Tank and liquid ejecting apparatus

Abstract

The invention provides a tank and a liquid ejecting apparatus. The tank is easy to ensure strength. A liquid ink tank (100) is fixed to a housing (8) of a compound machine (10) that ejects liquid ink. A liquid ink tank (100) is provided with: a tank main body (120) defining a liquid ink chamber (111) in which liquid ink is stored; and a lower wall (105) that covers at least a portion of an opening (231) formed by the tank body (120). In a posture in which the liquid ink tank (100) is fixed to the housing (8), the lower wall (105) is attached to the tank body (120) in a state of covering at least a portion of the opening (231) from below. The strength of the lower wall (105) is higher than the strength of the film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tank and a liquid ejection device disposed in a liquid ejection apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ink reservoir fixed to a multifunction printer. The ink reservoir described in Patent Document 1 includes a frame having an ink chamber and an inlet, and two thin films. The frame has openings in the left and right directions. The two thin films are fused to the respective opening ends of the frame in the left and right directions. Thus, the openings in the left and right directions of the frame are sealed.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-36528 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] When the ink tank is installed in the multifunction printer, the ink tank comes into contact with the housing of the multifunction printer or other components installed in the multifunction printer, or, for example, when ink is injected into the ink tank, the ink stored in the ink chamber is subjected to a load, which may sometimes cause the film to break or deform.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a can and liquid dispensing device that can easily ensure strength.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0010] (1) This disclosure relates to a can. The can is fixed to the housing of a liquid dispensing device that dispenses liquid. The can includes: a frame defining a storage chamber for storing liquid; and a lid covering at least a portion of a first opening formed by the frame. With the can fixed to the housing, the lid is mounted to the frame in a manner that covers at least a portion of the first opening from a horizontal or downward direction. The strength of the lid is higher than that of a film.

[0011] Because the strength of the lid is higher than that of the film, it is easier to ensure the strength of the can compared to a structure where the entire first opening is covered by a film. Therefore, when the can is fixed to the housing of the liquid dispensing device, even if the lid comes into contact with the housing of the liquid dispensing device and the components provided on the liquid dispensing device, or is subjected to load from the liquid stored in the storage chamber, the lid can be prevented from breaking or deforming.

[0012] (2) The cover can be installed on the frame by welding.

[0013] It can prevent liquid from leaking from the storage chamber between the cover and the frame.

[0014] (3) The cover may have an outwardly protruding part.

[0015] Since the parts of the cover that do not protrude outwards are less likely to come into contact with the housing of the liquid spraying device and the components installed on the liquid spraying device when the can is fixed to the housing of the liquid spraying device, the parts of the cover that do not protrude outwards are less likely to be damaged.

[0016] (4) The lid may cover a portion of the first opening. The can may also include a film covering the portion of the first opening other than the portion covered by the lid.

[0017] Because the cover covers a portion of the first opening, the film is less prone to breakage compared to a structure where the film covers the entire first opening.

[0018] (5) The aforementioned tank may further include an outlet for the liquid stored in the storage chamber to flow out to the outside. The aforementioned cover may cover at least a portion of the downwardly opening first opening to define the storage chamber. The aforementioned protrusion may have an internal space that protrudes downward and communicates with the storage chamber. The aforementioned outlet may be located in the aforementioned internal space.

[0019] When the remaining liquid in the storage chamber decreases, the liquid tends to concentrate in the internal space of the downward-protruding convex portion, thus facilitating its outflow through the outlet. Therefore, the convex portion of the cover can be used to improve the efficiency of liquid utilization.

[0020] (6) The tank may further include an outlet for the liquid stored in the storage chamber to flow out to the outside. The cover may include: a bottom plate portion that covers at least a portion of the downwardly opening first opening to define the storage chamber; and a flat plate portion that extends horizontally above the outlet and the bottom plate portion.

[0021] Since easily settling components of the liquid tend to accumulate in the flat plate section, it can prevent the easily settling components of the liquid from accumulating near the outlet.

[0022] (7) The cover can cover the entire first opening.

[0023] Because a membrane is not used to cover the first opening, the strength of the can is maximized.

[0024] (8) The cover can be installed on the frame by welding the film to the frame and the cover.

[0025] It can prevent liquid from leaking from the storage chamber between the cover and the frame.

[0026] (9) The cover may have at least a portion of a liquid detection section for detecting the liquid in the storage chamber.

[0027] Since at least a portion of the liquid detection unit is installed by mounting the cover to the frame, the installation of the liquid detection unit becomes easy.

[0028] (10) The liquid detection unit may have: a first receiving portion that protrudes upward from the bottom plate portion of the cover body that covers at least a portion of the first opening that opens downward; a second receiving portion that is located at a distance from the first receiving portion and protrudes upward from the bottom plate portion; and a sensor that has a light-emitting portion disposed in a first receiving space defined by the first receiving portion and a light-receiving portion disposed in a second receiving space defined by the second receiving portion.

[0029] Compared to the case where the light-projecting and light-receiving parts are respectively arranged on the outside of the frame, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the liquid detected by the sensor is smaller. Therefore, the sensor's accuracy in detecting the remaining liquid level is improved.

[0030] (11) The cover may have a liquid flow path that allows liquid flowing out of the storage chamber to flow to the outside. The liquid flow path may cover at least a portion of the first opening that opens in the horizontal direction.

[0031] Since the liquid flow path from the storage chamber to the outside covers at least a portion of the first opening, no additional space is required for the liquid flow path; the liquid flow path can be formed simply by mounting the cover to the frame.

[0032] (12) The tank may have a first base portion and a tube extending from the first base portion and communicating the storage chamber with the outside. The tube may cover at least a portion of the second opening formed by the frame. The first base portion may be mounted on the frame. The tube may extend obliquely upward in a position where the tank is fixed to the housing of the liquid dispensing device.

[0033] Compared to the case where the tube is integrally formed onto the can body using a mold, the construction of the mold for forming the can body becomes simpler. In other words, even a shape like an undercut can be easily formed into the can body.

[0034] (13) The first base portion may cover at least a portion of the second opening that opens upward.

[0035] Even if the tube extends obliquely upward from the first base, the installation of the tube onto the frame is easy because the first base is mounted vertically on the frame.

[0036] (14) The tank may further include a tube that connects the storage chamber to the outside. The frame may have a first protrusion located inside the storage chamber and extending from the periphery of the opening of the tube.

[0037] The first tab suppresses the formation of a meniscus of liquid at the opening on the storage chamber side of the tube. As a result, a smooth supply of liquid to the storage chamber is easily ensured because air movement is easily ensured between the storage chamber and the outside.

[0038] (15) The frame may have: an air vent that connects the storage chamber to the outside; and a second tab that is located inside the storage chamber and extends from the periphery of the air vent.

[0039] The second protrusion suppresses the formation of a meniscus at the atmospheric vent. As a result, it does not easily impede the inflow of air from the outside of the storage chamber into the storage chamber through the atmospheric vent.

[0040] (16) The tank may further include a second base and a valve. The second base may be opposite to a third opening formed by the frame. The second base may be mounted on the frame. The valve may be clamped between the frame and the second base and mounted in a manner that enables the opening and closing of the third opening.

[0041] Since the valve can be installed between the frame and the second base, the valve installation is simplified.

[0042] (17) The frame may have a first protruding wall that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame and abuts against the cover.

[0043] Because the frame has increased strength near the protruding wall that the cover abuts against, the frame is less prone to bending when the cover is installed to the frame by welding. Therefore, the welding precision of the cover relative to the frame is improved.

[0044] (18) The frame may have a second protruding wall that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame in a manner opposite to the first protruding wall and is abutted by the cover.

[0045] When the cover is installed on the frame by welding, the cover is not easy to tilt relative to the frame.

[0046] (19) This disclosure relates to a liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device includes: the aforementioned tank; a liquid dispensing section for dispensing liquid stored in the aforementioned tank; and a cover for covering the aforementioned tank. The aforementioned cover has: a positioning section for positioning a bottle connected to the aforementioned tank; and a covering section for covering at least a portion of the aforementioned cover.

[0047] The bottle and jar are connected in a stable posture, and damage to the outer surface of the cap is prevented.

[0048] Invention Effects

[0049] According to the present invention, strength can be easily ensured. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of the exterior of the multifunction printer 10.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer section 11.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a top view showing the configuration of the carriage 23 and the ink tank 100.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the liquid ink can kit 51.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a 3D view of a liquid ink canister 100.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid ink tank assembly 51, taken from an obliquely upward perspective, with the plane containing the liquid ink chamber 111D cut across the cross section.

[0056] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the main body of the tank, 120mm.

[0057] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the components of the liquid ink tank 100.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional view of the ink tank 100 viewed from below.

[0059] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the ink reservoir 100 above the lower wall 105, viewed from above and cut off by a horizontal plane.

[0060] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the ink tank 100 viewed from below.

[0061] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank 100 in the ink chamber 111, viewed from the lower rear.

[0062] Figure 13 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the liquid ink tank assembly 51 cut from a plane, including the liquid ink chamber 111D.

[0063] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink tank 100 in the ink chamber 111 as viewed from the rear.

[0064] Figure 15 This is a top view of can lid 127.

[0065] Figure 16 This is the front view of can lid 127.

[0066] Figure 17 This is a right-side view of can lid 127.

[0067] Figure 18 This is a rear view of can lid 127.

[0068] Figure 19 This is a bottom view of the can lid 127.

[0069] Figure 20 This is a longitudinal sectional view of can lid 127.

[0070] Figure 21 This is a 3D image of a liquid ink bottle 80.

[0071] Figure 22 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink tank assembly 51 and the ink bottle 80 cut along a plane including the ink chamber 111A, with the ink tank assembly 51 connected to the ink bottle 80.

[0072] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which a portion of the opening 231 connecting the liquid ink chamber 111 to the outside is covered by a thin film 121.

[0073] Figure 24 The modified example shows a cross-sectional view of the ink tank assembly 51 of the upper plate 174 cut across the plane containing the ink chamber 111D.

[0074] Figure 25 The modified example shows a cross-sectional view of the ink tank assembly 51 of the upper plate 174 cut across the plane containing the ink chamber 111D.

[0075] Figure 26 The modified example shows a cross-sectional view of the ink tank assembly 51 of the upper plate 174 cut across the plane containing the ink chamber 111D.

[0076] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the tank body 115 is fused to the horizontal plane 104B of the upper wall 104 in the modified example.

[0077] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the tank body 115 is fused to the inclined surface 104A of the upper wall 104 in the modified example.

[0078] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of a right wall 102 and a membrane 121 on a can body 120 that opens to the right, as described in the modified example.

[0079] Figure 30This is a schematic diagram showing the welding of the right wall 102, which omits the right wall side rib 189, to the tank body 120, which omits the main body side rib 188, in the modified example.

[0080] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view of the ink can 100, showing that part of the opening 231 of the right-opening can body 120 involved in the modified example is covered by the outflow pipe 331 of the right wall 102.

[0081] Figure 32 This is a side view of the right wall 102 involved in the modified example.

[0082] Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid ink tank 100, in which the opening 231 of the right-opening tank body 120 involved in the modified example is entirely covered by the outflow pipe 331 and the film 121.

[0083] Figure 34 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the can lid 127 is prevented from detaching by the anti-detachment member 179 in the modified example.

[0084] Figure 35 This is a top view showing the state in which the can lid 127 is prevented from detaching by the anti-detachment member 179 in the modified example.

[0085] Figure 36 This is another top view showing the state in which the can lid 127 involved in the modified example is prevented from detaching by the anti-detachment member 179.

[0086] Figure 37 This is another top view showing the state in which the can lid 127 involved in the modified example is prevented from detaching by the anti-detachment member 179.

[0087] Figure 38 This is a top view showing the installation method of the can lid involved in the modified example.

