JP2015044413A - Ink supply system and inkjet printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress entering of dust from an inlet when replenishing liquid to a liquid storage container of a liquid supply system, without complicating a work for replenishing liquid to the container through an inlet.SOLUTION: A horizontally opened inlet is provided at an upper position of one lateral surface of a liquid storage container, where the liquid storage container, when replenished with liquid, is tilted down so that the inlet is directed upward in a vertical direction. Further a cover member for covering the upper portion of the inlet is provided, and the cover member, in a state before the liquid storage container is tilted down, is pivotally supported at a position above the liquid storage container and opposite to the position on which the liquid storage container is provided. This makes it hard for dust to be accumulated in the vicinity of the inlet so that entering of the dust from the inlet can be suppressed when replenishing liquid to the container. Further, with the liquid storage container tilted down, the cover member can be rotated in a direction of separating from the liquid storage container so that liquid replenishing work can be performed easily.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for supplying a liquid consumed by a liquid consuming apparatus.

  As an example of a liquid consuming apparatus, a so-called inkjet printer that prints an image or the like by ejecting a liquid such as ink from an ejection head is known. The liquid ejected from the ejection head is stored in a dedicated liquid storage container (for example, a liquid tank), and the liquid in the liquid tank is supplied to the ejection head through a connection tube or the like. In such a liquid tank, when the ink in the tank runs out, it is common to replace the tank with a new one. When printing in large quantities (consuming a large amount of liquid), the liquid tank is changed several times. Must also be replaced.

  Therefore, a liquid tank that can be used by replenishing the liquid instead of replacing the liquid tank has been proposed (Patent Document 1). In this liquid tank, an inlet for injecting liquid is provided on the upper surface of the tank, and when the liquid in the tank is low, remove the sealing plug fitted in the inlet and replenish the liquid from the inlet can do.

JP 2005-28859 A

  However, in such a liquid tank that can be replenished, there is a problem that foreign matters such as dust may enter the tank from the inlet when the liquid is replenished. That is, when the period until the liquid needs to be replenished is long, dust often accumulates around the inlet (particularly the upper surface of the sealing plug) during that period. If the sealing plug is removed to replenish the liquid in this state, dust enters the tank and is supplied to the ejection head together with the liquid, thereby causing clogging and the like. As a measure to reduce the dust accumulated around the inlet, it is conceivable to provide a cover that covers the inlet. However, when the liquid is replenished, this cover hinders the replenishment of the liquid. Work becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and dust does not enter from the inlet when the liquid is replenished without complicating the operation of replenishing the liquid from the inlet of the liquid tank. The purpose is to provide technology that can prevent entry.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the liquid supply system of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A liquid supply system for supplying liquid to a liquid consuming device,
A liquid container that is provided outside the liquid consuming device separately from the liquid consuming device, and that contains the liquid consumed by the liquid consuming device;
A connection tube for guiding the liquid in the liquid container to the liquid consuming device;
A liquid inlet provided in the liquid container;
A cover member provided over the liquid injection port,
The liquid inlet is provided in a horizontal direction at a position on the upper side of any one side of the liquid container,
The liquid storage container is a container that is replenished with the liquid in a state where the liquid storage container is tilted so that the liquid injection port faces vertically upward when the liquid is replenished,
The cover member is a member that is pivotally supported at a position on the upper side of the liquid container and opposite to the side on which the liquid inlet is provided before the liquid container is tilted. It is a summary.

  In such a liquid supply system of the present invention, the liquid storage container is provided separately from the liquid consumption apparatus, and the liquid in the liquid storage container is supplied to the liquid consumption apparatus through the connection tube. In this liquid storage container, a liquid inlet is provided at a position on the upper side of one of the liquid storage containers so as to face in the horizontal direction, and the liquid inlet is stored in such a manner that the liquid inlet faces vertically upward. When the container is brought down, the liquid can be replenished with the liquid container. Note that “the liquid injection port faces in the horizontal direction” means that the liquid injection port opens in the horizontal direction, and the liquid injection port may be sealed with a sealing plug or the like. In addition, the cover member provided to cover the upper side of the liquid inlet is on the upper side of the liquid container and on the opposite side to the side on which the liquid inlet is provided before the liquid container is tilted. It is pivotally supported at the position.

