Liquid injection device and liquid container

Abstract

This invention discloses a liquid jetting device and a liquid container. The liquid jetting device includes: a chamber comprising: a cavity storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead for jetting liquid; an injection port through which liquid is injected into the cavity; a flow channel member, which is a member separate from the chamber; configured to be disposed inside the injection port; including a channel through which liquid is injected from a liquid container inserted into the injection port into the cavity, the injection port being used to supply liquid from the liquid container to the chamber; and configured to be movable relative to the injection port in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the injection port according to the movement of the liquid container when the liquid container is inserted into the injection port; and a first shaped portion, which is a portion separate from the flow channel member and configured to engage with a second shaped portion in the liquid container.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 28, 2020, with application number 202011171072.4 and invention title "Inkjet Printing Device, Ink Tank and Ink Supply". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a liquid jetting apparatus and a liquid container for printing images by jetting ink. Background Technology

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-140556 discloses an ink supply unit and an ink tank. Ink is supplied from the ink supply unit to the ink tank through multiple flow channels inserted into the ink tank via an opening in the ink supply unit. The flow channels serve as pathways for the flow of ink and air, and facilitate gas-liquid exchange between the ink supply unit and the ink tank during refilling. Thus, the user can supply ink from the ink supply unit to the ink tank without squeezing the ink supply unit.

[0004] In this system, a gap is created between the needle-like object in the ink tank and the output port of the ink supply unit to improve alignment between the ink supply unit and the ink tank, and also to facilitate the insertion of the needle-like object into the output port. However, in the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-140556, because of the gap between the needle-like object in the ink tank and the output port, the ink supply unit may not be securely fixed to the ink tank during ink refilling and may become unstable. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a technique that enables reliable ink injection operation.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a liquid jetting device is provided, the liquid jetting device comprising: a chamber including: a cavity storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead for jetting liquid; an injection port through which liquid is injected into the cavity; a flow channel member being a member separate from the chamber; configured to be disposed inside the injection port; including a channel through which liquid is injected from a liquid container inserted into the injection port into the cavity, the injection port being for supplying liquid in the liquid container to the chamber; and configured to be movable relative to the injection port in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the injection port according to the movement of the liquid container when the liquid container is inserted into the injection port; and a first shape portion being a portion separate from the flow channel member and configured to engage with a second shape portion in the liquid container.

[0007] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a liquid container is provided for injecting liquid into a chamber installed in a liquid jetting device, the chamber comprising: a chamber storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead for jetting liquid; an injection port through which liquid is injected into the chamber; and a flow channel member, which is a separate member from the chamber, configured to be disposed inside the injection port, including a channel through which liquid is injected from the liquid container into the chamber, the liquid container being inserted into the injection port for supplying liquid in the liquid container to the chamber; the flow channel member is further configured to be movable relative to the injection port in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the injection port according to the movement of the liquid container when the liquid container is inserted into the injection port, the liquid container comprising: an outlet insertable into the injection port, through which liquid flows out when the outlet is inserted into the injection port; and a second shape portion configured to engage with a first shape portion in the liquid jetting device, the first shape portion being a separate member from the flow channel member.

[0008] Other features of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the inkjet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0011] Figures 3A to 3D This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the storage unit according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4A and 4B This is a perspective view showing the ink tank according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating the ink supply path from the ink tank to the printhead according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a perspective view used to illustrate the inkjet operation of the inkjet printing apparatus according to the first embodiment by a user.

[0015] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is an enlarged cross-sectional view used to illustrate the detailed configuration of the mechanical identification groove and the mechanical identification shape part according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figures 8A to 8CThis is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which the needle according to the first embodiment is balanced with the output port of the ink bottle.