[0088] Figure 39 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a valve 251 is installed between the cylindrical portion 104C of the upper wall 104 and the base portion 252, as described in the modified example. Detailed Implementation

[0089] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present invention without altering its spirit. In the following description, a direction from the starting point of a single arrow to its ending point is described as "direction," and the two directions of a double arrow are described as "directions." That is, direction is a component of direction. Up and down are components of the vertical direction, and are opposite directions to each other. Left and right are components of the horizontal direction, and are opposite directions to each other. Forward and backward are components of the front-back direction, and are opposite directions to each other. In this embodiment, the vertical direction corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-back and left-back directions correspond to the horizontal direction.

[0090] Furthermore, the vertical direction is defined based on the usable state or posture of the co-working machine 10, the front-back direction is defined by taking the side of the co-working machine 10 with the opening 13 as the front side, and the left-right direction is defined by observing the co-working machine 10 from the front side. Additionally... Figure 1 The status is sometimes described as "usage status". Additionally, Figure 1 The posture is sometimes described as "usage posture". The front surface of the multifunction printer 10 is provided with an opening 13.

[0091] [Overall structure of the multifunction printer 10]

[0092] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction printer 10 has a generally rectangular housing 8. Inside the housing 8, the multifunction printer 10 has a scanner unit 9 and a printer unit 11. The scanner unit 9 is located in the upper part of the interior space of the housing 8. The scanner unit 9 has a scanning function. The printer unit 11 is located below the scanner unit 9 in the interior space of the housing 8. The printer unit 11 has a printing function. The printer unit 11 records data using an inkjet printing method. Figure 2 The paper 12 shown records an image. (As shown) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the printer unit 11 includes a feed unit 15, a feed tray 20, an ejection tray 21, a transport path 65, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, an ejection roller unit 55, an impression plate 42, and an ink reservoir assembly 51. It should be noted that the scanner unit 9 may be omitted from the multifunction printer 10. The multifunction printer 10 is an example of a liquid ejection device.

[0093] The outer casing 8 has an opening 8A on the right side of the opening 13, communicating between the external space and the internal space of the outer casing 8. The ink tank assembly 51, described later, is fixed to the inner surface of the outer casing 8 through the opening 8A. A cover 70 is provided on the outer casing 8 to close the opening 8A. The cover 70 is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction from its lower end side in the vertical direction. The cover 70 can be opened from the opening 8A of the outer casing 8. Figure 1The cover position shown is rotated to an exposed position where the opening 8A of the housing 8 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction printer 10. That is, the cover 70 can be rotated from the cover of the ink tank assembly 51. Figure 1 The cover position shown is rotated to an exposed position, exposing the ink tank assembly 51 to the outside of the multifunction printer 10. The cover 70 has an opening. Even when the cover 70 is in the covered position, a portion of the ink tank assembly 51 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening of the cover 70. However, the phrase "a portion of the ink tank assembly 51 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening of the cover 70" means that the user can at least visually confirm a portion of the ink tank assembly 51 from the outside of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening of the cover 70, and does not mean that a portion of the ink tank assembly 51 protrudes out of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening of the cover 70.

[0094] [Patent delivery 20, pallet discharge 21]

[0095] like Figure 1 As shown, opening 13 is located on the front surface of the laminating machine 10 and at its center in the left-right direction. The feed tray 20 moves in the front-back direction through opening 13 via user operation. Figure 2 As shown, the feed tray 20 supports multiple stacked sheets of paper 12. The discharge tray 21 is located above the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 moves forward and backward together with the feed tray 20. The discharge tray 21 supports the paper 12 discharged by the discharge roller section 55.

[0096] [Supply Department 15]

[0097] The feeding unit 15 feeds the paper 12 supported on the feeding tray 20 into the conveying path 65. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the feed section 15 includes a feed roller 25, a feed arm 26, and a shaft 27. The feed roller 25 is rotatably supported on the front end of the feed arm 26. The feed roller 25 is driven by a feed motor (not shown) to rotate in the direction of feeding the paper 12 toward the feed direction 16. Hereinafter, the rotation of the feed roller 25, the feed roller 60, and the discharge roller 62 in the direction of feeding the paper 12 toward the feed direction 16 will be described as "forward rotation". The feed arm 26 is rotatably supported on the shaft 27, which is supported on the frame of the printer section 11. The feed arm 26 is subjected to force by its own weight or the elastic force of a spring or the like to rotate toward the feed tray 20.

[0098] [Conveying Path 65]

[0099] like Figure 2As shown, the transport path 65 refers, for example, to the space divided by outer guide members 18 and inner guide members 19 that are positioned opposite each other at a predetermined interval. The transport path 65 extends from the rear end of the supply tray 20 towards the rear of the printer section 11. The transport path 65 extends upwards and downwards behind the printer section 11, making a U-turn, and reaches the discharge tray 21 via the space between the recording section 24 and the impression plate 42. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the conveying path 65 between the conveying roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 is located approximately at the center of the laminating machine 10 in the left-right direction and extends in the front-back direction. The conveying direction 16 of the paper 12 in the conveying path 65 is... Figure 2 The arrow in the middle is represented by a single-dot dashed line.

[0100] [Conveyor Roller Section 54]

[0101] like Figure 2 As shown, the conveyor roller section 54 is located upstream of the recording section 24 in the conveying direction 16. The conveyor roller section 54 includes a conveyor roller 60 and a pinch roller 61. The conveyor roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. The conveyor roller 60 is driven to rotate by a transmission conveyor motor. The pinch roller 61 rotates along with the conveyor roller 60. When the conveyor roller 60 rotates forward by the forward rotation of the transmission motor, the paper 12 is clamped by the conveyor roller 60 and the pinch roller 61 and conveyed in the conveying direction 16.

[0102] [Discharge roller section 55]

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, the discharge roller section 55 is located downstream of the recording section 24 in the transport direction 16. The discharge roller section 55 includes a discharge roller 62 and a toothed roller 63. The discharge roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 are opposite each other in the vertical direction. The discharge roller 62 is driven to rotate by a transport motor. The toothed roller 63 rotates along with the discharge roller 62. When the discharge roller 62 rotates forward by the forward rotation of the transport motor, the paper 12 is held by the discharge roller 62 and the toothed roller 63 and transported in the transport direction 16.

[0104] [Records Section 24]

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the recording unit 24 is located between the conveyor roller 54 and the discharge roller 55 in the conveying direction 16. The recording unit 24 is vertically opposite the impression plate 42 across the conveying path 65. The recording unit 24 is located above the conveying path 65 in the vertical direction. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

[0106] like Figure 3As shown, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44. Guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by the frame of the printer section 11. Guide rails 43 and 44 are separated in the front-to-back direction and extend in the left-to-right direction, respectively. Guide rails 43 and 44 reach a position outside the transport path 65 in the left-to-right direction. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 44. The belt mechanism is driven to rotate by a carriage motor (not shown). When the belt mechanism rotates, the carriage 23 moves in the left-to-right direction. The range of movement of the carriage 23 is within... Figure 3 The middle section is represented by a single-dot dashed line. The carriage 23 moves to the right and left of the conveyor path 65 in the left-right direction.

[0107] The ink reservoir 100 and the recording head 39 are connected via an ink hose 32. A control board, equipped with a control unit (not shown), is electrically connected to the recording head 39 via a flexible flat cable 33. The ink hose 32 and the flexible flat cable 33 both extend from the carriage 23. The ink hose 32 supplies ink stored in the ink reservoir 100 to the recording head 39. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits control signals output from the control unit to the recording head 39.

[0108] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the carriage 23 carries the recording head 39. The recording head 39 can move left and right between a standby position P1 and a maintenance position P2 by moving the carriage 23. The standby position P1 is located to the left of the transport path 65. The maintenance position P2 is located to the right of the transport path 65. Multiple nozzles 40 are located on the lower surface of the recording head 39. The recording head 39 ejects ink as tiny ink droplets from the nozzles 40. As the carriage 23 moves, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets toward the paper 12 supported by the impression plate 42. Thus, an image is recorded on the paper 12. The recording head 39 is an example of a liquid ejection unit.

[0109] [Imprint Plate 42]

[0110] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the impression plate 42 is located between the transport roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 in the transport direction 16. The impression plate 42 is opposite to the recording section 24 in the vertical direction. The impression plate 42 supports the paper 12 transported by the transport roller section 54 from below.

[0111] [Liquid Ink Can Kit 51]

[0112] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the ink reservoir kit 51 includes an ink reservoir 100, a reservoir cover 110, and a reservoir cap 127. That is, the multifunction printer 10 includes an ink reservoir 100, a reservoir cover 110, and a reservoir cap 127. It should be noted that... Figure 4 , Figure 5In this version, the can cover 127 is omitted. Alternatively, the can cover 110 can also be omitted from the components of the composite machine 10. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the ink cartridge assembly 51 is located inside the housing 8. The ink cartridge assembly 51 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 8 through the opening 8A, preventing the user from easily removing the ink cartridge assembly 51 from the multifunction printer 10. It should be noted that the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions of the ink cartridge assembly 51 are described based on its orientation when fixed to the inner surface of the housing 8. The housing 8 is an example of a housing. The ink cartridge 100 is an example of a cartridge.

[0113] The ink tank 100 includes an ink chamber 111 for storing ink. In this embodiment, as... Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the ink tank 100 has four ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D inside. The four ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D are arranged sequentially from left to right in a left-right direction. Three of the ink chambers 111A, 111B, and 111C store any one of the following colors of ink: yellow, cyan, and magenta. Ink chamber 111D stores black ink. Ink is an example of a liquid. It should be noted that, for example, pigment ink containing pigments and dye ink containing dyes can be cited as types of liquid ink. Alternatively, each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D may also store a cleaning solution containing water instead of ink. Cleaning solution is an example of a liquid. Alternatively, each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D can store a pretreatment liquid that is sprayed from the recording head 39 onto the paper before the ink is applied during printing, instead of ink. The pretreatment liquid is an example of a liquid. Furthermore, water or similar substances sprayed near the nozzle 40 of the recording head 39 to prevent it from drying out can also be an example of a liquid. Each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D is an example of a storage chamber.

[0114] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, the ink can 100 has a generally rectangular shape. The ink can 100 has a can body 120, a lower wall 105, and a film 121. The can body 120 has a front wall 101, a right wall 102, a left wall 103, an upper wall 104, a rear wall 106, and four partition walls 131, 132, 133, and 134. The front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103, upper wall 104, rear wall 106, and four partition walls 131, 132, 133, and 134 are integrally formed by injection molding of resin material. In this embodiment, the can body 120 is integrally formed using a mold that pulls out a core in the vertical direction relative to the cavity, thereby opening downwards. This downward opening is the opening 231 described later. The can body 120 is formed of a weldable resin. For example, the can body 120 is formed of polypropylene. The can body 120 is an example of a frame.

[0115] The front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103, upper wall 104, and rear wall 106 have light transmittance to the extent that the liquid level of the liquid ink inside the ink tank 100 can be visually confirmed from the outside. The front surface 101B of the front wall 101 has a visual confirmation surface 233 that allows the four ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D to be visually confirmed from the front.

[0116] Three partition walls 131, 132, and 133 are located at intervals in the left-right direction. Each partition wall 131, 132, and 133 is a flat plate extending in the front-back and vertical directions. Partition wall 131 is located to the right of the left wall 103 at intervals. Partition wall 132 is located to the right of partition wall 131 at intervals. Partition wall 133 is located to the right of partition wall 132 at intervals. The front end of each partition wall 131, 132, and 133 is connected to the rear surface of the front wall 101. The upper end of each partition wall 131, 132, and 133 is connected to the lower surface of the upper wall 104. The lower end of each partition wall 131, 132, and 133 is connected to the upper surface of the lower wall 105.

[0117] Partition wall 134 is located behind the three partition walls 131, 132, and 133. Partition wall 134 is a flat plate extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear ends of the three partition walls 131, 132, and 133 are connected to the front surface of partition wall 134. Partition wall 134 connects to the right surface of left wall 103 from the rear end of partition wall 133.

