Printing system

Abstract

This printing system provides a mechanism that prevents the inside of the mounting section from being contaminated by liquid even if liquid drips from the supply pipe of the mounting section. [Solution] The printer 10 comprises an ink cartridge 30 and a cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 has a supply section 33 that defines a supply port 34 that opens forward. The cartridge case 110 has a supply pipe 102 connected to the supply port 34, an ink receiving section 182 that is movable between a close position close to the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102 and a distanced position further down from the supply pipe 102 than the close position and is biased towards the close position, and a pressure plate 134 that moves downward when it comes into contact with the ink cartridge 30. The pressure plate 134 moves downward, causing the ink receiving section 182 to move from the close position to the distanced position. The ink receiving section 182 has an upper rib 182E that protrudes upward from the upper surface 190 and is close to the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102 in the close position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system including a liquid container for storing a liquid and a mounting portion to which the liquid container is detachably attached.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a printer. The printer includes an ink cartridge and a cartridge holder to which the ink cartridge is attached. The printer of Patent Document 1 has a guide for guiding ink leaked from an ink supply needle of the cartridge holder to an ink receiving member located below.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the printer described in Patent Document 1, ink leaked from an ink supply needle is guided by a guide to an ink receiving member located below. Therefore, there is a problem that the inside of the cartridge holder is likely to be soiled by ink.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing system in which the inside of the mounting portion is less likely to be contaminated by a liquid even if the liquid drips from a supply pipe of the mounting portion. 1]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) This disclosure relates to a printing system. The printing system comprises a liquid container for storing liquid and a mounting part to which the liquid container can be attached and detached. The liquid container has a supply section defining a supply port that opens forward in the direction in which it is attached to the mounting part. The mounting part extends in the front-rear direction and has a supply pipe connected to the supply port, a liquid receiving section located below the supply pipe and movable to a first position in contact with or near the rear end of the supply pipe and a second position further downward from the supply pipe than the first position, and biased toward the first position, and a movable member that moves in one direction vertically by contacting the liquid container attached to the mounting part. The movable member moves the liquid receiving section from the first position to the second position by moving in one direction vertically. The liquid receiving section has an upward-facing receiving surface and a rib protruding upward from the receiving surface and in contact with or near the rear end of the supply pipe at the first position.

[0007] When the user attaches the liquid container to the mounting section, the movable member moves in one direction vertically by contacting the liquid container. As a result, the liquid receiving section moves from the first position to a second position, which is further away from the supply pipe than the first position. This allows the user to attach the supply port to the supply pipe. On the other hand, the user can remove the liquid container from the mounting section by moving the liquid container backward from the mounted state. When the liquid container is removed from the mounting section, the liquid container separates from the movable member. As a result, the liquid receiving section moves from the second position to the first position due to a biasing force that biases the liquid receiving section to the first position. At this time, even if liquid drips from the rear end of the supply pipe, the liquid receiving section receives the liquid at the first position, so the inside of the mounting section is less likely to be contaminated by the liquid. Also, since the ribs contact the liquid droplets at the first position, splashing of liquid due to the recoil of the liquid receiving section returning from the second position to the first position is suppressed.

[0008] (2) The receiving surface at the first position may be inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that it moves downward as it moves forward.

[0009] The liquid received by the receiving surface collects forward and downward. As a result, the liquid is less likely to adhere to the liquid container that is newly attached to the mounting part.

[0010] (3) The ribs may extend in the front-rear direction. The liquid receiving portion protrudes upward from the receiving surface and extends in the front-rear direction, and may have opposing walls that face each other in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear and up-down directions with respect to the ribs. The ribs, the receiving surface, and the opposing walls may define a flow path for the liquid.

[0011] The liquid received by the receiving surface will more reliably collect forward and downward.

[0012] (4) The mounting portion may have an opening at the rear and include a case body from which the liquid container can be attached and detached, and a first protrusion that protrudes from the inner surface of the case body in one direction in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The liquid container may have a second protrusion that protrudes from a first surface facing the other direction in the left-right direction to the other direction in the left-right direction. The first protruding end face of the first protrusion may come into contact with the second protruding end face of the second protrusion when the liquid container is removed from the case body to the rear.

[0013] When the liquid container is removed from the mounting part, the protruding end face of the second protrusion comes into contact with the protruding end face of the first protrusion, stopping the liquid container. This prevents the liquid container from moving away from the moving member with excessive force, and thus slows down the speed at which the liquid receiving part returns from the second position to the first position. As a result, splashing of liquid from the supply pipe due to the reaction of the liquid receiving part returning from the second position to the first position is suppressed.

[0014] (5) When the protruding end face of the first protrusion and the protruding end face of the second protrusion are in contact, the supply pipe may be located at the supply port.

[0015] The impact caused when the protruding end face of the second protrusion contacts the protruding end face of the first protrusion prevents the liquid from splashing out of the supply pipe and outside the liquid container, which is suppressed by the supply section that defines the supply port.

[0016] (6) The first front surface of the first protrusion may be inclined with respect to the left-right direction such that it moves backward as it moves in one direction in the left-right direction.

[0017] When the liquid container is removed from the mounting section, the second protrusion contacts the first protrusion from the front, and the protruding end face of the second protrusion is guided to the protruding end face of the first protrusion by the first front surface of the first protrusion. This reduces the impact when the second protrusion contacts the first protrusion from the front. Consequently, splashing of liquid from the supply tube due to the impact when the protruding end face of the second protrusion contacts the protruding end face of the first protrusion is suppressed. The user can easily remove the liquid container from the case body.

[0018] (7) The present disclosure relates to a printing system. The printing system comprises a liquid container for storing liquid and a mounting section to which the liquid container can be attached and detached. The mounting section has a case body to which the liquid container can be attached and detached, which opens to the rear opposite to the front which the liquid container is attached, and a rail projecting from the inner surface of the case body in one direction in the left-right direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The liquid container in the mounting position mounted on the mounting section has a first recess into which the rail can be inserted, which is recessed from a first surface facing the other of the left-right directions toward one of the left-right directions. The first recess opens forward on the second front surface of the liquid container in the mounting position which faces forward. The second front surface of the liquid container in the mounting position has a first inclined surface located above the first recess and a second inclined surface located below the first recess. The first inclined surface is inclined with respect to the up-down direction so as it goes downward it goes towards the rear, and is connected to the upper end of the first recess. The second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves towards the rear as it moves upward, and is connected to the lower end of the first recess.

[0019] When the liquid container is mounted in the case body, even if the rail contacts the first or second inclined surface of the liquid container, as the liquid container moves forward, the rail is guided into the first recess by the first or second inclined surface. Therefore, as the liquid container moves forward, its vertical position relative to the case body is determined, making it easy for the user to insert the rail into the first recess. Consequently, it is easy for the user to mount the liquid container in the case body.

[0020] (8) The second front surface of the liquid container in the above mounting position is inclined with respect to the left-right direction such that it moves towards the rear as it moves toward the other side of the left-right direction, and may have a third inclined surface that connects to the first recess.

[0021] When the liquid container is mounted in the case body, even if the rail comes into contact with the third inclined surface of the liquid container, as the liquid container moves forward, the rail is guided into the first recess by the third inclined surface. Therefore, as the liquid container moves forward, its lateral position relative to the case body is determined, making it easier for the user to insert the rail into the first recess.

[0022] (9) The liquid container in the above mounting position may have a locking portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the liquid container and is located behind the third inclined surface. The mounting portion may have a second recess through which the locking portion can pass in the front-rear direction when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion.

[0023] As the liquid container moves forward, its left-right position relative to the case body is determined, making it easier for the user to insert the locking mechanism into the second recess.

[0024] (10) The liquid container may include a container body for storing liquid, and a cover in which the first recess and the second front surface are located and which is detachably attached to the front end of the container body. The container body may have an engaging portion located at the front end. The cover may have an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion with play. The cover may be maintained in a mounted state attached to the container body by the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

[0025] Since the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion with play, the cover is likely to shift vertically with respect to the container body when it contacts the rail. In the above configuration, as the liquid container moves forward, the vertical position of the cover with respect to the case body is determined, so it is easy for the user to insert the rail into the first recess.

[0026] (11) The cover in the mounted posture may be located in front of the engaged portion and may have a third recess that is recessed from the first surface toward one of the left - right directions. The third recess may have a first communication hole that opens at the rear end of the third recess and communicates the internal space of the cover with the outside.

[0027] The user can insert a jig into the internal space of the cover through the first through - hole and push and expand the first surface to the other side in the left - right direction by the jig. Therefore, it is easy for the user to release the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion, and it is easy to remove the cover from the container body.

[0028] (12) The third recess may open forward at the second front surface. The mounting portion may project from the inner surface of the case body toward one of the left - right directions and may have a first projecting piece that can be inserted into the third recess. The cover in the mounted posture may project from the bottom surface of the third recess toward the other side in the left - right direction and may have a second projecting piece that is located at a position not overlapping with the first projecting piece in the vertical direction. The second projecting piece may not be connected to the rear end of the third recess.

[0029] The first and second protruding pieces function as key members when the liquid container is attached to the case body. Even if the impact of accidentally dropping the liquid container is transmitted to the second protruding piece, the transmission of the impact to the second protruding piece is suppressed. As a result, the engaging and engaged parts are less likely to be damaged.

[0030] (13) The cover in the above mounting position may have a second communication hole that opens on the upper surface of the cover and connects the internal space of the cover to the outside. The mounting part is located above the second communication hole of the liquid container when it is mounted on the mounting part and may have a sensor that detects when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part.

[0031] The user can determine whether the liquid container is securely attached to the mounting section. When the liquid container is attached to the mounting section, the second communication hole prevents the sensor from coming into contact with the cover.

[0032] (14) The mounting portion may have a leaf switch for detecting that the liquid container has been mounted on the mounting portion. The leaf switch may be switched ON and OFF by contacting the front end of the liquid container as it moves forward through the internal space of the mounting portion.

