System and liquid container

Abstract

Provided is a system in which a liquid is less likely to remain in a liquid container and in which the liquid can be smoothly injected into a cartridge from the liquid container. A system (10) is provided with a liquid bottle (80) having a first storage chamber (88), and a cartridge (100M) having a second storage chamber (111) and to which the liquid bottle (80) is connected. The liquid bottle (80) has: a first flow path section (135) that defines a first flow path (F1) that connects a first opening (137) located inside the liquid bottle (80) and a second opening (138) located outside the first reservoir chamber (88); and a third opening (140) that communicates the first reservoir chamber (88) with the outside. The cartridge (100M) has: a second flow path section (115) that defines a second flow path (G1) that connects a fourth opening (114) located in the second storage chamber (111) and a fifth opening (116) located outside the second storage chamber (111), and that is inserted into the first storage chamber (88) through the third opening (140) from the outside; and a sixth opening (119) that connects the second storage chamber (111) to the outside and is connected to the first flow path section (135).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system including a liquid container and a cartridge connected to the liquid container, and the liquid container. Background Art

[0002] A system includes an ink bottle and an ink cartridge connected to the ink bottle. In this system, the ink cartridge includes a needle formed of a first flow path and a second flow path. The needle connects the interior of the ink cartridge to the exterior. When the ink bottle and ink cartridge are connected, the needle is inserted into the interior of the ink bottle. One of the first flow path and the second flow path functions as a flow path for ink flow, while the other functions as a flow path for air flow. In this manner, ink is injected into the ink cartridge by utilizing the gas-liquid exchange between the ink cartridge and the ink bottle.

[0003] In the above-described system, there is also a case where the bottle includes a nozzle having a first flow path and a second flow path.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-168790

[0007] Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-151711.

[0008] In a system equipped with an ink cartridge having a needle with two flow paths, the needle is inserted into the interior of the ink bottle. Therefore, when the amount of ink in the bottle decreases, the ink level tends to fall below the opening of the needle. Consequently, ink becomes less likely to flow into the first or second flow path, and ink tends to remain inside the ink bottle.

[0009] On the other hand, in systems using a bottle with a nozzle consisting of two flow paths, since the bottle has both a first and second flow path, even if the amount of ink in the bottle decreases, ink easily flows into the first or second flow path. Therefore, ink is less likely to remain inside the bottle. However, when the bottle is connected to the ink cartridge, both the first and second flow paths are easily flooded with ink, making it difficult to smoothly exchange ink and air between the bottle and the ink cartridge. Consequently, it is difficult to smoothly inject ink from the bottle into the ink cartridge. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Therefore, a system and a liquid container are desired in which liquid is unlikely to remain inside the liquid container and in which liquid can be smoothly injected from the liquid container into the cartridge.

[0011] (1) The system according to the present invention comprises: a liquid container having a first storage chamber for storing a recording liquid; and a box having a second storage chamber for storing a recording liquid and connected to the liquid container. The liquid container has a first flow path portion and a third opening, the first flow path portion defining a first flow path, the first flow path connecting the first opening located inside the liquid container with the second opening located outside the first storage chamber, and the third opening connecting the first storage chamber to the outside. The box has a second flow path portion and a sixth opening, the second flow path portion defining a second flow path, the second flow path connecting the fourth opening located in the second storage chamber with the fifth opening located outside the second storage chamber, the second flow path portion being inserted into the first storage chamber from the outside through the third opening, the sixth opening connecting the second storage chamber to the outside and connected to the first flow path portion.

[0012] When the liquid container is connected to the cartridge, the first flow path is easily submerged in the liquid in the first storage chamber. Therefore, when the first flow path portion defining the first flow path is connected to the sixth opening, the first flow path easily functions as a flow path for liquid to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. On the other hand, when the liquid container is connected to the cartridge, the second flow path is empty. Therefore, when the second flow path portion defining the second flow path is inserted through the third opening into the first storage chamber, the second flow path easily functions as a flow path for air to flow from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber. This allows for smooth gas-liquid exchange between the liquid container and the cartridge. As a result, liquid can be smoothly injected from the liquid container into the cartridge. Because the first flow path, which functions as a flow path for liquid to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, is formed within the liquid container, liquid easily flows into the first flow path even if the amount of liquid in the liquid container decreases. Consequently, liquid is less likely to remain within the liquid container.

[0013] (2) The sixth opening may be configured so that the first flow path portion is inserted from the outside.

[0014] The liquid in the first storage chamber is more reliably injected into the second storage chamber through the first flow path portion.

[0015] (3) In the connection posture of the liquid container to the cartridge, the first opening may be located below the fifth opening.

[0016] Since the water pressure of the liquid acting on the first opening is higher than the water pressure of the liquid acting on the fifth opening, the first flow path easily functions as a flow path for the liquid to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber.

[0017] (4) In the connection posture, the first opening may be located at the lower end of the liquid container.

[0018] Even if the amount of liquid in the liquid container decreases, the liquid easily flows into the first flow path, so that the liquid is less likely to remain inside the liquid container.

[0019] (5) Alternatively, in the connected position, the first flow path portion may extend obliquely downward from the outer wall of the liquid container along an extension direction intersecting the direction of gravity and the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the second flow path portion may extend obliquely upward from the outer wall of the cartridge along the extension direction. Alternatively, in the connected position, the first flow path portion may be located below the second flow path portion.

[0020] The user can easily connect the liquid container to the case from the front. Because the water pressure of the liquid acting on the first opening is greater than the water pressure of the liquid acting on the fifth opening, the first flow path easily functions as a flow path for liquid to flow from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. The second flow path easily functions as a flow path for air to flow from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber. This allows for smooth gas-liquid exchange between the liquid container and the case.

[0021] (6) In the connection posture, the fifth opening may be opened upward.

[0022] Since air easily flows into the first storage chamber from the fifth opening, the second flow path easily functions as a flow path for air to flow from the second storage chamber to the first storage chamber.

[0023] (7) The liquid container may include a valve therein, the valve being located in a closed position closing the first opening and the third opening. The valve in the closed position may be pressed by the tip of the second flow path portion inserted into the liquid container through the third opening, thereby moving to an open position opening the first opening and the third opening.

[0024] Before the user connects the liquid container to the cartridge, the valve prevents the liquid from leaking out of the first storage chamber. This simplifies the process of injecting liquid from the liquid container into the cartridge, compared to a case where the user needs to move the valve from a closed position to an open position in addition to connecting the liquid container to the cartridge.

[0025] (8) The tip of the second flow path portion may include a pressing surface parallel to an imaginary plane perpendicular to a direction in which a center line of the second flow path portion extends.

[0026] Since the valve in the closed position is pressed by a pressing surface parallel to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the direction in which the centerline of the second flow path extends, the valve easily moves from the closed position to the open position. Compared to a case where the tip of the second flow path is pointed, the valve and the second flow path are less likely to be damaged.

