightward end of the first partition wall 261 and the sheet 223. This gap forms a first funnel portion 271. The first funnel portion 271 is demarcated by the first partition wall 261, the sixth dividing wall 256, the rear wall 231, and the sheet 223. The first funnel portion 271 occupies a portion of the vertical flow path 244M, and a cross-sectional area of the first funnel portion 271 along the front-rear direction 8 and the width direction 9 is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the vertical flow path 244M (except for the portion of the vertical flow path 244M that is occupied by the first funnel portion 271) along the front-rear direction 8 and the width direction 9.

[0086] As shown in Figures 5-7As shown, a second partition wall 262 extends vertically 7 between the fifth partition wall 255 and the upper wall 233. This second partition wall 262 is located in the rear region of the upper flow path 244U and is positioned rearward relative to the air communication hole 240. As the second partition wall 262 extends downward, it tilts rearward. The upper end of the second partition wall 262 is continuous with the upper wall 233. The lower end of the second partition wall 262 is separated from the fifth partition wall 255 in the vertical direction 7. The left end of the second partition wall 262 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the second partition wall 262. The space defined by the second partition wall 262, the rear wall 231, and the upper wall 233 forms a first buffer chamber 281, which serves as an example of a buffer space.

[0087] As in Figures 5-7 As shown, a third partition wall 263 extends along the front-rear direction 8 between the second partition wall 262 and the upper stepped wall 237. The third partition wall 263 is located at a position lower than the upper wall 233 and higher than the fifth partition wall 255. The third partition wall 263 is inclined so that it becomes lower as it extends forward. The rear end of the third partition wall 263 is continuous with the second partition wall 262. The front end of the third partition wall 263 is separated from the upper stepped wall 237 in the front-rear direction 8. The left end of the third partition wall 263 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the third partition wall 263. The third partition wall 263 and the fifth partition wall 255 form a flow path that continues forward from the first buffer chamber 281.

[0088] As in Figures 5-7 As shown, a fourth partition wall 264 extends vertically 7 between the third partition wall 263 and the upper wall 233. This fourth partition wall 264 is located in the forward region of the upper flow path 244U and is positioned forward relative to the air communication hole 240. As the fourth partition wall 264 extends downward, it tilts forward. The upper end of the fourth partition wall 264 is continuous with the upper wall 233. The lower end of the fourth partition wall 264 is partially continuous with the third partition wall 263. The left end of the fourth partition wall 264 is continuous with the left side wall 232. A sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the fourth partition wall 264. The lower right end of the fourth partition wall 264 is cut off to form a second funnel portion 272. This second funnel portion 272 is located in the flow path 244 between the first funnel portion 271 and the air communication hole 240.

[0089] The second funnel portion 272 is delimited by the third partition wall 263, the fourth partition wall 264, and the sheet 223. The second funnel portion 272 occupies a portion of the upper flow path 244U, and a cross-sectional area of the second funnel portion 272 along the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9 is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the upper flow path 244U (except at the portion of the upper flow path 244U that the second funnel portion 272 occupies) along the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9. A space delimited by the fourth partition wall 264, the third partition wall 263, and the upper step wall 237 forms a second buffer chamber 282 that is an example of a buffer space.

[0090] As shown in Figures 5-7 Between the second partition wall 262 and the fourth partition wall 264, a fifth partition wall 265 extends along the front-rear direction 8. This fifth partition wall 265 is located at a position lower than the upper wall 233 and higher than the third partition wall 263. The fifth partition wall 265 is inclined to be lower as the fifth partition wall 265 extends rearward. The front end of the fifth partition wall 265 is continuous with the fourth partition wall 264. The front end of the fifth partition wall 265 is positioned higher than the second funnel portion 272. The rear end of the fifth partition wall 265 is separated from the second partition wall 262 in the front-rear direction 8. The rear end of the fifth partition wall 265 is located rearward with respect to the air communication hole 240. The leftward end of the fifth partition wall 265 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the rightward end of the fifth partition wall 265. A flow path that continues rearward from the second buffer chamber 282 is formed by the fifth partition wall 265 and the third partition wall 263.

