Printing apparatus and liquid storage container

Abstract

Provided are a printing apparatus and a liquid storage container. The printing apparatus includes the liquid storage container including: a storage chamber configured to store a liquid supplied to a printing device that prints an image by discharging the liquid; an outlet portion of the liquid; and a passage configured to connect the storage chamber and the outlet portion. The liquid storage container includes a first side portion located on a side on which a printing region where printing is performed by the printing device is located, a second side portion located on an opposite side of the first side portion, and the passage is formed in the second side portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on July 29, 2021, with national application number 202110861237.9 and the invention title "Printing Equipment and Liquid Storage Container". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to printing equipment and liquid storage containers. Background Technology

[0003] Printing devices, such as inkjet printers, include printheads for discharging liquid. The liquid consumed by the printhead is stored in a liquid storage container. The device is designed so that, if the printing device is in its intended use position, liquid will not leak from the printhead due to head difference caused by the configuration of the printhead and the liquid storage container. However, depending on the shipping or packaging conditions, the printing device may be positioned differently than in its intended use position. For example, there may be cases where the printing device is shipped with its sides facing upwards.

[0004] As a result, the liquid storage container may be located above the liquid discharge surface of the printhead. If the liquid discharge surface of the printhead is not covered and the meniscus of the nozzle is damaged due to foreign matter adhesion, liquid may leak from the printhead due to gravity. As a technique to suppress liquid leakage caused by changes in the posture of the printing device, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177789 discloses a technique for reducing ink leakage by providing two storage chambers (ink chambers) for storing ink. The storage chambers are partially sealed by a flexible membrane.

[0005] In the ink cartridge configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177789, the membrane is located on the outer wall of the printing device. In this configuration, the membrane may be damaged when external components are introduced during the manufacturing process of the printing device. Furthermore, to allow users to check the remaining ink level, a window is typically formed on the outer wall of the printing device, through which the ink cartridge's storage compartment can be visually identified from the outside. In the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-177789, the membrane faces the window and is therefore susceptible to damage from foreign objects entering from the outside of the printing device. Such damage may cause the membrane to rupture. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a technique for suppressing liquid leakage when a printing device is positioned in a posture different from its usage posture.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising a liquid storage container, the liquid storage container including: a storage chamber configured to store liquid supplied to a printing device for printing an image by discharging liquid; a liquid outlet; and a channel configured to connect the storage chamber and the outlet, wherein the liquid storage container includes a first side and a second side, the first side being located on the side where the printing area is printed by the printing device, the second side being located on the opposite side of the first side, and the channel being formed in the second side.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising a first liquid storage container and a second liquid storage container, each comprising: a storage chamber configured to store liquid supplied to a printing device for performing printing by discharging liquid; a liquid outlet; and a channel configured to connect the storage chamber and the outlet, wherein the first liquid storage container includes a first side and a second side, the first side being located on the side where the printing area is located by the printing device, the second side being located on the opposite side of the first side, and a channel of the first liquid storage container being formed in the second side; the second liquid storage container includes a third side and a fourth side, the third side being located on the side where the printing area is located, the fourth side being located on the opposite side of the third side, and a channel of the second liquid storage container being formed in the fourth side; the first liquid storage container being located on the left side of the printing apparatus in a left-right direction, the second liquid storage container being located on the right side of the printing apparatus in the left-right direction, and the printing area being located between the first liquid storage container and the second liquid storage container in the left-right direction.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a liquid storage container is provided, comprising a storage chamber configured to store liquid, a liquid outlet, and a channel configured to connect the storage chamber and the outlet, the liquid storage container being disposed in a printing apparatus, the printing apparatus including a printing device configured to perform printing by discharging liquid, the liquid storage container comprising: a first side located on the side of a printing area where printing is performed by the printing device; and a second side located on the opposite side of the first side, wherein the channel is formed in the second side.

[0010] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the accompanying drawings). Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 When viewed from another angle Figure 1 A 3D view of the printing equipment shown;

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing device shown;

[0014] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are explanatory diagrams showing the positions of the carriages;

[0015] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are the front view and plan view of the carriage and the liquid storage container, respectively.

[0016] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is an exploded 3D view of a liquid storage container;

[0017] Figure 7A and Figure 7B These are the right and left views of the main body of the liquid storage container, respectively.

[0018] Figure 8A and Figure 8B It is an exploded 3D view of a liquid storage container;

[0019] Figure 9A and Figure 9B These are the right and left views of the main body of the liquid storage container, respectively.

[0020] Figures 10A to 10C These are diagrams illustrating different postures of the printing equipment;

[0021] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are diagrams illustrating different postures of the printing equipment;

[0022] Figure 12A and Figure 12B These are diagrams illustrating different postures of the printing equipment;

[0023] Figure 13A and Figure 13B These are diagrams illustrating different postures of the printing equipment; and

[0024] Figure 14A and Figure 14B This is an illustration of different postures of the printing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be protected. Multiple features are illustrated in the embodiments, but this does not limit the invention to requiring all such features; multiple such features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, similar or identical structures are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0026] <Overview of Printing Equipment>

[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Printing apparatus 1 is a serial inkjet printing apparatus, wherein the printhead is mounted on a reciprocating carriage. However, the present invention is also applicable to other printing apparatuses, such as inkjet printing apparatuses including so-called full-width printheads, in which multiple nozzles are provided for discharging liquid into an area corresponding to the width of the printing medium. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the diagram, arrows D1 and D2 represent horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow D3 represents the vertical direction (direction of gravity). In the following description, regarding the various directions when using printing device 1, it is assumed that printing device 1 is placed on a horizontal plane, with direction D1 set as the depth direction, direction D2 set as the left-right direction, and direction D3 set as the height direction, unless otherwise stated.

[0028] Note that "printing" includes not only the formation of important information such as characters and graphics, but also, more broadly, the formation of images, graphics, patterns, etc., on a printing medium, or the processing of the medium, whether they are important or not, and whether they are visualized to the point of being perceptible to human vision. Furthermore, this embodiment assumes a sheet of paper as the "printing medium," but a piece of cloth or plastic film may also be used, for example.

[0029] The printing device 1 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a housing 101 forming the outer wall of the printing device 1. At the front of the printing device 1, a tray 110 for holding the printing media is configured to slide in the D1 direction. An outlet 111 for discharging the printed printing media is formed above the tray 110.

