Liquid consumption device

Abstract

To provide means which enables easy designing of passage resistance of a liquid container and passage resistance of a liquid tank while making a structure of the liquid container simple.SOLUTION: A multifunction machine 10 includes: an ink cartridge 30 having an upper storage chamber 32 and a lower storage chamber 33 in which an ink is stored; a buffer tank 130 with which the ink cartridge 30 may be connected and which has a gas chamber 131 and an atmosphere communication hole 132; an ink tank 103 with which the ink cartridge 30 may connect and which has a storage chamber 121, an outflow port 128, and an atmosphere communication hole 124; and a discharge head 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid consumption device to which a liquid container, a gas tank, and a liquid tank are connected.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid supply device having a liquid storage tank communicating with a liquid discharge head and a cartridge that stores liquid and is detachable from the liquid storage tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the liquid supply device described in Patent Document 1, the liquid storage tank is in communication with the atmosphere through an atmosphere communication portion. The cartridge attached to the liquid storage tank is in gas communication with the liquid storage tank through a second connection portion. Therefore, the cartridge is in communication with the atmosphere through the atmosphere communication portion of the liquid storage tank. In the liquid supply device described in Patent Document 1, since the liquid storage tank and the cartridge are in communication with the atmosphere by one atmosphere communication portion, it is difficult to provide a difference between the flow path resistance when gas flows into the liquid storage tank and the flow path resistance when gas flows into the cartridge. In particular, when a semipermeable membrane is provided in the atmosphere communication portion, since the flow path resistance due to the semipermeable membrane becomes dominant, it is difficult to design so that the flow path resistance when gas flows into the liquid storage tank is larger than the flow path resistance when gas flows into the cartridge.

[0005] For example, when a large amount of liquid is discharged from the liquid discharge head, liquid will flow out of the liquid storage tank and the cartridge. If the flow rate of liquid flowing out of the cartridge is smaller than the flow rate of liquid flowing out of the liquid storage tank, the amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage tank will decrease while liquid is being discharged from the liquid discharge head, and there is a risk that the liquid in the liquid storage tank will run out even though liquid is stored in the cartridge. On the other hand, if an atmospheric communication section is provided in the cartridge, the structure of the cartridge will become more complex, which may lead to increased costs or necessitate making the cartridge disposable.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a means that simplifies the structure of the liquid container while making it easy to design the flow resistance of the liquid container and the flow resistance of the liquid tank, respectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The liquid consumption device according to the present invention comprises a liquid container having a first storage chamber in which liquid is stored; a gas tank to which the liquid container can be connected and which has a gas flow path that allows gas to flow between the first storage chamber of the connected liquid container, a gas chamber connected to the gas flow path, and a first atmospheric communication section that connects the gas chamber to the outside; a liquid tank to which the liquid container can be connected and which has a liquid flow path that allows liquid to flow between the first storage chamber of the connected liquid container, a second storage chamber connected to the liquid flow path, an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the second storage chamber, and a second atmospheric communication section that connects the second storage chamber to the atmosphere; and a discharge head for discharging the liquid that has been discharged through the outlet of the liquid tank. In a connected state in which the liquid container, the gas tank and the liquid tank are connected, the gas flow path connects the first storage chamber and the gas chamber.

[0008] In the connected state, gas flows from the first atmospheric communication section into the first storage chamber through the gas chamber and gas flow path, so the flow resistance of this path can be optimally set for liquid to flow out from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. On the other hand, the flow resistance of the second atmospheric communication section can be optimally set for liquid to flow out from the second storage chamber through the outlet. Furthermore, since an atmospheric communication section is not required for the liquid container, the structure of the liquid container is simplified.

[0009] (2) The discharge head described above may consume liquid in the above-described connection state.

[0010] (3) The liquid container may be connected to the gas tank and the liquid tank by being moved in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and may be detached from the gas tank and the liquid tank by being moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0011] (4) The liquid container has a gas communication hole connected to the gas flow path and a liquid communication hole connected to the liquid flow path, and the gas communication hole may be located in the first direction relative to the liquid communication hole.

[0012] (5) The liquid container may be moved in the first direction so that the gas communication hole is connected to the gas flow path, and then the liquid communication hole is connected to the liquid flow path.

[0013] (6) In the above connection state, the opening through which the first atmospheric communication section communicates with the outside may be located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber.

[0014] (7) In the above connection state, the opening through which the second atmospheric communication section communicates with the outside may be located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber.

[0015] (8) In the above-described connection state, in an inverted position in which the liquid container is positioned above the gas tank and the liquid tank, the opening leading to the second atmospheric communication section may be located in the lower part of the second storage chamber.

[0016] In the inverted posture, since the opening leading to the second air communication part is blocked by liquid, the second storage chamber is not in communication with the atmosphere, so the outflow of liquid from the second storage chamber to the consumption part is suppressed.

[0017] (9) The discharge head may consume liquid in a non-connected state where it is not connected to the liquid container, the gas tank, and the liquid tank.

[0018] (10) The liquid consumption device may further include a first semi-permeable membrane that closes the flow path of the first air communication part and allows the passage of air, and a second semi-permeable membrane that closes the flow path of the second air communication part and allows the passage of air.

[0019] (11) The flow path resistance of the first semi-permeable membrane may be smaller than the flow path resistance of the second semi-permeable membrane.

[0020] In the connected state, the flow rate of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber can be made larger than the flow rate of the liquid from the second storage chamber to the consumption part.

[0021] (12) The gas tank and the liquid tank may be an integral resin molded product.

[0022] (13) The gas tank and the liquid tank may each be a separate resin molded product.

[0023] (14) The liquid consumption device may further include a sensor that detects that the liquid level in the liquid tank has exceeded a threshold height.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present invention, while simplifying the structure of the liquid container, it is easy to design the flow path resistance of the liquid container and the flow path resistance of the liquid tank respectively.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the multifunction machine 10, where (A) shows the state where the cover 87 is in the closed position and (B) shows the state where the cover 87 is in the open position. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the opening 112 side of the cartridge mounting portion 110. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the ink cartridge 30. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 110. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the ink cartridge 30, the ink tank 103, and the buffer tank 130 in the inverted posture. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 according to a modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of the cartridge mounting portion 110 according to a modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the ink cartridge 30, the ink tank 103, and the buffer tank 130 according to a modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the ink cartridge 50, the ink tank 150, and the buffer tank 160 according to a modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the bottle 170, the ink tank 180, and the buffer tank 190 according to a modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] 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 that embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately modified without changing the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the orientation in which the multifunction printer 10 is installed on a horizontal plane for use (the orientation in Figure 1, sometimes referred to as the "usage orientation"), the front-to-back direction 8 is defined with the surface on which the opening 13 of the multifunction printer 10 is provided as the front, and the left-to-right direction 9 is defined when viewing the multifunction printer 10 from the front. In this embodiment, in the usage orientation, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-to-back direction 8 and left-to-right direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-to-back direction 8 and left-to-right direction 9 are orthogonal.

