JP2018051932A - Liquid storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid storage unit which enables reduction of an ink adhering to a holding part.SOLUTION: A liquid storage unit is provided at a printer, and a liquid may be injected thereinto from a liquid injection port. The liquid storage unit includes: a liquid storage part having the liquid injection port; a plug member covering the liquid injection port; and a case which stores the liquid storage part. The plug member includes: a seal part which is at least partially inserted into the liquid injection port to close the liquid injection port; a cover part covering at least a part of a periphery of the seal part; and a holding part serving as a grip during attachment/detachment. The case includes a holding part which holds the plug member. The seal part separates from the holding part in a holding state where the plug member is held by the holding part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid storage unit.

  Conventionally, including an ink tank for containing ink, an inlet provided in the ink tank, a closing member having a fitting portion for closing the inlet, and a mounting portion on which the closing member can be placed, A tank unit is disclosed in which a blocking member removed from an injection port is placed on a placement portion when ink is injected into the ink tank from the outside via an inlet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2014-37057 A

  However, when the closing member removed from the injection port is placed on the placement portion, the fitting portion of the closure member and the placement portion come into contact with each other, so that the ink attached to the fitting portion adheres to the placement portion. Resulting in. For this reason, there existed a subject that a mounting part will be stained with ink.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A liquid storage unit according to this application example is a liquid storage unit provided in a printing apparatus and capable of injecting liquid from a liquid injection port, the liquid storage unit having the liquid injection port, and the liquid A plug member that covers the injection port; and a case that stores the liquid storage portion, and the plug member is a seal portion that is at least partially inserted into the liquid injection port to block the liquid injection port; A cover portion that covers at least a part of the periphery of the seal portion; and a grip portion that becomes a handle at the time of attachment and detachment; the case includes a holding portion that holds the plug member; and the plug member holds the holding member In the holding state held by the part, the seal part is separated from the holding part.

  According to this configuration, when the stopper member is held by the holding portion, the seal portion does not come into contact with the holding portion, so that the risk of soiling the holding portion with the liquid attached to the seal portion can be suppressed.

  Application Example 2 The plug member of the liquid storage unit according to the application example is characterized in that the cover part is held by the holding part in the holding state.

  According to this configuration, when the cover portion of the plug member is held by the holding portion, the seal portion does not come into contact with the holding portion, so that the risk of soiling the holding portion with the liquid adhering to the seal portion can be suppressed.

  Application Example 3 In the holding state, the cover portion of the liquid storage unit according to the application example includes a contact portion that contacts the holding portion on the side opposite to the grip portion, and the plug member holds the holding member. In the state, it is characterized in that a portion other than the contact portion is held so as not to contact the holding portion.

  According to this configuration, the plug member is held in a state where the contact portion of the cover portion and the holding portion are in contact with each other. That is, since the seal portion does not contact the holding portion in the holding state, it is possible to suppress the risk of contaminating the holding portion with the liquid adhering to the seal portion.

  Application Example 4 The holding unit of the liquid storage unit according to the application example described above has a first convex portion that protrudes outward from the case so as to contact the contact portion.

  According to this configuration, the plug member is held in a state where the contact portion of the cover portion and the first convex portion are in contact with each other. That is, since the seal portion does not contact the holding portion in the holding state, it is possible to suppress the risk of contaminating the holding portion with the liquid adhering to the seal portion.

  Application Example 5 The holding unit of the liquid storage unit according to the application example includes a second convex portion having a shape along the peripheral wall of the cover portion.

  According to this structure, it becomes possible to hold | maintain a plug member in the state which the surrounding wall of the cover part and the 2nd convex part contacted. Thereby, in the holding state, the contact between the seal portion and the holding portion can be avoided, so that the risk of contaminating the holding portion with the liquid adhering to the seal portion can be suppressed.

  Application Example 6 The plug member of the liquid storage unit according to the application example is characterized in that, in the holding state, the grip portion is held by the holding portion.