[0033] The user can determine whether or not the liquid container is securely attached to the mounting part. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to this disclosure, even if liquid leaks from the supply pipe of the mounting part, the inside of the mounting part is less likely to be contaminated by the liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer 10. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a magnified view of the area surrounding the ink cartridge 30 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3]Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cartridge case 110 from the rear and right. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 being installed into the cartridge case 110. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cartridge case 110, seen from the rear and diagonally above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area including the ink receiving portion 182 at a nearby location. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the surrounding area, including the ink receiving section 182 at a close distance. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area including the ink receiving portion 182 at the separated position. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the cartridge case 110 from below. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the ink receiving section 182. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30, viewed from the front and left. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the ink cartridge 30 from the front and right. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the front surface 85A of the protrusion 85 is in contact with the rear surface 117B of the protrusion 117 when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the ink cartridge 30 installed in the cartridge case 110. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the protrusion 85 is in contact with the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 when the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the opening 105 of the cartridge case 110 closed by the cover 129. [Figure 17] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing how to remove the front cover 32 from the container body 31. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the cartridge case 110. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing the modified cartridge case 110 with the ink cartridge 30 installed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below are merely examples of how this disclosure can be materialized, and the embodiments may be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the ink cartridge 30 is detachable from the cartridge case 110 of the printer 10. Hereinafter, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the front. The direction opposite to the front is referred to as the rear. That is, the direction in which the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110 is referred to as the rear. The front and rear together are referred to as the front-rear direction. The vertical direction of the ink cartridge 30 is defined when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The left-right direction is defined when viewing the installed ink cartridge 30 from the front.

[0038] [Overview of Printer 10] The printer 10 includes a cartridge case 110, a sub-tank 120, an ink tube 20, a recording head 21, and an ink cartridge 30. The printer 10 is an inkjet recording device that records images by ejecting ink droplets from the recording head 21 onto paper based on an inkjet recording method. The printer 10 is, for example, an inkjet printer. The printer 10 is an example of a printing system.

[0039] An ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge case 110 has an opening 105 at its rear end. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward through the opening 105 into the internal space of the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 is then removed from the cartridge case 110 backward through the opening 105. Figure 2 shows the installed position of the ink cartridge 30 after it has been installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0040] The ink cartridge 30 stores ink usable by the printer 10. The ink cartridge 30 may also store a processing solution containing additives for improving image quality. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, it is connected to the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20. The recording head 21 ejects the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through multiple nozzles 29. Ink is an example of a liquid.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the printer 10 includes a paper feed tray 15, a paper feed roller 23, a transport roller pair 25, a platen 26, an output roller pair 27, and an output tray 16. The paper feed roller 23 feeds the paper on the paper feed tray 15 toward the transport path 24. The paper fed toward the transport path 24 reaches the transport roller pair 25. The transport roller pair 25 transports the paper that has reached the transport roller pair 25 toward the platen 26.

[0042] The recording head 21 selectively ejects ink onto the paper as it passes over the platen 26. This records an image onto the paper. The paper that has passed over the platen 26 reaches the output roller pair 27. The output roller pair 27 ejects the paper that has reached it to the output tray 16 located at the downstream end of the transport path 24.

[0043] [Cartridge Case 110] As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge case 110 comprises a case body 101, a supply pipe 102, and a rod 121. The cartridge case 110 is an example of a mounting part.

[0044] The case body 101 is box-shaped. The case body 101 has an internal space in which the ink cartridge 30 is installed. The case body 101 has an end surface 103, a left wall 101A, a right wall 101B, a bottom wall 101C, an top wall 101D, and a covering wall 171. The end surface 103 defines the front end in the installation direction when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the internal space of the case body 101. The left wall 101A defines the left end of the internal space of the case body 101. The right wall 101B defines the right end of the internal space of the case body 101. The bottom wall 101C defines the bottom end of the internal space of the case body 101. The top wall 101D defines the top end of the internal space of the case body 101. The covering wall 171 covers the pressing plate 134, which will be described later.

[0045] The cover wall 171 has an upper cover wall 172 facing upward and a rear cover wall 173 extending downward from the rear end of the upper cover wall 172. The internal space of the case body 101 has three partition walls 109 spaced apart in the left-right direction. The case body 101 has a slot 108 into which the ink cartridge 30 is installed.

[0046] Specifically, the case body 101 has four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D arranged horizontally. Slot 108A is located furthest to the right of the four slots 108 of the case body 101. Slot 108B is located to the left of slot 108A. Slot 108C is located to the left of slot 108B. Slot 108D is located to the left of slot 108C and is the leftmost of the four slots 108.

[0047] The case body 101 has three partition walls 109 that divide the internal space of the case body 101. The slot 108 is divided into slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D by the three partition walls 109 and the inner surface of the case body 101. The partition walls 109 extend upward from the upper surface of the covering wall 172 of the cover wall 171 to the lower surface of the upper wall 101D. The three partition walls 109 are positioned at equal intervals in the left-right direction. The partition walls 109 are flat plates that extend in the vertical and front-back directions. The partition walls 109 extend from the front end to the rear end of the covering wall 172.

[0048] The case body 101 has a guide surface 161. The guide surface 161 is located in the internal space of each slot 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The guide surface 161 faces upward. The guide surface 161 is generally a semicircular surface. When attaching or detaching the ink cartridge 30 to or from the case body 101, the guide surface 161 guides the ink cartridge 30 in the front-to-back direction. Also, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the case body 101, the guide surface 161 supports the lower end of the ink cartridge 30. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, there is a space 162 below the supply pipe 102.

[0049] The covering wall 171 is located below the end surface 103 of the case body 101. The covering wall 172 is a flat plate that extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The covering wall 172 extends from the left wall 101A to the right wall 101B of the case body 101.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the rear cover wall 173 extends downward from the rear end of the upper cover wall 172 to a position below the supply pipe 102. The rear cover wall 173 has a flat plate shape that expands in the vertical and horizontal directions. The rear cover wall 173 bends forward and extends downward at a position above the supply pipe 102. The rear cover wall 173 extends from the left wall 101A to the right wall 101B of the case body 101.

[0051] The rear wall 173 of the cover has four through-holes 144 positioned at equal intervals in the left-right direction. The four through-holes 144 correspond to four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. Supply pipes 102 are inserted through the four through-holes 144. The four supply pipes 102 protrude rearward from the rear wall 173 of the cover. A guide surface 161 is located below the supply pipes 102.

[0052] In the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, the covering wall 172 has a right groove 113 and a left groove 114. The right groove 113 is located at the right end of the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The left groove 114 is located at the left end of the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D.

[0053] The right groove 113 and the left groove 114 are recessed downward from the upper surface of the covering wall 172. The right groove 113 and the left groove 114 extend in the front-rear direction. The right groove 113 and the left groove 114 extend from the front end to the rear end of the covering wall 172. The rear ends of the right groove 113 and the left groove 114 open rearward on the rear surface of the rear covering wall 173. The two walls 71 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later, enter the right groove 113 and the left groove 114.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, in the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, there are protrusions 117 that project to the left from the right surface of the four right grooves 113. The protrusions are located slightly forward of the rear end of the right groove 113. The protrusions 117 are located at the lower end of the right surface of the right groove 113. The protruding length of the protrusions 117 is shorter than half the length of the right groove 113 in the left-right direction.

[0055] The front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, moving backward as it extends to the left. The rear surface 117B of the protrusion 117 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, moving forward as it extends to the left. The protruding end surface 117C of the protrusion 117 widens in the front-rear and up-down directions. The protrusion 117 is an example of a first protrusion. The front surface 117A is an example of a first front surface. The protruding end surface 117C is an example of a first protruding end surface.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, in the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, the first key slot 115 is located between the right groove 113 and the left groove 114 in the left-right direction. The first key slot 115 is a hole that penetrates the cover wall 172 in the vertical direction. The first key slot 115 extends from the front end to the rear end of the cover wall 172. The rear end of the first key slot 115 opens to the rear on the rear surface of the rear cover wall 173. The first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later, can enter the first key slot 115.

[0057] The first key slot 115 has a first key slot 115A that corresponds to slot 108A. The first key slot 115 has a first key slot 115B that corresponds to slot 108B. The first key slot 115 has a first key slot 115C that corresponds to slot 108C. The first key slot 115 has a first key slot 115D that corresponds to slot 108D.

[0058] The four first key slots 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D differ in their left-right position relative to the right groove 113 and left groove 114. Specifically, the first key slot 115A is located closer to the right groove 113 than to the left-right center of the right groove 113 and left groove 114. The first key slot 115B is located closer to the left groove 114 in slot 108B compared to the left-right position of the first key slot 115A.

[0059] The first key slot 115C is located closer to the left groove 114 in slot 108C compared to the left-right position of the first key slot 115B. The first key slot 115D is located closer to the left groove 114 in slot 108D compared to the left-right position of the first key slot 115C.

[0060] The covering wall 172 has a key communication hole 140 that communicates with the first key slot 115. The key communication hole 140 penetrates the covering wall 172 in the front-to-back direction. The upper end of the key communication hole 140 communicates with the lower end of the first key slot 115. The key communication hole 140 is rectangular in shape, elongated vertically when viewed from the front-to-back direction. The length of the key communication hole 140 in the left-to-right direction is longer than the length of the first key slot 115 in the left-to-right direction. The first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later, can enter the key communication hole 140.

[0061] In the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, there is a right rib 118 above the right groove 113. In the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, there is a left rib 119 above the left groove 114. In slot 108A, the right rib 118 protrudes to the left from the left face of the right wall 101B and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108B, the right rib 118 protrudes to the left from the left face of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108C, the right rib 118 protrudes to the left from the left face of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108D, the right rib 118 protrudes to the left from the left face of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The right rib 118 is an example of a rail.

[0062] In slot 108A, the left rib 119 protrudes to the right from the right side of the left partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108B, the left rib 119 protrudes to the right from the right side of the left partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108C, the left rib 119 protrudes to the right from the right side of the left partition wall 109 and extends in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108D, the left rib 119 protrudes to the right from the right side of the left wall 128 and extends in the front-to-back direction. The left rib 119 faces the right rib 118 in the left-to-right direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the case body 101 has a rear inclined wall 124 that extends downward from the lower end of the upper wall 101D. The rear inclined wall 124 extends in the left-right direction from the right surface of the left wall 101A to the left surface of the right wall 101B. The rear and front surfaces of the rear inclined wall 124 are inclined in the vertical direction so that they move forward as they move downward.

[0064] The second key slots 138 are located in positions corresponding to the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D on the rear-sloping wall 124. Specifically, the second key slot 138A is in slot 108A, the second key slot 138B is in slot 108B, the second key slot 138C is in slot 108C, and the second key slot 138D is in slot 108D.

[0065] The second key slot 138 is a hole that penetrates the rear inclined wall 124 in the front-to-back direction. The second key slot opens downward at the lower end of the rear inclined wall 124. The second key slot widens in the left-to-right direction as it extends downward. The lower end of the second key slot 138 is continuous with the internal space of the case body 101.

[0066] The three second key slots 138A, 138B, and 138C are located to the left of the left-right center of the three slots 108A, 108B, and 108C. The second key slot 138D is located to the right of the left-right center of slot 108D. The second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30 can pass through the second key slot 138. The second key slot 138 is an example of a second recess.

