Liquid replenishment mechanism

Abstract

To provide a liquid replenishment mechanism capable of suppressing dripping of liquid from a nozzle of a liquid replenishment container when the liquid replenishment container is taken out after liquid replenishment.SOLUTION: A liquid replenishment mechanism includes a liquid storage container 16 that stores liquid, and a liquid replenishment container 201 that replenishes liquid to the liquid storage container 16. The liquid storage container 16 includes an injection port 106 through which the liquid from the liquid replenishment container 201 is injected. The liquid replenishment container 201 includes a container body part 203 and a nozzle part 202A. The nozzle part 202A includes a distal end projection part 202E and a distal end projection nozzle outer wall surface projection part 202F. The injection port 106 includes an insertion groove portion 106A, a circumferential groove portion 106B, and a fitting groove portion 106C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0006] , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid replenishing mechanism for replenishing a liquid to a liquid ejecting device.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a liquid ejecting device that ejects a liquid such as ink includes a liquid storage container that stores the liquid. Some liquid storage containers have a large capacity and can be replenished with liquid. Such liquid ejecting devices are provided with a liquid replenishing container for appropriately replenishing the liquid.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a liquid replenishing container for replenishing a liquid to a liquid storage container. The liquid is replenished into the liquid storage container by inserting the tip of the liquid replenishing container into the inlet of the liquid storage container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When replenishing the liquid into the liquid storage container, the user inserts the tip of the liquid replenishing container into the inlet of the liquid storage container and performs the operation with the liquid replenishing container tilted. That is, the liquid replenishing mechanism is constituted by the liquid storage container and the liquid replenishing container. In this configuration, when the liquid replenishing container is removed from the inlet after the liquid replenishment and pulled out with the nozzle tilted downward, liquid may drip from inside the nozzle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid replenishing mechanism capable of suppressing liquid from dripping from the nozzle of the liquid replenishing container when the liquid replenishing container is pulled out after replenishing the liquid into the liquid storage container.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A liquid container for holding liquid, and a liquid refill container for refilling the liquid in the liquid container, A liquid replenishment mechanism having the liquid container into which liquid is injected from the liquid replenishment container. , opening in a direction having a component in the direction of gravity It has an inlet, The liquid replenishment container comprises a container body for containing the liquid to be replenished in the liquid storage container, and a nozzle for injecting the liquid from the container body into the liquid storage container. The nozzle portion has a tip projection that protrudes outward from the center line of the nozzle portion, and a nozzle outer wall projection that is located closer to the container body than the tip projection and protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the nozzle portion. The inlet comprises an insertion groove into which the tip projection and the nozzle outer wall projection can be inserted, a circumferential groove extending from the insertion groove in the circumferential direction of the inlet so that the nozzle outer wall projection can rotate when the liquid is being refilled, and a fitting groove extending from the circumferential groove, into which the liquid container and the nozzle outer wall projection can be fitted together. Prepare, When the nozzle portion is inserted into or removed from the inlet, the tip projection protrudes in a direction having an upward component in the direction of gravity. A liquid replenishment mechanism characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a liquid refilling mechanism that can prevent liquid from dripping from the nozzle of the liquid refilling container when the liquid refilling container is withdrawn after refilling the liquid container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the mechanism of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] A diagram showing a cross-section of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing a liquid dispensing device that is refilled with liquid from a liquid refill container. [Figure 4] A perspective view showing the liquid container of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 5] A perspective view showing a liquid refill container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (a) A cross-sectional view of the main parts showing the configuration of a liquid refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (b) A cross-sectional view of a liquid refill container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (a) A perspective view showing the liquid inlet of a liquid container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (b) A cross-sectional view showing the liquid inlet of a liquid container according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts showing, in order, a liquid replenishment method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] A perspective view showing a liquid refill container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of a main part showing a liquid refill container according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts showing, in order, a liquid replenishment method according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mechanism of a liquid dispensing device 200 to which this embodiment can be applied, and Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device 200. The liquid dispensing device 200 comprises a feeding unit 1, a transport unit 2, a dispensing unit 3, a supply unit 4, and a display unit 5. The feeding unit 1 separates the print media one sheet at a time from a bundle of print media using a feeding roller 10 and supplies it to the transport unit 2. The transport unit 2 is located downstream of the feeding unit 1 in the transport direction and is equipped with a platen 13 for holding the print media between the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 12. The transport unit 2 transports the print media fed from the feeding roller 10 using the transport roller 11, paper discharge roller 12, etc.

