Liquid containers and printing apparatus for printing

Abstract

The supply port and gas flow path are opened and closed using a simple configuration. [Solution] The bottle 100 comprises a first member including a support member 110 and a tip member 120, a gas passage 141 and a second member which is a valve body 130. The first member has an ink storage chamber 113 and a supply port 127 communicating with the storage chamber 113. The gas passage 141 communicates with the storage chamber 113. The second member does not have an ink storage chamber and closes or opens the supply port 127 and the gas passage 141 to the outside. The second member is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the second member closes the supply port 127 and the gas passage 141, and in the second state, it opens the supply port 127 and the gas passage 141.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing liquid container in which liquid is stored, and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In conventional printing apparatuses, a configuration is known in which ink is supplied from a container connected to a tank to the tank each time the ink stored in the tank is consumed. The container has a supply port for supplying ink. In a state where ink is not supplied from the container, the supply port needs to be closed to prevent ink from leaking out from the supply port. Further, in a state where ink is supplied from the container, it is preferable that the container has a gas flow path so that the ink can smoothly flow out from the supply port.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a printing liquid container in which a first member and a second member each having a liquid storage chamber are connected so as to be movable relative to each other. In the printing liquid container, when the first member and the second member move relative to each other and are in a first state, the valve closes the supply port, and the gas flow path is closed. On the other hand, when the first member and the second member move relative to each other and are in a second state, the valve opens the supply port, and the gas flow path is opened.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] According to the printing liquid container described in Patent Document 1, the supply port for supplying liquid and the gas passage through which gas passes can be opened and closed with a simple configuration. In this printing liquid container, both the first member and the second member have liquid storage chambers. However, in a configuration where one of the first member and the second member has a liquid storage chamber, the other member does not necessarily need to have a liquid storage chamber.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The object of the present invention is to provide an alternative means that can open and close a supply port for supplying liquid and a gas passage for the passage of gas with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The printing liquid container of the present invention comprises a first member, a first flow path, and a second member. The first member has a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber. The first flow path communicates with the storage chamber. The second member does not have a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and closes or opens the supply port and the first flow path to the outside.

[0008] The second member described above is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the second member closes the supply port and the first flow path, and in the second state, it opens the supply port and the first flow path.

[0009] According to the above-described liquid container for printing, the second member moves in a straight line relative to the first member, thereby closing or opening the supply port for supplying liquid and the first flow path for gas to pass through.

[0010] (2) The first member may have a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member may be configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member may have the first flow path and a second flow path connected to the supply port. The second member may move in a straight line in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member by the rotation of the support member being transmitted to the second member.

[0011] The first flow path may have a first opening connected to the storage chamber and a second opening located at the tip of the second member. The second flow path may have a third opening connected to the storage chamber and a fourth opening located at the tip of the second member. In the first state, the second member does not have to close the supply port, and the second and fourth openings do not have to be exposed to the outside. In the second state, the tip of the second member may protrude from the supply port, and the second and fourth openings may be exposed to the outside.

[0012] (3) The first member may have a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member. The tip member may have a second flow path connected to the first flow path and the supply port, and may guide the second member. The support member and the tip member may be configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member may move in a straight line in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member by the rotation of the support member being transmitted to the second member.

[0013] The first flow path may have a first opening connected to the storage chamber and a second opening located at the tip member. The second flow path may have a third opening connected to the storage chamber and a fourth opening, which is the supply port, located at the tip of the tip member. The second member may have a first valve and a second valve. In the first state, the first valve may close the first flow path, and the second valve may close the second flow path. In the second state, the first valve may open the first flow path, and the second valve may open the second flow path.

[0014] (4) The support member may have a first groove extending in a spiral shape along the axial direction, or a first protrusion projecting in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The second member may have a second protrusion engaging with the first groove, or a second groove extending along the axial direction and engaging with the first protrusion.

[0015] (5) The support member may have a cylindrical internal space, and at least a part of the second member may be located in the internal space.

[0016] (6) The first opening and the third opening may be located at different positions along the direction of movement of the second member.

[0017] (7) The second opening and the fourth opening may be located at different positions along the direction of movement of the second member.

[0018] (8) The second opening may be located closer to the storage chamber than the fourth opening.

[0019] (9) In the first state and the second state described above, the second member may be located in the internal space of the first member.

[0020] (10) The printing liquid container may supply liquid to a tank of the printing apparatus through an inlet. In the second state described above, the tip of the second flow path may be positioned to match the ribs located in the internal space of the tank.

[0021] (11) The first member may include a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member may be configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member may move in a straight line relative to the first member in an axial direction along the center of rotation when the rotation of the support member is transmitted to the second member.

[0022] (12) The first member and the second member may be made of the same resin material.

[0023] (13) The first member described above may have a step on the outer peripheral surface.

[0024] (14) A printing apparatus of the present invention includes a tank, and a printing liquid container that is connected to the tank and supplies printing liquid to the tank. The printing liquid container includes a first member, a first flow path, and a second member. The first member has a storage chamber that stores the printing liquid, and a supply port that communicates with the storage chamber. The first flow path communicates with the storage chamber. The second member does not have a storage chamber for storing the printing liquid, and closes or opens the supply port and the first flow path relative to the outside.

[0025] The second member is guided by the first member and is linearly movable between a first state and a second state. The second member closes the supply port and the first flow path in the first state, and opens the supply port and the first flow path in the second state. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so as to be linearly movable, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be relatively rotatable. The rotation of the support member is transmitted to the second member, so that the second member linearly moves in the axial direction along the rotation center relative to the first member.

[0026] The tank has an inflow port through which liquid flows in. The tip member has an engaging portion that engages with a peripheral portion of the inflow port of the tank. In a state where the engaging portion is engaged with the peripheral portion, the storage chamber and the inflow port are connected such that liquid can flow in therethrough. In this state, the tip member is inhibited from rotating relative to the peripheral portion.

[0027] (15) The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a tank, and a printing liquid container connected to the tank and configured to supply printing liquid to the tank. The printing liquid container includes a first member and a second member. The first member has a storage chamber for storing printing liquid, and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber. The second member is movable relative to each other between a first state and a second state, closes the supply port in the first state, and opens the supply port in the second state.

[0028] The tank includes an inflow port into which the printing liquid flows, and a flow path member having a first flow path and a second flow path. The flow path member is configured to be movable from the outside to the inside of the printing liquid container as the second member moves from the first state to the second state in the mounted state. The mounted state is a state where the printing liquid container is mounted to the inflow port of the tank.

[0029] (16) The tank may further include a biasing member that biases the flow path member toward the inflow port.

[0030] (17) In the second state, the supply port and the flow path member may be sealed.

[0031] (18) The first member may include a support member that supports the second member so as to be capable of linear motion, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member may be configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member may receive the rotation of the support member and perform linear motion in the axial direction along the rotation center with respect to the first member.

