Liquid dispensing device

Abstract

This reduces ink leakage from the ejection surface of the ejection head and from the air-communication passage of the ink container when the recording device is positioned in an odd orientation. [Solution] A recording device comprising a recording means for discharging and recording a liquid, a storage chamber for storing the liquid, and a storage container including an outlet for the liquid, wherein when the maximum amount of the liquid is stored in the storage chamber and the recording device is in a position with its front end facing upward, there is a first storage container located above the liquid level in the storage chamber, and when the recording device is in a position with its rear end facing upward, there is a second storage container located above the liquid level in the storage chamber, wherein the first storage container and the second storage container are arranged front to back with respect to the recording means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a liquid ejection device, a recording device including a ejection head that ejects ink onto a recording medium such as paper is known. The ink consumed by the ejection head is stored in an ink storage container. In the case of the posture of the recording device during use, it is designed so that ink does not leak from the ejection head due to the head difference caused by the arrangement of the ink storage container and the ejection head. However, the recording device may be installed in a posture different from that during use depending on the transportation or packaging state or the like. For example, a situation where the recording device is installed with its side portion facing upward during transportation can be considered.

[0003] As a result, the liquid storage container may be positioned above the ejection surface of the ejection head. If the ejection surface of the ejection head is not covered by a cap and the meniscus of the nozzle is broken due to the adhesion of foreign matter, there is a risk that ink may leak from the ejection head due to gravity. As a technique for suppressing ink leakage caused by a change in the posture of the recording device, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of providing two storage chambers (ink chambers) for storing ink to reduce the amount of leaked ink. A part of the storage chamber is sealed with a flexible film.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the ink tank configuration described in Patent Document 1, the film is located on the outer wall side of the recording device. With this configuration, the film may be scratched during the manufacturing process of the recording device when the exterior parts are assembled. In addition, to allow the user to check the ink level, a window is often formed on the outer wall of the recording device that allows the ink tank housing to be viewed from the outside. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the film faces the window, the film may be scratched by foreign matter entering from outside the recording device. Such scratches may cause the film to tear.

[0006] This disclosure provides a technology for suppressing liquid leakage when a recording device is installed in a position different from that used during operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A recording device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a recording means for discharging liquid to perform recording; a plurality of storage containers each having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an outlet for the liquid; and a liquid supply path communicating with the outlet for supplying the liquid to the recording means, wherein the plurality of storage containers include a first storage container and a second storage container, and the outlet of the first storage container is positioned above the liquid level in the storage chamber of the first storage container when the maximum amount of the liquid is stored in the storage chamber of the first storage container and the recording device is in an orientation with its front end facing upwards during use. The second containment container is positioned such that, when the maximum amount of the liquid is contained in the containment chamber of the first containment container, and the recording device is in a position with its rear end facing upwards when the recording device is in use, the outlet of the second containment container is located above the liquid level in the containment chamber of the second containment container; the first containment container and the second containment container are each arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction in the position of the recording device when the recording means is in use, and a portion of each liquid supply passage is located on the side opposite to the side of each containment container from which the recording means is positioned when the recording device is in use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a technology can be provided to suppress liquid leakage when a recording device is installed in a position different from that used during operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal mechanism of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating each container. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the control unit for a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows the arrangement of the container and carriage. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing different orientations of the recording device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention to the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential to the invention, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] <Overview of Liquid Dispensing System> Figure 1 is an external view of a liquid ejection device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front. The liquid ejection device 1 of this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that ejects ink as a liquid and records it on a recording medium, but it is also applicable to various liquid ejection devices other than inkjet recording devices. In the figure, arrows X and Y indicate mutually orthogonal horizontal directions, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction (direction of gravity). The X direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the liquid ejection device 1. The Y direction is the depth direction of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0012] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0013] The liquid dispensing device 1 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape overall and comprises a device body 2 and a body cover section 3 having multiple covers. The body cover section 3 is provided to cover the device body 2 and constitutes the top part of the liquid dispensing device 1. In this embodiment, the body cover section 3 includes a paper feed cover 301 for setting the recording medium, an access cover 302 for performing maintenance work inside the device, and a tank access cover 303 that covers the part that supplies ink to the device's tank. A reading unit (scanner unit) 3a for reading images from original documents is also provided, and the entire reading unit 3a can be opened and closed in the same way as the access cover 302 to perform maintenance work inside the device. An discharge section 10 for dispensing recorded recording media is formed at the front of the liquid dispensing device 1. An operation unit 36 ​​for receiving operator input is also provided at the front of the liquid dispensing device 1. The operation unit 36 ​​includes a touch panel type display unit that receives operator input and displays information to the operator.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal mechanism of the liquid ejection device 1. The liquid ejection device 1 includes a ejection head 4 that ejects liquid. The ejection head 4 of the present embodiment is an ejection head 4 that ejects ink supplied from a container 5 onto a recording medium for recording. The ejection head 4 has a ejection surface 4a (see FIG. 3) on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed. Each nozzle is provided with, for example, an electrothermal conversion element (heater). The electrothermal conversion element is heated by energization to foam the ink, and the ink is ejected by the foaming energy.

