JP2003205624A - Printer, ink tank for printer and method of indicating residual quantity of ink - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate confirmation of a residual quantity of ink of a printer and supplying of ink. <P>SOLUTION: A printer body 12 of the printer 11 has a case 13 and a printing mechanism 14 provided in the case 13. An ink tank accommodating section 26 is provided to a side face of the case 13 and the ink tanks 31a-31d for inks of four colors are detachably accommodated therein. The ink tanks 31a-31d are constituted to supply the inks to the recording head 21 through sub-tanks 22a-22d. Each of transparent grip sections 36a-36d is provided to the respective ink tank 31a-31d such that the part thereof is exposed to the external section of the case 13 so that the end faces 38a-38d of the grip sections 36a-36d can be visually observed from the external section of the case 13. The colors and the levels of the inks of the ink tanks 31a-31d can be confirmed through the end faces 38a-38d. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, an ink tank for the printer, and a method of displaying the remaining ink amount.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an ink jet printer which prints by ejecting ink particles from a recording head mounted on a carriage. In this ink jet printer, an ink cartridge filled with ink is detachably attached to a carriage in a printer case. Then, the ink is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head to perform printing. In addition, when the ink in the ink cartridge is used up, the ink is replaced with a new ink cartridge so that the new ink is replenished.

[0003]

In the conventional printer described above, the ink cartridge is housed inside the printer case, and when replacing the ink cartridge, the cover of the printer case needs to be opened and closed. It was a hassle for me.

Further, it is necessary to know the remaining amount of ink in order to know the replacement time of the ink cartridge, but it is difficult to confirm the remaining amount of ink because the ink cartridge is housed inside the printer case. .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer, an ink tank for a printer, and a method of displaying the ink remaining amount, which allows a user to easily check the ink remaining amount and supply ink.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 provides an outer cover, a printing mechanism provided inside the outer cover, and an ink to the printing mechanism. In a printer including a printer ink tank for supplying, the exterior cover includes a fitting recess formed so as to be recessed downward from above the exterior cover, and the printer ink tank includes: The gist is that it is removably fitted in the fitting recess.

According to a second aspect of the invention, in the printer according to the first aspect, the fitting recess is a side surface of the outer cover so that the inside of the fitting recess communicates with the outside of the outer cover. The printer ink tank is capable of visually recognizing the remaining amount of the ink through the slit portion when the printer ink tank is fitted in the fitting recess. The gist of the present invention is to provide the remaining ink amount display means.

According to a third aspect of the invention, in the printer according to the second aspect, the ink tank for the printer is
The ink tank for the printer is provided with a gripping portion that is fitted into the slit portion in a state where the ink tank is fitted into the fitting recessed portion, and the ink remaining amount display means is provided in the gripping portion. To do.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer according to the third aspect, the grip portion is made of a transparent material, and the ink remaining amount display means passes through the inside of the printer ink tank. The light is reflected in the grip portion and reaches the end surface of the grip portion, whereby a means for displaying an image representing the ink remaining amount on the end surface of the grip portion and displaying the ink remaining amount is summarized.

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 3 or 4.
The printer ink tank according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of the printer ink tank are provided for each color of the ink, and the gripping portion is provided at a different position of the printer ink tank for each color of the ink of the printer ink tank. The summary is that it is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an outer cover is provided,
In a printer ink tank used in a printer including a printing mechanism provided inside the outer cover, the printer ink tank includes a grip portion, and the grip portion allows the remaining ink amount to be visually recognized. The gist is that an ink remaining amount display means is provided.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printer ink tank according to the sixth aspect, the grip portion is transparent, and the ink remaining amount display means passes through the inside of the printer ink tank. The summary is that the reflected light is reflected by the inside of the grip portion and reaches the end surface of the grip portion, which is an image representing the remaining amount of ink projected on the end surface.

The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 6 or 7.
In the printer ink tank according to the item (1), a plurality of types of the printer ink tank are provided for each color of the ink, and the grip portion is provided at a different position of the printer ink tank for each color of the printer ink tank. The summary is that it is provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an ink remaining amount display means for displaying the remaining ink amount by providing the ink remaining amount display means in the ink tank for the printer. Is provided in the grip portion of the printer ink tank, and the grip portion is exposed to the outside from a slit portion provided on the outer surface of the exterior cover of the printer, so that the remaining ink amount can be visually recognized from the outside of the exterior cover. What is possible is summarized.

