system

Abstract

To provide a system which enables easy connection between a tank and a liquid bottle and enables reduction of the possibility that air flowing from the tank into the liquid bottle flows reversely to the tank.SOLUTION: A tank 100 includes: an atmosphere communication hole 113 allowing communication between an ink chamber 111 and atmospheric air; and a pipe body 112 which defines a gas passage 121 and a liquid passage 122 and protrudes from an inclined wall 106 of the tank 100. The pipe body 112 extends to the oblique upward side along a direction intersecting with a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. The pipe body 112 has through holes 112C, 112D which penetrate through an outer peripheral wall. A liquid bottle 80 has a valve 88 which can move to a closed position where the valve 88 closes a supply port 85 and an open position where the valve 88 separates from the supply port 85.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system including a liquid bottle for storing a liquid and a tank to which the liquid bottle is connected.

Background Art

[0002] A system in which liquid is supplied from a cartridge to a tank in a so-called chicken feed method is disclosed, in which each time the liquid stored in the tank is consumed, the liquid is sequentially supplied from the cartridge connected to the tank to the tank to keep the liquid level in the tank constant (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the tank is located below the cartridge. The tank also includes an air communication portion that communicates with the atmosphere. The tank communicates with the cartridge through two flow paths, an air flow path and a liquid flow path. When the liquid in the tank is consumed and the liquid level becomes lower than the opening at the lower end of the air flow path, air enters the tank from the air communication portion, and the air that has entered the tank enters the cartridge through the air flow path. Then, the liquid corresponding to the volume of the air that has entered the cartridge is supplied from the cartridge to the tank through the liquid flow path. When the liquid level reaches the opening of the air flow path, the supply of the liquid is stopped. In this way, the liquid level in the tank is maintained constant.

[0004] In addition, a system in which the liquid in the tank can be replenished from the injection port of the tank when the liquid in the tank is consumed is known (see Patent Document 2). In such a system, for example, when a liquid bottle is inserted into the injection port, the liquid stored in the liquid bottle is replenished to the tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] In the so-called chicken feed system disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the liquid bottle is connected vertically downward from above the tank, space is required above the tank to position the liquid bottle. Therefore, in a configuration where the scanner is located above the tank, such as in a multifunction printer, the scanner must be moved to secure sufficient space above the tank for the bottle to be positioned.

[0007] If a liquid bottle can be connected from the front of the tank, the liquid and gas flow paths in the liquid bottle will extend diagonally rather than vertically. As a result, there is a risk that air (bubbles) flowing from the tank into the liquid bottle through the gas flow path may flow into the liquid flow path within the liquid bottle and backflow back into the tank.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a system that facilitates the connection between a tank and a liquid bottle and reduces the possibility of air flowing from the tank into the liquid bottle flowing back into the tank. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The system according to the present invention comprises a tank having a storage chamber for storing liquid, and a liquid bottle connected to the tank through a supply port. The tank comprises an atmospheric communication section that connects the storage chamber to the atmosphere, a first pipe body protruding from the outer wall of the tank and defining a liquid flow path connecting a first opening located below at least a portion of the atmospheric communication section in the storage chamber and a second opening located outside the storage chamber, and a second pipe body protruding from the outer wall of the tank and defining a gas flow path connecting a third opening located in the storage chamber and a fourth opening located outside the storage chamber. The first pipe body and the second pipe body extend diagonally upward from the outer wall of the tank along extension directions that intersect the vertical and horizontal directions. The second opening penetrates the circumferential wall of the first pipe body. The fourth opening penetrates the circumferential wall of the second pipe body. The liquid bottle described above has a valve that can move between a first position that closes the supply port and a second position that is away from the supply port.

[0010] According to the above configuration, there is a circumferential wall of the tube between the second opening and the fourth opening, meaning that the distance between the second opening and the fourth opening is increased. Therefore, the gas flowing into the liquid bottle from the fourth opening is prevented from reaching the second opening.

[0011] (2) Preferably, the second opening is located at a different position from the fourth opening in the extension direction.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the second and fourth openings are separated in the extension direction, so that gas flowing into the liquid bottle from the fourth opening does not reach the second opening. Note that the second and fourth openings being in different positions in the extension direction means that the edges of the two openings do not completely overlap. For example, this would be the case when the centers of two openings of the same shape are taken as reference positions, and the two reference positions are in different positions in the extension direction.

[0013] (3) Preferably, the second opening is located below the fourth opening.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the gas that flows into the liquid bottle from the fourth opening moves upward through the liquid as bubbles, making it difficult for it to reach the second opening, which is located below the fourth opening.

[0015] (4) Preferably, an elastically deformable elastic body is located on the surface of the valve facing the supply port.

[0016] According to the above configuration, even if the end face of the first or second tube is open, the end face of the first or second tube comes into contact with the elastic body, thereby closing the opening at the end face. As a result, gas does not flow in or out through the opening at the end face.

[0017] (5) Preferably, the first pipe and the second pipe are a single pipe divided by a partition wall.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the first and second pipes are easily constructed. Furthermore, since one pipe is inserted into the liquid bottle's supply port, the liquid bottle's structure is also simplified. Additionally, the connection between the tank and the liquid bottle is easy.

[0019] (6) The system according to the present invention comprises a tank having a storage chamber for storing liquid, and a liquid bottle connected to the tank through a supply port. The tank comprises an atmospheric communication section that connects the storage chamber to the atmosphere, a first pipe body protruding from the outer wall of the tank and defining a liquid flow path connecting a first opening located below at least a portion of the atmospheric communication section in the storage chamber and a second opening located outside the storage chamber, and a second pipe body protruding from the outer wall of the tank and defining a gas flow path connecting a third opening located in the storage chamber and a fourth opening located outside the storage chamber. The first pipe body and the second pipe body extend diagonally upward from the outer wall of the tank along extension directions that intersect the vertical and horizontal directions. At least one of the second opening and the fourth opening is open at the end face of the first pipe body or the second pipe body. The liquid bottle has a valve that is movable between a first position that closes the supply port and a second position that is away from the supply port. In the valve described above, a bottle flow path is formed in the contact wall that abuts the first or second pipe body, whose end face is open, and which connects the second or fourth opening that opens to the end face with the internal space of the liquid bottle when the tank and the liquid bottle are connected.