[0091] Rotation of the tank 220

[0092] Figure 5 The body 222 of the tank 220 in the usable attitude in which the maximum storable amount of ink is stored is shown. In this condition, the surface of the ink is at the position of the upper index 225. The ink can be loaded in the tank 220 for, for example, a test operation of the printer 100. After the test, the printer 100 can be moved to another site, and while being moved, the printer 100 can be rotated from the usable attitude. Accordingly, the tank 220 can be rotated. In the following paragraphs, the behavior of the ink when the tank 220 is rotated will be described.

[0093] As shown in Figure 5 When the tank 220 is in the usable attitude and stores the maximum storable amount of ink, the ink is in the reservoir chamber 243, the flow path 244, and the sub-reservoir chamber 245. In the reservoir chamber 243, the ink stays in the lower area, and the air stays in the upper area.

[0094] Ink can be injected into canister 220 through injection port 241. While ink is being injected, air in reservoir chamber 243 can flow out through injection port 241. Injection ends when the surface of the ink in reservoir chamber 243 reaches upper index 225, and injection port 241 can be sealed, for example, with a rubber stopper. Therefore, reservoir chamber 243 is not open to the external atmosphere.

[0095] Ink entering the storage chamber 243 can flow into the secondary storage chamber 245 through the hole 246. As ink flows in the secondary storage chamber 245, air in the secondary storage chamber 245 can flow into the storage chamber 243. Therefore, when the can 220 stores the maximum storable amount of ink, the secondary storage chamber 245 is filled with ink.

[0096] Ink entering the storage chamber 243 can also flow into the flow path 244. As the ink flows in the flow path 244, air in the flow path 244 can flow to the outside of the tank 220 through the air vent 240. At the end of ink injection, the injection port 241 is open; therefore, both the storage chamber 243 and the flow path 244 are at atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the surface of the ink in the storage chamber 243 and the surface of the ink in the flow path 244 are at equal liquid levels. When the tank 220 stores the maximum storable amount of ink, the surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 244, at the same liquid level as the surface 290 of the ink in the storage chamber 243, is substantially at the same position as the first funnel portion 271.

[0097] Figure 8 The image shows can 220 in a rotational orientation X1, in which can 220 moves from... Figure 5 The usable posture shown is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees about a rotation axis extending along the width direction 9, which serves as an example of a first axis and an axis of rotation, serving as an example of a first angle and an angle of rotation. When the can 220 storing the maximum amount of ink is in the X1 rotation posture, the surface 290 of the ink in the storage chamber 243 is at a position substantially equal to the front or upper end of the fourth dividing wall 254 when the can 220 is in the X1 rotation posture. The surface of the ink remaining in the space extending from the storage chamber 243 to the orifice 246 is at a liquid level substantially equal to the front or upper end of the second dividing wall 252 when the can 220 is in the X1 rotation posture. The surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 244 is at a liquid level substantially the same as the front or upper end of the fourth dividing wall 254 when the can 220 is in the X1 rotation posture.

[0098] When the can 220 is in the X1 rotational orientation, the lower flow path 224L extends substantially vertically, and the vertical flow path 244M extends substantially horizontally. In the flow path 244, the upper flow path 244U is opened to the external atmosphere through the air communication hole 240; therefore, ink in the vertical flow path 244M tends to flow towards the upper flow path 244U by its own weight. However, ink can form a meniscus 291 in the first funnel portion 271, and due to the surface tension of this meniscus 291, the flow of ink from the vertical flow path 244M to the upper flow path 244U can be suppressed. In other words, when the amount of ink in the can 220 in the X1 rotational orientation is the maximum storable amount, the first funnel portion 271 can create a meniscus 291 with ink. Accordingly, the ink in the vertical flow path 244M or the lower flow path 244L cannot be replaced by air, and the surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 224 can remain at a liquid level substantially equal to the front end of the fourth dividing wall 254.