  According to the configuration described above, in the state where the liquid is supplied to the liquid consuming device (the state before the liquid storage container is tilted), the liquid injection port of the liquid storage container faces the horizontal direction. Compared to the case where it faces vertically upward, dust is less likely to accumulate near the liquid inlet (sealed with a sealing plug or the like). As a result, dust accumulated near the liquid inlet can be reduced when the liquid container is turned over and the liquid inlet is directed vertically upward. As a result, the liquid can be refilled when the sealing plug is removed and the liquid is replenished. It is possible to suppress dust from entering from the inlet.

  Moreover, since the upper part of the liquid inlet is covered with the cover member, dust accumulated near the liquid inlet can be further reduced, and as a result, dust can enter from the liquid inlet when the liquid is replenished. Can be more effectively suppressed.

  In the liquid supply system according to the present invention, the cover member is pivoted at a position on the upper side of the liquid container and opposite to the side on which the liquid inlet is provided before the liquid container is tilted. Since it is supported, the dust deposited on the liquid inlet can be reduced without hindering the operation of replenishing the liquid. That is, from the viewpoint of reducing dust accumulated near the liquid inlet, it is desirable that the cover member be disposed near the liquid inlet. On the other hand, when performing the operation of removing the sealing plug of the liquid inlet, the operation is hindered if the cover member is disposed near the liquid inlet. Thus, since the aspect which provides a cover member conflicts with reduction of dust and improvement of workability | operativity, if the cover member was being fixed, it is difficult to make compatible. However, if the cover member is pivotally supported on the upper side of the liquid storage container and on the side opposite to the side where the liquid injection port is provided, the cover member can be liquid when the liquid storage container is tilted. It can be rotated in a direction away from the container. Thereby, even if the cover member is arranged near the liquid inlet, the operation for replenishing the liquid is not hindered by the cover member, and the liquid replenishing operation can be easily performed.

  In the liquid supply system of the present invention described above, the cover member may be pivotally supported at a position closer to the liquid container side than the center of gravity of the cover member when the liquid container is tilted.

  According to such a configuration, when the liquid storage container is brought down, the cover member automatically rotates in the direction in which the liquid storage container is separated, so that the work involved in replenishing the liquid storage container with the liquid is performed. It becomes more convenient.

  The liquid supply system of the present invention is used for supplying a liquid to a liquid consuming apparatus. Therefore, this invention can also be grasped | ascertained with the aspect of a liquid consumption apparatus provided with the liquid supply system of this invention mentioned above.

  In the liquid consuming device of the present invention grasped in such a manner, the liquid inlet of the liquid container is oriented in the horizontal direction, and the upper part of the liquid inlet is covered by the cover member. It is possible to reduce dust accumulated in the vicinity of the inlet and prevent dust from entering from the liquid inlet when refilling the liquid. Further, since this cover member is pivotally supported at a position on the upper side of the liquid storage container and on the side opposite to the side on which the liquid injection port is provided, in the state where the liquid storage container is tilted, the cover member Can be rotated in a direction away from the liquid container, whereby the cover member does not hinder the liquid replenishing operation, and the liquid replenishing operation can be easily performed.

It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the inkjet printer as a liquid consumption apparatus of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the rough internal structure of the inkjet printer. It is sectional drawing which showed the detailed structure of the ink tank provided in the tank case. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the tank case was attached to the inkjet printer. It is sectional drawing which showed the structure of the tank case which accommodated the ink tank. It is explanatory drawing which showed the state which removed the tank case and fell the ink tank with respect to the inkjet printer. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the tank case of a modification.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration:
A-1. Inkjet printer configuration:
A-2. Ink tank configuration:
A-3. Tank case configuration:
B. Variation:

A. Device configuration :
A-1. Inkjet printer configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an ink jet printer 10 as a liquid consuming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The illustrated ink jet printer 10 has a substantially box-like appearance, and a front cover 11 is provided in the approximate center of the front surface, and a plurality of operation buttons 15 are provided on the left side thereof. The front cover 11 is pivotally supported on the lower end side, and when the upper end side is tilted forward, an elongated discharge port 12 from which the printing paper 2 is discharged appears. Further, a paper feed tray (not shown) is provided on the back side of the ink jet printer 10. When the printing paper 2 is set in the paper feeding tray and the operation button 15 is operated, the printing paper 2 is sent from the paper feeding tray. Thus, after an image or the like is printed on the surface of the printing paper 2 inside, the printing paper 2 is discharged from the paper discharge port 12.

