Printer and printer system

Abstract

To provide a printer which inhibits a liquid from remaining in a case, and to provide a printer system.SOLUTION: In a printer 10, a cartridge having a supply port for supplying a liquid stored in a storage chamber 79 to the outside is inserted in a first direction. The printer 10 includes: a case 121 into which the cartridge is inserted; a pipe extending in a second direction opposing to the first direction in the case 121 and inserted into the supply port; a through hole 126 penetrating through a bottom wall 121E of the case 121 in a vertical direction 7; and a guide part 127 which is located in the first direction relative to the through hole 126 on an upper surface of the bottom wall 121E and guides the liquid to the through hole 126.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer and a printer system in which a cartridge that stores liquid is mounted. [Background technology]

[0002] The patent document 1 discloses a cartridge that contains a liquid and is inserted into a receiving structure and then inserted into a first fluid pen. The cartridge is secured in the inserted state in the receiving structure by engaging with a latch located on the receiving structure. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-540066 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A gap may occur between the first fluid pen and the fixed cartridge due to distortion of the first fluid pen, which may cause liquid to leak. The leaked liquid may move along the outer surface of the cartridge and accumulate on the bottom surface of the receiving structure. The liquid accumulated on the bottom surface may adhere to the outer surface of a cartridge that is to be newly inserted into the receiving structure.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a printer and a printer system that prevent liquid from accumulating in the case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A printer according to the present invention is a printer into which a cartridge having a supply port for supplying liquid stored in a storage chamber to the outside is inserted in a first direction, and the printer comprises a case into which the cartridge is inserted, a tube extending in a second direction in the case opposite to the first direction and inserted into the supply port, a through hole penetrating a bottom wall of the case in a vertical direction, and a guide portion located on an upper surface of the bottom wall in the first direction from the through hole and for guiding liquid to the through hole.

[0007] Liquid that leaks between the tube and the supply port and flows down the outer circumference of the cartridge is guided toward the through hole by the guide section. This prevents liquid from pooling between the bottom surface of the cartridge and the bottom wall of the case, and thus prevents liquid from adhering to a newly inserted cartridge.

[0008] (2) The printer may further include a locking portion that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall through the through hole and is movable in a movement direction intersecting the first direction, and a spring that biases the locking portion in one of the movement directions. The locking portion applies a load against the movement of the cartridge in the second direction by contacting the cartridge inserted in the case.

[0009] The through hole to which the ink is guided is also used as the through hole from which the locking portion protrudes. This eliminates the need to increase the number of holes in the case, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the case.

[0010] (3) The guide portion may be a plurality of grooves extending along the first direction.

[0011] The ink seeps into the grooves by capillary action, preventing liquid pooling on the top surface of the bottom wall.

[0012] (4) The printer may further include a pair of rails extending along the first direction on an upper surface of the bottom wall and spaced apart in a left-right direction perpendicular to the first direction, the guide portion being located between the pair of rails in the left-right direction.

[0013] Since the liquid that has moved to the upper surface of the bottom wall does not spread to the position of the rail, adhesion of the liquid to a newly inserted cartridge is suppressed.

[0014] (5) A position of the pipe body in the left-right direction and a position of the guide portion in the left-right direction may at least partially overlap.

[0015] Liquid leaking from between the pipe and the supply port moves downward by gravity. Since the guide portion is located at the destination of the liquid, it is easy to guide the liquid to between the rails.

[0016] (6) The printer may further include a first absorber located below the through hole.

[0017] The liquid that has moved downward through the through hole can be prevented from returning to the inside of the case.

[0018] (7) The printer may further include an end surface to which a base end of the tubular body is connected, a wall located around the base end of the tubular body at the end surface and protruding in the second direction, and a second absorber located below the wall.

[0019] The liquid that reaches the end face along the outer circumference of the tube moves downward along the end face due to gravity. The moving liquid is held by the wall around the base end of the tube, and when a certain amount is exceeded, it moves downward over the lower wall. The liquid that moves downward falls into the second absorbent body and is absorbed by the second absorbent body. Because the wall holds the liquid around the base end of the tube, it does not spread to the surrounding area. Because the liquid that falls over the wall is absorbed by the second absorbent body, the occurrence of liquid pools is suppressed. The adhesion of liquid to new cartridges is suppressed.

[0020] (8) The printer may further include a liquid flow path that opens in the second direction at the end surface and extends above the second absorbent body. The wall has a gap below the tube that is connected in the vertical direction, and an opening of the liquid flow path is located in the gap.

[0021] The liquid that has migrated to the periphery of the proximal end of the tube moves through the gaps or the liquid flow paths toward the secondary absorbent body. The liquid that has passed through the gaps and the liquid flow paths drops to and is absorbed in different positions in the secondary absorbent body. The amount of liquid that can be absorbed in the secondary absorbent body increases.

[0022] (9) A printer according to the present invention is a printer into which a cartridge having a supply port for supplying liquid stored in a storage chamber to the outside is inserted in a first orientation, the printer comprising: a case into which the cartridge is inserted, a tube extending in a second direction in the case opposite to the first orientation and inserted into the supply port, a through hole penetrating a bottom wall of the case in a vertical direction, and a guide portion located on an upper surface of the bottom wall in the first orientation from the through hole and for guiding liquid to the through hole. The guide portion is a groove extending in the first orientation, recessed downward from the upper surface of the bottom wall, and arranged side by side in a direction intersecting the first orientation.

[0023] Liquid that leaks between the tube and the supply port and flows down the outer circumference of the cartridge is guided toward the opening by the guide section. This prevents liquid from pooling between the bottom surface of the cartridge and the bottom wall of the case, and thus prevents liquid from adhering to a newly inserted cartridge.

[0024] (10) The printer may further include a first absorber located below the through hole.

[0025] The liquid that has moved downward through the through hole can be prevented from returning to the inside of the case.

[0026] (11) A printer system according to the present invention comprises the printer described in (2) above, and a cartridge having a groove portion recessed upward from its underside, extending from its tip in a first direction in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and engaging with the locking portion.