[0020] According to the above configuration, when the tank and the liquid bottle are connected, the second or fourth opening that opens on the end face is connected to the internal space of the liquid bottle through the bottle flow path. This realizes a configuration in which an opening is formed on the end face of the first or second tube, while maintaining a distance between the second and fourth openings. Therefore, the gas flowing into the liquid bottle from the fourth opening is prevented from reaching the second opening.

[0021] (7) Preferably, the second opening is located below the fourth opening.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the gas that flows into the liquid bottle from the fourth opening moves upward through the liquid as bubbles, making it difficult for it to reach the second opening, which is located below the fourth opening.

[0023] (8) Preferably, the fourth opening opens to the end face of the second tube body, and the second opening penetrates the peripheral wall of the first tube body.

[0024] According to the above configuration, in the connected state, the liquid in the liquid bottle remaining near the supply port, that is, near the peripheral wall of the first tube body, easily flows into the liquid flow path through the second opening. As a result, it is difficult for liquid to remain in the liquid bottle.

[0025] (9) Preferably, the first tube body and the second tube body are formed by partitioning one tube body with a partition wall. <6>

[0026] According to the above configuration, the first tube body and the second tube body are simply configured. In addition, since one tube body is inserted into the supply port of the liquid bottle, the configuration of the liquid bottle is also simplified. Further, the connection between the tank and the liquid bottle is easy.

Effect of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the connection between the tank and the liquid bottle is easy, and the possibility of the air flowing into the liquid bottle from the tank flowing back into the tank can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction machine 10, where (A) shows the state where the cover 70 is in the closed position, and (B) shows the state where the cover 70 is in the open position. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 23, the platen 42, the guide rails 43, 44, and the ink tank 100. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the ink tank 100. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the ink tank 100M. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid bottle 80 and the ink tank 100M, showing the state in which the liquid bottle 80 is not connected to the ink tank 100M. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the liquid bottle 80 and the ink tank 100M, showing the liquid bottle 80 connected to the ink tank 100M. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged view showing the area around the tube 112 of the ink tank 100M. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the liquid bottle 80. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the tip 84 of the liquid bottle 80 and the area around the tubular body 112 of the ink tank 100M in Figure 6. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an enlarged view of the tip 84 of the liquid bottle 80 and the area around the tubular body 112 of the ink tank 100M in Figure 7. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an enlarged view showing the area around the tube 112 of the ink tank 100M according to the first modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of the tip 84 of the liquid bottle 80 and the area around the tubular body 112 of the ink tank 100M, which are not connected according to the first modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of the tip 84 of the liquid bottle 80 and the area around the tubular body 112 of the ink tank 100M in the connected state according to the first modified example. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an external perspective view showing the rubber 71 and valve 88 according to the second modified example. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the tip 84 of the liquid bottle 80 and the area around the tubular body 112 of the ink tank 100M in the connected state according to the second modified example. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is an enlarged view showing the area around the tube 112 of the ink tank 100M according to a modified version of the second modified version. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. It goes without saying that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the gist of the invention. In the following description, the movement from the starting point to the ending point of an arrow is expressed as direction, and the movement along the line connecting the starting point and the ending point of an arrow is expressed as orientation. In other words, direction is one component of orientation. Furthermore, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the orientation in which the multifunction printer 10 and the ink tank 100 installed in the multifunction printer 10 are installed on a horizontal plane for use (see Figures 1 and 2, sometimes referred to as the "usage orientation"), the front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 (see Figure 1) of the multifunction printer 10 is provided as the front, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the multifunction printer 10 from the front. The vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other. In this embodiment, in the usage orientation, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction.

[0030] [Overall configuration of the 10-function printer] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction printer 10 (an example of a system) is generally rectangular in shape. The multifunction printer 10 has a printer unit 11 at the bottom that records images on paper 12 (see Figure 2) using an inkjet recording method. The printer unit 11 has a housing 14 with an opening 13 formed in the front wall 14A.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 14 contains a feeding unit 15, a feeding tray 20, an output tray 21, a transport roller unit 54, a recording unit 24, an output roller unit 55, a platen 42, and an ink tank 100. The multifunction device 10 has various functions such as facsimile and printing functions.

[0032] [Feeding tray 20, discharge tray 21] As shown in Figure 1, the feed tray 20 is inserted into and removed from the multifunction printer 10 along the front-to-back direction 8 through the opening 13. The opening 13 is located on the front of the multifunction printer 10 and in the center in the left-to-right direction 9. As shown in Figure 2, the feed tray 20 is capable of supporting multiple stacked sheets of paper 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the output tray 21 is located above the feed tray 20. The output tray 21 supports the paper 12 ejected from between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 by the output roller section 55.

[0033] [Feeding section 15] The feeding unit 15 feeds the paper 12 supported on the feeding tray 20 to the transport path 65. As shown in Figure 2, the feeding unit 15 comprises a feeding roller 25, a feeding arm 26, and a shaft 27. The feeding roller 25 is rotatably supported at the tip of the feeding arm 26. The feeding roller 25 is driven by a feeding motor (not shown). The feeding arm 26 is rotatably supported on a shaft 27 supported by the frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The feeding arm 26 is biased to rotate toward the feeding tray 20 by its own weight or by an elastic force such as a spring.