[0017] Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view used to illustrate the detailed configuration of the mechanical identification groove and the mechanical identification shape part according to the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of valves inside an ink bottle. Detailed Implementation

[0019] First Embodiment

[0020] Embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit this disclosure. Not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessary for the purposes of this disclosure. The shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the elements described in the embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0021] Device configuration

[0022] Figure 1A This is a perspective view showing the appearance of an inkjet printing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as "printing apparatus 1") according to this embodiment. Printing apparatus 1 includes a housing 5 and a printhead 3 for printing on a printing medium (see [reference needed]). Figure 2 The device 1 includes an ink tank 11, which serves as an ink container for storing various inks to be supplied to the print head 3. In this embodiment, the ink tank 11 is located on the front side of the housing 5 and is fixed to the main body of the device. An operation unit 4 is also located on the front side of the housing 5. The operation unit is configured to allow the user to input commands to operate the printing device 1. In this embodiment, the operation unit 4 includes a display panel configured to display error information of the printing device 1.

[0023] The scanner unit 2 for scanning documents is positioned on top of the housing 5 so that it can be opened relative to the housing 5. Figure 1B This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the printing device 1 when the scanner unit 2 is open relative to the housing 5. When the scanner unit 2 is open, the cartridge cover 12 for covering the top surface of the ink tank 11 is exposed. Figure 1B In the middle, the compartment cover 12 is closed. Note that the printing device 1, excluding the scanner unit 2, may have a main cover that can be opened relative to the housing 5.

[0024] Figure 2This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the printing apparatus 1. In the printing apparatus 1, a feed unit (not shown) feeds printing media stored in a sheet feed cassette 6 located on the front side of the housing 5 or in a sheet feed tray 7 located on the rear side of the housing 5. The printing media fed by the feed unit is conveyed by a conveying roller 40 (conveyor unit 40) to an impression platen 42 located opposite the print head 3. The impression platen 42 is a component that guides and supports the printing media on which the print head 3 prints.

[0025] The printing media printed on the printhead 3 is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 43 via the discharge roller 41 (discharge unit 41). The sheet discharge tray 43 is positioned above the sheet feed cassette 6.

[0026] Note the direction in which the printing media is conveyed via the conveyor roller 40 (i.e., Figure 2 The Y direction in the conveying direction is called the "conveying direction". In other words, the upstream side in the conveying direction is located near the rear side of the housing 5, and the downstream side in the conveying direction is located near the front side of the housing 5.

[0027] The printhead 3 is installed in the carriage 31, and in the main scanning direction (i.e., intersecting with the transport direction) Figure 2 The print head 3 moves back and forth in the X direction. In this embodiment, the transport direction and the main scanning direction intersect each other orthogonally. As the print head 3 moves together with the carriage 31 in the main scanning direction, the print head 3 prints a one-pass portion of the image onto the printing medium by ejecting ink droplets (printing operation). After printing the one-pass portion of the image, the transport roller 40 quantitatively transports the printing medium along the transport direction (intermittent transport operation). By repeating the one-pass printing operation and the intermittent transport operation, an image based on image data is printed onto the entire printing medium.

[0028] In various inkjet printing methods, a process of using thermal energy to eject ink is employed in the printhead 3. The printhead 3 includes elements that generate heat energy (e.g., a heating element), and this heat energy causes the ink to change its ejection state (film boiling). This enables high-density and high-resolution image printing. Note that this disclosure can be applied not only to printing processes utilizing thermal energy but also to printing processes utilizing vibrational energy generated by piezoelectric elements.

[0029] In the printing apparatus 1, a maintenance unit is provided at a position inside the scanning area of ​​the carriage 31 and outside the printing area where the print head 3 prints. The maintenance unit is a unit for maintaining the print head 3 to maintain its jetting performance. It is positioned opposite the jetting orifice surface of the print head 3, on which jetting orifices for jetting ink are arranged.

[0030] exist Figure 2In this configuration, printhead 3 is located in its original position within the maintenance unit where maintenance operations can be performed. For example, the maintenance unit includes a cap for covering the surface of the ejector nozzle and a suction recovery mechanism for suction operations. During a suction operation, the suction recovery mechanism forcefully draws ink from the ejector nozzle to remove residual air bubbles and sticky ink while covering the nozzle surface.