[0027] (12) The printer system may further include a locking portion that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall through the through hole and is movable in a movement direction intersecting the first direction, and a spring that biases the locking portion in one of the movement directions. The locking portion applies a load against movement of the cartridge in the second direction by contacting the cartridge inserted in the case.

[0028] The through hole to which the ink is guided is also used as the through hole from which the locking portion protrudes. This eliminates the need to increase the number of holes in the case, thereby preventing a decrease in the strength of the case.

[0029] (13) The guide portion may be a plurality of grooves extending along the first direction.

[0030] The ink seeps into the grooves by capillary action, preventing liquid pooling on the top surface of the bottom wall.

[0031] (14) The printer system may further include a pair of rails extending along the first direction on an upper surface of the bottom wall and spaced apart in a left-right direction perpendicular to the first direction, the guide portion being located between the pair of rails in the left-right direction.

[0032] Since the liquid that has moved to the upper surface of the bottom wall does not spread to the position of the rail, adhesion of the liquid to a newly inserted cartridge is suppressed.

[0033] (15) A position of the pipe in the left-right direction and a position of the guide portion in the left-right direction may at least partially overlap.

[0034] Liquid leaking from between the pipe and the supply port moves downward by gravity. Since the guide portion is located at the destination of the liquid, it is easy to guide the liquid to between the rails.

[0035] (16) The printer system may further include a first absorber located below the through hole.

[0036] The liquid that has moved downward through the through hole can be prevented from returning to the inside of the case.

[0037] (17) The printer system may further include an end surface to which a base end of the tubular body is connected, a wall located around the base end of the tubular body at the end surface and protruding in the second direction, and a second absorber located below the wall.

[0038] The liquid that reaches the end face along the outer circumference of the tube moves downward along the end face due to gravity. The moving liquid is held by the wall around the base end of the tube, and when a certain amount is exceeded, it moves downward over the lower wall. The liquid that moves downward falls into the second absorbent body and is absorbed by the second absorbent body. Because the wall holds the liquid around the base end of the tube, it does not spread to the surrounding area. Because the liquid that falls over the wall is absorbed by the second absorbent body, the occurrence of liquid pools is suppressed. The adhesion of liquid to new cartridges is suppressed.

[0039] (18) The printer system may further include a liquid flow path that opens in the second direction at the end surface and extends above the second absorber. The wall has a gap that is connected in the vertical direction below the tube. An opening of the liquid flow path is located in the gap.

[0040] The liquid that has migrated to the periphery of the proximal end of the tube moves through the gaps or the liquid flow paths toward the secondary absorbent body. The liquid that has passed through the gaps and the liquid flow paths drops to and is absorbed in different positions in the secondary absorbent body. The amount of liquid that can be absorbed in the secondary absorbent body increases. Effect of the Invention

[0041] According to the present invention, accumulation of liquid in the case is suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a printer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the ink cartridge 34. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the ink cartridge 34. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is another perspective view showing the ink cartridge 34. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the ink cartridge 34 installed in the liquid storage device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the cartridge mounting container 111. As shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another perspective view showing the cartridge mounting container 111. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the relationship between the ink cartridge 34 mounted in the liquid storage device, the locking portion, and the end surface. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged view showing the ink needle 112 inserted into the spout 82.

[0043] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that this embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment can be changed without changing the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the direction is expressed as the progress from the starting point of the arrow to the end point, and the direction is expressed as the movement on the line connecting the starting point and the end point of the arrow. In the following description, the up-down direction 7 is defined based on the state in which the printer is installed and ready for use (the state in FIG. 1). The front-rear direction 8 is defined with the side where the discharge port is provided as the front side (front face). The left-right direction 9 is defined when the printer system 100 is viewed from the front side (front face). Note that in this embodiment, the entire printer including the ink cartridge 34 is described as the "printer system 100". A configuration in which the ink cartridge 34 is removed from the "printer system 100" becomes the "printer 10 (see FIG. 2)".

[0044] [External configuration of printer system 100] A printer system 100 shown in FIG. 1 records an image on a sheet S in the form of a roll (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the printer system 100 includes a housing 30. The housing 30 includes an upper housing 31 and a lower housing 32. The upper housing 31 and the lower housing 32 are generally rectangular prism-shaped overall, and are large enough to be placed on a table. In other words, the printer system 100 is suitable for use while placed on a table. Of course, the printer system 100 may also be used while placed on the floor or a rack. Note that a frame for supporting each component may be appropriately provided inside the housing 30.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 2, upper housing 31 is rotatably supported by lower housing 32. Upper housing 31 is rotatable between a closed position and an open position shown in Fig. 2 about a rotation shaft 15 provided at the rear lower end and extending in the left-right direction 9. Note that the configuration for rotating upper housing 31 is not limited to that by rotation shaft 15, and it may be rotated by, for example, a hinge.

[0047] 2, when the upper housing 31 is in the closed position, the internal space 31A of the upper housing 31 and the internal space 32A of the lower housing 32 are shielded from the outside. When the upper housing 31 is in the open position, the internal space 31A of the upper housing 31 and the internal space 32A of the lower housing 32 are exposed to the outside.

[0048] 1, a slit-shaped discharge opening 33 that is long in the left-right direction 9 is formed on a front surface 32F of the lower housing 32. From the discharge opening 33, a sheet S (see FIG. 2) on which an image has been recorded is discharged.

[0049] An operation panel 44 is provided on the front surface 31F of the upper housing 31. A user uses the operation panel 44 to perform inputs for operating the printer system 100 and for confirming various settings.

[0050] 1, a front cover 39 is located on the front surface 32F of the lower housing 32. The front cover 39 can be opened by tilting its upper end side forward around a rotation axis (not shown) that extends in the left-right direction 9 near the lower end. By opening and closing the front cover 39, the liquid storage device 110 and the like (see FIG. 2) located in the internal space 32A of the lower housing 32 are exposed or covered.