[0067] The locking part 139 is located slightly in front of the second key slot 138. The locking part 139 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the left-right direction. The locking part 139 is supported by the upper wall 101D. The locking part 139 coincides with the second key slot 138 in the vertical direction. In other words, the locking part 139 overlaps with the second key slot 138 when viewed from the front-rear direction. The locking part 139 is in contact with the locking surface 78F of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later.

[0068] The supply pipe 102 is located in the internal space of the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The supply pipe 102 is located below the four first key slots 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. The supply pipe 102 is a hollow circular tube. The supply pipe 102 extends in the front-rear direction from the sub-tank 120 toward the internal space of slot 108. The end of the supply pipe 102 opens toward the rear. The end of the supply pipe 102 is located in the internal space of the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D.

[0069] As shown in Figure 2, valve 102A is located in the internal space of supply pipe 102. Valve 102A opens and closes the opening 207 of supply pipe 102. Supply pipe 102 is connected to the supply port 34 of ink cartridge 30.

[0070] The front end of the supply pipe 102 is connected to the sub-tank 120. The sub-tank 120 has an internal space 120A that stores ink supplied from the ink cartridge 30 through the supply pipe 102. The internal space of the sub-tank 120 is open to the atmosphere at its top, communicating with the outside. The ink in the sub-tank 120 is supplied to the recording head 21 through the ink tube 20.

[0071] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the rod 121 is located above the four first key slots 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D. The rod 121 protrudes rearward from the end surface 103. The rod 121 is connected to the upper valve mechanism 504 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later.

[0072] Two mating pieces 123 and one mating piece 122 are located above the four first key slots 115A, 115B, 115C, and 115D and below the rod 121.

[0073] The two fitting pieces 123 are positioned with a gap between them in the vertical direction. In slot 108A, the two fitting pieces 123 protrude to the right from the right surface of the partition wall 109 and extend in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108B, the two fitting pieces 123 protrude to the right from the right surface of the left partition wall 109 and extend in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108C, the two fitting pieces 123 protrude to the right from the right surface of the left partition wall 109 and extend in the front-to-back direction. In slot 108C, the two fitting pieces 123 protrude to the right from the right surface of the left wall 101A and extend in the front-to-back direction.

[0074] The fitting piece 122 faces the two fitting pieces 123 in the left-right direction. The fitting piece 122 is located midway between the two fitting pieces 123 in the vertical direction. In slot 108A, the fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the right wall 101B and extends in the front-rear direction. In slot 108B, the fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-rear direction. In slot 108C, the fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-rear direction. In slot 108D, the fitting piece 122 protrudes to the left from the left surface of the right partition wall 109 and extends in the front-rear direction.

[0075] As shown in Figure 2, in the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, a contact 125 is located on the underside of the upper wall 101D of the case body 101. The contact 125 is electrically connected to the IC board 64 of the ink cartridge 30. Through the contact 125, the control unit of the printer 10 reads information stored on the IC board 64 of the ink cartridge 30 and records information on the IC board 64.

[0076] In the four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D, the mounting sensor 126 is located on the underside of the upper wall 101D of the case body 101. The mounting sensor 126 is located in front of the contact 125. The mounting sensor 126 is located at the front end of the underside of the upper wall 101D of the case body 101. The mounting sensor 126 extends downward from the underside of the upper wall 101D. The mounting sensor 126 is located above the through hole 90 of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge case 110, which will be described later. When the mounting sensor 126 detects the ink cartridge 30, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit of the printer 10. The mounting sensor 126 is an example of a sensor.

[0077] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the ink receiving mechanism 181 is located in the space 162 of the case body 101. The ink receiving mechanism 181 is located in four slots 108A, 108B, 108C, and 108D. The ink receiving mechanism 181 has an ink receiving section 182, a coil spring 183, and a pressure plate 134. The ink receiving section 182 is an example of a liquid receiving section.

[0078] The ink receiving section 182 is located below the supply pipe 102. The ink receiving section 182 receives ink dripping from the opening 207 of the supply pipe 102. Specifically, the ink receiving section 182 has a first rotating shaft 182A, a connecting wall 182B, a blocking wall 182C, a receiving wall 182D, and an upper rib 182E. The ink receiving section 182 further has a left opposing wall 182F and a right opposing wall 182G.

[0079] The first rotation axis 182A is located below the supply pipe 102. The first rotation axis 182A coincides with the front end of the supply pipe 102 in the longitudinal direction. The first rotation axis 182A extends in the lateral direction. The first rotation axis 182A is rotatably supported at the lower end of the rear cover wall 173.

[0080] The connecting wall 182B extends rearward from the first rotation axis 182A. The connecting wall 182B has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The rear end of the connecting wall 182B coincides in the front-rear direction with a portion of the supply pipe 102 that is located slightly forward of the center in the front-rear direction. The blocking wall 182C is located at the rear end of the connecting wall 182B. The blocking wall 182C has a flat plate shape that extends in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0081] The receiving wall 182D extends rearward from the rear surface of the barrier wall 182C. The receiving wall 182D is located in the vertical center of the barrier wall 182C. The receiving wall 182D has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D faces upward. The upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D is an example of a receiving surface. The rear end of the receiving wall 182D substantially coincides with the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102 in the front-rear direction.

[0082] Three lower ribs 191 are located extending downward from the lower surface of the receiving wall 182D. The three lower ribs 191 are positioned at equal intervals in the left-right direction. The three lower ribs 191 have a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The three lower ribs 191 extend from the rear end to the front end of the lower surface of the receiving wall 182D.

[0083] The upper rib 182E extends upward from the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The upper rib 182E is located in the left-right center of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The upper rib 182E has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The upper rib 182E extends from the rear end to the front end of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The length of the upper rib 182E in the up-down direction is longest at a point slightly behind the center in the front-rear direction. In other words, the upper rib 182E has a mountain shape with its apex 192 at a point slightly behind the center in the front-rear direction. The upper rib 182E is an example of a rib.

[0084] The left opposing wall 182F is located to the left of the upper rib 182E. The left opposing wall 182F is located at the left end of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The left opposing wall 182F extends upward from the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The left opposing wall 182F has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The left opposing wall 182F extends from the rear end to the front end of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The right surface of the left opposing wall 182F faces the left surface of the upper rib 182E in the left-right direction. The right surface of the left opposing wall 182F, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D, and the left surface of the upper rib 182E define the left ink flow path 193 through which the ink flows. The left surface of the left opposing wall 182F is flush with the left surface of the leftmost lower rib 191. The left ink channel 193 is an example of a channel.

[0085] The left discharge hole 194 is located at the rear end of the left opposing wall 182F. The left discharge hole 194 penetrates the left opposing wall 182F in the left-right direction. The left discharge hole 194 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the left discharge hole 194 opens upward at the upper end of the left opposing wall 182F. The lower end of the left discharge hole 194 opens downward at the lower end of the leftmost lower rib 191. The left discharge hole 194 communicates with the left ink flow path 193.

[0086] The right opposing wall 182G is located to the right of the upper rib 182E. The right opposing wall 182G is located at the right end of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The right opposing wall 182G extends upward from the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The right opposing wall 182G has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The right opposing wall 182G extends from the rear end to the front end of the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D. The left surface of the right opposing wall 182G is opposite the right surface of the upper rib 182E in the left-right direction. The left surface of the right opposing wall 182G, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D, and the right surface of the upper rib 182E define the right ink flow path 195 through which the ink flows. The right surface of the left opposing wall 182F is flush with the right surface of the rightmost lower rib 191. The right ink channel 195 is an example of a channel.

[0087] The right discharge hole 196 is located at the rear end of the right opposing wall 182G. The right discharge hole 196 penetrates the right opposing wall 182G in the left-right direction. The right discharge hole 196 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the right discharge hole 196 opens upward at the upper end of the right opposing wall 182G. The lower end of the right discharge hole 196 opens downward at the lower end of the rightmost lower rib 191. The right discharge hole 196 communicates with the right ink flow path 195.

[0088] The ink receiving section 182 is rotatable between a close position and a separated position around the first rotation axis 182A. As shown in Figure 6, the close position is the position where the rear end of the ink receiving section 182 is close to the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102. In the close position, the rear end of the ink receiving section 182 is located slightly behind the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102 in the front-rear direction. The close position is an example of the first position.

[0089] In close proximity, the portion of the upper rib 182E behind the vertex 192 at the top of the upper end extends in the front-rear direction. In close proximity, the portion of the upper rib 182E behind the vertex 192 at the top of the upper end is located slightly below the lower end of the supply pipe 102. In close proximity, the portion of the upper rib 182E in front of the vertex 192 at the top of the upper end inclined in the front-rear direction so as it moves forward. In close proximity, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D is inclined in the front-rear direction so as it moves forward so as it moves forward.

[0090] As shown in Figure 8, the separated position is the position where the rear end of the ink receiving section 182 is further down from the supply pipe 102 than the close position. In other words, the separated position is the position where the ink receiving section 182 has rotated downward from the close position around the first rotation axis 182A. In the separated position, the rear end of the ink receiving section 182 coincides with the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102 in the front-rear direction. In the separated position, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D is perpendicular to the direction of gravity. The separated position is an example of the second position.

[0091] The coil spring 183 is located to the left of the ink receiving portion 182. The coil spring 183 is compressible in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 9, the front end of the coil spring 183 is supported by a front support piece 184 that projects rearward from the rear surface of the rear cover wall 173 and extends downward. The rear end of the coil spring 183 is supported by a rear support piece 185. As shown in Figure 10, the rear support piece 185 projects rearward from the left surface of the leftmost lower rib 191 of the ink receiving portion 182. The rear support piece 185 is located at the rear end of the left surface of the leftmost lower rib 191. As shown in Figure 6, the coil spring 183 biases the ink receiving portion 182 to a close position.

[0092] The pressure plate 134 is located above the connecting wall 182B of the ink receiving section 182. The pressure plate 134 has a flat shape that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. When viewed from the front-to-back direction, the pressure plate 134 is a rectangle that is long in the vertical direction. The pressure plate 134 extends vertically from a position below the supply pipe 102 to a position above the supply pipe 102. The pressure plate 134 has a through hole 134A that penetrates in the front-to-back direction. The through hole 134A is an elongated hole that is long in the vertical direction. The supply pipe 102 extends in the front-to-back direction through the through hole 134A.

[0093] The lower end of the pressing plate 134 abuts against the upper surface of the connecting wall 182B. As shown in Figure 7, the lower end of the pressing plate 134 is sandwiched in the front-rear direction between the rear surface of the covering wall 173 and the front surfaces of the left regulating piece and the right regulating piece. This positions the pressing plate 134 in the front-rear direction. The left regulating piece is L-shaped, extending rearward from the rear surface of the covering wall 173 and extending to the right. The right regulating piece is L-shaped, extending rearward from the rear surface of the covering wall 173 and extending to the left.