[0012] The ejection unit 3 ejects liquid onto the print medium by means of a liquid ejection head 15 mounted on the carriage 14. The print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit 2 is supported from vertically below by the platen 13. Then, by ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 15 positioned vertically above, an image based on the image information is formed. The liquid storage container 16 can store liquid therein, and the supply unit 4 is configured to supply liquid from the storage chamber 100 (storage chamber) of the liquid storage container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15 via the flow path 101 and the flexible supply tube 17. In the present embodiment, the liquid is ink. Specifically, four supply tubes 17 through which ink of each color (black, magenta, cyan, yellow) flows extend from the liquid storage container 16, and these are connected to the liquid ejection head 15 in a bundled state. When the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 15 is ejected from the ejection port of the liquid ejection head 15, the same amount of liquid as the ejected amount is supplied to the liquid ejection head 15 from the liquid storage container 16. Then, the same amount of air as the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 15 flows into the liquid storage container 16 from the atmosphere communication port 102 provided vertically above the liquid storage container 16. The display unit 5 is used to inform the user of the state of the operating device or for display when the user makes an operation selection.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device 200 that is replenished with liquid by a liquid replenishment container 201. As shown in the figure, in the liquid ejection device 200 of the present embodiment, when supplying liquid, the container cover 7 is opened, and the liquid is supplied from the liquid replenishment container 201 into the inside of the storage chamber 100 through the injection port 106 provided in the liquid storage container 16. The injection port 106 is provided with a plug member 105 that is detachable from the injection port 106. When replenishing with the liquid replenishment container 201, the plug member 105 of the injection port 106 is removed to supply the liquid. Note that the liquid storage container 16 is not limited to the configuration incorporated in the main body of the liquid ejection device 200 as in the present embodiment, and the liquid storage container 16 may be provided outside the main body of the liquid ejection device 200 as long as it is possible to supply liquid from the liquid storage container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container 16 of a liquid ejection apparatus 200 to which the present embodiment is applicable. The liquid storage container 16 in the present embodiment is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and has an outer shape generally in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped. The liquid storage container 16 has a front wall 1010, a right wall 1020, a left wall 1030, an upper wall 1040, and a lower wall 1050. The front wall 1010 is composed of a standing wall 1010A extending generally in the vertical direction from the lower wall 1050 and an inclined wall 1010B (an example of an outer wall) connected to the upper end of the standing wall 1010A and inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The inclined wall 1010B is inclined rearward with respect to the standing wall 1010A, and an injection port 106 is formed in the inclined wall 1010B.

[0015] On the other hand, the rear surface of the liquid storage container 16 is open. Then, by welding a film 1060 to the rear ends of the right wall 1020, the left wall 1030, the partition walls 1021, 1022, 1023, the upper wall 1040, and the lower wall 1050, the liquid storage container 16 is sealed, and a rear wall, which is the rear surface, is formed. That is, the rear wall of the liquid storage container 16 is formed by the film 1060. Thus, a liquid chamber 1110 is formed.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a liquid replenishment container 201 of the first embodiment of the present invention. When replenishing the liquid, the lid 204 is removed.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the liquid replenishment container 201 in the present invention. FIG. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the components of the liquid replenishment container 201. The liquid replenishment container 201 in the present invention includes a container main body portion 203, a cap 202, and a lid 204. The container main body portion 203 includes an opening 203A for discharging ink, a cap receiving portion 203B, a screw portion 203C, and a storage chamber 203D for storing liquid.

[0018] The cap 202 comprises a nozzle portion 202A, a threaded portion 202D, and an outer peripheral protrusion 202G. Inside the nozzle portion 202A, a first flow path 202B for air circulation and a second flow path 202C for liquid circulation are formed. Furthermore, the nozzle portion 202A has a tip protrusion 202E and a nozzle outer wall protrusion 202F.