(Operation) According to the invention described in claim 1,
The printer ink tank is detachably fitted into a fitting recess provided on the outer surface of the exterior cover of the printer.

Therefore, when an empty printer ink tank is replaced with a new printer ink tank to replenish ink, it is not necessary to open or close the outer cover,
The ink tank for the printer can be attached / detached to / from the outer cover in this state, and the ink can be easily replenished.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the slit portion is provided in the fitting concave portion of the exterior cover of the printer, and the ink remaining amount display means is provided in the printer ink tank to fit the printer ink tank. The residual amount of ink is made visible from the outside of the exterior cover when fitted in the recess.

Therefore, in order to confirm the ink remaining amount, it is possible to easily confirm the ink remaining amount by the ink remaining amount display means in that state without opening and closing the outer cover.

According to the third and sixth aspects of the invention, the ink remaining amount display means is provided in the grip portion of the printer ink tank so that the remaining amount of ink can be visually recognized from the outside of the outer cover.

Therefore, the grip portion provided on the printer ink tank can be used both for carrying the printer ink tank and for checking the remaining ink amount, thus simplifying the structure. be able to.

According to the invention described in claims 4 and 7, the grip portion of the printer ink tank held in the fitting recess of the exterior cover of the printer is made of a transparent material, and the inside of the printer ink tank is The light that passed through was made incident on the inside of the grip. Then, the incident light is reflected in the grip portion and an image representing the remaining amount of ink is projected on the end surface of the grip portion.

Therefore, the display of the ink remaining amount is emphasized by the image projected on the end surface of the grip portion, and the ink remaining amount can be easily confirmed. According to the fifth and eighth aspects of the invention, the grip portion of the printer ink tank held in the fitting recess of the exterior cover of the printer is provided at different positions of the printer ink tank for each color of ink. did.

Therefore, when the printer ink tank is held in the fitting recess of the outer cover, even if the printer ink tanks of different colors are likely to be selected and held by mistake, the gripping portion will not fit in the fitting recess. It cannot be held because it is installed in a position that does not match. As a result, a plurality of types of printer ink tanks having different colors can be held in the correct fitting recesses for each color, and misinsertion can be prevented.

According to the present invention, the ink remaining amount display means is provided in the grip portion of the ink tank for the printer, and the ink is exposed to the outside from the slit portion of the outer cover, so that the remaining amount of ink of the outer cover is kept. It was made visible from the outside.

Therefore, in order to confirm the ink remaining amount, it is not necessary to open and close the outer cover, and the ink remaining amount can be easily confirmed by the ink remaining amount display means as it is.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the printer, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of an ink tank storage portion of the printer, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views and sectional views of the ink tank.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 11 includes a printer body 12 and a sheet feeding device 12a provided on the back side of the printer body 12. Then, the paper feeding device 1
The paper P set in 2a is printed one by one on the printer main body 12
The sheet P is printed on the sheet P, and the sheet P is printed by the printer body 12 and is discharged from a discharge port 12b that is opened at the lower front side of the printer body 12.

The printer body 12 has a case 13 as an exterior cover, and the printing mechanism 14 is provided inside the case 13.
Is equipped with. The printing mechanism 14 is provided with a carriage 17 which is guided by rails 15 and can reciprocate in a main scanning direction parallel to the axial direction of the platen 16. The carriage 17 is connected to a carriage motor 18 via a timing belt 19 and is driven by driving the carriage motor 18.

Below the carriage 17, a recording head 21 is arranged on the lower surface side facing the paper P. A large number of nozzle rows (not shown) for each ink color are formed in the recording head 21. Sub-tanks 22a, 22 for supplying ink to the recording head 21 are provided above the carriage 17.
b, 22c, 22d (four types of black, cyan, magenta, and yellow) are attached. Then, ink droplets are ejected from each nozzle based on the vibrating action of the piezoelectric vibrator incorporated in the recording head 21 to perform printing.