[0031] Note that in this embodiment, a serial head in which the print head 3 is mounted in a carriage 31 is described by way of example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can also be applied to a line head with nozzles arranged to cover an area corresponding to the width of the printing medium.

[0032] The printing device 1 is equipped with ink tanks 11 that eject ink of various colors from the print head 3. In this embodiment, the printing device 1 has four ink tanks 11: an ink tank 11K for black ink, an ink tank 11C for cyan ink, an ink tank 11M for magenta ink, and an ink tank 11Y for yellow ink; these are collectively referred to as "ink tanks 11". Note that cyan, magenta, and yellow are merely examples of colored inks; other colored inks can be used.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, viewed from the front of the printing device 1, the ink tank 11K for black ink is positioned to the left of the sheet discharge tray 43 and the sheet feed cassette 6. Viewed from the front of the printing device 1, the ink tank 11C for cyan, the ink tank 11M for magenta, and the ink tank 11Y for yellow ink are positioned to the right of the sheet discharge tray 43 and the sheet feed cassette 6. In other words, the sheet discharge tray 43 and the sheet feed cassette 6 are positioned between the ink tank 11K for black ink and the ink tanks for color ink. Each ink tank 11 is connected to the print head 3 via a flexible supply tube 8, which forms part of the supply channel for supplying ink to the print head 3.

[0034] The printing device 1 has a black ink reservoir cover 12Bk and a color ink reservoir cover 12Cl. The black ink reservoir cover 12Bk covers the upper surface of the black ink reservoir 11K. The color ink reservoir cover 12Cl covers the entire upper surface of the cyan ink reservoir 11C, the magenta ink reservoir 11M, and the yellow ink reservoir 11Y. Hereinafter, the black ink reservoir cover 12Bk and the color ink reservoir cover 12Cl are collectively referred to as "reservoir cover 12".

[0035] Ink injection

[0036] Figures 3A to 3D This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the cartridge unit 10, including the ink tank 11 and the surrounding structure. Since the basic structure of each cartridge unit 10 is similar, the following description uses the cartridge unit 10 for black ink as an example.

[0037] Figure 3A The image shows the compartment cover 12 in the closed state. Figure 3B The image shows the compartment cover 12 in the open position. The user opens the compartment cover 12 along the S1 direction to access the compartment cap 13.

[0038] An ink inlet 14 for ink refilling is formed on the upper surface of the ink tank 11, and a tank cap 13 is disposed to seal the ink inlet 14. The tank cap 13 includes a cap member 13a for sealing the ink inlet 14 and a rod member 13b for supporting the cap member 13a. The rod member 13b is rotatably fixed to the main body of the printing device 1. The user can manipulate the rod member 13b.

[0039] User Edge Figure 3B The S2 direction rotating rod member 13b removes the cap member 13a from the injection port 14 to allow ink injection (see [link]). Figure 3C Note that the rod member 13b can be rotatably fixed to the ink tank 11 or the tank cover 12.

[0040] The cap member 13a of the cap 13 is formed of a rubber-elastic component, and the rod member 13b is formed of a plastic component or the like. According to this embodiment, the rod member 13b is colored to correspond to the colors of the ink stored in the ink tank 11.

[0041] In other words, the rod member 13b for black ink is painted black or gray, the rod member 13b for cyan ink is painted cyan, the rod member 13b for magenta ink is painted magenta, and the rod member 13b for yellow ink is painted yellow. This reduces the likelihood of the user injecting the wrong ink when filling the ink tanks 11. Note that not only the rod member 13b but also the cap member 13a can be colored accordingly.

[0042] Figure 3D The following state is illustrated: the user inserts the ink bottle 15, which serves as the ink supply, into the injection port 14, and injects ink when the cap 13 is removed. In this embodiment, the ink in the ink bottle 15 is injected into the ink tank 11 while gas-liquid exchange occurs between the ink in the ink bottle 15 and the air in the ink tank 11.