[0027] (9) Alternatively, the cartridge may include a third flow path portion in the second storage chamber, the third flow path portion defining a third flow path, the third flow path being connected to the first flow path in the connected position. Alternatively, the third flow path portion may extend downwardly along the direction of gravity and have a seventh opening at its lower end that opens downwardly.

[0028] In the connected position, the first and third flow paths communicate, so a high water pressure acts on the seventh opening. Consequently, the first and third flow paths facilitate the flow of liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, allowing for smooth gas-liquid exchange between the liquid container and the cartridge.

[0029] (10) The seventh opening may be located below the fourth opening.

[0030] Since the liquid flowing into the second storage chamber from the seventh opening flows downward, it is difficult for it to reach the fourth opening located above the seventh opening. As a result, the liquid flowing into the second storage chamber from the seventh opening is prevented from flowing back to the first storage chamber through the second flow path.

[0031] (11) The liquid container according to the present invention is connectable to a cartridge and capable of supplying a recording liquid to the cartridge. The container comprises: a main body storing the recording liquid; a first flow path portion communicating the interior of the main body with the exterior of the main body and defining a first flow path connecting a first end opening in the interior with a second end opening in the exterior; and a communication port communicating the interior with the exterior. The second end is located downstream of the communication port in a direction in which the first flow path portion extends from the first end toward the second end.

[0032] Because the first flow path portion includes a liquid container, it is easily submerged in the liquid in the liquid container when connected to the box. Therefore, the first flow path portion easily functions as a flow path for liquid to flow from the liquid container into the box. In addition, because the second end of the first flow path portion is located downstream of the above-mentioned connecting port in the direction in which the first flow path portion extends from the first end toward the second end, a head difference is easily generated. Therefore, gas-liquid exchange between liquid and air is smoothly carried out between the liquid container and the box. As a result, liquid is smoothly injected into the box from the liquid container. Because the first flow path portion includes a liquid container, even if the amount of liquid in the liquid container decreases, the liquid easily flows into the first flow path portion. Therefore, liquid is less likely to remain in the liquid container.

[0033] (12) Alternatively, the main body may include a mouth. Alternatively, the mouth may include the first flow path and the communication port. Alternatively, the first flow path may be eccentric relative to the mouth in a direction in which the first flow path and the communication port are arranged.

[0034] When the liquid container is connected to the cartridge with the first flow path portion positioned below the communication port, the liquid easily flows into the first flow path portion even if the amount of liquid in the liquid container decreases.

[0035] (13) Alternatively, the main body may include a valve located inside the main body. Alternatively, the valve may be movable in the direction in which the first flow path extends between a closed position for closing the first end and the communication port and an open position for opening the first end and the communication port.

[0036] The movement of the valve enables the supply or stop of liquid to the outside of the liquid container.

[0037] (14) Alternatively, the mouth portion may include a container cover and a mounting portion, wherein the container cover includes the communication port and the mounting portion is for mounting the container cover.

[0038] (15) The port may include a wall perpendicular to the direction in which the first flow path extends. The wall may include the first flow path portion and the communication port.

[0039] (16) The wall may have a rotationally asymmetric shape when viewed from the direction in which the first flow path extends.

[0040] The direction of the liquid container when connected to the cartridge can be easily determined.

[0041] (17) Alternatively, the first flow path portion may be a tube.

[0042] By generating a head difference, gas-liquid exchange can be started smoothly.

[0043] (18) The diameter of the communication port may be larger than the diameter of the first flow path.

[0044] The second flow path portion of the cartridge can be easily inserted into the communication port.

[0045] According to the above system and liquid container, liquid is unlikely to remain inside the liquid container, and liquid can be smoothly injected from the liquid container into the cartridge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the multifunction device 10. Figure 1 (A) indicates a state where the cover 70 is closed. Figure 1 (B) shows a state where the cover 70 is opened.

[0047] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11 .

[0048] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 23 and the ink cartridge 100 .

[0049] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 100M.

[0050] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink cartridge 100M.

[0051] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the liquid bottle 80 .

[0052] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the liquid bottle 80 .

[0053] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid bottle 80 in a state where the valve 133 is located in the closed position.

[0054] Figure 9 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid bottle 80 in a state where the valve 133 is located at the open position.

[0055] Figure 10 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state where the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100M are connected.

[0056] Figure 11 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a liquid bottle 80 according to a modified example in which a bottle body 81 and a bottle cap 82 are integrally formed.

[0057] Figure 12 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a liquid bottle 80 according to a modified example in which the valve 133 is omitted.

[0058] Figure 13 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a liquid bottle 80 according to a modification is connected to an ink cartridge 100M.

[0059] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 Cross-sectional view along line XIV-XIV.

[0060] Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an ink cartridge 100M according to a modification is connected to a liquid bottle 80 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] An embodiment is described below. The embodiment described below is merely an example of the present invention, and it is of course possible to make appropriate changes to the embodiment of the present invention without changing the main purpose of the present invention. In addition, in the following description, moving from the starting point of the arrow to the end point represents the direction, and moving back and forth on the line connecting the starting point and the end point of the arrow represents the direction. That is, the direction is a component of the direction. Up and down are respectively a component of the up and down direction 7, and are opposite to each other. Left and right are respectively a component of the left and right direction 9, and are opposite to each other. Forward and backward are respectively a component of the front and back direction 8, and are opposite to each other. In addition, in this embodiment, the up and down direction 7 is equivalent to the direction of gravity, and the front and back direction 8 and the left and right direction 9 are equivalent to the horizontal direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the multifunction device 10 (an example of a system) is set to a usable state ( Figure 1 The status will also be recorded as "usage status". ) or posture ( Figure 1 ) is used as a reference to define the up-down direction 7, the front-back direction 8 is defined by taking the side where the opening 13 of the multifunction device 10 is provided as the front side (front), and the left-right direction 9 is defined by observing the multifunction device 10 from the front side (front).

[0063] [Overall Structure of the Multifunction Device 10]

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer shape of the multifunction device 10 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The multifunction device 10 includes a printer unit 11 and a liquid bottle 80 (an example of a liquid container) described later at the lower portion of the housing. The printer unit 11 prints to a paper 12 (see FIG. 1 ) by an inkjet recording method. Figure 2 ) to record the image. Figure 2 As shown, the printer unit 11 includes a feed unit 15, a feed tray 20, a discharge tray 21, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller unit 55, a platen 42, and an ink cartridge 100 (an example of a cartridge). The multifunction device 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a printing function.

[0065] [Feed Tray 20, Eject Tray 21]

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the opening 13 is located on the front surface of the multifunction peripheral 10 and in the center portion in the left-right direction 9. The feed tray 20 moves in the front-to-back direction 8 through the opening 13 by a user's operation. The feed tray 20 supports a plurality of stacked sheets of paper 12. The discharge tray 21 is located above the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 moves in the front-to-back direction 8 together with the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 supports the sheets of paper 12 discharged by the discharge roller unit 55.