[0015] The ejection head 4 is mounted on a carriage 6. The carriage 6 reciprocates in the X direction (main scanning direction) by a drive unit (not shown). The drive unit includes a drive pulley and a driven pulley 7b (not shown) arranged apart in the X direction, an endless belt 7c wound around these pulleys, and a carriage motor (not shown) that is a drive source for rotating the drive pulley. The carriage 6 is connected to the endless belt 7c, and by running the endless belt 7c, the carriage 6 moves in the X direction. An image is recorded by ejecting ink from the ejection head 4 onto the recording medium during the movement of the carriage 6. This operation is sometimes referred to as recording scanning.

[0016] As described above, the liquid ejection device 1 of the present embodiment is a serial type inkjet recording device in which the ejection head 4 is mounted on the reciprocating carriage 6. However, the present disclosure is also applicable to other recording devices such as an inkjet recording device including a so-called full line head ejection head (ejection head 4) provided with a plurality of nozzles for ejecting liquid in a region corresponding to the width of the recording medium.

[0017] The liquid ejection device 1 includes a feeding unit 8 and a conveying unit 9 for conveying the recording medium. The feeding unit 8 includes a roll set unit 8c that supplies a banner-shaped continuous recording medium R from a roll, and a feeding mechanism (not shown) for the recording medium. The feeding mechanism includes a feeding roller (not shown) and a feeding motor 8b (see FIG. 4) that is a drive source for rotating the feeding roller.

[0018] The transport unit 9 is a mechanism that transports the recording medium supplied from the feeding unit 8 in the Y direction (sub-scanning direction). The transport unit 9 comprises a transport roller 9a and a transport motor 9b (Figure 4), which is the drive source for rotating the transport roller 9a. A pinch roller 9c is pressed against the transport roller 9a, and the recording medium is held between these nip portions. The rotation of the transport roller 9a intermittently transports the recording medium to the ejection head 4. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating the transport operation of the recording medium by the transport unit 9 and the recording scan.

[0019] In this embodiment, container 5 is a stationary container fixed to the liquid dispensing device 1. When the ink level drops, the operator can replenish the ink in container 5 without removing it from the liquid dispensing device 1.

[0020] Containers 5C, 5M, 5Y, and 5Bk are identical in structure but contain different ink colors. They are arranged in a row along the Y-direction on the right side of the front of the liquid dispensing device 1. The tops of each container 5C to 5Bk are covered by a common tank cover section 13.

[0021] <Container structure> Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating each container. Figure 3(A) is a perspective view showing the surrounding structure with each container 5C to 5Bk, valve 16, and discharge head 4 extracted. Each container 5C to 5Bk is connected to the discharge head 4 by a supply tube 14.