[0051] [Internal configuration of printer system 100] As shown in FIG. 2, in the internal spaces 31A, 32A, a holder 35, a tensioner 45, a pair of transport rollers 36, a pair of transport rollers 40, a head unit 38, a platen 51, a liquid storage device 110, and the like are arranged.

[0052] In the internal space 32A, downstream of the head unit 38 in the transport direction 8A, a fixing unit, an image sensor, a cutter, and the like (not shown) are located. The fixing unit is a heater or an ultraviolet ray irradiation device, and fixes the ink (one example of a liquid) on the sheet S to the sheet S. When the fixing unit is a heater, the ink contains a resin that forms a film on the sheet S by heat. When the fixing unit is an ultraviolet ray irradiation device, the ink contains a resin that hardens when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. The image sensor optically reads the image recorded on the sheet S, and outputs image data indicating the reading result to a controller (not shown). The cutter cuts the sheet S with the image recorded thereon.

[0053] A partition wall 41 is provided in the internal space 32A. The partition wall 41 divides the rear lower part of the internal space 32A to define a sheet accommodating space 32C. The sheet accommodating space 32C is surrounded by the partition wall 41 and the lower housing 32, and is isolated from the head unit 38 and the like.

[0054] The sheet storage space 32C accommodates a roll body 37. The roll body 37 has a core tube and a long sheet S. The sheet S is wound around the core tube in a roll shape in the circumferential direction of the axis of the core tube. The sheet S can have a width ranging from the minimum width to the maximum width at which the printer system 100 can record an image. That is, the sheet storage space 32C can accommodate a plurality of types of roll bodies 37 with different widths. The roll body 37 may not have a core tube, and the sheet S may be wound in a roll shape so that it can be attached to the holder 35. The sheet storage space 32C may also accommodate fanfold paper. As shown in FIG. 1, a right cover 35A is located on the right surface 32R of the lower housing 32. The right cover 35A is opened and closed to expose or cover the holder 35 and other components located in the sheet storage space 32C.

[0055] 2, the sheet accommodating space 32C opens upward at the rear. More specifically, a gap 42 is formed between the partition 41 and the rear surface 32B, i.e., above the rear end of the roll body 37. As the conveying roller pairs 36 and 40 rotate, the sheet S is pulled upward from the rear end of the roll body 37 and guided to the tensioner 45 via the gap 42.

[0056] The tensioner 45 is located at the rear of the internal space 32A and above the partition wall 41. The tensioner 45 has an outer peripheral surface 45A facing the outside of the lower housing 32. The outer peripheral surfaces 45A are each larger than the maximum width of the sheet in the left-right direction 9 and have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center of the sheet passing (the center of the sheet S in the left-right direction 9). The upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A is located at approximately the same vertical position as the nip of the conveying roller pair 36 in the vertical direction 7.

[0057] The sheet S pulled out from the roll body 37 is hung on and comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface 45A. The sheet S curves forward along the outer peripheral surface 45A, extends in the conveying direction 8A, and is guided to the conveying roller pair 36. The conveying direction 8A is forward along the front-rear direction 8. The tensioner 45 applies tension to the sheet S by a well-known method.

[0058] The pair of conveying rollers 36 is located in front of the tensioner 45. The pair of conveying rollers 36 includes a conveying roller 36A and a pinch roller 36B. The conveying roller 36A and the pinch roller 36B abut on each other at approximately the same vertical position as the upper end of the outer circumferential surface 45A.

[0059] A conveying roller pair 40 is located in front of the conveying roller pair 36. The conveying roller pair 40 has a conveying roller 40A and a pinch roller 40B. The conveying roller 40A and the pinch roller 40B abut on each other at approximately the same vertical position as the upper end of the outer circumferential surface 45A.

[0060] The conveying rollers 36A, 40A are rotated by a driving force transmitted from a motor (not shown). The conveying roller pair 36 rotates while nipping the sheet S extending from the tensioner 45 in the conveying direction 8A, thereby sending the sheet S in the conveying direction 8A along the conveying surface 43A. The conveying roller pair 40 rotates while nipping the sheet S sent out from the conveying roller pair 36, thereby sending the sheet S in the conveying direction 8A. In addition, the rotation of the conveying roller pair 36, 40 pulls the sheet S from the sheet storage space 32C through the gap 42 toward the tensioner 45.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 2, a conveying path 43 is formed in the internal space 32A, extending from the upper end of the outer peripheral surface 45A to the discharge port 33. The conveying path 43 extends substantially linearly along the conveying direction 8A, and is a space through which the sheet S can pass. In detail, the conveying path 43 extends in the conveying direction 8A and the left-right direction 9 and extends along a conveying surface 43A that is long in the conveying direction 8A. In Fig. 2, the conveying surface 43A is indicated by a two-dot chain line indicating the conveying path 43. The conveying path 43 is defined by a guide member (not shown) positioned apart in the up-down direction 7, a head unit 38, a conveying belt 101, and the like.

[0062] The head unit 38 is located above the transport path 43 and downstream of the transport roller pair 36 in the transport direction 8A. The head unit 38 has a head module 49 having a plurality of nozzles 38A. Ink is ejected downward from the plurality of nozzles 38A toward the sheet S supported by the transport belt 101. As a result, an image is recorded on the sheet S.

[0063] The platen 51 is located below the conveying path 43 and downstream of the pair of conveying rollers 36 in the conveying direction 8A. The platen 51 faces the head unit 38 below the head unit 38. The platen 51 has a conveying belt 101 and a support portion 104. The conveying belt 101 supports the sheet S that has been conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 36 in the conveying direction 8A and is positioned directly below the head unit 38. The conveying belt 101 conveys the supported sheet S in the conveying direction 8A.

[0064] [Liquid storage device 110] 2 and 3, the liquid storage device 110 is located near the front end and bottom end of the lower housing 32. The liquid storage device 110 has the ink cartridge 34, the cleaning liquid cartridge 76, and a cartridge mounting container 111.