[0118] The can body 120 has a protruding wall 230 protruding from the inner surface of the can body 120. Specifically, the protruding wall 230 has a right outer protruding wall 235, a left outer protruding wall 236, a rear outer protruding wall 237, a right inner protruding wall 238, a central inner protruding wall 239, a left inner protruding wall 240, and a rear inner protruding wall 241.

[0119] The right lateral protruding wall 235 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the right wall 102. The right lateral protruding wall 235 extends vertically from the lower end of the right wall 102 to its upper end. Figure 7 In the middle, four right outer protruding walls 235 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. A protrusion 267 is provided that protrudes to the left from the left surface of the rearmost right outer protruding wall 235 among the four right outer protruding walls 235. Each right outer protruding wall 235 is an example of a first protruding wall.

[0120] The left outer protruding wall 236 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the left wall 103. The left outer protruding wall 236 extends vertically from the lower end of the left wall 103 to its upper end. Figure 7 In the middle, four left lateral protruding walls 236 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. Each left lateral protruding wall 236 is an example of the first protruding wall.

[0121] The rear outer protruding wall 237 protrudes forward from the front surface of the rear wall 106. The rear outer protruding wall 237 extends vertically from the lower end of the rear wall 106 to its upper end. Figure 7 In the middle, three rear external protruding walls 237 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. Each rear external protruding wall 237 is an example of the first protruding wall.

[0122] The right inner protruding wall 238 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the partition wall 133. The right inner protruding wall 238 extends vertically from the lower end of the partition wall 133 to its upper end. Figure 7 In this configuration, three right inner protruding walls 238 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction. The foremost right inner protruding wall 238 and the second-to-last right outer protruding wall 235 are opposite each other in the left-to-right direction. The central right inner protruding wall 238 and the third-to-last right outer protruding wall 235 are opposite each other in the left-to-right direction. The rearmost right inner protruding wall 238 and the rearmost right outer protruding wall 235 are opposite each other in the left-to-right direction. Each right inner protruding wall 238 is an example of a second protruding wall.

[0123] The central inner protruding wall 239 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the partition wall 132. The central inner protruding wall 239 extends vertically from the lower end to the upper end of the partition wall 132. Figure 7 In the middle, three central inner protruding walls 239 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction.

[0124] The left inner protruding wall 240 protrudes to the right from the right surface of the partition wall 131. The left inner protruding wall 240 extends vertically from the lower end of the partition wall 131 to its upper end. Figure 7 In the middle, three left inner protruding walls 240 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction.

[0125] The rear inner protruding wall 241 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the partition wall 134. The rear inner protruding wall 241 extends vertically from the lower end to the upper end of the partition wall 134. Figure 7 In the middle, three posterior inner protruding walls 241 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. The rightmost posterior inner protruding wall 241 is opposite to the centrally located posterior outer protruding wall 237 in the front-back direction. The rightmost posterior inner protruding wall 241 is an example of the second protruding wall.

[0126] The rear surface of the front wall 101, the right surface of the left wall 103, the lower surface of the upper wall 104, the left surface of the partition wall 131, and the front surface of the partition wall 134 define the ink chamber 111A. The rear surface of the front wall 101, the lower surface of the upper wall 104, the right surface of the partition wall 131, the left surface of the partition wall 132, and the front surface of the partition wall 134 define the ink chamber 111B. The rear surface of the front wall 101, the lower surface of the upper wall 104, the right surface of the partition wall 132, the left surface of the partition wall 133, and the front surface of the partition wall 134 define the ink chamber 111C.

[0127] The ink chamber 111D is defined by the rear surface of the front wall 101, the left surface of the right wall 102, the lower surface of the upper wall 104, the front surface of the rear wall 106, the right surface of the partition wall 133, and the rear surface of the partition wall 134. The ink chamber 111D is an L-shaped structure extending rearward from the rear surface of the front wall 101 and curving to the left. The rear side of the ink chamber 111D is located further rearward than the three ink chambers 111A, 111B, and 111C. The volume of the ink chamber 111D is larger than the volumes of each of the ink chambers 111A, 111B, and 111C. It should be noted that the front wall 101, right wall 102, rear wall 106, partition wall 133, and partition wall 134 may not be completely parallel to the vertical direction.

[0128] like Figure 7 As shown, the can body 120 has a main body side rib 211 at its lower end. The main body side rib 211 has an outer side rib 212 and an inner side rib 213. The outer side rib 212 protrudes slightly downward from the lower ends of the front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103 and rear wall 106. The outer side rib 212 has a continuous ring shape along the lower ends of the front wall 101, right wall 102, left wall 103 and rear wall 106.

[0129] The inner rib 213 protrudes slightly downward from the lower ends of the partition walls 131, 132, 133, and 134. The inner rib 213 has a posteromedial rib 213A, a right inner rib 213B, a middle inner rib 213C, and a left inner rib 213D. The posteromedial rib 213A is located at the lower end of the partition wall 134. The posteromedial rib 213A extends from the left end to the right end of the lower end of the partition wall 134. The left end of the posteromedial rib 213A is continuous with the outer rib 212. The right inner rib 213B is located at the lower end of the partition wall 133. The right inner rib 213B extends from the front end to the rear end of the lower end of the partition wall 133. The front end of the right inner rib 213B is continuous with the outer rib 212. The rear end of the right inner rib 213B is continuous with the posteromedial rib 213A. The middle inner rib 213C is located at the lower end of the partition wall 132. The medial rib 213C extends from the front end to the rear end of the lower end of the partition wall 132. The front end of the medial rib 213C is continuous with the lateral rib 212. The rear end of the medial rib 213C is continuous with the posteromedial rib 213A. The left medial rib 213D is located at the lower end of the partition wall 131. The left medial rib 213D extends from the front end to the rear end of the lower end of the partition wall 131. The front end of the left medial rib 213D is continuous with the lateral rib 212. The rear end of the left medial rib 213D is continuous with the posteromedial rib 213A.

[0130] Outer rib 212, left inner rib 213D, and rear inner rib 213A form the periphery of opening 231A, which connects the interior of ink chamber 111A to the outside. Outer rib 212, left inner rib 213D, middle inner rib 213C, and rear inner rib 213A form the periphery of opening 231B, which connects the interior of ink chamber 111B to the outside. Outer rib 212, middle inner rib 213C, right inner rib 213B, and rear inner rib 213A form the periphery of opening 231C, which connects the interior of ink chamber 111C to the outside. Outer rib 212, right inner rib 213B, and rear inner rib 213A form the periphery of opening 231D, which connects the interior of ink chamber 111D to the outside. Each opening 231A, 231B, 231C, and 231D is an example of the first opening. It should be noted that when referring to the four openings 231A, 231B, 231C, and 231D as a whole, they are collectively referred to as opening 231.

[0131] The lower wall 105 is located at the lower end of the four ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D. The lower wall 105 is formed of a weldable resin. For example, the lower wall 105 is formed of polypropylene. Figure 9 As shown, the lower wall 105 has a first lower wall 151, a second lower wall 152, a third lower wall 153, and a fourth lower wall 154. The lower wall 105 is an example of a cover.

[0132] like Figure 7 , Figure 9As shown, the upper surface of the fourth lower wall 154 abuts against the entire circumference of the front wall 101, right wall 102, rear wall 106, partition wall 133, and the lower ends of partition wall 134. That is, the fourth lower wall 154 abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 231D. Thus, the fourth lower wall 154 covers the entire opening 231D that connects the ink chamber 111D to the outside. In this state, the upper surface of the fourth lower wall 154 abuts against the four right outer protruding walls 235, the three rear outer protruding walls 237, the three right inner protruding walls 238, and the three rear inner protruding walls 241. The fourth lower wall 154 is an example of a cover. Figure 6 As shown, the fourth lower wall 154 has a bottom plate 171, a protrusion 172, a lower wall side rib 173, and an upper plate 174.

[0133] The base plate 171 is a flat plate extending in both the front-rear and left-right directions. The upper surface of the base plate 171 has a horizontal surface 221 and an inclined surface 222. The horizontal surface 221 is located at the front of the upper surface of the base plate 171. The horizontal surface 221 is a horizontal surface extending in both the front-rear and left-right directions. The horizontal surface 221 extends from a position slightly forward of the center of the upper surface of the base plate 171 to the front end of the upper surface of the base plate 171. The inclined surface 222 extends from the rear end of the horizontal surface 221 to the rear end of the upper surface of the base plate 171. The inclined surface 222 is inclined downwards relative to the front-rear direction as it faces forward.

[0134] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 172 is located in the area from the horizontal plane 221 to the inclined plane 222. The protrusion 172 is located at the boundary between the horizontal plane 221 and the inclined plane 222. The protrusion 172 protrudes downward from the horizontal plane 221 and the inclined plane 222 beyond the lower surface of the base plate 171. The inner surface of the protrusion 172 defines a generally rectangular convex space 172A that is long in the front-rear direction. The convex space 172A opens upward at the horizontal plane 221 and the inclined plane 222. The convex space 172A is capable of storing liquid ink. The horizontal plane 221, the inclined plane 222, and the bottom surface of the protrusion 172 define the lower end of the liquid ink chamber 111A. The protrusion 172 is an example of a protrusion. The convex space 172A is an example of an internal space. The base plate 171 is an example of a base plate portion.

[0135] like Figure 6 , Figure 8As shown, the lower wall side rib 173 is located at the outer edge of the lower surface of the base plate 171. The lower wall side rib 173 protrudes slightly downward from the lower surface of the base plate 171. The lower wall side rib 173 is continuous along the outer edge of the lower surface of the base plate 171. The lower wall side rib 173 has a ring shape. The lower wall side rib 173 is circumferentially opposite the outer rib 212, right inner rib 213B and rear inner rib 213A of the main body side rib 211. The lower wall side rib 173 is located at a position slightly spaced from the outer rib 212, right inner rib 213B and rear inner rib 213A.

[0136] The upper plate 174 is located above the base plate 171. The upper plate 174 has a pair of vertical plates 174A and a horizontal plate 174B. The pair of vertical plates 174A are located at both ends of the upper surface of the base plate 171 in the front-rear direction. The pair of vertical plates 174A extend upwards from the upper surface of the base plate 171. The pair of vertical plates 174A are flat plates extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The horizontal plate 174B is located above the pair of vertical plates 174A. The horizontal plate 174B is flat plates extending in both the front-rear and horizontal directions. The front and rear ends of the horizontal plate 174B are connected to the pair of vertical plates 174A, respectively. The horizontal plate 174B has a through hole 175 extending in the vertical direction. The through hole 175 is located slightly forward of the center of the horizontal plate 174B in the front-rear direction. The through hole 175 is opposite to the convex space 172A in the vertical direction. The horizontal plate 174B is an example of a flat plate portion.

[0137] The first lower wall 151 has the same structure as the fourth lower wall 154 except for its external shape. Therefore, elements in the first lower wall 151 corresponding to those in the fourth lower wall 154 are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the fourth lower wall 154, and their descriptions are omitted. The upper surface of the first lower wall 151 abuts against the entire circumference of the lower ends of the front wall 101, left wall 103, partition wall 131, and partition wall 134. That is, the first lower wall 151 abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 231A. Thus, the first lower wall 151 covers the entire opening 231A that connects the ink chamber 111A to the outside. In this state, the upper surface of the first lower wall 151 abuts against the four left outward protruding walls 236. The lower wall side ribs 173 of the first lower wall 151 are circumferentially opposite the outer rib 212, the left inner rib 213D, and the rear inner rib 213A. The lower wall lateral rib 173 of the first lower wall 151 is located slightly separated from the outer rib 212, the left inner rib 213D and the rear inner rib 213A. The first lower wall 151 is an example of a cover.