[0099] Figure 9 The image shows can 220 in an X2 rotational orientation, in which can 220 moves from... Figure 8 The X1 rotational posture shown is rotated 90 degrees clockwise around a rotation axis extending along the width direction 9, serving as an example of a second angle, i.e., a 180-degree clockwise rotation from the usable posture. When the can 220 is in the X2 rotational posture, the surface 290 of the ink in the reservoir chamber 243 is close to the rear or lower end of the fourth dividing wall 254 when the can 220 is in the X2 rotational posture. The ink that remained in the space extending from the reservoir chamber 243 to the orifice 246 in the earlier posture flows downward to a position lower than the second dividing wall 252.

[0100] In flow path 244, the upper flow path 244U is opened to the external atmosphere through air communication hole 240; therefore, ink tends to flow towards the upper flow path 244U by its own weight. Consequently, the meniscus 291 formed by the ink in the first funnel portion 271 may be disrupted, and ink can flow from the lower flow path 244L and the vertical flow path 244M to the upper flow path 244U. The ink flowing into the upper flow path 244U can be stored in the first buffer chamber 281. Ink overflowing from the first buffer chamber 281 can flow on the third partition wall 263 and can be stored in the second buffer chamber 282.

[0101] The upper flow path 244U is open to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240. Therefore, when the surface of the ink in the second buffer chamber 282 is raised to a liquid level higher than the second funnel portion 272, the ink can tend to flow from the second buffer chamber 282 toward the air communication hole 240. However, the ink can form a meniscus 293 in the second funnel portion 272, and due to the effect of the surface tension of this meniscus 293, the flow of the ink from the second buffer chamber 282 to the air communication hole 240 can be inhibited. In other words, when the amount of ink in the can 220 in the X2 rotated attitude is the maximum storable amount, the second funnel portion 272 can create a meniscus 293 with the ink. Accordingly, the ink in the second buffer chamber 282 can not be replaced by air, and the surface 292 of the ink in the flow path 224 can stay at a liquid level substantially equal to the lower end of the fourth partition wall 264 (or the upper end when the can 220 is in the X2 rotated attitude). Also, when the can 220 is in the X2 rotated attitude, the amount of ink remaining in the vertical flow path 244M can decrease, and the ink can form a meniscus 291 again in the first funnel portion 271.

[0102] Figure 10 The can 220 is shown in a Yl rotated attitude in which the can 220 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise in a view from the front side about an example of a rotation axis extending along the front-rear direction 8 as a second axis from the usable attitude shown in FIG. 17. In other words, the can 220 is in one of the attitudes in which the can 220 is rotated about the rotation axis extending along the front-rear direction 8 from the attitude shown in FIG. 17 in which the upper wall 233 is closer to an observer and the lower wall 235 is farther from the observer. Figure 5 Figure 5 Figure 5

[0103] When the can 220 is in the Yl rotated attitude, the upper flow path 244U is open to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240. Therefore, the ink can tend to flow from the vertical flow path 244M toward the upper flow path 244U by the self-weight of the ink. However, the ink can form a meniscus 291 in the first funnel portion 271, and due to the effect of the surface tension of the meniscus 291, the flow of the ink from the vertical flow path 244M to the upper flow path 244U can be inhibited. In other words, when the amount of ink in the can 220 in the Yl rotated attitude is the maximum storable amount, the first funnel portion 271 can create a meniscus 291 with the ink. Accordingly, the ink in the vertical flow path 244M or the lower flow path 244L can not be replaced by air, and the surfaces 290 of the ink in the flow path 224 and the reservoir chamber 243 can stay at a liquid level higher than the first funnel portion 271.

[0104] ​​​When the tank 220 is in the Yl rotated attitude, if the meniscus 291 formed in the first funnel portion 271 is broken, for example, ink can flow from the vertical flow path 244M to the upper flow path 244U. However, in this case, ink can form another meniscus in the second funnel portion 272. Thus, the flow of ink from the second buffer chamber 282 toward the air communication hole 240 can still be suppressed. Also, when the tank 220 is in the Yl rotated attitude, the amount of ink remaining in the vertical flow path 244M can be reduced. Thus, the meniscus 291 can be formed again in the first funnel portion 271.