An ink tank storage portion 26 is provided on the right side surface of the case 13 in a stepped shape.
An operation unit 27 is provided on the upper surface 26a of the ink tank storage unit 26. The operation unit 27 has an LCD (liquid crystal display) for making various settings.
28 and an operation switch 29 are provided. LCD2
8, the menu function, operation content, operation status, error content, etc. of the printer 11 are displayed.
Is pressed when the menu of the printer 11 is selected.

Next to the operation portion 27 on the upper surface 26a,
Ink tank 31a, which is the same color as the sub-tanks 22a to 22d, is used as an ink tank for a printer for four-color ink.
~ 31d is detachably accommodated. More specifically, as shown in FIG.
Fitting recesses 32a to 32d are recessed from 6a, respectively. An ink tank 31a for black ink is provided in the fitting recess 32a, an ink tank 31b for cyan ink is provided in the fitting recess 32b, an ink tank 31c for magenta ink is provided in the fitting recess 32c, and a yellow is provided in the fitting recess 32d. An ink tank 31d for ink is fitted and stored.

3 and 4 show ink tanks 31a-3a.
1d shows a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an ink tank 31a for black ink.
Is an ink case portion 33a which is a non-transparent resin box.
And a lid portion 34a made of transparent resin that closes the opening of the ink case portion 33a. Further, the ink tank 31a is formed by cutting out the ink tank 31a halfway from the upper side to the lower side in a state where the ink case section 33a is closed by the lid section 34a.
The cutout portion 35a is provided.

The ink tank 31a has a grip portion 36a made of a plate-shaped acrylic resin or the like as a transparent material.
The grip portion 36a is provided so as to close the cutout portion 35a by being press-fitted and fixed in the cutout portion 35a. The grip 36a
Is configured to be partially exposed from the ink tank 31a in a state of being press-fitted and fixed in the cutout portion 35a. The user can easily carry the ink tank 31a by gripping the exposed grip portion 36a. The grip 36a is
The shape is such that the distance between the end surface 38a and the ink case portion 33a increases upward.

Further, the internal space 37 of the ink tank 31a
Black ink B is enclosed in a. And
The light incident from the transparent lid 34a enters the grip 36a through the internal space 37a, is reflected in the grip 36a, and reaches the end surface 38a. As a result, an image 39a representing the color of the black ink B and the liquid level in the internal space 37a is projected on the end surface 38a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ink tanks 31b to 31d for the cyan ink, the magenta ink, and the yellow ink are the same as the ink tank 31a for the black ink, and an ink case portion and a lid portion 34b (not shown).
˜34c and grips 36b to 36d. Each of the ink tanks 31b to 31d is formed such that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the ink case portion and the lid portions 34b to 34d is smaller than that of the black ink ink tank 31a.

Ink tank 3 for magenta ink
The notch portion 35c of 1c is similar to the notch portion 35a for the black ink, and the ink tanks 31a, 3a.
It is provided so as to be located at the center of 1c. But,
Ink tank 31 for cyan ink and yellow ink
Notches 35b and 35d of b and 31d are provided at different positions. More specifically, the cutout portion 35b for cyan ink is provided so as to be located on the left side of the ink tank 31b, and the cutout portion 35d for yellow ink is provided.
Is provided to the right of the ink tank 31d. As described above, the ink tanks 31a-3
The shape of 1d is the size of the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction,
By changing the positions of the cutout portions 35a to 35d, the cutout portions 35a to 35d are all provided with different shapes.

The ink tanks 31b to 31d are filled with cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, which are not shown, respectively, and the grip portions 36b to 3b.
Images 39b to 39d representing the colors and liquid surface heights of the respective inks are projected on the end faces 38b to 38d of 6d.

The fitting recesses 32a to 32d are recessed so as to have a substantially quadrangular prism shape downward from the upper surface 26a of the ink tank storage portion 26 so as to have a shape corresponding to the ink tanks 31a to 31d, respectively. It is set up.
Then, the fitting recesses 32a to 32d correspond to the fitting recesses 32, respectively.
Slits 41a to 41d are formed so as to penetrate the side surface of the case 13 from the inside of a to 32d. The slit portions 41a to 41d are formed on the grip portion 36a.
Each of the ink tank storage portions 26 has an opening through the upper surface 26a side.

Since the fitting recesses 32a to 32d have shapes which completely match the ink tanks 31a to 31d having different shapes, they are provided so as to have different shapes.