  According to this configuration, the grip portion is held by the holding portion. For this reason, since a seal part does not touch a holding part, the risk of soiling a holding part with the liquid adhering to a seal part can be controlled.

  Application Example 7 In the liquid storage unit according to the application example described above, the holding portion has a hook, the gripping portion has a through hole, and the plug member is held by inserting the hook into the through hole. It is characterized by being.

  According to this configuration, the plug member is held in a state of being hooked on the hook. For this reason, since a seal part does not touch a holding part, the risk of soiling a holding part with the liquid adhering to a seal part can be controlled.

  Application Example 8 In the liquid storage unit according to the application example, the holding portion includes a plurality of third protrusions protruding from the case, and the plug member includes the plurality of third protrusions. It is inserted and hold | maintained between these convex parts, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to this configuration, the grip portion is held in a state of being fitted between the plurality of third convex portions. For this reason, since a seal part does not touch a holding part, the risk of soiling a holding part with the liquid adhering to a seal part can be controlled.

  Application Example 9 The liquid storage unit according to the application example further includes a connection member that connects the plug member and the case, and the connection member can be deformed so that the seal portion faces the case. The stopper member is held.

  According to this configuration, when the plug member is held by the connecting member, the seal portion does not contact other members, so that liquid adhesion contamination can be suppressed. Further, the connecting member can be deformed and can be held in a state where the seal portion faces the case. Thereby, a user's finger | toe can reduce the risk of touching a seal | sticker part and becoming dirty.

  Application Example 10 The liquid storage unit according to the application example further includes a connection member that connects the plug member and the case, and the case includes a connection portion to which one end of the connection member is connected, In the replenishment posture in which the liquid is replenished from the liquid replenishment container to the liquid storage part via the liquid inlet, the liquid replenishment container is separated from the connection part and the holding part.

  According to this configuration, when the liquid is replenished from the liquid replenishing container to the liquid storage part, the connecting part and the holding part are arranged at positions away from the liquid replenishing container. As a result, the stopper member and the connecting member do not contact the liquid replenishing container, so that it is difficult for the liquid to adhere to the user's fingers and the liquid replenishing container. Moreover, the workability | operativity at the time of replenishing a liquid to a liquid storage part with a liquid replenishment container can be improved.

  Application Example 11 A liquid storage unit according to this application example is a liquid storage unit provided in a printing apparatus and capable of injecting liquid from a liquid injection port, the liquid storage unit having the liquid injection port, and the liquid A plug member covering the injection port, wherein the plug member is inserted at least partially inside the liquid inlet and seals the liquid inlet, and at least a part around the seal part. The cover member includes a cover portion that covers and a grip portion that becomes a handle at the time of attachment and detachment, and the plug member is configured to be openable and closable by a hinge portion that connects the liquid inlet and the cover portion. .

  According to this configuration, the plug member and the liquid inlet are connected by the hinge portion. Thereby, when the liquid inlet is opened by the plug member, the seal portion does not come into contact with other members and the like, so that liquid adhesion contamination can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the liquid inlet is opened by the plug member, the plug member is connected to the liquid inlet without becoming a single body. For this reason, loss of the plug member can be prevented.

  Application Example 12 In the liquid application unit according to the application example described above, the cover portion is formed of a transparent or translucent member.

  According to this configuration, when the liquid injection port is covered with the plug member, it is easy to confirm the mounting state of the seal portion with respect to the liquid injection port, so that it is possible to suppress the risk of liquid leakage from the liquid injection port.

  Application Example 13 In the liquid storage unit according to the application example described above, a sign indicating information about the liquid is provided on the plug member.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion with the liquid adhering to the seal portion, and it is possible to reduce the risk of erroneous injection into the liquid storage portion due to the different types of liquid.

  Application Example 14 In the application example, the label of the liquid storage unit is a color member for indicating the color of the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the risk of erroneous injection into the liquid container due to the different colors of the liquid.

  Application Example 15 The color member of the liquid storage unit according to the application example is a ring that is fitted or joined to the plug member.