[0022] Figure 3(B) schematically shows the structure of container 5 and its surroundings. Each container 5C to 5Bk has the same basic structure as shown in Figure 3(B), although there are differences in the position where the ink flow path is connected and the length of the supply tube 14. Container 5 comprises an ink storage section 54, a gas-liquid exchange section 52, and a buffer chamber 53. The buffer chamber 53 can contain the ink that is pushed out when the air in the storage section 54 expands due to changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature. An injection section 51 for refill liquid (refill ink) is provided at the top of container 5. The injection section 51 is closed by a cap section 120. When refilling ink, the operator removes the cap section 120 from the injection section 51 to open the injection section 51 and then refills the ink. A cap section 120 is provided for each container 5.

[0023] Inside the container 5, passages 14a and 15a are connected. Passage 14a connects to the housing section 54 and is a liquid supply passage (ink supply passage) that supplies ink from the container 5 to the discharge head 4, and is formed by a flexible tube, the supply tube 14. Passage 15a connects to the buffer chamber 53 and is an atmospheric communication passage that connects the inside of the container 5 to the atmosphere, and is formed by a flexible tube, the atmospheric communication tube 15. Valves 16 open and close passages 14a and 15a. In this embodiment, each of the containers 5C to 5Bk is provided with its own dedicated valve 16.

[0024] The gas-liquid exchange section 52 is located at a height H lower than the discharge surface 4a of the discharge head 4. In other words, it is configured to apply negative pressure to the discharge surface 4a due to a head difference of height H. This prevents ink from leaking out of the discharge surface 4a. In addition, the buffer chamber 53 is located at the bottom of the container 5. This prevents ink from leaking out of the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0025] During recording, both the ink supply passage 14a and the atmospheric communication passage 15a must be open in order to supply ink to the ejection head 4. On the other hand, when refilling the container 5 with ink, both the ink supply passage 14a and the atmospheric communication passage 15a must be closed. When refilling with ink, the liquid level of the ink in the container 5 may rise above the height of the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4. Therefore, if the ink supply passage 14a is open, pressure due to the head difference of height Hm will be applied to the ejection surface 4a, and ink may leak from the ejection surface 4a. It is possible to design the container 5 so that the liquid level of the ink does not rise above the height of the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4, but this would impose constraints on the ink capacity of the container 5 and the design freedom of the liquid ejection device 1 in the Z direction. Also, if the atmospheric communication passage 15a is not closed, the filled ink may flow into the buffer chamber 53. In such cases, the buffer chamber 53 may not be able to fully perform its role of containing the ink pushed out from the storage section 54 when there are changes in atmospheric pressure or temperature.

[0026] For the reasons stated above, it is necessary to avoid accidental opening and closing of passages 14a and 15a by the valve 16. In this embodiment, the valve 16 opens and closes in conjunction with the movement of the tank access cover 303 and the tank cover portion 13. In other words, the tank access cover 303 and the tank cover portion 13 also serve as operating parts that receive operation of the valve 16 by the operator. This makes it possible to open and close the valve 16 by manual operation by the operator without using a sensor or actuator.

[0027] The recovery unit 11 is a mechanism for maintaining the ink ejection performance of the ejection head 4 and is located at one end of the carriage 6's range of motion. The recovery unit 11 includes a cap 11a that covers the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4, and a pump 11b for drawing ink from the ejection head 4 through the cap 11a. The cap 11a can be displaced by a mechanism (not shown) between a position covering the ejection surface 4a and a position separated from the ejection surface 4a. By covering the ejection surface 4a with the cap 11a (capping), drying of the surface can be suppressed. Furthermore, by operating the pump 11b while the ejection surface 4a is capped with the cap 11a, it is possible to remove the thickened ink adhering to the ejection head 4 and to fill the passage 14a and the ejection head 4 with ink. When a recording operation is performed with the passage 14a and the ejection head 4 filled with ink, ink will be supplied from the container 5 to the extent that the ink has decreased from the ejection head 4 (the amount that has been ejected).

[0028] <Control Unit> Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control unit 30 of the liquid dispensing device 1. The MPU 31 is a processor that controls the operation of each function of the liquid dispensing device 1 and processes data. The MPU 31 controls the entire liquid dispensing device 1 by executing programs stored in the memory device 32. The memory device 32 is composed of, for example, ROM or RAM. The memory device 32 stores various data necessary for processing, such as programs executed by the MPU 31 and data received from the host computer 100.