[0138] The second lower wall 152 has the same structure as the fourth lower wall 154 except for its external shape. Therefore, elements in the second lower wall 152 corresponding to those in the fourth lower wall 154 are labeled with the same reference numerals as those in the fourth lower wall 154, and their descriptions are omitted. The upper surface of the second lower wall 152 abuts against the entire circumference of the lower ends of the front wall 101, partition wall 131, partition wall 132, and partition wall 134. That is, the second lower wall 152 abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 231B. Thus, the second lower wall 152 covers the entire opening 231B that connects the ink chamber 111B to the outside. In this state, the upper surface of the second lower wall 152 abuts against the three left inner protruding walls 240. The lower wall side ribs 173 of the second lower wall 152 are circumferentially opposite the outer rib 212, the left inner rib 213D, the middle inner rib 213C, and the rear inner rib 213A. The lower wall lateral rib 173 of the second lower wall 152 is located slightly separated from the outer rib 212, the left inner rib 213D, the middle inner rib 213C, and the rear inner rib 213A. The second lower wall 152 is an example of a cover.

[0139] The third lower wall 153 has the same structure as the fourth lower wall 154. Therefore, for elements in the third lower wall 153 corresponding to those in the fourth lower wall 154, the same reference numerals are used as in the fourth lower wall 154, and their descriptions are omitted. The upper surface of the third lower wall 153 abuts against the entire circumference of the lower ends of the front wall 101, partition wall 132, partition wall 133, and partition wall 134. That is, the third lower wall 153 abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 231C. Thus, the third lower wall 153 covers the entire opening 231C that connects the ink chamber 111C to the outside. In this state, the upper surface of the third lower wall 153 abuts against the three central inner protruding walls 239. The lower wall side ribs 173 of the third lower wall 153 are circumferentially opposite the outer rib 212, the middle inner rib 213C, the right inner rib 213B, and the rear inner rib 213A. The lower wall lateral rib 173 of the second lower wall 152 is located slightly separated from the outer rib 212, the middle inner rib 213C, the right inner rib 213B, and the rear inner rib 213A. The third lower wall 153 is an example of a cover.

[0140] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 13 As shown, the front receiving portion 225 and the rear receiving portion 226 are located behind the convex space 172A of the fourth lower wall 154. The rear receiving portion 226 is located at a distance spaced rearward from the front receiving portion 225. The rear receiving portion 226 is opposite to the front receiving portion 225 in the front-rear direction. The front receiving portion 225 and the rear receiving portion 226 respectively protrude upward through a portion of the base plate 171 of the fourth lower wall 154, defining the approximately cubic front receiving space 225A and the rear receiving space 226A. The front receiving portion 225 and the rear receiving portion 226 open downward. The front receiving portion 225 and the rear receiving portion 226 are an example of a liquid detection unit.

[0141] like Figure 11 , Figure 13 As shown, sensor 311 is located behind the protrusion 172 of the fourth lower wall 154. Sensor 311 detects the position of the liquid ink level in the liquid ink chamber 111D. Sensor 311 has a light-projecting part 311A ​​and a light-receiving part 311B. The light-projecting part 311A ​​is disposed in the front receiving space 225A by inserting it into the front receiving space 225A from below the fourth lower wall 154. The light-receiving part 311B is disposed in the rear receiving space 226A by inserting it into the rear receiving space 226A from below the fourth lower wall 154.

[0142] The light-projecting part 311A ​​and the light-receiving part 311B are fixed to the substrate 313. The substrate 313 is a flat plate that extends in the front-back direction and the left-right direction. The substrate 313 is fixed to the protrusion 312 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the fourth lower wall 154 by bolts and nuts. Thus, the light-projecting part 311A ​​and the light-receiving part 311B are held in the front receiving space 225A and the rear receiving space 226A, respectively.

[0143] The light-projecting part 311A ​​projects light backward toward the light-receiving part 311B. When the liquid level in the ink chamber 111D is located above the light path of the light projected from the light-projecting part 311A ​​to the light-receiving part 311B, the light projected from the light-projecting part 311A ​​passes through the rear wall of the front receiving part 225 and is absorbed by the ink, thus not reaching the light-receiving part 311B.

[0144] On the other hand, when the liquid level in the liquid ink chamber 111D is located below the light path of the light projected from the light-projecting part 311A ​​to the light-receiving part 311B, the light projected from the light-projecting part 311A ​​passes through the rear wall of the front receiving part 225 and then through the front wall of the rear receiving part 226 and is received by the light-receiving part 311B.

[0145] The light-receiving unit 311B is capable of receiving light projected from the light-projecting unit 311A. When the light-receiving unit 311B receives light projected from the light-projecting unit 311A, it outputs a detection signal to the substrate 313. When the light-receiving unit 311B does not receive light projected from the light-projecting unit 311A, it outputs a non-detection signal with a level different from the detection signal to the substrate 313. The light-receiving unit 311B and the light-projecting unit 311A ​​are examples of a liquid detection unit. The sensor 311 is an example of a liquid detection unit.

[0146] like Figure 8As shown, the film 121 is located on the lower surface of the lower wall 105. The outer edge of the film 121 has a generally quadrilateral shape along the outer edge of the lower end of the can body 120. The film 121 has four through holes 121A for the insertion of four protrusions 172 and one through hole for the insertion of the substrate 313. The film 121 covers the entire lower surface of the lower wall 105 from below, except for the four protrusions 172 and the substrate 313.

[0147] The film 121 is formed of a weldable resin. For example, the film 121 is formed of polyethylene terephthalate. The film 121 is welded integrally to the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173. Thus, the lower wall 105 is mounted to the can body 120. As a result, leakage of liquid ink from the ink chamber 111 through the space between the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173 is suppressed.

[0148] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the upper wall 104 is composed of multiple surfaces extending in the front-back and left-right directions. The upper wall 104 has four atmospheric communication portions 155 that connect the interior and exterior of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D. Each atmospheric communication portion 155 has an atmospheric communication port 112, a semi-permeable membrane 156, and a labyrinth seal 157. In addition, a thin film 158 covers each atmospheric communication portion 155.

[0149] Each atmospheric connection 112 extends vertically through the upper wall 104. Each atmospheric connection 112 connects the interior of each liquid ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D to the outside. Each semi-permeable membrane 156 covers each atmospheric connection 112. Each semi-permeable membrane 156 is adhered to the upper end of each atmospheric connection 112, covering it entirely from above. Each semi-permeable membrane 156 is a porous membrane with tiny pores that block the passage of liquid ink while allowing air to pass through. Each semi-permeable membrane 156 is, for example, made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0150] The labyrinth seal 157 is located behind the atmospheric vent 112. The labyrinth seal 157 has a groove shape that is recessed downwards from the upper surface of the upper wall 104. The labyrinth seal 157 has a portion extending in the front-rear direction. The labyrinth seal 157 makes at least two U-shaped turns in the front-rear direction. More specifically, the labyrinth seal 157 makes more than five U-shaped turns in the front-rear direction.

[0151] The membrane 158 is fused to the upper surface of the upper wall 104 in a manner that covers the four atmospheric vents 112 and the four labyrinth seals 157 from above. The membrane 158 has four atmospheric openings 158A that communicate between the interior and exterior of each labyrinth seal 157. The four atmospheric openings 158A are located at intervals in the left-right direction. The front spaces defined by the upper wall 104 surrounding the membrane 158 and the atmospheric vents 112 communicate with the rear spaces defined by the membrane 158 and the labyrinth seals 157.

[0152] Each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D is connected to the atmosphere via an atmospheric connection 112, a semi-permeable membrane 156, a front space, a rear space, and an atmospheric opening 158A. Thus, each atmospheric connection 155 allows air to flow in and out between the interior of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D and the exterior of the ink tank 100.

[0153] When a rear space is cut by a surface orthogonal to the front-back direction extending from the labyrinth seal 157, the cross-sectional area of ​​each space is, for example, 1 square millimeter. Therefore, the rear space defined by the membrane 158 and the labyrinth seal 157 serves to suppress the evaporation and leakage of liquid ink through the atmospheric opening 158A, even without the semi-permeable membrane 156.

[0154] The thickness of the lower wall 105, in other words, the thickness of the base plate 171 of the lower wall 105, is greater than the thickness of the films 121 and 158 fused to the ink reservoir 100. This makes it easier for the lower wall 105 to have higher strength than the films. In other words, the lower wall 105 is less prone to cracking and deformation compared to the films. The thickness of films 121 and 158 is, for example, 0.1 mm. The thickness of the lower wall 105 is, for example, 1.2 mm. It should be noted that the thickness of film 121 can be greater than the thickness of film 158, or conversely, less than the thickness of film 158. Film 121 is an example of a film. Film 158 is an example of a film.

[0155] like Figure 12 As shown, protrusions 271 extending downward from the periphery of each atmospheric connection 112 are provided on the inner surface of the upper wall 104. Each protrusion 271 is located in front of each atmospheric connection 112. Each protrusion 271 is a flat plate extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The length of each protrusion 271 in the horizontal direction is slightly longer than the length of each atmospheric connection 112 in the horizontal direction. Two recesses 272 are provided on the rear surface of each protrusion 271, recessed forward from the rear surface. The two recesses 272 are located at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction. Each recess 272 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the protrusion 271. The lower end of each recess 272 opens downward. The protrusion 271 is an example of a second protrusion.

[0156] like Figure 5 As shown, the upper surface of the upper wall 104 has an inclined surface 104A and a horizontal surface 104B. The inclined surface 104A is located at the front end of the upper surface of the upper wall 104. The inclined surface 104A is inclined relative to the front-rear direction, extending downwards as it tends forward. The inclined surface 104A extends from the left end to the right end of the ink reservoir 100. The horizontal surface 104B is located behind the inclined surface 104A. The horizontal surface 104B extends horizontally. The horizontal surface 104B extends from the left end to the right end of the ink reservoir 100.

[0157] Four openings 113 are located in the front-to-back direction between the horizontal plane 104B of the upper wall 104 and each atmospheric connection port 112. The four openings 113 are equally spaced in the left-to-right direction. Each opening 113 connects the interior of each liquid ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D to the outside.

[0158] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 13 As shown, each opening 113 is connected to an outlet pipe 124. Each outlet pipe 124 is a cylindrical tube extending downward in the vertical direction from each opening 113. The lower end of each outlet pipe 124 has a downward-opening outlet 114. Each outlet pipe 124 defines an outlet path 150 extending vertically from the outlet 114 through a through hole 175 in the horizontal plate 174B to the opening 113. Each outlet 114 is located in each convex space 172A. Each outlet 114 is separated from the inner surface of each convex portion 172. Each outlet 114 is located slightly below the center of each convex space 172A in the vertical direction. Each outlet 114 is located slightly above the lower end of each convex space 172A.

[0159] A rubber sealing member 160 is pressed into each outlet pipe 124 through each opening 113. The sealing member 160 has a through hole extending in the vertical direction.

[0160] like Figure 6 As shown, each outlet tube 124 is connected to a connecting portion 170 disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall 104. The connecting portion 170 is connected to the four outlet tubes 124 via a sealing member 160. The connecting portion 170 has four ink flow paths 191 communicating with the outlet passages 150 of each outlet tube 124. The top of the four ink flow paths 191 is covered by a thin film. In addition, in Figure 6The thin film is omitted in the text. Each ink flow path 191 is connected to an ink hose 32 connected to the recording head 39. Thus, the ink stored in each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D flows to the recording head 39 through each outlet pipe 124, each ink flow path 191, and the ink hose 32. When the ink in each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D is consumed by ink being ejected from the recording head 39, air flows into each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D through each atmospheric vent 112.

[0161] like Figure 5 As shown, the can body 120 has four can tubes 115, four connecting ports 119, and four cylindrical annular walls 122 surrounding each can tube 115 and each connecting port 119 at the front end of the upper wall 104. The four annular walls 122 are evenly spaced along the left-right direction. Each annular wall 122 extends obliquely forward and upward from the front end of the upper wall 104 along an extension direction intersecting the vertical and horizontal directions, parallel to the can tubes 115. The can tubes 115 protrude upward beyond the front end of the annular walls 122.