[0032] (19) The support member may have a first groove extending in a spiral shape along the axial direction, or a first protrusion protruding in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The second member may have a second protrusion that engages with the first groove, or a second groove that extends along the axial direction and engages with the first protrusion.

[0033] (20) The printing liquid container of the present invention comprises a first member, a first flow path, and a second member. The first member has a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber. The second member does not have a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and closes or opens the supply port to the outside. The second member is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. The supply port is closed in the first state and can be opened in the second state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, a supply port for supplying liquid and a gas passage for gas to pass through can be opened and closed with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction printer 10. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the printer unit 20. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external perspective view of tank 50. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of tank 50. [Figure 5] Figure 5(A) is an external view of bottle 100 in the first state, and Figure 5(B) is an external view of bottle 100 in the second state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the bottle 100 inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 50. [Figure 7] Figure 7(A) is an external view of the support member 110 of the bottle 100, and Figure 6(B) is an external view of the tip member 120 and valve body 130 of the bottle 100. [Figure 8] Figure 8(A) is a cross-sectional view of bottle 100 in the first state, and Figure 8(B) is a cross-sectional view of bottle 100 in the second state. [Figure 9] Figure 9(A) is a cross-sectional view of the support member 110, and Figure 9(B) is a cross-sectional view of the tip member 120 and the valve body 130. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the bottle 100 in the first state inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 50. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the bottle 100 in the second state inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 50. [Figure 12] Figure 12(A) is a cross-sectional view of bottle 200 in the first state, and Figure 12(B) is a cross-sectional view of bottle 200 in the second state. [Figure 13] Figure 13(A) is a cross-sectional view showing the bottle 300 in the first state inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 60. Figure 14(B) is a cross-sectional view showing the bottle 300 in the second state inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 60. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the bottle 400 inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 70. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments can be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of the invention. As shown in Figure 1, the vertical direction is defined with respect to the orientation in which the multifunction printer 10 is installed on a horizontal plane for use. The multifunction printer 10 has an opening 11. The front-to-back direction is defined with the surface on which the opening 11 is provided as the front surface 12, and the left-to-right direction is defined when viewing the multifunction printer 10 from the front.

[0037] [Configuration of the multifunction printer 10] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction printer 10 has a housing 13 that is generally rectangular in shape. The multifunction printer 10 has a printer unit 20 at the bottom of the housing 13. The multifunction printer 10 has a printing function, a facsimile function, and so on. As a printing function, the multifunction printer 10 has a single-sided printing function that records an image on one side of the paper using an inkjet method. The multifunction printer 10 may also have a double-sided printing function that records an image on both sides of the paper.

[0038] The multifunction printer 10 has an operating unit 14 on the top of the housing 13. The operating unit 14 consists of buttons that are operated to give instructions for image recording and to set various settings, and a liquid crystal display that displays various information. In this embodiment, the operating unit 14 consists of a touch panel that has the functions of buttons and a liquid crystal display.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the printer unit 20 includes a recording unit 40 and a platen 48. The printer unit 20 further includes a feed tray 21, a feed unit 30, an outer guide member 22, an inner guide member 23, a transport roller pair 24, a discharge roller pair 25, and a discharge tray 26. Each element is located inside the housing 13. The multifunction device 10 further includes a sensor inside the housing 13 that detects the state of the multifunction device 10 and outputs a detection signal. Note that the configuration of the printer unit 20 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and the printer unit 20 may have other known configurations.

[0040] [Feeding tray 21] As shown in Figure 1, the opening 11 is formed on the front surface 12 of the multifunction printer 10. The user can insert and remove the feed tray 21 into and out of the housing 13 through the opening 11 by moving the feed tray 21 in the forward and backward directions. The feed tray 21 is movable between a feed position, where it is mounted in the housing 13, and a non-feed position, where it is removed from the housing 13. In Figures 1 and 2, the feed tray 21 is in the feed position.

[0041] The feed tray 21 is a box-shaped component with an open top. As shown in Figure 2, the paper 1 is supported stacked on the bottom of the feed tray 21. The feed tray 21 contains the paper 1. The output tray 26 is located in front of and above the feed tray 21. The paper 1 on which the image has been recorded by the recording unit 40 is supported on the upper surface of the output tray 26.

[0042] [Feeding section 30] The feeding unit 30 is located below the recording unit 40 and above the feeding tray 21. The feeding unit 30 includes a feeding roller 31, a feeding arm 32, a drive transmission mechanism 33, and a shaft 34. The feeding roller 31 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 32. The feeding arm 32 is rotatable about a shaft 34 provided at its base end. The feeding roller 31 can contact and separate from the paper 1 contained in the feeding tray 21.

[0043] The drive transmission mechanism 33 has multiple meshed gears and transmits the motor's driving force to the feed roller 31. The feed roller 31 rotates when the motor's driving force is transmitted. Therefore, the top sheet of paper 1 in the feed tray 21 is fed to the transport path 27.

[0044] [Transport route 27] The transport path 27 extends from the rear end of the feed tray 21. The transport path 27 has a curved section 28 and a straight section 29. The curved section 28 extends upward and makes a U-turn from rear to front. The straight section 29 extends forward.

[0045] The outer guide member 22 and the inner guide member 23 extend in the left-right direction and face each other with a predetermined distance between them. The curved section 28 passes between the outer guide member 22 and the inner guide member 23. The recording section 40 and the platen 48 face each other with a predetermined distance between them in the vertical direction. The straight section 29 passes between the recording section 40 and the platen 48 in the area where the recording section 40 is located.

[0046] The paper 1 placed in the feed tray 21 is transported along the curved section 28 by the feed roller 31 and reaches the transport roller pair 24. The transport roller pair 24 grips the paper 1 when it reaches it. The paper 1, gripped by the transport roller pair 24, is transported forward along the straight section 29 toward the recording unit 40. When the paper 1 reaches directly below the recording unit 40, ink ejected from the recording unit 40 adheres to it, and an image is recorded. The paper 1 with the recorded image is transported forward along the straight section 29 and discharged into the discharge tray 26.

[0047] [Conveyor roller pair 24 and discharge roller pair 25] The transport roller pair 24 is located near the start of the straight section 29. The discharge roller pair 25 is located near the end of the straight section 29. The transport roller pair 24 is located upstream of the recording unit 40 in the transport path 27. The discharge roller pair 25 is located downstream of the recording unit 40 in the transport path 27.

[0048] The transport roller pair 24 includes a transport roller 35 and a pinch roller 36. The pinch roller 36 is located below the transport roller 35. The pinch roller 36 is pressed toward the transport roller 35 by an elastic member such as a coil spring. The transport roller pair 24 grips the paper 1 as it is transported along the curved section 28.

[0049] The discharge roller pair 25 includes a discharge roller 37 and a spur roller 38. The spur roller 38 is located above the discharge roller 37. The spur roller 38 is pressed toward the discharge roller 37 by an elastic member such as a coil spring. The discharge roller pair 25 grips the paper 1 on which an image has been recorded in the recording unit 40.