[0065] [Ink Cartridge 34] The ink cartridge 34 stores ink therein. The ink is a liquid that contains pigments and the like. The ink has a viscosity suitable for dispersing the pigments uniformly. The pigments give the ink its color. The ink cartridge 34 is configured to be detachable from the cartridge mounting container 111.

[0066] 7, the ink cartridge 34 has a cartridge body 60 and a pouch 80. The ink cartridge 34 stores ink inside the pouch 80.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4 to FIG. 7, the cartridge body 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a hollow interior. The cartridge body 60 has a bottom wall 60A, a front wall 60B, a rear wall 60C, a left wall 60D, a right wall 60E, and an upper wall 60F. The bottom wall 60A and the upper wall 60F are rectangular in shape elongated in the front-rear direction 8 when viewed from the top-bottom direction 7. The front wall 60B extends upward from the front end of the bottom wall 60A and is connected to the front end of the upper wall 60F. A recess 64 recessed backward is formed at the lower end of the front wall 60B. The recess 64 serves as a handle when the user pulls out the ink cartridge 34 from the cartridge mounting container 111. The rear wall 60C extends upward from the rear end of the bottom wall 60A and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 60F. The left wall 60D extends upward from the left end of the bottom wall 60A and is connected to the left end of the upper wall 60F. The left wall 60D connects the front wall 60B and the rear wall 60C. The right wall 60E extends upward from the right end of the bottom wall 60A and is connected to the right end of the top wall 60F. The right wall 60E connects the front wall 60B and the rear wall 60C.

[0068] The cartridge body 60 is configured so that the inside can be opened. The front wall 60B, the left wall 60D, the right wall 60E, and the rear wall 60C are configured so that they can be separated in the up-down direction 7 between the upper end 70 and the lower end 71. The upper end 70 and the lower end 71 of the front wall 60B are rotatably connected via a rotation shaft 69. When the upper end 70 of the front wall 60B is rotated relative to the lower end 71 via the rotation shaft 69, the upper ends 70 of the left wall 60D, the right wall 60E, and the rear wall 60C are rotated together, and the inside of the cartridge body 60 is opened. That is, the inside of the box-shaped cartridge body 60 with an open top, surrounded by the lower ends 71 ​​of the bottom wall 60A, the front wall 60B, the left wall 60D, the right wall 60E, and the rear wall 60C, is opened.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, a latch groove (one example of a groove portion) 61 is located on a bottom surface 63 of a bottom wall 60A of the cartridge body 60. The latch groove 61 is recessed upward from the bottom wall 60A and extends forward from the rear end of the bottom wall 60A. The latch groove 61 engages with a lock portion 128. The latch groove 61 has a right surface 61A and a left surface 61B that face each other in the left-right direction 9. The latch groove 61 is defined by the right surface 61A and the left surface 61B that extend along the up-down direction 7. The area between the right surface 61A and the left surface 61B opens downward.

[0070] The left surface 61B has at least a first surface 163 and a second surface 164 continuous with the first surface 163. The first surface 163 has a normal vector facing backward in the front-rear direction 8 and toward the right in the left-right direction 9. The second surface 164 is located forward in the front-rear direction 8 from the first surface 163, and has a normal vector facing forward in the front-rear direction 8 and toward the right in the left-right direction 9. The right surface 61A is separated from the first surface 163 and the second surface 164 to such an extent that a latch 136, which will be described later, can pass through the latch groove 61. The front end of the right surface 61A is connected to the front end of the left surface 61B.

[0071] A pair of rail grooves 62 extending in the front-rear direction 8 are located on a bottom surface 63 of the bottom wall 60A of the cartridge body 60. The rail grooves 62 are located on either side of the latch groove 61 in the left-right direction 9. The rail groove 62 has a width in the left-right direction 9 that allows a rail 137, which will be described later, to pass through the rail groove 62. The rail groove 62 is longer in the front-rear direction 8 than the length of the rail 137, which will be described later, in the front-rear direction 8. The rail grooves 62 are located apart in the left-rear direction 9 by a distance corresponding to the separation distance in the left-rear direction 9 between the pair of rails 137.

[0072] 7, pouch 80 has bag body 81 and a spout (an example of a supply port) 82. Bag body 81 is made by welding a synthetic resin sheet, and is capable of expanding into a cube. Bag body 81 expands into a cube shape by filling (storing) ink in storage chamber 79 inside. Bag body 81, in which ink is stored, is accommodated inside cartridge body 60.

[0073] As shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 7, the spout 82 is a member made of synthetic resin. The spout 82 is located near the lower end of the rear surface 80C of the bag body 81. The spout 82 has an ink communication hole 90 extending in the front-rear direction 8 inside the spout 82. The ink communication hole 90 opens toward both sides in the front-rear direction 8 in the spout 82. The spout 82 is fitted into an opening between two sheets that are welded to form the pouch 80, and the ink communication hole 90 communicates the internal space of the bag body 81 with the outside. The rear end of the spout 82 has a cylindrical shape that protrudes rearward, and the ink communication hole 90 is located inside. An ink needle 112, which will be described later, is inserted into the ink communication hole 90. The ink communication hole 90 can be opened and closed by a valve 185. The valve 185 is biased rearward by a coil spring 186. When the ink needle 112 is inserted into the ink communication hole 90, the valve 185 changes from a closed state to an open state. At this time, the ink needle 112 is inserted into the ring-shaped seal 67 located at the rear end of the ink communication hole 90, and pushes the valve 185 forward against the coil spring 186. Meanwhile, when the ink needle 112 is not inserted, the valve 185, biased by the coil spring 186, comes into contact with the seal 67 and closes.

[0074] In the spout 82, a flange 83 that engages with the rear wall 60C of the cartridge body 60 is located around the ink communication hole 90. The flange 83 engages with a notch (not shown) that is located in the rear wall 60C. The spout 82 is engaged with the rear wall 60C of the cartridge body 60 by engaging the flange 83.