[0019] The tip projection 202E protrudes outward from the center line 401 of the nozzle section 202A (length L1 from the tip to the rear end). The tip projection 202E has an angle (angle made) θ1 between the centroid line 402 of the first flow path 202B and the second flow path 202C and the center line 401, which is approximately 90 degrees.

[0020] The nozzle outer wall projection 202F is located on the container body side when viewed from the tip projection 202E, and protrudes from the nozzle outer wall surface outward from the center line 401 of the nozzle portion 202A in the same direction as the tip projection 202E (length L2 from tip to rear end). It is formed with L1 ≈ L2, and the distance from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall projection 202F to the upper surface of the outer peripheral projection 202G is defined as L3.

[0021] The threaded portion 202D is rotatably mounted while covering the opening 203A of the container body portion 203. The outer peripheral projection 202G is formed to engage with the lid 204.

[0022] The lid 204 prevents liquid leakage from the liquid refill container 201, and a cover portion 204A is formed on the upper inner surface of the lid 204 to cover the tip of the nozzle portion 202A.

[0023] Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the liquid refill container 201. The container body 203 contains ink 300 as a liquid. The container body 203 and the cap 202 are rotatably attached. A lid 204 is press-fitted onto the tip of the cap.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows the injection port 106 included in the liquid storage container 16 of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of the injection port 106 with the plug member 105 removed, and FIG. 7(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A' of FIG. 7(a) as seen from the direction of arrow B. The injection port 106 has an outer shape D and an inner diameter d, and an insertion groove portion 106A serving as a passage for inserting the liquid replenishment container 201 is provided inside the injection port 106 when replenishing the liquid (FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)). The insertion groove portion 106A is located on the upper side in the gravity direction when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the opening surface of the injection port 106 and penetrates in a direction orthogonal to the opening surface. Further, a circumferential groove portion 106B extending from the insertion groove portion 106A in the circumferential direction of the injection port 106 is provided so that the nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion 202F can rotate when the liquid replenishment container 201 is inserted into the injection port 106. Further, a fitting groove portion 106C that extends downward in the gravity direction from the circumferential groove portion 106B and can fit the nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion 202F in the posture in which the liquid replenishment container 201 replenishes the liquid is provided. The fitting groove portion 106C is provided to fix the liquid replenishment container 201 and is a groove with a depth L12 from the opening surface of the injection port 106 to the bottom surface of the fitting groove portion 106C such that it does not penetrate the inside of the injection port 106. Further, the depth of the insertion groove portion 106A, the circumferential groove portion 106B, and the fitting groove portion 106C is L11.

[0025] Here, the dimensions related to the liquid replenishment container 201 and the injection port 106 will be described using FIGS. 6 and 7. The length L1 (FIG. 6(a)) of the tip protruding portion 202E of the liquid replenishment container 201, the inner diameter d of the injection port 106, and the depth L11 (FIG. 7(a)) of the insertion groove portion 106A are in the relationship of d < L1 ≦ d + L11. Similarly, the length L2 of the nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion 202F of the liquid replenishment container 201 is also in the relationship of d < L2 ≦ d + L11. Further, the distance L3 from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion 202F to the upper surface of the outer peripheral convex portion 202G of the liquid replenishment container 201 and the depth L12 (FIG. 7(b)) from the opening surface of the injection port 106 to the bottom surface of the fitting groove portion 106C are in the relationship of L3 ≧ L12.

[0026] The liquid replenishment mechanism of this embodiment consists of a liquid container 16 having an inlet 106 equipped with an insertion groove 106A, a circumferential groove 106B, and a fitting groove 106C, and a liquid replenishment container 201 having a tip projection 202E and a nozzle outer wall projection 202F of the aforementioned shape. The liquid replenishment method using this liquid replenishment mechanism will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figures 8(a) to (f) are cross-sectional views of the main parts of the liquid replenishment mechanism, and the process of liquid replenishment is shown in the order of (a) to (f).

[0027] As shown in Figure 8(a), the cap of the liquid refill container 201 containing the ink 300 is removed and brought close to the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16. At this time, the liquid refill container 201 is brought close so that the tip projection 202E of the liquid refill container 201 and the insertion groove 106A of the inlet 106 are aligned, and the tip projection 202E is inserted so that it passes through the insertion groove 106A.