[0029] The MPU 31 controls the discharge head 4 via driver 34a. The MPU 31 controls the carriage 6 motor 7a via driver 34b. The MPU 31 controls the transport motor 9b and the feed motor 8b via drivers 34c and 34d.

[0030] The MPU 31 acquires detection results from various sensor groups 35 installed in the liquid dispensing device 1 and performs control operations. The sensor group 35 includes a cover detection sensor 35a. The MPU 31 controls the display on the operation unit 36 ​​and accepts operator input to the operation unit 36.

[0031] The host computer 100 is, for example, a personal computer or mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or tablet) used by the operator. The host computer 100 has a printer driver 101 installed that enables communication between the host computer 100 and the liquid dispensing device 1. The liquid dispensing device 1 is equipped with an interface unit 33, and communication between the host computer 100 and the MPU 31 is performed via the interface unit 33. The printer driver 101, for example, when the operator inputs a recording operation to the host computer 100, compiles the data of the image to be recorded and settings related to recording (information such as the quality of the recorded image). Then it instructs the liquid dispensing device 1 to perform the recording operation.

[0032] <Position of the recording device> This section explains the mechanism by which ink is suppressed when the liquid dispensing device 1 is in a position other than the one used for operation. Figure 5 schematically shows the arrangement of containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, 5Bk and carriage 6 (dispensing head 4) when the liquid dispensing device 1 is in the position used for operation. The row in which containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are arranged is on the short side of the liquid dispensing device 1, and the containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are arranged in the front-to-back direction of the liquid dispensing device 1. Each ink container 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk contains the maximum amount of ink in its storage chamber. The maximum amount of ink is the amount that is acceptable for the device size, with no particular restrictions in the Z direction. In this position, the side of the carriage 6 in the X direction is called the inside, and the opposite side is called the outside. That is, the +X direction is called the outside, and the -X direction is called the inside. Then, the flow paths for each ink container 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are located outside of their respective ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk.

[0033] The fact that the flow path is located outside the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk contributes to suppressing ink leakage when the liquid ejection device 1 is in a position other than that used in operation. Below, we will explain the suppression of ink leakage when the liquid ejection device 1 changes from the operating position (maximum ink volume) shown in Figure 5 to a different position, separately for each position of the liquid ejection device 1.

[0034] First, let's explain the case where carriage 6 is in the home position. Carriage 6 is controlled to stop in the home position when the recording device has finished operating normally.

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 6 shows an example of an orientation where the right side of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the left side is at the top. Figure 6(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 6(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are located at the bottom, and the carriage 6 is located at the top.

[0036] In this position, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are positioned lower than the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4, so there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0037] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level of storage, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, and therefore no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level of storage (for example, if the liquid dispensing device 1 is transported to a higher altitude, or if a tropical depression arrives in the area where the liquid dispensing device 1 is installed), the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the storage chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a is located higher than the storage chamber and the ink supply port (see Figure 5), so it will not be filled with ink. Therefore, there is little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a. The ink supply port is also the outlet where liquid from the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk exits to the outside.

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 7 shows an example of an orientation where the left side of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the right side is at the top. Figure 7(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 7(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are located at the top, and the carriage 6 is located at the bottom.

[0039] In this position, the height difference between the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk and the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4 is small. Therefore, even if the meniscus is damaged at the ejection surface 4a, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0040] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, and therefore no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the containment chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be lower than the containment chamber and the ink supply port. However, in the position shown in Figure 7, the flow channel port of the path through which the ink moves to the buffer chamber is located above the ink level in the containment chamber. Therefore, some ink flows in from the flow channel port and the liquid level does not rise any further, resulting in little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0041] Figure 8 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 8 shows an example of an orientation where the front of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the rear is at the top. Figure 8(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 8(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are located on the upper side of the carriage 6, and the ink containers 5Y and 5M are located on the lower side.