[0034] [Transportation route 65] As shown in Figure 2, the transport path 65 refers to a space formed by an outer guide member 18 and an inner guide member 19 facing each other at a predetermined interval, with a portion of the path located inside the printer unit 11. The transport path 65 extends rearward from the rear end of the feed tray 20, extends upward at the rear of the printer unit 11, makes a U-turn forward, and passes through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 42 to reach the discharge tray 21. The transport path 65 between the transport roller unit 54 and the discharge roller unit 55 is located approximately in the center of the multifunction printer 10 in the left-right direction 9, as shown in Figure 3, and extends in the front-back direction 8. The transport direction 29 of the paper 12 within the transport path 65 is indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2.

[0035] [Conveyor roller section 54] As shown in Figure 2, the transport roller section 54 is positioned in the transport path 65. The transport roller section 54 has a transport roller 60 and a pinch roller 61 that face each other. The transport roller 60 is driven by a transport motor (not shown). The pinch roller 61 rotates along with the transport roller 60. The paper 12 is held between the transport roller 60 and the pinch roller 61, which are driven by the transport motor and rotate, and transported in the transport direction 29.

[0036] [Discharge roller section 55] As shown in Figure 2, the discharge roller section 55 is located downstream of the transport roller section 54 in the transport path 65 in the transport direction 29. The discharge roller section 55 has a discharge roller 62 and a spur 63 that face each other. The discharge roller 62 is driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 63 rotates along with the rotation of the discharge roller 62. The paper 12 is held between the discharge roller 62 and the spur 63, which are driven by the transport motor and rotate, and transported in the transport direction 29.

[0037] [Record Section 24] As shown in Figure 2, the recording unit 24 is positioned between the transport roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 in the transport path 65. The recording unit 24 is positioned opposite the platen 42 in the vertical direction 7, with the transport path 65 in between. The recording unit 24 comprises a carriage 23 and a recording head 39.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the carriage 23 is supported by guide rails 43 and 44, each extending in the left-right direction 9 at positions spaced apart in the front-rear direction 8. The guide rails 43 and 44 are supported by the frame of the printer unit 11. The carriage 23 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 44. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage drive motor (not shown). The carriage 23, connected to the belt mechanism, moves back and forth along the left-right direction 9 by the drive of the carriage motor. The range of movement of the carriage 23 extends to the right and left of the transport path 65, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3.

[0039] An ink tube 32 and a flexible flat cable 33 extend from the carriage 23.

[0040] The ink tube 32 connects the ink tank 100 and the recording head 39. The ink tube 32 supplies ink (an example of liquid) stored in four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M (these are sometimes collectively referred to as "ink tank 100") to the recording head 39. Ink tank 100 is an example of a tank. Specifically, four ink tubes 32B, 32Y, 32C, and 32M (these are sometimes collectively referred to as "ink tube 32"), each carrying ink of a different color (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow), extend from the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M respectively, and are bundled together and connected to the carriage 23.

[0041] The flexible flat cable 33 electrically connects the control board on which the controller (not shown) that controls the operation of the multifunction printer 10 is mounted, and the recording head 39. The flexible flat cable 33 transmits the control signals output from the controller to the recording head 39.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the carriage 23 is equipped with a recording head 39. Multiple nozzles 40 are arranged on the underside of the recording head 39. The tips of the multiple nozzles 40 are exposed from the underside of the recording head 39. The recording head 39 ejects ink from the nozzles 40 as tiny ink droplets. As the carriage 23 moves, the recording head 39 ejects ink droplets toward the paper 12 supported by the platen 42. This records an image on the paper 12. This also consumes the ink stored in the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

[0043] [Platen 42] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the platen 42 is positioned between the transport roller section 54 and the discharge roller section 55 in the transport path 65. The platen 42 is positioned opposite the recording section 24 in the vertical direction 7, with the transport path 65 in between. The platen 42 supports the paper 12 being transported by the transport roller section 54 from below.

[0044] [Cover 70] As shown in Figure 1(B), an opening 22 is formed in the right part of the front wall 14A of the housing 14. As shown in Figure 1(A), a cover 70 is attached to the housing 14 so as to cover the opening 22. The cover 70 is rotatable between a closed position that closes the opening 22 (position shown in Figure 1(A)) and an open position that opens the opening 22 (position shown in Figure 1(B)). As shown in Figure 1(A), when the cover 70 is in the closed position, the tube 112 of the ink tank 100 (see Figures 1(B) and 4) is blocked from the outside. As shown in Figure 1(B), when the cover 70 is in the open position, the tube 112 of the ink tank 100 is exposed to the outside. As shown in Figure 1(A), an opening 97 is formed in the cover 70. Inside the housing 14, there is a space behind the opening 22. The ink tank 100 is placed in this space.

[0045] [Ink Tank 100] The ink tank 100 shown in Figure 4 is located in the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 supplies ink to the recording unit 24 of the printer unit 11. The ink tank 100 comprises four ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M.

[0046] Each ink tank 100 stores a different color of ink. Specifically, black ink is stored in ink tank 100B, yellow ink in ink tank 100Y, cyan ink in ink tank 100C, and magenta ink in ink tank 100M. However, the number of ink tanks 100 and the colors of the inks are not limited to the above example.