[0094] The upper end of the pressing plate 134 is inserted into the key communication hole 140. This positions the pressing plate 134 in the left-right direction by the inner surface of the key communication hole 140. The upper end of the pressing plate 134 is located at the upper end of the key communication hole 140. The upper end 134B of the pressing plate 134 is inclined in the front-rear direction so as it is directed towards the rear.

[0095] The upper end 134B of the pressing plate 134 receives a downward pressing force from the first key portion 77 that enters the first key slot 115. When the pressing plate 134 receives a downward pressing force from the first key portion 77, it presses the upper surface of the connecting wall 182B downward. As a result, the ink receiving portion 182 rotates around the first rotation axis 182A from a close position to a separated position against the biasing force of the coil spring 183. When the downward pressing force from the first key portion 77 is released, the ink receiving portion 182 rotates around the first rotation axis 182A from the separated position to a close position due to the biasing force of the coil spring 183. At this time, the lower end of the pressing plate 134 is pushed upward by the upper surface of the connecting wall 182B. The pressing plate 134 is an example of a movable member. The downward direction is one example of the vertical direction.

[0096] [Ink Cartridge 30] As shown in Figure 2, the ink cartridge 30 is a container having an ink storage chamber 46 in which ink is stored. The following description assumes that the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 has a thin, flat, cubic shape, with its length in the left-right direction being smaller than its length in the up-down direction and its length in the front-back direction. The ink cartridge 30 is an example of a liquid container.

[0097] As shown in Figures 2, 11, and 12, the ink cartridge 30 has a container body 31, a supply unit 33, an operating unit 51, a second key unit 78, and a front cover 32. The container body 31 has a front wall 40, a rear wall 41, a left wall 42, a right wall 43, an upper wall 44, and a lower wall 45.

[0098] The front wall 40 is located at the front end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear surface 40A of the front wall 40 defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The front wall 40 has an upper front wall 40U and a lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U is located forward and above the lower front wall 40L. The upper front wall 40U has a cylindrical atmospheric communication section 502 that defines an atmospheric communication port 501. The atmospheric communication port 501 opens forward. The atmospheric communication section 502 extends rearward from the atmospheric communication port 501.

[0099] The upper valve mechanism 504 is located in the internal space of the atmospheric communication section 502. The upper valve mechanism 504 is movable in the front-rear direction between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is the position in which the upper valve mechanism 504 closes the atmospheric communication port 501. The open position is the position in which the upper valve mechanism 504 opens the atmospheric communication port 501. The upper valve mechanism 504 is biased to the closed position by an upper biasing member. The upper valve mechanism 504 moves to the open position by being connected to the rod 121. As a result, air can flow into the ink storage chamber 46 from the outside through the upper valve mechanism 504.

[0100] The lower front wall 40L has an L-shape that extends rearward from the lower end of the upper front wall 40U and bends downward. The rear surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the front end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface of the lower front wall 40L defines the lower end of the front end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0101] The rear wall 41 is located at the rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The rear wall 41 faces the front wall 40 in the front-rear direction. The front surface 41A of the rear wall 41 defines the rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 faces backward.

[0102] The left wall 42 is located at the left end of the ink cartridge 30. The left wall 42 is continuous with the left end of the front wall 40 and the left end of the rear wall 41. The right side of the left wall 42 defines the left end of the ink storage chamber 46. The left side 42A of the left wall 42 faces left. The left side 42A of the left wall 42 has a left protruding surface 42B. The left protruding surface 42B is located at the upper and rear end of the left side 42A. The left protruding surface 42B is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as it is directed towards the rear, it is directed to the left.

[0103] Two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are located at the front end of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L project to the left from the left surface 42A of the left wall 42. When viewed from the left, the two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are rectangular in shape, elongated in the vertical direction. The two left-hand engaging protrusions 52L are inserted into two left-hand through holes 58L of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0104] The right wall 43 is located at the right end of the ink cartridge 30. The right wall 43 is opposite the left wall 42 in the left-right direction. The right wall 43 is continuous with the right end of the front wall 40 and the right end of the rear wall 41. The left side of the right wall 43 defines the right end of the ink storage chamber 46. The right side 43A of the right wall 43 faces to the right. The right side 43A of the right wall 43 has a right projection surface 43B. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is located at the upper end and rear end of the right side 43A of the right wall 43. The right projection surface 43B of the right wall 43 is inclined in the front-rear direction so as it moves towards the rear, it moves to the right.

[0105] Two right-engaging projections 52R are located at the front end of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. The two right-engaging projections 52R are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R protrude to the right from the right surface 43A of the right wall 43. When viewed from the right, the two right-engaging projections 52R are elongated rectangles in the vertical direction. The two right-engaging projections 52R are inserted into two right-through holes 58R of the front cover 32, which will be described later.

[0106] The upper wall 44 is located at the upper end of the ink cartridge 30. The upper wall 44 is continuous with the upper ends of the front wall 40, the left wall 42, and the right wall 43. The lower surface 44A of the upper wall 44 defines the upper end of the ink storage chamber 46. The upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44 has an upward inclined surface 44C. The upward inclined surface 44C is located at the rear end of the upper surface 44B. The upward inclined surface 44C is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so that it is inclined upward as it is directed towards the rear.

[0107] The lower wall 45 is located at the lower and rear end of the ink cartridge 30. The lower wall 45 is opposite the upper wall 44 in the vertical direction. The lower wall 45 is continuous with the lower end of the rear wall 41, the lower end of the left wall 42, and the lower end of the right wall 43. The upper surface 45A and lower surface 45B of the lower wall 45 are inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so as they are directed forward and downward. The upper surface 45A of the lower wall 45 defines the lower and rear end of the ink storage chamber 46. The container body 31 is an example of a housing.

[0108] The supply unit 33 is located at the lower end of the ink cartridge 30. The supply unit 33 has a cylindrical shape that defines a supply port 34 that opens forward. The supply unit 33 is continuous with the lower end of the lower front wall 40L and the front end of the rear wall 41. The lower end of the supply unit 33 on its inner surface defines the lower end of the ink storage chamber 46.

[0109] The lower valve mechanism 12 is located in the internal space of the supply section 33. The lower valve mechanism 12 is movable in the front-rear direction between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is the position in which the lower valve mechanism 12 closes the supply port 34. The open position is the position in which the lower valve mechanism 12 opens the supply port 34. The lower valve mechanism 12 is biased to the closed position by a lower biasing member 37. The lower valve mechanism 12 moves to the open position by being connected to the supply pipe 102.

[0110] The operating section 51 is located at the upper and rear ends of the ink cartridge 30. The operating section 51 is hollow. The internal space of the operating section 51 communicates with the ink storage chamber 46. In other words, the inner surface 52 of the operating section 51 defines the ink storage chamber 46. The operating section 51 has an upper surface 51A, a left surface 51B, a right surface 51C, and a rear surface 51D.

[0111] The upper surface 51A faces upward. The upper surface 51A is located above the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The upper surface 51A is continuous with the upper inclined surface 44C. The left surface 51B faces left. The left surface 51B is continuous with the left edge of the upper surface 51A. The lower edge of the left surface 51B is inclined in the front-to-back direction so as it moves backward. The right surface 51C faces right. The right surface 51C is continuous with the right edge of the upper surface 51A. The lower edge of the right surface 51C is inclined in the front-to-back direction so as it moves backward. The rear surface 51D faces backward. The rear surface 51D is continuous with the rear edge of the upper surface 51A, the rear edge of the left surface 51B, and the rear edge of the right surface 51C.

[0112] A left recess 87 is located, extending to the right of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42 from the lower edge of the left surface 51B. The left recess 87 opens rearward between the upper edge of the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 and the lower edge of the rear surface 51D. The upper end of the left recess 87 is continuous with the lower edge of the left surface 51B and the lower edge of the rear surface 51D. The lower end of the left recess 87 is continuous with the upper edge of the left surface 42A of the left wall 42 and the upper edge of the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41.

[0113] A right recess 88 is located, extending to the left of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43 from the lower edge of the right surface 51C. The right recess 88 opens rearward between the upper edge of the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 and the lower edge of the rear surface 51D. The upper end of the right recess 88 is continuous with the lower edge of the right surface 51C and the lower edge of the rear surface 51D. The lower end of the right recess 88 is continuous with the upper edge of the right surface 43A of the right wall 43 and the upper edge of the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41.

[0114] The multiple left protrusions 59 are located to the left of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple left protrusions 59 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The multiple left protrusions 59 have an L-shape that extends continuously from the upper surface 51A to the left surface 51B.

[0115] The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 are located to the right of the center of the operating section 51 in the left-right direction. The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 are located at equal intervals in the front-rear direction. The multiple right-facing protrusions 60 have a continuous L-shape extending from the upper surface 51A to the right surface 51C.

[0116] The second key portion 78 protrudes upward from the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The second key portion 78 is located in front of the operating portion 51. The second key portion 78 is located to the left of the center in the left-right direction on the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The second key portion 78 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The second key portion 78 has a front inclined surface 78B, an upper end surface 78E, and a locking surface 78F.

[0117] The front inclined surface 78B is a surface that inclins in the front-rear direction so that it becomes upward as it approaches the rear. The leading edge of the front inclined surface 78B is continuous with the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The upper end surface 78E is located behind the front inclined surface 78B. The upper end surface 78E is a surface that extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The leading edge of the upper end surface 78E is continuous with the trailing edge of the front inclined surface 78B.

[0118] The locking surface 78F is located behind the upper end surface 78E. The locking surface 78F is a surface that is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical direction, slightly moving backward as it goes downward. The upper edge of the locking surface 78F is continuous with the rear edge of the upper end surface 78E. The lower edge of the locking surface 78F is continuous with the upper surface 44B of the upper wall 44. The locking surface 78F is in contact with the locking portion 139 when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The second key portion 78 is an example of a locking portion.

[0119] The front cover 32 is box-shaped and opens to the rear. The front cover 32 covers the front end of the container body 31. The front cover 32 covers the upper front wall 40U, the front end of the upper wall 44, the front end of the left wall 42, and the front end of the right wall 43 of the container body 31. Specifically, the front cover 32 has a front wall 53, a left wall 54, a right wall 55, an upper wall 56, and a lower wall 57.

[0120] The front wall 53 is located at the front end of the front cover 32. The left wall 54 extends rearward from the left end of the front wall 53. The right wall 55 extends rearward from the right end of the front wall 53. The right wall 55 faces the left wall 54 in the left-right direction. The upper wall 56 extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall 53. The lower wall 57 extends rearward from the lower end of the front wall 53. The lower wall 57 faces the upper wall 56 in the up-down direction.

