Liquid supply equipment

Abstract

A liquid supply device is provided, which has: a reservoir portion including a reservoir chamber; and a connecting portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole. The connecting portion has a first wall and a second wall, a first buffer space and a second buffer space. In the liquid supply device in a first rotational posture, the first buffer space and the second buffer space respectively store liquid flowing on the first wall and the second wall. The hole is located at an upper position relative to the surface of a predetermined maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in a usable posture. The hole is open neither to the first buffer space nor to the second buffer space. The hole is located neither in the first wall nor in the second wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device having a reservoir chamber storing liquid and a hole for communicating with the outside. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an image recording device with a tank having a large-capacity reservoir chamber for storing ink is known. The tank may 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 device may have a cover that is openable / closable relative to the housing of the image recording device to cover or expose the cap. When the cover 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 device is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Provisional Publication No. 2016-168728. Summary of the invention

[0003] In order to make the air pressure in the reservoir chamber equal to the atmospheric pressure outside the tank, the reservoir chamber in the tank may be opened to the outside through a hole. Therefore, when the image recording apparatus is moved, tilted, or rotated while the reservoir chamber in the tank stores ink, the ink in the tank may leak to the outside through the hole. As a result, the inside of the image recording apparatus may be stained with ink.

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

[0005] According to the present disclosure, a liquid supply device is provided, which has: a reservoir portion, the reservoir portion including a reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber being configured to store liquid; and a communication portion, the communication portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole. The hole is open to the outside of the liquid supply device. The communication portion has a first wall, a second wall, a first buffer space, and a second buffer space. The distance between the first wall and the second wall in the orthogonal direction gradually increases toward the lower side of the liquid supply device in a first rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated from a usable posture around a first axis extending in a horizontal direction by a first angle, in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside. In the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the orthogonal direction intersects orthogonally with the first axis and the vertical direction. The first buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing on the first wall in the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture. The second buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing on the second wall in the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture. The hole is located at an upper position relative to a surface of a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture. The hole is open neither to the first buffer space nor to the second buffer space. The hole is located neither in the first wall nor in the second wall.

[0006] Optionally, in the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture, the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the first wall and the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the second wall can be consistent with one of the direction along the horizontal direction and the downward orientation.

[0007] Optionally, the connecting portion may further have a third buffer space defined by at least a portion of the wall defining the second buffer space, and in a second rotational posture in which the liquid supply device is rotated from the first rotational posture around the first axis by a second angle, the third buffer space may be configured to store the liquid flowing from the second buffer space.

[0008] Optionally, in the liquid supply device in the second rotational posture, the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the first wall and the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the second wall can be consistent with one of the direction along the horizontal direction and the downward orientation.

[0009] Alternatively, in the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture, the volume of the liquid that can be stored in the second buffer space may be smaller than or equal to the volume of the liquid that can be stored in the first buffer space.

[0010] Alternatively, the reservoir portion may have a flow path connecting the reservoir chamber and the communication portion. In the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device may be partially located in the flow path, and a third wall may be arranged in the flow path, the third wall reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

[0011] Optionally, a fourth wall may be arranged in the flow path between the third wall and the reservoir portion, the fourth wall reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, and an inner surface defining the flow path to which the third wall at least partially extends and an inner surface defining the flow path to which the fourth wall at least partially extends may be different.

[0012] Alternatively, the opening of the flow path to the reservoir chamber may be defined by one end of an upper wall and one end of a lower wall. The upper wall and the lower wall may be separated in the vertical direction in the liquid supply device in the usable posture. The one end of the upper wall may be located at a position offset from the one end of the lower wall in the orientation of the flow in the flow path toward the communication portion.

[0013] Alternatively, the flow path may have a tapered portion in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path gradually decreases toward the communication portion. In the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber may be located in the tapered portion.

[0014] Alternatively, the reservoir portion may have an injection port configured to inject the liquid into the reservoir chamber through the injection port, and the injection port may be different from the hole.

[0015] Alternatively, the communication portion may have a labyrinth path continuous with the hole.

[0016] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid supply device, which has: a reservoir portion, the reservoir portion including a reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber being configured to store liquid; and a communication portion, the communication portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole. The hole is open to the outside of the liquid supply device. The communication portion has a first buffer space and a second buffer space. The first buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing from the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in a first rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated from a usable posture by a first angle around an axis extending in a horizontal direction, in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside. The second buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing from the first buffer space in the liquid supply device in a second rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated from the first rotational posture by a second angle around the axis. The hole is located at an upper position relative to the surface of a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture. The hole opens neither to the first buffer space nor to the second buffer space.

[0017] Moreover, according to the present disclosure, a liquid supply device is provided, which has a reservoir portion and a communication portion. The reservoir portion has a reservoir chamber and an injection port, in which liquid can be stored, and the injection port is configured to inject the liquid into the reservoir chamber through the injection port. The communication portion connects the reservoir chamber and a hole. The hole is open to the outside of the liquid supply device. The communication portion has a buffer space, and the buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing from the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in a rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated from a usable posture around an axis extending in a horizontal direction by an angle, in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside. The hole is located at an upper position relative to the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture. The hole is not open to the buffer space.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printer 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2is a vertical sectional view illustrating the internal structure of the printer 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [ 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 the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 is a right side view of the tank 220 in a usable posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 2 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a usable posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in a usable posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 is another perspective view of the body 222 of the canister 220 in a usable posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 2 is a right side view of the body 222 of the can 220 in the X1 rotation posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in the X2 rotation posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 is a right side view of the body 222 of the tank 220 in the X3 rotation posture according to this embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a body 222 of a tank 220 according to a modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] [ Fig.12 ] Fig.12 is Fig.11 0 is a perspective view of the body 222 of the tank 220 according to this modification of this embodiment of the present disclosure, observed at the section XII-XII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In the following paragraphs, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. Note that various connections may be set forth between elements in the following description. These connections may generally and unless otherwise specified be direct or indirect, and this specification is not intended to be limiting in this regard.