[0028] Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), the tip projection 202E of the liquid refill container 201 is further inserted. At this time, the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is also inserted by passing through the insertion groove 106A, similar to the tip projection 202E. The nozzle outer wall projection 202F of the liquid refill container 201 is aligned with the circumferential groove 106B extending from the insertion groove 106A, and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is inserted until it is in a state where it can rotate. At this time, since the tip projection 202E is located below the liquid surface of the ink 300 contained in the liquid refill container 201 in the direction of gravity, the ink 300 is pushed to the tip by passing through the first flow path 202B and the second flow path 202C inside the nozzle part 202A.

[0029] Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), the liquid replenishment container 201 is inserted until it aligns with the circumferential groove 106B extending from the insertion groove 106A of the inlet 106 and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F becomes rotatable, and then the container is rotated. The direction of rotation is in the direction in which the circumferential groove 106B extending from the insertion groove 106A is located in the circumferential direction of the inlet 106, and is counterclockwise toward the inlet 106. In other words, the liquid replenishment container 201 is rotated counterclockwise so that the nozzle outer wall projection 202F passes through the circumferential groove 106B. When rotated, the nozzle outer wall projection 202F passes through the circumferential groove 106B and then stops at the wall surface on the fitting groove 106C side of the inlet 106. At the dead end, the liquid refill container 201 is further inserted, causing the nozzle outer wall projection 202F to fit into the fitting groove 106C. This fixes the liquid refill container 201 in a position for refilling the liquid container 16. With the tip projection 202E facing downwards in this position for refilling the liquid container 16, liquid is discharged from the first channel 202B of the liquid refill container 201, and air is simultaneously drawn in from the second channel 202C. Through this gas-liquid exchange, the ink 300 in the liquid refill container 201 is refilled into the liquid container 16 of the liquid dispensing device.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 8(d), as the liquid refill container 201 continues in the position of refilling liquid, ink 300 is refilled into the liquid container 16 until the ink 300 in the liquid refill container 201 is empty. Due to the refilling, the ink 300 adheres to the first flow path 202B, which has become the discharge passage for the ink 300, due to the action of surface tension, and gravity also acts on the ink 300, causing it to droop downwards. After refilling is complete, the liquid refill container 201 is pulled outwards to remove the nozzle outer wall projection 202F from the fitting groove 106C, and it is moved until it aligns with the circumferential groove 106B and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is in a rotatable state.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 8(e), the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is aligned with the circumferential groove 106B, and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is moved until it is rotatable. Then, the liquid refill container 201 is rotated. The direction of rotation is the opposite of that described above (Figure 8(c)), with the nozzle outer wall projection 202F moving from the fitting groove 106C side through the circumferential groove 106B towards the insertion groove 106A side, which is clockwise toward the inlet 106. In other words, the liquid refill container 201 is rotated clockwise so that the nozzle outer wall projection 202F passes through the circumferential groove 106B. When rotated, the nozzle outer wall projection 202F passes through the circumferential groove 106B and then stops at the wall surface on the insertion groove 106A side of the inlet 106. At this time, the tip protrusion 202E faces upward, in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity acting on the ink 300 in the first channel 202B, and because the tip is protruding, the inner wall of the first channel 202B holds the ink 300 inside the nozzle section 202F. This suppresses the effect of the attached ink 300 dripping out from inside the nozzle section 202F.

[0032] Next, as shown in Figure 8(f), the liquid replenishment container 201 is rotated clockwise, and then the liquid replenishment container 201 is withdrawn from the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16 so that the nozzle outer wall protrusion 202F and the tip protrusion 202E pass through the insertion groove 106A.

[0033] The length L1 of the tip projection 202E of the liquid refill container 201 (see Figure 6(a)) is preferably longer. This is because, after refilling the liquid, when the container is rotated and the tip projection 202E is facing upward (see Figure 8(e)), the ink 300 can be contained more within the nozzle portion 202F.