The ink tanks 31a to 31d are fitted in the fitting recesses 32a to 32d having the above-described structure.
It is fitted by sliding it downward from above. In addition, the grip portions 36a to 36d are the slit portions 41.
It penetrates through a to 41 d, and a part is exposed to the outside of the case 13. Then, the grips 36a to 36d
39a to 39d of the end faces 38a to 38d of the case 13 are
It is in a state where it can be easily seen from the outside.

The ink tanks 31a to 31d are connected to the sub tanks 22a to 22d via an ink tube (not shown).
It is connected to 2d. Then, the ink tanks 31a to
The ink in 31d is once supplied to the sub tanks 22a to 22d via the ink tube at a predetermined timing,
Printing is performed by being supplied from the sub tanks 22a to 22d to the recording head 21.

Next, the printer 1 configured as described above
A mode of replacing the first ink tank 31a to 31d will be described. First, depending on the user, Case 1
3, the end surfaces 38a of the ink tanks 31a to 31d from the outside
~ 38d is visually confirmed, and the remaining amount of ink is confirmed.

When it is confirmed that the ink tank 31b for cyan ink needs to be replaced, for example, the user slides the ink tank 31b currently fitted in the fitting recess 32b upward. . At this time,
The upward slide is performed by placing a finger on the exposed portion of the grip portion 36b on the outside of the case 13 and applying a force upward. And thereby, the fitting recess 32b
Then, the ink tank 31b is removed.

Next, a new ink tank 31b that is sufficiently filled with ink is prepared by the user, and the grip portion 36b of the new ink tank 31b is gripped and moved above the fitting recess 32b. Then, with the ink tank 31b and the fitting recess 32b aligned,
The ink tank 31b is slid downward and the fitting recess 3
2b is completely fitted.

At this time, even if the user erroneously selects the ink tanks 31a, 31c, 31d of colors other than cyan ink, the shape does not match the fitting recess 32b, so that the ink can be fitted. Can not. Then, from the slit portion 41b of the printer 11, the end surface 38b of the new ink tank 31b for cyan ink is exposed, and the image 39b showing a sufficiently filled state becomes visible.

As described above in detail, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The ink tanks 31a to 31d are detachably held in the ink tank storage portion 26 provided on the side surface of the case 13 of the printer 11.

Therefore, in order to replenish ink, empty ink tanks 31a to 31d are replaced with new ink tanks 31a to 31d.
It is not necessary to open and close the case 13 when replacing with a to 31d. Then, in that state, the ink tank 31a
It is possible to attach / detach ~ 31d to / from the ink tank storage section 26 and replace them, so that ink can be easily replenished.

(2) The grip portion 3 of the ink tanks 31a to 31d stored in the ink tank storage portion 26 of the printer 11
Image 3 projected on end faces 38a to 38d of 6a to 36d
9a to 39d enable the remaining amount of ink to be visually recognized from the outside of the case 13.

Therefore, it is not necessary to open and close the case 13 in order to check the remaining amount of ink, and the image 3 is left as it is.
The remaining ink amount can be easily confirmed by 9a to 39d.

(3) The grips 36a to 36d provided on the ink tanks 31a to 31d are connected to the ink tanks 31a to 31d.
The ink tank 31d can be used both for carrying the 31d and for checking the remaining ink amount.
The structure of a-31d can be simplified.

(4) The grip portions 36a to 36d of the ink tanks 31a to 31d are set to the ink tank 3 for each color of ink.
They are arranged at different positions 1a to 31d. Therefore, when the ink tanks 31a to 31d are fitted into the fitting recesses 32a to 32d of the ink tank storage unit 26, even if the ink tanks 31a to 31d of different colors are likely to be stored by mistake, the gripping portions 36a to 36d. 36d is the fitting recess 3
It is not stored because it does not match the slit portions 41a to 41d of 2a to 32d. As a result, the plurality of types of ink tanks 31a to 31d having different colors can be fitted into the correct fitting recesses 32a to 32d for each color, and the insertion error does not occur.

(5) In the state where the ink tanks 31a to 31d are fitted in the fitting recesses 32a to 32d, the grip portions 36a to 36d of the ink tanks 31a to 31d penetrate the slit portions 41a to 41d, and the grip portion 36a. A part of ~ 36d is exposed to the outside of the case 13.