[0027] [Overall configuration of the 10-function printer] As shown in Figure 1, the multifunction device 10 has a printer unit 11 at the bottom that records images on a sheet 12 (see Figure 2) using an inkjet recording method. The multifunction device 10 may also have various functions such as a facsimile function, a scanning function, and a copying function. The multifunction device 10 is an example of a liquid consumption device. The printer unit 11 has a housing 14 that is generally rectangular in shape. Inside the housing 14, as shown in Figure 2, a feed tray 15, an output tray 16, a feed roller 23, a transport roller pair 25, an output roller pair 27, a recording unit 24, and a platen 26 are arranged.

[0028] [Feed tray 15, discharge tray 16, feed roller 23] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an opening 13 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14, approximately in the center in the left-right direction 9. The feed tray 15 is inserted and removed in the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13. The feed tray 15 supports a plurality of stacked sheets 12. The discharge tray 16 is positioned above the feed tray 15. The discharge tray 16 supports the sheets 12 discharged by the discharge roller pair 27 from between the recording unit 24 and the platen 26. The feed rollers 23 are driven by a motor (not shown) to feed the sheets 12 supported by the feed tray 15 to the transport path 17.

[0029] [Transport route 17] As shown in Figure 2, the transport path 17 refers to the space formed by the guide members 18, 19, the recording unit 24, the platen 26, etc. The guide members 18, 19 and the recording unit 24 and platen 26 are each positioned opposite each other at a predetermined distance within the printer unit 11. The transport path 17 extends upward from the rear end of the feed tray 15, makes a U-turn, passes through a position facing the recording unit 24, and reaches the discharge tray 16. The transport direction is indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2.

[0030] [Conveyor roller pair 25] The transport roller pair 25 is positioned upstream of the recording unit 24 in the transport direction. The transport roller pair 25 comprises a transport roller 25A and a pinch roller 25B facing each other. The transport roller 25A is driven by a motor (not shown). The pinch roller 25B rotates along with the rotation of the transport roller 25A. The sheet 12 is held between the transport roller 25A and the pinch roller 25B, which rotate in the forward direction due to the forward rotational driving force of the motor, and is transported along the transport direction.

[0031] [Discharge roller vs. 27] The discharge roller pair 27 is positioned downstream of the recording unit 24 in the direction of transport. The discharge roller pair 27 comprises a discharge roller 27A and a spur 27B that face each other. The discharge roller 27A is driven by a motor (not shown). The spur 27B rotates along with the rotation of the discharge roller 27A. The sheet 12 is held between the discharge roller 27A and the spur 27B, which rotate in the forward direction due to the forward rotational driving force of the motor, and is transported along the transport direction.

[0032] [Recording section 24, platen 26] As shown in Figure 2, the recording unit 24 and the platen 26 are positioned between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport direction. More specifically, the recording unit 24 and the platen 26 are positioned downstream of the transport roller pair 25 in the transport direction and upstream of the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport direction. Furthermore, the recording unit 24 and the platen 26 are positioned facing each other in the vertical direction 7.

[0033] The recording unit 24 comprises a carriage 22 and a discharge head 21 mounted on the carriage 22. The carriage 22 moves back and forth in the left-right direction 9 by the driving force transmitted from a motor (not shown). Multiple nozzles 29 are formed on the lower surface of the discharge head 21. The discharge head 21 discharges ink droplets from the nozzles 29 by vibrating a vibrating element such as a piezoelectric element. As the carriage 22 moves, the discharge head 21 selectively discharges ink droplets onto the sheet 12 supported by the platen 26, thereby recording an image on the sheet 12. In the operating position, the lower surface of the discharge head 21 is above the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110 (see Figure 3) and the ink level in the ink tank 103 in the vertical direction 7. Also, in the operating position, the discharge head 21 is located behind the cartridge mounting section 110 in the front-rear direction 8.

[0034] The carriage 22 is connected to an ink tube and a flexible flat cable. The ink tube connects the cartridge mounting section 110 (see Figure 3), which will be described later, to the ejection head 21. More specifically, the ink tube supplies ink (an example of liquid) stored in each ink cartridge 30 (an example of a liquid container) mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110 to the ejection head 21. The ink tube is a bundle of four tubes through which ink of each color (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) flows. The flexible flat cable electrically connects the control board that controls the operation of the multifunction printer 10 to the ejection head 21.

[0035] [Cover 87] As shown in Figure 1(B), an opening 85 is formed on the front surface 14A of the housing 14, at the rightmost end in the left-right direction 9. The housing 14 has a cover 87 that can rotate between a closed position (shown in Figure 1(A)) that closes the opening 85 and an open position (shown in Figure 1(B)) that opens the opening 85. The cover 87 is supported by the housing 14 so as to be rotatable around a pivot axis extending in the left-right direction 9, near the lower end of the housing 14 in the vertical direction 7. The cartridge mounting section 110 is located in the housing space 86 inside the housing 14 that extends beyond the opening 85.

[0036] [Cartridge mounting section 110] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the cartridge mounting section 110 comprises a cartridge case 101, a rod 125, a locking section 129, a buffer tank 130 (an example of a gas tank), an ink tank 103 (an example of a liquid tank), a rotating member 145, and a liquid level sensor 55. The cartridge mounting section 110 can accommodate four ink cartridges 30, each corresponding to cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Four rods 125, buffer tanks 130, ink tanks 103, rotating members 145, and liquid level sensors 55 are provided, each corresponding to one of the four ink cartridges 30. However, the number of ink cartridges 30 that can be accommodated in the cartridge mounting section 110 is not limited to four. In Figure 3, one ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the left end of the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0037] The cartridge case 101 constitutes the housing of the cartridge mounting section 110. The cartridge case 101 is box-shaped and has an internal space for housing the ink cartridge 30. The front end of the cartridge case 101, which faces the back wall in the front-to-back direction 8, has an opening 112 that exposes the internal space of the cartridge case 101. Furthermore, when the cover 87 is placed in the open position, the opening 112 is exposed to the outside of the multifunction printer 10 through the opening 85 of the housing 14.

