Tank unit and printing device

Abstract

To provide a tank unit which achieves high flexibility for a position of a second cover relative to a first cover, and to provide a printer.SOLUTION: A tank unit 20 includes: an ink tank 21 in which an ink is stored; a holding part 31 which holds the ink tank; a first cover 41 attached to the holding part; and a second cover 51 attached to the holding part. In the ink tank, a supply port 25 to which the ink is supplied is open at the ink tank. The first cover is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis A1 relative to the holding part and rotates around the first rotation axis to be displaced between a position where the first cover closes the supply port and a position where the supply port is exposed. The second cover is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis A2 relative to the holding part and rotates around the second rotation axis to be displaced between a position where the second cover covers the first cover placed at the position where the first cover closes the supply port and a position where the first cover is exposed. The first rotation axis and the second rotation axis extend in directions different from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank unit and a printing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus including a head that discharges ink and a tank unit. The tank unit includes an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to the head. A replenishment port for replenishing the ink tank is open. The tank unit includes a first cover that closes the replenishment port and a second cover that covers the first cover. The first cover and the second cover rotate about their respective rotation axes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the tank unit described in Patent Document 1, the rotation axis of the first cover and the rotation axis of the second cover are parallel. In this case, due to the second cover covering the first cover, the distance between the rotation axis of the second cover and the replenishment port is likely to be longer than the distance between the rotation axis of the first cover and the replenishment port. That is, the position of the second cover is likely to be restricted.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A tank unit that solves the above problems comprises an ink tank for containing ink, a holding part for holding the ink tank, a first cover attached to the holding part, and a second cover attached to the holding part, wherein the ink tank has a refill port for refilling ink, the first cover is configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation relative to the holding part and is displaced between a position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the refill port by rotating around the first axis of rotation, the second cover is configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation relative to the holding part and is displaced between a position that covers the first cover in the position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the first cover by rotating around the second axis of rotation, and the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend in different directions from each other.

[0006] A printing apparatus that solves the above problems comprises a head for ejecting ink, an ink tank for containing the ink ejected by the head, a holding part for holding the ink tank, a first cover attached to the holding part, and a second cover attached to the holding part, wherein the ink tank has a refill port for refilling ink, the first cover rotates around a first rotation axis and is displaced between a position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the refill port, the second cover rotates around a second rotation axis and is displaced between a position that covers the first cover in the position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the first cover, and the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis extend in different directions from each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a printing apparatus. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a tank unit. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view of the tank unit. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a tank unit in which the rotation of the second cover is restricted by the first cover. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a tank unit with the first cover being pressed against the second cover. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the tank unit shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tank unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes one embodiment of a printing apparatus equipped with a tank unit with reference to the figures. The printing apparatus is an inkjet printer that prints images such as characters and photographs by ejecting ink onto a medium such as paper or fabric. The printing apparatus may also be equipped with a reading mechanism for reading the image printed on the original document.

[0009] <Printing device configuration> As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 11 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 has a discharge cover 13. The discharge cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable. In Figure 1, the discharge cover 13 is closed. When the discharge cover 13 is opened, the discharge port is exposed. The printed medium 99 is discharged through the discharge port.

[0010] A viewing opening 14 is provided in the housing 12. The viewing opening 14 is an opening that exposes a portion of the ink tank 21, which will be described later. The viewing opening 14 opens, for example, on the front of the housing 12. The viewing opening 14 exposes, for example, the front of the ink tank 21. The user can check the remaining ink level of the ink tank 21 through the viewing opening 14.

[0011] The printing device 11 includes a head 15. The head 15 is housed in a casing 12. The head 15 has one or more nozzles. The head 15 ejects ink from the nozzles. The head 15 ejects ink onto the medium 99. As a result, an image is printed on the medium 99.

[0012] The printing apparatus 11 includes a tank unit 20. The tank unit 20 is a unit that includes an ink tank 21. The tank unit 20 is mounted, for example, on the housing 12.

[0013] <Tank Unit Configuration> The tank unit 20 includes an ink tank 21. The ink tank 21 is housed in the casing 12. The ink tank 21 holds ink. The ink tank 21 is connected to the print head 15. The ink held in the ink tank 21 is supplied to the print head 15.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the ink tank 21 includes a storage section 22. The storage section 22 is configured to hold ink. The storage section 22 is made of, for example, a transparent or translucent material. The storage section 22 holds ink inside. The ink stored in the storage section 22 is supplied to the print head 15.