[0050] The transport rollers 35 and discharge rollers 37 rotate due to the driving force from the motor. When the transport rollers 35 rotate with the paper 1 held by the transport roller pair 24, the paper 1 is transported along the transport path 27 and onto the platen 48. When the discharge rollers 37 rotate with the paper 1 held by the discharge roller pair 25, the paper 1 is transported along the transport path 27 and discharged onto the discharge tray 26.

[0051] [Recording section 40 and platen 48] The platen 48 is located below the straight section 29 of the transport path 27. The recording unit 40 is located above the platen 48. The recording unit 40 faces the platen 48 in the vertical direction. The platen 48 supports the paper 1 being transported along the transport path 27 from below.

[0052] The recording unit 40 includes a carriage 41, a head 42, and a tank 50. The carriage 41 is supported so as to be movable in the left-right direction by two guide rails 46 and 47. The two guide rails 46 and 47 are located inside the housing 13 at a predetermined distance apart in the front-rear direction. The carriage 41 moves in the left-right direction by a driving force from a motor.

[0053] The head 42 is supported by the carriage 41. The lower surface 43 of the head 42 is exposed downwards and faces the platen 48. The head 42 has a plurality of nozzles 44, an ink channel 45, and a piezoelectric element.

[0054] Multiple nozzles 44 are located on the lower surface 43 of the head 42. An ink channel 45 connects the tank 50 to the multiple nozzles 44. A piezoelectric element is provided in the ink channel 45 and deforms when power is supplied. By deforming in the ink channel 45, the piezoelectric element causes ink droplets to be ejected downward from the nozzles 44.

[0055] [Tank 50] The tank 50 is mounted on the carriage 41. The tank 50 has an internal space 51. Ink is stored in the internal space 51. The internal space 51 of the tank 50 is in communication with a plurality of nozzles 44 via an ink channel 45. The ink stored in the internal space 51 of the tank 50 is supplied to the plurality of nozzles 44 via the ink channel 45.

[0056] The tank 50 is located above the head 42. In this embodiment, the entire tank 50 is located above the head 42. The positional relationship between the tank 50 and the head 42 may be changed as appropriate. In this embodiment, the recording unit 40 has one tank 50 that stores black ink. The color of the ink stored in the tank 50 may be other than black.

[0057] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a recess 53 is formed in the upper wall 52 of the tank 50, which is recessed toward the internal space 51. A bottle 100, which will be described later, is inserted into the recess 53. The cross-section of the recess 53 is circular. The recess 53 has an axis 54.

[0058] Two projections 55 are located at the upper end of the recess 53. The two projections 55 are symmetrically positioned with respect to the axis 54. Each projection 55 protrudes from the upper end of the recess 53 toward the axis 54.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4, an inlet 56 is located at the lower end of the recess 53. The inlet 56 is an opening for ink to flow into the internal space 51. Within the recess 53, a plurality of grooves 57 for fitting the bottle 100 are formed radially around the inlet 56. Each groove 57 extends linearly outward from the inlet 56. In the internal space 51 of the tank 50, near the inlet 56, there is a rib 58 extending downward from the inner surface of the upper wall 52.

[0060] As shown in Figure 2, a lid 59 is fitted into the recess 53. When the lid 59 is removed, the inlet 56 is exposed to the outside. In this state, the bottle 100 is inserted into the recess 53, and ink flows from the bottle 100 into the internal space 51 of the tank 50 through the inlet 56. The tank 50 may also have an atmospheric vent. The atmospheric vent may be opened and closed by a solenoid valve or the like.

[0061] [Bottle 100 according to the first embodiment] Referring to Figures 5 to 11, a bottle 100 and a multifunction printer 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The bottle 100 stores the ink that is supplied to the tank 50. The bottle 100 supplies ink to the tank 50 through an inlet 56.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the bottle 100 has a generally cylindrical shape. The bottle 100 is elongated in the height direction of its cylindrical shape. One end of the bottle 100 in the longitudinal direction is called the tip, and the other end is called the base. In each drawing, the bottle 100 is depicted with the tip facing downwards and the base facing upwards. As shown in Figure 6, when supplying ink from the bottle 100 to the tank 50, the bottle 100 is inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 50 with the tip facing downwards and the base facing upwards.

[0063] As shown in Figures 5 and 7 through 9, the bottle 100 comprises a support member 110, a tip member 120, and a valve body 130. In each drawing, one end of each member described below is called the tip, and the other end of each member described above is called the base.

[0064] The support member 110 is a hollow member having a generally cylindrical shape. The support member 110 has a storage portion 111 and a support portion 112. The storage portion 111 is the part of the support member 110 that is close to the base end. The support portion 112 is the part of the support member 110 that is close to the tip end.

[0065] The storage section 111 has a tapered cylindrical shape. As shown in Figure 8(A), the storage section 111 is hollow and has a constant wall thickness. The outer and inner diameters of the storage section 111 decrease towards the base end. The base end of the storage section 111 is closed, and the tip of the storage section 111 is open. The internal space of the storage section 111 functions as a storage chamber 113 for storing ink.

[0066] The support portion 112 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The support portion 112 is hollow and thicker than the storage portion 111. As shown in Figure 9(A), the support portion 112 has an opening 114 at its tip. Near the opening 114, the support portion 112 has a receiving portion 115 for receiving the tip member 120. In the receiving portion 115, the thickness of the support portion 112 changes in stages.

[0067] The support portion 112 has four internal grooves 116 on its inner circumferential surface. The internal grooves 116 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the support portion 112 and are thinner on the inside than other parts. Each internal groove 116 progresses circumferentially from the base end to the end of the support portion 112. That is, each internal groove 116 extends in a spiral shape along the axial direction of the bottle 100. The four internal grooves 116 are formed at equal intervals around the axis of the support member 110.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5(B), the support portion 112 has an outer groove 117 on its outer circumferential surface. The outer groove 117 has a longitudinal groove portion 118 and a transverse groove portion 119. The longitudinal groove portion 118 extends from a predetermined position at the tip of the support portion 112 along the axial direction of the bottle 100. The transverse groove portion 119 extends from the endpoint of the longitudinal groove portion 118 in the circumferential direction of the support portion 112. The longitudinal groove portion 118 and the transverse groove portion 119 have a shape that allows them to engage with the projection 55 of the tank 50.

[0069] The outer diameter of the support portion 112 is larger than the outer diameter of the storage portion 111. At the boundary between the storage portion 111 and the support portion 112, the outer diameter of the support member 110 increases closer to the tip. As shown in Figure 5(A), a step 101 is formed at the boundary between the storage portion 111 and the support portion 112 due to the difference between the outer diameter of the storage portion 111 and the outer diameter of the support portion 112.