[0038] The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge mounting section 110 towards the rear in the front-to-back direction 8 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 and the opening 112 of the cartridge mounting section 110, and is removed towards the front in the front-to-back direction 8. Each ink cartridge 30 is guided in the front-to-back direction 8 by the insertion of its lower end into guide grooves 109 provided in the bottom wall 117, which are spaced apart in the left-to-right direction 9. The cartridge case 101 is provided with three plates 104 that divide the internal space into four adjacent spaces in the left-to-right direction 9. Four ink cartridges 30, each containing ink of a different color, are housed in each space partitioned by the plates 104.

[0039] [Lock section 129] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the locking portion 129 extends in the left-right direction 9 of the cartridge case 101 near the top wall and near the opening 112. The locking portion 129 is a rod-shaped member that extends along the left-right direction 9. The locking portion 129 is, for example, a metal cylinder. Both ends of the locking portion 129 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to the side walls of the cartridge case 101. The locking portion 129 extends in the left-right direction 9 across four spaces capable of accommodating four ink cartridges 30.

[0040] The locking part 129 is for holding the ink cartridge 30, which is mounted in the cartridge mounting part 110, in the mounting position shown in Figure 7. The ink cartridge 30 engages with the locking part 129 while mounted in the cartridge mounting part 110. As a result, the locking part 129 holds the ink cartridge 30 in the mounting position against the force exerted by the coil springs 78 and 98, which will be described later, pushing the ink cartridge 30 backward.

[0041] [Buffer Tank 130] As shown in Figure 4, the buffer tank 130 is located above the back wall of the cartridge case 101. On the back wall of the cartridge case 101, the buffer tank 130 is located above the connection part 107, which will be described later. The buffer tank 130 is a box-shaped container molded integrally with the cartridge case 101. The internal space of the buffer tank 130 is the gas chamber 131. The buffer tank 130 has an atmospheric communication hole 132 (an example of a first atmospheric communication part) that penetrates the upper wall 134 and opens upward. A first semipermeable membrane 133 is attached to the upper end of the atmospheric communication hole 132. The first semipermeable membrane 133 closes the atmospheric communication hole 132. The first semipermeable membrane 133 restricts the passage of ink and allows the passage of air.

[0042] [Rod 125] As shown in Figure 4, the rod 125 protrudes forward from the lower end of the front wall 135 of the buffer tank 130. At the rear wall of the cartridge case 101, the rod 125 is located above the connection part 107, which will be described later. The rod 125 is cylindrical, and its internal space communicates with the gas chamber 131. The front end of the rod 125 is open to the front and upward. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting part 110, the rod 125 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 36 through the atmospheric communication port 96 of the ink cartridge 30, which will be described later. As a result, the valve chamber 36 of the ink cartridge 30 and the gas chamber 131 communicate, and the internal space of the rod 125 becomes a gas flow path.

[0043] [Ink Tank 103] As shown in Figure 4, the ink tank 103 is located behind the cartridge case 101. Of the walls constituting the ink tank 103, at least the area facing the liquid level sensor 55, which will be described later, is translucent and transmits light output from the liquid level sensor 55.

[0044] The ink tank 103 is box-shaped and has a storage chamber 121 inside. The storage chamber 121 is an example of a second storage chamber. The storage chamber 121 is connected to the ink tube through an outlet 128. The outlet 128 is formed near the lower wall that demarcates the lower end of the storage chamber 121. The outlet 128 is located 7 vertically below the connection part 107. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flows out from the outlet 128 and is supplied to the discharge head 21 through the ink tube.

[0045] An atmospheric communication hole 124 (an example of a second atmospheric communication section) is formed near the upper end of the rear wall 143 of the storage chamber 121. The atmospheric communication hole 124 penetrates the rear wall 143. The atmospheric communication hole 124 is located above the area facing the liquid level sensor 55. A second semipermeable membrane 127 is attached to and closes the atmospheric communication hole 124. The second semipermeable membrane 127 restricts the passage of ink while allowing the passage of air. The flow resistance R2 of the second semipermeable membrane 127 is greater than the flow resistance R1 of the first semipermeable membrane 133 (R1 <R2)。

[0046] [Connection part 107] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connection part 107 comprises a tubular resin ink needle 102 and a guide part 105. The ink needle 102 protrudes forward from the ink tank 103. An opening 116 is provided at the protruding tip of the ink needle 102. The internal space of the ink needle 102 is in communication with the storage chamber 121. Furthermore, the ink needle 102 is positioned to correspond to the ink supply part 34 (see Figure 7) of the ink cartridge 30 mounted in the cartridge mounting part 110. The internal space of the ink needle 102 and the storage chamber 121 are connected by a through hole 126 that penetrates the front wall 142 of the ink tank 103. The internal space of the ink needle 102 is an example of a liquid flow path.

[0047] The guide portion 105 is a cylindrical member positioned around the ink needle 102. The guide portion 105 protrudes forward from the ink tank 103, and an opening is provided at its protruding end. The ink needle 102 is positioned at the center of the guide portion 105. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 110, the ink supply portion 34 enters the interior of the guide portion 105.

[0048] The internal space of the ink needle 102 houses a valve 114 and a coil spring 115. The valve 114 is configured to move along the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position that closes the opening 116 and an open position that opens the opening 116 within the internal space of the ink needle 102. The coil spring 115 biases the valve 114 in the direction that moves it to the closed position, i.e., forward. The front end of the valve 114 in the closed position protrudes forward of the opening 116.

[0049] [Rotating member 145] A rotating member 145 is located in the liquid chamber 121. The rotating member 145 is supported by a support member (not shown) located within the liquid chamber 121 so as to be rotatable in the directions of arrows 198 and 199. The rotating member 145 can rotate between the position shown by the solid line and the position shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. Furthermore, the rotation of the rotating member 145 in the direction of arrow 198 from the position shown by the solid line is restricted by a stopper (not shown) (for example, the inner wall of the liquid chamber 121). The rotating member 145 comprises a float 146, a shaft 147, an arm 148, and a detection part 149.