[0121] The front wall 53, left wall 54, right wall 55, upper wall 56, and lower wall 57 demarcate the internal space of the front cover 32. The rear ends of the front wall 53, left wall 54, right wall 55, upper wall 56, and lower wall 57 demarcate the opening of the front cover 32. The front cover 32 is an example of a cover.

[0122] The vertical length of the internal space of the front cover 32 is slightly greater than the vertical length of the front end of the container body 31. The front-to-back length of the internal space of the front cover 32 is slightly greater than the front-to-back length of the front end of the container body 31. The left-to-right length of the internal space of the front cover 32 is slightly greater than the left-to-right length of the container body 31.

[0123] The left wall 54 has two left through-holes 58L that are separated vertically. The two left through-holes 58L are located at the rear end of the left wall 54. The two left through-holes 58L penetrate the left wall 54 horizontally. When viewed from the left, the two left through-holes 58L are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0124] The vertical length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the vertical length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The front-to-back length of the two left through holes 58L is longer than the front-to-back length of the two left engaging projections 52L. The two left engaging projections 52L are inserted into the two left through holes 58L with some play. The left engaging projections 52L are an example of an engaging portion. The left through holes 58L are an example of an engaged portion.

[0125] The right wall 55 has two right through holes 58R that are separated vertically. The two right through holes 58R are located at the rear end of the right wall 55. The two right through holes 58R penetrate the right wall 55 horizontally. When viewed from the right, the two right through holes 58R are rectangular in shape, elongated vertically.

[0126] The vertical length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the vertical length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The front-to-back length of the two right through holes 58R is longer than the front-to-back length of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. The two right engaging protrusions 52R are inserted into the two right through holes 58R with some play. This maintains the front cover 32 in the attached state on the container body 31. Insertion is an example of engagement.

[0127] The two left through holes 58L are larger than the outer shape of the two left engaging protrusions 52L. The two right through holes 58R are larger than the outer shape of the two right engaging protrusions 52R. Therefore, when the front cover 32 is attached to the container body 31, it is slightly movable relative to the container body 31 in the vertical, front-back, and left-right directions.

[0128] An IC substrate 64 is located on the upper wall 56. The IC substrate 64 extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The IC substrate 64 is located above the supply port 34. The IC substrate 64 is a substrate made of, for example, silicone or glass epoxy, on which an IC and three electrodes 61 are mounted. Note that the IC is not shown in the drawing. The three electrodes 61 face upwards. Note that the IC substrate 64 may be a flexible substrate.

[0129] The IC substrate 64 is bonded to the upper wall 56 of the front cover 32, for example, with a photocurable resin. The IC substrate 64 may also be bonded to the front cover 32 with an adhesive other than a photocurable resin. Furthermore, the IC substrate 64 may be attached to the front cover 32 by means other than bonding, such as fitting.

[0130] The three electrodes 61 of the IC board 64 come into contact with the contacts 125 during the process of inserting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge case 110. Furthermore, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the IC board 64 comes into contact with the contacts 125 and becomes electrically conductive.

[0131] An IC is a semiconductor integrated circuit. Information about the ink cartridge 30 is stored in the IC in a readable format. This information about the ink cartridge 30 includes data such as the lot number, manufacturing date, and ink color.

[0132] The three electrodes 61 are electrically connected to the IC. The three electrodes 61 extend in the front-to-back direction. The three electrodes 61 are arranged on the upper surface of the IC substrate 64 at equal intervals in the left-to-right direction. The three electrodes 61 are exposed on the upper surface of the IC substrate 64 in an electrically accessible manner.

[0133] The upper wall 56 has a through-hole 90 that penetrates vertically. The through-hole 90 is located in front of the IC substrate 64. Below the through-hole 90 is an atmospheric communication section 502. The through-hole 90 is an example of a second communication hole.

[0134] On the upper wall 56, guide pieces 91 extending in the front-to-back direction protrude upward from near both ends in the left-to-right direction. An IC substrate 64 is located between one guide piece 91 and the other guide piece 91 in the left-to-right direction. The guide pieces 91 function as guides for the front cover 32 to move in the front-to-back direction when the front cover 32 is inserted into the cartridge case 110.

[0135] The lower surface 70 of the lower wall 57 is located above and in front of the supply opening 34. The lower surface 70 is a plane that extends rearward from the lower end of the front wall 53. The lower surface 70 is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as it extends downward towards the rear.

[0136] The front cover 32 has a left lower wall 71L and a right lower wall 71R. The left lower wall 71L extends downward from the left end of the bottom surface 70. The left lower wall 71L has a flat plate shape that extends in the vertical and front-rear directions. The left lower wall 71L extends from the front end to the rear end of the bottom surface 70. The left lower inclined surface 72L located at the front end of the left lower wall 71L constitutes part of the front surface 75 of the front wall 53. The left lower inclined surface 72L is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves towards the rear as it moves upward.

[0137] The lower right wall 71R extends downward from the right end of the bottom surface 70. The lower right wall 71R has a flat plate shape that extends in the vertical and front-to-back directions. The lower right wall 71R extends from the front end to the rear end of the bottom surface 70. The lower right inclined surface 72R located at the front end of the lower right wall 71R constitutes part of the front surface 75 of the front wall 53. The lower right inclined surface 72R is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves towards the rear as it moves upward.

[0138] The lower right wall 71R has a protrusion 85 that projects to the right from its right surface. The protrusion 85 is located at the front and lower ends of the right surface of the lower right wall 71R. The front surface 85A of the protrusion 85 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, moving backward as it moves to the right. The rear surface 85B of the protrusion 85 widens in the vertical and left-right directions. The protruding end surface 85C of the protrusion 85 widens in the front-rear and vertical directions. The protruding end surface 85C is an example of a second protruding end surface.

[0139] On the left wall 54, there is a left groove 74L that extends in the front-rear direction slightly above the left lower wall 71L. The left groove 74L has a concave shape that recesses to the right from the left surface 54A of the left wall 54. The left groove 74L extends from the front end to the rear end of the left wall 54. The front end of the left groove 74L opens forward on the front surface 75 of the front wall 53. The left rib 119 can be inserted into the left groove 74L from the front.

[0140] The lower end of the front end of the left lower wall 71L is connected to the left lower inclined surface 72L of the left lower wall 71L. The left lower inclined surface 72L is a guide for guiding the right rib 118 of the cartridge case 110 into the left groove 74L. The left groove 74L has a length that can accommodate the right rib 118. The vertical length of the left groove 74L is longer than the vertical length of the right rib 118. The front cover 32 is positioned vertically by the contact of the inner surface of the left groove 74L with the right rib 118. The left groove 74L is an example of a first recess. The left surface 54A is an example of a first surface. The right side is an example of one side in the left-right direction.

[0141] The right wall 55 has a right groove 74R that extends in the front-rear direction, slightly above the right lower wall 71R. The right groove 74R has a concave shape that recesses to the right from the right surface 55A of the right wall 55. The right groove 74R extends from the front end to the rear end of the right wall 55. The front end of the right groove 74R opens forward on the front surface 75 of the front wall 53. The right rib 118 can be inserted into the right groove 74R from the front.

[0142] The lower end of the front end of the lower right wall 71R is connected to the lower right inclined surface 72R of the lower right wall 71R. The lower right inclined surface 72R is a guide for guiding the left rib 119 of the cartridge case 110 into the right groove 74R. The right groove 74R has a length that can accommodate the left rib 119. The vertical length of the right groove 74R is longer than the vertical length of the left rib 119. The front cover 32 is positioned vertically by the inner surface of the right groove 74R contacting the right rib 118.

[0143] The front surface 75 of the front wall 53 has an upper front surface 75U and a lower front surface 75L. The front surface 75 is an example of a second front surface. The upper front surface 75U is located at the top of the front surface 75. The upper front surface 75U has a through hole 76. Part of the upper valve mechanism 504 is exposed to the outside through the through hole 76. The front end of the through hole 76 is located in front of the supply port 34 of the supply unit 33.

[0144] The lower front surface 75L is located below the upper front surface 75U. The lower front surface 75L is located in front of the upper front surface 75U. The upper edge of the lower front surface 75L connects to the lower edge of the upper front surface 75U via a stepped surface. The lower front surface 75L has a central surface 81, an upper left inclined surface 82L, a left middle inclined surface 83L, a lower left inclined surface 72L, and a left connecting surface 84L. The lower front surface 75L further has an upper right inclined surface 82R, a right middle inclined surface 83R, a lower right inclined surface 72R, and a right connecting surface 84R. The central surface 81 is located in the left-right center of the lower front surface 75L. The central surface 81 is a surface that extends in the vertical and left-right directions. The central surface 81 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the lower front surface 75L.

[0145] The upper left inclined surface 82L is located at the left end of the lower front surface 75L. The upper left inclined surface 82L is inclined vertically so as it extends downward from the upper edge of the lower front surface 75L towards the rear. The upper edge of the upper left inclined surface 82L is continuous with the upper edge of the central surface 81. The upper left inclined surface 82L is slightly inclined horizontally so as it extends slightly backward to the right. The right edge of the upper left inclined surface 82L is inclined vertically so as it extends downward towards the left. The lower edge of the upper left inclined surface 82L connects to the front and upper end of the left groove 74L.

[0146] The upper left inclined surface 82L is a guide for guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the upper left inclined surface 82L comes into contact with the rear end of the left rib 119, guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. The upper left inclined surface 82L is an example of a first inclined surface.

[0147] The left intermediate inclined surface 83L is located between the central surface 81 and the upper left inclined surface 82L. The upper edge of the left intermediate inclined surface 83L is continuous with the upper and left edge of the central surface 81 and the upper and right edge of the upper left inclined surface 82L. The right edge of the left intermediate inclined surface 83L is continuous with the left edge of the central surface 81. The left edge of the left intermediate inclined surface 83L is continuous with the right edge of the upper left inclined surface 82L. The left intermediate inclined surface 83L is inclined in the left-right direction so that it moves backward as it extends to the left from the left edge of the central surface 81. The left intermediate inclined surface 83L is connected to the front end of the left groove 74L.

[0148] The left intermediate inclined surface 83L is a guide for guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the left intermediate inclined surface 83L comes into contact with the rear end of the left rib 119, guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. The left intermediate inclined surface 83L is an example of a third inclined surface.

[0149] The lower left inclined surface 72L is located at the lower end and left end of the lower front surface 75L. The upper edge of the lower left inclined surface 72L connects to the front end and lower end of the left groove 74L. The lower left inclined surface 72L is a guide for guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the lower left inclined surface 72L contacts the rear end of the left rib 119, guiding the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. The lower left inclined surface 72L is an example of a second inclined surface.