[0047] The configurations of ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M are generally the same, except that the length of ink tank 100B in the left-right direction is longer than the lengths of the other three ink tanks 100Y, 100C, and 100M in the left-right direction. Therefore, the configuration of ink tank 100M will be described below, and the descriptions of the configurations of the other ink tanks 100B, 100Y, and 100C will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the ink tank 100M has a frame consisting of a front wall 101, a rear wall 110, an upper wall 104, a lower wall 105, a right wall 107, and a left wall 108. The front wall 101, rear wall 110, upper wall 104, and lower wall 105 are made of resin. The right wall 107 and left wall 108 are made of film. The film as the right wall 107 is attached to an opening formed at the right end of the front wall 101, rear wall 110, upper wall 104, and lower wall 105. The film as the left wall 108 is attached to an opening formed at the left end of the front wall 101, rear wall 110, upper wall 104, and lower wall 105. This creates an ink chamber 111 (see Figure 6, an example of a storage chamber) partitioned by the front wall 101, rear wall 110, upper wall 104, lower wall 105, right wall 107, and left wall 108.

[0049] Furthermore, the materials used for each wall of the frame (resin or film) are not limited to those described above. For example, only the rear wall 110 may be made of film, while the other walls are made of resin. Also, for example, a portion of the right wall 107 may be made of resin, while the remaining portion of the right wall 107 is made of film. Moreover, a portion of the left wall 108 may be made of resin, while the remaining portion of the left wall 108 is made of film.

[0050] The resin portion of the frame is integrally formed from a resin that has sufficient light transmission to allow the ink in the ink chamber 111 to be visible from outside the ink tank 100. The resin portion of the frame is made of, for example, polypropylene. The resin portion of the frame is integrally molded, for example, by injection molding of the resin material.

[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the front wall 101 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening 97 of the cover 70 and the opening 22 of the housing 14. The front wall 101 is visible from the front of the multifunction printer 10, and the user can check the remaining amount of ink stored in the ink chamber 111 from the front of the multifunction printer 10 through the front wall 101.

[0052] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the front wall 101 is composed of a vertical wall 102 and an inclined wall 106. The vertical wall 102 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the left-right direction 9. The inclined wall 106 is a wall that connects the upper end of the vertical wall 102 and the front end of the upper wall 104. The inclined wall 106 is inclined in the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8.

[0053] The ink tank 100M includes a first line 146 and a second line 147. The first line 146 and the second line 147 are formed in the vertical wall 102.

[0054] The first line 146 extends in the left-right direction 9. The vertical position 7 of the first line 146 is at the same height as the ink level in the ink chamber 111 when the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the ink tank 100M in the operating position.

[0055] The second line 147 extends in the left-right direction 9. The second line 147 is located below the first line 146. The vertical position 7 of the second line 147 is at the same height as the ink level in the ink chamber 111 when the ink tank 100M is in use and a quantity of ink less than the maximum amount is stored therein. In this embodiment, the vertical position 7 of the second line 147 is at the same height as the ink level in the ink chamber 111 when the minimum amount of ink requiring replenishment is stored therein in the ink tank 100M in use.

[0056] The ink tank 100M is equipped with an atmospheric communication hole 113 (an example of an atmospheric communication section). In this embodiment, the atmospheric communication hole 113 is formed in the upper wall 104, but it may also be formed in a wall other than the upper wall 104. The atmospheric communication hole 113 is a hole that connects the ink chamber 111 to the atmosphere outside the ink tank 100M. The atmospheric communication hole 113 and the ink chamber 111 may be directly connected as shown in Figure 6, or they may be connected via an atmospheric passage through which air passes. A semipermeable membrane (not shown) may be attached to the atmospheric communication hole 113 or the atmospheric passage. The semipermeable membrane is a porous membrane having minute pores that block the passage of ink but allow the passage of gas. In a configuration where the atmospheric communication hole 113 and the ink chamber 111 are connected via an atmospheric flow path, and a semipermeable membrane is attached to the atmospheric communication hole 113 or the atmospheric flow path, the atmospheric communication hole 113, the atmospheric flow path, and the semipermeable membrane correspond to the atmospheric communication section, and the atmospheric communication hole 113 corresponds to the atmospheric communication opening.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, the ink tank 100M is equipped with an outlet 115 through which the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 flows out. The outlet 115 is an opening formed in the rear wall 110. An ink tube 32 is connected to the outlet 115. As shown in Figure 3, the ink stored in the ink chamber 111 is supplied to the recording head 39 via the outlet 115 and the ink tube 32.

[0058] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the ink tank 100M has a projection 120 that protrudes diagonally forward and upward from the outer surface 106A of the inclined wall 106. The projection 120 is formed above the tubular body 112. The projection 120 is capable of bending when an external force is applied to it. The projection 120 has a projection 120A at its tip that protrudes forward and downward. The projection 120A can engage with a projection 86 of the liquid bottle 80, which will be described later.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the ink tank 100M is provided with ribs 148 on the outer surface 106A of the inclined wall 106. The ribs 148 are formed below the tubular body 112. The ribs 148 extend roughly in the left-right direction 9 from near the right end to near the left end of the inclined wall 106. More specifically, the ribs 148 are inclined downward as they move to the right of the center of the left-right direction 9, and also inclined downward as they move to the left of the center of the left-right direction 9.

[0060] The formation of the rib 148 on the outer surface 106A of the inclined wall 106 prevents the leaked ink from adhering to the outer surface of the vertical wall 102, particularly below the first line 146 on the outer surface of the vertical wall 102, even if ink leaks from the tube 112 when ink is injected into the ink chamber 111 through the tube 112. Furthermore, because the rib 148 is inclined, ink adhering to the rib 148 from above is guided along the rib 148 to the outside of the ink tank 100 in the left-right direction 9. As a result, the possibility of ink adhering to the outer surface of the vertical wall 102 is reduced, and the possibility of the ink in the ink chamber 111 being obstructed by adhering ink from outside the ink tank 100 through the vertical wall 102 is reduced. Note that the rib 148 is not limited to the shape shown in Figure 5, and it is not necessarily required to be provided.