[0050] The float 146 is made of a material with a specific gravity lower than the ink stored in the liquid chamber 121. The shaft 147 protrudes from the right and left sides of the float 146 in the left-right direction 9. The left-right direction 9 is aligned horizontally when the multifunction printer 10 is in use. The shaft 147 is inserted into a hole (not shown) formed in the support member. As a result, the rotating member 145 is supported by the support member so as to be rotatable about the shaft 147. The arm 148 extends substantially upward from the float 146. The detected part 149 is located at the protruding tip of the arm 148. The detected part 149 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-back direction 8. The detected part 149 is made of a material or color that blocks the light output from the light-emitting part of the liquid level sensor 55.

[0051] When the ink level in the liquid chamber 121 is above the boundary position P1, the rotating member 145, which is rotated in the direction of arrow 198 by buoyancy, is held by the stopper at the detection position shown by the solid line in Figure 3. On the other hand, when the ink level is below the boundary position P1, the rotating member 145 rotates in the direction of arrow 199 to follow the drop in the liquid level. As a result, the detected part 149 moves to a position away from the detection position. That is, the detected part 149 moves to a position corresponding to the amount of ink stored in the liquid chamber 121.

[0052] The boundary position P1 is indicated by a virtual line extending horizontally, at the same height as the axis center of the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction 7, and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 71, which will be described later. However, the boundary position P1 is not limited to the above position, as long as it is above the outlet 128 in the vertical direction 7. As another example, the boundary position P1 may be at the height of the upper or lower end of the internal space of the ink needle 102, or at the height of the upper or lower end of the ink supply port 71.

[0053] When the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 121 is above the boundary position P1, the light emitted from the light-emitting part of the liquid level sensor 55 is blocked by the detection part 149. As a result, the liquid level sensor 55 outputs a low-level signal to the controller because the light from the light-emitting part does not reach the light-receiving part. On the other hand, when the liquid level of the ink stored in the liquid chamber 121 is below the boundary position P1, the liquid level sensor 55 outputs a high-level signal to the controller because the light emitted from the light-emitting part reaches the light-receiving part. In other words, the controller can detect whether the liquid level of the ink in the liquid chamber 121 is above the boundary position P1 or not based on the signal output from the liquid level sensor 55.

[0054] [Ink Cartridge 30] The ink cartridge 30 is a container in which ink is stored. As shown in Figure 5, the ink cartridge 30 has a housing 31, an ink supply unit 34, a protrusion 43, and an operating unit 90. The ink cartridge 30 has a housing 31 that is roughly rectangular in shape. The housing 31 has a flattened shape in which the dimensions along the vertical direction 7 and the front-to-back direction 8 are larger than the dimensions along the left-to-right direction 9. The external shapes of ink cartridges 30 that store different colored inks may be the same or different. The housing 31 is composed of a rear wall 40, a front wall 41, an upper wall 39, a lower wall 42, and side walls 37 and 38.

[0055] The rear wall 40 is composed of a first rear wall 40A, a second rear wall 40B, and a third rear wall 40C. The first rear wall 40A is located 8 units forward in the front-to-back direction and 7 units above the second rear wall 40B. The second rear wall 40B is located behind the third rear wall 40C and 7 units above the third rear wall 40C. The third rear wall 40C is located 8 units forward in the front-to-back direction and 7 units below the first rear wall 40A. The first rear wall 40A is provided with an atmospheric communication port 96 (an example of a gas communication hole). The atmospheric communication port 96 is located behind the ink supply port 71, which will be described later. The third rear wall 40C is provided with an ink supply section 34.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, the casing 31 of the ink cartridge 30 is broadly divided into a base portion 48 and a projection portion 49. The base portion 48 refers to the portion enclosed by, for example, a part of the front side of the upper wall 39, the front wall 41, the lower wall 42, the third rear wall 40C, and a part of the front side of the side walls 37 and 38. The projection portion 49 refers to the portion enclosed by, for example, a part of the rear side of the upper wall 39, the first rear wall 40A, the second rear wall 40B, and a part of the rear side of the side walls 37 and 38.

[0057] The projection 49 protrudes rearward from a portion of the base 48 in the vertical direction 7. More specifically, the projection 49 protrudes rearward from the upper part of the base 48 in the vertical direction 7. The boundary between the base 48 and the projection 49 in the front-rear direction 8 may be, for example, an extension of the first rear wall 40A or an extension of the third rear wall 40C, or a virtual line connecting the lower end of the first rear wall 40A and the upper end of the third rear wall 40C.

[0058] The upper wall 39 is provided with a protrusion 43 and an operating part 90. The protrusion 43 projects upward from the outer surface of the upper wall 39 and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The front-facing surface of the protrusion 43 is the locking surface 62. The locking surface 62 is located above the upper wall 39. The locking surface 62 is the surface that contacts the locking part 129 when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting part 110. The contact between the locking surface 62 and the locking part 129 holds the ink cartridge 30 in the installed position against the biasing force of the coil springs 78 and 98.

[0059] The operating section 90 is located on the upper wall 39, forward of the locking surface 62. When the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110, if the operating surface 92 of the operating section 90 is pushed downward, the ink cartridge 30 rotates, causing the locking surface 62 to move downward from the locking section 129. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 can be removed from the cartridge mounting section 110.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the internal space of the housing 31 contains an upper storage chamber 32, a lower storage chamber 33, an ink valve chamber 35, and an atmospheric valve chamber 36. The upper storage chamber 32, the lower storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 store ink. The upper storage chamber 32, the lower storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 are examples of first storage chambers. The atmospheric valve chamber 36 allows air to circulate between the upper storage chamber 32 and the gas chamber 131 of the buffer tank 130.

[0061] The upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 45 that divides the internal space of the housing 31. The upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 are also connected by a through hole 47 formed in the partition wall 45. The volume of the upper storage chamber 32 is larger than that of the lower storage chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. The upper storage chamber 32 is formed over a base portion 48 and a projection portion 49.

[0062] The upper storage chamber 32 and the atmospheric valve chamber 36 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction 7 by a partition wall 44 that divides the internal space of the housing 31. The upper storage chamber 32 and the atmospheric valve chamber 36 are also connected by a through hole 46 formed in the partition wall 44. The lower storage chamber 33 is located 8 forward of the ink valve chamber 35 in the front-rear direction. The lower storage chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 are connected by a through hole 99. The volume of the lower storage chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is smaller than the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103.