[0150] The left connecting surface 84L is located at the leftmost and lowermost end of the lower front surface 75L. The left connecting surface 84L connects the right edge of the left lower inclined surface 72L and the lower edge of the left middle inclined surface 83L.

[0151] The upper right inclined surface 82R is located at the right end of the lower front surface 75L. The upper right inclined surface 82R is inclined vertically so as it extends downward from the upper edge of the lower front surface 75L, it moves backward. The upper edge of the upper right inclined surface 82R is continuous with the upper edge of the central surface 81. The upper right inclined surface 82R is slightly inclined horizontally so as it extends slightly backward to the left. The left edge of the upper right inclined surface 82R is inclined vertically so as it extends downward to the right. The lower edge of the upper right inclined surface 82R connects to the front and upper end of the right groove 74R.

[0152] The upper right inclined surface 82R is a guide for guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the upper right inclined surface 82R comes into contact with the rear end of the right rib 118, guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R.

[0153] The right intermediate inclined surface 83R is located between the central surface 81 and the upper right inclined surface 82R. The upper edge of the right intermediate inclined surface 83R is continuous with the upper and right edge of the central surface 81 and the upper and left edge of the upper right inclined surface 82R. The left edge of the right intermediate inclined surface 83R is continuous with the right edge of the central surface 81. The right edge of the right intermediate inclined surface 83R is continuous with the left edge of the upper right inclined surface 82R. The right intermediate inclined surface 83R is inclined in the left-right direction so that it moves backward as it moves to the right from the right edge of the central surface 81. The right intermediate inclined surface 83R is connected to the front end of the left groove 74L.

[0154] The right intermediate inclined surface 83R is a guide for guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the right intermediate inclined surface 83R comes into contact with the rear end of the right rib 118, guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R.

[0155] The lower right inclined surface 72R is located at the lower and right end of the lower front surface 75L. The upper edge of the lower right inclined surface 72R connects to the front and lower end of the right groove 74R. The lower right inclined surface 72R is a guide for guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R. Specifically, during the process of installing the ink cartridge 30, the lower right inclined surface 72R contacts the rear end of the right rib 118, guiding the right rib 118 into the right groove 74R.

[0156] The right connecting surface 84R is located at the rightmost and bottommost end of the lower front surface 75L. The right connecting surface 84R connects the left edge of the right lower inclined surface 72R and the lower edge of the right middle inclined surface 83R.

[0157] The first key portion 77 is located on the lower surface 70 of the front cover 32. The first key portion 77 is located above the supply port 34 and below the upper surface of the electrodes 61 of the IC substrate 64. The front end of the first key portion 77 is located in front of the front end of the electrodes 61. The first key portion 77 is located below the through hole 76.

[0158] The first key portion 77 is located between the left lower wall 71L and the right lower wall 71R in the left-right direction. The first key portion 77 is located slightly to the right of the center of the lower surface 70 in the left-right direction. The first key portion 77 extends downward from the lower surface 70. The first key portion 77 has a flat plate shape that extends in the front-rear and up-down directions. The first key portion 77 extends from the front edge to the rear edge of the lower surface 70.

[0159] The length of the first key portion 77 in the left-right direction is slightly shorter than the length of the first key slot 115 in the left-right direction. The length of the first key portion 77 in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the first key slot 115 in the up-down direction. As a result, the first key portion 77 can enter the first key slot 115 and the key communication hole 140 from the rear. In this embodiment, the first key portion 77 can enter the first key slot 115B and the key communication hole 140 of slot 108B.

[0160] The front cover 32 has a left recess 79L and a right recess 79R. The left recess 79L is located in the vertical center of the front cover 32. The left recess 79L has a concave shape that recesses to the right from the left surface 54A of the left wall 54. When viewed from the left, the left recess 79L is a long rectangle in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the left recess 79L is located slightly in front of the two left through holes 58L. The front end of the left recess 79L opens forward at the upper front surface 75U. This allows the two fitting pieces 123 to enter the left recess 79L when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. The left recess 79L is an example of a third recess. The fitting piece 123 is an example of a first protruding piece.

[0161] The left recess 79L has a left communication hole 80L. The left communication hole 80L opens at the rear end of the left recess 79L. The left communication hole 80L connects the internal space of the front cover 32 to the outside. When viewed from the front, the left communication hole 80L is a long rectangle in the vertical direction. The left communication hole 80L is located midway between the two left through holes 58L in the vertical direction. The left communication hole 80L is an example of a first communication hole.

[0162] The front cover 32 has a left third key portion 81L that protrudes to the left from the bottom surface of the left recess 79L. The left third key portion 81L is located in the vertical center of the bottom surface of the left recess 79L. The left third key portion 81L extends rearward from the front edge of the bottom surface of the left recess 79L. The rear end of the left third key portion 81L is located slightly rearward from the front-to-back center of the bottom surface of the left recess 79L. In other words, the rear end of the left third key portion 81L is not connected to the rear end of the left recess 79L.

[0163] The left third key portion 81L is located between the two fitting pieces 123 in the vertical direction when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. In other words, the left third key portion 81L does not overlap with the two fitting pieces 123 in the vertical direction. The left third key portion 81L is an example of a second protruding piece.

[0164] The right recess 79R is located in the vertical center of the front cover 32. The right recess 79R has a concave shape that recesses to the left from the right surface 55A of the right wall 55. When viewed from the right, the right recess 79R is a long rectangle in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the right recess 79R is located slightly in front of the two right through holes 58R. The front end of the right recess 79R opens forward at the upper front surface 75U. This allows the fitting piece 122 to enter the right recess 79R when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0165] The right recess 79R has a right communication hole 80R. The right communication hole 80R opens at the rear end of the right recess 79R. The right communication hole 80R connects the internal space of the front cover 32 to the outside. When viewed from the front, the right communication hole 80R is a long rectangle in the vertical direction. The right communication hole 80R is located midway between the two right through holes 58R in the vertical direction.

[0166] The front cover 32 has two right third key portions 81R that project to the right from the bottom surface of the right recess 79R. The two right third key portions 81R are spaced apart in the vertical direction. The upper right third key portion 81R is located at the upper end of the bottom surface of the right recess 79R. The lower right third key portion 81R is located at the lower end of the bottom surface of the right recess 79R. The two right third key portions 81R extend rearward from the front edge of the bottom surface of the right recess 79R. The rear ends of the two right third key portions 81R are located slightly rearward from the center of the bottom surface of the right recess 79R in the front-to-back direction. In other words, the rear ends of the two right third key portions 81R are not connected to the rear end of the right recess 79R.

[0167] When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the fitting piece 122 is positioned between the two right third key portions 81R in the vertical direction. In other words, the two right third key portions 81R do not overlap with the fitting piece 122 in the vertical direction.

[0168] [Installing ink cartridge 30 into cartridge case 110] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted forward into a predetermined slot 108 in the cartridge case 110. The four slots 108 are inserted from right to left, with ink cartridges 30 containing magenta, cyan, yellow, and black inks respectively. In the following example, the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into slot 108A.

[0169] The user pushes the rear surface 41B of the rear wall 41 of the ink cartridge 30 forward with their fingers and inserts the ink cartridge 30 forward toward the cartridge case 110. The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the slot 108A through the opening 112 of the case body 101. The lower end of the inserted ink cartridge 30 is supported by the guide surface 161 of the case body 101 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0170] Before the supply port 34 reaches the supply pipe 102, the second key portion 78 of the ink cartridge 30 enters below the second key slot 138 of the case body 101. At this time, the front inclined surface 78B of the second key portion 78 comes into contact with the lock portion 139, applying a downward force to the ink cartridge 30. This downward force applied to the front inclined surface 78B of the second key portion 78 causes the ink cartridge 30 to rotate clockwise.

[0171] At this time, as shown in Figure 4, the lower left wall 71L enters the left groove 114, and the lower right wall 71R enters the right groove 113. Simultaneously, the first key portion 77 enters the first key slot 115. At this time, as shown in Figure 13, the front surface 85A of the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 comes into contact with the rear surface 117B of the protrusion 117 of the case body 101. When the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 comes into contact with the rear surface 117B of the protrusion 117, it is guided by the rear surface 117B to the protruding end surface 117C. As a result, the impact when the front surface 85A of the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 comes into contact with the rear surface 117B of the protrusion 117 is reduced by the rear surface 117B.

[0172] At the same time, the left rib 119 of the case body 101 comes into contact with the lower left inclined surface 72L or the upper left inclined surface 82L of the front cover 32. This guides the ink cartridge 30 vertically as it moves forward. Simultaneously, the right rib 118 of the case body 101 comes into contact with the lower right inclined surface 72R or the upper right inclined surface 82R of the front cover 32. This guides the ink cartridge 30 vertically as it moves forward. As a result, the left rib 119 smoothly enters the left groove 74L, and the right rib 118 smoothly enters the right groove 74R. Consequently, the front cover 32 is positioned vertically relative to the cartridge case 110.

[0173] At the same time, the left rib 119 of the case body 101 comes into contact with the left middle inclined surface 83L of the front cover 32. Simultaneously, the right rib 118 of the case body 101 comes into contact with the right middle inclined surface 83R of the front cover 32. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the left-right direction as it moves forward. Consequently, the first key section 77 moves smoothly forward through the first key slot 115, and the second key section 78 moves smoothly forward through the second key slot 138.

[0174] Furthermore, as the ink cartridge 30 moves further forward, the front inclined surface 78B and the upper end surface 78E of the second key portion 78 come into contact with the lock portion 139 in sequence. When the front inclined surface 78B is in contact with the lock portion 139, a downward and backward force acts on the container body 31. When the upper end surface 78E is in contact with the lock portion 139, a downward force acts on the container body 31.

[0175] Simultaneously, the first key portion 77 contacts the upper end 134B of the pressing plate 134. As a result, the first key portion 77 pushes the pressing plate 134 downward. The downwardly pushed pressing plate 134 presses downward against the upper surface of the connecting wall 182B of the ink receiving portion 182. Consequently, as shown in Figures 6 and 8, the ink receiving portion 182 moves from a close position to a separated position against the biasing force of the coil spring 183.

[0176] As the ink cartridge 30 moves further forward, the fitting piece 122 of the case body 101 enters between the two right third key portions 81R of the front cover 32, as shown in Figure 14. At the same time, the left third key portion 81L of the front cover 32 enters between the two fitting pieces 123 of the case body 101.

[0177] At this time, the supply port 34 is connected to the supply pipe 102. The supply pipe 102 moves the lower valve mechanism 12 from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37. As a result, the ink storage chamber 46 of the ink cartridge 30 and the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120 are connected. Consequently, the ink from the ink storage chamber 46 is supplied to the internal space 120A of the sub-tank 120.