[0034] The distance L3 (see Figure 6(a)) from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall projection 202F to the upper surface of the outer peripheral projection 202G of the liquid refill container 201 is preferably shorter from the viewpoint of fixing the posture of the liquid refill container 201. In the posture in which the liquid refill container 201 is refilled with liquid (see Figures 8(c) and (d)), the nozzle outer wall projection 202F of the liquid refill container 201 acts as a fulcrum supporting the posture. At this time, the center of gravity of the liquid refill container 201 is located on the side of the container body 203. Therefore, if the distance L3 from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall projection 202F to the upper surface of the outer peripheral projection 202G is shortened, the fulcrum and the center of gravity of the liquid refill container 201 come closer together, allowing the liquid refill container 201 to be fixed more stably.

[0035] The inclination angle θ1 of the tip projection 202E (see Figure 6(a)) is not limited to approximately 90°, but in relation to the inclination angle θ11 of the outer wall surface of the liquid container 16 (see Figure 8), it is preferable that 90°-θ11≦θ1≦180°-θ11. When the liquid refill container 201 is rotated after refilling with liquid, and the tip projection 202E is facing upward (see Figure 8(e)), when θ1=90°-θ11, the tip projection 202E faces horizontally. At this time, a force begins to act in a direction that prevents the ink 300 in the first flow path 202B from dripping outwards from the nozzle part 202F. In the same state (see Figure 8(e)), when θ1=180°-θ11, the tip projection 202E faces vertically. At this time, the force is greatest in the direction that prevents the ink 300 in the first channel 202B from dripping outwards from the nozzle section 202F, i.e., in the direction of gravity. When θ1 > 180°-θ11, the effect of preventing the ink 300 from dripping outwards weakens again compared to when θ1 = 180°-θ11. On the other hand, in the position where the liquid refill container 201 is refilling liquid (see Figure 8(d)), when θ1 = 90°-θ11, i.e., when the inclination angle θ1 of the tip protrusion is small, the ink 300 flows out more easily and refilling is smoother. Therefore, if you want to make ink refilling smoother while minimizing the effect of suppressing ink dripping, you should reduce the inclination angle θ1 of the tip protrusion and bring it closer to θ1 = 90°-θ11. If you want to maximize the effect of suppressing ink dripping, you should increase the inclination angle θ1 of the tip protrusion and bring it closer to θ1 = 180°-θ11.

[0036] According to the liquid refill mechanism of this embodiment described above, when refilling, the liquid refill container 201 is withdrawn from the liquid container 16 with the ink 300 adhering to the first flow path 202B in the nozzle portion 202A held in place by the tip projection 202E. This prevents liquid from dripping from inside the nozzle when the user withdraws the liquid refill container after refilling.

[0037] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0038] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a liquid refill container 221 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The container body 223 is partially bent. When refilling with liquid, the lid 204 is removed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the liquid refill container 221. A bent portion 223E is formed in the container body 223. The bent portion 223E is bent such that, when viewed from the center line 401 of the nozzle portion 202A, the side in the same direction as the tip projection 202E and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is the longest, and the opposite side is the shortest. In other words, the container body 223 is bent on the side opposite to the side where the nozzle portion 202A is formed.

[0040] The liquid replenishment mechanism of this embodiment consists of a liquid container 16 having an inlet 106 equipped with an insertion groove 106A, a circumferential groove 106B, and a fitting groove 106C, and a liquid replenishment container 221 having a tip projection 202E and a nozzle outer wall projection 202F of the aforementioned shape. The liquid replenishment method using this liquid replenishment mechanism will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figures 11(a) to (f) are cross-sectional views of the main parts of the liquid replenishment mechanism, and the process of liquid replenishment is shown in the order of (a) to (f).

[0041] As shown in Figure 11(a), the liquid replenishment container 221 is inserted so that the tip projection 202E passes through the insertion groove 106A, similar to the first embodiment (Figure 8(a)).

[0042] Next, as shown in Figure 11(b), the liquid replenishment container 221 is further inserted so that the nozzle outer wall protrusion 202F passes through the insertion groove 106A, similar to the first embodiment (Figure 8(b)).

[0043] Next, as shown in Figure 11(c), similar to the first embodiment (Figure 8(c)), the liquid replenishment container 221 is rotated and then inserted so that the nozzle outer wall projection 202F fits into the fitting groove 106C, fixing it in the position for refilling the liquid. Then a gas-liquid exchange action occurs, and the ink 300 in the liquid replenishment container 221 is replenished into the liquid storage container 16 of the liquid dispensing device.