[0032] In the following description, the directivity indicated by the pointing arrow from the base of the handle toward the pointing head will be expressed by the term "orientation", and the movability back and forth along the line extending through the handle and the pointing head through the arrow will be expressed by the term "direction". Moreover, the printer 100 will be described based on the posture under normal usable conditions as shown by Figure 1 The bidirectional arrows in FIG. 1 indicate the positional relationship within the printer 100 and each part or article included in the printer 100. For example, in Figure 1 The vertical axis between the upper side and the lower side in the printer 100 is defined as the up-down direction 7. The side where the opening 330 is formed is defined as the front side 320, and the axis between the front side and the rear side opposite to the front side is defined as the front-back direction 8. The right-hand side and the left-hand side of the user facing the front side 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-back direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 intersect each other orthogonally. When the printer 100 is set under this normally usable condition, the up-down direction 7 is consistent with the vertical direction. In the following description, the up-down direction 7 and the left-right direction 9 may be referred to as the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9, respectively.

[0033] Overall Configuration of Printer 100

[0034] As an example of a liquid supply device, Figure 1 The printer 100 shown in FIG. 1 can record on a sheet M (see FIG. 1 ) by an inkjet recording method. Figure 2 ) is recorded in a single color, for example, black, on the sheet material M. The sheet material M may be a sheet material, for example, paper or an OHP film. However, it may be noted that the method of recording an image on the sheet material M may not necessarily be limited to inkjet recording, but may be a different recording method such as, for example, thermal inkjet recording, which is also referred to as bubble jet (registered trademark) recording.

[0035] The printer 100 has a housing 300 , a cover 400 , and a user interface (UI) 500 .

[0036] Shell 300

[0037] The housing 300 may have a generally rectangular cuboid shape. Figure 2As shown in , the housing 300 has an opening 310 at its upper end. In other words, the housing 300 is open upward at its upper end. The opening 310 can be closed by the cover 400. The cover 400 can pivot about an axis 410 located at the upper end of the rear face 340 of the housing 300. As shown in Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 3 , the UI 500 is disposed on the front face 320 of the housing 300. The UI 500 may include a display and operation buttons that can be operated by a user.

[0038] Internal Structure of Printer 100

[0039] As in Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the printer 100 has a feeder tray 110, an ejection tray 120, a feeder 130, an outer guide 140, an inner guide 150, a conveyor roller pair 160, an ejection roller pair 170, a platen 180, a slide 190, a head 200, a conveyor 210 and a tank 220, which are housed in a housing 300.

[0040] Feeder tray 110

[0041] As in Figure 1 As shown in , the feeder tray 110 can be inserted into the housing 300 through the opening 330. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the bottom 111 of the feeder tray 110 , one or more sheets M can be stacked in the vertical direction 7 . The guide member 112 extends rearward and upward from the rear end of the bottom 111 , and the extending end of the guide member 112 is located below the lower end of the outer guide 140 .

[0042] Discharge tray 120

[0043] In the housing 300, at a position above the feeder tray 110, a sheet outlet 370 is formed. Through the sheet outlet 370, the sheet M on which the image is recorded by the printer 100 through the liquid discharge action can be discharged. The sheet M on which the image is recorded can be referred to as a printed material M. The discharge tray 120 is arranged at a front lower position relative to the sheet outlet 370. The discharge tray 120 can support the printed material M.

[0044] Feeder 130

[0045] The feeder 130 includes a shaft 131 , a feeder arm 132 , a feeder roller 133 , and a driving force transmission member 134 .

[0046] 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 by the shaft 131 at its base end. The feeder arm 132 can pivot in the circumferential direction 3B of the axis of the shaft 131. The feeder arm 132 extends rearward and downward from the base end. The feeder roller 133 is attached to the distal end of the feeder arm 132. The feeder roller 133 can rotate in the circumferential direction 3C of the shaft 135 parallel to the shaft 131. The driving force transmission assembly 134 may include a gear train and a drive belt, and may be arranged inside the feeder arm 132.

[0047] The feeder roller 133 may contact the uppermost sheet M among the sheets M stacked on the bottom 111 of the feeder tray 110. The driving force transmission member 134 may transmit a force generated by a motor not shown to the feeder roller 133. The feeder roller 133 may rotate by the transmitted force and apply a backward conveying force to the uppermost sheet M. Thus, the uppermost sheet M may be conveyed backward on the bottom 111 and guided to the conveyor path P through the sheet entrance P0 by the inclined surface of the guide member 112.

[0048] Conveyor Path P

[0049] As in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , inside the housing 300, a conveyor path P for conveying the sheet M is formed. The sheet inlet P0 forms the upstream end of the conveyor path P and is located just 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 P1 and a straight path P2. The curved path P1 is defined by the outer guide 140 and the inner guide 150 and is curved substantially forward and upward from the sheet inlet P0. The straight path P2 extends substantially straight forward from the downstream end of the curved path P1 to the sheet outlet 370.

[0050] Conveyor roller pair 160

[0051] As in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the conveyor roller pair 160 includes a driving roller 161 and a pinch roller 162. The driving roller 161 and the pinch roller 162 are arranged to contact each other in the vertical direction 7 across the downstream end of the curved path P1 and extend in the width direction 9 along the downstream end of the curved path P1.

[0052] The driving 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 driving roller 161. The driving roller 161 and the pinch roller 162 can pinch the sheet M and rotate to convey the sheet M in the conveying orientation 4, for example, forward. Thus, the sheet M can be conveyed downstream in the straight path P2.

[0053] Discharge roller pair 170

[0054] As in Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the discharge roller pair 170 includes a drive roller 171 and a gear roller 172. The drive roller 171 and the gear roller 172 are arranged to contact each other in the vertical direction 7 across the straight path P2 between the platen 180 and the sheet outlet 370 in the straight path P2, and extend in the width direction 9 along the straight path P2.

[0055] The driving roller 171 may be rotated by a force generated in a motor not shown. The toothed roller 172 may be rotated by the rotation of the driving roller 171. The driving roller 171 and the toothed roller 172 may nip the sheet M and rotate to further convey the sheet M downstream in the conveying orientation 4. Thus, the sheet M may be discharged to the outside through the sheet outlet 370.

[0056] Platen 180

[0057] The pressing plate 180 is located between the conveyor roller pair 160 and the discharge roller pair 170 in the front-rear direction 8. The pressing plate 180 has a supporting surface 181 extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the width direction 9. The supporting surface 181 defines the lowermost portion of the straight path P2 and can support the sheet M from below. The supporting surface 181 may be formed by the upper end surfaces of a plurality of ribs that protrude upward from the pressing plate 180 and extend longitudinally in the front-rear direction 8. However, alternatively, the supporting surface 181 may be a flat upper surface of the pressing plate 180.