[0075] [Cleaning fluid cartridge 76] As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning liquid cartridge 76 stores cleaning liquid therein. The cleaning liquid is used when cleaning the nozzles 38A of the head unit 38. The cleaning liquid cartridge 76 is also used to store the cleaning liquid after cleaning the nozzles 38A as waste liquid. The cleaning liquid is a liquid containing an organic solvent, a surfactant, water, etc. The cleaning liquid cartridge 76 is configured to be detachable from the cartridge mounting container 111, similar to the ink cartridge 34. The outer shape of the cleaning liquid cartridge 76 is a rectangular parallelepiped, similar to the ink cartridge 34. A detailed configuration of the cleaning liquid cartridge 76 will be omitted.

[0076] [Cartridge mounting container 111] 9 to 12, the cartridge mounting container 111 is a box body that opens toward the front. The cartridge mounting container 111 includes a base 120, a case 121, a base 122, an ink needle 112, a protruding wall (one example of a wall) 123, a first absorber 124 (see FIG. 12), a second absorber 125, a through hole 126, a rail 137, a guide portion 127, and a lock portion 128. Note that the first absorber 124 is not shown in FIG. 11.

[0077] The entire base 120 is made of resin. The base 120 forms the lower surface of the cartridge mounting container 111. The base 120 also forms at least a part of the lower surface of the printer system 100 (lower housing 32). The base 120 is configured in a box shape that is open at the top. When the base 120 is viewed from below, the plane is configured in a rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction 9.

[0078] The case 121 is entirely made of resin. The case 121 is open at the front and has a hollow rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the left-right direction 9. The case 121 has a rear wall 121A, a left wall 121B, a right wall 121C, an upper wall 121D, and a bottom wall 121E. The case 121 also has a flat inner wall 130 extending in the front-rear direction 8 and the up-down direction 7 between the left wall 121B and the right wall 121C. The bottom wall 121E of the case 121 is placed on the base 120 from above to close the opening of the base 120. An opening 121F located at the front of the case 121 is an attachment / detachment opening for attaching and detaching the ink cartridge 34 to and from the cartridge mounting container 111.

[0079] Viewed from the front, the case 121 can accommodate two cartridges (the ink cartridge 34 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 76). Specifically, the space surrounded by the rear wall 121A, bottom wall 121E, top wall 121D, left wall 121B, and inner wall 130 of the case 121 is the space capable of accommodating the ink cartridge 34. The space surrounded by the rear wall 121A, bottom wall 121E, top wall 121D, right wall 121C, and inner wall 130 of the case 121 is the space capable of accommodating the cleaning liquid cartridge 76. The surface of the rear wall 121A of the case 121 facing forward becomes part of the end surface 121G that faces the front faces of the ink cartridge 34 and the cleaning liquid cartridge 76.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 12, the base 122 is connected to the rear wall 121A. The base end of the ink needle 112, which will be described later, is connected to the base 122. The base 122 has a predetermined thickness in the front-rear direction 8 and is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is longer in the left-right direction 9 than in the up-down direction 7. The base 122 is fastened to the rear wall 121A of the case 121 with screws at four positions on the top and bottom of the left and right sides. The front-facing surface of the base 122 is part of the end surface 121G. Therefore, the base end of the ink needle 112 is connected to the end surface 121G. A gap 134 through which ink can flow is defined between the rear-facing surface of the base 122 and the rear wall 121A.

[0081] The ink needle 112 (an example of a tube body) is entirely made of resin. The ink needle 112 is cylindrical and elongated in the front-rear direction 8. The ink needle 112 protrudes forward from the base 122 (an example of a second direction). The base end side of the ink needle 112 is connected to an ink flow path 113 (see FIG. 2) that connects the cartridge mounting container 111 and the head unit 38. The outer diameter of the ink needle 112 is smaller than the inner diameter of the ink communication hole 90 of the spout 82. This allows the ink needle 112 to be inserted into the ink communication hole 90 of the spout 82. The protruding length of the ink needle 112 in the front-rear direction 8 is large enough to push down the valve 185 located inside the spout 82 forward when inserted into the spout 82 of the ink cartridge 34 mounted in the cartridge mounting container 111. A recess 114 is cut out toward the rear on part of the outer periphery of the tip of the ink needle 112. The recess 114 functions as a flow passage connecting the ink communication hole 90 and the inside of the ink needle 112.

[0082] The position of the ink needle 112 in the left-right direction 9 at least partially overlaps with the position of a guide portion 127 in the left-right direction 9, which will be described later. In other words, an imaginary plane that passes through the axial position of the ink needle 112 and extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the up-down direction 7 passes through at least a portion of the guide portion 127. This makes it possible to prevent ink flowing out from the ink needle 112 from dropping onto the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E where the guide portion 127 is not located. Note that "at least a portion" is not limited to the imaginary plane overlapping the entire guide portion 127 in the front-rear direction 8, but includes the imaginary plane passing through a portion of the guide portion 127 in the front-rear direction 8.

[0083] The protruding wall 123 protrudes from the forward-facing surface of the base 122. The protruding wall 123 has a generally cylindrical shape located radially outwardly away from the axis of the ink needle 112. The front end of the protruding wall 123 is located forward of the front end of the ink needle 112. The protruding wall 123 may have a taper on the inner surface of the front end in order to guide the spout 82 of the ink cartridge 34, which is inserted with its center offset from the axis of the ink needle 112, into the ink needle 112. The inner diameter of the protruding wall 123 is larger than the outer diameter of the spout 82 at the rear end.