  A top cover 14 is provided on the upper surface side of the inkjet printer 10. The top cover 14 is pivotally supported on the back side. When the top cover 14 is opened by lifting the front side, the internal state of the ink jet printer 10 can be confirmed, or the ink jet printer 10 can be repaired. It is possible to do.

  Further, a box-shaped tank case 100 is provided on the left side of the inkjet printer 10 in the drawing. As will be described in detail later, a plurality of ink tanks are provided inside the tank case 100, and ink used for printing by the inkjet printer 10 is supplied from these ink tanks.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a rough internal structure of the ink jet printer 10. As illustrated, a carriage 20 that reciprocates on the printing paper 2 is provided inside the inkjet printer 10. An ejection head 22 having a plurality of ejection nozzles is mounted on the bottom side of the carriage 20 (the side facing the printing paper 2), and ink is ejected from the ejection nozzles toward the printing paper 2. In the inkjet printer 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to print a color image using four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, and this is mounted on the carriage 20 correspondingly. The ejection head 22 is provided with ejection nozzles for each type of ink.

  The carriage 20 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) and repeats reciprocation on the printing paper 2 while being guided by the guide rail 28. The inkjet printer 10 is also provided with a paper feeding mechanism (not shown) for feeding the printing paper 2, and the printing paper 2 is fed little by little as the carriage 20 reciprocates. An image or the like is printed on the printing paper 2 by ejecting ink from the ejection nozzles of the ejection head 22 in accordance with the movement in which the carriage 20 reciprocates and the movement in which the printing paper 2 is fed.

  Ink ejected from the ejection nozzles of the ejection head 22 is stored in an ink tank 102 provided in the tank case 100. In the inkjet printer 10 of the present embodiment, since four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black are used, an ink tank 102 is also provided for each type of ink. The ink in each ink tank 102 is supplied to the ejection head 22 of the carriage 20 via a connection tube 104 provided for each type of ink. The detailed configurations of the ink tank 102 and the tank case 100 will be described later with reference to other drawings. Further, the ink tank 102 of this embodiment corresponds to a “liquid container” of the present invention.

  Further, an area called a home position is provided at a position where the carriage 20 is moved along the guide rail 28 to the outside of the printing paper 2. A cap 30 is provided at the home position, and the cap 30 can be moved in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism (not shown). While the inkjet printer 10 is not printing an image or the like, when the carriage 20 is moved to the home position and the cap 30 is raised, the cap 30 is pressed against the bottom side of the ejection head 22 so as to cover the ejection nozzle. Since the closed space is formed, it is possible to prevent the ink in the ejection head 22 from drying. In addition, a suction pump 34 is connected to the cap 30 via a suction tube 32. By operating the suction pump 34 in a state where the cap 30 is pressed against the bottom surface side of the ejection head 22, the inside of the ejection head 22 can be operated. It is also possible to suck out deteriorated ink (such as ink that has been dried and thickened).

A-2. Ink tank configuration:
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a detailed configuration of the ink tank 102 provided in the tank case 100. First, FIG. 3A shows a state where ink is supplied to the inkjet printer 10. As shown in the drawing, the inside of the ink tank 102 has a two-chamber structure in which an air chamber 114 and an ink chamber 116 are formed by partitioning left and right by a partition wall 112. The air chamber 114 and the ink chamber 116 are The communication passage 118 provided below is in communication.

  In the air chamber 114 formed on the right side of the partition wall 112 in the drawing, the air release hole 120 is provided on the side wall facing the partition wall 112, so the air chamber 114 is open to the atmosphere. The air opening hole 120 is covered with a transmissive film 122 that does not allow liquid such as ink to pass but allows gas such as air to pass.