[0015] The storage section 22 has a viewing section 23. The viewing section 23 is, for example, a surface on which a scale is displayed. The viewing section 23 is, for example, the front surface of the storage section 22. The viewing section 23 is exposed through a viewing opening 14. The user can see the ink level in the ink tank 21 by viewing the viewing section 23 through the viewing opening 14. This allows the user to determine the remaining ink level in the ink tank 21.

[0016] The ink tank 21 may have a refill tube 24. The refill tube 24 extends upward from the storage section 22. Ink is replenished into the storage section 22 through the refill tube 24. For example, ink is replenished into the storage section 22 through the refill tube 24 by inserting an ink bottle containing ink into the refill tube 24.

[0017] An inlet 25 opens in the ink tank 21. Ink is replenished into the storage section 22 through the inlet 25. The inlet 25 may open, for example, at the tip of a refill tube 24. The inlet 25 may also open into the storage section 22.

[0018] The tank unit 20 includes a holding portion 31, a first cover 41, and a second cover 51. The holding portion 31 is housed in the housing 12. The holding portion 31 is configured to hold the ink tank 21. The holding portion 31 is, for example, attached to the upper part of the ink tank 21. The holding portion 31 is configured to cover the ink tank 21 from above. The holding portion 31 is configured to expose the replenishing tube 24.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, the holding portion 31 has an upper surface 32. The upper surface 32 is a surface facing upward in the holding portion 31. The holding portion 31 has a first side surface 33. The holding portion 31 has a second side surface 34. The first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34 are surfaces facing opposite to each other in the holding portion 31. The first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34 are, for example, continuous with the upper surface 32.

[0020] An insertion hole 35 opens in the holding portion 31. The insertion hole 35 opens, for example, in the upper surface 32. The replenishing tube 24 is exposed through the insertion hole 35. The insertion hole 35 is an opening into which an ink bottle is inserted. When an ink bottle is inserted into the insertion hole 35, the replenishing tube 24 is inserted into the ink bottle. When an ink bottle is inserted into the insertion hole 35, the holding portion 31 supports the ink bottle. Thereby, the posture of the ink bottle is stabilized during ink replenishment.

[0021] A mounting groove 36 opens in the holding portion 31. The mounting groove 36 opens, for example, in the upper surface 32. The mounting groove 36 is located at a position adjacent to the insertion hole 35 on the upper surface 32. The mounting groove 36 is a groove to which the first cover 41 is attached. The first cover 41 is attached to the holding portion 31 by inserting the base end of the first cover 41 into the mounting groove 36.

[0022] The retaining portion 31 has a support portion 37. The support portion 37 is the part that supports the first cover 41. The support portion 37 receives stress acting on the first cover 41 by contacting the first cover 41. The support portion 37 reinforces the first cover 41 by receiving stress acting on the first cover 41. The support portion 37 protrudes upward from the upper surface 32, for example. The support portion 37 is, for example, a projection. The support portion 37 is, for example, located on the upper surface 32 adjacent to the mounting groove 36.

[0023] The first cover 41 is attached to the retaining portion 31. The first cover 41 is rotatably attached to the retaining portion 31. The first cover 41 is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis A1 relative to the retaining portion 31. The first rotation axis A1 is a virtual axis that extends across the mounting groove 36. The first rotation axis A1 extends through the base end of the first cover 41. The first rotation axis A1 extends, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the viewing portion 23.

[0024] The first cover 41 closes the refill port 25. More specifically, the first cover 41 rotates around the first rotation axis A1, displacing between a position that closes the refill port 25 and a position that exposes the refill port 25. Therefore, the first cover 41 opens and closes the refill port 25. By closing the refill port 25 with the first cover 41, the risk of foreign matter entering the storage section 22 through the refill port 25 is reduced. When refilling ink in the ink tank 21, the first cover 41 is opened. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, the first cover 41 is positioned to expose the refill port 25. In Figure 5, the first cover 41 is positioned to close the refill port 25. More specifically, in Figure 5, the first cover 41 is positioned to contact the tip of the refill tube 24.

[0025] The first cover 41 has a cap 42. The cap 42 covers the refill tube 24. Specifically, when the first cover 41 is positioned to block the refill port 25, i.e., when the first cover 41 is closed, the cap 42 covers the tip of the refill tube 24. In this case, the cap 42 may, for example, enter the insertion hole 35. When the first cover 41 is positioned to expose the refill port 25, i.e., when the first cover 41 is open, the cap 42 is separated from the refill tube 24.