[0030] Multiple windows 104 to 109 are formed in the housing 101. Users can visually identify the internal configuration of the housing 101 through the windows 104 to 109. In this embodiment, users can visually identify the liquid storage container 6 (see [link to container 6]) stored in the liquid storage container 6 through the windows 104 to 109. Figure 3The remaining amount of ink in the container. According to this embodiment, windows 104 to 109 are openings formed in the housing 101. Windows 104 to 109 can be formed using transparent members instead of openings, and these members can be either colored transparent members or colorless transparent members. Windows 104 to 107 are formed in the front portion of the housing 101, with window 104 formed at the left end and windows 105 to 107 formed at the right end. The tray 110 and the outlet 111 are located between windows 104 and windows 105 to 107. Window 108 is formed on the front side of the left side portion of the housing 101, and window 109 is formed on the front side of the right side portion of the housing 101.

[0031] Printing device 1 includes covers 102 and 103 that can be opened / closed. When each cover 102 and 103 is open, a liquid storage container (described later) disposed inside (below) of the cover can be replenished with liquid ink. Cover 102 is located at the upper left front end of the printing device 1, and cover 103 is located at the upper right front end of the printing device 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition, it also referred to Figures 3 to 5B . Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of printing device 1. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of carriage 2. Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are front views and plan views showing the configuration of the carriage 2 and multiple liquid storage containers 6B, 6C, 6M, and 6Y, respectively. Please note that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state where the upper part is partially opened to reveal the internal configuration of the housing 101.

[0032] The carriage 2 is supported by a track 3 extending in the D2 direction and is configured to reciprocate in the D2 direction via a drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism includes, for example, a belt drive mechanism having an annular belt connected to the carriage 2 and a motor serving as a drive source for driving the belt drive mechanism. The carriage 2 moves in the D2 direction with printheads 9 mounted. In this embodiment, two printheads 9 corresponding to the ink type are mounted on the carriage 2 (see [link to original text]). Figure 5A One printhead 9 discharges liquid ink stored in liquid storage container 6B, and another printhead 9 discharges liquid ink stored in individual liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y. Each printhead 9 includes an ink discharge surface 9a with multiple nozzles formed thereon for discharging ink, and the ink discharge surface 9a faces the stage 8 supporting the printing medium P. An image is printed by discharging ink from the printhead 9 to the printing medium P during the movement of the carriage 2. This operation will be referred to hereinafter as print scanning. The range of movement of the ink discharge surface 9a on the stage 8 with the movement of the carriage 2 corresponds to the printing area where printing is performed.

[0033] The transport unit 7 is a mechanism for transporting the printing medium P. The transport unit 7 includes a transport roller 7a. A clamping roller (not shown) presses against the transport roller 7a, and the printing medium P is transported to the front side in the D1 direction while being clamped in the roller gap by the rotation of the transport roller 7a. The transport unit 7 intermittently transports the printing medium P through the portion between the platform 8 and the ink discharge surface 9a. By alternately repeating the transport operation of the printing medium P through the transport unit 7 and the printing scan, it is possible to print the image on each page of the printing medium P.

[0034] The recovery unit 4 is located at one end of the travel range of the carriage 2. The recovery unit 4 is a mechanism for maintaining the ink discharge performance of each printhead 9. The recovery unit 4 includes a cover 4a that covers the printhead 9. A cover 4a is provided for each printhead 9, covering the ink discharge surface 9a to prevent the nozzles from drying out. Furthermore, the recovery unit 4 can perform a recovery operation by, for example, setting a negative pressure in the cover 4a to draw ink from the printhead 9. Figure 4A The image shows the carriage 2 in its rightmost position (original position) of its movement range. The carriage 2 is positioned above the recovery unit 4, where the ink discharge surface 9a can be covered by the cover 4a and the printhead 9 can be recovered. Figure 4B The image shows the carriage 2 at the left end of its movement range. In this position, the carriage 2 is not above the recovery unit 4, and therefore cannot cover the ink discharge surface 9a.

[0035] Each of the liquid storage containers 6B, 6C, 6M, and 6Y is an ink reservoir that stores liquid ink to be ejected from the printhead 9. In the following description, when liquid storage containers 6B, 6C, 6M, and 6Y are collectively referred to or not distinguished from each other, they are referred to as liquid storage container 6. In this embodiment, liquid storage container 6 is a fixed container attached to the printing device 1. If the remaining ink level decreases, the user can replenish liquid storage container 6 without removing it from the printing device 1.

[0036] Each liquid storage container 6 stores a different type of ink. In this embodiment, liquid storage containers 6B, 6C, 6M, and 6Y store black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, respectively. Note that the number of types of liquid ink ejected from the printhead 9 is not limited to the four types shown in this embodiment, and can be one or more types beyond the four. The number of liquid storage containers only needs to be equal to or greater than the number of types of liquid ink.

[0037] Liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y are containers with the same structure, and liquid storage container 6B has a larger capacity than liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y. Therefore, liquid storage container 6B is wider than liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y in the D2 direction. Liquid storage container 6B is positioned at the front left end of the printing device 1. Liquid storage container 6B is made of transparent material, and the user can visually identify the remaining amount of ink stored through windows 104 and 108. When refilling ink, the user opens the cover 102. This exposes the upper part of liquid storage container 6B, allowing for ink refilling. Liquid storage containers 6C to 6Y are arranged side-by-side along the D2 direction at the front right end of the printing device 1. Printhead 9 (or the printing area where printing is performed by printhead 9) is located between liquid storage containers 6B and liquid storage containers 6C to 6Y. Liquid storage containers 6C to 6Y are also made of transparent material. The user can visually identify the remaining ink level in liquid storage container 6C through window 105, the remaining ink level in liquid storage container 6M through window 106, and the remaining ink level in liquid storage container 6Y through windows 107 and 109. When refilling each of liquid storage containers 6C to 6Y, the user opens the cap 103. This exposes the upper part of liquid storage containers 6C to 6Y, allowing for ink refilling.

[0038] Each liquid storage container 6B, 6C, 6M, and 6Y is connected to the printhead 9 via a separate tube 5, and ink is supplied to the printhead 9 via the tube 5. The tube 5 is flexible and can stably supply ink to the printhead 9 regardless of the movement and position of the carriage 2.