[0070] The tip member 120 is connected to the tip of the support member 110. As shown in Figures 7(B) and 8, the tip member 120 has a base portion 121, an intermediate portion 122, and a tip portion 123. The base portion 121 is the portion of the tip member 120 closest to the base. The tip portion 123 is the portion of the tip member 120 closest to the tip. The intermediate portion 122 is the portion between the base portion 121 and the tip portion 123.

[0071] The base end 121 has a cylindrical shape with notches. As shown in Figure 7(B), the base end 121 has four notches 124. In the longitudinal direction of the bottle 100, the length of the base end 121 is longer than or approximately the same as the length of the support portion 112. The outer diameter of the base end 121 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the support portion 112. The convex portion 134 of the valve body 130, which will be described later, is fitted into the notches 124.

[0072] The intermediate portion 122 has a protrusion 125 and a fitting portion 126. The protrusion 125 and the fitting portion 126 are annular portions that protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 122. The fitting portion 126 has a shape that allows it to be fitted into the receiving portion 115 of the support member 110. The outer diameter of the fitting portion 126 changes in stages. After the fitting portion 126 is fitted into the receiving portion 115, it is fixed to the receiving portion 115 by means of vapor deposition, for example.

[0073] The tip portion 123 has a frustoconical shape. The outer diameter of the tip portion 123 decreases towards the tip. An ink supply port 127 is formed at the tip of the tip portion 123. The supply port 127 is, for example, circular. The supply port 127 communicates with the storage chamber 113.

[0074] The base end portion 121 is located within the internal space of the support portion 112. As described above, the outer diameter of the base end portion 121 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the support portion 112. Therefore, the support member 110 and the tip member 120 are rotatable relative to each other.

[0075] Multiple engagement ribs 128 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate portion 122 closer to the tip than the fitting portion 126, and on the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 123. Each engagement rib 128 has an elongated shape that extends along the longitudinal direction of the bottle 100. The multiple engagement ribs 128 extend radially from the supply port 127. Each engagement rib 128 enters and engages with each groove 57 of the tank 50. The number and arrangement of the engagement ribs 128 correspond to the number and arrangement of the grooves 57 of the tank 50.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8, the valve body 130 has a base end 131, a flow path portion 132, a valve 133, and two protrusions 134. The base end 131 is a cylindrical portion located near the base end of the valve body 130. The base end 131 functions as the bottom of the storage chamber 113.

[0077] As shown in Figure 10, the base end 131 has a first through hole 135 and a plurality of second through holes 136. When viewed from the axial direction of the bottle 100, the second through hole 136 is located in the center of the base end 131. The plurality of first through holes 135 are located radially outside the second through hole 136.

[0078] The flow path section 132 is a tubular portion extending axially from the valve body 130. The base end of the flow path section 132 is connected to the tip of the second through-hole 136. The tip of the flow path section 132 extends to near the tip of the valve body 130. The valve 133 is located at the tip of the flow path section 132. The valve 133 has a shape that matches the supply port 127 in order to close or open the supply port 127 to the outside.

[0079] The two protrusions 134 are portions that project radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 131. The two protrusions 134 are formed symmetrically with respect to the axis of the valve body 130. The two protrusions 134 project from the outer circumferential surface of the base end portion 131, fit into the notch 124 of the tip member 120, and further engage with the inner groove 116 of the support member 110.

[0080] The space inside the base end portion 121 and outside the flow path portion 132, and the first through-hole 135, function as a gas flow path 141 through which air passes. The gas flow path 141 communicates with the storage chamber 113. The gas flow path 141 has an opening 143 connected to the storage chamber 113 and an opening 144 located near the tip of the valve body 130. The internal space of the flow path portion 132 and the second through-hole 136 function as a liquid flow path 142 through which ink passes. The liquid flow path 142 has an opening 145 connected to the storage chamber 113 and an opening 146 located near the tip of the valve body 130.

[0081] The two protrusions 134 of the valve body 130 are fitted into the internal groove 116 of the support member 110. The internal groove 116 extends circumferentially from the base end to the end end. Therefore, when the tip member 120 is fixed and the support member 110 is rotated, the two protrusions 134 move along the internal groove 116 in the longitudinal direction of the bottle 100. Thus, the valve body 130 moves linearly with respect to the tip member 120. Linear motion means moving in a straight line without rotation.

[0082] As shown in Figures 5(A) and 8(A), when the valve 133 is located at the tip of the bottle 100, the bottle 100 and valve body 130 are in a first state. As shown in Figures 5(B) and 8(B), when the valve 133 is at its furthest position from the tip of the bottle 100, the bottle 100 and valve body 130 are in a second state. By rotating the support member 110 relative to the tip member 120, the state of the bottle 100 and valve body 130 changes between the first and second states.

[0083] In the first state, the entire valve body 130 is located within the internal space of the support member 110 and the tip member 120. In this state, the valve 133 closes the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141, and the openings 144 and 146 are not exposed to the outside. On the other hand, in the second state, a portion of the valve body 130 protrudes from the supply port 127 to the outside of the bottle 100. In this state, the valve 133 opens the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141, and the openings 144 and 146 are exposed to the outside.

[0084] The support member 110 is formed by integrally creating the storage section 111, the support section 112, etc. The tip member 120 is formed by integrally creating the base end 121, the intermediate section 122, the tip section 123, etc. The valve body 130 is formed by integrally creating the base end 131, the flow path section 132, the valve 133, the two protrusions 134, etc. The support member 110, the tip member 120, and the valve body 130 are all formed from, for example, the same resin material. A bottle 100 formed from the same material has the advantage of being easy to recycle.

[0085] In the bottle 100 configured as described above, the support portion 112 has a cylindrical internal space. As shown in Figure 7, at least a part of the valve body 130 is located in the internal space of the support portion 112. The support member 110 has a storage chamber 113 for storing ink, while the valve body 130 does not have a storage chamber for storing ink.

[0086] The support member 110 supports the valve body 130 so that it can move in a straight line. The tip member 120 guides the valve body 130. The valve body 130 moves in a straight line in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the tip member 120, as the rotation of the support member 110 is transmitted to it. The valve body 130 is able to move in a straight line between a first state and a second state, guided by the support member 110 and the tip member 120.

[0087] [Method of supplying ink from bottle 100 to tank 50] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the method of supplying ink from bottle 100 to tank 50 will be described.

[0088] When ink is discharged from the nozzle 44 of the print head 42, the ink in tank 50 is consumed. The control unit of the multifunction printer 10 notifies the operation unit 14 that the ink level in tank 50 is low. When the user recognizes that the ink level is low from the notification by the operation unit 14, they replenish the ink in tank 50. To replenish the ink in tank 50, the user rotates the top cover of the multifunction printer 10 or otherwise exposes the upper wall 52 of tank 50 to the outside. The user removes the lid 59 from tank 50 to expose the recess 53 to the outside.

[0089] The user prepares a bottle 100 containing ink and inserts it into the recess 53 of the tank 50 with the tip facing downwards and the base facing upwards. The prepared bottle 100 and valve body 130 are in the first state. In the first state, the valve 133 closes the supply port 127.