[0058] Slide 190

[0059] The printer 100 further has guide rails 191A, 191B arranged inside the housing 300. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide rails 191A, 191B are located at a higher position than the support surface 181 and are supported by a frame not shown. Figure 3 In the top plan view, as shown in Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , the guide rails 191A, 191B are arranged to be spaced apart in the front-rear direction 8 and to extend longitudinally in the width direction 9 . The support surface 181 of the pressing plate 180 is located between the guide rails 191A, 191B in the front-rear direction 8 .

[0060] As in Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the carriage 190 is located between the guide rails 191A and 191B and is supported by the guide rails 191A and 191B. The carriage 190 can be moved on the guide rails 191A and 191B by the force transmitted through the conveyor 210 to reciprocate in the width direction 9 .

[0061] Transmitter 210

[0062] As in Figure 3As shown in , 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 the guide rail 191A. Each pulley 211 can rotate in the circumferential direction of its axis extending along the vertical direction 7. The endless belt 212 is tightened around the pulleys 211 and is connected to the carriage 190. The pulley 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.

[0063] Head 200

[0064] As in Figure 2 , the head 200 is mounted on the carriage 190. A plurality of nozzles 203 are formed to be arranged along the front-rear direction 8 on the lower face 201 of the head 200. The lower face 201 of the head 200 faces downward toward the support surface 181 of the platen 180. The head 200 accommodates piezoelectric devices (not shown) corresponding to the nozzles 203 on a one-to-one basis. A drive waveform modulated for each piezoelectric device may be applied to the piezoelectric device, and thereby the head 200 may discharge and consume ink stored in the head 200 through the nozzles 203 in the discharge orientation 7D, i.e., downward.

[0065] While the carriage 190 moves unidirectionally, i.e., leftward or rightward, in one pass, the head 200 may move over the support surface 181 of the platen 180. The head 200 moving along with the carriage 190 may discharge ink through the nozzles 203 to record a line of images on the sheet M in the pass.

[0066] Tank 220

[0067] As in Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tank 220 is mounted on the carriage 190 together with the head 200. The tank 220 is located at a higher position than the head 200, and is connected to the head 200 so that the tank 220 cannot be easily detached from the head 200. The tank 220 may be a so-called carriage-integrated tank that can be attached to the housing 300 by being mounted on the carriage 190.

[0068] The tank 220 may store ink as an example of a liquid therein. The color of the ink may be, for example, black. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the ink in the tank 220 may flow through the outflow port 242 and may be supplied to the head 200 .

[0069] As in Figure 4As shown in , 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 substantially lower than the center of the tank 220 in the vertical direction 7. The shape of the through hole 221 is not limited. Moreover, the upper and lower corners on the front side of the tank 220 are recessed inward to form a step, but the shape of the recess is not limited.

[0070] The tank 220 includes a body 222 and a sheet 223. Figure 6 As shown in , the body 222 has the form of a container that opens to the right at the opening 224. Figure 4 As shown in , the sheet 223 closes the opening 224 of the body 222. The body 222 and the sheet 223 may be made of, for example, synthetic resin. The sheet 223 may be welded or bonded to the edge of the opening 224 of the body 222 to seal the opening 224 liquid-tightly.

[0071] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , the body 222 has a front wall 230, a rear wall 231 (an example of a first wall), 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.

[0072] The upper end of the front wall 230 is continuous with the front end of the upper wall 233. The lower end of the front wall 230 is continuous with the front end of the auxiliary 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 left ends of the front wall 230, the rear wall 231, the upper wall 233, the auxiliary upper wall 234, the lower wall 235 and the auxiliary lower wall 236 are continuous with the left side wall 232.

[0073] The upper wall 233 and the auxiliary 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 auxiliary upper wall 234 are connected by an upper stepped wall 237. The lower end of the upper stepped wall 237 is positioned lower than the auxiliary upper wall 234. The lower wall 235 and the auxiliary 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 auxiliary lower wall 236 are connected by a lower stepped wall 238. The left ends of the upper stepped wall 237 and the lower stepped wall 238 are continuous with the left side wall 232.

[0074] In the upper wall 233, an air communication hole 240 as an example of a hole 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 are communicated 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.

[0075] In the secondary upper wall 234, an injection port 241 as an example of an injection port is formed. The injection port 241 is formed through the secondary 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 stopper or a cap.

[0076] In the rear wall 231, at a lower position near the lower end of the rear wall 231, an outflow port 242 is formed. 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. The ink stored in the sub-reservoir chamber 245 can flow outward through the outflow port 242. Although not shown in the drawings, the outflow port 242 can be connected to 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 the ink can flow through the flow path to reach the head 200.

[0077] The body 222 of the tank 220 may be mainly formed of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent resin. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the surface level of the ink stored in the tank 220. Figure 7 , the front wall 230 has thereon an upper indicator 225 and a lower indicator 226. The upper indicator 225 may indicate the surface level of the ink when the maximum storable amount of ink is stored in the tank 220. The lower indicator 226 may indicate the surface level of the ink when the amount of ink stored in the tank 220 is low and the tank 220 should be refilled with ink.

[0078] Internal structure of tank 220

[0079] As in Figure 5-7As shown in, inside the tank 220, a reservoir chamber 243, a flow path 244, a sub-reservoir chamber 245 and a communication portion 247 are formed. Ink can be stored in the reservoir chamber 243, the flow path 244 and the sub-reservoir chamber 245, and can flow through the reservoir chamber 243, the flow path 244 and the sub-reservoir chamber 245. In the internal space in the tank 220 defined by the body 222 and the sheet 223, the reservoir chamber 243, the flow path 244, the sub-reservoir chamber 245 and the communication portion 247 are defined by the dividing walls 251-256 that will be further described below. The reservoir chamber 243 and the communication portion 247 are continuous to allow ink to flow between the reservoir chamber 243 and the communication portion 247. The reservoir chamber 243 and the sub-reservoir chamber 245 are continuous to allow ink to flow between the reservoir chamber 243 and the sub-reservoir chamber 245. In other words, the reservoir chamber 243, the flow path 244, the sub-reservoir chamber 245, and the communication portion 247 are not independent spaces, but are partitioned to be partially continuous with each other. The flow path 244 and the communication portion 247 continuously connect the reservoir chamber 243 and the air communication hole 240. The reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 are examples of a reservoir portion.