[0043] Ink tank configuration

[0044] Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a perspective view showing the ink tank 11. The ink tank 11 includes: an ink chamber 16 for storing ink, an ink supply port 17 for supplying ink from the ink chamber 16 to the print head 3, an air chamber 18 for storing air, and an air connection port 19 for communicating the air chamber 18 with the atmosphere. The ink chamber 16 is located at the upper part of the ink tank 11. Figure 4A In the middle, the ink chamber 16 opens at the first side of the ink tank 11.

[0045] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the ink tank 11 as viewed from the first side. One end of the ink supply port 17 is connected to the ink chamber 16, and the other end of the ink supply port 17 is connected to the supply tube 8. The opening of the ink chamber 16 at the first side of the ink tank 11 is sealed by a membrane (not shown). An air chamber 18 is located below the ink chamber 16. Figure 4B In the middle, the air chamber 18 opens at the second side of the ink tank 11 opposite to the first side.

[0046] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the ink tank 11 when viewed from the second side. The air chamber 18 and the ink chamber 16 are connected to each other via a connecting channel 20 extending downward from the bottom of the ink chamber 16. The bottom end of the connecting channel 20 serves as a gas-liquid exchange area for air and ink. The gas-liquid exchange area has a cross-sectional region capable of holding the ink in a meniscus. The air chamber 18 is also connected to an atmospheric vent 19 for communication with the atmosphere.

[0047] During normal operation, as the printhead 3 ejects ink, ink is supplied to the printhead 3 from the ink chamber 16. At the same time, air of the same volume as the ink supplied to the printhead 3 is supplied to the ink chamber 16 from the air chamber 18 via the gas-liquid exchange area.

[0048] If the air in the ink chamber 16 expands due to fluctuations in temperature or atmospheric pressure, thereby disrupting the meniscus at the gas-liquid exchange region, the ink in the ink chamber 16 will fall into the air chamber 18 due to the pressure difference. Therefore, the air chamber 18 has a volume capable of holding all the ink that can be stored in the ink chamber 16. Thus, the air chamber 18 also serves as a buffer chamber to prevent ink from overflowing from the atmospheric vent 19 and entering the printing device.

[0049] Ink supply

[0050] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the ink supply path from ink tank 11 to printhead 3. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The detailed structure of the ink tank 11 is omitted in the text. Figure 5A The ink supply path during the printing operation is shown, while Figure 5B The ink supply path is shown when the user injects ink.

[0051] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the ink tank 11 shown, the supply pipe 8 is connected to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The ink supply port 17 is shown, and the ink supply tube 8 connects the ink chamber 16 to the print head 3. Furthermore, in... Figure 5A and Figure 5BIn the ink tank 11 shown, an atmospheric communication pipe 30 for communicating with the atmosphere is connected to... Figure 4A and Figure 4B The air inlet 19 is shown, and the air chamber 18 is open to the atmosphere through the air inlet pipe 30. The supply pipe 8 and the air inlet pipe 30 can be opened or closed simultaneously by means of valve 23.

[0052] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of valve 23 is associated with the user opening and closing of the cover 12. In other words, when the cover 12 is closed, valve 23 opens the supply pipe 8 and the atmospheric connection pipe 30. Conversely, when the cover 12 is open, valve 23 closes the supply pipe 8 and the atmospheric connection pipe 30. Note that valve 23 can be opened or closed by components other than the cover 12. Furthermore, valve 23 can be a separate component for the supply pipe 8 and the atmospheric connection pipe 30.

[0053] like Figure 5A As shown, during printing, an amount of ink equal to the amount ejected from the printhead 3 is continuously supplied to the printhead 3 from the ink chamber 16 via the supply pipe 8. During printing, the inlet 14 is sealed by the cap 13. An air volume equal to the volume of ink ejected from the printhead 3 is supplied to the ink chamber 16 from the air chamber 18 via the connecting channel 20. In other words, gas-liquid exchange between ink and air occurs in the connecting channel 20 near the liquid surface in the air chamber 18.