[0105] Benefits

[0106] According to the above-described embodiments, when the tank 220 is in the Xl rotated attitude, the flow of ink in the flow path 244 toward the air communication hole 240 can be suppressed by the meniscus 291 formed in the first funnel portion 271.

[0107] Also, when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotated attitude, the flow of ink in the flow path 244 toward the air communication hole 240 can be suppressed by the meniscus 293 formed in the second funnel portion 272.

[0108] Also, when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotated attitude, the flow of ink in the flow path 244 toward the air communication hole 240 can be suppressed by the menisci 291, 293 formed in the first funnel portion 271 and the second funnel portion 272.

[0109] Further, when the tank 220 is in the Yl rotated attitude, the flow of ink in the flow path 244 toward the air communication hole 240 can be suppressed by the meniscus 293 formed in the first funnel portion 271 and / or the meniscus formed in the second funnel portion 272.

[0110] Meanwhile, the tank 220 having the body 222 and the sheet 223 can be easily formed of synthetic resin. In the above-described embodiments, the body 222 is formed to have the opening 224 in the right side alone; however, the body 222 can have one opening in each of the right side and the left side, and the sheet 223 can be attached to each of the right end and the left end of the body 222. If the body 222 has the openings in both the right side and the left side, the first funnel portion 271 and the second funnel portion 272 can be defined by different sheets 223. In other words, the first funnel portion 271 can be located on one side of the flow path 244 in the width direction 9, and the second funnel portion 272 can be located on the other side of the flow path 244 in the width direction.

[0111] Further, the upper flow path 244U has a first buffer chamber 281 and a second buffer chamber 282 in which ink can be stored. Thus, when the tank 220 is in the X1 rotated attitude or the X2 rotated attitude, the outflow of ink to the outside through the air communication hole 240 can be prevented.

[0112] While examples implementing the present application have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that there are many variations and permutations of the liquid supply device that fall within the scope of the present application as set forth in the appended claims. It should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. While the terminology used in the description above may have been consistent with terms used in the art, the terminology used in the description above should not be construed to limit the subject matter in the appended claims to the specific examples disclosed above. Variations of the present embodiments will be described below.

[0113] First variation

[0114] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the first funnel portion 271 is formed by the first partition wall 261 located in the vertical flow path 244M. However, the first partition wall 261 can not necessarily be provided, or the first funnel portion 271 can not necessarily be formed in the vertical flow path 244M.

[0115] As shown in Figure 11 When the tank 220 is in the X1 rotated attitude, an air layer 294 can be created in the reservoir chamber 243. The air layer 294 can be surrounded by the front wall 230, the sub upper wall 234, the sub lower wall 236, the left side wall 232, the sheet 223, and the surface 290 of the ink. The air communication hole 240 is not formed in any one of the front wall 230, the sub upper wall 234, the sub lower wall 236, the left side wall 232, or the sheet 223. Meanwhile, the injection port 241 is sealed by a plug made of, for example, rubber. Thus, the air layer 294 is not opened to the atmosphere outside the tank 220.

[0116] Meanwhile, in the flow path 244, the upper flow path 244U is opened to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240. Thus, the ink can tend to flow toward the upper flow path 244U by the self-weight of the ink. However, the ink in the vertical flow path 244M or the lower flow path 244L can not be replaced by the air due to the negative pressure generated by the air layer 294, and a meniscus 291 can be formed between the upper flow path 244U and the vertical flow path 244M. In other words, when the amount of the ink in the tank 220 in the X1 rotated attitude is the maximum storable amount, the flow path 244 can create the meniscus 291 with the ink at a position between the upper flow path 244U and the vertical flow path 244M. Accordingly, the surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 244 can stay at a liquid level substantially equal to the front end of the fourth partition wall 254.

[0117] Also, even if the ink flows into the upper flow path 244U, for example, in the case where the amount of the ink remaining in the vertical flow path 244M is reduced, the ink flow can be suppressed by the negative pressure of the air layer 294. In this case, the surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 244 can be at a liquid level lower than the front end of the fourth partition wall 254.