[0080] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , between the lower step wall 238 and the rear wall 231, the first dividing wall 251 extends along the front-to-back direction 8. The front end of the first dividing wall 251 is continuous with the upper end of the lower step 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. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the first dividing wall 251. The front portion of the first dividing wall 251 defines the reservoir chamber 243 and the auxiliary reservoir chamber 245. The rear portion of the first dividing wall 251 defines the auxiliary reservoir chamber 245 and the through hole 221. In the front portion of the first dividing wall 251, a hole 246 is formed in the vertical direction 7. Through the hole 246, ink and air can flow between the reservoir chamber 243 and the auxiliary reservoir chamber 245.

[0081] As in Figure 5-7As shown in , between the front wall 230 and the rear wall 231, the second dividing wall 252 extends along the front-to-back direction 8. The second dividing wall 252 is positioned to be spaced apart from the top of the first dividing wall 251. The upper surface of the rear portion of the second dividing wall 252 is tilted backward to gradually become higher. The front end 252A of the second dividing wall 252 is separated from the front wall 230 in the front-to-back 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. The 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 auxiliary lower wall 236. The front portion of the second dividing wall 252 and the auxiliary lower wall 236 form a space extending from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246.

[0082] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in the figure, between the first dividing wall 251 and the second dividing wall 252, the third dividing wall 253 extends along the vertical direction 7. The third dividing wall 253 is located at the rear relative to the hole 246. The upper end of the third dividing wall 253 is continuous with the second dividing wall 252. The lower end of the third dividing wall 253 is continuous with the first dividing wall 251. The left end of the third dividing wall 253 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the third dividing wall 253. The third dividing wall 253 defines a space continuous from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246 and the through hole 221.

[0083] As in Figure 5-7As shown in , between the front wall 230 and the rear wall 231, the fourth partition wall 254 extends along the front-to-back direction 8. The fourth partition wall 254 is positioned to be spaced apart from the top of the second partition wall 252. The fourth partition wall 254 is tilted backward to gradually become higher. The front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 is separated from the front wall 230 in the front-to-back direction 8. The rear end of the fourth partition wall 254 is separated from the rear wall 231 in the front-to-back direction 8. The left end of the fourth partition wall 254 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the fourth partition wall 254. The fourth partition wall 254 defines a portion of the flow path 244. The front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 as an example of one end of the upper wall is located substantially rearward relative to the front end 252A of the second partition wall 252 as an example of one end of the lower wall. In other words, the front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 is at a position offset from the front end 252A of the second partition wall 252 in the orientation of the flow toward the communication portion 247 in the flow path 244. The second partition wall 252 and the fourth partition wall 254 define a lower flow path 244L, which forms a part of the flow path 244. The lower flow path 244L is a flow path extending rearward from the front lower area in the reservoir chamber 243, and the front end 252A of the second partition wall 252 and the front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 form an opening of the lower flow path 244L to the reservoir chamber 243. The fourth partition wall 254 defines the lower flow path 244L and the reservoir chamber 243.

[0084] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , between the upper step wall 237 and the rear wall 231, the fifth dividing wall 255 as an example of the second wall extends along the front-to-back direction 8. The fifth dividing wall 255 is positioned to be spaced apart from the top of the fourth dividing wall 254. The fifth dividing wall 255 is tilted backward to gradually become lower. The front end of the fifth dividing wall 255 is continuous with the lower end of the upper step wall 237. The rear end of the fifth dividing wall 255 is separated from the rear wall 231 in the front-to-back direction 8. The left end of the fifth dividing wall 255 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the fifth dividing wall 255. The fifth dividing wall 255, the upper wall 233, the upper step wall 237 and the rear wall 231 define a communication portion 247. The communication portion 247 is a flow path located above the reservoir chamber 243 and continuous with the air communication hole 240. The fifth partition wall 255 and the upper step wall 237 define the communication portion 247 and the reservoir chamber 243 .

[0085] As in Figure 5-7As shown in , between the fourth dividing wall 254 and the fifth dividing wall 255, the sixth dividing wall 256 extends along the vertical direction 7. As the sixth dividing wall 256 extends upward, the sixth dividing wall 256 gradually tilts backward. In other words, as the sixth dividing wall 256 extends upward, the distance between the sixth dividing wall 256 and the rear wall 231 decreases. Accordingly, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path 244 along the front-to-back direction 8 and the width direction 9 is reduced to become smaller toward the connecting portion 247. The upper end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with the rear end of the fifth dividing wall 255. The lower end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with the rear end of the fourth dividing wall 254. The left end of the sixth dividing wall 256 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the sixth dividing wall 256. The sixth dividing wall 256 defines a portion of the flow path 244. The sixth partition wall 256 and a portion of the rear wall 231 define a vertical flow path 244M as an example of a tapered portion, which forms another portion of the flow path 244. The vertical flow path 244M is a flow path connecting the lower flow path 244L and the communication portion 247. The sixth partition wall 256 defines the vertical flow path 244M and the reservoir chamber 243.

[0086] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , between the sixth partition wall 256 and the rear wall 231, the first partition wall 261 as an example of the third wall extends along the front-to-rear direction 8. The first partition wall 261 is located in the upper region in the vertical flow path 244M. The front end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the sixth partition wall 256. The rear end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the rear wall 231. The left end of the first partition wall 261 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The right end of the first partition wall 261 is located on the left relative to the right end of the sixth partition wall 256 and the right end of the rear wall 231. The sheet 223 is not attached to the right end of the first partition wall 261. Therefore, a gap is created between the right 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 defined by the first partition wall 261, the sixth partition 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 the cross-sectional area of ​​the first funnel portion 271 along the front-to-back direction 8 and the width direction 9 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vertical flow path 244M along the front-to-back direction 8 and the width direction 9 (except for the portion of the vertical flow path 244M occupied by the first funnel portion 271).