[0067] [Feeding unit 15]

[0068] The feeding unit 15 feeds the paper 12 supported by the feed tray 20 to the conveying path 65. Figure 2 As shown, the feed unit 15 includes a feed roller 25, a feed arm 26, and a shaft 27. The feed roller 25 is rotatably supported by the top end portion of the feed arm 26. The feed roller 25 is rotated in the direction of conveying the paper 12 in the conveying direction 16 by the driving force of the conveying motor (not shown). Hereinafter, the rotation of the feed roller 25, the conveying roller 60, and the discharge roller 62 in the direction of conveying the paper 12 in the conveying direction 16 will be referred to as "positive rotation". The feed arm 26 is rotatably supported by the shaft 27, and the shaft 27 is supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The feed arm 26 is urged to rotate toward the feed tray 20 side by its own weight or elastic force based on a spring or the like.

[0069] [Conveyance path 65]

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveying path 65 represents a space defined by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other at a predetermined distance inside the printer unit 11. The conveying path 65 extends from the rear end of the feed tray 20 to the rear side of the printer unit 11. The conveying path 65 extends from the bottom to the top on the rear side of the printer unit 11 and makes a U-turn, passing through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 to reach the discharge tray 21. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveying path 65 between the conveying roller portion 54 and the discharge roller portion 55 is located in the substantially central portion of the multifunction device 10 in the left-right direction 9 and extends in the front-back direction 8. The conveying direction 16 of the paper 12 on the conveying path 65 is Figure 2 Indicated by a single-dot dash arrow.

[0071] [Conveyance Roller Section 54]

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the transport roller unit 54 is located upstream of the recording unit 24 in the transport direction 16 . The transport roller unit 54 includes a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61. The transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 are opposed to each other in the vertical direction 7 . The transport roller 60 is driven by the transport motor to rotate. The pinch roller 61 is driven to rotate as the transport roller 60 rotates. When the transport roller 60 rotates in the forward direction due to the forward rotation of the transport motor, the paper 12 is pinched between the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and transported in the transport direction 16 .

[0073] [Discharge Roller Section 55]

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, the discharge roller unit 55 is located downstream of the recording unit 24 in the conveying direction 16 . The discharge roller unit 55 includes a discharge roller 62 and a spur roller 63 . The discharge roller 62 and the spur roller 63 face each other in the vertical direction 7 . The discharge roller 62 is driven by the conveying motor to rotate. The spur roller 63 is driven to rotate as the discharge roller 62 rotates. When the discharge roller 62 rotates in the forward direction due to the forward rotation of the conveying motor, the paper 12 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 62 and the spur roller 63 and conveyed in the conveying direction 16 .

[0075] [Recording Section 24]

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the recording unit 24 is located between the conveying roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 in the conveying direction 16. The recording unit 24 faces the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7 across the conveying path 65. The recording unit 24 is located above the conveying path 65 in the vertical direction 7. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The guide rails 43 and 44 are separated in the front-back direction 8 and extend in the left-right direction 9 respectively. The carriage 23 is connected to a well-known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 44. The belt mechanism is driven by the carriage motor (not shown) and rotates. When the belt mechanism rotates, the carriage 23 moves in the left-right direction 9. The range of movement of the carriage 23 is Figure 3 The carriage 23 moves to a position to the right and left of the conveyance path 65 in the left-right direction 9 .

[0078] The ink cartridge 100 and the recording head 39 are connected via an ink tube 32. A control circuit board, on which a control unit (not shown) is mounted, and the recording head 39 are electrically connected via a flexible flat cable 33. The ink tube 32 and the flexible flat cable 33 each extend from the carriage 23. The ink tube 32 supplies ink stored in the ink cartridge 100 to the recording head 39. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits control signals output from the control unit to the recording head 39.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the carriage 23 carries a recording head 39. Multiple nozzles 40 are located on the lower surface of the recording head 39. Hereinafter, the lower surface of the recording head 39 where the nozzles 40 are located will also be referred to as the "nozzle surface." The recording head 39 discharges ink (an example of a recording liquid) as tiny droplets from the nozzles 40. As the carriage 23 moves, the recording head 39 discharges ink droplets toward the paper 12 supported by the platen 42. This causes an image to be recorded on the paper 12.

[0080] [Plate 42]

[0081] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the platen 42 is located between the transport roller portion 54 and the discharge roller portion 55 in the transport direction 16. The platen 42 faces the recording portion 24 in the vertical direction 7. The platen 42 supports the paper 12 transported by the transport roller portion 54 from below.

[0082] [Ink cartridge 100]

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the ink cartridge 100 is located inside the multifunction device 10. The ink cartridge 100 is fixed to the multifunction device 10 so as not to be easily removed from the multifunction device 10. The opening 22 is located on the front surface of the housing of the multifunction device 10 and at the right end in the left-right direction 9. The ink cartridge 100 is located behind the opening 22. A cover 70 is provided at the opening 22. The cover 70 is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction 9 at the lower end side in the up-down direction 7. The cover 70 is rotated to a covering position covering the opening 22 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 (A)) and the exposure position where the opening 22 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction device 10 (see Figure 1 (B)).

[0084] The ink cartridge 100 includes four ink cartridges: 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M. Ink cartridge 100B stores black ink (B). Ink cartridge 100Y stores yellow ink (Y). Ink cartridge 100C stores cyan ink (C). Ink cartridge 100M stores magenta ink (M). The structures of ink cartridges 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M are identical. Therefore, the structure of ink cartridge 100M will be described below, and the structures of the other ink cartridges 100B, 100Y, and 100C will be omitted.

[0085] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the ink cartridge 100M has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The ink cartridge 100 includes a front wall 101, a right wall 102, a left wall 103, an upper wall 104, a lower wall 105, a rear wall 106, a cartridge-side tube 115, a third opening 119, a cover 122, and an outflow pipe 124. The front wall 101, the right wall 102, the left wall 103, the upper wall 104, the lower wall 105, and the rear wall 106 define an ink chamber 111 (an example of a second storage chamber) for storing ink. The ink cartridge 100 is integrally formed, for example, by injection molding a resin material. The outer walls of the ink cartridge 100, such as the lower wall 105, may also be other molded products. The front wall 101, the right wall 102, the left wall 103, the upper wall 104, the lower wall 105, and the rear wall 106 are light-transmissive enough to allow the liquid level of the ink inside to be visually confirmed from the outside of the ink cartridge 100.

[0086] The upper surface of the upper wall 104 is a horizontal plane extending in the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9. The upper wall 104 includes a rear upper wall 104A, a middle upper wall 104B, and a front upper wall 104C. The rear upper wall 104A is located approximately in the center of the front-to-back direction 8 extending from the rear end of the upper wall 104 to the upper wall 104. The upper surface of the rear upper wall 104A is located above the upper surfaces of the middle upper wall 104B and the front upper wall 104C. The rear upper wall 104A has an atmospheric communication port 112 that connects the ink chamber 111 to the outside. The atmospheric communication port 112 penetrates the rear upper wall 104A in the up-down direction 7.