[0063] The atmospheric valve chamber 36 is an atmospheric passage located above the upper storage chamber 32. The atmospheric valve chamber 36 may be provided with a labyrinth passage or a semipermeable membrane (not shown). The atmospheric valve chamber 36 houses a sealing member 94, a valve 97, and a coil spring 98. The sealing member 94 is a disc-shaped member with a through hole formed therein. The through hole of the sealing member 94 communicates with the atmospheric communication port 96. The sealing member 94 is in close contact with the housing 31 around the atmospheric communication port 96 to ensure airtightness around the atmospheric communication port 96. The inner diameter of the through hole of the sealing member 94 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the rod 125. The valve 97 is movable in the front-rear direction 8 between a closed position that closes the through hole of the sealing member 94 and an open position that opens the through hole. That is, the valve 97 is movable between a closed position that closes the atmospheric communication port 96 and an open position that opens it. The coil spring 98 biases the valve 97 in a direction that moves it to the closed position, i.e., backward.

[0064] During the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 into the cartridge mounting section 110, the rod 125 (see Figure 7) of the cartridge mounting section 110 enters the atmospheric valve chamber 36 through the atmospheric communication port 96 and the through-hole of the sealing member 94. Once inside the atmospheric valve chamber 36, the rod 125 moves the valve 97, which is in the closed position, forward against the biasing force of the coil spring 98. As the valve 97 moves to the open position, the atmospheric valve chamber 36 (gas layer) and the gas chamber 131 are connected through the internal space of the rod 125, and the upper storage chamber 32 is opened to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 132.

[0065] The atmospheric communication port 96 is located behind the ink supply port 71, and the tip of the rod 125 and the tip of the ink needle 102 are in roughly the same position in the front-to-back direction 8. Therefore, before the ink needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 and communicates with the ink valve chamber 35, the rod 125 is inserted into the atmospheric communication port 96 and communicates with the atmospheric valve chamber 36.

[0066] The ink supply unit 34 protrudes rearward from the third rear wall 40C. More specifically, the ink supply unit 34 is preferably provided on the rearward-facing surface of the base 48, below the lower end of the projection 49. The ink supply unit 34 is a cylindrical member. The internal space of the ink supply unit 34 is the ink valve chamber 35. The protruding tip of the ink supply unit 34 opens to the outside of the ink cartridge 30. The second rear wall 40B is located further rearward than the tip of the ink supply unit 34. The ink valve chamber 35 houses a sealing member 76, a valve 77, and a coil spring 78.

[0067] The sealing member 76 is a disc-shaped member with a through hole formed in the center. An ink supply port 71 (an example of a liquid communication hole) is formed in the center of the sealing member 76, penetrating in the front-to-back direction 8. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 71 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102. The valve 77 is configured to move along the front-to-back direction 8 within the ink valve chamber 35 between a closed position in contact with the sealing member 76 and closing the ink supply port 71, and an open position separated from the sealing member 76 and opening the ink supply port 71. The coil spring 78 biases the valve 77 in the direction that moves it to the closed position, i.e., backward.

[0068] As shown in Figure 7, the ink cartridge 30 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 110 by moving it backward in the front-rear direction 8 (an example of a first direction), and is detached from the cartridge mounting section 110 by moving it forward (an example of a second direction). During the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge mounting section 110, the ink needle 102 of the cartridge mounting section 110 enters the ink valve chamber 35 through the ink supply port 71. At this time, the ink needle 102 makes liquid-tight contact with the inner circumferential surface defining the ink supply port 71 while elastically deforming the sealing member 76. When the ink cartridge 30 is further inserted into the cartridge mounting section 110, the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 to the open position against the biasing force of the coil spring 78. The valve 77 also moves the valve 114 protruding from the opening 116 of the ink needle 102 to the open position against the biasing force of the coil spring 115.

[0069] As shown in Figure 7, when the ink supply port 71 is opened and the atmospheric valve chamber 36 is opened to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 132 of the gas chamber 131, ink becomes able to flow between the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply unit 34 and the internal space of the ink needle 102. As a result, the ink stored in the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 flows out to the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103 through the connected ink supply unit 34 and connection unit 107 due to the difference in water head. The ink that flows from the storage chamber 121 to the discharge head 21 through the outlet 128 is discharged from the nozzle 29 in the connected state in which the ink cartridge 30, the ink tank 103 and the buffer tank 130 are connected.

[0070] The orientation of the multifunction printer 10 shown in Figure 1 is the operating orientation, and in the operating orientation, the ink cartridge 30 and ink tank 103 are in the state shown in Figure 7. When the multifunction printer 10 is placed in the operating orientation, various operations such as image recording are performed. Here, the operation in which an ink cartridge 30 is installed in an unused multifunction printer 10 is described. The upper storage chamber 32, lower storage chamber 33, and ink valve chamber 35 of the new ink cartridge 30 contain the maximum amount of ink that can be stored. Also, the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103 of the unused multifunction printer 10 contains no ink. The statement that no ink is stored in the storage chamber 121 means that ink has not yet flowed from the ink cartridge 30 into the storage chamber 121. For example, if ink is temporarily stored in the storage chamber 121 during inspections during the manufacturing of the multifunction printer 10, and then the ink is removed from the storage chamber 121, any ink remaining in the storage chamber 121 will not be considered as ink stored in the storage chamber 121.

[0071] Immediately after a new ink cartridge 30 is installed in an unused multifunction printer 10, that is, before ink has flowed from the ink cartridge 30 into the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103, the vertical position 7 of the ink level in the ink cartridge 30 is shown as position P2 by a dashed line in Figure 7.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7, when the ink cartridge 30 is installed in the cartridge mounting section 110, the ink supply port 71 is opened, and the atmospheric valve chamber 36 is opened to the atmosphere through the atmospheric communication port 132 of the gas chamber 131, allowing ink to flow between the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply section 34 and the internal space of the ink needle 102. As a result, the ink stored in the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 flows out to the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103 through the connected ink supply section 34 and the connection section 107 due to the difference in water head. When the water level of the ink in the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 becomes the same as the water level of the ink in the storage chamber 121, that is, when the difference in water head disappears, the movement of ink between the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 and the storage chamber 121 ends. In Figure 7, the position of the ink level in the storage chamber 121, where a new ink cartridge 30 has been installed in an unused multifunction printer 10 and the head difference has been eliminated, is shown as position P3 by a dashed line.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the atmospheric communication hole 132 of the buffer tank 130 is located above either of the ink level positions P2 or P3 in the ink cartridge 30. The atmospheric communication hole 124 of the ink tank 103 is located above either of the ink level positions P2 or P3 in the ink cartridge 30. Therefore, in the state shown in Figure 7, the ink does not come into contact with the first semipermeable membrane 133 and the second semipermeable membrane 127.