[0162] The canister body 115 is located inside each annular wall 122. Each canister body 115 is located further back than the center of the annular wall 122. In other words, when viewed from the extending direction of each canister body 115, the imaginary line passing through the center of each canister body 115 is located further back than the imaginary line passing through the center of each annular wall 122. Each canister body 115 is a circular tube extending obliquely forward and upward from the upper wall 104 along an extending direction intersecting the vertical and horizontal directions. Each canister body 115 connects the interior and exterior of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D. The upper end of each canister body 115 opens upward. The front end of each canister body 115 is a bifurcated shape split in the left-right direction. Because the front end of each canister body 115 is a bifurcated shape split in the left-right direction, gaps are located above and below the front end of each canister body 115. The lower end of each tank tube 115 opens downwards.

[0163] like Figure 14 As shown, each tank tube 115 is provided with two protrusions 181 extending downward from its lower end. The two protrusions 181 are located on the left and right sides of the lower end of each tank tube 115. Each protrusion 181 is a flat plate extending in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Each protrusion 181 is an example of the first protrusion.

[0164] like Figure 5As shown, the connecting port 119 is located inside each annular wall 122 of the inclined surface 104A. Each connecting port 119 penetrates the upper wall 104 in the vertical direction. The front side of each connecting port 119 is circular, and the rear side is quadrilateral. In other words, the front side of each connecting port 119 is a quadrilateral with one side bulging in an arc shape. Each connecting port 119 connects the outside and inside of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D. Each connecting port 119 is located in front of each canister body 115. Each connecting port 119 is located below each canister body 115. In other words, when viewed from the extension direction of each canister body 115, the straight line extending along the extension direction through the center of each connecting port 119 is located further forward than the imaginary straight line through the center of each canister body 115. Each connecting port 119 is located further forward than the center of each annular wall 122. In other words, when viewed from the extension direction of each annular wall 122, the straight line extending from the center of each connecting port 119 and along the extension direction, as observed from the extension direction of each annular wall 122, is located further forward than the imaginary straight line passing through the center of each annular wall 122.

[0165] like Figure 4 As shown, the canister 110 holds the ink can 100 in a state that covers the front side of the ink can 100 from the front. The canister 110 has a front wall 201, an upper wall 202, a right wall 203, a left wall 204, a lower wall 205, and an inclined wall 206. The front wall 201 covers the front of the ink can 100. The front wall 201 has an opening 207. A portion of the front wall 101 of the ink can 100 protrudes into the front of the canister 110 through the opening 207. It should be noted that the phrase "a portion of the front wall 101 of the ink can 100 protrudes into the front of the canister 110 through the opening 207" means that the user can at least visually confirm a portion of the front wall 101 of the ink can 100 from the front of the canister 110 through the opening 207, and does not mean that a portion of the front wall 101 of the ink can 100 protrudes into the front of the canister 110 through the opening 207. It should be noted that the can cover 110 may also have a light-transmitting cover that allows the state of the front wall 101 of the ink can 100 to be visually confirmed from the front of the can cover 110, covering the opening 207.

[0166] The upper wall 202 covers a portion of the front side of the upper wall 104 of the ink reservoir 100. The right wall 203 covers a portion of the right wall 102 of the ink reservoir 100. The left wall 204 covers a portion of the left wall 103 of the ink reservoir 100. The lower wall 205 covers a portion of the lower wall 105 of the ink reservoir 100. The lower wall 205 is an example of a covering. The reservoir cover 110 is an example of a cover.

[0167] The inclined wall 206 is connected to the upper end of the front wall 201 and to the front end of the upper wall 202. The inclined wall 206 is located above the four annular walls 122 of the ink tank 100. The inclined wall 206 is located in front of the four annular walls 122 of the ink tank 100. That is, the inclined wall 206 is located relative to the annular walls 122 in the direction in which the annular walls 122 extend from the front end of the upper wall 104 along the extending direction. The outer surface of the inclined wall 206 intersects the vertical and horizontal directions. The outer surface of the inclined wall 206 is inclined relative to the front-rear direction in a manner that extends downward as it tends to move forward. The inclined wall 206 covers a portion of the inclined surface 104A of the upper wall 104 of the ink tank 100. The inclined wall 206 is located at a position slightly spaced apart from the inclined surface 104A of the upper wall 104 of the ink tank 100 in the extending direction.

[0168] The inclined wall 206 has four through holes 72 arranged at intervals in the left-right direction. Each through hole 72 penetrates the inclined wall 206 in the vertical direction. The inner circumferential surface of each through hole 72 is cylindrical, extending in a direction orthogonal to the outer surface of the inclined wall 206, i.e., obliquely upward. That is, each through hole 72 is cylindrical. In addition, the term "cylindrical" here refers to the shape in which the inner circumferential surface forms a closed space, and the shape of the opening formed by the inner circumferential surface is not necessarily limited to a circle. Furthermore, regardless of the length of the inner circumferential surface extending in the direction in which the opening formed by the inner circumferential surface faces, in other words, regardless of the thickness of the through hole 72, it is considered cylindrical. When viewed from obliquely upward, the inner circumferential surface of each through hole 72 surrounds each annular wall 122. The four through holes 72 are configured to correspond to any one of the four ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D. That is, when viewed from an obliquely upward position, the four through holes 72 overlap with the four liquid ink chambers 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D, respectively. Each annular wall 122 and each connecting port 119 protrudes to the outside of the canister 110 through the through holes 72. Each canister tube 115 protrudes to the outside of the canister 110 through the through holes 72. Each canister tube 115 and each connecting port 119 can be visually identified through the through holes 72.

[0169] Each through-hole 72 has a circular front side and a quadrilateral rear side. In other words, each through-hole 72 is a quadrilateral with one side of its front side bulging out in an arc shape. Each through-hole 72 has a shape that allows the protrusion 94 of the bottle cap 82 of the ink bottle 80 (described later) to be inserted. The shape of the inner circumferential surface of each through-hole 72 is approximately the same as the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 94. Thus, the inner circumferential surface of each through-hole 72 positions the bottle cap 82 when it is inserted into the through-hole 72. The inner circumferential surface of each through-hole 72 is an example of a positioning part. A slit 73 extends rearward from the through-hole 72. The slit 73 is located at the center in the left-right direction of the through-hole 72. The slit 73 is continuous with the through-hole 72.

[0170] like Figures 15 to 20 As shown, the can lid 127 is a cylindrical component closed at one end. The can lid 127 is detachable relative to the annular wall 122. When the can lid 127 is removed from the annular wall 122, it is completely separated from the ink can 100 and the can cover 110. That is, the ink can assembly 51 does not have a retaining member, such as an arm, that holds the can lid 127 removed from the annular wall 122 in a state of connection with the ink can 100 or the can cover 110.

[0171] The can lid 127 has a body 128 and a rubber part 129. The body 128 is a molded product of synthetic resin. The rubber part 129 is made of rubber. The body 128 has a cylindrical portion 130, a tab 145, a flat portion 146, and a gripper portion 148.

[0172] The cylindrical portion 130 is a cylindrical shape that opens downwards when the can lid 127 is assembled to the annular wall 122. The inner diameter of the internal space of the cylindrical portion 130 is larger than the outer diameter of the can tube 115.

[0173] The tab 145 protrudes to the left in the left-right direction from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 130 in the assembly posture. Additionally, the tab 145 protrudes to the right in the left-right direction from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 130 in the assembly posture. That is, a pair of tabs 145 protrude from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 130 in opposite directions. The tab 145 is flat, and its protruding end is a straight line along the front-back direction in the assembly posture.

[0174] like Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown, the flat plate portion 146 protrudes rearward in the front-rear direction from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 130 in the assembled position. The flat plate portion 146 is generally flat and extends in both the vertical and front-rear directions. The flat plate portion 146 has a bulge portion 141 that bulges to the right from the right surface of the flat plate portion 146. The outer surface of the bulge portion 141 has a vertical surface 141A, an upwardly inclined surface 141B, and a downwardly inclined surface 141C. The vertical surface 141A is located approximately at the center of the right surface of the flat plate portion 146 in the vertical direction. The vertical surface 141A is located at the front end of the right surface of the flat plate portion 146. The vertical surface 141A is a vertical surface that extends in both the front-rear and vertical directions. When viewed from the right, the vertical surface 141A is a right-angled triangle. The upwardly inclined surface 141B is located above and behind the vertical surface 141A. The upwardly inclined surface 141B extends upward from the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle of the vertical surface 141A. The upward-sloping surface 141B is inclined relative to the vertical surface 141A in a manner that extends to the left as it tends upward. The downward-sloping surface 141C is located below the vertical surface 141A and the upward-sloping surface 141B. The downward-sloping surface 141C extends downward from the lower ends of the vertical surface 141A and the upward-sloping surface 141B. The downward-sloping surface 141C is inclined relative to the vertical surface 141A in a manner that extends to the left as it tends downward.

[0175] The length L1 along the left-right direction between the left surface and the vertical surface 141A of the flat plate 146 is slightly longer than the length along the left-right direction of the slit 73 of the can cover 110. Therefore, by inserting the flat plate 146 into the slit 73 from above, the vertical surface 141A and the left surface of the flat plate 146 press the inner surface of the slit 73 outwards in the left-right direction. As a result, the can lid 127 is prevented from falling off from the through hole 72 of the can cover 110.

[0176] The gripper portion 148 is located above the cylindrical portion 130 and the flat portion 146. The gripper portion 148 is a semi-circular plate shape that protrudes upward from the cylindrical portion 130 and the flat portion 146. The diameter of the semi-circular plate shape is the same as the length of the cylindrical portion 130 and the flat portion 146 in the front-back direction. Therefore, the gripper portion 148 extends throughout the cylindrical portion 130 and the flat portion 146 and is an elongated shape in the left-right direction.

[0177] The edge of the gripper portion 148, which forms a semi-circular plate shape, is a thick-walled portion 149 extending in the left-right direction. A raised rib 135 extends vertically from the lower end of the gripper portion 148 toward the thick-walled portion 149. Multiple raised ribs 135 are arranged at intervals in the front-back direction. The left-right length of the raised ribs 135 gradually increases from the lower end of the gripper portion 148 toward the thick-walled portion 149. Near the thick-walled portion 149, the left-right length of the raised ribs 135 is the same as the left-right length of the thick-walled portion 149. In the gripper portion 148, the left-right length of the portion other than the thick-walled portion 149 and the raised ribs 135 is smaller than the length of the thick-walled portion 149.

[0178] The rubber component 129 is located on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 130 and is positioned below the tab 145. The rubber component 129 is cylindrical in shape. The rubber component 129 covers the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 130, which is positioned below the tab 145. The upper end of the rubber component 129 abuts against the tab 145.

[0179] The rubber component 129 has an abutment portion 136 extending inwardly from the opening of the cylindrical portion 130. The abutment portion 136 abuts against the end face of the opening of the cylindrical portion 130. It should be noted that the end face of the opening of the cylindrical portion 130 refers to the end face along the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 130. Figure 20 The lower end face 130A (shown in the vertical direction) has a ridge 130B located radially outward of the cylindrical portion 130 and a surface 130C located radially inward of the cylindrical portion 130. The ridge 130B protrudes downward more than the surface 130C. Thus, there is a vertical height difference between the ridge 130B and the surface 130C. The abutting portion 136 abuts against the ridge 130B and the surface 130C. It should be noted that the abutting portion 136 may also contact the inner circumferential surface 137 of the cylindrical portion 130 inside the opening of the cylindrical portion 130.