[0087] The middle upper wall 104B is located between the rear upper wall 104A and the front upper wall 104C in the front-to-back direction 8. The middle upper wall 104B is located approximately in the center of the upper wall 104 in the front-to-back direction 8. The upper surface of the middle upper wall 104B is located below the upper surface of the rear upper wall 104A. The middle upper wall 104B has a cylindrical upper bulge 113 extending upward from the upper surface. The upper bulge 113 is located at the front end portion of the middle upper wall 104B. The upper end of the upper bulge 113 is closed. The internal space of the upper bulge 113 is open downward. The upper bulge 113 has a first communication port 114 that connects its internal space with the outside. The first communication port 114 is circular. The first communication port 114 is an example of a fourth opening located in the second storage chamber.

[0088] The box-side tube body 115 (an example of a second flow path portion) is connected to the first communication port 114. The box-side tube body 115 is a circular tube that extends obliquely upward from the first communication port 114 along an extension direction that intersects the gravity direction and the horizontal direction. The box-side tube body 115 is circular when viewed from the tube axis. The box-side tube body 115 has a second communication port 116 at its top end. The second communication port 116 is circular. The second communication port 116 is an example of a fifth opening located outside the second storage chamber. The box-side tube body 115 divides the gas flow path G1 (an example of a second flow path) that connects the first communication port 114 and the second communication port 116. The top end of the box-side tube body 115 has a pressing surface 117 and a horizontal surface 118. The pressing surface 117 is a surface parallel to an imaginary plane that is orthogonal to the tube axis 115A (an example of a center line) of the box-side tube body 115. The pressing surface 117 is located on the lower side of the top end of the box-side tube body 115. The pressing surface 117 is the surface that presses the valve 133 of the liquid bottle 80 when the liquid bottle 80, described later, is connected to the ink cartridge 100M. The horizontal surface 118 is a horizontal surface. The horizontal surface 118 is located above the top end of the cartridge-side tube 115. As a result, the second communication port 116 opens upward. Alternatively, the horizontal surface 118 may be slightly inclined relative to the horizontal.

[0089] The front upper wall 104C is located from the front end of the upper wall 104 to the front end of the middle upper wall 104B. The upper surface of the front upper wall 104C is lower than the upper surface of the rear upper wall 104A and higher than the upper surface of the middle upper wall 104B. The third communication port 119 (an example of the sixth opening) that connects the ink chamber 111 to the outside is opened on the upper surface of the front upper wall 104C. The third communication port 119 passes through the front upper wall 104C in the vertical direction 7. The third communication port 119 is adjacent to the front of the upper bulge 113. The third communication port 119 is located at the rear end of the front upper wall 104C. The third communication port 119 is circular. A connecting tube body 120 (an example of the third flow path portion) is connected to the third communication port 119. The connecting tube body 120 is a circular tube that extends downward from the third communication port 119 in the direction of gravity in the ink chamber 111. The inner diameter of the connecting tube body 120 is larger than the inner diameter of the cartridge side tube body 115. The connecting tube body 120 has a fourth communication opening 121 (an example of a seventh opening) at its lower end, which opens downward. The fourth communication opening 121 is located below the first communication opening 114. The fourth communication opening 121 has a circular shape. The connecting tube body 120 communicates with the bottle-side tube body 135 of the liquid bottle 80 when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M. The connecting tube body 120 defines the ink auxiliary flow path S1 (an example of a third flow path).

[0090] A cylindrical covering portion 122 covering the box side tube body 115 and the third communication port 119 is provided on the upper surface of the front upper wall 104C. The covering portion 122 extends upward from the front upper wall 104C and the upper bulge 113 in parallel with the box side tube body 115 along an extension direction intersecting the gravity direction and the horizontal direction. The box side tube body 115 protrudes upward compared to the top end of the covering portion 122. A detachable box cover 127 is provided on the covering portion 122. In addition, Figure 4 , the cartridge cover 127 is removed from the cover 122. The cartridge cover 127 is a cylindrical member with one end closed. Pressed into the top end of the cover 122, the cartridge cover 127 closes the second communication port 116 and the third communication port 119 of the cartridge-side tube 115. This prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the ink cartridge 100M through the cartridge-side tube 115 and the third communication port 119, or prevents ink from leaking out of the ink cartridge 100M.

[0091] The outflow tube 124 has an outflow port 125 and a connecting port 126. The outflow tube 124 is located in the middle upper wall 104B. The outflow tube 124 is located approximately in the center of the front-to-back direction 8 in the middle upper wall 104B. The outflow tube 124 is a circular tube extending along the up-down direction 7. The outflow tube 124 passes through the middle upper wall 104B. The lower end of the outflow tube 124 is located near the upper surface of the lower wall 105. The opening at the lower end of the outflow tube 124 is the outflow port 125. The upper end of the outflow tube 124 is located outside the ink chamber 111. The opening at the upper end of the outflow tube 124 is the connecting port 126. The ink tube 32 is connected to the connecting port 126. The ink in the ink chamber 111 is supplied to the recording head 39 via the outflow tube 124 and the ink tube 32 during printing. When the ink in the ink chamber 111 is consumed by the discharge of ink from the recording head 39 , air flows into the ink chamber 111 through the atmosphere communication port 112 .

[0092] [Liquid bottle 80]

[0093] Figures 6 to 8 The illustrated liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M and has a generally cylindrical shape. The liquid bottle 80 includes a bottle body 81 (an example of a body) and a valve 133. In the following description of the liquid bottle 80, the vertical direction 7 is defined with reference to the state in which the bottom wall 84, described later, is placed on a horizontal surface.

[0094] The bottle body 81 includes a bottom wall 84, a first side wall 85, a second side wall 86, a third side wall 87, and a bottle cap 82. The bottom wall 84 is a generally circular wall. The first side wall 85 is a cylindrical wall extending upward from the outer edge of the bottom wall 84. The second side wall 86 extends upward from the upper end of the first side wall 85 in a direction that reduces the diameter of the bottle body 81. The third side wall 87 is a cylindrical wall extending upward from the upper end of the second side wall 86. The third side wall 87 has an external thread 90 on its outer circumferential surface. The bottle cap 82 is an example of a mouth and container cover. The third side wall 87 is an example of a mouth and mounting portion.

[0095] The space defined by the bottom wall 84, the first side wall 85, the second side wall 86, and the third side wall 87 constitutes an ink storage chamber 88 (an example of a first storage chamber). Ink is stored in the ink storage chamber 88. The third side wall 87 defines an opening 89 that defines the ink storage chamber 88. The ink storage chamber 88 communicates with the exterior of the bottle body 81 through the opening 89.

[0096] The bottle cap 82 can be attached and detached from the third side wall 87. The bottle cap 82 includes a bottom wall 92, a fourth side wall 93, and a protrusion 94. The bottom wall 92 is a generally annular wall. The fourth side wall 93 is a generally cylindrical wall extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 92. The fourth side wall 93 has an internal thread (not shown) on its inner circumferential surface. The internal thread is screwed into the external thread 90 of the bottle body 81. By screwing the external thread 90 into the internal thread, the bottle cap 82 is mounted on the third side wall 87.