[0054] The ink tank 11 also includes a needle-like structure 22 disposed within the injection port 14. The needle-like structure 22 serves as a flow channel component (injection support component) to facilitate ink injection through the injection port 14. The needle-like structure 22 is formed by a first channel 22a and a second channel 22b, which communicate between the interior and exterior of the ink tank 11. Note that the needle-like structure 22 is made of a different material than the ink tank 11.

[0055] exist Figure 5B In this design, the first channel 22a of the needle-like object 22 serves as a flow channel for ink to flow from the ink bottle 15 to the ink chamber 16, while the second channel 22b serves as another flow channel for air to flow from the ink chamber 16 to the ink bottle 15. Note that both the first channel 22a and the second channel 22b can be used as channels for ink and air. When ink first flows from the ink bottle 15 through one channel, that channel serves as the ink channel, while the other channel serves as the air channel.

[0056] When a user fills ink into ink tank 11, the user first opens the tank cover 12 (see Figure 3) to expose the tank cap 13. When the tank cover 12 is open, valve 23 closes the supply pipe 8 and the atmospheric connection pipe 30. In other words, the ink supply from ink tank 11 to printhead 3 is cut off, and the connection between ink tank 11 and the atmosphere is also cut off. Closing valve 23 reduces the possibility of ink overflowing from the ejection orifice surface of printhead 3 and from the atmospheric connection pipe 30 during ink filling.

[0057] Next, the user removes the cap 13 from the inlet 14 to expose the inlet 14 and the needle 22. Then, the user inserts the ink bottle 15 into the inlet 14 by inserting the needle 22 into the outlet 15a of the ink bottle 15.

[0058] When the needle 22 is inserted into the output port 15a, a valve (not shown) located inside the ink bottle 15 is opened, thereby connecting the interior of the ink bottle 15 with the interior of the ink tank 11. With the first channel 22a and the second channel 22b of the needle 22 serving as channels for air and ink, gas-liquid exchange occurs between the ink in the ink bottle 15 and the air in the ink chamber 16, allowing ink to be injected into the ink tank 11.

[0059] As the ink filling process proceeds, the ink surface in the ink chamber 16 reaches the bottom of the needle 22 (specifically, the bottom of the second channel 22b, which serves as an air passage). As a result, air cannot flow out of the ink chamber 16, and gas-liquid exchange ceases. This prevents ink from flowing from the ink bottle 15 to the ink chamber 16, and ink filling is complete. In this embodiment, as described above, ink filling is performed simultaneously with gas-liquid exchange.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the printing apparatus showing the state of ink filling by the user. In this embodiment, a mechanical identification groove 24 is formed near the filling port 14 of each ink tank 11 (located around the filling port 14 in this embodiment). The mechanical identification groove 24 serves as a first shape portion. The mechanical identification groove 24 is a recess, and its shape is specific for each type of ink. The mechanical identification groove 24 is formed by a component different from that of the ink tank 11. Although Figure 6 Not shown in the diagram, a mechanical identification groove 24 is also formed near the injection port 14 of the black ink tank 11K (in this embodiment, the area around the injection port 14). Additionally, a mechanical identification shape portion 25, whose shape is specific to each ink type, is formed near the output port 15a of the ink bottle 15 (in this embodiment, the area near the discharge port 15a). The mechanical identification shape portion 25 serves as a second shape portion. The mechanical identification shape portion 25 is a protrusion integrally formed with the output port 15a.

[0061] The mechanical identification shape portion 25 and the mechanical identification slot 24 are configured to engage with each other only when an ink bottle 15 containing the same ink as the ink stored in the ink tank 11 is inserted into the inlet 14. Moreover, the needle 22 can only be inserted into the outlet 15a when the mechanical identification shape portion 25 is engaged with the mechanical identification slot 24.

[0062] Therefore, even if a user attempts to insert an ink bottle 15 containing ink different from that stored in the ink tank 11, the mechanical identification shape part 25 will not engage with the mechanical identification groove 24, thus preventing the needle 22 from entering the output port 15a. Therefore, by providing the mechanical identification groove 24 on the ink tank 11 and the mechanical identification shape part 25 on the ink bottle 15, the possibility of the user accidentally injecting the wrong ink can be reduced.