[0087] As in Figure 5-7As shown in , between the fifth partition wall 255 and the upper wall 233, the second partition wall 262 extends along the vertical direction 7. The second partition wall 262 is located in the rear area in the communication portion 247 and is located at a rear position relative to the air communication hole 240. As the second partition wall 262 extends downward, the second partition wall 262 tilts backward. 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. The 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 as an example of a first buffer space.

[0088] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , between the second partition wall 262 and the upper step wall 237, the third partition wall 263 extends along the front-to-back direction 8. 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 as to become lower as the third partition wall 263 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 step wall 237 in the front-to-back direction 8. The left end of the third partition wall 263 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The 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 extending forward from the first buffer chamber 281.

[0089] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in, between the third partition wall 263 and the upper wall 233, the fourth partition wall 264 extends along the vertical direction 7. The fourth partition wall 264 is located in the front area in the communication portion 247, and is located at a front position relative to the air communication hole 240. As the fourth partition wall 264 extends downward, the fourth partition wall 264 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. The 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. The second funnel portion 272 is located between the first funnel portion 271 and the air communication hole 240 in the flow path 244.

[0090] The second funnel portion 272 is defined 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 communication portion 247, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second funnel portion 272 along the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication portion 247 (except at the portion of the communication portion 247 occupied by the second funnel portion 272) along the vertical direction 7 and the width direction 9. The space defined by the fourth partition wall 264, the third partition wall 263, and the upper step wall 237 forms a second buffer chamber 282 as an example of a second buffer space.

[0091] In the tank 220 in the X2 rotational posture, which will be further described below, the volume of ink that can be stored in the second buffer chamber 282 is equal to or less than the volume of ink that can be stored in the first buffer chamber 281. In the tank 220 in the X2 rotational posture, the first buffer chamber 281 can store ink until the point where the surface of the ink reaches the upper end of the second partition wall 262. In the tank 220 in the X2 rotational posture, the second buffer chamber 282 can store ink until the point where the surface of the ink reaches the third partition wall 263.

[0092] As in Figure 5-7 As shown in , between the second partition wall 262 and the fourth partition wall 264, the fifth partition wall 265 extends along the front-to-back direction 8. The 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 so as to become lower as the fifth partition wall 265 extends backward. 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-to-back direction 8. The rear end of the fifth partition wall 265 is located rearward relative to the air communication hole 240. The left end of the fifth partition wall 265 is continuous with the left side wall 232. The sheet 223 is attached to the right end of the fifth partition wall 265. The space defined by the fifth partition wall 265, the third partition wall 263 and the fourth partition wall 264 forms a third buffer chamber 283 as an example of a third buffer space.

[0093] Rotation of tank 220

[0094] Figure 5 The body 222 of the tank 220 in the usable posture storing the maximum storable amount of ink 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 location, and while being moved, the printer 100 may be rotated from the usable posture. Accordingly, the tank 220 may be rotated. In the following paragraphs, the behavior of the ink when the tank 220 is rotated will be described.

[0095] As in Figure 5 As shown in , when the tank 220 is in a usable posture 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.

[0096] Ink can be injected into the tank 220 through the injection port 241. While the ink is being injected, the air in the reservoir chamber 243 can flow out through the injection port 241. When the surface of the ink in the reservoir chamber 243 reaches the upper index 225, the injection of the ink ends, and the injection port 241 can be sealed by, for example, a rubber stopper. Therefore, the reservoir chamber 243 is not open to the outside atmosphere.

[0097] The ink entering the reservoir chamber 243 may flow into the sub-reservoir chamber 245 through the hole 246. As the ink flows in the sub-reservoir chamber 245, the air in the sub-reservoir chamber 245 may flow into the reservoir chamber 243. Therefore, when the tank 220 stores the maximum storable amount of ink, the sub-reservoir chamber 245 is filled with ink.

[0098] The ink entering the reservoir chamber 243 may also flow to the flow path 244. As the ink flows in the flow path 244, the air in the flow path 244 may flow to the outside of the tank 220 through the air communication hole 240. At the end of the injection of the ink, the injection port 241 is opened; therefore, both the reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 are at atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the surface of the ink in the reservoir 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 reservoir chamber 243 is substantially at the same position as the first funnel 271 in the vertical flow path 244M. When the tank 220 is in a usable posture, the air communication hole 240 is located at a position higher than the surface 290 of the ink. At the same time, the air communication hole 240 is neither opened to the first buffer chamber 281 nor to the second buffer chamber 2. Furthermore, the air communication hole 240 is located neither in the rear wall 231 nor in the fifth partition wall 255 .

[0099] Figure 8 The can 220 is shown in an X1 rotational posture in which the can 220 is rotated from Figure 5The usable posture shown in is rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis as an example of the first axis and the axis extending along the width direction 9. When the tank 220 storing the maximum storable amount of ink is in the X1 rotation posture, the surface 290 of the ink in the reservoir chamber 243 is at a position substantially equal to the front end 254A or the upper end of the fourth dividing wall 254 when the tank 220 is in the X1 rotation posture. The surface of the ink staying in the space extending from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246 is at a liquid level substantially equal to the front end 252A or the upper end of the second dividing wall 252 when the tank 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 end 254A or the upper end of the fourth dividing wall 254 when the tank 220 is in the X1 rotation posture.

[0100] When the tank 220 is in the X1 rotation posture, the lower flow path 244L extends substantially vertically, and the vertical flow path 244M extends substantially horizontally. In the flow path 244, the communication portion 247 is opened to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240; therefore, the ink in the vertical flow path 244M may tend to flow toward the communication portion 247 by the dead weight of the ink. However, the ink may form a meniscus 291 in the first funnel portion 271, and due to the effect of the surface tension of the meniscus 291, the ink may be suppressed from flowing from the vertical flow path 244M to the communication portion 247. In other words, when the amount of ink in the tank 220 in the X1 rotation posture is the maximum storable amount, the first funnel portion 271 may create a meniscus 291 with the ink. Accordingly, the ink in the vertical flow path 244M or the lower flow path 244L may not be replaced by air, and the surface 290 of the ink in the flow path 244 may stay at a level substantially equal to the front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 .