[0180] like Figure 19 As shown, the flange portion 140 extends from the abutment portion 136 toward the inner side of the cylindrical portion 130. The abutment portion 136 and the flange portion 140 define a downward-facing opening 138. The flange portion 140 extends to the right from the left end of the abutment portion 136 in the left-right direction. The flange portion 140 extends to the left from the right end of the abutment portion 136 in the left-right direction. The flange portion 140 is not located at the front or rear end of the abutment portion 136. The length of the opening 138 in the front-back direction is longer than its length in the left-right direction. In other words, the opening 138 is an elongated oval shape with a portion of the circle in the left-right direction being a straight line. The length of the opening 138 in the left-right direction is longer than the outer diameter of the ink reservoir body 115 of the ink reservoir 100.

[0181] The rubber component 129 has a protrusion 139 that projects annularly from its outer peripheral surface. The outer diameter of the protrusion 139 is larger than the inner diameter of the annular wall 122 of the ink reservoir 100. The rubber component 129, mounted on the cylindrical portion 130, can be inserted into the internal space of the annular wall 122 by pressing. When inserted into the internal space of the annular wall 122, the cylindrical portion 130 and the rubber component 129 cover the top of the connecting opening 119 and the reservoir body 115. When the rubber component 129 is inserted into the internal space of the annular wall 122, the protrusion 139 abuts against the inner peripheral surface 123 of the annular wall 122 in a liquid-tight manner.

[0182] [Liquid ink bottle 80]

[0183] like Figure 21 and Figure 22 As shown, the ink bottle 80 is connected to the ink reservoir assembly 51. The ink bottle 80 has a bottle body 81, a cap 82, and a valve 161. The bottle body 81 is a cylindrical shape with an open top. The bottle body 81 has an ink storage chamber 147 for storing ink. The cap 82 is a cylindrical shape that is detachably attached to the upper end of the bottle body 81. The internal space of the cap 82 communicates with the interior of the ink storage chamber 147.

[0184] The bottle cap 82 has a protrusion 94, an opening 95, and a bottle body 96. The protrusion 94 is an upwardly extending cylindrical wall. The protrusion 94 can be inserted into the through hole 72 of the can cover 110. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 94 is approximately the same as the shape of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 72. The opening 95 and the bottle body 96 are located at the upper end of the protrusion 94. The opening 95 communicates the interior and exterior of the ink bottle 80. The bottle body 96 is located in front of the opening 95. The bottle body 96 extends upward from the upper end of the protrusion 94. The bottle body 96 communicates the interior and exterior of the ink bottle 80. A valve 161 is disposed in the internal space of the bottle cap 82. The valve 161 closes the opening on the side of the ink storage chamber 147 of the opening 95 and the bottle body 96. The valve 161 can be inserted along... Figure 21The device moves in the up and down direction to the closed position and the open position. The closed position is the position where the opening 95 and the opening on the liquid ink storage chamber 147 side of the bottle body 96 are closed, and the open position is the position where the opening 95 and the opening on the liquid ink storage chamber 147 side of the bottle body 96 are open.

[0185] [Connection between ink bottle 80 and ink tank 100]

[0186] The following, such as Figure 22 The image shows an example of the connection between the ink bottle 80 and the ink chamber 111A. It should be noted that... Figure 22 For simplicity, the connecting part 170 is omitted in the illustration. The user inserts the protrusion 94 of the ink bottle 80 into the through hole 72 of the can cover 110. The bottle tube 96 of the ink bottle 80 is connected to the communication port 119 of the ink can 100, and the can tube 115 of the ink can 100 is inserted into the opening 95 of the ink bottle 80. At this time, the valve 161 moves from the closed position to the open position by the can tube 115 inserted into the opening 95. Thus, the connection between the ink bottle 80 and the ink can 100 is completed.

[0187] When the ink bottle 80 is connected to the ink tank 100, the ink in the ink storage chamber 147 flows into the ink chamber 111A of the ink tank 100 through the bottle tube 96 and the connecting port 119. Simultaneously, air in the ink chamber 111A flows into the ink storage chamber 147 through the tank tube 115 and the opening 95. This creates a so-called gas-liquid displacement, supplying ink from the ink bottle 80 to the ink chamber 111A.

[0188] It should be noted that when the ink bottle 80 is connected to the ink container 100, ink may sometimes flow from the ink storage chamber 147 into the ink chamber 111A through the internal space of the container body 115. In this embodiment, since two protrusions 181 extending downward from the lower end of the container body 115 are provided, even if ink adheres to the lower end of the container body 115, the ink can easily fall along the two protrusions 181. Therefore, the formation of a meniscus of ink at the opening 195 at the lower end of the container body 115 can be suppressed, thus facilitating air movement between the ink chamber 111A and the ink storage chamber 147.

[0189] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0190] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 has higher strength than the film, thus the ink reservoir 100 has higher strength compared to a structure where the opening 231 is entirely covered by the film. Therefore, when the ink reservoir 100 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 8 of the multifunction printer 10, even if the lower wall 105 comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing 8 and components provided on the multifunction printer 10, or is subjected to load from the ink stored in the ink chamber 111, damage or deformation of the lower wall 105 can be suppressed. As a result, leakage of ink from the ink reservoir 100 or reduction in the volume accuracy of the ink chamber 111 can be suppressed. Since the lower wall 105 covers the opening 231 of the reservoir body 120, the use of the film used to cover the opening 231 can be reduced. Therefore, the environmental impact caused by the use of the film can be suppressed.

[0191] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 is welded to the reservoir body 120, thereby preventing ink leakage from the ink chamber 111 from the main body side rib 211 of the reservoir body 120 and the lower wall side rib 173 of the lower wall 105.

[0192] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 has a protrusion 172 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base plate 171. Therefore, when the ink reservoir 100 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 8, the lower surface of the base plate 171 is less likely to come into contact with the inner surface of the housing 8, and thus the lower surface of the base plate 171 is less likely to be damaged.

[0193] In the ink reservoir 100, the protrusion 172 of the lower wall 105 protrudes downward from the horizontal plane 221 and the inclined plane 222, defining a convex space 172A for storing ink. Therefore, when the remaining ink in each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D decreases, the ink tends to concentrate in each convex space 172A. Since each outlet 114 is located in each convex space 172A, the ink in each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D can easily flow out to the outside through each outlet 114. Therefore, the ink depletion rate is high.

[0194] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 has a horizontal plate 174B located above the outlet 114 and the base plate 171. The horizontal plate 174B is a flat plate extending in both the front-back and left-right directions. Therefore, especially when the ink is pigment ink, easily settling components of the ink accumulate on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 174B. As a result, the accumulation of easily settling components of the ink in the convex space 172A near the outlet 114 is suppressed. The reservoir body 120, which is integrally formed by a mold through which the core is pulled out vertically relative to the cavity and opens downward, has a horizontal plate 174B installed on the lower wall 105 of the reservoir body 120. Therefore, it is easy to provide a structure that suppresses the accumulation of easily settling components of the ink in the convex space 172A near the outlet 114.

[0195] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 completely covers the opening 231 that connects the interior and exterior of the ink chamber 111. In other words, a film 121 is not used to cover the opening 231. Therefore, the strength of the ink reservoir 100 is maximized.

[0196] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 is mounted to the reservoir body 120 by fusing a thin film 121 to the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173 of the lower wall 105. Therefore, since the lower wall side rib 173 and the main body side rib 211 are blocked from below by the thin film 121, leakage of ink from the ink chamber 111 from between the lower wall side rib 173 and the main body side rib 211 can be suppressed.

[0197] In the ink reservoir 100, the fourth lower wall 154 has a front receiving portion 225 and a rear receiving portion 226 that protrude upward from a portion of the base plate 171. A light-projecting portion 311A ​​is provided in the front receiving space 225A defined by the front receiving portion 225. A light-receiving portion 311B is provided in the rear receiving space 226A defined by the rear receiving portion 226. Therefore, by mounting the light-projecting portion 311A ​​and the light-receiving portion 311B onto the reservoir body 120 via the fourth lower wall 154, it is easy to provide the light-projecting portion 311A ​​and the light-receiving portion 311B to the reservoir body 120, which is integrally formed with respect to the mold in which the core is pulled out in the vertical direction relative to the cavity and opens downward.

[0198] In the ink reservoir 100, the light-emitting part 311A ​​and the light-receiving part 311B are respectively disposed in the front receiving space 225A and the rear receiving space 226A on the bottom plate 171 of the fourth lower wall 154, which are spaced apart in the front-rear direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the light-emitting part 311A ​​and the light-receiving part 311B are respectively disposed on the outside of the reservoir body 120, the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the ink detected by the sensor 311 is smaller. Therefore, the ink level detection accuracy of the sensor 311 is high.

[0199] In the ink reservoir 100, two tabs 181 extending downward from the lower end of the reservoir body 115 are provided. Therefore, when the ink bottle 80 is connected to the ink reservoir 100, ink flows from the ink storage chamber 147 of the ink bottle 80 through the internal space of the reservoir body 115 into the ink chamber 111. Thus, even if ink adheres to the lower end of the reservoir body 115, it easily flows down along the two tabs 181. Therefore, the formation of a meniscus of ink at the opening 195 at the lower end of the reservoir body 115 can be suppressed, thus facilitating air movement between the ink chamber 111 and the ink storage chamber 147. As a result, ink can be smoothly supplied from the ink storage chamber 147 to the ink chamber 111.

[0200] In the ink reservoir 100, protrusions 271 are provided extending downward from the periphery of each atmospheric vent 112 on the inner surface of the upper wall 104. Therefore, the protrusions 271 suppress the formation of ink menisci at each atmospheric vent 112. As a result, it is less likely to obstruct the flow of air from the outside into the ink chamber 111 through each atmospheric vent 112.

[0201] The ink can 100 has a protruding wall 230 that protrudes from the inner surface of the can body 120 and abuts against the lower wall 105. Therefore, due to the high strength of the can body 120, the can body 120 is less prone to bending when the lower wall 105 is welded to it. Thus, the welding precision of the lower wall 105 relative to the can body 120 is high. Furthermore, because the contact area between the lower wall 105 and the can body 120 is large, even with a large gap between the lower wall 105 and the body side rib 211, the lower wall 105 is less prone to tilting when welded to the can body 120. Additionally, because the protruding wall 230 protrudes from the inner surface of the can body 120, it is easy to position the ejector pin for removing the can body 120 from the mold at a position away from the body side rib 211. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction in welding precision caused by damage to the body side rib 211 due to the ejector pin. Furthermore, it can suppress warping that occurs during the cooling of the can body 120 in injection molding. Moreover, since a protrusion 267 protruding to the left from the left surface of the right outer protruding wall 235 is provided, warping that occurs during the cooling of the can body 120 in injection molding is easily suppressed.

[0202] In the ink reservoir 100, the right outer protruding wall 235 and the right inner protruding wall 238 are opposite each other in the left-right direction, and the rear outer protruding wall 237 and the rear inner protruding wall 241 are opposite each other in the front-back direction. Therefore, when the fourth lower wall 154 is installed on the reservoir body 120 by welding, the fourth lower wall 154 is not easily tilted relative to the reservoir body 120.

[0203] In the multifunction printer 10, the shape of the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 72 of the can cover 110 is approximately the same as the shape of the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 94 of the ink bottle 80 inserted into the through hole 72. Therefore, the posture of the protrusion 94 inserted into the ink bottle 80 of the through hole 72 is stable. The lower wall 205 of the can cover 110 from below, covering a portion of the lower wall 105 of the ink can 100. Therefore, damage to the outer surface of the lower wall 105 is less likely to occur.

[0204] [Variation Example]

[0205] In the ink reservoir 100, the strength of the lower wall 105 is higher than that of the film 121 by making the thickness of the lower wall 105 greater than that of the film 121. Alternatively, the strength of the lower wall 105 can be higher than that of the film 121 by using a resin material with higher rigidity than the film 121.