[0074] When a new ink cartridge 30 is attached to an unused multifunction device 10 and ink flows into the storage chamber 121, the ink is stored in the storage chamber 121 and the liquid level of the ink rises. In the ink cartridge 30, as the ink flows out, the air that has passed through the first semipermeable membrane 133 that closes the atmosphere communication hole 132 flows into the upper storage chamber 32 through the gas chamber 131, the internal space of the rod 125, and the atmosphere valve chamber 36. In the ink tank 103, as the ink flows in, the air in the storage chamber 121 flows out to the outside through the second semipermeable membrane 127 that closes the atmosphere communication hole 124.

[0075] In the state shown in FIG. 7, when ink is discharged from the discharge head 21, the ink in the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103 flows out from the outlet 128 to the discharge head 21. In the storage chamber 121, the liquid level of the ink drops, and air with a volume corresponding to the volume of the ink that has flowed out flows into the storage chamber 121 from the outside through the atmosphere communication hole 124 and the second semipermeable membrane 127.

[0076] Also, ink flows into the storage chamber 121 from the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink cartridge 30 through the ink needle 102. In the upper storage chamber 32, the liquid level of the ink drops, and air with a volume corresponding to the volume of the ink that has flowed out flows through the atmosphere communication hole 132 and the first semipermeable membrane 133 to the gas chamber 131 and the atmosphere valve chamber 36 and then flows into the upper storage chamber 32. Since the flow path resistance R2 of the second semipermeable membrane 127 is greater than the flow path resistance R1 of the first semipermeable membrane 133 (R1 < R2), when ink is discharged from the discharge head 21, the flow rate of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flowing out from the outlet 128 is smaller than the flow rate of the ink stored in the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink cartridge 30 flowing out from the outlet 128 through the storage chamber 121. That is, the ink stored in the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is more likely to flow out from the outlet 128 than the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8, when the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the ink tank 103 and buffer tank 130, it may be in an inverted position where the ink cartridge 30 is positioned above the ink tank 103 and buffer tank 130. In the inverted position, the rear of the multifunction printer 10 is facing downwards and the front is facing upwards. In the inverted position, outside air can flow into the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 through the atmospheric communication hole 132 and the first semipermeable membrane 133.

[0078] In the inverted position of the ink tank 103, the atmospheric communication hole 124 and the second semipermeable membrane 127 are located on the rear wall 144 of the ink tank 103. As a result, the second semipermeable membrane 127 comes into contact with the ink in the storage chamber 121, and air from the storage chamber 121 cannot pass through the second semipermeable membrane 127. Therefore, ink does not continuously flow from the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink cartridge 30 into the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103.

[0079] [Effects of this embodiment] According to this embodiment, in the connected state, air passing through the first semipermeable membrane 133 that seals the atmospheric communication hole 132 flows into the upper storage chamber 32 through the gas chamber 131, the internal space of the rod 125, and the atmospheric valve chamber 36. Therefore, the flow resistance of this path can be optimally set for ink to flow out from the upper storage chamber 32 and the lower storage chamber 33 to the storage chamber 121. On the other hand, air passing through the second semipermeable membrane 127 that seals the atmospheric communication hole 124 flows into the storage chamber 121. Therefore, the flow resistance of this path can be optimally set for ink to flow out from the storage chamber 121 through the outlet 128. In addition, since an atmospheric communication part is not required in the ink cartridge 30, the structure of the ink cartridge 30 is simplified.

[0080] Furthermore, in the inverted position, the second semipermeable membrane 127 that blocks the atmospheric communication hole 124 is blocked by ink, so the storage chamber 121 is not in communication with the atmosphere, thereby suppressing the outflow of ink from the storage chamber 121 to the discharge head 21.

[0081] The atmosphere communication port 96 is located behind the ink supply port 71. Before the ink needle 102 is inserted into the ink supply port 71 and communicates with the ink valve chamber 35, the rod 125 is inserted into the atmosphere communication port 96 and communicates with the atmosphere valve chamber 36. Therefore, after the gas layer in the upper storage chamber 32 of the ink cartridge 30 reaches atmospheric pressure, the ink needle 102 and the ink valve chamber 35 communicate with each other. As a result, when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 110, the rapid outflow of ink from the ink cartridge 30 or the rapid inflow of ink from the ink tank 103 into the ink cartridge 30 is suppressed.

[0082] Also, the flow path resistance R2 of the second semipermeable membrane 127 is larger than the flow path resistance R1 of the first semipermeable membrane 133 (R1 < R2). As ink is discharged from the discharge head 21, the ink stored in the ink tank 103 and the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 decrease. Since the flow path resistance R2 is larger than the flow path resistance R1, it is more difficult for air to enter the ink tank 103 from the outside compared to the ink cartridge 30. As a result, the ink level in the ink cartridge 30 is likely to drop. That is, in terms of the amount of ink flowing out to the discharge head 21, the proportion of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 is larger than the proportion of the ink stored in the ink tank 103. Therefore, when a large amount of ink is discharged from the discharge head 21 during photo printing or maintenance processing, the ink level in the ink tank 103 is less likely to drop compared to the ink level in the ink cartridge 30. Therefore, even though the ink level in the ink cartridge 30 is higher than the boundary position P1, the ink level in the ink tank 103 is lower than the boundary position P1, and it is suppressed that the liquid level sensor 55 outputs a high-level signal, and the accuracy of the remaining amount detection by the liquid level sensor 55 is good. Also, when the image recording is completed, the ink level in the ink cartridge 30 is lower than the ink level in the ink tank 103. Therefore, after the image recording is completed, ink does not flow from the ink cartridge 30 into the ink tank 103, and the ink level in the ink tank 103 does not rise.

[0083] Furthermore, since the liquid level in the ink cartridge 30 is lower than the liquid level in the ink tank 103, the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink tank 103 becomes empty before the liquid level in the ink tank 103 reaches the boundary position P1. Subsequently, when ink is ejected from the ejection head 21, outside air enters the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103 through the first semipermeable membrane 133 and the second semipermeable membrane 127. Since the flow resistance R2 is greater than the flow resistance R1, it is easier for the air to flow from the ink cartridge 30 into the storage chamber 121 of the ink tank 103. As a result, less ink remains in the ink cartridge 30, and the ink is used up more easily.