[0039] <Structure of Liquid Storage Containers>

[0040] <Structure of Liquid Storage Container 6B>

[0041] Reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B as well as Figure 6A and Figure 6B Explain the structure of liquid storage container 6B. Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is an exploded perspective view of liquid storage container 6B.

[0042] The liquid storage container 6B has a generally rectangular shape and includes a front side 6a, a left side 6b, a right side 6c, a top 6d, a bottom 6e, and a rear side 6f. The front side 6a and rear side 6f are opposite sides to each other, as are the left side 6b and right side 6c. When comparing the positions of the left side 6b and right side 6c, the right side 6c is the internal side of the device on the side where the printhead 9 is located, and the left side 6b is the external side of the device on the opposite side. That is, the right side 6c is the side on the side of the printing area where the printhead 9 performs the printing. The rear side 6f has a step at its midpoint in the D3 direction, and the width of the liquid storage container 6B in the D1 direction is shorter on the top 6d side and longer on the bottom 6e side.

[0043] The liquid storage container 6B includes a main body 11 and sealing members 12 and 13 fixed to the main body 11. According to this embodiment, sealing members 12 and 13 are flexible membranes and are fixed to the main body 11 by adhesive bonding or welding. Sealing member 12 is disposed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6B, covering and sealing the opening and groove of the right side portion of the main body 11. Sealing member 13 is disposed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6B, sealing the opening and groove of the left side portion of the main body 11. The main body 11 is a hollow structure made of resin and is a molded member forming the components described later. The main body 11 and sealing members 12 and 13 are all transparent members, thus allowing external visual identification of the interior of the liquid storage container 6B. These members can be either colored transparent members or colorless transparent members.

[0044] The liquid storage container 6B includes a cylindrical injection section 21 formed in the top 6d of the body 11. The injection section 21 is exposed when the cap 102 is opened. Ink is injected from the injection section 21 during ink refilling. A removable cap 20 is attached to the injection section 21. A groove 21a is formed around the injection section 21 in the top 6d of the body 11. The groove 21a receives ink dripping outside the injection section 21 during ink refilling.

[0045] The liquid storage container 6B includes a cylindrical outlet 22 formed by the body 11 in the stepped portion of the rear side 6f. The outlet 22 is the outlet for ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B and is a liquid outlet for allowing ink to flow to the printhead 9. A tube 5 is connected to the outlet 22, and ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B is supplied to the printhead 9 from the outlet 22 via the tube 5.

[0046] The liquid storage container 6B includes a cylindrical air communication portion 23 formed in the top 6d by the body 11. The air communication portion 23 is a communication port for communicating the interior of the liquid storage container 6B with the atmosphere and for gas-liquid exchange as the stored ink flows out.

[0047] The liquid storage container 6B includes an ink-visible surface 25 formed in the front portion 6a of the main body 11. The ink-visible surface 25 is a transparent surface that allows the user to visually identify the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 26 behind the ink-visible surface 25 from the outside (windows 104 and 108). On the ink-visible surface 25, a lower limit display 25b indicating the lower limit of the remaining amount indicates when ink replenishment is needed, an upper limit display 25a indicates the upper limit when ink replenishment is performed, and a display 25c indicates the remaining amount at which the recovery unit 4 can perform a recovery operation. These displays 25a to 25c are all formed by printing the shape of the main body 11 (formation of recesses or protrusions, etc.) or a line drawing.

[0048] The liquid storage container 6B includes a joint 24a formed in the front side portion 6a by the main body 11 and a joint 24b formed in the rear side portion 6f by the main body 11. The joints 24a and 24b engage with a joint (not shown) formed in the housing 101, thereby fixing and positioning the liquid storage container 6B.

[0049] The liquid storage container 6B includes a storage chamber 26 for storing ink on the bottom 6e side, and buffer chambers 29a to 29e on the top 6d side. The storage chamber 26 is connected to an air vent 23 via the buffer chambers 29a to 29e. The buffer chambers 29a to 29e prevent ink from flowing from the storage chamber 26 to the air vent 23 and leaking to the outside of the liquid storage container 6B.

[0050] The storage chamber 26 is defined by a main body 11 and a sealing member 12. The main body 11 includes peripheral wall portions 26a, 26b, and 26d to 26f having an opening 26c, which are components forming the storage chamber 26. The opening 26c is sealed by the sealing member 12 to form a liquid-tight storage chamber 26. The peripheral wall portions 26a, 26b, and 26d to 26f form the front wall, left wall, upper wall, bottom wall, and rear wall of the storage chamber 26, respectively. The opening 26c leads to the right side of the main body 11, and the sealing member 12 forms the right wall of the storage chamber 26.

[0051] The peripheral wall portion (upper wall portion) 26d separates the storage chamber 26 from the buffer chambers 29a to 29e, which serve as the space above the storage chamber 26. The peripheral wall portion (upper wall portion) 26d and the connecting portion 26d' (see...) Figure 7BThe injection path 28 connects to the space above the peripheral wall portion 26d in the liquid storage container 21, and the injection path 28 also connects to the injection portion 21. The injection path 28 is defined by the body 11 and the sealing member 12. Ink injected from the injection portion 21 flows into the storage chamber 26 via the injection path 28 and is stored. The peripheral wall portion (left wall portion) 26b includes a protrusion 26g that protrudes outward (to the left) from the lower part of the left side portion 6b forming the liquid storage container 6B. The protrusion 26g protrudes into the window portion 108. The user can visually identify the remaining ink level in the storage chamber 26 from the outside of the printing device 1 via the transparent protrusion 26g. By forming the protrusion 26g, the ink storage space of the storage chamber 26 can be expanded. In the storage chamber 26, a plurality of ribs 27 formed by the body 11 are arranged. The ribs 27 extend from the peripheral wall portion (left wall portion) 26b to a position near the opening 26c and support the sealing member 12 from the inside, thereby reducing the occurrence of unevenness in the sealing member 12.

[0052] If the maximum amount of ink is stored in the storage chamber 26, the ink level will be almost level with the upper limit display 25a. The outlet 22 is located higher than the upper limit display 25a. Therefore, if the maximum amount of ink is stored in the storage chamber 26, the outlet 22 will be above the ink level, and ink will never leak from the outlet 22.