[0026] When the first cover 41 is closed, the tip of the refill tube 24 fits into the cap 42. As a result, the cap 42 covers the tip of the refill tube 24. In the first cover 41 shown in Figure 5, the refill tube 24 is not fully fitted into the cap 42. When the cap 42 comes into contact with the tip of the refill tube 24, the refill opening 25 is sealed by the first cover 41. When the refill tube 24 fits into the cap 42, the refill opening 25 is more effectively sealed by the first cover 41.

[0027] The cap 42 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or elastomer. This allows the cap 42 to fit tightly to the refill tube 24. By covering the refill tube 24 with the cap 42, the risk of foreign matter entering the storage section 22 through the refill opening 25 or the evaporation of ink stored in the storage section 22 is reduced.

[0028] The first cover 41 has a base 43. The base 43 is a component to which the cap 42 is attached. The base end of the base 43 is attached to the retaining part 31. By rotating the base 43 around the first rotation axis A1, the cap 42 covers the replenishment tube 24 or moves away from the replenishment tube 24. The base 43 may enter the insertion hole 35 when the first cover 41 closes the replenishment port 25.

[0029] The base 43 includes a mounting portion 44. The mounting portion 44 is located at the base end of the base 43. The mounting portion 44 is inserted into a mounting groove 36. The first cover 41 is held by the retaining portion 31 by the attachment of the mounting portion 44 to the retaining portion 31. Thus, the first rotation axis A1 extends through the mounting portion 44.

[0030] The base 43 has a gripping portion 45. The gripping portion 45 is located at the tip of the base 43. The user opens and closes the first cover 41 by gripping the gripping portion 45. The base 43 has a mounting surface 46, a pressing surface 47, a restricting surface 48, and a support surface 49. The mounting surface 46, the pressing surface 47, the restricting surface 48, and the support surface 49 are, for example, the outer circumferential surfaces of the intermediate portion of the base 43 located between the mounting portion 44 and the gripping portion 45.

[0031] The mounting surface 46 is the surface to which the cap 42 is attached. The mounting surface 46 is the surface that faces downward when, for example, the first cover 41 closes the refill port 25. The mounting surface 46 faces the ink tank 21 when the first cover 41 closes the refill port 25.

[0032] The pressing surface 47 is the surface opposite to the mounting surface 46. The pressing surface 47 is the surface that faces upward when the first cover 41 closes the refill port 25. The pressing surface 47 is the surface that can come into contact with the second cover 51 when the first cover 41 closes the refill port 25. When the second cover 51 comes into contact with the pressing surface 47, the first cover 41 is pressed against the refill pipe 24. As a result, the cap 42 is tightly fitted against the refill pipe 24.

[0033] The restricting surface 48 is a surface that is connected to the mounting surface 46 and the pressing surface 47. The restricting surface 48 is, for example, a surface that faces forward in the printing device 11. That is, the restricting surface 48 is, for example, a surface that faces the same direction as the viewing section 23. The restricting surface 48 is a surface that can come into contact with the second cover 51 when the first cover 41 exposes the replenishment port 25. The restricting surface 48 is a surface that restricts the displacement of the second cover 51 by coming into contact with it.

[0034] The support surface 49 is the surface opposite to the regulating surface 48. The support surface 49 is, for example, the surface facing the rear in the printing apparatus 11. The support surface 49 faces the support portion 37 when the first cover 41 exposes the replenishment port 25. The support surface 49 contacts the support portion 37 when the first cover 41 exposes the replenishment port 25. The support surface 49 contacts the support portion 37 when, for example, the second cover 51 contacts the regulating surface 48. The first cover 41 is supported by the support portion 37 by the contact of the support surface 49 with the support portion 37.

[0035] The second cover 51 is attached to the retaining portion 31. The second cover 51 is rotatably attached to the retaining portion 31. The second cover 51 is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis A2 relative to the retaining portion 31. The second rotation axis A2 is, for example, a virtual axis extending through the first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34. The second rotation axis A2 extends through the base end of the second cover 51.

[0036] The second rotation axis A2 extends in a direction different from the first rotation axis A1. For example, the second rotation axis A2 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis A1. For example, the second rotation axis A2 extends in a direction parallel to the viewing section 23.