[0084] The protruding wall 123 has a first wall 141 extending in the circumferential direction and a second wall 142 extending in the up-down direction 7. The first walls 141 extend in a pair in an arc shape centered on the axis of the ink needle 112 in each of the left-right directions 9 of the ink needle 112. The second walls 142 are located in pairs above and below the ink needle 112. One of the second walls 142 extends downward from each of both ends of the pair of first walls 141 below the ink needle 112 to the lower end of the end surface 121G of the base 122. The other second wall 142 extends upward from each of both ends of the pair of first walls 141 above the ink needle 112 to the upper end of the end surface 121G of the base 122. A gap 165 is located in a space that is separated in the left-right direction 9 by the second wall 142 and defined by the end surface 121G of the base 122. An opening of a through-hole 166 that penetrates the base 122 in the front-rear direction 8 is located in the gap 165. The space that extends from the base end of the ink needle 112 through the gap 165 and the through-hole 166 functions as a liquid flow path through which ink passes.

[0085] 12, the first absorbent body 124 is a nonwoven fabric such as felt capable of absorbing liquid. The first absorbent body 124 is located on the bottom surface of the base 120. The first absorbent body 124 is located below the through-hole 126. The first absorbent body 124 is located below the through-hole 126 so as to overlap in the up-down direction 7 with the entirety of the through-hole 126 in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9.

[0086] The second absorbent 125 is a nonwoven fabric such as felt that can absorb liquid. The second absorbent 125 is located along the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E. The second absorbent 125 is a rectangle extending in the left-right direction 9 when viewed from above, and is located at the rear end of the bottom wall 121E along the connection position between the end surface 121G and the bottom wall 121E. The rear end of the second absorbent 125 is located behind the rear end of the ink needle 112. The rear end of the second absorbent 125 extends to a position where it contacts the cartridge body 60 of the ink cartridge 34. Therefore, the second absorbent 125 is located below the protruding wall 123. Specifically, the second absorbent 125 overlaps the entire protruding wall 123 in the up-down direction 7.

[0087] 9, 11, 12, and 14, the through hole 126 penetrates the bottom wall 121E of the case 121. The through hole 126 is located in each of the space in which the ink cartridge 34 can be installed and the space in which the cleaning liquid cartridge 76 can be installed. The through hole 126 has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the left-right direction 9 when viewed from above.

[0088] The rails 137 protrude upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall 121E of the case 121 and extend along the front-rear direction 8. The rails 137 are located in a pair in the left-right direction 9 with the through-hole 126 between them.

[0089] The induction portion 127 is located between the second absorbent body 125 and the through hole 126. That is, the induction portion 127 is located rearward of the through hole 126 on the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E. The induction portion 127 induces liquid toward the through hole 126. The induction portion 127 is located, for example, in a rectangular region long in the left-right direction 9 when viewed from above. The induction portion 127 is a groove that is lined up in the left-right direction 9, extends in the front-rear direction 8, and is recessed downward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E. The induction portion 127 extends from the rear end of the second absorbent body 125 to the front end of the through hole 126. The induction portion 127 is located in a region sandwiched between a pair of rails 137 in the left-right direction 9. The width of the induction portion 127 is narrower than the width between the pair of rails 137 in the left-right direction 9. The left and right ends of the guide portion 127 are both located inside the position of the pair of rails 137 in the left-right direction 9 .

[0090] As shown in Figs. 12 to 14, the locking portion 128 includes a latch 136, a support plate 129, and a torsion coil spring 138 (an example of a spring). The latch 136 has a cylindrical shape with an axis in the up-down direction 7. The latch 136 is connected to the case 121 by a support plate 129 and a rotating member 131 attached to the lower surface of the bottom wall 121E of the case 121. The locking portion 128 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E through the through hole 126, and is movable in a moving direction (for example, clockwise or counterclockwise when viewed from above) that intersects with the direction from the front to the rear. The locking portion 128 abuts against the ink cartridge 34 inserted in the case 121, thereby applying a load against the movement of the ink cartridge 34 in the direction from the front to the rear.

[0091] The support plate 129 is fixed to the bottom wall 121E of the case 121. The support plate 129 has a shaft 135 extending in the vertical direction 7. A rotating member 131 is connected to the shaft 135 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined range. The rotation range of the rotating member 131 is restricted by a stopper 132 (see FIG. 8) bent downward on the support plate 129. A shaft 140 extending in the vertical direction 7 is connected to the rotating tip side of the rotating member 131. A latch 136 is rotatably connected to the shaft 140.

[0092] The torsion coil spring 138 is located between the support plate 129 and the rotating member 131. The torsion coil spring 138 biases the latch 136 in one of the movement directions. The torsion coil spring 138 biases the rotating member 131 clockwise when viewed from above. Within the rotation range of the rotating member 131, the torsion coil spring 138 biases the rotating member 131 generally leftward in the left-right direction 9. Although detailed description is omitted, a cleaning liquid needle 170, a bottom surface 171, a rail 172, a protruding wall 173, a through hole 174, a latch 175, and the like are similarly located in the right internal space of the case 121.

[0093] [Ink Absorption Mode Using the First Absorber 124 and the Second Absorber 125] As shown in FIG. 14, the ink cartridge 34 is inserted rearward (an example of a first orientation) through an opening 121F at the front of the case 121 with the spout 82 facing rearward. The ink cartridge 34 is guided along the front-rear direction 8 by inserting the rail groove 62 into a pair of rails 137. The latch 136 enters the latch groove 61 from the rear end of the bottom wall 60A of the ink cartridge 34. As the ink cartridge 34 is further inserted, the tip of the ink needle 112 is inserted into the tip of the spout 82. The tip of the ink needle 112 presses the valve 185 forward, thereby connecting the inside of the bag body 81 and the inside of the ink needle 112.

[0094] As shown in Fig. 8, the latch 136 enters the latch groove 61 in conjunction with the insertion of the ink cartridge 34. The latch 136 moves through the latch groove 61 while abutting against the left surface 61B of the latch groove 61 due to the bias of the torsion coil spring 138. In conjunction with the insertion of the spout 82 into the ink needle 112, the latch 136 presses the ink cartridge 34 against the pair of rails 137 in the clockwise direction as viewed from above (counterclockwise direction in Fig. 8) due to the bias of the torsion coil spring 138. This maintains the ink cartridge 34 attached to the case 121.