[0053] The buffer chambers 29a to 29e are defined by the main body 11 and the sealing member 13. The main body 11 includes a peripheral wall portion that opens to the left side and forms the buffer chambers 29a to 29e respectively. When the opening is sealed by the sealing member 13, the buffer chambers 29a to 29e are formed.

[0054] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In addition, it will also refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B This describes the channel located in the liquid storage container 6B.

[0055] Channel 31 is a channel that connects the storage chamber 26 and the outlet 22 to each other. Channel 31 is formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, channel 31 is defined by a groove 31c and a sealing member 13 formed in the peripheral wall portion (left wall portion 26b) of the main body 11. Channel 31 includes a portion extending in the D3 direction and a portion extending in the D1 direction, and thus has an overall L-shape. One end 31a of channel 31 is the end on the storage chamber 26 side, and opens into the storage chamber 26 through the lower part of the front portion of the peripheral wall portion (left wall portion 26b). The other end 31b of channel 31 is the end on the outlet portion 22 side, and communicates with the outlet portion 22. Channel 32 is a channel that connects the injection path 28 and the buffer chamber 29a to each other. Channel 32 is formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, the channel 32 is defined by a groove 32c and a sealing member 13 formed in the body 11. One end 32a of the channel 32 is the end on the injection path 28 side and opens into the injection path 28. The end 32a is formed as a protrusion protruding to the right from the left wall of the injection path 28. The other end 32b of the channel 32 is the end on the buffer chamber 29a side and opens into the buffer chamber 29a.

[0056] Channel 33 is a channel that connects buffer chambers 29a and 29b to each other. Channel 33 is formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, channel 33 is defined by a groove 33c formed in the main body 11 and a sealing member 12 of the sealing groove 33c. One end 33a of channel 33 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29a and opens into buffer chamber 29a. The other end 33b of channel 33 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29b and opens into buffer chamber 29b.

[0057] Channel 34 is a channel that connects buffer chambers 29b and 29c to each other. Channel 34 is formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, channel 34 is defined by a groove 34c formed in the main body 11 and a sealing member 12 of the sealing groove 34c. One end 34a of channel 34 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29b and opens into buffer chamber 29b. The other end 34b of channel 34 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29c and opens into buffer chamber 29c.

[0058] Channel 35 is a passage that connects buffer chambers 29c and 29d to each other. Channel 35 is curved and formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, channel 35 is defined by a groove 35c formed in the main body 11 and a sealing member 12 of the sealing groove 35c. One end 35a of channel 35 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29c and opens into buffer chamber 29c. End 35a is formed as a protrusion projecting to the left from the right wall of buffer chamber 29c. The other end 35b of channel 35 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29d and opens into buffer chamber 29d.

[0059] Channel 36 is a passage that connects buffer chambers 29d and 29e to each other. Channel 36 is formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6B. More specifically, channel 36 is defined by a groove 36c formed in the main body 11 and a sealing member 12 of the sealing groove 36c. One end 36a of channel 36 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29d and opens into buffer chamber 29d. The other end 36b of channel 36 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29e and opens into buffer chamber 29e. Buffer chamber 29e communicates with air communication portion 23.

[0060] Note that gas-liquid separation membranes can be provided in each of the channels 32 to 36 that connect the storage chamber 26 and the air communication section 23 to each other. This can reduce ink leakage from the air communication section 23 to the outside when ink flows from the storage chamber 26 to the air communication section 23.

[0061] <Structure of Liquid Storage Container 6Y>

[0062] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In addition, it will also refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B Explain the structure of liquid storage container 6Y. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is an exploded perspective view of liquid storage container 6Y. Note that liquid storage containers 6C and 6M have the same structure as liquid storage container 6Y, and their description will be omitted.

[0063] Aside from being narrower in the left-right direction, having a different left-right configuration, and having a support portion 41a, the liquid storage container 6Y has essentially the same structure as the liquid storage container 6B. Therefore, in the components of the liquid storage container 6Y, the same reference numerals are used in each figure to denote components identical to those in the liquid storage container 6B. Note that the support portion 41a is the part that supports the wiring harness (not shown).

[0064] The liquid storage container 6Y has a generally rectangular shape and includes a front side 6a, a left side 6b, a right side 6c, a top 6d, a bottom 6e, and a rear side 6f. The front side 6a and rear side 6f are opposite sides to each other, as are the left side 6b and right side 6c. When comparing the positions of the left side 6b and right side 6c, the left side 6b is inside the device on the side where the printhead 9 is located, and the right side 6c is outside the device on the opposite side. That is, the left side 6b is on the side of the printing area where the printhead 9 performs the printing. The rear side 6f has a step at its midpoint in the D3 direction, and the width of the liquid storage container 6Y in the D1 direction is shorter on the top 6d side and longer on the bottom 6e side.

[0065] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a body 41 corresponding to the body 11 of the liquid storage container 6B, a sealing member 43 fixed to the body 41 and corresponding to the sealing member 12 of the liquid storage container 6B, and a sealing member 42 fixed to the body 41 and corresponding to the sealing member 13 of the liquid storage container 6B.

[0066] According to this embodiment, sealing members 42 and 43 are flexible membranes and are fixed to the main body 41 by adhesive bonding or welding. Sealing member 43 is disposed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6Y, covering and sealing the opening and groove of the right side portion of the main body 41. Sealing member 42 is disposed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6Y, sealing the opening and groove of the left side portion of the main body 41. The main body 41 is a hollow structure made of resin and is a molded component forming the components described later. The main body 41 and sealing members 42 and 43 are all transparent components, thus allowing external visual identification of the interior of the liquid storage container 6Y. These components can be either colored transparent components or colorless transparent components.

[0067] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a cylindrical injection section 21 formed in the top 6d of the body 41. The injection section 21 is exposed when the cap 103 is opened. Ink is injected into the injection section 21 during ink refilling. A removable cap 20 is attached to the injection section 21. A groove 21a is formed around the injection section 21 in the top 6d of the body 41. The groove 21a receives ink dripping outside the injection section 21 during ink refilling.