[0090] When inserting the bottle 100 into the recess 53 of the tank 50, the user aligns the position of the vertical groove 118 of the support member 110 with the position of the projection 55 of the tank 50. When the position of the vertical groove 118 and the position of the projection 55 are aligned, the projection 55 can enter the outer groove 117. The bottle 100 can then be inserted into the recess 53 using the projection 55 as a guide.

[0091] As shown in Figure 10, when the projection 55 reaches the end of the vertical groove 118, the tip member 120 of the bottle 100 fits into the inlet 56 of the tank 50. The supply port 127 and the inlet 56 are connected so that ink can flow through them. The engaging rib 128 of the bottle 100 fits into the groove 57 of the tank 50.

[0092] In the first state, the user can rotate the support member 110 around the axis of the bottle 100 relative to the tank 50, using the projection 55 as a guide. When the user grips the support member 110 and rotates it in a predetermined direction, the projection 55 enters the lateral groove 119. Even when the support member 110 is rotated, the tip member 120 does not rotate relative to the tank 50 because the engaging rib 128 is fitted into the groove 57. Therefore, the support member 110 rotates relative to the tip member 120.

[0093] As the support member 110 rotates, the valve body 130 moves in a straight line toward the tip of the bottle 100. When the projection 55 reaches the end of the lateral groove 119, the bottle 100 and the valve body 130 change to the second state shown in Figure 11. In the second state, the valve 133 protrudes outward from the supply port 127, and the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141 are exposed to the outside. Therefore, the ink stored in the storage chamber 113 of the bottle 100 flows down into the internal space 51 of the tank 50.

[0094] The ribs 58 of the tank 50 are positioned to facilitate ink flow into the internal space 51 of the tank 50 when the bottle 100 is in the second state. The ribs 58 have the effect of improving the efficiency of ink outflow.

[0095] In the second state, the projection 55 of the tank 50 enters the lateral groove 119 of the support member 110, so the bottle 100 does not separate from the tank 50. Therefore, the user cannot remove the bottle 100 from the tank 50 while supplying ink from the bottle 100 to the tank 50.

[0096] When the supply of ink from bottle 100 to tank 50 is complete, the user rotates the support member 110 in the opposite direction relative to tank 50. This operation changes bottle 100 and valve body 130 to a first state. In the first state, the projection 55 of tank 50 can enter the vertical groove 118 of support member 110, and bottle 100 can move relative to tank 50 in the axial direction of bottle 100.

[0097] Furthermore, when the bottle 100 and valve body 130 change to the first state, the valve 133 closes the supply port 127. Therefore, even if there is ink remaining in the storage chamber 113 of the bottle 100, the ink will not flow out of the supply port 127 of the bottle 100 after it has been removed from the tank 50.

[0098] The axial direction of bottle 100 coincides with the direction of movement of valve body 130. In bottle 100, the positions of the valve body 130 in the direction of movement of openings 143 and 145 connected to the storage chamber 113 are different from each other. Also, the positions of the valve body 130 in the direction of movement of openings 144 and 146 located at the tip of valve body 130 may be different from each other.

[0099] In the above description, the multifunction printer 10 is an example of a printing device, ink is an example of a printing liquid, and bottle 100 is an example of a printing liquid container. The support member 110 and the tip member 120 are examples of first members, and the valve body 130 is an example of second members. The gas flow path 141 is an example of a first flow path, the liquid flow path 142 is an example of a second flow path, and the openings 143 to 146 are examples of first to fourth openings. The inner groove 116 is an example of a first groove, and the protrusion 134 is an example of a second protrusion. The groove 57 is an example of a peripheral part, and the engaging rib 128 is an example of an engaging part.

[0100] [Effects of the First Embodiment] As described above, the bottle 100 according to this embodiment comprises a first member including a support member 110 and a tip member 120, a gas passage 141, and a valve body 130. The first member has a storage chamber 113 for storing ink and a supply port 127 communicating with the storage chamber 113. The gas passage 141 communicates with the storage chamber 113. The valve body 130 does not have a storage chamber for storing ink and closes or opens the supply port 127 and the gas passage 141 to the outside.

[0101] The valve body 130 is guided by the first member and can move linearly between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve body 130 closes the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141, and in the second state, it opens the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141.

[0102] In the bottle 100 according to this embodiment, the valve body 130 moves in a straight line with respect to the first member. Therefore, according to the bottle 100 according to this embodiment, the supply port 127 for supplying ink and the gas passage 141 for air to pass through can be closed or opened with a simple configuration.

[0103] Furthermore, the support member 110 supports the valve body 130 so that it can move in a straight line, and the tip member 120 guides the valve body 130. The support member 110 and the tip member 120 are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The valve body 130 has a gas flow path 141 and a liquid flow path 142 connected to the supply port 127. The valve body 130 moves in a straight line in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member, as the rotation of the support member 110 is transmitted to it.

[0104] In the first state, the valve body 130 closes the supply port 127, and the openings 144 and 146 located at the tip of the valve body 130 are not exposed to the outside. In the second state, the tip of the valve body 130 protrudes from the supply port 127, and the openings 144 and 146 are exposed to the outside. Therefore, in the second state, the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141 can be opened.

[0105] Furthermore, the support member 110 has an internal groove 116, and the valve body 130 has a protrusion 134 that engages with the internal groove 116. Therefore, when the support member 110 is rotated, the valve body 130 moves in the axial direction of the bottle 100. Also, a part of the valve body 130 is located in the cylindrical internal space of the support member 110. Therefore, since the valve body 130 moves linearly within the internal space of the support member 110, the support member 110 is easy to operate.

[0106] Furthermore, the two openings 143 and 145 connected to the storage chamber 113 are positioned at different locations along the direction of movement of the valve body 130. With this configuration, a head difference can be generated between the openings 143 and 145 when the ink stored in the bottle 100 flows out. Also, the openings 144 and 146 located at the tip of the valve body 130 may be positioned at different locations along the direction of movement of the valve body 130. With this configuration, a head difference can be generated between the openings 144 and 146 when the ink stored in the bottle 100 flows out.

[0107] Furthermore, the bottle 100 supplies ink to the tank 50 of the multifunction printer 10 through the inlet 56. In the second state, the tip of the liquid flow path 142 is positioned to align with the rib 58 located in the internal space of the tank 50. Therefore, it is easy for the liquid to flow from the bottle 100 into the tank 50.

[0108] Furthermore, by forming the first component and the valve body 130 from the same resin material, recycling of the bottle 100 becomes easier. Also, since the first component has a step 101 on its outer surface, the user can easily attach the bottle 100 to the tank 50.