[0042] In this orientation, for the ink containers 5Y and 5M located below the carriage 6, the ink containers 5Y and 5M are positioned below the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y and 5M leaking from the ejection surface 4a. Also, for the ink containers 5C and 5Bk located above the carriage 6, the ink supply ports of the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are positioned higher than the liquid level of the ink containers 5C and 5Bk. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5C and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0043] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, so no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the storage chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be higher than the storage chamber and the ink supply port, so there is little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 9 shows an example of an orientation where the front of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the top and the rear is at the bottom. Figure 9(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 9(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y and 5M are located on the upper side of the carriage 6, and the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are located on the lower side.

[0045] In this orientation, for the ink containers 5C and 5Bk located below the carriage 6, the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are positioned below the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5C and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a. Also, for the ink containers 5Y and 5M located above the carriage 6, the ink supply ports of the ink containers 5Y and 5M are positioned higher than the liquid level of the ink containers 5Y and 5M. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y and 5M leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0046] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, and therefore no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the containment chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be lower than the containment chamber and the ink supply port. However, in the position shown in Figure 9, the flow channel port of the path through which the ink moves to the buffer chamber is located above the ink level in the containment chamber. Therefore, some ink flows in from the flow channel port and the liquid level does not rise any further, resulting in little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0047] Next, we will explain the case where the carriage 6 is located at the end of its range of motion opposite to the home position, and the meniscus of the nozzle on the discharge surface 4a is damaged. As described above, the carriage 6 is normally located in the home position, but if the recording device terminates due to an error or a power outage occurs, the carriage 6 may stop in a position other than the home position. In this case, the discharge surface 4a is not covered by the cap, and the likelihood of the nozzle meniscus on the discharge surface 4a being damaged increases.

[0048] Figure 10 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 10 shows an example of an orientation where the right side of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the left side is at the top. Figure 10(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 10(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are located at the bottom, and the carriage 6 is located at the top.

[0049] In this position, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are positioned lower than the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4, so there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0050] Furthermore, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level of storage, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, and therefore no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level of storage (for example, if the liquid dispensing device 1 is transported to a high altitude, or if a tropical depression arrives in the area where the liquid dispensing device 1 is installed), the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the storage chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a is located higher than the storage chamber and the ink supply port, and therefore will not be filled with ink. Consequently, there is little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0051] Figure 11 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 11 shows an example of an orientation where the left side of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the right side is at the top. Figure 11(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 11(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk are located at the top, and the carriage 6 is located at the bottom.

[0052] In this position, the height difference between the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk and the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4 is small. Therefore, even if the meniscus is damaged at the ejection surface 4a, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0053] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a, and therefore no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the containment chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be lower than the containment chamber and the ink supply port. However, in the position shown in Figure 11, the flow channel port of the path through which the ink moves to the buffer chamber is located above the ink level in the containment chamber. Therefore, some ink flows in from the flow channel port and the liquid level does not rise any further, resulting in little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0054] Figure 12 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 12 shows an example of an orientation where the front of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the bottom and the rear is at the top. Figure 12(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 12(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are located on the upper side of the carriage 6, and the ink containers 5Y and 5M are located on the lower side.

[0055] In this orientation, for the ink containers 5Y and 5M located below the carriage 6, the ink containers 5Y and 5M are positioned below the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y and 5M leaking from the ejection surface 4a. Also, for the ink containers 5C and 5Bk located above the carriage 6, the ink supply ports of the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are positioned higher than the liquid level of the ink containers 5C and 5Bk. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5C and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0056] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level of storage, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a. Therefore, no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level of storage, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the storage chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be higher than the storage chamber and the ink supply port. Therefore, there is little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0057] Figure 13 illustrates different orientations of the recording device. Figure 13 shows an example of an orientation where the front of the liquid ejection device 1 is at the top and the rear is at the bottom. Figure 13(A) shows the configuration of Figure 5, and Figure 13(B) is a schematic diagram. In this orientation, the ink containers 5Y and 5M are located on the upper side of the carriage 6, and the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are located on the lower side.