[0095] 15, the ink needle 112 may become distorted due to the latch 136 pressing the ink cartridge 34 (in a clockwise direction) or the like (see ink needle 112A indicated by a dotted line). If a gap occurs between the seal 67 of the spout 82 and the outer periphery of the ink needle 112 due to the distortion, the ink stored in the bag body 81 will pass between the seal 67 and the outer periphery of the ink needle 112 and flow out (leak out) from the rear end of the ink communication hole 90.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 14, the outflowing ink flows down the outer circumferential surface of the cartridge body 60. The outflowing ink flows down along the outer circumferential surface of the rear wall of the cartridge body 60. The flowing ink reaches the second absorber 125 or the induction section 127. The ink that reaches the second absorber 125 is absorbed by the second absorber 125. The ink that reaches the induction section 127 flows into the groove 133 of the induction section 127 due to capillary action. The ink that flows into the groove 133 flows along the groove 133 toward the rear end of the through hole 126 (flow path A).

[0097] The ink that reaches the rear end of the through-hole 126 passes through the through-hole 126 and falls onto the upper surface of the first absorber 124. The ink that falls onto the first absorber 124 is absorbed and held by the first absorber 124. This prevents ink from pooling on the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E of the case 121.

[0098] When the ink cartridge 34 is removed, the ink cartridge 34 is pulled forward by grasping the handle. The latch 136 moves while abutting against the left surface 61B of the latch groove 61, and rotates counterclockwise against the bias of the torsion coil spring 138. This releases the ink cartridge 34 from the bias of the torsion coil spring 138. When the ink cartridge 34 is pulled forward, the ink needle 112 is pulled out from the ink communication hole of the spout 82. When the ink needle 112 is pulled out, the valve 185 moves backward by the bias of the coil spring 186. When the valve 185 abuts against the seal 67, the valve 185 and the seal 67 close the ink communication hole 90. When the ink cartridge 34 is removed, the printer system 100 becomes the printer 10. This prevents ink from flowing out of the ink communication hole 90.

[0099] Ink may remain inside the ink needle 112 after it has been pulled out of the spout 82. The ink remaining inside the ink needle 112 may flow out from the tip of the ink needle 112. As shown in Fig. 12, some of the ink that flows out from the tip of the ink needle 112 drips downward. The dripped ink reaches the upper surface of the second absorber 125 and is absorbed by the second absorber 125 (flow path B).

[0100] Another part of the ink that flows out flows along the outer circumferential surface of the ink needle 112 and reaches the base of the ink needle 112. The ink that reaches the base of the ink needle 112 moves downward along the inner wall of the protruding wall 123 and the front surface (end surface 121G) of the base 122. Some of the ink that has moved passes through the gap 165 that connects in the up-down direction 7 and flows downward. The ink that flows down reaches the upper surface of the second absorber 125 (flow path C). The ink that reaches the upper surface of the second absorber 125 is absorbed by the second absorber 125. Some of the ink also passes over the protruding wall 123, reaches the upper surface of the second absorber 125 and is absorbed.

[0101] Another part of the moved ink moves rearward through through-hole 166 located in gap 165. The ink that has passed through through-hole 166 passes through gap 134 located between the rear surface of base 122 and rear wall 121A of case 121, and flows down toward second absorber 125 (flow path D). The ink that flows down reaches the upper surface of second absorber 125. Specifically, another part of the moved ink reaches the upper surface at a position rearward of the flow-down position of the part of the moved ink relative to second absorber 125. The ink that has reached the upper surface of second absorber 125 is absorbed by second absorber 125.

[0102] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, liquid that leaks between the ink needle 112 and the spout 82 and flows down the outer periphery of the ink cartridge 34 is guided by the guide portion 127 toward the through hole 126. Since the occurrence of liquid pooling between the bottom wall 60A of the ink cartridge 34 and the bottom wall 121E of the case 121 is suppressed, adhesion of liquid to a newly inserted ink cartridge 34 is suppressed.

[0103] The through hole 126 to which the ink is guided is also used as the protruding through hole 126 of the lock portion 128. Since there is no need to increase the number of holes opened in the case 121, a decrease in the strength of the case 121 is suppressed.

[0104] Since the ink flows into the grooves 133 by capillary action, the occurrence of liquid pools on the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E is suppressed.

[0105] Since the liquid that has moved to the upper surface of the bottom wall 121E does not spread up to the position of the rail 137, adhesion of ink to the newly inserted ink cartridge 34 is suppressed.

[0106] The ink that has moved downward through the through-hole 126 can be prevented from returning to the inside of the case 121.

[0107] The ink that reaches the end surface 121G along the outer circumference of the ink needle 112 moves downward along the end surface 121G due to gravity. The ink that moves is retained around the base end of the ink needle 112 by the protruding wall 123, and when a certain amount of ink is exceeded, it moves downward beyond the lower protruding wall 123. The ink that moves downward falls onto the second absorber 125 and is absorbed by the second absorber 125. Since the ink is retained around the base end of the ink needle 112 by the protruding wall 123, it does not spread to the surrounding area. Since the ink that falls beyond the protruding wall 123 is absorbed by the second absorber 125, the occurrence of liquid accumulation is suppressed. The adhesion of ink to a new ink cartridge 34 is suppressed.

[0108] The ink that has moved to the periphery of the base end of the ink needle 112 moves through the gap 165 or the liquid flow path toward the second absorber 125. The ink that has passed through the gap 165 and the liquid flow path drops and is absorbed at different positions in the second absorber 125. The amount of ink that can be absorbed in the second absorber 125 increases.