[0068] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a cylindrical outlet 22 formed by the body 41 in the stepped portion of the rear side 6f. The outlet 22 is the outlet for ink stored in the liquid storage container 6Y and is a liquid outlet for allowing ink to flow to the printhead 9. A tube 5 is connected to the outlet 22, and ink stored in the liquid storage container 6Y is supplied to the printhead 9 from the outlet 22 via the tube 5.

[0069] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a cylindrical air communication section 23 formed by the body 41 in the top 6d. The air communication section 23 is a communication port for communicating the interior of the liquid storage container 6Y with the atmosphere and for gas-liquid exchange as the stored ink flows out.

[0070] The liquid storage container 6Y includes an ink-visible surface 25 formed in the front side portion 6a of the main body 41. The ink-visible surface 25 is a transparent surface that allows the user to visually identify the remaining amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 26 behind the ink-visible surface 25 from the outside (windows 107 and 109). On the ink-visible surface 25, a lower limit display 25b indicating the lower limit of the remaining amount indicates when ink replenishment is needed, an upper limit display 25a indicates the upper limit when ink replenishment is performed, and a display 25c indicates the remaining amount at which the recovery unit 4 can perform a recovery operation. These displays 25a to 25c are formed by printing the shape of the main body 41 (formation of recesses or protrusions, etc.) or a line drawing.

[0071] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a joint 24a formed in the front side portion 6a by the main body 41 and a joint 24b formed in the rear side portion 6f by the main body 41. The joints 24a and 24b engage with a joint (not shown) formed in the housing 101, thereby fixing and positioning the liquid storage container 6Y.

[0072] The liquid storage container 6Y includes a storage chamber 26 for storing ink on the bottom 6e side, and buffer chambers 29a to 29e on the top 6d side. The storage chamber 26 is connected to an air vent 23 via the buffer chambers 29a to 29e. The buffer chambers 29a to 29e prevent ink from flowing from the storage chamber 26 to the air vent 23 and leaking to the outside of the liquid storage container 6Y.

[0073] Storage chamber 26 is defined by a main body 41 and a sealing member 42. The main body 41 includes peripheral wall portions 26a, 26b, and 26d to 26f having an opening 26c, which are components forming storage chamber 26, and the opening 26c is sealed by the sealing member 42 to form a liquid-tight storage chamber 26. The peripheral wall portions 26a, 26b, and 26d to 26f form the front wall, right wall, upper wall, bottom wall, and rear wall of storage chamber 26, respectively. The opening 26c opens to the left side of the main body 41, and the sealing member 42 forms the left wall of storage chamber 26.

[0074] The peripheral wall portion (upper wall portion) 26d separates the storage chamber 26 from the buffer chambers 29a to 29e, which serve as the space above the storage chamber 26. The peripheral wall portion (upper wall portion) 26d and the connecting portion 26d' (see...) Figure 9BThe ink is connected to the space above the peripheral wall portion 26d of the ink reservoir 21 via an injection path 28, and the injection path 28 is connected to the injection portion 21. The injection path 28 is defined by the body 41 and the sealing member 42. Ink injected from the injection portion 21 flows into the storage chamber 26 via the injection path 28 and is stored. The peripheral wall portion (right wall portion) 26b includes a protrusion 26g that protrudes outward (to the right) from the lower part of the right side portion 6c forming the liquid storage container 6Y. The protrusion 26g protrudes to the window portion 109. The user can visually identify the remaining ink level in the storage chamber 26 from the outside of the printing device 1 via the transparent protrusion 26g. By forming the protrusion 26g, the ink storage space of the storage chamber 26 can be expanded. In the storage chamber 26, a plurality of ribs 27 formed by the body 41 are arranged. The ribs 27 extend from the peripheral wall portion (right wall portion) 26b to a position near the opening 26c and support the sealing member 42 from the inside, thereby reducing the occurrence of unevenness in the sealing member 42.

[0075] If the maximum amount of ink is stored in the storage chamber 26, the ink level will be almost level with the upper limit display 25a. The outlet 22 is located higher than the upper limit display 25a. Therefore, even if the maximum amount of ink is stored in the storage chamber 26, the ink will never leak from the outlet 22.

[0076] Buffer chambers 29a to 29e are defined by a main body 41 and a sealing member 43. The main body 41 includes a peripheral wall portion that opens to the right side, forming buffer chambers 29a to 29e respectively. When the opening is sealed by the sealing member 43, buffer chambers 29a to 29e are formed.

[0077] exist Figure 8A and Figure 8B In addition, it will also refer to Figure 9A and Figure 9B This describes the channel located in the liquid storage container 6Y.

[0078] Channel 31 is a passage that connects the storage chamber 26 and the outlet 22 to each other. Channel 31 is formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, channel 31 is defined by a groove 31c and a sealing member 43 formed in the peripheral wall portion (right wall portion 26b) of the main body 41. Channel 31 includes a portion extending in the D3 direction and a portion extending in the D1 direction, and thus has an overall L-shape. One end 31a of channel 31 is the end on the storage chamber 26 side, and opens into the storage chamber 26 through the lower part of the front portion of the peripheral wall portion (right wall portion 26b). The other end 31b of channel 31 is the end on the outlet portion 22 side, and communicates with the outlet portion 22. Channel 32 is a passage that connects the injection path 28 and the buffer chamber 29a to each other. Channel 32 is formed in the right side portion 6c of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, the channel 32 is defined by a groove 32c and a sealing member 43 formed in the body 41. One end 32a of the channel 32 is the end on the injection path 28 side and opens into the injection path 28. The end 32a is formed as a protrusion extending to the left from the right wall of the injection path 28. The other end 32b of the channel 32 is the end on the buffer chamber 29a side and opens into the buffer chamber 29a.

[0079] Channel 33 is a channel that connects buffer chambers 29a and 29b to each other. Channel 33 is formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, channel 33 is defined by a groove 33c and a sealing member 42 of a sealing groove 33c formed in the main body 41. One end 33a of channel 33 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29a and opens into buffer chamber 29a. The other end 33b of channel 33 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29b and opens into buffer chamber 29b.

[0080] Channel 34 is a passage that connects buffer chambers 29b and 29c to each other. Channel 34 is formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, channel 34 is defined by a groove 34c formed in the body 41 and a sealing member 42 of the sealing groove 34c. One end 34a of channel 34 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29b and opens into buffer chamber 29b. The other end 34b of channel 34 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29c and opens into buffer chamber 29c.