[0101] Fig. 9 The can 220 is shown in an X2 rotational posture as an example of the first rotational posture and the rotational posture in which the can 220 is rotated from Figure 8 The X1 rotational posture shown in the figure is rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis extending along the width direction 9, that is, 180 degrees clockwise from the usable posture as an example of the first angle and the angle. When the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture, the ink flowing toward the air communication hole 240 on the surface of the rear wall 231 facing the inside of the body 222 is as shown by Fig. 9 Furthermore, when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture, the ink flowing toward the air communication hole 240 on the surface of the fifth partition wall 255 facing the communication portion 247 is as shown by Fig. 9 The arrows in the figure point diagonally downward (e.g. Fig. 9244 is oriented downwardly (toward the right lower in the tank 220), which is an example of a downward orientation. When the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture, the surface 290 of the ink in the reservoir chamber 243 is close to the rear end or lower end of the fourth partition wall 254 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture. The ink that stayed in the space extending from the reservoir chamber 243 to the hole 246 in the earlier posture flows downward to a position lower than the second partition wall 252. The surface 292 of the ink in the flow path 244 is at a liquid level substantially equal to the lower end of the fourth partition wall 264 or the upper end of the fourth partition wall 264 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture.

[0102] In the flow path 244, the communication portion 247 is open to the outside atmosphere through the air communication hole 240; therefore, the ink may tend to flow toward the communication portion 247 by the ink's own weight. Therefore, the meniscus 291 formed by the ink in the first funnel portion 271 may be broken, and the ink may flow to the communication portion 247 from the lower flow path 244L and the vertical flow path 244M.

[0103] When the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture, the distance between the rear wall 231 and the fifth dividing wall 255 in the front-rear direction 8 as an example of an orthogonal direction gradually increases toward the lower side (e.g., toward the upper wall 233). The ink flowing from the vertical flow path 244M may creep along the corner between the rear wall 231 and the left side wall 232 and along the corner between the rear wall 231 and the sheet 223. Moreover, the ink flowing from the vertical flow path 244M may creep along the corner between the fifth dividing wall 255 and the left side wall 232 and along the corner between the fifth dividing wall 255 and the sheet 223. The ink that creeps to flow downward along the corner between the rear wall 231 and the left side wall 232 and along the corner between the rear wall 231 and the sheet 223 may be stored in the first buffer chamber 281. The ink that creeps to flow downward along the corner between the fifth partition wall 255 and the left side wall 232 and along the corner between the fifth partition wall 255 and the sheet 223 may be stored in the second buffer chamber 282. The ink overflowing from the first buffer chamber 281 may flow on the third partition wall 263 and may be stored in the second buffer chamber 282.

[0104] The communication portion 247 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 rises to a liquid level higher than the second funnel portion 272, the ink may tend to flow from the second buffer chamber 282 toward the air communication hole 240. However, the ink may form a meniscus 293 in the second funnel portion 272, and due to the effect of the surface tension of the meniscus 293, the ink may be suppressed from flowing from the second buffer chamber 282 to the air communication hole 240. In other words, when the amount of ink in the tank 220 in the X2 rotation posture is the maximum storable amount, the second funnel portion 272 may create a meniscus 293 with the ink. Accordingly, the ink in the second buffer chamber 282 may not be replaced by air, and the surface 292 of the ink in the flow path 244 may stay at a liquid level substantially equal to the lower end of the fourth partition wall 264. Moreover, when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotation posture, the amount of ink remaining in the vertical flow path 244M may be reduced, and the ink may form the meniscus 291 again in the first funnel portion 271. Furthermore, even when the meniscus 293 is broken, the ink may flow from the second buffer chamber 282 to the third buffer chamber 283 through the second funnel portion 272; however, the ink flowing from the second buffer chamber 282 may be stored in the third buffer chamber 283 without flowing to the outside of the tank 220 through the air communication hole 240.

[0105] Fig.10 The can 220 is shown in an X3 rotational posture as an example of the second rotational posture, in which the can 220 is rotated from Fig. 9 The X2 rotation posture shown in is rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis extending along the width direction 9, that is, 270 degrees clockwise from the usable posture as an example of the second angle. The previous downward orientation of the ink flowing toward the air communication hole 240 on the surface of the rear wall 231 facing the inside of the body 222 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotation posture is consistent with the horizontal direction when the tank 220 is in the X3 rotation posture. The previous oblique downward orientation of the ink flowing toward the air communication hole 240 on the surface facing the connecting portion 247 of the fifth dividing wall 255 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotation posture is consistent with the oblique downward orientation as an example of the downward orientation when the tank 220 is in the X3 rotation posture (for example Fig.10 oriented downward to the left).

[0106] When the tank 220 is in the X3 rotation posture, the surface 290 of the ink in the reservoir chamber 243 may be located at a middle position within the fourth partition wall 254. A portion of the ink in the sub-reservoir chamber 245 may be exchanged with the air in the reservoir chamber 243 through the hole 246. The surface 290 of the ink staying between the first partition wall 251 and the second partition wall 252 is at the liquid level of the lower end of the second partition wall 252 or the front end 254A of the second partition wall 252 when the tank 220 is in the usable posture. The surface of the ink in the sub-reservoir chamber 245 and the flow path 244 is located at a liquid level that is lowered by the amount of the portion of the ink flowing into the reservoir chamber 243.

[0107] The connecting portion 247 is open to the outside atmosphere through the air connecting hole 240. Therefore, the ink may tend to flow from the first buffer chamber 281 toward the second buffer chamber 282 by the dead weight of the ink. However, while the ink enters the second buffer chamber 282, the air in the third buffer chamber 283 may not move further downward than the second funnel portion 272. Therefore, the ink in the second buffer chamber 282 may maintain the meniscus 293. In other words, the ink may not enter the third buffer chamber 283 from the second buffer chamber 282. As a result, the surface of the ink in the connecting portion 247 stays in the first buffer chamber 281.

[0108] When the tank 220 is rotated from the X3 rotation posture to return to the usable posture, the ink in the first buffer chamber 281 can drop by the gravity effect and flow downward on the fifth partition wall 255 to the flow path 244. The ink stored between the third partition wall 263 and the fifth partition wall 255 can drop by the gravity effect and flow downward on the fifth partition wall 255 to the flow path 244. The ink in the second buffer chamber 282 can drop by the gravity effect and flow downward on the fifth partition wall 255 to the flow path 244. Therefore, the ink in the tank 220 can return to the usable posture. Figure 5 The status shown in .