[0061] [Tube body 112] As shown in Figure 5, the ink tank 100M includes a tube 112 (an example of a first tube and a second tube). The tube 112 protrudes diagonally forward and upward from the outer surface 106A of the inclined wall 106. That is, the tube 112 extends in a direction having components in the front-to-back direction 8 (horizontal direction) and the up-to-down direction 7 (vertical direction). In this embodiment, the tube 112 extends in a direction inclined at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The tube 112 protrudes from a position below the projection 120 on the inclined wall 106. The tube 112 is inserted into the supply port 85 of the liquid bottle 80 (see Figure 7). This allows the ink stored in the liquid bottle 80 to be injected into the ink chamber 111.

[0062] The tube 112 is cylindrical in shape. However, the tube 112 is not limited to a cylindrical shape; it may also be a polygonal tube, such as a square tube, as long as it is cylindrical.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the tube 112 has two through-holes 112C (an example of a fourth opening) and 112D (an example of a second opening) at its tip (the end located outside the ink chamber 111), which penetrate the peripheral wall of the tube 112. The two through-holes 112C and 112D are independent of each other. That is, the peripheral wall of the tube 112 exists between the two through-holes 112C and 112D. The through-hole 112C is formed on the upper side of the tube 112 (more specifically, on the surface of the outer surface of the tube 112 that has an upward component). The through-hole 112D is formed on the lower side of the tube 112 (more specifically, on the surface of the outer surface of the tube 112 that has a downward component). The tip of the tube 112 is closed by the outer wall 112A without opening.

[0064] The through-hole 112C is located at a different position from the through-hole 112D in the direction in which the pipe body 112 extends. The statement that the through-holes 112C and 112D are located at different positions in the direction in which the pipe body 112 extends means that the through-holes 112C and 112D do not completely overlap in that direction. Furthermore, in the vertical direction 7, the through-hole 112D is located below the through-hole 112C. The statement that the through-hole 112D is located below the through-hole 112C in the vertical direction 7 means that at least a portion of the through-hole 112D is located below the lowest position of the through-hole 112C in the vertical direction 7.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, a partition wall 103 is formed to surround the opening 112B in the ink chamber 111. The partition wall 103 extends downward from the inner surface 106B of the inclined wall 106. The front part 103A of the partition wall 103 extends below the rear part 103B of the partition wall 103.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the tube 112 is equipped with a partition wall 117 (an example of a partition wall) in its internal space. The partition wall 117 extends from the outer wall 112A at the tip of the tube 112 to the space enclosed by the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111. The partition wall 117 extends within the internal space of the tube 112 along the axial direction of the tube 112 (in other words, the direction in which the tube 112 protrudes). The partition wall 117 also extends within the space enclosed by the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111 along the direction in which the partition wall 103 extends (in other words, the vertical direction 7).

[0067] The partition wall 117 divides the internal space of the tube body 112 and the space enclosed by the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111 into two spaces. One of the two spaces is the gas flow path 121. The other of the two spaces is the liquid channel 122.

[0068] The gas flow path 121 consists of the portion of the internal space of the tube body 112 that is behind and above the partition wall 117, and the portion of the space enclosed by the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111 that is behind the partition wall 117. In other words, the gas flow path 121 is the space enclosed by the rear part 103B of the partition wall 103 and the partition wall 117 in the ink chamber 111.

[0069] The liquid flow path 122 consists of the portion of the internal space of the tube body 112 that is forward and below the partition wall 117, and the portion of the space enclosed by the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111 that is forward of the partition wall 117. In other words, the liquid flow path 122 is the space enclosed by the front part 103A of the partition wall 103 and the partition wall 117 in the ink chamber 111.

[0070] The opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 (an example of a third opening) opens downward at the rear 103B of the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111. The opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122 (an example of a first opening) opens downward at the front 103A of the partition wall 103 in the ink chamber 111. In other words, the opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 is located above the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122. The opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 is in the same position as the first line 146 in the vertical direction 7. The gas flow path 121 and the liquid flow path 122 are located below the atmospheric communication hole 113.

[0071] The other end of the gas flow path 121 communicates with the outside of the ink tank 100M through a through hole 112C in the tube 112. The other end of the liquid flow path 122 communicates with the outside of the ink tank 100M through a through hole 112D in the tube 112.

[0072] Furthermore, provided that the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122 is located below the opening 121A of the gas flow path 121, at least a portion of the gas flow path 121 other than the opening 121A may also be located below the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122.

[0073] Furthermore, if the atmospheric communication section consists of an atmospheric communication hole 113 and an atmospheric flow path, provided that the atmospheric communication hole 113 is located above the opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 and the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122, at least a portion of the atmospheric flow path may be located below the opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 and the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122.

[0074] [Liquid bottle 80] The liquid bottle 80 shown in Figure 9 is connected to the ink tank 100 and is generally cylindrical in shape. The liquid bottle 80 has an internal space in which ink is stored.

[0075] The liquid bottles 80 are provided in accordance with the ink tanks 100B, 100Y, 100C, and 100M, and each bottle stores ink of the same color as the corresponding ink tank 100. Specifically, the liquid bottle 80 corresponding to ink tank 100B stores black ink, the liquid bottle 80 corresponding to ink tank 100Y stores yellow ink, the liquid bottle 80 corresponding to ink tank 100C stores cyan ink, and the liquid bottle 80 corresponding to ink tank 100M stores magenta ink. In this embodiment, the liquid bottles 80 have the same configuration regardless of the color of the stored ink, however, the liquid bottles 80 may have different configurations (for example, different external shapes) depending on the color of the stored ink.

[0076] The liquid bottle 80 is composed of an outer wall 81. The outer wall 81 partitions the internal space of the liquid bottle 80. The outer wall 81 comprises a main body portion 82, a tapered portion 83, and a tip portion 84.