  According to this configuration, the plug member and the ring can be easily assembled. Moreover, it can be set as the structure which a ring does not come off easily from a plug member.

  Application Example 16 In the liquid storage unit according to the application example, a plurality of the liquid storage portions and the plug members are provided, and the mark is provided for each of the plurality of plug members corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage portions. It is characterized by being able to.

  According to this configuration, in the case where a plurality of liquid storage portions and plug members are provided, a marker indicating information about the liquid is provided for each plug member corresponding to the liquid storage portion. Risk of injection and the like can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to a first embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the liquid storage unit concerning 1st Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the tank concerning 1st Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the tank concerning 1st Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the tank concerning 1st Embodiment. The partial enlarged view which shows the structure of the tank concerning 1st Embodiment. The partial enlarged view which shows the structure of the tank concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external view showing a configuration of a cap according to the first embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cap concerning 1st Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ink replenishing method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an ink replenishing method according to the first embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 2nd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 2nd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the cap concerning 3rd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 3rd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 3rd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 4th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 4th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 5th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 5th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 6th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning 6th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the connection member concerning 6th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the cap and tank concerning 7th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the cap and tank concerning 7th Embodiment. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning the modification 1. FIG. Schematic which shows the structure of the holding | maintenance part concerning the modification 1. FIG. The partially expanded view which shows the structure of the tank concerning the modification 2. FIG. The partially expanded view which shows the structure of the tank concerning the modification 2. FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the tank concerning the modification 3. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cap concerning the modification 4. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cap concerning the modification 4. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cap concerning the modification 4. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cap concerning the modification 4. FIG.

  Hereinafter, first to seventh embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the scale of each member or the like is shown differently from the actual scale so as to make each member or the like recognizable.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of a printer as a printing apparatus including a liquid storage unit will be described. 1 to 3 are schematic views showing the configuration of the printer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 according to the present embodiment includes a printing unit 3 that is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid storage unit 4 that is provided on the side of the printing unit 3, and a scanner unit 5. doing. The printing unit 3 has a housing 6. The housing 6 constitutes the outer shell of the printing unit 3. Inside the housing 6, a mechanism unit (described later) of the printing unit 3 is accommodated. The liquid storage unit 4 includes a casing 7 as a case and a tank 10. In the present embodiment, four tanks 10 are provided. The housing 6, the housing 7, and the scanner unit 5 constitute an outer shell of the printer 1. As the printer 1, a configuration in which the scanner unit 5 is omitted can be adopted. The printer 1 can perform printing on a printing medium P such as printing paper with ink as a liquid. The print medium P is an example of a medium on which printing is performed.

  Here, in FIG. 1, XYZ axes, which are coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, are attached. The XYZ axes are also attached to the drawings shown thereafter as necessary. In this case, the XYZ axes in each figure correspond to the XYZ axes in FIG. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the printer 1 is arranged on the XY plane defined by the X axis and the Y axis. In the present embodiment, the state in which the printer 1 is arranged on the XY plane in a state where the XY plane coincides with the horizontal plane is the use state of the printer 1. The posture of the printer 1 when the printer 1 is arranged on the XY plane that is aligned with the horizontal plane is referred to as a usage posture of the printer 1.

  In the following, when the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are described in the drawings and descriptions showing the components and units of the printer 1, the components and units are incorporated (mounted) in the printer 1 Means the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. In addition, the posture of each component or unit in the usage posture of the printer 1 is referred to as the usage posture of the component or unit. In the following description, the printer 1 and its components, units, and the like will be described in their respective usage postures unless otherwise specified.

  The Z axis is an axis orthogonal to the XY plane. In the use state of the printer 1, the Z-axis direction is the vertical upward direction. When the printer 1 is in use, the −Z-axis direction is the vertically downward direction in FIG. In each of the XYZ axes, the direction of the arrow indicates the + (positive) direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow indicates the-(negative) direction. The four tanks 10 described above are arranged along the Y axis. For this reason, the Y-axis direction can also be defined as the direction in which the four tanks 10 are arranged.