[0109] benefit

[0110] According to the embodiment described above, when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotation posture, the ink flowing downward on the rear wall 231 may be stored in the first buffer chamber 281, and the ink flowing downward on the fifth partition wall 255 may be stored in the second buffer chamber 282. The air communication hole 240 is neither open to the first buffer chamber 281 nor to the second buffer chamber 282. Moreover, the air communication hole 240 is neither located in the rear wall 231 nor in the fifth partition wall 255. Therefore, the ink may not leak to the outside through the air communication hole 240 from the tank 220 in the X2 rotation posture. Moreover, in the tank 220 in the X2 rotation posture, the third buffer chamber 283 may store ink; therefore, the ink may be more effectively suppressed from leaking to the outside through the air communication hole 240.

[0111] Also, in the tank 220 in the X2 rotational posture, the volume of ink storable in the second buffer chamber 282 may be less than or equal to the volume of ink storable in the first buffer chamber 281. Therefore, the volume of the communication portion 247 may be reducible.

[0112] Also, the first funnel portion 271 may prevent ink from excessively or too quickly flowing from the flow path 244 to the communication portion 247 .

[0113] Moreover, in the tank 220 in the usable posture, the front end 254A of the fourth partition wall 254 can be offset from the front end 252A of the second partition wall 252 in the orientation of the flow toward the communication portion 247. Therefore, the air from the flow path 244 entering the reservoir chamber 243 can easily rise to the surface without being trapped.

[0114] Moreover, in the tank 220 in the usable posture, the surface 290 of the ink can be located in the vertical flow path 244M which is narrower at a higher position and wider at a lower position. Therefore, the area size of the surface 290 of the ink in the vertical flow path 244M can be gradually reduced as the surface 290 is closer to the air communication hole 240, and the evaporation of the ink can be suppressed.

[0115] More Examples

[0116] Although examples of implementing the present invention have been described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many variations and permutations of the liquid supply device that fall within the scope of the present invention 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 specified features or actions described above. On the contrary, the specified features and actions described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. At the same time, the terms used to represent the components in the above embodiments may not necessarily be identically consistent with the terms recited in the appended claims, but the terms used in the above embodiments may be regarded only as examples of the subject matter claimed for protection. Modifications of this embodiment will be described below.

[0117] For example, the body 222 of the can 220 may not necessarily have the left side wall 232. In other words, the body 222 may have one opening each on the right side and the left side, and the sheet 223 may be attached to each of the right and left ends of the body 222. If the body 222 has openings on both the right and left sides, as in Figure 11-12 As shown in FIG. 2 , a sixth partition wall 266 as an example of a fourth wall may be disposed in the vertical flow path 244M.

[0118] In particular, as in Figure 11-12As shown in, the sixth partition wall 266 can be arranged to extend along the front-rear direction 8 between the sixth partition wall 256 and the rear wall 231 at a position below the first partition wall 261. The sixth partition wall 266 can be located in the lower area in the vertical flow path 244M. The front end of the sixth partition wall 266 is continuous with the sixth partition wall 256. The rear end of the sixth partition wall 266 is continuous with the rear wall 231. The sheet 223 on the right side is attached to the right end of the sixth partition wall 266. The left end of the sixth partition wall 266 is located on the right relative to the left end of the sixth partition wall 256 and the left end of the rear wall 231. In other words, the sheet 223 is not attached to the left end of the sixth partition wall 266. Therefore, a gap is created between the left end of the sixth partition wall 266 and the sheet 223 on the left side of the body 222. This gap forms the third funnel portion 273. The third funnel portion 273 is defined by the sixth partition wall 266, the sixth dividing wall 256, the rear wall 231 and the sheet 223 on the left. The fifth partition wall 265 forming a part of the third funnel portion 273 is continuous with the sheet 223 on the left, and the first partition wall 261 forming a part of the first funnel portion 271 is continuous with the sheet 223 on the right. The third funnel portion 273 occupies a part of the vertical flow path 244M, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the third funnel portion 273 along the front-to-back direction 8 and the width direction 9 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the vertical flow path 244M (except for the part of the vertical flow path 244M occupied by the first funnel portion 271) along the front-to-back direction 8 and the width direction 9. At the same time, the first funnel portion 271 and the third funnel portion 273 may not overlap in the line of sight along the vertical direction 7. Therefore, by the third funnel portion 273, the amount of ink that can flow from the flow path 244 to the communicating portion 247 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0119] As another example, in Fig.11 As shown in , a labyrinth flow path 248 can be formed on the upper wall 233 of the body 222. The labyrinth flow path 248 is continuous with the internal space in the body 222 through a through hole 249. The labyrinth flow path 248 is defined by a thin groove formed on the upper wall 233 and a sheet material that is not shown but can seal the upper side of the groove. The labyrinth flow path 248 extends backward from the through hole 249, thereby winding with multiple U-turns along the width direction 9. The rear end 248A of the labyrinth flow path 248 may not be sealed by the sheet material. Therefore, the rear end 248A of the labyrinth flow path 248 can be used as an air communication hole through which the communication portion 247 opens to the atmosphere outside the tank 220.

[0120] As another example, the third buffer chamber 283 may be optionally omitted from the tank 220. Also, the second buffer chamber 282 may be optionally omitted. Further, the first funnel portion 271 may be optionally omitted.

[0121] As another example, the X2 rotational posture of the tank 220 may not necessarily be limited to the posture in which the tank 220 is rotated 180 degrees from the usable posture, as long as the orientation of the ink flowing toward the air connecting hole 240 on the surface of the rear wall 231 facing the inside of the body 222 is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or consistent with the downward direction, and as long as the orientation of the ink flowing toward the air connecting hole 240 on the surface of the fifth dividing wall 255 facing the connecting portion 247 is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or consistent with the downward orientation. Moreover, the X3 rotational posture of the tank 220 is not necessarily limited to the posture in which the tank 220 is rotated 270 degrees from the usable posture, as long as the prior downward orientation of the ink flowing toward the air connecting hole 240 on the surface of the rear wall 231 facing the interior of the body 222 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or the downward orientation when the tank 220 is in the X3 rotational posture, and as long as the prior inclined downward orientation of the ink flowing toward the air connecting hole 240 on the surface of the fifth dividing wall 255 facing the connecting portion 247 when the tank 220 is in the X2 rotational posture is consistent with the inclined downward orientation when the tank 220 is in the X3 rotational posture.