[0206] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 is mounted to the reservoir body 120 by fusing a thin film 121, which is fused to the lower wall side rib 173 of the lower wall 105, to the main body side rib 211 of the reservoir body 120. However, as long as it is mounted to the reservoir body 120 by fusing, the mounting method is not particularly limited. For example, the lower wall 105 can also be mounted to the reservoir body 120 by allowing molten resin to flow between the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173. In this case, the thin film 121 can also be further fused to the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173. Alternatively, the thin film 121 may not be used. Alternatively, the lower wall 105 can also be mounted to the reservoir body 120 by fusing the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173 together. In this case, the thin film 121 can also be further fused to the main body side rib 211 and the lower wall side rib 173. Alternatively, the thin film 121 may not be used. There are no particular limitations on the welding method, as long as the lower wall 105 can be installed on the tank body 120. For example, welding methods include thermal welding by applying heat from the outside, high-frequency welding by heating with a high frequency, ultrasonic welding by heating with ultrasound, and laser welding by heating with the heat of a laser.

[0207] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 is welded to the reservoir body 120, but it can also be installed to the reservoir body 120 by methods other than welding, provided it can be installed therein. For example, the lower wall 105 can also be installed to the reservoir body 120 by screws or press-fitting. In this case, the lower wall 105 may also have a rubber sealing member to prevent ink leakage. The sealing member can prevent ink leakage, for example, by fitting tightly against the periphery of the opening 231 and the lower wall 105.

[0208] In the ink reservoir 100, the lower wall 105 completely covers the opening 231, but as Figure 23 As shown, a portion of the opening 231 may also be covered. In this case, the portion of the opening 231 other than that covered by the lower wall 105 may be covered by the film 121.

[0209] In the ink reservoir 100, the vertical plate 174A of the upper plate 174 of the lower wall 105 extends from both ends of the upper surface of the base plate 171 in the front-rear direction along the left-right direction, but as... Figure 24As shown, it can also extend along the front-back direction from the center of the upper surface of the base plate 171 in the left-right direction. The vertical plate 174A has a flat plate shape that extends in both the front-back and vertical directions. A cutout 176, cut through the vertical plate 174A in the left-right direction, is located below the through hole 175 of the horizontal plate 174B in the vertical plate 174A. The cutout 176 extends from the lower end to the upper end of the vertical plate 174A. The cutout 176 communicates with the through hole 175. The outflow pipe 124 reaches the convex space 172A through the cutout 176 and the through hole 175.

[0210] In addition, such as Figure 25 As shown, the upper plate 174 of the lower wall 105 can also be two layers. In other words, an upper plate 174 with the same structure as the upper plate 174 can be provided above the upper plate 174. Additionally, as... Figure 26 As shown, the vertical plate 174A and horizontal plate 174B of the fourth lower wall 154 can also extend further to the left from the rear end.

[0211] In the ink reservoir 100, four reservoir tubes 115 are integrally formed onto the reservoir body 120 via injection molding, but they can also be fused to the injection-molded reservoir body 120. In this case, four openings 125, connecting the interior and exterior of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, and 111D, are provided on the upper wall 104. Figure 27 As shown, each opening 125 opens upwards on the horizontal plane 104B. Each opening 125 is circular. Each opening 125 is an example of the second opening.

[0212] Each tank body 115 has a tube body 115A and a base portion 115B. The tube body 115A is a circular tube extending along the extension direction. The upper end of the tube body 115A opens upward. The lower end of the tube body 115A opens downward. The outer diameter of the tube body 115A is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 125. The tube body 115A covers a portion of the opening 125.

[0213] The base portion 115B is located at the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 115A. The base portion 115B protrudes annularly from the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 115A. The base portion 115B covers a portion of the opening 125. An imaginary surface A, including the lower end face of the base portion 115B, intersects at an acute angle with an imaginary straight line B passing through the center of the tube body 115A. The lower end face of the base portion 115B is ultrasonically heated and fused to the periphery of the opening 125 of the horizontal surface 104B of the upper wall 104. Furthermore, the fusion method of the base portion 115B is not limited to ultrasonic fusion. Thus, each can tube body 115 is mounted on the horizontal surface 104B of the upper wall 104. The internal space of each can tube body 115 communicates with the outside of each ink chamber 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D through each opening 125. The base portion 115B is an example of a first base portion.

[0214] exist Figure 27 In the modified example shown, the base 115B of the can tube 115 is welded to the horizontal surface 104B of the upper wall 104. Therefore, compared to the case where the can tube 115 is integrally formed onto the can body 120 using a mold, the mold for forming the can body 120 has a simpler construction. In other words, even when the tube 115A of the can tube 115 extends obliquely forward and upward from the base portion 115B and the can body 120 has an undercut shape, the can body 120 can be easily formed.

[0215] exist Figure 27 In the modified example shown, the base portion 115B of the tank tube 115 is fused to the horizontal surface 104B, and thus it is installed on the horizontal surface 104B in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the tube 115A extends obliquely forward and upward from the base 115B, the installation of the tank tube 115 onto the tank body 120 is easy.

[0216] In the ink reservoir 100, the tube body 115A of the reservoir tube 115 covers a portion of the opening 125, but may also cover the entire opening 125. In this case, the outer diameter of the tube body 115A is larger than the inner diameter of the opening 125. In this case, the tab 181 may also extend downward from the periphery of the opening 125 on the inner surface of the upper wall 104.

[0217] exist Figure 27 In the modified example shown, the base portion 115B of the tank body 115 is fused to the horizontal surface 104B of the opening 125 opening upwards, but as Figure 28 As shown, it can also be fused to the inclined surface 104A. In this case, the imaginary surface A, which includes the lower end face of the base portion 115B, is orthogonal to the imaginary straight line B passing through the center of the tube body 115A.

[0218] In the ink reservoir 100, the reservoir body 120 is integrally formed using a mold that pulls out the core in the vertical direction relative to the cavity, and opens downwards. However, it can also be integrally formed using a mold that pulls out the core in the horizontal direction relative to the cavity, thereby opening horizontally. Figure 29 In the middle, the main body of the tank 120 opens to the right in a horizontal direction. It should be noted that the main body of the tank 120 can open to the left or rear, etc., as long as it opens horizontally. Additionally, in... Figure 29 In this room, only one liquid ink chamber 111 is provided.

[0219] In this configuration, the can body 120 has a main body side rib 188 at its right end. The main body side rib 188 protrudes slightly to the right from the right ends of the front wall 101, upper wall 104, lower wall 105, and rear wall 106. The main body side rib 188 has a continuous annular shape along the right ends of the front wall 101, upper wall 104, lower wall 105, and rear wall 106. The main body side rib 188 forms the periphery of the opening 231 that communicates the interior and exterior of the ink chamber 111.

[0220] The right wall 102 abuts against the entire circumference of the right end of the front wall 101, upper wall 104, lower wall 105, and rear wall 106. That is, the right wall 102 abuts against the entire periphery of the opening 231. Thus, the right wall 102 covers the entire opening 231 that connects the interior and exterior of the ink chamber 111.

[0221] The right wall 102 has a right wall side rib 189. The right wall side rib 189 is located at the outer edge of the right surface of the right wall 102. The right wall side rib 189 protrudes slightly to the right from the right surface of the right wall 102. The right wall side rib 189 is continuous along the outer edge of the right surface of the right wall 102. The right wall side rib 189 has a ring shape. The right wall side rib 189 is opposite to the main body side rib 188 throughout the entire circumference. The right wall side rib 189 is located at a position slightly spaced from the main body side rib 188.

[0222] The right wall 102 is attached to the tank body 120 by fusing a thin film 121 covering the entire right surface of the right wall 102 to the right wall side rib 189 and the main body side rib 188. The right wall 102 is an example of a lid. It should be noted that the main body side rib 188 and the right wall side rib 189 may also be omitted. In this case, as... Figure 30 As shown, the left surface of the right wall 102 can also be welded to the right end of the tank body 120 using methods such as ultrasonic welding.

[0223] When the right wall 102 is installed on the tank body 120, such as Figure 31 As shown, a portion of the opening 231 of the tank body 120 can also be covered by the outflow pipe 331. In this case, the outflow pipe 124 of the above embodiment is omitted. It should be noted that in Figure 31 In this paper, the main body side rib 188 and the right wall side rib 189 are omitted, but the main body side rib 188 and the right wall side rib 189 can also be set.

[0224] Specifically, such as Figure 32As shown, the right wall 102 has a right plate 332 and an outlet pipe 331. The right plate 332 is a flat plate extending in both the front-back and vertical directions. The outlet pipe 331 is mounted at the rear end of the right plate 332. The outlet pipe 331 defines an ink flow path 333 that allows ink from the ink chamber 111 to flow to the outside. The ink flow path 333 is an example of a liquid flow path. The outlet pipe 331 has a pipe body 331A and a connecting pipe 331B. The pipe body 331A extends upward from the lower end of the rear end of the right plate 332 to the upper end. On the left surface of the pipe body 331A, an inlet 334 opens to the left. The inlet 334 is located at the lower end of the pipe body 331A. The connecting pipe 331B extends to the left from the left surface of the pipe body 331A. The connecting pipe 331B is located at the upper end of the pipe body 331A.

[0225] The main body 120 has a connecting portion 335 for connecting a liquid ink hose 32 and an outlet pipe 331. The connecting portion 335 is located at the rear end of the upper end of the left wall 103. The connecting portion 335 defines a connecting flow path 336 connecting the liquid ink chamber 111 to the liquid ink hose 32. The connecting portion 335 has a hose connection port 335A and a pipe connection port 335B. The hose connection port 335A protrudes to the left beyond the left surface of the left wall 103. The hose connection port 335A is connected to the liquid ink hose 32. The pipe connection port 335B is located at the right end of the hose connection port 335A. The pipe connection port 335B is located in the liquid ink chamber 111. The pipe connection port 335B opens to the right.

[0226] exist Figure 31 , Figure 32 In the modified example shown, when the right wall 102 is installed on the can body 120, the connecting pipe 331B is inserted into the pipe connection port 335B. This results in the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 331B being in close contact with a sealing member (not shown) provided at the pipe connection port 335B. As a result, liquid ink in the ink chamber 111 can be supplied to the recording head 39 through the outflow pipe 331, the connection portion 335, and the liquid ink hose 32. In this state, the right plate 332 of the right wall 102 and the outflow pipe 331 completely cover the opening 231 of the can body 120.

[0227] exist Figure 31 , Figure 32 In the modified example shown, since the outlet pipe 331 is installed by mounting it to the can body 120 via the right wall 102, it is easy to install the outlet pipe 331 with respect to the can body 120, which is integrally formed by a mold that pulls out the core in the horizontal direction relative to the cavity and opens in the horizontal direction. In addition, since the outlet pipe 331 covers part of the opening 231 of the can body 120, there is no need to leave extra space for the outlet pipe 331, and the liquid ink flow path 333 can be formed simply by mounting it to the can body 120 via the right wall 102.

[0228] exist Figure 31 , Figure 32 In the modified example shown, the right plate 332 and the outlet pipe 331 cover the entire opening 231 of the tank body 120, but it can also be as follows: Figure 33 As shown, the outflow pipe 331 and the membrane 121 cover the entire opening 231 of the tank body 120. Figure 33 In the modified example shown, with the outlet pipe 331 inserted into the left end of the can body 120 via the left-facing opening 231, the membrane 121 is fused to the left end of the can body 120 and the left surface of the outlet pipe 331. The strength of the outlet pipe 331 is greater than that of the membrane 121, for example, by making its thickness greater than the thickness of the membrane 121. The outlet pipe 331 is an example of a cap. It should be noted that it is also possible for the left surface of the outlet pipe 331 to be open, and the membrane 121 to be fused to the left surface of the outlet pipe 331 in a way that seals the opening. In this case, the space defined by the outlet pipe 331 and the membrane 121 is an example of a liquid flow path.