[0037] The second cover 51 covers the first cover 41. More specifically, the second cover 51 covers the first cover 41 in a position that blocks the refill port 25. More precisely, the second cover 51 rotates around the second pivot axis A2, displacing between a position that covers the first cover 41 in a position that blocks the refill port 25 and a position that exposes the first cover 41. Therefore, the second cover 51 opens and closes relative to the first cover 41 that blocks the refill port 25. By covering the first cover 41 that blocks the refill port 25 with the second cover 51, the risk of the first cover 41 opening unexpectedly is reduced. The second cover 51 protects the first cover 41 by covering it. When refilling ink in the ink tank 21, the second cover 51 is opened. In Figures 2, 3, and 4, the second cover 51 is positioned to expose the first cover 41. The second cover 51, shown in Figure 5, is positioned just before covering the first cover 41. This is because the replenishment tube 24 is not fully fitted into the cap 42.

[0038] The second cover 51 has a main body portion 52. The main body portion 52 is the part that covers the first cover 41. The user opens and closes the second cover 51 by grasping the main body portion 52. The main body portion 52 has an inner surface 53. The inner surface 53 is the surface that surrounds the first cover 41 when the main body portion 52 covers the first cover 41.

[0039] The second cover 51 has a retaining portion 54. The retaining portion 54 is the part that is attached to the retaining portion 31. The retaining portion 54 is located at the base end of the second cover 51. The retaining portion 54 extends from the main body portion 52. The retaining portion 54 extends, for example, to sandwich the retaining portion 31. More specifically, the retaining portion 54 extends to sandwich the first side surface 33 and the second side surface 34. Therefore, the second rotation axis A2 extends to pass through the retaining portion 54.

[0040] The second cover 51 has a contact portion 55. The contact portion 55 is the part that contacts the first cover 41. The contact portion 55 is, for example, a protruding piece that protrudes from the inner surface 53. The contact portion 55 protrudes downward when the second cover 51 is positioned to block the first cover 41 that blocks the replenishment port 25. The contact portion 55 is located in the region of the second cover 51 that is surrounded by the inner surface 53.

[0041] The contact portion 55 comes into contact with the first cover 41 as the second cover 51 is displaced from a position that exposes the first cover 41. More specifically, the contact portion 55 comes into contact with the pressing surface 47 or the regulating surface 48. The object that the contact portion 55 comes into contact with changes depending on the position of the first cover 41.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, when the first cover 41 is positioned to expose the refill port 25, that is, when the first cover 41 is open, the contact portion 55 contacts the regulating surface 48. When the contact portion 55 contacts the regulating surface 48, the rotation of the second cover 51 stops. The regulating surface 48 is a surface perpendicular to the first rotation axis A1. The second rotation axis A2 extends in a different direction from the first rotation axis A1. Therefore, even if the regulating surface 48 is pushed by the second cover 51, the first cover 41 does not displace. The first cover 41 restricts the rotation of the second cover 51 by the contact of the contact portion 55 with the regulating surface 48. In other words, the first cover 41 functions as a stopper for the second cover 51. This prevents the first cover 41 from forgetting to close the refill port 25.

[0043] When the contact portion 55 comes into contact with the regulating surface 48, a load is applied from the second cover 51 to the first cover 41. At this time, when the support portion 37 comes into contact with the support surface 49, the support portion 37 receives the load that the first cover 41 receives from the second cover 51. By the support portion 37 receiving this load, the risk of damage to the first cover 41 is reduced.

[0044] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, when the refill tube 24 is not fully seated in the cap 42, that is, when the first cover 41 is in a position just before it is fully closed, the contact portion 55 contacts the pressing surface 47. When the contact portion 55 contacts the pressing surface 47, the second cover 51 presses the first cover 41 toward the ink tank 21. This causes the refill tube 24 to fully seat in the cap 42, that is, the first cover 41 is completely closed. In this way, the contact of the contact portion 55 with the pressing surface 47 reduces the risk of the first cover 41 being closed in an incomplete state.

[0045] When the refill tube 24 is fitted into the cap 42, that is, when the first cover 41 is completely closed, the contact portion 55 contacts the pressing surface 47. This makes it less likely for the first cover 41, which is positioned to block the refill port 25, to lift up relative to the refill tube 24. Therefore, the risk of the first cover 41 opening unexpectedly is reduced.

[0046] <Mechanism and Effects> Next, the operation and effects of the above embodiment will be described. (1) The first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 extend in different directions. According to the above configuration, the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 are not parallel. This improves the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover 51 relative to the first cover 41. For example, when the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 extend in directions perpendicular to each other, the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover 51 relative to the first cover 41 is improved compared to when the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 extend parallel to each other.