  On the other hand, since the ink chamber 116 formed on the left side of the partition wall 112 is not opened to the atmosphere and is in a sealed state, the pressure applied to the ink surface 116L in the ink chamber 116 (lower than atmospheric pressure). And the pressure of the ink in the ink chamber 116 (water pressure) is balanced with the pressure (atmospheric pressure) applied to the ink surface 114L below the air chamber 114 (position at the upper end of the communication passage 118). Yes.

  An outflow port 128 is provided at the lower end of the ink chamber 116 side (below the communication passage 118), and the connection tube 104 is connected to the outflow port 128. When ink flows out from the outlet 128 and the ink surface 114L on the air chamber 114 side falls below the upper end of the communication passage 118, air moves from the air chamber 114 through the communication passage 118 to the ink chamber 116. Ink in the ink chamber 116 moves to the air chamber 114 side through the communication passage 118. As a result, the ink surface 114L on the air chamber 114 side rises and returns to the original height, the ink surface 116L in the ink chamber 116 descends, and the pressure balances again between the air chamber 114 side and the ink chamber 116 side. .

  In the ink tank 102 having such a configuration, the ink flows out from the outlet 128 at a constant flow rate until the ink surface 116L in the ink chamber 116 is lowered to the upper end position of the communication passage 118 by the principle of the so-called Marriott bottle. To do. The ink surface 114 </ b> L on the air chamber 114 side is set at a position lower than the ejection head 22 of the carriage 20 mounted on the inkjet printer 10, so that the ejection head 22 is driven by the pressure of the ink pushed out from the outlet 128. Ink is not leaked from the jet nozzles, and ink is sucked up by the negative pressure generated in the jet head 22.

  Further, an upper portion of the ink chamber 116 has a portion formed one step higher than the air chamber 114, and an inlet 124 is provided on the side wall of the air chamber 114 side of this portion in order to replenish the ink chamber 116 with ink. Open in the horizontal direction. In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the inlet 124 is sealed with a sealing plug 126. When the ink in the ink chamber 116 is reduced and the ink is replenished, the ink tank 102 is tilted in the direction indicated by the thick arrow in the drawing so that the opening surface of the injection port 124 faces upward.

  FIG. 3B shows a state where the ink tank 102 is tilted to replenish ink. As shown in the drawing, when the ink tank 102 is tilted so that the opening surface of the inlet 124 faces upward, the air chamber 114 is positioned above the ink chamber. Therefore, when the sealing plug 126 is removed and ink is injected from the injection port 124, ink is replenished only to the ink chamber 116, and ink does not flow into the air chamber 114.

  In addition, a lower limit wall 130 is erected above the communication passage 118 on the side wall of the ink chamber 116 facing the partition 112 of the present embodiment. In the state where the ink tank 102 in FIG. 3B is tilted, the height of the lower limit wall 130 is set higher than the position of the outlet 128. When ink is replenished before the ink surface 116 </ b> L in the ink chamber 116 reaches the lower limit wall 130 (the ink tank 102 is tilted), the ink remaining in the ink chamber 116 flows out from the lower limit wall 130. Therefore, the upward outlet 128 is not separated from the ink surface, and air can be prevented from entering the connection tube 104 when ink is replenished.

  When the ink chamber 116 is replenished with ink in this manner, the inlet 124 is sealed with the sealing plug 126, and then the ink tank 102 is raised and returned to the state shown in FIG. Thus, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 of the carriage 20.

  As described above, since the ink jet printer 10 of this embodiment uses four types of inks of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, the ink tank 102 described above is provided for each type of ink. . These ink tanks 102 are accommodated in a tank case 100 attached to the side surface of the inkjet printer 10.