[0063] For example, the mechanical identification shape 25 of the ink bottle 15 containing magenta ink engages with the mechanical identification groove 24 of the magenta ink tank 11M, allowing the user to insert the ink bottle 15 into the inlet 14. On the other hand, the mechanical identification shape 25 of the ink bottle 15 containing cyan ink does not engage with the mechanical identification groove 24 of the magenta ink tank 11M, preventing the user from inserting the ink bottle 15 into the inlet 14.

[0064] Reference Figure 7A and Figure 7B The configuration of the mechanical identification slot 24 and the mechanical identification shape part 25 is described in detail. Figure 7A It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state of the ink bottle before it is inserted into the ink tank. Figure 7B It is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing the ink bottle inserted into the ink tank.

[0065] The mechanical identification groove 24 is formed with a small cross-section at a depth (downstream side) in the insertion direction (-Z direction) of the ink bottle 15. Therefore, when the mechanical identification shape portion 25 engages with the mechanical identification groove 24, the mechanical identification shape portion 25 is located in a fixed position relative to the mechanical identification groove 24. Since the ink bottle 15 is fixed relative to the ink tank 11, the user can reliably inject ink. In addition, the user does not need to hold the ink bottle 15 during ink injection, thereby improving the ink injection process.

[0066] like Figure 7B As shown, when the mechanical identification shape 25 of the ink tank 15 engages with the mechanical identification groove 24 of the ink tank 11, the needle 22 of the ink tank 11 is inserted into the output port 15a of the ink bottle 15. The insertion of the needle 22 causes a valve (not shown) to open, allowing communication between the interior of the ink bottle 15 and the interior of the ink tank 11.

[0067] Here, refer to Figure 10A and Figure 10BAn example of an openable valve located inside ink tank 11 is described. Figure 10A This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the output port 15a of the ink bottle 15 not inserted into the corresponding ink tank 11. Figure 10B This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the output port 15a of the ink bottle 15 inserted into the corresponding ink tank 11.

[0068] The ink bottle 15 has an elastic member 50, a movable member 51, a fixing member 52, and a pushing member 53 disposed within the output port 15a. The elastic member 50 is made of, for example, rubber and is disposed near the output port 15a. The elastic member 50 has a through-hole with a diameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the needle 22, allowing the needle 22 to pass through the through-hole. Figure 10B As shown, when the needle 22 is inserted into the output port 15a, the needle 22 engages the through hole of the elastic member 50. No gap is formed between the needle 22 and the elastic member 50, thus preventing ink from flowing between them. Therefore, the first channel 22a and the second channel 22b of the needle 22 are appropriately used as channels for ink and air.

[0069] The movable member 51 and the fixed member 52 are located deeper inside the ink tank 11 than the elastic member 50. One end of the push member 53 (e.g., a spring) is attached to the movable member 51, thereby pushing the movable member 51 toward the elastic member 50. In other words, when the ink bottle 15 is not inserted into the ink tank 11, the movable member 51 abuts against the elastic member 50 to function as... Figure 10A The valve is illustrated in the diagram. Therefore, even if the outlet 15a of the ink bottle 15 is facing downwards in the direction of gravity, ink will not overflow from the outlet 15a.

[0070] A fixed member 52 is disposed around the displaceable member 51, and the other end of the pushing member 53 is attached to the fixed member 52. The displaceable member 51 can be displaced relative to the fixed member 52.

[0071] When the user inserts the ink bottle 15 into the ink tank 11, the needle-like object 22 abuts against the movable component 51. For example... Figure 10B As shown, when the user inserts the ink tank 15 deeper into the ink tank 11, the displaceable member 51 overcomes the pushing force of the pushing member 53 and moves toward the interior of the ink bottle 15. This causes the displaceable member 51 to separate from the elastic member 50 and connects the interior of the ink bottle 15 with the interior of the ink tank 11.