[0084] In the embodiment described above, the boundary position P1 was at the same height as the axis center of the ink needle 102 and at the same height as the center of the ink supply port 71 in the vertical direction 7. However, the boundary position P1 may be above or below the axis center of the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction 7.

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, if the boundary position P1 is above the axis center of the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction 7, there is less risk of gas flowing from the ink cartridge 30 into the ink tank 103 at the boundary position P1. As a result, there is less risk of air bubbles adhering to the rotating member 145 and hindering the rotation of the rotating member 145 at the boundary position P1.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, if the boundary position P1 is below the axis center of the ink needle 102 in the vertical direction 7, the lower storage chamber 33 of the ink cartridge 30 will be empty before the liquid level of the ink tank 103 reaches the boundary position P1. Over time, any ink or air bubbles remaining in the lower storage chamber 33 and upper storage chamber 32 will flow into the ink tank 103, so that the ink in the ink cartridge 30 has completely moved into the ink tank 103 before the liquid level of the ink tank 103 reaches the boundary position P1.

[0087] In the embodiment described above, the rotating member 145 is located in the storage chamber 121, and the liquid level sensor 55 detects the detected portion 149 of the rotating member 145. However, other known configurations may be used instead of the rotating member 145. For example, a prism having different reflectivity depending on whether or not it is in contact with ink may be provided at the boundary position P1 of the rear wall 143 of the ink tank 103, and the liquid level sensor 55 may detect the reflected light from the prism. Alternatively, instead of the rotating member 145, the change in conductivity due to whether or not two electrode rods inserted into the storage chamber 121 are in contact with ink may be detected.

[0088] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the atmospheric communication hole 124 is provided in the rear wall 143 of the ink tank 103, but it may be provided in the upper wall or side wall instead of the rear wall 143. In the case of the upper wall or side wall, it is preferable that the atmospheric communication hole 124 is located behind the center of the ink tank 103 in the front-to-back direction 8 (towards the bottom in the inverted position).

[0089] Alternatively, the atmospheric communication holes 124 and 132 may be blocked by an air-permeable foamed resin or the like instead of the first semipermeable membrane 133 and the second semipermeable membrane 127.

[0090] The configuration for opening the atmospheric communication port 96 is not limited to the examples described above. As another example, the elastic member sealing the atmospheric communication port 96 may be penetrated by a needle-shaped rod 125.

[0091] Furthermore, as in the embodiments described above, the ink tank 103 and the buffer tank 130 may be separate resin products, or the ink tank 103 and the buffer tank 130 may be a single resin molded product. When they are a single resin product, as shown in Figure 11, either of the atmospheric communication holes 124 and 132 may be formed in the upper wall and sealed by a single semipermeable membrane 136.

[0092] Furthermore, while the ink cartridge 30 is attached to or detached from the cartridge mounting section 110 by moving in the front-rear direction 8, the ink cartridge 50 (an example of a liquid container) may be attached to or detached from the cartridge mounting section 110 by moving in the up-down direction 7, as shown in Figure 12.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12, the ink cartridge 50 has an internal casing 51 that is divided into a storage chamber 53 (an example of a first storage chamber) and a gas chamber 54 by a partition wall 52. A through hole 56 is formed near the upper end of the partition wall 52. The through hole 56 allows air to flow between the storage chamber 53 and the gas chamber 54.

[0094] Connection sections 57 and 58 are provided on the underside of the housing 51. Although not shown in detail, connection section 57 has the same configuration as the ink supply section 34, and an opening that allows ink from the storage chamber 53 to flow out is opened and closed by a valve. Connection section 58 has the same configuration as the atmospheric valve chamber 36, and an opening that communicates with the gas chamber 54 is opened and closed by a valve.

[0095] The ink tank 150 (an example of a gas tank) is an L-shaped container when viewed from the side. An atmospheric communication hole 151 (an example of a second atmospheric communication part) is opened in the upper wall of the ink tank 150, and the atmospheric communication hole 151 is sealed by a second semipermeable membrane 152. The internal space of the ink tank 150 is a storage chamber 153 (an example of a second storage chamber), in which ink can be stored. An ink needle 155 extends upward from the surface 154 of the ink tank 150. The internal space of the ink needle 155 (an example of a liquid flow path) is in communication with the storage chamber 53. The ink needle 155 can be inserted into the connection part 57 of the ink cartridge 50. An outlet 156 for discharging ink to the discharge head 21 is formed in the storage chamber 153.

[0096] The buffer tank 160 (an example of a gas tank) is located in front of the ink tank 150. The buffer tank 160 is a box-shaped container, and its internal space is a gas chamber 161. An atmospheric communication hole 162 (an example of a first atmospheric communication part) opens in the upper wall of the buffer tank 160, and the atmospheric communication hole 162 is blocked by a first semipermeable membrane 163. A rod 164 extends upward from the upper wall of the buffer tank 160. The rod 164 is cylindrical, and its internal space (an example of a gas flow path) communicates with the gas chamber 161. The rod 164 can be inserted into the connection part 58 of the ink cartridge 50.

[0097] As shown in Figure 12, the ink cartridge 50 is connected to the ink tank 150 and buffer tank 160 by being moved downward in the vertical direction 7. During the downward movement of the ink cartridge 50, the ink needle 155 is inserted into the connection part 57 of the ink cartridge 50. Also, the rod 164 is inserted into the connection part 58 of the ink cartridge 50. As a result, the storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 is connected to the atmosphere through the gas chambers 54, 161 and the atmospheric communication hole 162. Therefore, due to the difference in water head, the ink stored in the storage chamber 53 of the ink cartridge 50 flows out through the ink needle 155 into the storage chamber 153 of the ink tank 150.

[0098] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, instead of the ink cartridge 30, a bottle 170 (an example of a liquid container) may be connected to the ink tank 180 (an example of a liquid tank) and the buffer tank 190 (an example of a gas tank).

[0099] As shown in Figure 13, the bottle 170 has an internal space in the housing 171 that is divided into a storage chamber 173 (an example of a first storage chamber) and a gas chamber 174 by a partition wall 172. A through hole 175 is formed near the upper end of the partition wall 172. The through hole 175 allows air to flow between the storage chamber 173 and the gas chamber 174.