[0097] The protrusion 94 is a cylindrical wall that protrudes upward from the inner peripheral edge of the bottom wall 92. The front and rear sides of the protrusion 94 are flat plates that extend in the vertical direction 7 and the left-right direction 9. The left and right sides of the protrusion 94 are formed by bending the flat plates that extend in the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8. The internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 is a generally elliptical shape that is long in the left-right direction 9 when viewed from the vertical direction 7. The protrusion 94 has an inclined portion 98 on the left side of its lower end. When the protrusion 94 is viewed from the front, the inclined portion 98 is inclined so as to extend to the left as the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 extends downward. The space combined with the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 and the ink storage chamber 88 is an example of the interior of the main body.

[0098] The protrusion 94 has a key member 99 extending leftward from a portion on the left side of its outer peripheral surface. The key member 99 extends from the lower end to the upper end of the protrusion 94. The protruding end of the key member 99 is located to the right of the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 92.

[0099] The protrusion 94 includes an upper end wall 91 that divides the interior space 96 of the protrusion 94 from the exterior, a bottle-side tube 135, and a seventh communication port 140. The upper end wall 91 includes the bottle-side tube 135 and the seventh communication port 140. The bottle-side tube 135 connects the interior space 96 of the protrusion 94 with the exterior of the bottle body 81. The bottle-side tube 135 includes a fifth communication port 137 and a sixth communication port 138. The lower end of the bottle-side tube 135 opens to the interior of the bottle body 81 through the fifth communication port 137. The upper end of the bottle-side tube 135 opens to the exterior of the bottle body 81 through the sixth communication port 138. The sixth communication port 138, which forms the upper end of the bottle-side tube 135, is located downstream of the seventh opening 140 in the direction in which the bottle-side tube 135 extends from the lower end to the upper end. The fifth communication port 137, the sixth communication port 138, and the seventh communication port 140 are circular. The fifth communication port 137 is located to the right of the center of the protrusion 94 in the left-right direction 9. The bottle-side tube 135 is a circular tube extending upward from the fifth communication port 137 toward the sixth communication port 138. The upper end wall 91 is perpendicular to the direction in which the bottle-side tube 135 extends. The bottle-side tube 135 defines an ink flow path F1 that connects the fifth communication port 137 and the sixth communication port 138. The diameter of the ink flow path F1 is equal to the diameter of the gas flow path G1 defined by the cartridge-side tube 115. However, the diameter of the ink flow path F1 does not necessarily have to be equal to the diameter of the gas flow path G1. The upper end wall 91 is an example of a wall. The bottle-side tube 135 is an example of a first flow path portion. The fifth communication port 137 is an example of a first opening and a first end. The sixth communication port 138 is an example of a second opening and a second end. The seventh communication port 140 is an example of a third opening and a communication port. The ink flow path F1 is an example of a first flow path.

[0100] The seventh communication port 140 is located to the left of the bottle-side tube 135. The seventh communication port 140 connects the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 with the outside of the bottle body 81. The seventh communication port 140 is an opening into which the cartridge-side tube 115 is inserted when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M.

[0101] The bottle-side tube 135 is located rightward of the center of the protrusion 94 in the left-right direction 9. That is, the bottle-side tube 135 is offset from the protrusion 94 or the bottle cap 82 in the left-right direction in which the bottle-side tube 135 and the seventh communication port 140 are aligned.

[0102] The upper end wall 91 is formed by combining the shape of the key member 99 with a substantially elliptical shape that is long in the left-right direction when viewed from the top and bottom. The key member 99 protrudes in a direction intersecting the top and bottom directions. In other words, the upper end wall 91 is rotationally asymmetrical when viewed from the top and bottom of the bottle-side tube 135. Rotational symmetry refers to the concept of overlapping two or more times when rotating an object 360 degrees around its center. For example, if the upper end wall 91 is shaped like an equilateral triangle, it will overlap three times when rotating 360 degrees around its center. Therefore, it can be said that the upper end wall 91 is rotationally symmetrical about its center. In this embodiment, the upper end wall 91 only overlaps once when rotating 360 degrees around its center. Therefore, the upper end wall 91 is rotationally asymmetrical about its center.

[0103] The valve 133 is located in the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. The valve 133 includes a valve core 133A, a valve seat 133B, and a coil spring 133C. The valve core 133A is in the shape of a flat plate extending in the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9. When viewed from the top-to-bottom direction 7, the valve core 133A has a generally elliptical shape that extends along the inner surface of the protrusion 94. The upper surface of the valve core 133A abuts the lower surface of the upper end wall 91 of the protrusion 94. The length of the valve core 133A in the left-to-right direction 9 is sufficient to close the fifth communication port 137 and the seventh communication port 140. The length of the valve core 133A in the left-to-right direction 9 is smaller than the inner diameter of the protrusion 94. The length of the valve core 133A in the front-to-back direction 8 is sufficient to allow the front and rear ends of the valve core 133A to slightly contact the inner surface of the protrusion 94. The valve core 133A is movable in the top-to-bottom direction 7 along the inner surface of the protrusion 94.

[0104] The valve seat 133B is located below the valve core 133A. The valve seat 133B is a flat plate extending in the front-to-back direction 8 and the left-to-right direction 9. The valve seat 133B is fixed to the inner surface of the protrusion 94 in the front-to-back direction 8. The coil spring 133C is located between the valve core 133A and the valve seat 133B. The coil spring 133C is capable of being compressed in the up-down direction 7. The coil spring 133C is supported on the upper surface of the valve seat 133B. The coil spring 133C applies an upward force to the valve core 133A. As a result, the coil spring 133C presses the upper surface 151 of the valve core 133A against the lower surface of the upper end wall 91 of the protrusion 94.

[0105] The valve 133 can be moved between a closed position and an open position along the vertical direction 7 along which the bottle side tube 135 extends. The closed position is a position where the upper surface of the valve core 133A is pressed upward against the lower surface of the upper end wall 91 of the protrusion 94 by the force of the coil spring 133C (see Figure 8 The valve core 133A in the closed position closes the fifth communication port 137 and the seventh communication port 140 of the bottle side tube 135. The open position is a position where the valve core 133A moves downward from the closed position against the force of the coil spring 133C (see Figure 9 ). The valve 133 in the open position divides the gas flow path G2 for air flow by the left end surface of the valve core 133A and the inner surface of the inclined portion 98. The gas flow path G2 connects the ink storage chamber 88 with the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. The valve 133 in the open position divides the ink flow path F2 for ink flow by the right end surface of the valve core 133A and the inner surface of the protrusion 94. The ink flow path F2 connects the ink storage chamber 88 with the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. The ink flow path F2 is smaller than the gas flow path G2 in the left-right direction 9. In other words, the gas flow path G2 is set to be larger than the ink flow path F2 by being divided by the left end surface of the valve core 133A and the inner surface of the inclined portion 98.