A-3. Tank case configuration:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the tank case 100 is attached to the ink jet printer 10. In this state, the four ink tanks 102 in the tank case 100 are standing as shown in FIG. 3A, so that the ink in the ink tank 102 is supplied to the inkjet printer 10. Further, as shown in the figure, a confirmation window 140 is provided on a side surface of the tank case 100 (surface far from the inkjet printer 10), and four ink tanks provided in parallel in the tank case 100 are provided. The ink chamber 116 side of 102 is visible. Further, since the ink tank 102 is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material, the amount of ink in the ink tank 102 can be visually confirmed.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the tank case 100 that houses the ink tank 102. As shown in the figure, the tank case 100 includes a bottom cover 142 that constitutes a bottom surface on which the ink tank 102 is placed, a side cover 144 that supports four ink tanks 102 in parallel, and an upper surface of the ink tank 102. The upper cover 146 covers the side. The upper surface cover 146 of this embodiment corresponds to the “cover member” of the present invention.

  Here, as described above, in the ink tank 102, since the pressure is balanced between the air chamber 114 and the ink chamber 116, the communication passage 118 is kept horizontal while the ink is supplied to the inkjet printer 10. It is desirable to keep the ink tank 102 from tilting. In general, since the ink tanks 102 have manufacturing variations, simply connecting the four ink tanks 102 in parallel and placing them on the floor causes unevenness on the bottom as shown in FIG. The ink tank 102 is inclined. Therefore, when the ink tank 102 is placed on the bottom cover 142 having a flat bottom surface and supported by the side cover 144 as in the tank case 100 of this embodiment, the ink tank 102 does not tilt when placed on the floor surface. Can be. Instead of attaching the bottom surface of the bottom cover 142 to the floor surface, the bottom end of the side cover 144 may be attached to the floor surface, and both side covers 144 may be used as legs to keep the ink tank 102 from tilting. Good.

  Further, as described above, the ink tank 102 is provided with the injection port 124 with the opening surface directed in the horizontal direction, and when the ink is replenished, the opening surface of the injection port 124 faces upward. The ink tank 102 is brought down. For this reason, the tank case 100 that houses the ink tank 102 is configured to be detachable from a pedestal 150 provided on the side surface of the ink jet printer 10, and is attached to the ink jet printer 10 after the tank case 100 is removed. Ink can be replenished to the ink tank 102 by tilting the tank case 100 so that the surface on the side that has been provided faces upward.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state where the tank case 100 is removed and the ink tank 102 is tilted with respect to the ink jet printer 10. In this state, the four ink tanks 102 in the tank case 100 are tilted with the ink chamber 116 side down (see FIG. 3B), so that the sealing plug of the inlet 124 whose opening surface faces upward is shown. The ink chamber 116 can be replenished with the ink 126 removed. In the tank case 100 according to the present embodiment, the surface attached to the ink jet printer 10 is open.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, in the tank case 100 of the present embodiment, the upper surface cover 146 is pivotally supported at the end portion far from the injection port 124 so that the opening surface of the injection port 124 is opened. When the tank case 100 is tilted so as to face upward, the upper surface cover 146 can be rotated in the horizontal direction. In the tank case 100 of the present embodiment, the position of the center of gravity of the upper surface cover 146 that is pivotally supported is pivotally supported by the upper surface cover 146 when the tank case 100 is tilted as shown in FIG. It is set on the outer side (the side farther from the ink tank 102) than the existing axis. Therefore, when the tank case 100 is tilted to the ink replenishing posture (see FIG. 6), the upper surface cover 146 automatically rotates in the horizontal direction.

  In addition, in the tank case 100 of the present embodiment, information on ink replenishment (ink replenishment method, precautions for replenishment, etc.) is described on the back surface of the top cover 146, as shown in FIG. When the tank case 100 is tilted, the upper surface cover 146 rotates in the horizontal direction, so that the rear surface of the upper surface cover 146 faces upward. The user of the ink jet printer 10 can appropriately refill the ink tank 102 with ink according to the information described on the back surface of the top cover 146.

  Further, when the tank case 100 is tilted, a connection tube 104 that connects the ink tank 102 and the ejection head 22 of the carriage 20 appears. The connection tube 104 for each ink type connected to each outlet 128 of the ink tank 102 provided for each ink type is bundled into one and penetrates the base 150 and the side surface of the inkjet printer 10. The ink is guided into the inkjet printer 10 from the hole 154. In addition, the length of each connection tube 104 is ensured enough so that the connection tube 104 may not be pulled when the tank case 100 is tilted.