[0122] As another example, when the tank 220 is in a usable posture and when the tank 220 stores a maximum storable amount of ink, the surface 290 of the ink may not necessarily be at a level substantially equal to the first funnel portion 271 , but may be at a level lower than the first funnel portion 271 .

[0123] As another example, the tank 220 may be removable from the head 200. As another example, the tank 220 may be divided into two parts: one part having the reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 and another part having the sub-reservoir chamber 245; and the part having the reservoir chamber 243 and the flow path 244 may be removable from the head 200, while the other part having the sub-reservoir chamber 245 may be immovably fixed to the head 200. As another example, the sub-reservoir chamber 245 may be omitted. With this arrangement, the reservoir chamber 243 and the head 200 may be communicated through the hole 246 to allow ink to flow therethrough.

[0124] As another example, the opening through which the ink may leak to the outside of the tank 220 may not necessarily be limited to the air communication hole 240. For example, the injection port 241 may be an opening through which the ink may leak.

[0125] As another example, the printer 100 may not necessarily be limited to a monochrome image recording device, but may be a printer capable of recording a full-color or multi-color image on a sheet M, and the printer 100 may have a tank 220 for each of a plurality of colors of ink to be used in the full-color or multi-color image recording.

[0126] As another example, the liquid supply device may not necessarily be limited to the printer 100, but may include a multifunction peripheral machine, a copier, and a fax machine. The multifunction peripheral machine may be a device equipped with multiple functions among a printing function, a copying function, and a fax transmission / reception function.

[0127] As another example, the printer 100 may 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 may not be transported in the scanning direction such as the width direction 9, but may remain stationary at a position above the platen 180 while discharging ink.

[0128] As another example, the tank 220 may not necessarily be a carriage-integrated tank, but may be a so-called carriage-split tank, which may not be mounted on the carriage 190 but may be provided separately from the carriage 190 .

Claims

1. A liquid supply device, comprising: a reservoir portion having a reservoir chamber configured to store a liquid; and a communication portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole, the hole opening to the outside of the liquid supply device, the communication portion having: a first wall and a second wall, wherein a distance between the first wall and the second wall in an orthogonal direction gradually increases toward a lower side of the liquid supply device in a first rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated by a first angle about a first axis extending in a horizontal direction from a usable posture, in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside, and in which the liquid supply device is in the usable posture, the orthogonal direction intersects orthogonally with the first axis and the vertical direction; a first buffer space configured to store the liquid flowing on the first wall in the liquid supply device in the first rotation posture; and a second buffer space configured to store the liquid flowing on the second wall in the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture, Wherein the hole is located at an upper position relative to the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the hole is open neither to the first buffer space nor to the second buffer space, and the hole is neither located in the first wall nor in the second wall.

2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, in, In the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture, the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the first wall is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or with the downward orientation, and the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the second wall is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or with the downward orientation.

3. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the connecting portion further has a third buffer space defined by at least a portion of the wall defining the second buffer space, and in, In a second rotational posture in which the liquid supply device is rotated from the first rotational posture by a second angle about the first axis, the third buffer space is configured to store the liquid flowing from the second buffer space.

4. The liquid supply device according to claim 3, in, In the liquid supply device in the second rotational posture, the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the first wall is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or with the downward orientation, and the orientation of the liquid in the connecting portion flowing toward the hole on the surface of the second wall is consistent with the direction along the horizontal direction or with the downward orientation.

5. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in, In the liquid supply device in the first rotational posture, the volume of the liquid storable in the second buffer space is smaller than or equal to the volume of the liquid storable in the first buffer space.

6. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the reservoir portion has a flow path connecting the reservoir chamber and the communication portion, in, In the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device is partially located in the flow path, and A third wall is arranged in the flow path, which reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path.

7. The liquid supply device according to claim 6, wherein a fourth wall is arranged in the flow path between the third wall and the reservoir portion, the fourth wall reducing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, and The inner surface defining the flow path to which the third wall at least partially continues and the inner surface defining the flow path to which the fourth wall at least partially continues are different.

8. The liquid supply device according to claim 6, The opening of the flow path to the reservoir chamber is defined by one end of an upper wall and one end of a lower wall, the upper wall and the lower wall are separated in the vertical direction in the liquid supply device in the usable posture, and the one end of the upper wall is located at a position offset from the one end of the lower wall in the orientation of the flow in the flow path toward the connecting portion.

9. The liquid supply device according to claim 6, wherein the flow path has a tapered portion in which a cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path gradually decreases toward the communicating portion, and in, In the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the surface of the predetermined maximum amount of the liquid storable in the reservoir chamber is located in the tapered portion.

10. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, The reservoir portion has an injection port configured to inject the liquid into the reservoir chamber through the injection port, the injection port being different from the hole.

11. The liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, The connecting portion has a labyrinth path continuous with the hole.

12. A liquid supply device, comprising: a reservoir portion having a reservoir chamber configured to store a liquid; and a communication portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole, the hole opening to the outside of the liquid supply device, the communication portion having: a first buffer space configured to store the liquid flowing from the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in a first rotational posture in which the liquid supply device is rotated by a first angle about an axis extending in a horizontal direction from a usable posture in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside; and a second buffer space configured to store the liquid flowing from the first buffer space in the liquid supply device in a second rotational posture, in which the liquid supply device is rotated from the first rotational posture about the same axis by a second angle, The hole is located above the surface of a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture, and the hole is open neither to the first buffer space nor to the second buffer space.

13. A liquid supply device, comprising: a reservoir portion having a reservoir chamber in which a liquid can be stored and an injection port configured to inject the liquid into the reservoir chamber through the injection port; and a connecting portion connecting the reservoir chamber and a hole, the hole being open to the outside of the liquid supply device, the connecting portion having a buffer space, the buffer space being configured to store the liquid flowing from the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in a rotational posture in which the liquid supply device is rotated by an angle from a usable posture about an axis extending in a horizontal direction in which the liquid can be supplied from the reservoir chamber to the outside, wherein the hole is located at an upper position relative to a surface of a predetermined maximum amount of the liquid that can be stored in the reservoir chamber in the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the hole is not open to the buffer space, and wherein in the liquid supply device in the usable posture, the injection port and the hole are formed in a vertical direction.

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