[0109] Furthermore, the multifunction printer 10 according to this embodiment includes a tank 50 and a bottle 100 that supplies ink to the tank 50 while connected to the tank 50. The tank 50 has an inlet 56, and the tip member 120 has an engaging rib 128 that engages with a groove 57 located around the inlet 56. When the engaging rib 128 is engaged with the groove 57, the bottle 100 and the tank 50 are connected so that ink can flow in from the storage chamber 113 via the inlet 56. In this state, rotation of the tip member 120 relative to the groove 57 is prevented.

[0110] In the combined device 10, the valve body 130 moves in a straight line while the first component is engaged with the inlet 56 of the tank 60. Therefore, with the combined device 10, the rotation of the tip component 120 can be suppressed while the supply port 127 and the gas flow path 141 can be opened to the outside.

[0111] [Bottle 200 according to the second embodiment] In the second embodiment, a bottle 200 having a different configuration from the first embodiment is described. Components and parts of each embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Descriptions of components and parts with the same reference numerals are omitted. The differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0112] As shown in Figure 12, the bottle 200 comprises a support member 110, a tip member 220, and a valve body 230. The bottle 200 differs from the bottle 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the tip member 220 and the valve body 230. The tip member 220 has a base end portion 121, an intermediate portion 122, and a tip portion 223. The tip member 220 differs from the tip member 120 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the tip portion 223.

[0113] The tip portion 223 has a frustoconical shape. The outer diameter of the tip portion 223 decreases towards the tip. A gas channel 241 through which air passes is formed at the boundary between the intermediate portion 122 and the tip portion 223. An ink supply port 227 and a liquid channel 242 connected to the supply port 227 are formed at the tip of the tip portion 223. The gas channel 241 and the liquid channel 242 are through holes that connect the internal space of the tip portion 223 to the outside.

[0114] The gas flow path 241 has an opening 243 connected to the storage chamber 113 and an opening 244 located on the outer surface of the tip member 220, away from the tip of the tip member 220. The liquid flow path 242 has an opening 245 connected to the storage chamber 113 and an opening 246 located on the outer surface of the tip member 220, at the tip. The opening 246 coincides with the supply port 227.

[0115] In bottle 200, the positions of the valve bodies 130 in the direction of movement of openings 243 and 245 connected to the storage chamber 113 are different from each other. The positions of the valve bodies 130 in the direction of movement of openings 244 and 246 located on the outer surface of the tip member 220 are also different from each other. Opening 244 is located closer to the storage chamber 113 than opening 246.

[0116] The valve body 230 has a base end portion 231, a first valve 232, a second valve 233, and two protrusions 134. The valve body 230 differs from the valve body 130 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the base end portion 231, the first valve 232, and the second valve 233. The base end portion 231 is a cylindrical portion located near the base end of the valve body 230. The base end portion 231 functions as the bottom of the storage chamber 113. The base end portion 231 has a plurality of through holes 235 that communicate the storage chamber 113 with the internal space of the tip member 220.

[0117] The first valve 232 and the second valve 233 extend linearly from the base end 231 along the axial direction of the bottle 200. The tip of the first valve 232 has a shape that conforms to the gas flow path 241 in order to close or open the gas flow path 241. The tip of the second valve 233 has a shape that conforms to the liquid flow path 242 in order to close or open the liquid flow path 242.

[0118] Even with the bottle 200, if the tip member 220 is fixed and the support member 110 is rotated, the two protrusions 134 move along the inner groove 116 of the support member 110 in the longitudinal direction of the bottle 200. The valve body 230 moves in a straight line with respect to the tip member 220.

[0119] As shown in Figure 12(A), when the valve body 230 is located at the tip of the bottle 200, the bottle 200 and valve body 230 are in the first state. As shown in Figure 12(B), when the valve body 230 is at its furthest position from the tip of the bottle 200, the bottle 200 and valve body 230 are in the second state. By rotating the support member 110 relative to the tip member 220, the state of the bottle 200 and valve body 230 changes between the first state and the second state.

[0120] In the first state, the valve body 230 is located near the tip of the bottle 200. In this state, the first valve 232 closes the gas passage 241, and the second valve 233 closes the liquid passage 242. In the second state, the valve body 230 is located away from the tip of the bottle 200. In this state, the first valve 232 opens the gas passage 241, and the second valve 233 opens the liquid passage 242. Therefore, the ink stored in the storage chamber 113 of the bottle 200 flows down into the internal space 51 of the tank 50.

[0121] As with the valve body 130 according to the first embodiment, in the first state, the entire valve body 230 is located in the internal space of the support member 110 and the tip member 220. Unlike the valve body 130 according to the first embodiment, in the second state as well, the entire valve body 230 is located in the internal space of the support member 110 and the tip member 220. The valve body 230 is located in the internal space of the support member 110 and the tip member 220 in both the first and second states.

[0122] In the above description, bottle 200 is an example of a liquid container for printing. Support member 110 and tip member 220 are examples of first members, and valve body 230 is an example of second member. Gas flow path 241 is an example of first flow path, and liquid flow path 242 is an example of second flow path. Openings 243 to 246 are examples of first to fourth openings.

[0123] [Effects of the second embodiment] As shown above, in the bottle 200 according to this embodiment, the valve body 230 has a first valve 232 and a second valve 233. In the first state, the first valve 232 closes the gas passage 241 and the second valve 233 closes the liquid passage 242. In the second state, the first valve 232 opens the gas passage 241 and the second valve 233 opens the liquid passage 242. Therefore, according to the bottle 200 according to this embodiment, the supply port 227 for supplying ink and the gas passage 241 for air to pass through can be closed or opened with a simple mechanism.

[0124] Furthermore, the openings 243 and 245 are positioned at different locations along the direction of movement of the valve body 130. With this configuration, a head difference can be generated between the openings 243 and 245 when the ink stored in the bottle 200 flows out. Also, the openings 244 and 246 are positioned at different locations along the direction of movement of the valve body 230. With this configuration, a head difference can be generated between the openings 244 and 246 when the ink stored in the bottle 200 flows out.

[0125] Furthermore, in the first and second states, the valve body 230 is located within the internal space of the first member, which includes the support member 110 and the tip member 220. Therefore, when changing from the first state to the second state, the movable member does not protrude outward from the internal space of the first member, thus improving operability.

[0126] [Bottle 300 according to the third embodiment] In the third embodiment, a bottle 300 and a multifunction printer having a different configuration from those in the first and second embodiments are described. In the third embodiment, ink is supplied from the bottle 300 to a tank 60 having a different configuration from that in the first embodiment. The differences from the first embodiment are described below.

[0127] As shown in Figure 13, the bottle 300 comprises a support member 110, a tip member 320, and a valve body 330. The bottle 300 differs from the bottle 100 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the tip member 320 and the valve body 330. The tip member 320 has a base end portion 121, an intermediate portion 122, and a tip portion 323. The tip member 320 differs from the tip member 120 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the tip portion 323.

[0128] The tip portion 323 has a frustoconical shape. The outer diameter of the tip portion 323 decreases towards the tip. An opening 329 is formed at the tip of the tip portion 323. The flow channel member 64, which will be described later, enters the opening 329. The opening 329 functions as an ink supply port.