[0077] The main body portion 82 is cylindrical. The tapered portion 83 is frustoconical. The tapered portion 83 extends from one end of the liquid bottle 80 in the axial direction 151 (in other words, the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 82) while decreasing in diameter along the axial direction 151. That is, the tapered portion 83 becomes thinner in the radial direction 152 (in other words, the direction intersecting the axial direction 151) of the liquid bottle 80 as it approaches the tip of the liquid bottle 80 (in other words, the tip portion 84 and the supply port 85 described later).

[0078] The tip portion 84 protrudes along the axial direction 151 from one end of the tapered portion 83 (the end of the tapered portion 83 opposite to the main body portion 82). The tip portion 84 is equipped with a supply port 85. The supply port 85 is part of the internal space of the liquid bottle 80. As shown in Figure 6, the supply port 85 penetrates the tip portion 84 in the axial direction 151. One end of the supply port 85 (the end on the base end side of the tip portion 84) communicates with the internal space of the tapered portion 83. The other end of the supply port 85 (the end on the tip side of the tip portion 84) opens to the outside of the liquid bottle 80 and communicates with the outside. In other words, the internal space of the liquid bottle 80 communicates with the outside through the supply port 85. A projection 86 is formed on the outer surface of the tip portion 84.

[0079] As shown in Figures 6 and 10, the liquid bottle 80 includes a wall 87, a valve 88, a coil spring 89, and a seal 90 in its internal space.

[0080] The wall 87 protrudes from the inner surface of the liquid bottle 80 so as to be located on the axis of the supply port 85 (a virtual line 150 that passes through the center of the supply port 85 and extends along the axial direction 151) within the internal space of the liquid bottle 80. The wall 87 has an outer surface perpendicular to the axis of the supply port 85. The outer surface of the wall 87 functions as a spring seat for the coil spring 89.

[0081] As shown in Figure 10, the valve 88 is located between the supply port 85 and the wall 87. One end of the coil spring 89 is in contact with the wall 87. The other end of the coil spring 89 is in contact with the valve 88. The seal 90 is a ring-shaped component and is made of an elastic material such as rubber. The seal 90 is located on the other end side of the supply port 85 (the tip side of the tip portion 84) of the valve 88. The seal 90 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface that defines the supply port 85.

[0082] The valve 88 is movable along the axial direction 151 to a closed position (an example of the first position) shown in Figures 6 and 10 and to an open position (an example of the second position) shown in Figure 7.

[0083] When valve 88 is in the closed position, valve 88 is in contact with seal 90. As a result, the other end of supply port 85 (the opening in supply port 85 that communicates with the outside) is closed, and communication between the internal space of liquid bottle 80 and the outside of liquid bottle 80 is blocked by valve 88.

[0084] When valve 88 is in the open position, valve 88 is separated from seal 90. As a result, the other end of supply port 85 is open, and the internal space of liquid bottle 80 is in communication with the outside of liquid bottle 80.

[0085] The coil spring 89 biases the valve 88 toward the seal 90. Therefore, when no external force is applied (when the liquid bottle 80 is not attached to the ink tank 100), the valve 88 is always in the closed position.

[0086] [Connecting liquid bottle 80 and ink tank 100] The following describes how to connect the liquid bottle 80 and the ink tank 100.

[0087] As shown in Figures 6 and 10, when the liquid bottle 80 is not connected to the ink tank 100, the valve 88 of the liquid bottle 80 is in the closed position.

[0088] When connecting the liquid bottle 80 to the tube 112, it is brought closer to the tube 112 while maintaining a posture in which the supply port 85 and the outer wall 112A of the tube 112 face each other and the projection 86 and the protruding part 120 of the ink tank 100 face each other.

[0089] When the tube 112 is inserted into the supply port 85, the outer surface of the tube 112 adheres tightly to the inner surface of the seal 90. This prevents ink from leaking through the gap between the liquid bottle 80 and the tube 112.

[0090] Furthermore, when the pipe 112 is inserted into the supply port 85, the outer wall 112A of the pipe 112 comes into contact with the valve 88, pushing the valve 88 toward the internal space of the liquid bottle 80. As a result, the valve 88 moves away from the seal 90 against the biasing force of the coil spring 89 and moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0091] Furthermore, when projection 86 approaches projection 120 and comes into contact with projection 120A, projection 120 bends due to the reaction force from projection 86. Additionally, when the tube 112 is inserted into supply port 85, projection 86 becomes closer to the front wall 101 than projection 120A, causing the bent projection 120 to elastically return to its original state. As a result, projection 86 and projection 120A engage, as shown in Figures 7 and 11. Consequently, the liquid bottle 80 is locked into the ink tank 100.

[0092] The connected state is when the pipe 112 is inserted into the supply port 85, the valve 88 moves to the open position, the valve 118 moves to the open position, and the projection 86 and projection 120A engage (as shown in Figures 7 and 10). In the connected state, the through holes 112C and 112D of the pipe 112 are located in the internal space of the liquid bottle 80.

[0093] The supply of ink from the liquid bottle 80 to the ink tank 100 in the connection state shown in Figures 7 and 11 will be described below.

[0094] When the liquid bottle 80 is connected to the ink tank 100, and the through-holes 112C and 112D of the tube 112 are located in the internal space of the liquid bottle 80, the internal space of the liquid bottle 80 and the ink chamber 111 are connected through the gas flow path 121 and the liquid flow path 122. As a result, the ink stored in the internal space of the liquid bottle 80 flows through the through-hole 112D to the liquid flow path 122, and then flows from the opening 122A of the liquid flow path 122 to the ink chamber 111. In addition, as the ink flows, air enters the ink chamber 111 through the atmospheric communication hole 113 and flows into the internal space of the liquid bottle 80 from the gas flow path 121 through the through-hole 112C. Here, the volume of ink flowing from the liquid bottle 80 to the ink tank 100 and the volume of air flowing from the ink tank 100 to the liquid bottle 80 are approximately the same. In this way, so-called gas-liquid exchange is performed.