[0081] Channel 35 is a passage that connects buffer chambers 29c and 29d to each other. Channel 35 is curved and formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, channel 35 is defined by a groove 35c formed in the body 41 and a sealing member 42 of the sealing groove 35c. One end 35a of channel 35 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29c and opens into buffer chamber 29c. End 35a is formed as a protrusion projecting to the right from the left wall of buffer chamber 29c. The other end 35b of channel 35 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29d and opens into buffer chamber 29d.

[0082] Channel 36 is a passage that connects buffer chambers 29d and 29e to each other. Channel 36 is formed in the left side portion 6b of the liquid storage container 6Y. More specifically, channel 36 is defined by a groove 36c formed in the main body 41 and a sealing member 42 of the sealing groove 36c. One end 36a of channel 36 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29d and opens into buffer chamber 29d. The other end 36b of channel 36 is the end on the side of buffer chamber 29e and opens into buffer chamber 29e. Buffer chamber 29e communicates with air communication portion 23.

[0083] Note that gas-liquid separation membranes can be provided in each of the channels 32 to 36 that connect the storage chamber 26 and the air communication section 23 to each other. This can reduce ink leakage from the air communication section 23 to the outside when ink flows from the storage chamber 26 to the air communication section 23.

[0084] <The posture of the printing equipment>

[0085] The mechanism for suppressing ink leakage when the printing device 1 is set to a position other than the position in use will be explained. Figure 10A The configuration of the liquid storage container 6 and the carriage 2 (and printhead 9) when the printing device 1 is in use is schematically shown. Each liquid storage container 6 stores the maximum amount of ink 10 in the storage chamber 26. When one side of the carriage 2 in the D2 direction is referred to as the inner side and the opposite side as the outer side in this configuration, the passage 31 of each liquid storage container 6 is located on the outer side of the liquid storage container 6, and the sealing members 12 and 42 forming the wall of the storage chamber 26 are located on the inner side.

[0086] Since sealing members 12 and 42 form the walls of the storage chamber 26, damage to sealing members 12 and 42 directly leads to ink leakage. According to this embodiment, sealing members 12 and 42 are membranes, making them susceptible to damage. If sealing members 12 or 42 are located outside the liquid storage container 6, during the installation of the liquid storage container 6B or 6Y, sealing members 12 or 42 may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the housing 101 or its surrounding components, thereby damaging sealing members 12 or 42. During use, sealing members 12 and 42 may come into contact with foreign objects via windows 108 and 109. In this embodiment, since sealing members 12 and 42 are disposed inside the liquid storage container 6, the protective performance of sealing members 12 and 42 can be improved, and structural damage to them can be suppressed.

[0087] The fact that channel 31 is located outside the liquid storage container 6 helps to suppress ink leakage when the printing device 1 is set to a position other than its intended use position. The various positions of the printing device 1 will be explained when... Figure 10A Ink leakage suppression when changing from the usage posture (maximum ink volume) to other postures. The case where carriage 2 is in its original position will be explained. When the operation of printing device 1 ends normally, carriage 2 is controlled to stop in its original position.

[0088] Figure 10B An example is shown where the right side of the printing device 1 is positioned below and the left side of the printing device 1 is positioned above. In this configuration, the liquid storage container 6B is located above, and the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y, as well as the carriage 2, are located below.

[0089] In this orientation, the difference between the heights of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small. Therefore, even if the meniscus on the ink discharge surface 9a is disrupted, the likelihood of ink stored in the individual liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is low.

[0090] On the other hand, the liquid storage container 6B is located higher than the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9. However, the channel 31 of the liquid storage container 6B is located higher than the storage chamber 26. In other words, one end 31a of the channel 31 is above the ink surface of the storage chamber 26. Therefore, the channel 31 is not filled with ink from the storage chamber 26, and ink will not flow out from the outlet 22. As a result, the possibility of ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is also low.

[0091] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to the initial placement, an atmospheric pressure condition is established where air flows from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to the initial placement (e.g., the printing device 1 is transported to a high-altitude area or a tropical cyclone reaches the area where the printing device 1 is placed), an atmospheric pressure condition is established where ink in the storage chamber 26 moves from the injection path 28 to the buffer chamber 29a.

[0092] In this case, regarding the liquid storage container 6B, since the channel 32 is formed in the left side portion 6b and is located at a position higher than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28, the liquid storage container 6B is not filled with ink. Therefore, the possibility of ink leaking from the air communication portion 23 is low.

[0093] Regarding the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y, since channel 32 is formed in the right side portion 6c and is located lower than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28, the liquid storage containers can be filled with ink. However, since the end 32a of channel 32 is located in the protrusion, ink will not flow into channel 32 unless the ink level in the injection path 28 is equal to or higher than the height of the protrusion. At this stage, the amount of ink flowing into channel 32 can be reduced. Furthermore, since each channel 33 to 36 is formed in the left side portion 6b, it is located higher than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28. Therefore, no ink flows. Therefore, the possibility of ink leakage from the air communication portion 23 is also low.

[0094] Figure 10C An example of a configuration is shown where the left side of the printing device 1 is positioned below and the right side of the printing device 1 is positioned above. In this configuration, the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, 6Y and the carriage 2 are located above, and the liquid storage container 6B is located below.

[0095] In this orientation, the difference between the heights of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small. Therefore, even if the meniscus on the ink discharge surface 9a is disrupted, the likelihood of ink stored in each of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is low. Furthermore, since the liquid storage container 6B is located lower than the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9, the likelihood of ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is also low.

[0096] The following describes the situation where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period of time and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that air flows from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. If the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that ink in the storage chamber 26 moves from the injection path 28 to the buffer chamber 29a.

[0097] In this case, regarding the individual liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y, since the channel 32 is formed in the right-side portion 6C and is located higher than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28, the liquid storage containers are not filled with ink. Therefore, the possibility of ink leakage from the air vent 23 is low.

[0098] Regarding the liquid storage container 6B, the channel 32 is formed in the left side portion 6b and is located lower than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28, so the liquid storage container 6B may be filled with ink. However, since the end 32a of the channel 32 is located in the protrusion, ink will not flow into the channel 32 unless the ink level in the injection path 28 is equal to or higher than the height of the protrusion. At this stage, the amount of ink flowing into the channel 32 can be reduced. Furthermore, since each of the channels 33 to 36 is formed in the right side portion 6c, it is located higher than the storage chamber 26 and the injection path 28. Therefore, no ink flows. Therefore, the possibility of ink leakage from the air communication portion 23 is also low.