[0129] The valve body 330 has a base end portion 331, a valve 332, and two protrusions 134. The valve body 330 differs from the valve body 130 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the base end portion 331 and the valve 332. The base end portion 331 is a cylindrical portion located near the base end of the valve body 330. The base end portion 331 functions as the bottom of the storage chamber 113. The base end portion 331 has a plurality of through holes 335 that communicate the storage chamber 113 with the internal space of the tip member 320.

[0130] The valve 332 extends linearly from the base end 331 along the axial direction of the bottle 300. The tip of the valve 332 has a shape that conforms to the opening 329 in order to close or open the opening 329.

[0131] Tank 60 is the tank 50 according to the first embodiment, with a spring seat member 61, a spring 62, a valve member 63, and a flow path member 64 added below the inlet 56. The spring seat member 61 and the valve member 63 have an annular shape. The spring seat member 61 is fixed below the inlet 56 in the internal space of tank 60 by means of (not shown). The lower end of the spring 62 is fixed to the upper surface of the spring seat member 61, and the upper end of the spring 62 is fixed to the lower surface of the valve member 63. A seal portion 67 is provided on the upper surface of the valve member 63.

[0132] The flow path member 64 has a gas flow path 65 through which gas passes and a liquid flow path 66 through which ink passes. The flow path member 64 passes through the through hole of the spring seat member 61, the internal space of the spring 62, and the through hole of the valve member 63. The flow path member 64 is fixed to the valve member 63. The lower ends of the gas flow path 65 and the liquid flow path 66 are at the same position in the vertical direction. The upper end of the gas flow path 65 is at a lower position than the upper end of the liquid flow path 66 in the vertical direction.

[0133] Even with the bottle 300, if the tip member 320 is fixed and the support member 110 is rotated, the two protrusions 134 move along the inner groove 116 of the support member 110 in the longitudinal direction of the bottle 300. The valve body 330 moves in a straight line with respect to the tip member 320.

[0134] As shown in Figure 13(A), when the valve body 330 is located at the tip of the bottle 300, the bottle 300 and valve body 330 are in a first state. As shown in Figure 13(B), when the valve body 330 is at its furthest position from the tip of the bottle 300, the bottle 300 and valve body 330 are in a second state. By rotating the support member 110 relative to the tip member 320, the state of the bottle 300 and valve body 330 changes between the first and second states. The valve body 330 is movable relative to the first and second states.

[0135] In the first state, the valve body 330 is located near the tip of the bottle 300. In this state, the valve body 330 closes the opening 329. The lower surface 333 of the valve 332 abuts against the upper end of the flow path member 64. The spring 62 is in a retracted state.

[0136] In the second state, the valve body 330 is located away from the tip of the bottle 300. In this state, the lower surface 333 of the valve 332 is spaced apart from the upper end of the flow path member 64. The valve body 330 opens the opening 329. The valve member 63 moves upward due to the biasing force of the spring 62 until it contacts the opening 329. The seal portion 67 seals the opening 329 and the flow path member 64.

[0137] As the valve body 330 moves from the first state to the second state, the flow path member 64 moves from the outside to the inside of the bottle 300. The upper ends of the gas flow path 65 and the liquid flow path 66 enter the internal space of the bottle 300 and communicate with the storage chamber 113 of the bottle 300. Therefore, the ink stored in the storage chamber 113 flows down into the internal space of the tank 60.

[0138] The ribs 58 of the tank 60 are positioned to facilitate ink flow into the internal space 51 of the tank 60 when the bottle 300 is in the second state. The ribs 58 have the effect of improving the efficiency of ink outflow.

[0139] In the above description, bottle 300 is an example of a liquid container for printing. Support member 110 and tip member 320 are examples of first members, and valve body 330 is an example of second member. Opening 329 is an example of a supply port, and spring 62 is an example of a biasing member. The state in which bottle 300 is inserted into recess 53 of tank 60 is an example of the installed state.

[0140] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] As described above, the multifunction printer according to this embodiment includes a tank 60 and a bottle 300 that supplies ink to the tank 60 while connected to the tank 60. The bottle 300 includes a first member including a support member 110 and a tip member 320, and a valve body 330. The valve body 330 opens or closes the opening 329. The valve body 330 is relatively movable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the valve body 330 closes the opening 329, and in the second state, it opens the opening 329.

[0141] The tank 60 includes an inlet 56 into which ink flows, and a flow path member 64 having a gas flow path 65 and a liquid flow path 66. When installed, the flow path member 64 is configured to move from outside to inside the bottle 300 as the valve body 330 moves from a first state to a second state. The installed state is when the bottle 300 is inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 60.

[0142] In the multifunction printer according to this embodiment, the flow path member 64 moves between the outside and inside of the bottle 300. Therefore, according to the multifunction printer according to this embodiment, the liquid flow path 66 for supplying ink and the gas flow path 65 for air to pass through can be closed or opened.

[0143] Furthermore, the tank 60 is further equipped with a spring 62 that biases the flow path member 64 toward the inlet 56. Therefore, as the valve body 330 moves from the first state to the second state, the flow path member 64 can be moved from outside to inside the bottle 300. Also, in the second state, the opening 329 and the flow path member 64 are sealed. Therefore, in the second state, air can be passed through the gas flow path 65 and ink can be passed through the liquid flow path 66.

[0144] [Differentiation] In each of the embodiments described above, the storage portion 111 of the support member 110 has a tapered cylindrical shape. In modified bottles, the storage portion may have a different shape. As shown in Figure 14, in the modified bottle 400, the storage portion 411 of the support member 410 may have a portion that has a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter and inner diameter larger than that of the support portion 412. A male screw 414 is formed on a part of the outer circumferential surface of the storage portion 411.

[0145] The bottle 400 is inserted into the recess 53 of the tank 70 with its tip facing downwards and its base facing upwards. A receiving portion 71 with a female thread 72 formed on its inner surface is located on the upper wall 52 of the tank 70 at a position corresponding to the recess 53. When the user inserts the bottle 400 into the recess 53 of the tank 70, the user rotates the bottle 400 to engage the male thread 414 and the female thread 72.

[0146] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the support member 110 has an internal groove 116, and the valve body has a projection 134 that engages with the internal groove 116. In the modified bottle, the support member 110 may have a first projection that intersects with the axial direction of the bottle. In this modified bottle, the valve body extends along the axial direction of the bottle and has a second groove that engages with the first projection.

[0147] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the engaging rib 128 of the tip member is engaged with the groove 57 of the tank. In the modified bottle, the configuration for preventing the rotation of the tip member is not limited to the engaging rib 128. For example, a groove may be formed in the tip member, and the rotation of the tip member may be prevented by the groove engaging with a protrusion formed in the tank.

[0148] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the bottle is composed of a support member, a tip member, and a valve body. A modified bottle may be composed of three or more members. The support member, tip member, and valve body may be composed of a combination of multiple members.