[0095] When ink flows into the ink chamber 111, the ink level in the ink chamber 111 rises to the opening 121A of the gas flow path 121 (in other words, the same height as the first line 146), which blocks the flow of air between the gas flow path 121 and the ink chamber 111. This stops the flow of air from the ink chamber 111 to the internal space of the liquid bottle 80. As a result, the flow of ink from the internal space of the liquid bottle 80 to the ink chamber 111 is stopped. When the liquid bottle 80 is removed from the ink tank 100, the replenishment of ink into the ink chamber 111 is complete.

[0096] [Effects of the Embodiment] According to the above embodiment, since the peripheral wall of the pipe body 112 is located between the through holes 112C and 112D, that is, the through holes 112C and 112D are separated, the gas (bubbles) flowing into the liquid bottle 80 from the through hole 112C is prevented from reaching the through hole 112D.

[0097] Furthermore, since the through holes 112C and 112D are separated in the direction in which the pipe body 112 extends, the gas (bubbles) flowing into the liquid bottle 80 from the through hole 112C is prevented from reaching the through hole 112D.

[0098] Furthermore, since the through-hole 112D is located below the through-hole 112C, the gas (bubbles) flowing into the liquid bottle 80 from the through-hole 112C will move upward through the ink as bubbles, making it difficult for them to reach the through-hole 112C, which is located below it.

[0099] Furthermore, since the gas flow path 121 and the liquid flow path 122 are formed by dividing a single pipe 112 with a partition wall 117, the pipe 112 is simply constructed. Also, since the single pipe 112 is inserted into the supply port 85 of the liquid bottle 80, the construction of the liquid bottle 80 is also simplified. In addition, the connection between the tank 100 and the liquid bottle 80 is easy.

[0100] [First variation] In the above embodiment, the through holes 112C and 112D are separated in the direction in which the pipe 112 extends, but alternatively, the through holes 112C and 112D may be at the same position in the direction in which the pipe 112 extends. Also, the tip of the pipe 112 may not be closed by the outer wall 112A, but may be open.

[0101] For example, as shown in Figure 12, openings 114A and 114B are formed at the tip of the pipe 112. Opening 114A is an opening that connects the gas flow path 121 to the outside. Opening 114B is an opening that connects the liquid flow path 122 to the outside.

[0102] The through-hole 112C penetrates the outer wall of the pipe body 112 and is continuous with the opening 114A. The through-hole 112D penetrates the outer wall of the pipe body 112 and is continuous with the opening 114B. The through-holes 112C and 112D are independent openings, with the outer wall of the pipe body 112 between them. Furthermore, the through-holes 112C and 112D are located in approximately the same position in the direction in which the pipe body 112 extends.

[0103] As shown in Figure 13, a rubber 71 (an example of an elastic material) is provided on the contact surface of the valve 88 that abuts against the seal 90. The rubber 71 is disc-shaped and located at the center (on the axis) of the contact surface of the valve 88. The outer diameter of the rubber 71 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe body 112. The rubber 71 is elastically deformable so that it can be compressed when the tip of the pipe body 112 abuts against it.

[0104] As shown in Figure 14, in the connected state, the tip of the pipe 112 is in contact with the rubber 71. The rubber 71 is biased by the coil spring 89 together with the valve 88 and pressed against the tip of the pipe 112. As a result, the rubber 71 elastically deforms to compress, and the rubber 71 comes into close contact with the tip surface of the pipe 112 that defines the openings 114A and 114B at the tip of the pipe 112, thereby closing the openings 114A and 114B with the rubber 71. This prevents gas (bubbles) from flowing in or out of the opening 114A.

[0105] [Second variation] In the first modified example, the surface on which the rubber 71 contacts the tip of the tube 112 is flat. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15, a groove 72 (an example of a bottle flow path) may be formed in the region located within the opening 114A of the tube 112 when the rubber 71 is in contact with the tip of the tube 112. In this case, the opening 114A functions as the opening of the gas flow path 121 instead of the through hole 112C. In other words, the through hole 112C may be closed.

[0106] One end of the groove 72 is located within the opening 114A on the contact surface 71A of the rubber 71. The groove 72 is a concave groove, and one end of the groove 72 does not reach the outer circumferential surface 71B of the rubber 71. The other end of the groove 72 reaches the outer circumferential surface 71B of the rubber 71 and opens on the outer circumferential surface 71B. The position where the other end of the groove 72 opens on the outer circumferential surface 71B of the rubber 71 is the position where the outer circumferential surface 71B faces upward when connected.

[0107] As shown in Figure 16, in the connected state, the tip of the tube 112 is in contact with the rubber 71. The rubber 71 is biased by the coil spring 89 together with the valve 88 and pressed against the tip of the tube 112. As a result, the rubber 71 elastically deforms to compress, and the rubber 71 comes into close contact with the tip surface of the tube 112 that defines the opening 114B at the tip of the tube 112, and the opening 114B is closed by the rubber 71. Therefore, the ink in the liquid bottle 80 flows into the liquid flow path 122 through the through hole 112D of the tube 112.

[0108] The tip surface of the tube 112 that defines the opening 114A at the end of the tube 112 is in close contact with the rubber 71, but a groove 72 is located inside the opening 114A. As a result, air that reaches the opening 114A through the gas flow path 121 flows into the liquid bottle 80 from the outer surface 71B of the rubber 71 through the groove 72. Since the opening of the groove 72 on the outer surface 71B of the rubber 71 faces upward when connected, it is difficult for the gas (bubbles) flowing into the liquid bottle 80 from the opening 114A to reach the through hole 112D.