[0072] exist Figure 10A and Figure 10BIn the example shown, the valve closes because the displaceable member 51 abuts against the elastic member 50, and opens because the displaceable member 51 separates from the elastic member 50. Note that the valve inside the ink tank 11 is not limited to this example. A rubber stopper with rubber elasticity or a vacuum valve, etc., can be used.

[0073] Return to reference Figure 7A and 7B The needle 22 has a snap-fit ​​portion 28 formed thereon, which engages with a protrusion 14a formed inside the ink reservoir 11's inlet 14. Thus, in the Z-direction (i.e., the direction in which the ink bottle 15 is inserted into the inlet 14), the needle 22 becomes fixed relative to the ink reservoir 11. Therefore, if the user pulls the needle 22 in the Z-direction, the needle 22 will not extend.

[0074] On the other hand, in the X and Y directions, the needle 22 is not fixed relative to the ink tank 11, but can be displaced. In other words, the needle 22 is configured to tilt its central axis 27 so as to align with the central axis 26 of the ink bottle 15 inserted by the user.

[0075] Figures 8A to 8C It is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the state in which the needle 22 is balanced in the X and Y directions so that the ink bottle can engage with the ink tank. Figures 8A to 8C The image shows the state of gradually inserting the ink bottle 15 into the injection port 14 of the ink tank 11.

[0076] exist Figure 8A In this state, the central axis 27 of the needle 22 is not aligned with the central axis 26 of the ink bottle 15. If the user further inserts the ink bottle 15 into the injection port 14, the needle 22 will not properly insert into the output port 15a, even if the mechanical identification shape 25 may engage with the mechanical identification groove 24.

[0077] In this embodiment, the needle 22 can be displaced in the X and Y directions. With this configuration, when the tip of the needle 22 abuts against the output port 15a, the central axis 27 of the needle 22 will tilt (see...). Figure 8B The balancing mechanism (alignment mechanism or centering mechanism) of needle 22 allows needle 22 to be properly inserted into the outlet port 15a (see...). Figure 8C In other words, the central axis 27 of the needle 22 is aligned with the central axis 26 of the output port 15a.

[0078] As described above, the ink bottle 15 is fixedly positioned relative to the ink tank 11 using the mechanical recognition shape part 25 and the mechanical recognition groove 24. This allows the user to reliably inject ink into the ink tank 11.

[0079] The needle 22 is configured to move in the X and Y directions and can be inserted into the output port 15a of the ink bottle 15 in a balanced manner. This allows the needle 22 and the output port 15a to be properly aligned with each other, thereby reducing the possibility that user error may cause damage to the ink bottle 15, such as damage to the needle 22.

[0080] In the above description, the engagement of the identification shape portion 25 and the identification groove 24 is achieved using the protrusion of the mechanical identification shape portion 25 and the recess of the mechanical identification groove 24. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The recess can be formed in the ink bottle 15, and the protrusion can be formed in the ink tank 11. Furthermore, it has been described that the ink bottle 15 is fixed to the ink tank 11 by the engagement of the mechanical identification shape portion and the mechanical identification groove. However, it is possible to use an engagement shape to fix the ink bottle 15 to the ink tank 11, which does not form a mechanical identification specific to a certain ink.

[0081] Second Embodiment

[0082] Reference Figure 9 A second embodiment of this disclosure is described. Figure 9 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing the engagement state between the ink bottle 15 and the corresponding ink tank 11 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the stamping member 29 has a snap-fit ​​configuration and is disposed inside the mechanical identification groove 24 of the ink tank 11. In addition, a recess 25a is formed in the mechanical identification shape portion 25 of the ink bottle 15, such that it faces each stamping member 29 when the mechanical identification shape portion 25 engages with the mechanical identification groove 24.

[0083] When the ink bottle 15 is properly engaged with the ink tank 11, the user can feel a click as the stamped member 29 engages with the recess 25a. This allows the user to confirm that the ink bottle 15 is securely installed in the inlet 14, reducing the possibility of the user incorrectly inserting (installing) the ink bottle 15.