[0149] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the recess 53 and the inlet 56 are formed in the upper wall 52 of the tank. In the modified bottle, the recess 53 and the inlet 56 may be formed in a location other than the upper wall 52 of the tank. For example, the tank may have an inclined wall that slopes in the vertical direction, and the recess 53 and the inlet 56 may be formed in the inclined wall of the tank. Also, the tank does not necessarily have to be mounted on the carriage 41. The tank may not be mounted on the carriage 41, and the head 42 and the tank may be connected by a tube or the like so that ink can flow through them.

[0150] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printing liquid was defined as ink. In the modified bottle, the printing liquid may be something other than ink. For example, the printing liquid may be a pre-treatment liquid that is dispensed onto the recording paper before the ink during printing. Alternatively, the printing liquid may be water or the like that is sprayed to prevent the nozzles 44 of the head 42 from drying out. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 10...Multifunction device (printing device) 50, 60, 70... tanks 51...Internal space 56...Inlet 57. Groove (around the perimeter) 58... Ribs 62... Spring (biasing member) 64... Flow channel components 65...Gas flow path 66.. Liquid flow path 100, 200, 300, 400... bottles (liquid containers for printing) 101... Step 110, 410... Support member (first member) 113...Storage chamber 116...Inner groove (1st groove) 120, 220, 320... Tip members (first members) 127, 227... Supply ports 128...Engaging rib (engaging part) 130, 230, 330... Valve body (second component) 134···Convex part (Second convex part) 141, 241... Gas flow path (first flow path) 142, 242... Liquid channel (second channel) 143, 243... Opening (First opening) 144, 244... Opening (Second opening) 145, 245... Opening (3rd opening) 146, 246... Opening (4th opening) 232...1st valve 233...2nd valve 329...Opening (supply port)

Claims

1. A first member having a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber, A first flow path communicating with the above-mentioned storage chamber, It does not have a storage chamber for storing printing liquid, and comprises a second member that closes or opens the supply port and the first flow path to the outside, The second member described above is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. The second component described above is a liquid container for printing that closes the supply port and the first flow path in the first state and opens the supply port and the first flow path in the second state.

2. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member has the first flow path and the second flow path connected to the supply port. The second member, upon receiving the rotation of the support member, moves linearly in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member. The first flow path has a first opening connected to the storage chamber and a second opening located at the tip of the second member. The second flow path has a third opening connected to the storage chamber and a fourth opening located at the tip of the second member. In the first state described above, the second member closes the supply port, and the second opening and the fourth opening are not exposed to the outside. In the second state described above, the tip of the second member protrudes from the supply port, and the second opening and the fourth opening are exposed to the outside, as described in claim 1.

3. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that has a second flow path connected to the first flow path and the supply port, and that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member, upon receiving the rotation of the support member, moves linearly in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member. The first flow path has a first opening connected to the storage chamber and a second opening located at the tip member. The second flow path has a third opening connected to the storage chamber and a fourth opening which is the supply port located at the tip of the tip member. The second member described above has a first valve and a second valve, In the first state described above, the first valve closes the first passage, and the second valve closes the second passage. In the second state described above, the first valve opens the first flow path, and the second valve opens the second flow path, as described in claim 1.

4. The support member has a first groove extending in a spiral shape along the axial direction, or a first protrusion projecting in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The printing liquid container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second member has a second protrusion that engages with the first groove, or a second groove that extends along the axial direction and engages with the first protrusion.

5. The printing liquid container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the support member has a cylindrical internal space, and at least a portion of the second member is located in the internal space.

6. The printing liquid container according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first opening and the third opening are located at mutually different positions along the direction of movement of the second member.

7. The printing liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the second opening and the fourth opening are located at mutually different positions along the direction of movement of the second member.

8. The printing liquid container according to claim 7, wherein the second opening is located closer to the storage chamber than the fourth opening.

9. In the first state and the second state described above, the second member is located in the internal space of the first member, as described in claim 3, for printing liquid containers.

10. The above-mentioned liquid container for printing supplies liquid to the tank of the printing apparatus through an inlet. In the second state described above, the tip of the second flow path is positioned to match the ribs located in the internal space of the tank, as described in claim 2.

11. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The printing liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the second member is subjected to the rotation of the support member and moves linearly in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member.

12. The printing liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are formed of the same resin material.

13. The above-mentioned first member is a printing liquid container according to claim 1, having a step on its outer surface.

14. A printing apparatus comprising a tank and a printing liquid container connected to the tank for supplying printing liquid to the tank, The above liquid container for printing is A first member having a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber, A first flow path communicating with the above-mentioned storage chamber, It does not have a storage chamber for storing printing liquid, and comprises a second member that closes or opens the supply port and the first flow path to the outside, The second member described above is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. The second member described above closes the supply port and the first flow path in the first state, and opens the supply port and the first flow path in the second state. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The second member, upon receiving the rotation of the support member, moves linearly in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member. The above tank has an inlet for liquid to flow in, The above-mentioned tip member has an engaging portion that engages with the surrounding portion of the inlet of the above-mentioned tank, A printing apparatus in which, when the above-mentioned engaging portion is engaged with the above-mentioned surrounding portion, liquid can flow in from the storage chamber through the inlet, and the rotation of the tip member relative to the surrounding portion is prevented.

15. A printing apparatus comprising a tank and a printing liquid container connected to the tank for supplying printing liquid to the tank, The above liquid container for printing is A first member having a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber, The system comprises a second member that closes or opens the above-mentioned supply port, The second member described above is It is possible to move relative to the first state and the second state. In the first state described above, the supply port is closed, and in the second state described above, the supply port is opened. The above tank comprises an inlet into which printing liquid flows, and a flow channel member having a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The above-mentioned flow path member is configured to move from the outside to the inside of the printing liquid container when the printing liquid container is mounted in the inlet of the tank, as the second member moves from the first state to the second state.

16. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising a biasing member that biases the flow path member toward the inlet.

17. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in the second state described above, the supply port and the flow path member are sealed.

18. The first member has a support member that supports the second member so that it can move in a straight line, and a tip member that guides the second member. The support member and the tip member are configured to be rotatable relative to each other. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second member is subjected to the rotation of the support member and moves linearly in the axial direction along the center of rotation relative to the first member.

19. The support member has a first groove extending in a spiral shape along the axial direction, or a first protrusion projecting in a direction intersecting the axial direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the second member has a second protrusion that engages with the first groove, or a second groove that extends along the axial direction and engages with the first protrusion.

20. A first member having a storage chamber for storing printing liquid and a supply port communicating with the storage chamber, It does not have a storage chamber for storing printing liquid, and comprises a second member that closes or opens the above supply port to the outside, The second member described above is guided by the first member and is capable of moving linearly between a first state and a second state. The above-mentioned supply port is closed in the first state and can be opened in the second state, in a liquid container for printing.

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