[0106] [Connection between Liquid Bottle 80 and Ink Tank 100M]

[0107] First, remove the cartridge cover 127 from the cover portion 122 of the ink cartridge 100M. Figure 10 As shown, the bottle-side tube 135 of the liquid bottle 80 is inserted into the third communication port 119 of the ink cartridge 100M, and the cartridge-side tube 115 of the ink cartridge 100M is inserted into the seventh communication port 140 of the liquid bottle 80. At this time, the valve 133 is pressed diagonally upward by the pressing surface 117 of the bottle-side tube 135, thereby overcoming the force of the coil spring 133C and moving from the closed position to the open position. The bottle-side tube 135 is connected to the connecting tube 120. As a result, the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, enabling ink to be supplied to the interior of the ink cartridge 100M through the third opening 119. The following description of the vertical direction 7 of the liquid bottle 80 is based on the connection posture of the liquid bottle 80 when connected to the ink cartridge 100M.

[0108] The bottle-side tube 135 extends obliquely downward along a direction intersecting the direction of gravity and the horizontal direction. The bottle-side tube 135 is located below the cartridge-side tube 115. The fifth communication port 137 is located below the second communication port 116. The fifth communication port 137 is located below the seventh communication port 140. The fifth communication port 137 is located at the lower end of the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. The gas flow path G2 is located above the second communication port 116. The ink flow path F2 is located below the gas flow path G2.

[0109] Hereinafter, the supply of ink from the liquid bottle 80 to the ink cartridge 100M when the liquid bottle 80 is in the connected position will be described. In the following description, the supply of ink from the liquid bottle 80 to the ink cartridge 100M is performed in a so-called chicken-feed method.

[0110] When the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, the sixth communication port 138 of the bottle-side tube 135 is located within the ink chamber 111 of the ink cartridge 100, and the second communication port 116 of the cartridge-side tube 115 is located within the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 of the liquid bottle 80. Furthermore, with the valve 133 in the open position, a gas flow path G2 and an ink flow path F2 are formed, connecting the ink storage chamber 88 with the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. As a result, the ink storage chamber 88 of the liquid bottle 80 and the ink chamber 111 of the ink cartridge 100M are connected via the ink flow path F2, the ink flow path F1, and the ink auxiliary flow path S1, as well as the gas flow path G2 and the gas flow path G1. Consequently, ink stored in the ink storage chamber 88 flows into the ink chamber 111 via the ink flow path F2, the ink flow path F1, and the ink auxiliary flow path S1. Furthermore, as the ink circulates, air enters the ink chamber 111 from the atmospheric air communication port 112 and flows into the ink reservoir 88 via the gas flow path G1 and the gas flow path G2. Here, the volume of ink flowing from the ink reservoir 88 to the ink chamber 111 and the volume of air flowing from the ink chamber 111 to the ink reservoir 88 are substantially equal. This is how so-called gas-liquid replacement occurs. When all the ink in the ink reservoir 88 of the liquid bottle 80 has flowed out of the ink chamber 111 of the ink cartridge 100, the gas-liquid replacement is complete. Finally, the liquid bottle 80 is removed from the ink cartridge 100M, and the cartridge cap 127 is attached to the cover portion 122 of the ink cartridge 100M.

[0111] [Effects of the embodiment]

[0112] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the liquid bottle 80 includes the bottle-side tube 135. Therefore, when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, the bottle-side tube 135 is easily submerged in the ink in the ink reservoir 88. Therefore, when the bottle-side tube 135 is inserted into the ink chamber 111 through the third communication port 119, the ink flow path F1 easily functions as a flow path for ink to flow from the reservoir to the ink chamber 111. On the other hand, when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100, the cartridge-side tube 115 is empty. Therefore, when the cartridge-side tube 115 is inserted into the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 through the seventh communication port 140, the gas flow path G1 easily functions as a flow path for air to flow from the ink chamber 111 to the ink reservoir 88. This allows for smooth exchange of ink and air between the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100M. As a result, ink can be smoothly injected from the liquid bottle 80 into the ink cartridge 100M. The bottle-side tube 135, which functions as a flow path for ink to flow from the ink storage chamber 88 to the ink chamber 111, is formed in the liquid bottle 80. Therefore, even if the amount of ink in the liquid bottle 80 decreases, the ink easily flows into the bottle-side tube 135. Therefore, ink is less likely to remain inside the liquid bottle 80.

[0113] In the multifunction peripheral 10 , when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, the bottle-side tube 135 is inserted into the ink chamber 111 through the third communication port 119 . Therefore, the ink in the ink storage chamber 88 is more reliably injected into the ink chamber 111 through the bottle-side tube 135 .

[0114] In the multifunction peripheral 10, when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100, the fifth communication port 137 is located below the second communication port 116. Therefore, the water pressure of the ink acting on the fifth communication port 137 is greater than the water pressure of the ink acting on the second communication port 116, making it easier for the bottle-side tube 135 to function as a flow path for ink to flow from the reservoir to the ink chamber 111.

[0115] In the connected position of the multifunction device 10, the fifth communication port 137 is located at the lower end of the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. Therefore, even if the amount of ink in the liquid bottle 80 decreases, the ink easily flows into the bottle-side tube 135. Therefore, ink is less likely to remain in the liquid bottle 80.

[0116] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the user can easily connect the liquid bottle 80 to the ink cartridge 100 from the front. In the connected position, the bottle-side tube 135 is located below the cartridge-side tube 115. Therefore, the water pressure of the ink acting on the fifth communication port 137 is greater than the water pressure of the ink acting on the second communication port 116. Therefore, the bottle-side tube 135 functions as a flow path for ink to flow from the reservoir to the ink chamber 111. Meanwhile, the cartridge-side tube 115 functions as a flow path for air to flow from the ink chamber 111 to the ink reservoir 88. Consequently, the exchange of ink and air between the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100M proceeds smoothly.

[0117] In the multifunction peripheral 10, in the connected position, the second communication port 116 opens upward, so air easily flows from the second communication port 116 into the ink storage chamber 88 via the gas flow path G2 located above the second communication port 116. Therefore, the cartridge-side tube 115 easily functions as a flow path for air to flow from the ink chamber 111 to the ink storage chamber 88.

[0118] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the liquid bottle 80 includes a valve 133 within the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 that closes the fifth communication port 137 and the seventh communication port 140. Therefore, before the user connects the liquid bottle 80 to the ink cartridge 100M, the valve 133 prevents ink from leaking from the ink reservoir 88 to the outside. The valve 133, in the closed position, is pressed by the tip of the cartridge-side tube 115, which is inserted into the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94 through the seventh communication port 140, and moves to the open position, which opens the fifth communication port 137 and the seventh communication port 140. This simplifies the process of injecting ink from the liquid bottle 80 into the ink cartridge 100M, compared to a situation where the user needs to move the valve 133 from the closed position to the open position in addition to connecting the liquid bottle 80 to the ink cartridge 100M.