[0047] When the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 extend parallel to each other, the distance between the second rotation axis A2 and the refill port 25 tends to be longer than the distance between the first rotation axis A1 and the refill port 25, due to the second cover 51 covering the first cover 41. In particular, in a configuration where the tip of the refill tube 24 fits into the cap 42 as the first cover 41 rotates, if the distance between the first rotation axis A1 and the refill tube 24 is short, it becomes difficult to attach and detach the cap 42 to the refill tube 24. Therefore, the distance between the first rotation axis A1 and the refill tube 24 needs to be long enough to make it easy to attach and detach the cap 42 to the refill tube 24. For this reason, when the first rotation axis A1 and the second rotation axis A2 extend parallel to each other, the distance between the second rotation axis A2 and the refill tube 24 tends to be long. In this respect as well, the above configuration allows for greater freedom in positioning the second cover 51 relative to the first cover 41, thereby shortening the distance between the second rotation axis A2 and the replenishment tube 24.

[0048] (2) The first axis of rotation A1 and the second axis of rotation A2 extend in directions perpendicular to each other. According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover 51 relative to the first cover 41 is further improved.

[0049] (3) When the second cover 51 is positioned to cover the first cover 41 which is positioned to close the refill port 25, the contact portion 55 presses the first cover 41 against the refill tube 24. With the above configuration, the contact portion 55 presses the first cover 41 against the refill tube 24, causing the second cover 51 to hold down the first cover 41. This makes it less likely for the first cover 41, which is positioned to close the refill opening 25, to lift up relative to the refill tube 24. Also, if the refill tube 24 is not fully seated in the cap 42, the contact portion 55 presses the first cover 41 against the refill tube 24, causing the refill tube 24 to fully seat in the cap 42. This allows the first cover 41 to more effectively close the refill opening 25.

[0050] (4) The first cover 41 restricts the rotation of the second cover 51 by having its contact portion 55 contact the restricting surface 48. According to the above configuration, the first cover 41 functions as a stopper for the second cover 51 when it is positioned to expose the refill port 25. This prevents the first cover 41 from forgetting to cover the refill port 25.

[0051] (5) The support portion 37 comes into contact with the support surface 49 when the contact portion 55 comes into contact with the restricting surface 48. If the rotation of the second cover 51 is restricted by the first cover 41, a load is applied from the second cover 51 to the first cover 41. Depending on the magnitude of the load applied from the second cover 51 to the first cover 41, the first cover 41 may be damaged. In this regard, with the above configuration, the support portion 37 contacts the support surface 49, allowing the support portion 37 to receive the load applied from the second cover 51 to the first cover 41. This reduces the risk of damage to the first cover 41.

[0052] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0053] The first cover 41 may have, for example, a stopper inserted into the replenishment tube 24 instead of the cap 42. The direction in which the first rotation axis A1 extends and the direction in which the second rotation axis A2 extends may be opposite. That is, the first rotation axis A1 may extend in a direction parallel to the viewing section 23. The second rotation axis A2 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the viewing section 23.

[0054] <Technical philosophy> The technical concepts and their effects, as understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications, are explained below.

[0055] (A) The tank unit comprises an ink tank for containing ink, a holding part for holding the ink tank, a first cover attached to the holding part, and a second cover attached to the holding part, wherein the ink tank has a refill port for refilling ink, the first cover is configured to rotate around a first axis of rotation relative to the holding part, and by rotating around the first axis of rotation it is displaced between a position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the refill port, the second cover is configured to rotate around a second axis of rotation relative to the holding part, and by rotating around the second axis of rotation it is displaced between a position that covers the first cover in the position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the first cover, and the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extend in different directions from each other.

[0056] According to the above configuration, the first and second rotation axes are not parallel. This increases the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover relative to the first cover. For example, if the first and second rotation axes extend in directions perpendicular to each other, the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover relative to the first cover is increased compared to the case where the first and second rotation axes extend parallel to each other.

[0057] (B) In the tank unit described above, the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis may extend in directions perpendicular to each other. According to the above configuration, the degree of freedom regarding the position of the second cover relative to the first cover is increased.

[0058] (C) In the tank unit described above, the ink tank has a refill tube with a refill port opening at its tip, the first cover has a cap that covers the refill tube, and the second cover has a contact portion that contacts the first cover, the cap covers the refill tube when the first cover is in a position to close the refill port, and the contact portion may press the first cover against the refill tube when the second cover is in a position to cover the first cover in a position to close the refill port.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the contact portion presses the first cover against the refill tube, causing the second cover to hold down the first cover. This makes it less likely for the first cover, which is positioned to block the refill opening, to lift up relative to the refill tube.