[0118] Second Modified Example

[0119] In the above-described first modified example, the sixth partition wall 256 is gradually inclined rearward upward, similarly to the sixth partition wall 256 in the earlier-described embodiment. However, as another example, the sixth partition wall 256 can not necessarily be gradually inclined rearward upward as shown in the first modified example. In other words, the sixth partition wall 256 can be gradually inclined forward upward. More specifically, as the sixth partition wall 256 extends downward, the gap between the sixth partition wall 256 and the rear wall 231 can gradually decrease in the front-rear direction 8.

[0120] As shown in Figure 12 As shown in Figure 12Thus, even if air can enter the vertical flow path 244M through the upper flow path 244U, the air can not easily flow along the wall surface 256A of the sixth partition wall 256, and the air can be inhibited from advancing further to the lower flow path 244L. Thus, ink in the vertical flow path 244M or the lower flow path 244L can not be replaced by air, and a meniscus 291 can be formed between the upper flow path 244U and the vertical flow path 244M. In other words, when the amount of ink in the tank 220 in the X1 rotated attitude is the maximum storable amount, the flow path 244 can create the meniscus 291 with ink at a position between the upper flow path 244U and the vertical flow path 244M. As another example, the wall surface of the sixth partition wall 256 that bounds the portion of the vertical flow path 244M can extend along the horizontal direction in the tank 220 in the X1 rotated attitude.

[0121] More Examples

[0122] As another example, when the tank 220 is in the X1 rotated attitude, the vertical flow path 244M can not necessarily extend along the horizontal direction, as long as the vertical flow path 244M extends in a direction that includes a horizontal component, in other words, as long as the vertical flow path 244M extends in a direction that includes a vertical component when the tank 220 is in a usable attitude.

[0123] As another example, when the tank 220 is in a usable attitude, and when the tank 220 stores the maximum storable amount of ink, the surface 290 of the ink can not necessarily be at a level that is substantially equal to the first funnel portion 271, but can be at a level that is lower than the first funnel portion 271.

[0124] As another example, the flow path 244 can not necessarily be a single flow path that has the first funnel portion 271 and the second funnel portion 272 arranged in series. For example, two (2) flow paths 244 can be arranged side by side between the reservoir chamber 243 and the air communication hole 240, and the first funnel portion 271 can be arranged in one flow path 244, and the second funnel portion 272 can be arranged in the other flow path 244.

[0125] As another example, the tank 220 can be removable from the head 200. As another example, the tank 220 can be dividable into two portions: one portion having the reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 and the other portion having the sub-reservoir chamber 245; and the portion having the reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 can be removable from the head 200, while the other portion having the sub-reservoir chamber 245 can be immovably fixed to the head 200. As another example, the sub-reservoir chamber 245 can be omitted. In this arrangement, the reservoir chamber 243 and the head 200 can communicate through the hole 246 to allow the ink to flow therethrough.

[0126] As another example, the opening through which the ink can leak to the outside of the tank 220 can not necessarily be limited to the air communication hole 240. For example, the injection port 241 can be the opening through which the ink can leak.

[0127] As another example, the printer 100 can not necessarily be limited to a monochrome image recording apparatus, but can be a printer capable of recording a full-color or multi-color image on the sheet M, and the printer 100 can have the tank 220 for each of a plurality of colors of ink used in the full-color or multi-color image recording.

[0128] As another example, the liquid supply apparatus can not necessarily be limited to the printer 100, but can include a multifunction peripheral, a copier, and a facsimile machine. The multifunction peripheral can be an apparatus equipped with a plurality of functions among a printing function, a copying function, and a facsimile transmission / reception function.

[0129] As another example, the printer 100 can have a line-form print head instead of the serial-form print head 200. In the printer 100 with the line-form print head 200, the head 200 can not be conveyed in the scanning direction, for example, the width direction 9, but can be kept stationary at a position above the platen 180 at the time of discharging the ink.

[0130] As another example, the tank 220 can not necessarily be a carriage-integrated tank, but can be a so-called carriage-separate tank, which can not be mounted on the carriage 190, but can be provided separately from the carriage 190.