[0178] At the same time, the rod 121 is connected to the upper valve mechanism 504. At this time, the rod 121 moves the upper valve mechanism 504 from the closed position to the open position against the biasing force of the upper biasing member. As a result, the atmospheric communication port 501 is opened and air flows into the ink storage chamber 46 from the outside.

[0179] At this time, the locking surface 78F of the second key portion 78 is positioned in front of the locking portion 139. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is no longer subjected to a downward force from the locking portion 139, and rotates upward around the supply port 34. This causes the locking surface 78F of the second key portion 78 and the locking portion 139 to face each other in the front-rear direction.

[0180] When the user releases their fingers from the ink cartridge 30, the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37 and the upper biasing member causes the ink cartridge 30 to move backward. As a result, the locking surface 78F comes into contact with the locking portion 139. This holds the ink cartridge 30 in the installed state within the cartridge case 110.

[0181] At this time, the electrodes 61 of the IC substrate 64 come into contact with the contact 125 and become electrically conductive. The contact 125 applies downward contact pressure to the electrodes 61. However, the downward movement of the front cover 32 is restricted by the left rib 119 that contacts the left groove 74L and the right rib 118 that contacts the right groove 74R, so the front cover 32 does not move downward.

[0182] Finally, as shown in Figure 16, the user closes the opening 105 of the cartridge case 110 with the cover 129. The cover 129 is rotatable around a second pivot axis 129A that extends in the left-right direction. The second pivot axis 129A is rotatably supported at the lower end of the printer 10. When the cover 129 is closed, two protruding pieces 129B that project forward from the front of the cover 129 are inserted from the rear into the left recess 87 and the right recess 88 of the ink cartridge 30. The 129C of the two protruding pieces 129B are inclined vertically so that they are angled upwards and backwards.

[0183] Next, we will explain the movement of the ink cartridge 30 when it is removed from the cartridge case 110.

[0184] The installed ink cartridge 30 can rotate downward around the supply port 34. As the ink cartridge 30 rotates, the locking surface 78F and the locking part 139 come into contact or separate in the vertical direction.

[0185] First, the user rotates the cover 129 to open the opening 105 of the cartridge case 110. Next, the user presses down on the upper surface 51A of the operating section 51 of the ink cartridge 30 with their finger. This causes the ink cartridge 30 to rotate downward around the supply port 34. As a result, the locking surface 78F and the locking section 139 separate vertically. Then, when the user releases their finger from the upper surface 51A of the operating section 51, the ink cartridge 30 moves slightly backward due to the biasing force of the lower biasing member 37 and the biasing force of the upper biasing member.

[0186] At this time, as shown in Figure 15, the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 comes into contact with the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 of the case body 101. At this time, the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 is guided to the protruding end surface 117C by the front surface 117A. The impact when the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 comes into contact with the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 is mitigated by the front surface 117A. When the protruding end surface 85C of the protrusion 85 comes into contact with the protruding end surface 117C of the protrusion 117, the left surface of the lower left wall 71L comes into contact with the inner surface of the left groove 114, and the movement of the ink cartridge 30 stops.

[0187] At this time, the supply pipe 102 is located at the supply port 34. This prevents ink from splashing out of the ink cartridge 30 from the supply pipe 102 due to the impact of contact between the protrusion 117 and the protrusion 85, and the supply unit 33 prevents this. Protrusion 117 is an example of a first protrusion. Protrusion 85 is an example of a second protrusion.

[0188] Furthermore, at this time, the front end of the first key portion 77 is in contact with the upper end 134B of the pressing plate 134. This weakens the force with which the pressing plate 134 presses downward on the upper surface of the connecting wall 182B. As a result, the ink receiving portion 182 stops in a state where it has rotated slightly from the separated position to the close position due to the biasing force of the coil spring 183. Therefore, the recoil when the ink receiving portion 182 returns from the separated position to the close position due to the biasing force of the coil spring 183 is suppressed.

[0189] Next, the user grasps the left side 51B and right side 51C of the operating unit 51 and pulls the ink cartridge 30 backward. This removes the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110. As a result, the ink receiving unit 182 rotates to the close position. At this time, the upper rib 182E of the ink receiving unit 182 comes into contact with the ink droplets adhering to the rear end of the supply pipe 102. As a result, the splashing of ink due to the recoil of the ink receiving unit 182 returning from the close position to the separated position is suppressed.

[0190] [Effects of this embodiment] In the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed, the pressing plate 134 moves downward by contacting the first key portion 77 of the ink cartridge 30. As a result, the ink receiving portion 182 moves from the proximity position to a position further away from the supply pipe 102 than the distanced position. Therefore, the user can install the supply port 34 onto the supply pipe 102.

[0191] On the other hand, the user can remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110 by moving the ink cartridge 30 backward from its installed position. When the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110, the ink cartridge 30 separates from the pressure plate 134. As a result, the ink receiving portion 182 moves from the separated position to the close position due to the biasing force of the coil spring 183. At this time, even if ink drips from the opening 207 of the supply pipe 102, the ink receiving portion 182 receives the ink in the close position. Therefore, the inside of the cartridge case 110 is less likely to be contaminated with ink. In addition, since the upper rib 182E comes into contact with the ink droplet in the close position, splashing of ink due to the recoil of the ink receiving portion 182 returning from the close position to the separated position is suppressed.

[0192] In the above embodiment, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D at the nearest position is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction so as it moves forward, it moves downward. As a result, the ink received by the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D collects forward and downward. Therefore, ink is less likely to adhere to the ink cartridge 30 that is newly installed in the cartridge case 110.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the left surface of the upper rib 182E, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D, and the right surface of the left opposing wall 182F define the left ink flow path 193 through which the ink flows. As a result, the ink received by the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D tends to accumulate forward and downward.

[0194] In the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is removed, the protruding end surface 85C of the protrusion 85 of the front cover 32 contacts the protruding end surface 117C of the protrusion 117 of the case body 101. This stops the ink cartridge 30. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is prevented from moving rapidly backward from the pressure plate 134. Consequently, the speed at which the ink receiving portion 182 returns from the separated position to the close position becomes slower. As a result, the splashing of ink from the supply pipe 102 due to the recoil of the ink receiving portion 182 returning from the separated position to the close position is prevented.

[0195] In the above embodiment, when the protruding end face 85C of the protrusion 85 contacts the protruding end face 117C of the protrusion 117, the supply pipe 102 is located at the supply port 34. Therefore, the supply unit 33 prevents ink from splashing out of the supply pipe 102 to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 due to the impact when the protrusion 85 contacts the protrusion 117.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction, so as it moves to the left, it moves backward. Therefore, when the protrusion 85 contacts the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 from the front, the protrusion 85 is guided by the front surface 117A to the protruding end surface 117C of the protrusion 117. As a result, the impact when the protrusion 85 contacts the protrusion 117 from the front when the ink cartridge 30 is removed from the cartridge case 110 is reduced. Consequently, the impact when the protrusion 85 contacts the protrusion 117 from the front prevents ink from splashing out of the supply pipe 102. The user can easily remove the ink cartridge 30 from the cartridge case 110.

[0197] In the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed, the left rib 119 is guided into the left groove 74L by contacting the upper left inclined surface 82L or the lower right inclined surface 72R. As a result, the vertical position of the ink cartridge 30 relative to the case body 101 is determined as the ink cartridge 30 moves forward. This makes it easy for the user to insert the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L. Consequently, it is easy for the user to install the ink cartridge 30 into the case body 101.

[0198] In the above embodiment, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed, the left rib 119 is guided to the left groove 74L by contacting the left middle inclined surface 83L of the ink cartridge 30. As a result, the left-right position of the ink cartridge 30 relative to the case body 101 is determined as the ink cartridge 30 moves forward. As a result, the second key portion 78 passes smoothly forward through the second key slot 138.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the left engaging projection 52L is inserted into the left through hole 58L with some play. The right engaging projection 52R is inserted into the right through hole 58R with some play. As a result, the front cover 32 is prone to shifting vertically relative to the container body 31 when it comes into contact with the left rib 119. In the above embodiment, the vertical position of the front cover 32 relative to the case body 101 is determined as the ink cartridge 30 moves forward. As a result, the user can easily insert the left rib 119 into the left groove 74L.

[0200] In the above embodiment, the front cover 32 has a left communication hole 80L at the rear end of the left recess 79L. The front cover 32 has a right communication hole 80R at the rear end of the right recess 79R. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17, the user pushes the front cover 32 outward in the left-right direction using two jigs 227. Specifically, first the user inserts the two jigs 227 into the left communication hole 80L and the right communication hole 80R. Then the user moves the two jigs 227 in the direction of the arrows in Figure 16, pressing the left wall 54 to the left and the right wall 55 to the right. This pushes the front cover 32 outward in the left-right direction. Therefore, the user can easily disengage the left engaging projection 52L and the right engaging projection 52R from the left through hole 58L and the right through hole 58R. Thus, the user can easily remove the front cover 32 from the container body 31.

[0201] In the above embodiment, the left third key portion 81L and the two fitting pieces 123 function as key members when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the case body 101. The left third key portion 81L is not connected to the rear end of the left recess 79L. Therefore, the impact when the ink cartridge 30 is accidentally dropped is suppressed from being transmitted to the left engaging projection 52L and the left through hole 58L via the left third key portion 81L. As a result, the inner surfaces of the left engaging projection 52L and the left through hole 58L are less likely to be damaged.

[0202] In the above embodiment, the cartridge case 110 has an installation sensor 126. This allows it to determine whether or not the ink cartridge 30 is securely installed in the cartridge case 110. The installation sensor 126 is located above the through-hole 90 of the ink cartridge 30 when it is installed in the cartridge case 110. Therefore, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110, the through-hole 90 prevents the installation sensor 126 from contacting the front cover 32.

[0203] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the proximity position is the position where the rear end of the ink receiving portion 182 is close to the rear end 102B of the supply pipe 102. However, the proximity position may also be the position where the upper rib 182E of the ink receiving portion 182 is in contact with the rear end of the ink receiving portion 182.

[0204] In the above embodiment, the pressing plate 134 rotates the ink receiving portion 182 from a close position to a separated position by being pushed downward. However, the pressing plate 134 may also rotate the ink receiving portion 182 from a close position to a separated position by being pushed upward. In this case, for example, the pressing plate 134 may rotate the ink receiving portion 182 from a close position to a separated position by engaging with the first rotation axis 182A of the ink receiving portion 182.

[0205] In the above embodiment, the ink receiving portion 182 returns from the separated position to the close position by the biasing force of the coil spring 183. However, the ink receiving portion 182 may also return from the separated position to the close position by, for example, a pressing plate 134 biased by a biasing member.