[0060] (D) In ​​the tank unit described above, the first cover has a base to which the cap is attached, the base has a mounting surface to which the cap is attached, a pressing surface opposite to the mounting surface, and a restricting surface connected to the mounting surface and the pressing surface, the pressing surface being the surface that contacts the contact portion when the contact portion presses the first cover against the replenishment pipe, the restricting surface being the surface that contacts the contact portion when the first cover is positioned to expose the replenishment port, and the first cover may restrict the rotation of the second cover by the contact portion contacting the restricting surface.

[0061] According to the above configuration, the first cover functions as a stopper for the second cover when it is positioned to expose the refill opening. This prevents the first cover from forgetting to cover the refill opening.

[0062] (E) In the tank unit described above, the first cover has a support surface opposite to the restricting surface, and the holding portion has a support portion that contacts the support surface, and the support portion may contact the support surface when the contact portion contacts the restricting surface.

[0063] If the rotation of the second cover is restricted by the first cover, a load is applied from the second cover to the first cover. Depending on the magnitude of the load applied from the second cover to the first cover, the first cover may be damaged. In this regard, with the above configuration, the support portion can receive the load applied from the second cover to the first cover by contacting the support surface. This reduces the risk of damage to the first cover.

[0064] (F) The printing apparatus comprises a head for ejecting ink, an ink tank for containing the ink ejected by the head, a holder for holding the ink tank, a first cover attached to the holder, and a second cover attached to the holder, wherein the ink tank has a refill port for refilling ink, the first cover rotates around a first rotation axis and is displaced between a position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the refill port, the second cover rotates around a second rotation axis and is displaced between a position that covers the first cover in the position that closes the refill port and a position that exposes the first cover, and the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis extend in different directions from each other. With the above configuration, the same effects as the tank unit described above can be obtained. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 11...Printing device, 12...Housing, 13...Discharge cover, 14...Viewing port, 15...Head, 20...Tank unit, 21...Ink tank, 22...Storage section, 23...Viewing section, 24...Refill tube, 25...Refill port, 31...Holding section, 32...Top surface, 33...First side, 34...Second side, 35...Insertion hole, 36...Mounting groove, 37...Support section, 41...First cover, 42...Cap, 43...Base, 44...Mounting section, 45...Gripping section, 46...Mounting surface, 47...Pressing surface, 48...Restricting surface, 49...Support surface, 51...Second cover, 52...Main body section, 53...Inner surface, 54...Holding section, 55...Contact section, 99...Media, A1...First rotation axis, A2...Second rotation axis.

Claims

[Claim 1] An ink tank that holds the ink, A holding part for holding the ink tank, A first cover attached to the aforementioned holding portion, It comprises a second cover attached to the aforementioned holding portion, The aforementioned ink tank has an opening for refilling the ink, The first cover is, The holding portion is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, By rotating around the first rotation axis, it is displaced between a position that closes the replenishment port and a position that exposes the replenishment port. The second cover is, The holding portion is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis, By rotating around the second rotation axis, the first cover is displaced between a position that covers the replenishment port and a position that exposes the first cover. The first and second rotation axes extend in directions perpendicular to each other, The ink tank further has a refill tube with the refill port opening at its tip, The first cover has a cap that covers the replenishment tube, The second cover has a contact portion that contacts the first cover, The cap covers the refill tube when the first cover is positioned to block the refill port. The contact portion presses the first cover against the replenishment tube when the second cover is positioned to cover the first cover which is positioned to block the replenishment port. The first cover further has a base to which the cap is attached, The aforementioned base is The mounting surface to which the cap is attached, The pressing surface opposite to the mounting surface, It has a restricting surface connected to the mounting surface and the pressing surface, The pressing surface is the surface that contacts the contact portion when the contact portion presses the first cover against the replenishment tube. The restricting surface is the surface that contacts the contact portion when the first cover is positioned to expose the refill port. The first cover restricts the rotation of the second cover by having the contact portion contact the restricting surface. The first cover further has a support surface opposite to the restricting surface, The holding portion has a support portion that contacts the support surface, The support portion contacts the support surface when the contact portion contacts the restricting surface. The tank unit is characterized in that the regulating surface and the support surface are each surfaces perpendicular to the first rotation axis.

Images