[0044] Next, as shown in Figure 11(d), stop refilling while there is still ink 300 remaining in the liquid refill container 221, and then, as in the first embodiment (Figure 8(d)), pull the liquid refill container 221 outwards to remove the nozzle outer wall projection 202F from the fitting groove 106C. Move it until it aligns with the circumferential groove 106B and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F becomes rotatable.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 11(e), similar to the first embodiment (Figure 8(e)), the nozzle outer wall projection 202F and the circumferential groove 106B are aligned, and the nozzle outer wall projection 202F is moved until it is rotatable. Then, the liquid refill container 221 is rotated clockwise so that the nozzle outer wall projection 202F passes through the circumferential groove 106B. As it is rotated, since the refilling was stopped midway in Figure 11(d), the remaining amount of ink 300 remains in the nozzle part 202F and the container body part 223. After rotation, the liquid refill container 221 has a volume portion located below the horizontal straight line 451 passing through the tip of the first flow path 202B, due to the bent portion 223E formed in the container body part 223. Because of the existence of this volume portion, even if the remaining amount of ink 300 after refilling is greater than in the first embodiment, the ink 300 does not overflow from the nozzle part 202F to the outside. Therefore, the dripping of attached or remaining ink is suppressed.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figure 11(f), similar to the first embodiment (Figure 11(e)), the liquid replenishment container 221 is rotated clockwise, and then the liquid replenishment container 221 is withdrawn from the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16.

[0047] According to the liquid refill mechanism of this embodiment described above, similar to the first embodiment, when refilling, the liquid refill container 221 is withdrawn from the liquid container 16 with the ink 300 adhering to the first flow path 202B in the nozzle portion 202A held in place by the tip projection 202E. Furthermore, since a bent portion 223E is formed in the container body portion 223 of the liquid refill container 221, even if the remaining amount of ink 300 after refilling is greater, the ink 300 does not overflow from the nozzle portion 202F to the outside. In this way, it is possible to suppress the dripping of liquid from inside the nozzle when the user withdraws the liquid refill container after refilling. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0048] 15 Liquid dispensing head 16 Liquid containers 106 Inlet 106A Insertion groove 106B Circumferential groove 106C Fitting groove 201 Liquid refill container 202A Nozzle section 202E Tip protrusion 202F Nozzle outer wall protrusion 203 Container body 300 ink

Claims

1. A liquid container for holding liquid, A liquid refill container for refilling the liquid in the aforementioned liquid container, A liquid replenishment mechanism having, The liquid container has an inlet into which liquid is injected from the liquid replenishment container and which opens in a direction having a gravity component, The liquid replenishment container comprises a container body for containing the liquid to be replenished in the liquid storage container, and a nozzle for injecting the liquid from the container body into the liquid storage container. The nozzle portion has a tip projection that protrudes outward from the center line of the nozzle portion, and a nozzle outer wall projection that is located closer to the container body than the tip projection and protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the nozzle portion. The inlet comprises an insertion groove into which the tip projection and the nozzle outer wall projection can be inserted, a circumferential groove extending from the insertion groove in the circumferential direction of the inlet so that the nozzle outer wall projection can rotate when the liquid is being refilled, and a fitting groove extending from the circumferential groove so as to allow the liquid container and the nozzle outer wall projection to be fitted together. A liquid replenishment mechanism characterized in that, when the nozzle portion is inserted into or removed from the inlet, the tip protruding portion protrudes in a direction having an upward component in the direction of gravity.

2. The liquid replenishment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the nozzle outer wall surface projection is projected in the same direction as the tip projection projecting outward from the center of the nozzle portion.

3. The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle between the direction in which the tip projection protrudes and the center line of the nozzle portion is 90 degrees.

4. The liquid replenishment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nozzle portion has a first flow path and a second flow path.

5. When the angle between the center line of the nozzle portion and the direction in which the tip projection protrudes is θ1, and the inclination angle of the outer wall surface of the liquid container is θ11, 90°-θ11≦θ1≦180°-θ11 A liquid replenishment mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4 that satisfies the requirements.

6. The liquid refilling mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container body is bent on the side opposite to the side on which the nozzle is formed.

Images