Therefore, the case 1 of the grip portions 36a to 36d
The ink tanks 31a to 31d can be easily fitted into the fitting concave portion 32 by applying a force to the exposed portion of the outer surface of the ink cartridge 3 with a finger.
It can be removed from a to 32d, and the labor at the time of replacement is reduced.

(6) Ink tank 3 for black ink
The size of the cross-sectional area of 1a in the horizontal direction is set to be larger than the sizes of the ink tanks 31b to 31d of the other colors.

Therefore, the black ink tank 31a is fitted into the fitting recesses 32b to 32d for different color inks.
Even if you try to fit it on, the sizes do not match, so you cannot fit. As a result, it is possible to fit the ink tank for black ink into the correct fitting recess 32a, and the insertion error does not occur.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows. -In the above-mentioned embodiment, sub tanks 22a-22d.
And the ink in the ink tanks 31a to 31d passes through the ink tubes to the sub tanks 22a to 22d.
Ink is supplied to the recording head 21 from the sub tanks 22a to 22d. However, the sub tanks 22a to 22d may not be provided, and the ink in the ink tanks 31a to 31d may be directly supplied to the recording head 21 via the ink tube.

In the above embodiment, the lid portions 34a ...
Although 34d and the grips 36a to 36d are made of a transparent material, they may be made of a semitransparent material.

In the above embodiment, the grip portion 36a
Images 39a projected on the end faces 38a to 38d of
The ink remaining amount is confirmed by referring to .about.39d. This may be provided with scales on the end faces 38a to 38d. By doing so, it is possible to more accurately grasp the remaining amount of ink.

In the above embodiment, the shape of each of the ink tanks 31a to 31d is made different by changing the size of the cross-sectional area in the horizontal direction and the positions of the notches 35a to 35d. And
The fitting recesses 32a to 32d are replaced with the ink tanks 31a to 31d.
I made it to match the shape of the so as to prevent the mistake of inserting. However, the ink tanks 31a to 31d and the fitting recesses 32a to 32d may be configured to have the same shape even if the ink colors are different.

In addition, the ink is stored in the ink case portions 33a to 33d of the ink tanks 31a to 31d and the same color as the ink contained in the lid portions 34a to 34d. You may make it easy to prevent mis-insertion.

In the above embodiment, the grip portion 36a
Images 39a projected on the end faces 38a to 38d of
39d, the remaining ink amount is confirmed, and the ink tanks 31a to 31d are replaced. The ink tanks 31a to 31d are provided with detection means for detecting the remaining amount of ink, and a message is displayed on the LCD 28 based on the ink end signal detected by the detection means. You may be prompted to exchange.

Further, the ink end signal detected by the detecting means may be transmitted to the center via a communication line such as a telephone line. Then, the center may shift to a process for dispatching a maintenance worker for ink replacement or prompting the user for replacement based on the received ink end signal.

In the above embodiment, the grip portion 36a
36d are made of transparent material, and the ink tank 31a
The light incident on 31d is reflected inside the grips 36a to 36d, and images 39a to 39d representing the color of ink and the liquid level are projected on the end faces 38a to 38d so that the remaining ink amount can be confirmed. However, a space that communicates with the internal space 37a of the ink tank 31a is formed inside the grips 36a to 36d so that the ink can enter the inside of the grips 36a to 36d so that the remaining ink amount can be directly confirmed. Good.

In the above embodiment, the grip portion 36a
Although ~ 36d is configured to be press-fitted to the vicinity of the center of the inside of the ink tanks 31a to 31d, the position of press-fitting may not be pressed to the vicinity of the center of the interior and may be located near the center.
In this case, the press-fitting position may be, for example, the inner wall surfaces of the ink case portions 33a to 33d.

Further, instead of press-fitting the grip portions 36a to 36d into the ink case portions 33a to 33d, the grip portions 36a to 36d may be integrally formed by two-color molding or the like. Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and other examples will be added below along with their effects.

(1) The printer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the grip portion is provided so as to project from the exterior cover.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (1), the printer ink tank is easily removed from the fitting recess by applying a force to the portion of the grip portion projecting from the exterior cover by applying a finger. This makes it possible to reduce the time and effort required for replacement.