[0100] Connection sections 176 and 177 are provided on the underside of the housing 171. Although not shown in detail, connection section 176 has the same configuration as the ink supply section 34, and an opening that allows ink from the storage chamber 173 to flow out is opened and closed by a valve. Connection section 177 has the same configuration as the atmospheric valve chamber 36, and an opening that communicates with the gas chamber 174 is opened and closed by a valve.

[0101] The ink tank 180 is an L-shaped container when viewed from the side. An atmospheric communication hole 181 (an example of a second atmospheric communication part) is opened in the upper wall of the ink tank 180, and the atmospheric communication hole 181 is blocked by a second semipermeable membrane 182. The internal space of the ink tank 180 is a storage chamber 183 (an example of a second storage chamber), in which ink can be stored. An ink needle 185 extends upward from the top surface of the ink tank 180. The internal space of the ink needle 185 (an example of a liquid flow path) is in communication with the storage chamber 183. The ink needle 185 can be inserted into the connection part 176 of the bottle 170. An outlet 186 for discharging ink to the discharge head 21 is formed in the storage chamber 183.

[0102] The buffer tank 190 is located behind and above the ink tank 180. The buffer tank 190 is a box-shaped container, and its internal space is a gas chamber 191. An atmospheric communication hole 192 (an example of a first atmospheric communication section) opens in the rear wall of the buffer tank 190, and the atmospheric communication hole 192 is blocked by a first semipermeable membrane 193. A rod 194 extends upward from the top wall of the buffer tank 190. The rod 194 is cylindrical, and its internal space (an example of a gas flow path) communicates with the gas chamber 191. The rod 194 can be inserted into the connection section 177 of the bottle 170.

[0103] As shown in Figure 13, the bottle 170 is connected to the ink tank 180 and the buffer tank 190 by moving downward in the vertical direction 7. The bottle 170 is for replenishing ink in the storage chamber 183 of the ink tank 180 and is not always connected to the ink tank 180 and the buffer tank 190. Therefore, the ejection head 21 ejects ink flowing out of the storage chamber 183 when the bottle 170 is not connected to the ink tank 180 and the buffer tank 190.

[0104] As bottle 170 is moved downward, the ink needle 185 is inserted into the connection portion 176 of bottle 170. Also, the rod 194 is inserted into the connection portion 177 of bottle 170. As a result, the storage chamber 173 of bottle 170 is connected to the atmosphere through the gas chambers 174, 191 and the atmospheric communication hole 192. Therefore, due to the difference in water head, the ink stored in the storage chamber 173 of bottle 170 flows out through the ink needle 185 into the storage chamber 183 of ink tank 180. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 10...Multifunction device (liquid consumption device) 21...Discharge head 30, 50... Ink cartridges (liquid containers) 32. Upper storage chamber (1st storage chamber) 33. Lower storage chamber (1st storage chamber) 71... Ink supply port (liquid communication hole) 96. Atmospheric communication port (gas communication hole) 127...Second semipermeable membrane 130, 160, 190... Buffer tanks (gas tanks) 131, 161, 191... Gas chambers 132, 162, 192... Atmospheric communication holes (First atmospheric communication section) 133...first semipermeable membrane 103, 150, 180... Ink tanks (liquid tanks) 121,153,183...Storage chamber (second storage chamber) 128,156,186...outlet 124, 151, 181... Atmospheric communication holes (second atmospheric communication section) 152...Second semipermeable membrane 163...first semipermeable membrane 170 bottles (liquid containers) 173...Storage chamber (1st storage chamber) 182...Second semipermeable membrane 193...first semipermeable membrane

Claims

1. A liquid container having a first storage chamber in which liquid is stored, A gas tank to which the above liquid container can be connected, having a gas flow path through which gas can flow between the first storage chamber of the connected liquid container, a gas chamber connected to the gas flow path, and a first atmospheric communication section that connects the gas chamber to the outside, A liquid tank to which the above-mentioned liquid container can be connected, having a liquid channel through which liquid can flow between the first storage chamber of the connected liquid container, a second storage chamber connected to the liquid channel, an outlet for discharging the liquid stored in the second storage chamber, and a second atmospheric communication section for connecting the second storage chamber to the atmosphere, The liquid tank comprises a discharge head that discharges the liquid that has flowed out through the outlet of the liquid tank, In a connected state in which the above liquid container, the above gas tank, and the above liquid tank are connected, the gas flow path communicates the gas layer above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber with the gas chamber, and the liquid stored in the first storage chamber flows out to the second storage chamber through the liquid flow path due to the difference in hydrostatic head.

2. The liquid consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge head consumes liquid in the above-mentioned connection state.

3. The above liquid container is By being moved in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, it is connected to the gas tank and the liquid tank, The liquid consumption device according to claim 1 or 2, which is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby being detached from the gas tank and the liquid tank.

4. The above liquid container has a gas communication hole connected to the gas flow path and a liquid communication hole connected to the liquid flow path, The liquid consumption device according to claim 3, wherein the gas communication hole is located in a first direction relative to the liquid communication hole.

5. The liquid consumption device according to claim 4, wherein the liquid container is moved in the first direction so that the gas communication hole is connected to the gas flow path, and then the liquid communication hole is connected to the liquid flow path.

6. In the above connection state, the opening through which the first atmospheric communication section communicates with the outside is located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber, according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In the above connection state, the liquid consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the opening through which the second atmospheric communication section communicates with the outside is located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber.

8. In the above connection state, when the liquid container is positioned above the gas tank and the liquid tank in an inverted position, The liquid consumption device according to claim 7, wherein the opening leading to the second atmospheric communication section is located in the lower part of the second storage chamber.

9. The liquid consumption device according to claim 1, wherein the discharge head consumes liquid in a disconnected state where the liquid container, the gas tank, and the liquid tank are not connected.

10. A first semipermeable membrane that blocks the flow path of the first atmospheric communication section described above and allows the passage of air, A liquid consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a second semipermeable membrane that blocks the flow path of the second atmospheric communication section and allows the passage of air.

11. The liquid consumption device according to claim 10, wherein the flow resistance of the first semipermeable membrane is smaller than the flow resistance of the second semipermeable membrane.

12. The liquid consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gas tank and the liquid tank are a single molded resin product.

13. The liquid consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gas tank and the liquid tank are each separate resin molded products.

14. The liquid consumption device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a sensor for detecting when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the above-mentioned liquid tank exceeds a threshold height.

Images