  When the ink supply to the ink tank 102 is completed, the tank case 100 is raised and returned to the state where the tank case 100 is attached to the inkjet printer 10 as shown in FIG. At this time, a space is provided between the side surface of the base 150 and the ink tank 102 in the tank case 100, and the connection tube 104 is accommodated in this space.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, hooks 148 are erected at two locations on the surface of the tank case 100 that is attached to the inkjet printer 10, while a pedestal 150 provided on the side surface of the inkjet printer 10. The hook 152 is provided at a position corresponding to the hook 148. When the tank case 100 is attached to the inkjet printer 10, the tank case 100 is lifted, and the position of the hook 148 and the position of the hooking portion 152 are matched so that the tank case 100 is lowered to the floor surface. Then, the hook 148 engages with the hook portion 152, and the tank case 100 is attached. In the state where the tank case 100 is attached, the bottom surface of the bottom cover 142 of the tank case 100 (see FIG. 5) is attached to the floor surface, so that the weight of the ink tank 102 is applied to the hook 148 and the hooking portion 152. There is no. Further, when removing the tank case 100, the engagement between the hook 148 and the hooking portion 152 can be easily released by lifting the tank case 100 upward.

  As described above, the ink tank 102 accommodated in the tank case 100 of this embodiment is provided with the inlet 124 for replenishing ink. In an attached state to the ink jet printer 10, an opening surface of the injection port 124 is provided on the side surface of the ink tank 102 so as to face the horizontal direction. When the ink is replenished, the tank case 100 is tilted so that the opening surface of the injection port 124 faces upward. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent dust from entering the ink tank 102 from the injection port 124 when ink is replenished. That is, unlike the present embodiment, in the case where the injection port 124 is provided on the upper surface of the ink tank 102 with the opening surface facing upward, the vicinity of the injection port 124 is required until ink replenishment is required. Dust easily collects (especially on the top surface of the sealing plug 126), and when the ink is replenished by removing the sealing plug 126, the dust enters the ink tank 102 from the injection port 124, and the dust is supplied to the ejection head 22 together with the ink. This may cause clogging. On the other hand, if the injection port 124 is provided on the side surface of the ink tank 102 and the opening surface of the injection port 124 faces in the horizontal direction as in this embodiment, dust accumulates in the vicinity of the injection port 124. Since the area of the easy portion (the portion facing upward) is reduced, it is possible to effectively prevent dust from entering the ink tank 102 from the injection port 124 when ink is replenished.

  Further, with the tank case 100 attached to the inkjet printer 10, the upper portion of the inlet 124 of the ink tank 102 is covered with the upper surface cover 146, so that dust accumulated near the inlet 124 is further reduced. As a result, it is possible to more effectively prevent dust from entering the ink tank 102 from the injection port 124 when ink is replenished.

  Further, the upper surface cover 146 of the tank case 100 is pivotally supported at the end of the ink tank 102 on the side far from the injection port 124, so that the operation of replenishing ink is not hindered. It is possible to reduce the dust accumulated in the vicinity of. That is, the injection port 124 is provided at the upper part of the side surface of the ink tank 102 and is disposed close to the upper surface cover 146, so that when the upper surface cover 146 is fixed, the user can enter the injection port 124. When accessing the access point, the top cover 146 becomes an obstacle, and it tends to be difficult to remove the sealing plug 126 of the inlet 124. However, if the upper surface cover 146 is pivotally supported at the end far from the injection port 124 as in this embodiment, the upper surface cover 146 is rotated in the horizontal direction (the direction away from the ink tank 102). Access to the injection port 124 is not hindered by the upper surface cover 146, and the work of removing the sealing plug 126 of the injection port 124 and refilling ink from the injection port 124 can be easily performed.

  In particular, if the shaft that supports the upper surface cover 146 is provided at a position closer to the inner side (closer to the ink tank 102) than the center of gravity of the upper surface cover 146 in a state where the tank case 100 is tilted, the tank case 100 is provided. When tilted to the ink replenishing posture, the top cover 146 automatically rotates away from the ink tank 102, so that the ink replenishing operation to the ink tank 102 becomes easier.