(2) The printer according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the ink remaining amount display means is provided with a scale. Therefore, according to the invention described in (2), it is possible to accurately grasp the remaining ink amount.

(3) In the printer according to the fifth aspect, the printer ink tank is provided such that the size of the printer ink tank is different for each color of the ink. Printer to do.

Therefore, according to the invention described in (3), even if an attempt is made to hold the printer ink tanks in the fitting recesses for the printer ink tanks of different colors, they cannot be held because they do not match in size. Therefore, the ink tank can be held in the correct fitting recess. As a result, it is possible to prevent a mistake in inserting the printer ink tank.

[0071]

As described above in detail, according to the inventions described in claims 1 to 9, ink can be easily supplied to the printer.

In addition, according to the invention described in claims 2 and 4, it is possible to easily confirm the remaining amount of ink.
In addition, according to the third and sixth aspects of the invention, the structure of the printer ink tank can be simplified.

In addition, according to the fifth and eighth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent an error in inserting the printer ink tank.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is likewise a perspective view of a main part of the ink tank storage section.

FIG. 3 is likewise a perspective view of an ink tank.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the ink tank of the same.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 printer 13 case 14 as outer cover printing mechanism 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d ink tanks 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d as ink tanks for printer fitting recesses 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d gripping portions 38a, 38b, 38c , 38d End faces 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d Image 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d Slit part

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Masahiko Kobayashi             Seiko, 3-3-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture             -In Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 2C056 EA22 EA29 EB55 KC02 KC04                       KC30

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A printer comprising an outer cover, a printing mechanism provided inside the outer cover, and an ink tank for a printer that supplies ink to the printing mechanism, wherein the outer cover is the same as the outer cover. A printer comprising: a fitting recess formed so as to be recessed from the upper side to the lower side, wherein the printer ink tank is removably fitted in the fitting recess. 2. The printer according to claim 1, wherein the fitting recess is a slit formed by cutting out a side surface of the exterior cover so as to communicate the inside of the fitting recess with the outside of the exterior cover. An ink remaining amount display means for visually checking the remaining amount of the ink through the slit portion when the printer ink tank is fitted in the fitting recess. A printer characterized by comprising. 3. The printer according to claim 2, wherein the printer ink tank has a grip portion that is fitted in the slit portion in a state where the printer ink tank is fitted in the fitting recess. A printer comprising the remaining ink amount display means provided in the grip portion. 4. The printer according to claim 3, wherein the grip portion is formed of a transparent material, and the ink remaining amount display means reflects the light passing through the inside of the printer ink tank in the grip portion. Then, the printer is means for displaying an image representing the remaining amount of ink on the end face of the grip portion by reaching the end face of the grip portion, and displaying the remaining amount of ink. 5. The printer according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a plurality of types of the ink tank for the printer are provided for each color of the ink, and the grip portion is provided for each color of the ink of the ink tank for the printer. A printer provided at different positions of the printer ink tank. 6. An ink tank for a printer used in a printer having an outer cover and a printing mechanism provided inside the outer cover, wherein the ink tank for the printer includes a grip portion, and the grip portion. An ink tank for a printer, characterized in that an ink remaining amount display means for visually recognizing the remaining amount of ink is provided. 7. The printer ink tank according to claim 6, wherein the grip portion is transparent, and the ink remaining amount display means allows light passing through the inside of the printer ink tank to pass through the grip portion. An ink tank for a printer, which is an image representing the remaining amount of ink that is reflected on the end surface of the grip portion and then reflected on the end surface. 8. The ink tank for a printer according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of types of the ink tank for the printer are provided for each color of the ink, and the grip portion is
An ink tank for a printer, which is provided at a different position from the ink tank for the printer for each color of the ink tank for the printer. 9. A method for displaying the remaining ink amount by providing the remaining ink amount display means in the ink tank for the printer to display the remaining ink amount, wherein the remaining ink amount display means of the ink tank for the printer is The remaining amount of ink can be visually recognized from the outside of the exterior cover by being provided to the grasping part and exposing the grasping part to the outside from a slit part provided on the outer surface of the exterior cover of the printer. How to display the remaining ink level.