[0099] Figure 11A An example is shown where the front of the printing device 1 is positioned below and the rear of the printing device 1 is positioned above. In this configuration, the carriage 2 is located above and the liquid storage container 6 is located below. Since the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is positioned higher than the liquid storage container 6, the possibility of ink leakage from the ink discharge surface 9a is low, even if the meniscus on the ink discharge surface 9a is disrupted. Furthermore, the outlet 22 is positioned higher than the ink level stored in the storage chamber 26, so no ink flows out from the outlet 22.

[0100] The following describes the situation where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period of time and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that air flows from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. If the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that ink in the storage chamber 26 moves from the injection path 28 to the buffer chamber 29a.

[0101] However, since the end 32a of channel 32 is located higher than the front side 6a of liquid storage container 6, no ink flows into channel 32 unless the ink level in injection path 28 is equal to or higher than the height of end 32a. At this stage, the amount of ink flowing into channel 32 can be reduced. Furthermore, buffer chambers 29a to 29e and channels 33 to 36 are located higher than injection path 28. Since the liquid level will not rise due to ink flowing into some of these spaces, the possibility of ink leakage from air communication portion 23 is also low.

[0102] Figure 11B An example is shown where the front of the printing device 1 is positioned above and the rear of the printing device 1 is positioned below. In this configuration, the liquid storage container 6 is located above and the carriage 2 is located below. However, since the end 31a of the channel 31 is located at a high position within the storage chamber 26, the likelihood of ink flowing from the storage chamber 26 into the channel 31 is low. In other words, the end 31a of the channel 31 is located above the surface of the ink in the storage chamber 26.

[0103] The following describes the situation where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period of time and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that air flows from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. If the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established so that ink in the storage chamber 26 moves from the injection path 28 to the buffer chamber 29a.

[0104] However, since the end 32a of the injection path 28 and the channel 32 is located at a high position, the possibility of ink flowing into the injection path 28 and the channel 32 from the storage chamber 26 is low. Therefore, the possibility of ink leaking from the air connection 23 is also low.

[0105] Figure 14AAn example is shown of the printing device 1 in an inverted position. In this position, because the difference between the height of the liquid storage container 6 and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small, the possibility of ink leakage from the ink discharge surface 9a even if the meniscus on the ink discharge surface 9a is damaged is low. Furthermore, since the end 31a of the channel 31 is located at a high position in the storage chamber 26, the channel 31 is not filled with ink from the storage chamber 26, and no ink flows out from the outlet 22. From this perspective, the possibility of ink leakage from the ink discharge surface 9a in the individual liquid storage containers 6 is also low. The situation where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for a long time and the external atmospheric pressure changes will be explained. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to the initial placement, an atmospheric pressure state is established where air flows into the liquid storage container 6 from the air connection 23, so ink leakage does not occur. If the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to the initial placement, an atmospheric pressure state is established where ink in the storage chamber 26 moves from the injection path 28 to the buffer chamber 29a.

[0106] Since ink in storage chamber 26 flows into injection path 28, but the end 32a of channel 32 is located at a high position away from the top 6d of liquid storage container 6, no ink flows into channel 32 unless the ink level in injection path 28 is equal to or higher than end 32a. At this stage, the amount of ink flowing into channel 32 can be reduced. Furthermore, the ends 33a to 35a of channels 33 to 35 are also located at a high position in buffer chambers 29a to 29c. Since the liquid level does not rise due to ink flowing into some space in buffer chambers 29a to 29c, the possibility of ink leakage from air connection 23 is also low.

[0107] The following will describe the end of carriage 2 located on the opposite side of its original position within the range of motion. Figure 4B (As shown in the image) and the meniscus of the nozzles on the ink discharge surface 9a is damaged. As mentioned above, the carriage 2 is normally in its original position, but when the operation of the printing device 1 is abnormally terminated or a power outage occurs, the carriage 2 is set to a position other than its original position. In this state, the ink discharge surface 9a is not covered by the cover 4a, thereby increasing the possibility that the meniscus of the nozzles on the ink discharge surface 9a is damaged. Figure 12A An example is shown where the right side of the printing device 1 is positioned below and the left side of the printing device 1 is positioned above. In this configuration, the liquid storage container 6B and the carriage 2 are located above, while the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y are located below.

[0108] In this orientation, because the difference between the height of the liquid storage container 6B and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small, the possibility of ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is low. Furthermore, because the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y are located lower than the printhead 9, the possibility of ink stored in each of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is also low.

[0109] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow air to flow from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow ink in the storage chamber 26 to move from the injection path 28 into the buffer chamber 29a. In this case, for the sake of reference... Figure 10B The example shown illustrates the same reason why the ink in each liquid storage container 6 is unlikely to leak from the air connection 23. Figure 12B An example of a configuration is shown where the left side of the printing device 1 is positioned below and the right side of the printing device 1 is positioned above. In this configuration, liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y are located above, and liquid storage container 6B and carriage 2 are located below.

[0110] In this configuration, because the difference between the height of the liquid storage container 6B and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small, the possibility of ink stored in the liquid storage container 6B leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is low. On the other hand, the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y are located at a position higher than the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9. However, each channel 31 of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y is located at a position higher than the storage chamber 26. In other words, the end 31a of the channel 31 is above the liquid surface of the ink in the storage chamber 26. Therefore, the channel 31 is not filled with ink from the storage chamber 26, and no ink flows to the outside from the outlet 22. As a result, the possibility of ink stored in each of the liquid storage containers 6C, 6M, and 6Y leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is also low.

[0111] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow air to flow from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow ink in the storage chamber 26 to move from the injection path 28 into the buffer chamber 29a. In this case, for the sake of reference... Figure 10C The example shown illustrates the same reason why the ink in each liquid storage container 6 is unlikely to leak from the air connection 23.