B. Modified example:
In the embodiment described above, the upper surface cover 146 is merely for covering the upper part of the ink tank 102. However, it is possible not only to cover the upper part of the ink tank 102 but also to add a function as a handle when the tank case 100 is attached / detached to the upper surface cover 146. Below, the modification which added the function as a handle to the upper surface cover 146 is demonstrated. In the description of the modification, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the above-described embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of a tank case 100 of a modification. First, FIG. 7A shows a state where the tank case 100 is attached to the inkjet printer 10. In this state, also in the tank case 100 of the modified example, the upper part of the inlet 124 of the ink tank 102 is covered with the upper surface cover 146 as in the above-described embodiment, so that the dust accumulated near the inlet 124 is collected. Can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, in the tank case 100 of the modified example, the opposite end (the upper cover 146 is pivotally supported) on the end of the upper cover 146 closer to the ink jet printer 10. A concave portion 160 formed in a concave shape is provided toward an end portion on the side that is formed. In the tank case 100 having such a configuration, when removing from the inkjet printer 10, the user first places a finger on the recess 160 and rotates the top cover 146 in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 7B. . Then, if the tank case 100 can be lifted by pulling upward with the finger placed on the concave portion 160, the engagement between the hook 148 of the tank case 100 and the hooking portion 152 of the pedestal 150 is released, and the ink jet printer The tank case 100 can be removed from 10. On the other hand, when the tank case 100 is attached, the tank case 100 is lifted by holding the concave portion 160 of the upper surface cover 146 to align the position of the hook 148 and the position of the hooking portion 152, and then the tank case 100 is placed on the floor. When lowered onto the surface, the hook 148 engages with the hooking portion 152 and the tank case 100 is attached.

  As described above, in the tank case 100 of the modified example, the upper surface cover 146 is provided with the concave portion 160 serving as a handle, and the upper surface cover 146 not only covers the upper part of the ink tank 102 but also the tank case 100 with the inkjet. It has a function as a handle when it is attached to and detached from the printer 10. As a result, the user can remove and attach the tank case 100 with one hand while holding the upper surface cover 146, so that the ink tank 102 can be replenished with ink more easily.

  In addition, when the tank case 100 is detached and tilted with respect to the inkjet printer 10 (see FIG. 6), the recess 160 provided in the upper surface cover 146 functions as a weight that rotates the upper surface cover 146 in the horizontal direction. The upper surface cover 146 is reliably rotated, and access to the injection port 124 is facilitated.

  Although various embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to all the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the scope of the invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Inkjet printer, 20 ... Carriage, 22 ... Ejection head, 100 ... Tank case, 102 ... Ink tank, 104 ... Connection tube, 112 ... Partition wall, 114 ... Air chamber, 116 ... Ink chamber, 118 ... Communication path, 120 ... Air opening hole, 124 ... inlet, 126 ... sealing plug, 128 ... outflow port, 142 ... bottom cover, 144 ... side cover, 146 ... top cover, 148 ... hook, 150 ... pedestal, 152 ... hook part, 154 ... penetration Hole, 160 ... recess.

  The present invention relates to a technique for supplying ink consumed by an inkjet printer.

Claims (3)

A liquid supply system for supplying liquid to a liquid consuming device,
A liquid container that is provided outside the liquid consuming device separately from the liquid consuming device, and that contains the liquid consumed by the liquid consuming device;
A connection tube for guiding the liquid in the liquid container to the liquid consuming device;
A liquid inlet provided in the liquid container;
A cover member provided over the liquid injection port,
The liquid inlet is provided in a horizontal direction at a position on the upper side of any one side of the liquid container,
The liquid storage container is a container that is replenished with the liquid in a state where the liquid storage container is tilted so that the liquid injection port faces vertically upward when the liquid is replenished,
The cover member is a member that is pivotally supported at a position on the upper side of the liquid container and opposite to the side on which the liquid inlet is provided before the liquid container is tilted. Some liquid supply system. The liquid supply system according to claim 1,
The liquid supply system, wherein the cover member is a member that is pivotally supported at a position closer to the liquid container side than the center of gravity of the cover member when the liquid container is tilted.   A liquid consuming apparatus comprising the liquid supply system according to claim 1.

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