[0229] In the ink can assembly 51, the rubber part 129 of the can lid 127 has a protrusion 139 that, when inserted into the internal space of the annular wall 122, liquid-tightly abuts against the inner circumferential surface 123 of the annular wall 122, but as Figure 34 , Figure 35 As shown, a protrusion 178 to prevent the can lid 127 from falling off the annular wall 122 may also be provided above the protrusion 139 on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber part 129. In this case, an anti-detachment member 179 is provided above the annular wall 122.

[0230] The anti-detachment member 179 has a base 179A and an abutment portion 179B. The base 179A is located on the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122. The base 179A has an annular shape with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the annular wall 122. The center of the base 179A coincides with the centerline C passing through the center of the annular wall 122. The lower surface 143 of the base 179A is fused to the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122. The abutment portion 179B has an annular shape extending radially inward from the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of the base 179A. The inner diameter of the abutment portion 179B is larger than the inner diameter of the annular wall 122. The center of the abutment portion 179B coincides with the centerline C passing through the center of the annular wall 122. The lower surface 144 of the abutment portion 179B is located above the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122.

[0231] The protrusion 178 extends outward from the outer periphery of the rubber part 129. Figure 35 In the middle, four protrusions 178 are arranged at 90-degree intervals, with the center of the rubber part 129 as the reference. It should be noted that, as... Figure 36As shown, the protrusion 178 may also protrude in an annular shape from the outer peripheral surface of the rubber part 129. The extended end of each protrusion 178 is located on the outer side of the inner diameter surface of the abutment portion 179B in the radial direction. The extended end of each protrusion 178 is located between the lower surface of the abutment portion 179B and the upper surface of the annular wall 122. The length of each protrusion 178 in the vertical direction is slightly shorter than the length in the vertical direction between the lower surface 144 of the abutment portion 179B and the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122.

[0232] exist Figure 34 , Figure 35 In the modified example shown, since the four protrusions 178 are located between the lower surface 144 of the abutment portion 179B and the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122, the four protrusions 178 abut against the lower surface 144 of the abutment portion 179B, thereby preventing the can lid 127 from falling off the annular wall 122. The anti-detachment member 179 is installed on the can body 120 by being fused to the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122 via the lower surface 143 of the base 179A. Therefore, even when the can body 120 is undercut due to the anti-detachment member 179 being provided on the can body 120, the can body 120 can be easily formed.

[0233] exist Figure 35 In the modified example shown, the abutment portion 179B of the anti-detachment member 179 has an annular shape, but as... Figure 37 As shown, it can also have a convex shape that protrudes inward in the radial direction from the inner diameter of the base 179A. Figure 37 In the rubber part 129, two abutment portions 179B are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the base 179A at a position 180 degrees from the center of the base 179A. Two protrusions 178 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rubber part 129 at a position 180 degrees from the center of the rubber part 129. Each protrusion 178 is located between the lower surface 144 of each abutment portion 179B and the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122.

[0234] exist Figure 38 In the modified example shown, the user inserts the rubber member 129 into the internal space of the annular wall 122 such that the protrusion 178 of the rubber member 129 and the abutment portion 179B of the anti-detachment member 179 do not overlap in the vertical direction. Then, as... Figure 37 As shown, the user rotates the rubber part 129, causing the protrusions 178 to be positioned between the lower surface 144 of the abutment portion 179B and the upper surface 122A of the annular wall 122. This prevents the can lid 127 from detaching from the annular wall 122. Figure 37 In the modified example shown, while preventing the can lid 127 from falling off the annular wall 122, it is easy to insert the can lid 127 into the internal space of the annular wall 122. It should be noted that... Figure 37 , Figure 38For the sake of simplicity, the annular wall 122 has been omitted from the diagram.

[0235] like Figure 39 As shown, the ink tank 100 may also include a valve 251 for opening and closing the connection port 119 and a base portion 252 supporting the valve 251. The connection port 119 is an example of a third opening. It should be noted that in Figure 39 For the sake of simplicity, the tank tube 115 has been omitted from the diagram. Additionally, in... Figure 39 In the middle, the upper wall 104 has a cylindrical part 104C that protrudes upward from the part where the communication port 119 is located.

[0236] The base portion 252 is located below the cylindrical portion 104C. The base portion 252 has a generally U-shaped form formed by bending a portion of a flat plate extending along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the direction in which the valve core 251B can move (described later) downwards. The bottom surface 252B of the base portion 252 is opposite to the communication port 119 in the vertical direction. The upper end portion 252A of the base portion 252 is fused to the inner surface 104D of the upper wall 104.

[0237] Valve 251 has a sealing member 251A, a valve core 251B, and a force-applying member 251C. The sealing member 251A is fixed to the inner surface of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 104C. The sealing member 251A has an annular shape surrounding the communication port 119. The sealing member 251A is made of rubber.

[0238] Valve core 251B is located between base portion 252 and upper wall 104. Valve core 251B is a flat plate extending along an imaginary plane orthogonal to the direction of movement of valve core 251B. The shape of the outer peripheral surface of valve core 251B is approximately the same as the shape of the inner peripheral surface of cylindrical portion 104C. Valve core 251B is movable within cylindrical portion 104C along the axial direction of cylindrical portion 104C. Valve core 251B is movable to a closed position abutting against sealing member 251A and an open position separating from sealing member 251A. In the closed position, valve core 251B closes the communication port 119 by abutting against sealing member 251A. In the open position, valve core 251B opens the communication port 119. Communication port 119 is an example of a third opening.

[0239] The force-applying member 251C is a helical spring capable of extending and retracting in the movement direction of the valve core 251B. One end of the force-applying member 251C in the extension direction is supported on the bottom surface 252B of the base portion 252. The other end of the force-applying member 251C in the extension direction abuts against the valve core 251B. The force-applying member 251C applies force to the valve core 251B toward the closed position. Thus, the valve 251 is clamped between the cylinder portion 104C and the base portion 252, and is installed in a manner that allows the communication port 119 to be opened and closed. The base portion 252 is an example of a second base portion. The valve 251 is an example of a valve.

[0240] exist Figure 39 In the modified example shown, when the ink bottle 80 is connected to the ink reservoir 100, the valve core 251B is pressed by the bottle tube 96 of the ink bottle 80, which is inserted into the communication port 119, thereby overcoming the force of the force-applying member 251C and moving from the closed position to the open position. As a result, the ink storage chamber 147 of the ink bottle 80 communicates with the interior of the ink chamber 111 through the internal space of the bottle tube 96.

[0241] exist Figure 39 In the modified example shown, since the valve 251 is installed between the upper wall 104 and the base portion 252, the valve 251 can be easily installed relative to the can body 120, which is integrally formed by the mold through which the core is pulled out in the vertical direction relative to the cavity and opens downward.

[0242] In the ink reservoir 100, the reservoir tube 115 and the connecting port 119 are disposed at the front end of the upper wall 104, but they can also be disposed on the horizontal surface 104B of the upper wall 104. Alternatively, one of the reservoir tube 115 and the connecting port 119 can be omitted. When the reservoir tube 115 is omitted, the opening 95 for inserting the reservoir tube 115 is omitted from the ink bottle 80. In this case, the valve 161 of the ink bottle 80 can also be omitted. Furthermore, the bottle tube 96 of the ink bottle 80 can also have two flow paths: one for ink flow and one for air flow. On the other hand, when the connecting port 119 is omitted, the bottle tube 96 of the ink bottle 80 is also omitted. In this case, the reservoir tube 115 can also have two flow paths: one for ink flow and one for air flow.

[0243] Label Explanation

[0244] 10…Multifunction printer (liquid ejection device), 39…Recording head (liquid ejection section), 72…Through hole (positioning section), 80…Ink bottle (bottle), 100…Ink can (canister), 105…Lower wall (liquid cover), 110…Can cover (cover), 111…Ink chamber (storage chamber), 112…Atmospheric vent, 114…Outlet, 115…Can body, 115A…Can body, 115B…Base (first base), 119…Connection port (third opening), 120…Can body (frame), 121…Film, 125…Opening (second opening), 171…Base plate, 172…Protrusion, 17 2A…convex space (internal space), 174B…horizontal plate (flat plate), 181…protrusion (first protrusion), 225…front receiving part (liquid detection part), 226…rear receiving part (liquid detection part), 231…opening (first opening), 235…right outer protruding wall (first protruding wall), 238…right inner protruding wall (second protruding wall), 251…valve, 252…base part (second base part), 271…protrusion (second protrusion), 311…sensor, 311A…light projection part (liquid detection part), 311B…light receiving part (liquid detection part), 333…liquid ink flow path (liquid flow path).

Claims

1. A canister, fixed to the housing of a liquid ejection device, characterized in that, This tank has the following features: The framework defines the storage chambers for the stored liquids; and A cover that covers at least a portion of the first opening formed by the frame. With the can fixed to the shell, the lid is mounted to the frame in a state that covers at least a portion of the first opening from the horizontal direction or below. The strength of the cover is higher than that of the film.

2. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The cover is attached to the frame by welding.

3. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The cover has an outwardly protruding portion.

4. The tank according to claim 2, wherein, The cover covers a portion of the first opening. The can also include a film that covers the portion of the first opening other than the portion covered by the lid.

5. The tank according to claim 3, wherein, The tank also has an outlet for the liquid stored in the storage chamber to flow out to the outside. The cover defines the storage chamber by covering at least a portion of the downward-opening first opening. The protrusion has an internal space that protrudes downward and communicates with the storage chamber. The outlet is located in the internal space.

6. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The tank also has an outlet for the liquid stored in the storage chamber to flow out to the outside. The cover has: The bottom plate covers at least a portion of the downward-opening first opening, thereby defining the storage chamber; and The flat plate portion extends horizontally above the outlet and the bottom plate portion.

7. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The cover completely covers the first opening.

8. The tank according to claim 2, wherein, The can also include the membrane. The cover is mounted to the frame by fusing the film to the frame and the cover.

9. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The cover has at least a portion of a liquid detection section for detecting liquid in the storage chamber.

10. The tank according to claim 9, wherein, The liquid detection unit has: A first receiving portion protrudes upward from the bottom plate portion of the cover body, which covers at least a portion of the first opening that opens downward. The second receiving section is located at a distance from the first receiving section and protrudes upward from the bottom plate. and The sensor has a light-emitting part disposed in a first receiving space defined by the first receiving part and a light-receiving part disposed in a second receiving space defined by the second receiving part.

11. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The cover has a liquid flow path that allows liquid flowing from the storage chamber to flow to the outside. The liquid flow path covers at least a portion of the first opening that opens in the horizontal direction.

12. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The tank has a first base portion and a tube extending from the first base portion and communicating the storage chamber with the outside. The tube covers at least a portion of the second opening formed by the frame. The first base portion is mounted on the frame. The tube extends obliquely upward in the position where the tank is fixed to the housing of the liquid ejection device.

13. The tank according to claim 12, wherein, The first base portion covers at least a portion of the upward-opening second opening.

14. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The tank also includes a pipe that connects the storage chamber to the outside. The frame has a first tab located within the storage chamber and extending from the periphery of the opening of the tube.

15. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The framework has: An atmospheric vent connects the storage chamber to the outside; and The second protrusion is located inside the storage chamber and extends from the periphery of the atmospheric vent.

16. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The tank also includes a second base and a valve. The second base portion is opposite to the third opening formed by the frame. The second base portion is mounted on the frame. The valve is sandwiched between the frame and the second base portion and is installed in a manner that enables the opening and closing of the third opening.

17. The tank according to claim 2, wherein, The frame has a first protruding wall that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame and abuts against the cover.

18. The tank according to claim 17, wherein, The frame has a second protruding wall that protrudes from the inner surface of the frame in a manner opposite to the first protruding wall and is abutted by the cover.

19. The tank according to claim 1, wherein, The can also include the membrane.

20. A liquid ejection device, characterized in that, have: The tank as claimed in claim 1; A liquid ejection section ejects the liquid stored in the tank; and Cover, covering the can The cover has: The positioning part positions the bottle connected to the can; and A covering portion that covers at least a part of the cover.

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