[0109] [Variations] The ink needle 112 is not limited to a configuration in which it protrudes from the end surface 121G. A configuration in which the case 121 does not have the end surface 121G (rear wall 121A) is also conceivable. In this case, the ink needle 112 may be configured to be supported by a protrusion (not shown) protruding upward from the bottom wall 121E and to protrude forward from the protrusion.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the guiding portion 127 is a plurality of grooves 133, but is not limited thereto. The guiding portion 127 may be an inclined surface facing rearward and upward. The ink that reaches the inclined surface may move downward and forward by gravity to reach the through-hole 126.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the ink needle 112 is not limited to one having a tapered tip in the protruding direction. The ink needle 112 may have a tip with the same diameter as the base end or a larger diameter. The ink needle 112 may have any cross-sectional shape as long as it can be inserted into the ink communication hole 90.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the gap 165 is provided below the ink needle 112, but this is not limited to this. The protruding wall 123 may be circular along the outer periphery of the base end of the ink needle 112 when viewed from the front. In this case, the through hole 166 may be located between the lower part of the ink needle 112 and the protruding wall 123.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the spout 82 is shown as an example of a supply port, but the present invention is not limited to this. The supply port may be an ink supply port (not shown) that is welded to the cartridge body 60 or integrally formed therewith.

[0114] In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of the liquid, but the liquid is not limited to ink and may be a cleaning liquid, a pretreatment liquid, or the like.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the tip of the ink needle 112 may be located above the induction portion 127. That is, the rear end of the induction portion 127 may overlap the tip of the ink needle 112 in the front-rear direction 8. This makes it possible to easily guide ink dripping from the tip of the ink needle 112 to the groove 133 of the induction portion 127 when the ink cartridge 34 is removed. Because the ink dripping between the grooves 133 can be guided by capillary action, the occurrence of ink pooling can be effectively suppressed.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the induction portion 127 is located in a rectangular area when viewed from above, but is not limited to this. The induction portion 127 may be located in an area other than a rectangle, such as a semicircle, depending on the positions of the ink needle 112, the ink cartridge 34, and the spout 82. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 7. Up and down direction 9...Left and right direction 10. Printer 34···Ink cartridge (cartridge) 60 Cartridge body 61 Latch groove (groove) 79...Storage chamber 80 pouches 82 Spout (supply port) 100 Printer system 110... Liquid storage device 111 Cartridge mounting container 112 Ink needle (body) 121...Case 121E...Bottom wall 121G...Terminal 123...Protruding wall (wall) 124...First absorber 125...Second absorber 126...Through hole 127...guiding section 128... Lock section 136...Latch 138 Torsion coil spring (spring) 166...Through hole

Claims

1. A printer in which a cartridge having a supply port for supplying a body stored in a storage chamber to an outside is inserted in a first direction, a case into which said cartridge is inserted; a pipe extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the case and inserted into the supply port; a through hole penetrating a bottom wall of the case in a vertical direction; a guide portion located on an upper surface of the bottom wall in the first direction from the through hole, the guide portion guiding liquid to the through hole.

2. a lock portion that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall through the through hole and is movable in a movement direction that intersects with the first direction; a spring that biases the lock portion in one direction of the movement direction, 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion applies a load against the movement of the cartridge in the second direction by coming into contact with the cartridge inserted in the case.

3. The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is a plurality of grooves extending along the first direction.

4. a pair of rails extending along the first direction on an upper surface of the bottom wall and spaced apart in a left-right direction perpendicular to the first direction; The printer according to claim 1 , wherein the guide portion is located between the pair of rails in the left-right direction.

5. The printer according to claim 4 , wherein a position of the tube in the left-right direction at least partially overlaps a position of the guide portion in the left-right direction.

6. The printer of claim 1 , further comprising a first absorber positioned below the through hole.

7. an end surface to which the base end of the tubular body is connected; a wall located around the base end of the tube at the end surface and projecting in the second direction; The printer of claim 1 , further comprising a second absorbent body located below the wall.

8. The end surface further has a liquid flow path that opens toward the second direction and extends upward from the second absorbent body, The wall has a gap that is connected in the vertical direction below the pipe, The printer of claim 7 , wherein an opening of the liquid flow path is located in the gap.

9. A printer into which a cartridge having a supply port for supplying liquid stored in a storage chamber to an outside is inserted in a first direction, a case into which said cartridge is inserted; a pipe extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the case and inserted into the supply port; a through hole penetrating a bottom wall of the case in a vertical direction; a guide portion located on an upper surface of the bottom wall in the first direction from the through hole and configured to guide liquid to the through hole, The guide portion is a groove that extends in the first direction, is recessed downward from an upper surface of a bottom wall, and is arranged in a direction intersecting the first direction.

10. The printer of claim 9 , further comprising a first absorber located below the through hole.

11. A printer according to claim 2; a cartridge having a groove portion recessed upward from a bottom surface and extending from a tip in a first direction to a second direction opposite to the first direction, the groove portion engaging with the lock portion; A printer system comprising:

12. a lock portion that protrudes upward from an upper surface of the bottom wall through the through hole and is movable in a movement direction that intersects with the first direction; a spring that biases the lock portion in one direction of the movement direction, 12. The printer system according to claim 11, wherein the locking portion applies a load against the movement of the cartridge in the second direction by coming into contact with the cartridge inserted in the case.

13. The printer system according to claim 11 , wherein the guide portion is a plurality of grooves extending along the first direction.

14. a pair of rails extending along the first direction on an upper surface of the bottom wall and spaced apart in a left-right direction perpendicular to the first direction; 12. The printer system according to claim 11, wherein the guide portion is located between the pair of rails in the left-right direction.

15. 15. The printer system according to claim 14, wherein a position of the tube in the left-right direction and a position of the guide portion in the left-right direction at least partially overlap with each other.

16. The printer system according to claim 11 , further comprising a first absorber located below the through hole.

17. an end surface to which the base end of the tubular body is connected; a wall located around the base end of the tube at the end surface and projecting in the second direction; 17. The printer system of claim 11, further comprising a second absorbent body located below the wall.

18. The end surface further has a liquid flow path that opens toward the second direction and extends upward from the second absorbent body, The wall has a gap that is connected in the vertical direction below the pipe, The printer system of claim 17 , wherein the opening of the liquid flow path is located in the gap.

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