[0058] In this orientation, for the ink containers 5C and 5Bk located below the carriage 6, the ink containers 5C and 5Bk are positioned below the ejection surface 4a of the ejection head 4. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5C and 5Bk leaking from the ejection surface 4a. Also, for the ink containers 5Y and 5M located above the carriage 6, the ink supply ports of the ink containers 5Y and 5M are positioned higher than the liquid level of the ink containers 5Y and 5M. Therefore, there is little risk of the ink contained in the ink containers 5Y and 5M leaking from the ejection surface 4a.

[0059] Next, we will explain the case where the liquid dispensing device 1 is left in this position for a long period of time and the external air pressure fluctuates. For example, if the external air pressure rises above the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that air flows into the ink container 5 from the atmospheric communication passage 15a. Therefore, no ink leakage will occur. Conversely, if the external air pressure falls below the initial level, the pressure conditions will be such that the ink in the containment chamber moves to the buffer chamber 53. In this case, for ink containers 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, the atmospheric communication passage 15a will be lower than the containment chamber and the ink supply port. However, in the position shown in Figure 13, the flow channel port of the path through which the ink moves to the buffer chamber is located above the ink level in the containment chamber. Therefore, some ink flows in from the flow channel port and the liquid level does not rise any further, resulting in little risk of ink leakage from the atmospheric communication passage 15a.

[0060] As described above, in this embodiment, even when the liquid dispensing device 1 is in a different orientation than when in use, the risk of ink leakage can be reduced, and the amount of ink leakage can be reduced.

[0061] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, an example was described in which, when the front of the liquid dispensing device 1 is facing downwards, there are two ink containers located below the carriage 6 and two ink containers located above it. However, this number is not limited.

[0062] Furthermore, although an example was described in which the containers are arranged in front of and behind the discharge head 4, a container with a larger flow path diameter than the other containers may be placed further away from the discharge head 4. Also, one container may be placed in front of the discharge head 4 and three containers may be placed behind it. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1 Liquid discharge device 4 Discharge heads 5 containers

Claims

1. A recording means that dispenses liquid to perform recording, A plurality of containers, each having a storage chamber for containing the liquid and an outlet for the liquid, A recording device comprising a liquid supply passage communicating with the outlet and for supplying the liquid to the recording means, The plurality of containers include a first container and a second container. The outlet of the first containment container is located above the liquid level in the containment chamber of the first containment container when the maximum amount of the liquid is contained in the containment chamber of the first containment container and the recording device is in a position with its front end facing upwards in the orientation used when the recording device is in operation. The outlet of the second containment container is located above the liquid level in the containment chamber of the second containment container when the maximum amount of the liquid is contained in the containment chamber of the first containment container and the recording device is in a position with its rear end facing upwards in the orientation used by the recording device. The first and second storage containers are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction in the orientation of the recording device when it is in use, with the recording means at the center. A recording device characterized in that a portion of each liquid supply passage is located on the side opposite to the side on which the recording means is positioned relative to each storage container when the recording device is in use.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the storage containers is positioned in front of the recording means and three are positioned behind it when the recording device is in use.

3. The recording means moves in the first direction to perform recording. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the row in which the storage containers are arranged is located at the end of the outer shape of the recording device in the first direction.

4. Each of the aforementioned multiple containment containers has a buffer chamber at its lower part that communicates with the containment chamber and an atmospheric communication passage that connects the inside of the containment container to the atmosphere. The recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the buffer chamber contains liquid that has moved from the containment chamber when the air inside the containment chamber expands.

5. Each of the aforementioned multiple containment containers has a gas-liquid exchange section for adjusting the pressure inside the containment chamber, The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gas-liquid exchange section is provided at a position lower than the discharge surface of the recording means for discharging the liquid.

6. The recording device according to claim 4, characterized in that valves are provided in the liquid supply passage and atmospheric communication passage of each of the plurality of containment containers.

7. It comprises a container cover that can be opened and closed to cover the top of each storage container, and an access cover that can be opened and closed to cover the top of the container cover of the plurality of storage containers, The recording device according to claim 6, characterized in that the valve opens and closes in conjunction with the movement of the container cover and the access cover.

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