[0109] Furthermore, since the through-hole 112D penetrates the outer wall of the tube 112, any ink remaining in the liquid bottle 80 near the supply port 85, i.e., near the outer wall of the tube 112, can easily flow into the liquid flow path 122 through the through-hole 112D when the bottle is connected. As a result, ink is less likely to remain in the liquid bottle 80.

[0110] In the second modified example, the through-hole 112C is not formed, and the opening 114A functions as the opening for the gas flow path 121. Alternatively, the through-hole 112D may be closed, and the opening 114B may function as the opening for the liquid flow path 122. In this case, the groove 72 is formed in the region of the contact surface 71A of the rubber 71 that is located within the opening 114B, and opens downward on the outer peripheral surface 71B.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17, through holes 112C and 112D may not be formed in the outer circumferential wall of the pipe body 112, and only openings 114A and 114B may be formed. In this case, in the direction in which the connecting element 112 extends, opening 114A is located on the base end side (inclined wall 106 side) of the pipe body 112 than opening 114B. Also, groove 72 is formed in the region of the contact surface 71A of the rubber 71 that is located within opening 114B, and opens downward on the outer circumferential surface 71B.

[0112] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the projection 86 and the protruding portion 120 locked the upper side of the liquid bottle 80 to the ink tank 100. However, the presence or absence of a mechanism to lock the liquid bottle 80 to the ink tank 100 is optional and does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the ink tank 100 had one tube 112. The internal space of the tube 112 was divided into a gas flow path 121 and a liquid flow path 122 by a partition wall 117. However, the ink tank 100 may have two tubes that independently define the gas flow path 121 and the liquid flow path 122. In this case, the liquid bottle 80 has two supply ports into which the two tubes are inserted and which communicate with the internal space.

[0114] Furthermore, the shapes of the liquid bottle 80 and the ink tank 100 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the liquid bottle 80 may be cylindrical without a tapered portion 83, or it may be rectangular prism-shaped. Also, the ink tank 100 may be rectangular parallelepiped without an inclined wall 106.

[0115] In the above embodiment, ink was described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, instead of ink, a pre-treatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the ink during printing, or water that is sprayed near the nozzles 40 of the recording head 39 to prevent the nozzles 40 of the recording head 39 from drying out, may be an example of a liquid. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0116] 10. Multifunction printer (system) 71. Rubber (elastic material) 72... Grooves (bottle flow paths) 80... Liquid bottles 81...Exterior Wall 85... Supply port 87... Partition wall 88...valve 100... Ink tanks (tanks) 111...Ink chamber (storage chamber) 112...Tube (First tube, Second tube) 112C...Through hole (4th opening) 112D...Through hole (second opening) 113. Atmospheric communication port (atmospheric communication section) 121...Gas flow path 121A...Aperture (3rd aperture) 122...Liquid channel 122A...Aperture (4th aperture)

Claims

1. A liquid bottle having an opening and a valve, The tank comprises a storage chamber for storing liquid, an atmospheric communication section for connecting the storage chamber to the atmosphere, and a first tube extending diagonally, which is inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle. When the first pipe of the tank is not inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, communication between the internal space of the liquid bottle and the outside of the liquid bottle is blocked by the valve. With the first pipe of the tank inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, the internal space of the liquid bottle and the outside of the liquid bottle are in communication. The valve described above is movable between a position that closes the opening of the liquid bottle and a position that is away from the opening of the liquid bottle. An image recording device in which the surface on which the valve contacts the tip of the first pipe of the tank is a flat surface.

2. The above tank has a second pipe extending diagonally, The second pipe body described above is separated from the first pipe body by a partition wall. The first tube, when inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, has an opening located in the internal space of the liquid bottle. The second tube, when inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, has an opening located in the internal space of the liquid bottle. The opening of the first pipe is located in a different position in the vertical direction from the opening of the second pipe. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the first tube is located in a different position in the horizontal direction from the opening of the second tube.

3. A liquid bottle having an opening and a valve, The tank comprises a storage chamber for storing liquid, an atmospheric communication section for connecting the storage chamber to the atmosphere, and a first tube extending diagonally, which is inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle. When the first pipe of the tank is not inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, communication between the internal space of the liquid bottle and the outside of the liquid bottle is blocked by the valve. With the first pipe of the tank inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle, the internal space of the liquid bottle and the outside of the liquid bottle are in communication. The above tank is A vertical wall extending along the vertical direction, The inclined wall on which the first pipe is located, An image recording device having a liquid-blocking portion formed below the first tube, which prevents liquid adhering to the outer surface of the inclined wall from adhering to the outer surface of the vertical wall.

4. The image recording device according to claim 3, wherein the liquid obstructing portion is a rib formed on the outer surface of the inclined wall.

5. It has a part to be contacted, The above liquid bottle has a contact portion, The image recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the contact between the contact portion and the contacted portion maintains the position in which the first pipe of the tank is inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle.

6. The above tank has an inclined wall on which the first pipe is located, The image recording device according to claim 5, wherein the contact portion protrudes diagonally from the outer surface of the inclined wall.

7. The tank comprises a storage chamber for storing liquid, an atmospheric communication section for connecting the storage chamber to the atmosphere, and a diagonally extending pipe that is inserted into the opening of a liquid bottle having a valve. The above-mentioned tube is inserted into the opening of the liquid bottle and pushes the valve toward the internal space of the liquid bottle, thereby changing the state from one where communication between the internal space of the liquid bottle and the outside of the liquid bottle is blocked by the valve, to a state where the internal space of the liquid bottle is in communication with the outside of the liquid bottle. The above tank is A vertical wall extending along the vertical direction, The inclined wall on which the above-mentioned pipe is located, An image recording device having a liquid-blocking portion formed below the above-mentioned tubular body, which prevents liquid adhering to the outer surface of the inclined wall from adhering to the outer surface of the vertical wall.

Images