[0119] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the valve 133 in the closed position is pressed by the pressing surface 117, which is parallel to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the direction in which the tube axis 115A of the cartridge-side tube body 115 extends. Therefore, the valve 133 is easily moved to the open position. Compared to a case where the top end of the cartridge-side tube body 115 is pointed, the valve 133 and the cartridge-side tube body 115 are less likely to be damaged.

[0120] In the multifunction peripheral 10, in the connected position, the bottle-side tube 135 is connected to the connecting tube 120. Therefore, a high hydraulic pressure acts on the fourth communication port 121 located at the lower end of the connecting tube 120. Consequently, the bottle-side tube 135 and the connecting tube 120 easily function as a flow path for ink to flow from the ink reservoir 88 to the ink chamber 111. Consequently, the exchange of ink and air between the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100M proceeds smoothly.

[0121] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the fourth communication port 121 is located below the first communication port 114. Ink flowing into the ink chamber 111 through the fourth communication port 121 flows downward and is less likely to reach the first communication port 114, which is located above the fourth communication port 121. As a result, ink flowing into the ink chamber 111 through the fourth communication port 121 is prevented from flowing back into the ink storage chamber 88 through the cartridge-side tube 115.

[0122] Because the liquid bottle 80 includes the bottle-side tube 135, it is easily submerged in the ink within the liquid bottle 80 when connected to the ink cartridge. Consequently, the bottle-side tube 135 easily functions as a flow path for ink to flow from the liquid bottle 80 into the ink cartridge 100. Consequently, the upper end of the bottle-side tube 135, where the sixth communication port 138 is located, is located downstream of the seventh communication port 140 in the direction of extension from the lower end of the bottle-side tube 135, thereby easily creating a hydraulic head difference. This facilitates smooth exchange of ink and air between the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100. As a result, ink flows smoothly from the liquid bottle 80 into the ink cartridge 100. Because the liquid bottle 80 includes the bottle-side tube 135, ink easily flows into the bottle-side tube 135 even when the amount of ink within the liquid bottle 80 decreases. Consequently, ink is less likely to remain in the liquid bottle 80.

[0123] In the liquid bottle 80, the bottle-side tube 135 is offset relative to the protrusion 94 or the bottle cap 82 in the left-right direction of the alignment of the bottle-side tube 135 and the seventh communication port 140. Therefore, when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100 with the bottle-side tube 135 positioned below the seventh communication port 140, even if the amount of ink in the liquid bottle 80 decreases, the ink readily flows into the bottle-side tube 135. Consequently, ink is less likely to remain in the liquid bottle 80.

[0124] In the liquid bottle 80, the valve 133 located within the bottle body 81 is movable in the vertical direction of the extended bottle-side tube 135 to a closed position that closes the lower end of the bottle-side tube 135 where the fifth communication port 137 is located and the seventh communication port 140, and to an open position that opens the lower end of the bottle-side tube 135 and the seventh communication port 140. Thus, the movement of the valve 133 enables the supply of ink to the outside of the liquid bottle 80 to be started or stopped.

[0125] In the liquid bottle 80, the upper end wall 91 of the protrusion 94 has a rotationally asymmetric shape when viewed from the extending direction of the bottle-side tube 135. Therefore, it is easy to determine the orientation of the liquid bottle 80 when connected to the ink cartridge 100.

[0126] In the liquid bottle 80 , since the bottle-side tube 135 is provided, gas-liquid exchange starts smoothly by generating a water head difference.

[0127] [Modification]

[0128] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the bottle-side tube 135 is inserted into the third communication port 119 when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M. However, the bottle-side tube 135 does not need to be inserted into the third communication port 119 as long as it can be connected to the third communication port 119. For example, when the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, the bottle-side tube 135 may be located slightly above the third communication port 119 so that ink flowing from the sixth communication port 138 can flow into the ink chamber 111 through the third communication port 119.

[0129] The third side wall 87 and the bottle cap 82 are separately constructed, but as Figure 11 As shown, they can also be integrally formed. In this case, the fourth side wall 93 of the bottle cap 82 can also be omitted. The bottle body 81 in which the third side wall 87 and the bottle cap 82 are integrally formed is an example of a body. The side of the bottle body 81 in which the third side wall 87 and the bottle cap 82 are integrally formed, where the fifth opening 137 and the seventh opening 140 communicate, is an example of a mouth.

[0130] In the multifunction peripheral 10 , the fifth communication port 137 is located below the second communication port 116 in the connected position, but may be located above the second communication port 116 in the connected position.

[0131] In the multifunction peripheral 10 , the fifth communication port 137 is located substantially at the lower end of the liquid bottle 80 in the connected position, but may be located above the lower end of the liquid bottle 80 in the connected position.

[0132] In the multifunction peripheral 10 , the bottle-side tube 135 and the cartridge-side tube 115 extend in a direction intersecting the gravity direction and the horizontal direction in the connected position, but may extend in the gravity direction in the connected position.

[0133] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the second communication port 116 opens upward in the connected position. However, the direction of the second communication port 116 is not limited as long as air can flow from the ink chamber 111 through the cartridge-side tube 115 into the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. For example, the second communication port 116 may open downward.

[0134] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the tip of the cartridge side tube 115 has a pressing surface 117 parallel to a virtual plane perpendicular to the tube axis 115A of the cartridge side tube 115. However, the pressing surface 117 may be omitted. In this case, the tip of the cartridge side tube 115 may be pointed.

[0135] In the compound machine 10, the liquid bottle 80 has the valve 133 for closing the fifth communication port 137 and the seventh communication port 140 in the internal space 96 of the protrusion 94. Figure 12 As shown, valve 133 can also be omitted.

[0136] In the multifunction peripheral 10, the connecting tube 120 extends downward in the direction of gravity. However, the connecting tube 120 can extend in any direction as long as it can connect to the bottle-side tube 135. For example, the connecting tube 120 may extend obliquely downward from the third communication port 119 in a direction intersecting the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the connecting tube 120 may be omitted.

[0137] In the multifunction peripheral 10 , the fourth communication port 121 is located below the first communication port 114 , but may be located above the first communication port 114 .

[0138] In the compound machine 10, the bottle side tube body 135 is circular when viewed from the tube axis direction, but Figure 13 、 Figure 14 As shown, the shape of the ink reservoir 88 can also be arcuate when viewed from the tube axis. In this case, the fifth communication port 137 is located at the base end of the arcuate bottle-side tube 135. The sixth communication port 138 is located at the top end of the arcuate bottle-side tube 135. When the arcuate bottle-side tube 135 is inserted into the ink chamber 111 through the third communication port 119, ink in the ink reservoir 88 flows through the arcuate inner surface 135A of the connected bottle-side tube 135 and into the ink chamber 111.

[0139] In the multifunction device 10, the cartridge side tube 115 is a circular tube extending upward from the first communication port 114 in an extending direction intersecting the gravity direction and the horizontal direction. Figure 15 As shown, instead of the cartridge-side tube 115 , a rod-shaped push-up member 161 (an example of a second flow path portion) may be provided that extends from the ink chamber 111 through the first communication port 114 to the outside of the ink chamber 111 .