[0084] Furthermore, the engagement of the pressing member 29 with the recess 25a improves the security of fixing the ink bottle 15 to the ink tank 11, which enables more reliable ink injection. Therefore, with the configuration of this embodiment, ink injection can also be reliably performed.

[0085] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims should be interpreted as broadly as possible to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid injection device, the liquid injection device comprising: The warehouse includes: A chamber that stores the liquid to be supplied to the printhead for liquid ejection; and The injection port allows liquid to be injected into the chamber. A flow channel component, which is separate from the chamber; configured to be disposed inside the inlet; including a channel through which liquid is injected from a liquid container inserted into the inlet into the chamber, the inlet for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the chamber; and configured to be movable relative to the inlet in a direction intersecting the opening direction of the inlet, depending on the movement of the liquid container when the liquid container is inserted into the inlet; and A first shaped portion, which is a portion separate from the flow channel member, is configured to engage with a second shaped portion in the liquid container; The chamber includes a support portion disposed within the injection port, configured to support the flow channel member and define a first hole through which liquid can pass.

2. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The first shaped portion forms a recess, and the second shaped portion forms a protrusion.

3. The liquid injection device according to claim 2, wherein, The first shaped portion includes a cross-section located downstream of the insertion direction in which the liquid container is inserted into the injection port, and a second cross-section located upstream of the insertion direction, which is larger than the cross-section on the downstream side.

4. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The print head is capable of spraying a first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid. The first shaped portion of the chamber storing the first liquid engages with the second shaped portion of the liquid container storing the first liquid, and The first shaped portion of the compartment storing the second liquid does not engage with the second shaped portion of the liquid container storing the first liquid.

5. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid container includes an outlet and an openable / closable valve disposed inside the outlet. When the first shaped portion engages with the second shaped portion, the valve is configured to open to inject liquid through the flow channel member, and When the first shaped portion does not engage with the second shaped portion, the valve is configured not to open and cannot inject liquid.

6. The liquid injection device according to claim 5, wherein, The valve includes: An elastic member, disposed near the outlet and including a second hole through which the flow channel member can pass; and A displaceable member, which is propelled toward the elastic member by a propulsion member, and The valve is configured to close when the displaceable member abuts against the elastic member.

7. The liquid injection device according to claim 6, wherein, The valve opens when the output port is inserted into the injection port and the flow channel component overcomes the propulsion force of the propulsion component to separate the displaceable component from the elastic component.

8. The liquid injection device according to claim 6, wherein, The inner diameter of the second hole is smaller than the outer diameter of the flow channel component.

9. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow channel component includes: A first channel through which liquid flows from the liquid container into the chamber; and A second channel through which air flows from the chamber to the liquid container.

10. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The compartment includes a stamped member with a snap-fit ​​configuration disposed inside the first shaped portion, and The liquid container includes a recess that engages with the stamping member when the first shaped portion and the second shaped portion are engaged with each other.

11. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The chamber is fixed to the body of the liquid injection device.

12. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid injection device includes a cap for covering the injection port.

13. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The engagement between the second shape portion and the first shape portion allows the liquid container to stand upright on its own.

14. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The flow channel component has a cylindrical shape extending in the opening direction. The flange is located in the middle part of the flow channel component. The injection port is cylindrical, and the cylinder has a first diameter that is larger than the second diameter of the flow channel component. A protrusion is formed inside the injection port to create an opening through which the flow channel member passes. The opening has a third diameter that is larger than the second diameter, and The flange portion is located on the protrusion portion.

15. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid container is secured to the chamber by the engagement between the first shaped portion and the second shaped portion.

16. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, When the first shape portion and the second shape portion are engaged, the first shape portion overlaps with the second shape portion in the opening direction of the injection port.

17. The liquid jetting apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a discharge unit configured to discharge printing media. in, The discharge unit is arranged between the chamber storing the first liquid and the chamber storing the second liquid.

18. The liquid injection device according to claim 1, wherein, When the liquid container is inserted into the injection port, the first shaped portion engages with the second shaped portion in the vertical direction.

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