[0112] Figure 13A An example is shown where the front of the printing device 1 is positioned lower and the rear of the printing device 1 is positioned upper. In this configuration, the carriage 2 is positioned upper and the liquid storage container 6 is positioned lower. Since the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is positioned higher than the liquid storage container 6, the possibility of ink leakage from the ink discharge surface 9a in each liquid storage container 6 is low. Furthermore, the outlet 22 is positioned higher than the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 26, and no ink flows out from the outlet 22.

[0113] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow air to flow from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow ink in the storage chamber 26 to move from the injection path 28 into the buffer chamber 29a. In this case, for the sake of reference... Figure 11A The example shown illustrates the same reason why the ink in each liquid storage container 6 is unlikely to leak from the air connection 23.

[0114] Figure 13B An example is shown with the front of the printing device 1 positioned above and the rear of the printing device 1 positioned below. In this configuration, the liquid storage container 6 is located above and the carriage 2 is located below. However, since the end 31a of the channel 31 is located at a high position within the storage chamber 26, the likelihood of ink flowing into the channel 31 from the storage chamber 26 is low. In other words, the end 31a of the channel 31 is located above the surface of the ink in the storage chamber 26.

[0115] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow air to flow from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow ink in the storage chamber 26 to move from the injection path 28 into the buffer chamber 29a. In this case, for the sake of reference... Figure 11B The example shown illustrates the same reason why the ink in each liquid storage container 6 is unlikely to leak from the air connection 23.

[0116] Figure 14BAn example is shown with the printing device 1 in an inverted position. In this position, because the difference between the height of the liquid storage container 6 and the height of the ink discharge surface 9a of the printhead 9 is small, the possibility of ink stored in each liquid storage container 6 leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is low. Furthermore, since the end 31a of the channel 31 is located at a high position in the storage chamber 26, the channel 31 is not filled with ink from the storage chamber 26, and no ink flows out from the outlet 22. From this perspective, the possibility of ink stored in each liquid storage container 6 leaking from the ink discharge surface 9a is also low.

[0117] The following describes the scenario where the printing device 1 is placed in this position for an extended period and the external atmospheric pressure changes. For example, if the external atmospheric pressure increases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow air to flow from the air connection 23 into the liquid storage container 6, thus preventing ink leakage. Conversely, if the external atmospheric pressure decreases compared to when it was first placed, an atmospheric pressure is established to allow ink in the storage chamber 26 to move from the injection path 28 into the buffer chamber 29a. In this case, for the sake of reference... Figure 14A The example shown illustrates the same reason why the ink in each liquid storage container 6 is unlikely to leak from the air connection 23.

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the printing device 1 is set to a posture different from that used during operation, the possibility of ink leakage can be reduced, and the amount of ink leakage can be reduced.

[0119] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0120] The above embodiments illustrate an example of configuring printhead 9 with a printhead for black ink and printheads for cyan, magenta, and yellow inks. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration, and printheads for all four colors can be used. The number of storage chambers 26 and buffer chambers 29a to 29e according to the above embodiments are merely examples, and the invention is not limited thereto.

[0121] The above embodiments illustrate a liquid storage container 6 including a protrusion 26g, but the liquid storage container 6 does not necessarily include a protrusion 26g. Furthermore, a liquid storage container 6 including an ink-visible surface 25 in the front portion 6a has been illustrated. However, the ink-visible surface 25 can be formed on other surfaces such as the left side portion 6b or the right side portion 6c. A housing 101 including windows 104 to 109 has been illustrated, but a configuration without any windows is possible.

[0122] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by providing software (programs) that perform the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0123] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation to include all such variations, equivalent structures, and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device comprising: A carriage, configured to move, on which a first printhead for ejecting color ink and a second printhead for ejecting black ink are mounted; and Storage container, comprising: A first storage chamber is configured to store color ink to be supplied to the first printhead, the first storage chamber having an opening sealed by a sealing member on a first side of the storage container; The injection port is detachably covered by a cover, and the injection port is configured to allow colored ink to be injected into the first storage chamber; The second storage chamber is configured to store air therein and is configured to communicate with the outside air when the inlet is covered by the cover; An upper limit indicator indicates the upper limit of the amount of color ink stored in the first storage chamber; A connection port, configured to communicate with the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, is located above the upper limit indicator when the printing device is in use; and The groove, which is configured to form a channel for the flow of colored ink, is formed on a second side of the storage container opposite to the first side.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, The storage container includes a lower limit indicator that indicates the lower limit of the amount of color ink stored in the first storage chamber.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, Colored ink flows toward the first printhead within the channel.

4. The printing apparatus of claim 1 further includes a tube configured to connect the first printhead and the storage container, the tube being connected to an outlet of the storage container.

5. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein, The first storage chamber is configured to communicate with the outside air through the communication port.

6. The printing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a can lid configured to cover the injection port.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The injection port is formed on the top of the storage container.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, A second groove is formed on the top, and the second groove is formed close to the injection port.

9. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a conveyor roller configured to convey printing media along a first direction. The storage container is positioned downstream of the first printhead in the first direction.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The groove is not sealed by the sealing member.

11. A printing apparatus comprising: A carriage, configured to move, on which a first printhead for ejecting color ink and a second printhead for ejecting black ink are mounted; and Storage container, comprising: A first storage chamber is configured to store color ink to be supplied to the first printhead, the first storage chamber having an opening sealed by a sealing member on a first side of the storage container; The injection port is detachably covered by a cover, and the injection port is configured to allow colored ink to be injected into the first storage chamber; The second storage chamber is configured to store air therein and is configured to communicate with the outside air when the inlet is covered by the cover; A connecting port, configured to communicate with both the first and second storage chambers, is positioned above the level of the maximum amount of color ink in the first storage chamber when the printing device is in use; and The groove, which is configured to form a channel for the flow of colored ink, is formed on a second side of the storage container opposite to the first side.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, Colored ink flows toward the first printhead within the channel.

13. The printing apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a tube configured to connect the first printhead and the storage container, the tube being connected to an outlet portion of the storage container.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The first storage chamber is configured to communicate with the outside air through the communication port.

15. The printing apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a can lid configured to cover the injection port.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, The injection port is formed on the top of the storage container.

17. The printing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, A second groove is formed on the top, and the second groove is formed close to the injection port.

18. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising a conveyor roller configured to convey printing media along a first direction. The storage container is positioned downstream of the first printhead in the first direction.

19. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The groove is not sealed by the sealing member.

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