[0206] In the above embodiment, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D at the proximity position is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction so as it moves forward. However, the upper surface 190 of the receiving wall 182D at the proximity position may be horizontal, for example. In this case, the ink receiving portion 182 may move between the proximity position and the distanced position by moving, for example, in the vertical direction.

[0207] In the above embodiment, the ink receiving section 182 has a left opposing wall 182F and a right opposing wall 182G. However, the left opposing wall 182F and the right opposing wall 182G may be omitted. Alternatively, one of the left opposing wall 182F and the right opposing wall 182G may be omitted.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 117 of the case body 101 protrudes to the left from the right surface of the right groove 113. However, the protrusion 117 only needs to protrude in one direction from the inner surface of the case body 101. In this case, for example, it may protrude to the right from between the left rib 119 and the fitting piece 123 on the right surface of the partition wall 109. In this case, the protrusion 85 may protrude to the left from the left surface 54A of the left wall 54 of the front cover 32. Furthermore, the protrusions 85 and 117 may be omitted.

[0209] In the above embodiment, when the protruding end face 117C of the protrusion 117 and the protruding end face 85C of the protrusion 85 are in contact, the supply pipe 102 is located at the supply port 34. However, when the protruding end face 117C of the protrusion 117 and the protruding end face 85C of the protrusion 85 are in contact, the rear end of the supply pipe 102 may be located in front of the supply port 34.

[0210] In the above embodiment, the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 is inclined with respect to the left-right direction so as it moves to the left, it moves towards the rear. However, the front surface 117A of the protrusion 117 may also widen in the left-right direction.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the front surface 75 of the front cover 32 has a left intermediate inclined surface 83L and a right intermediate inclined surface 83R. However, the left intermediate inclined surface 83L and the right intermediate inclined surface 83R may be omitted.

[0212] In the above embodiment, the ink cartridge 30 has a second key portion 78. However, the second key portion 78 may be omitted if the ink cartridge 30 can be kept in the installed state in the cartridge case 110. In this case, the second key slot 138 may also be omitted.

[0213] In the above embodiment, the left engaging projection 52L is inserted into the left through hole 58L with some play. The right engaging projection 52R is inserted into the right through hole 58R with some play. However, the left engaging projection 52L only needs to engage with the left through hole 58L with some play. The right engaging projection 52R only needs to engage with the right through hole 58R with some play. Alternatively, the left engaging projection 52L and the right engaging projection 52R may engage with the left through hole 58L and the right through hole 58R without any play. In this case, for example, the left engaging projection 52L and the right engaging projection 52R may be press-fitted into the left through hole 58L and the right through hole 58R.

[0214] In the above embodiment, the case body 101 has two fitting pieces 123. However, the two fitting pieces 123 may be omitted. In this case, the left third key portion 81L of the front cover 32 may be omitted.

[0215] In the above embodiment, the front cover 32 has a through hole 90. However, the through hole 90 may be omitted.

[0216] In the above embodiment, the cartridge case 110 has a mounting sensor 126. However, the mounting sensor 126 may be omitted. In this case, the cartridge case 110 may have a leaf switch 130, as shown in Figure 18. The leaf switch 130 is supported on the case body 101 so as to be rotatable around a third rotation axis 130A that extends in the left-right direction. The leaf switch 130 is located at the upper and front end of the case body 101. The leaf switch 130 is rod-shaped and extends forward and downward from the third rotation axis 130A.

[0217] The leaf switch 130 is rotatable around the third rotation axis 130A between a non-detection position and a detection position. As shown in Figure 18, the non-detection position is the position in which the leaf switch 130 extends forward and downward from the third rotation axis 130A. In the non-detection position, the leaf switch is in the OFF state. The detection position is the position in which the leaf switch 130 has rotated forward from the non-detection position. In the detection position, the leaf switch 130 is in the ON state.

[0218] As shown in Figure 19, the leaf switch 130 contacts the front and upper end 30A of the ink cartridge 30 as it moves forward within the internal space of the cartridge case 110. This causes the leaf switch 130 to rotate from a non-detection position to a detection position. As a result, the leaf switch 130 is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the leaf switch 130 is in the ON state, it transmits a detection signal to the control unit of the printer 10. In other words, the leaf switch 130 transmits a detection signal to the control unit of the printer 10 when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge case 110. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0219] 10. Printer (an example of a printing system) 30... Ink cartridge (an example of a liquid container) 31. Container body 32... Front cover (an example of a cover) 33...supply section 34... Supply port 52L...Left engaging projection (an example of an engaging part) 54A...Left side (an example of the first side) 58L...Left through hole (an example of the engaged part) 72L...Lower left inclined surface (an example of the second inclined surface) 74L...Left groove (an example of the first recess) 75...Front view (an example of the second front view) 78...Second key section (an example of a locking mechanism) 79L...Left recess (an example of the third recess) 80L...Left connecting hole (an example of the first connecting hole) 81L...Left third key section (an example of the second protruding piece) 82L... Upper left inclined surface (an example of the first inclined surface) 83L...Left-center inclined surface (an example of the third inclined surface) 85···Convex part (an example of a second convex part) 85C...Protruding end face (an example of a second protruding end face) 90...Through-hole (an example of a second communication hole) 101...Case body 102...supply pipe 102B...Rear end 110... Cartridge Case 117...Convex part (an example of the first convex part) 117A... Front view (an example of the first front view) 117C...Protruding end face (an example of a first protruding end face) 119...Left rib (an example of a rail) 123...Matching piece (an example of the first protruding piece) 126... Mounted sensors (example of a sensor) 130...Leaf Switch 138...Second key slot (an example of a second recess) 134. Pressing plate (an example of a movable member) 182...Ink receiving section (an example of a liquid receiving section) 182E... Upper rib (an example of a rib) 182F... Left opposing wall (an example of an opposing wall) 190...Top surface (an example of a receiving surface) 193...Left ink channel (an example of a channel)

Claims

1. A liquid container for storing liquid, A printing system comprising a mounting part on which the above-mentioned liquid container can be attached and detached, The above liquid container has a supply section that defines a supply port that opens forward, in the direction in which it is attached to the above mounting section. The above mounting part is, It extends in the front-to-back direction and has a supply pipe connected to the above-mentioned supply port, A liquid receiving portion is located below the supply pipe and is movable between a first position in contact with or close to the rear end of the supply pipe and a second position further away from the supply pipe than the first position, and is biased towards the first position. It has a movable member that moves in one direction vertically by coming into contact with the liquid container attached to the mounting part, The moving member moves in one direction in the vertical direction, thereby moving the liquid receiving portion from the first position to the second position. The above liquid receiving section is, An upward-facing receiving surface, A printing system having a rib that protrudes upward from the receiving surface and contacts or is close to the rear end of the supply pipe at the first position.

2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving surface at the first position is inclined with respect to the front-to-back direction such that it moves downward as it moves forward.

3. The above ribs extend in the front-to-back direction, The liquid receiving portion protrudes upward from the receiving surface and extends in the front-rear direction, and has opposing walls that are perpendicular to the ribs and the left-right direction, both in the front-rear and up-down directions. The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the ribs, the receiving surface, and the opposing wall define a flow path for liquid.

4. The above mounting part is, The case body has an opening at the rear, and the above liquid container can be attached and detached from it. The above-mentioned case body has a first protrusion that projects from the inner surface in one direction perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-to-down directions, The above liquid container has a second protrusion that extends from the first surface facing the other side in the left-right direction to the other side in the left-right direction, The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first protruding end surface of the first protrusion contacts the second protruding end surface of the second protrusion when the liquid container is removed rearward from the case body.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the supply pipe is located at the supply port when the protruding end surface of the first protrusion and the protruding end surface of the second protrusion come into contact.

6. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein the first front surface of the first protrusion is inclined with respect to the left-right direction such that it moves backward as it moves in one of the left-right directions.

7. A liquid container for storing liquid, A printing system comprising a mounting part on which the above-mentioned liquid container can be attached and detached, The above mounting part is, The above liquid container is detachable, and the case body opens to the rear, opposite to the front in which the liquid container is attached. The above-mentioned case body has a rail that protrudes from the inner surface in one direction (left or right) perpendicular to the front-to-back and up-and-down directions, The liquid container in the mounting position attached to the mounting part has a first surface that faces the other side in the left-right direction and is recessed in one side in the left-right direction, and has a first recess into which the rail can be inserted. The first recess described above opens forward on the second front surface of the liquid container facing forward in the above mounting position, The second front surface of the liquid container in the above mounting position is A first inclined surface located above the first recess, It has a second inclined surface located below the first recess, The first inclined surface is inclined in the vertical direction such that it moves backward as it goes downward, and is connected to the upper end of the first recess. The above-mentioned second inclined surface is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that it moves upward and backward, and is connected to the lower end of the above-mentioned first recess in the printing system.

8. The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the second front surface of the liquid container in the above mounting position is inclined with respect to the left-right direction such that it moves backward as it moves toward the other side in the left-right direction, and has a third inclined surface that connects to the first recess.

9. In the above mounting position, the liquid container has a locking portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the liquid container and is located behind the third inclined surface. The printing system according to claim 8, wherein the mounting portion has a second recess through which the locking portion can pass in the front-to-back direction when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion.

10. The above liquid container is A container body for storing liquid, The container body has a cover on which the first recess and the second front surface are located, and which is detachably attached to the front end of the container body. The above container body has an engaging portion located at the front end, The printing system according to claim 7, wherein the cover has an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion with play, and is maintained in an attached state on the container body by the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

11. In the above mounting position, the cover is located in front of the engaged portion and has a third recess that is recessed in one direction from the first surface in the left-right direction. The printing system according to claim 10, wherein the third recess has an opening at the rear end of the third recess and has a first communication hole that connects the internal space of the cover to the outside.

12. The third recess described above opens forward on the second front surface, The mounting portion described above protrudes from the inner surface of the case body in one direction to the left or right, and has a first protruding piece that can be inserted into the third recess. The cover in the above mounting position has a second protruding piece that protrudes from the bottom surface of the third recess to the other side in the left-right direction and is positioned so as not to overlap with the first protruding piece in the up-down direction. The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the second protruding piece is not connected to the rear end of the third recess.

13. The cover in the above mounting position has an opening on its upper surface and a second communication hole that connects the internal space of the cover to the outside. The printing system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the mounting portion is located above the second communication hole of the liquid container when it is mounted on the mounting portion, and has a sensor for detecting that the liquid container is mounted on the mounting portion.

14. The mounting part has a leaf switch that detects when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part. The printing system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the leaf switch switches between ON and OFF by contacting the liquid container moving forward within the internal space of the mounting portion.

Images