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, comprising: A container configured to store liquid, the container having an opening that opens to the outside of the container; A storage chamber arranged in the tank, the storage chamber being configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank; and A flow path arranged within the tank, configured to store another portion of the liquid in the tank, connects the reservoir chamber and the orifice. The flow path has a first funnel portion that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the flow path. The first funnel is located at a position equal to or above the surface of the liquid that can be stored in the can in a usable position, in which the liquid can be supplied from the can to the outside. The first funnel is configured to create a meniscus with the liquid stored in the can in an X1 rotational position, in which the can is rotated by a first angle from the usable position about a first axis extending in the horizontal direction. Wherein, when the tank storing the predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the usable position, the flow path is configured to store the other portion of the liquid.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, The flow path has a second funnel portion that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​another portion of the flow path. The second funnel portion is located in the flow path between the first funnel portion and the orifice. The second funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus for the liquid stored in the can in the X2 rotational posture, in which the can is rotated a second angle about the first axis from the X1 rotational posture.

3. The liquid supply device according to claim 2, The first funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus for the liquid stored in the tank in the X2 rotational orientation.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, The first funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus for the liquid stored in the container in a Y1 rotational orientation, in which the container rotates from the usable orientation about a second axis that intersects the first axis and extends along the horizontal direction by the first angle.

5. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, The flow path has a second funnel portion that reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​another portion of the flow path. The second funnel portion is located in the flow path between the first funnel portion and the orifice. The second funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus for the liquid stored in the can in a Y1 rotational posture, in which the can rotates from the usable posture about a second axis that intersects the first axis and extends along the horizontal direction by the first angle.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 5, The first funnel portion is configured to create a meniscus for the liquid stored in the tank in the Y1 rotational orientation.

7. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, The tank includes: A body having the form of a container with an opening, wherein the container is opened in the horizontal direction at the opening in the can being in the usable position; and The sheet that seals the opening, The storage chamber and the flow path are defined by the body and the sheet, and The first funnel portion is defined by a wall formed in the body and the sheet.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, The flow path has a portion extending in a direction including a horizontal component, and The first funnel section is located in the portion of the flow path.

9. The liquid supply device according to claim 8, in, In the can in the said usable posture, the portion of the flow path extends in a direction including a vertical component.

10. A liquid supply device, comprising: A tank configured to store liquid, the tank having a wall in which an opening is formed to the outside of the tank is formed; A storage chamber arranged in the tank, the storage chamber being configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank; and A flow path arranged within the tank, configured to store another portion of the liquid within the tank, connects the reservoir chamber and the orifice. In the X1 rotating posture, the reservoir chamber is configured to create an air layer for a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the tank. In the X1 rotating posture, the tank is rotated by an angle from a usable posture about an axis extending horizontally. In the usable posture, the liquid can be supplied from the tank to the outside. The air layer is surrounded by the surface of the liquid stored in the tank and the wall defining the reservoir chamber. The wall defining the reservoir chamber is different from the wall having the orifice therein. The negative pressure generated by the air layer maintains the surface of the liquid in the flow path at a level equal to or lower than the surface of the liquid in the reservoir chamber. Wherein, when the tank storing the predetermined maximum amount of liquid is in the usable position, the flow path is configured to store the other portion of the liquid.

11. A liquid supply device, comprising: A container configured to store liquid, the container having an opening that opens to the outside of the container; A storage chamber arranged in the tank, the storage chamber being configured to store a portion of the liquid in the tank; and A flow path arranged within the tank, configured to store another portion of the liquid in the tank, the flow path connecting the reservoir chamber and the orifice, the flow path being defined by at least a first wall and a second wall. In the X1 rotating posture of the can, one of the first wall and the second wall is located above the other of the first wall and the second wall, and in the X1 rotating posture of the can, the first wall and the second wall extend in one of two directions: a direction along the horizontal direction and a direction that slopes downward toward the flow orientation toward the storage chamber. In the X1 rotating posture, the can is rotated by an angle from a usable posture about an axis extending along the horizontal direction. In the usable posture, the liquid can be supplied from the can to the outside.

12. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, The flow path has a buffer space that can store the liquid in the tank in the X1 rotational orientation.

Images