[0140] The push-up member 161 includes a push-up portion 162 extending obliquely upward from the first communication port 114 along an extension direction intersecting the gravity direction and the horizontal direction, and a base portion 163 fixed to the lower wall 105 extending downward from the lower end of the push-up portion 162. The dimension of the push-up portion 162 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction is smaller than the inner diameter of the first communication port 114 and the seventh communication port 140. The second communication port 116 is located around the top of the push-up portion 162. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diameter of the seventh communication port 140 is larger than the diameter of the ink flow path F1 , so that the push-up member 161 can be easily inserted into the seventh communication port 140 .

[0141] When the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink cartridge 100M, the push-up portion 162 is inserted into the seventh communication port 140. This creates a gas flow path G1 connecting the first communication port 114 and the second communication port 116. At this point, the tip of the push-up portion 162 pushes the valve 133 diagonally upward, causing it to move from a closed position to an open position. As a result, ink in the ink reservoir 88 flows through the bottle-side tube 135 into the ink chamber 111. Furthermore, in the gaps between the push-up portion 162 and the first and seventh communication ports 114 and 140, air flows from the ink chamber 111 into the ink reservoir 88 along the outer surface of the push-up portion 162. In this case, an annular sealing member 164 may be provided on the outer surface 171 of the ink cartridge 100M, where the first communication port 114 opens, to surround the first communication port 114. In the connected position, the sealing member 164 is in close contact with the outer surface 171 of the first communication port 114 and the outer surface 172 of the seventh communication port 140. Thus, the sealing member 164 prevents air from flowing into the ink reservoir 88 from the outside, thereby allowing for smooth exchange of ink and air between the liquid bottle 80 and the ink cartridge 100M. Alternatively, the sealing member 164 may be provided on the outer surface 172 of the seventh communication port 140 in the liquid bottle 80.

[0142] Ink has been described as an example of a recording liquid, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, a pre-treatment liquid that is discharged onto paper before ink during printing, or water sprayed near the nozzles 40 of the recording head 39 to prevent the nozzles 40 of the recording head 39 from drying out, may also be used as an example of a recording liquid instead of ink.

[0143] Explanation of symbols

[0144] 10…Compound machine (system)

[0145] 80…Liquid bottle (liquid container)

[0146] 81…Bottle body (main body)

[0147] 82…Bottle caps (mouth and container caps)

[0148] 87…third side wall (mouth and mounting portion)

[0149] 88…Ink storage chamber (first storage chamber)

[0150] 91…Upper end wall (wall)

[0151] 100…Ink cartridges (boxes)

[0152] 111…Ink chamber (second storage chamber)

[0153] 114 ...first communication port (fourth opening)

[0154] 115 ... cartridge side tube (second flow path portion)

[0155] 115A…Tube axis (center line)

[0156] 116 ...Second communication port (fifth opening)

[0157] 117…Pressing surface

[0158] 119…third communication port (sixth opening)

[0159] 120…Connecting pipe (third flow path)

[0160] 121 ... fourth communication port (seventh opening)

[0161] 133…valve

[0162] 135...Bottle side tube body (first flow path part)

[0163] 137 ... fifth communication port (first opening and first end)

[0164] 138 ...sixth communication port (second opening and second end)

[0165] 140 ... seventh communication port (third opening and communication port)

[0166] 161 ... Push-up member 161 (second flow path portion)

[0167] F1…Ink flow path (first flow path)

[0168] G1…Gas flow path (second flow path)

[0169] S1 ... ink auxiliary flow path (third flow path).

Claims

1. A system comprising: a liquid container having a first storage chamber for storing a liquid for recording; and The box has a second storage chamber for storing liquid for recording and is connected to the liquid container, characterized in that: The liquid container has a first flow path portion and a third opening. The first flow path portion defines a first flow path. The first flow path connects the first opening located inside the liquid container with a second opening located outside the first storage chamber. The third opening connects the first storage chamber with the outside. The cartridge has a second flow path portion and a sixth opening. The second flow path portion defines a second flow path that connects a fourth opening located in the second storage chamber with a fifth opening located outside the second storage chamber. The second flow path portion is inserted into the first storage chamber from the outside through the third opening. The sixth opening connects the second storage chamber with the outside and is connected to the first flow path portion.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first flow path portion is inserted into the sixth opening from the outside.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: In a connection posture in which the liquid container is connected to the cartridge, the first opening is located below the fifth opening.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that In the connected position, the first opening is located at the lower end of the liquid container.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that In the connected position, the first flow path portion extends obliquely downward from the outer wall of the liquid container along an extension direction intersecting the gravity direction and the horizontal direction. The second flow path portion extends obliquely upward from the outer wall of the box along the extension direction. In the connected position, the first flow path portion is located below the second flow path portion.

6. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that In the connected position, the fifth opening opens upward.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid container includes a valve therein, the valve being located in a closed position closing the first opening and the third opening. The valve in the closed position is pressed by the tip of the second flow path portion inserted into the liquid container through the third opening, thereby moving to the open position where the first opening and the third opening are opened.

8. The system according to claim 7, characterized in that The tip of the second flow path portion has a pressing surface that is parallel to an imaginary plane that is orthogonal to a direction in which a center line of the second flow path portion extends.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The cartridge includes a third flow path portion in the second storage chamber, the third flow path portion defining a third flow path, the third flow path communicating with the first flow path in the connected position. The third flow path portion extends downward along the gravity direction and has a seventh opening opened downward at a lower end.

10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that The seventh opening is located below the fourth opening.

11. A liquid container capable of being connected to a cartridge and capable of supplying a recording liquid to the cartridge, characterized in that: have: a main body storing a liquid for recording; a first flow path portion connecting the interior of the main body with the exterior of the main body and defining a first flow path connecting a first end opening at the interior with a second end opening at the exterior; as well as a communication port connecting the interior with the exterior, The second end is located downstream of the communication port in a direction in which the first flow path portion extends from the first end toward the second end.

12. The liquid container according to claim 11, wherein The body has a mouth, The mouth portion includes the first flow path portion and the communication port, The first flow path portion is eccentric with respect to the opening portion in a direction in which the first flow path portion and the communication port are aligned.

13. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein: A valve is provided, the valve being located inside the main body, The valve is movable in the direction in which the first flow path extends between a closed position for closing the first end and the communication port and an open position for opening the first end and the communication port.

14. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein The mouth portion includes a container cover and a mounting portion. The container cover includes the communicating port, and the mounting portion is for mounting the container cover.

15. The liquid container according to claim 12, wherein The mouth has a wall perpendicular to the direction in which the first flow path extends. The wall has the first flow path portion and the communication port.

16. The liquid container according to claim 15, characterized in that The wall has a rotationally asymmetric shape when viewed from a direction in which the first flow path extends.

17. The liquid container according to claim 11, wherein The first flow path portion is a tube.

18. The liquid container according to claim 17, wherein The communication port has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first flow path.

Images