  The printing unit 3 is provided with a paper discharge unit 21. In the printing unit 3, the print medium P is discharged from the paper discharge unit 21. In the printing unit 3, the surface on which the paper discharge unit 21 is provided is a front surface 22. The front surface 22 of the printing unit 3 and the front surface 22 of the scanner unit 5 are located in the same plane. That is, the front surface 22 of the printer 1 includes the front surface 22 of the printing unit 3 and the front surface 22 of the scanner unit 5.

  In the printer 1, a vertically upward surface of the scanner unit 5 is an upper surface 23. The liquid storage unit 4 is provided on a side portion facing the X-axis direction among the side portions intersecting the front surface 22 and the upper surface 23. The housing 7 is provided with a window portion 25. The window portion 25 is provided on the side surface 28 that intersects the front surface 26 and the upper surface 27 in the housing 7. Here, the front surface 26 of the liquid storage unit 4 faces the same direction as the front surface 22 of the printer 1 (in the present embodiment, the Y-axis direction). The front surface 26 of the liquid storage unit 4 is located in the same plane as the front surface 22 of the printer 1. That is, the front surface 26 of the liquid storage unit 4 is located in the same plane as the front surface 22 of the printing unit 3. Thereby, in the external appearance of the printer 1, the unevenness | corrugation between the printing unit 3 and the liquid storage unit 4 can be reduced, Therefore When hitting the printer 1, it can make it hard to collide with the surrounding environment.

  In the liquid storage unit 4, the window portion 25 is light transmissive. And the four tanks 10 mentioned above are provided in the position which overlaps with the window part 25. As shown in FIG. The tank 10 is provided with an ink storage portion 29 (liquid storage portion). The ink is stored in the ink storage portion 29 of the tank 10. The window portion 25 is provided at a position overlapping the ink storage portion 29 in the tank 10. For this reason, an operator who uses the printer 1 can visually recognize the ink containing portions 29 of the four tanks 10 through the window portion 25 through the casing 7. In the present embodiment, the window portion 25 is provided as an opening formed in the housing 7. The operator can visually recognize the four tanks 10 through the window 25 that is an opening. In addition, the window part 25 is not limited to opening, For example, you may be comprised with the member which has a light transmittance.

  In the present embodiment, at least a part of the wall of the ink containing portion 29 facing the window portion 25 of each tank 10 is light transmissive. The ink in the ink containing portion 29 can be visually recognized from the light transmissive portion of each ink containing portion 29. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the amount of ink in the ink containing portion 29 of each tank 10 by visually recognizing the four tanks 10 through the window portion 25. That is, in the tank 10, at least a part of the portion facing the window portion 25 can be used as a visual recognition portion that can visually recognize the amount of ink. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the visual recognition parts of the four tanks 10 through the window part 25 through the casing 7.

  In the printer 1, the printing unit 3 and the scanner unit 5 are overlapped with each other. In a state where the printing unit 3 is used, the scanner unit 5 is positioned vertically above the printing unit 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner unit 5 is a flat bed type, and includes a document cover 31 that rotates so as to be openable and closable, and a document placement surface 32 that is exposed when the document cover 31 is opened. Yes. In FIG. 2, a state in which the document cover 31 is opened is shown. The scanner unit 5 has an image sensor (not shown) such as an image sensor. The scanner unit 5 can read an image drawn on a document such as a sheet placed on the document placement surface 32 as image data via an image sensor. For this reason, the scanner unit 5 functions as an image reading device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the scanner unit 5 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the printing unit 3. The scanner unit 5 also has a function as a lid of the printing unit 3. The operator can rotate the scanner unit 5 with respect to the printing unit 3 by lifting the scanner unit 5 in the Z-axis direction. Thereby, the scanner unit 5 that functions as a lid of the printing unit 3 can be opened with respect to the printing unit 3. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the scanner unit 5 is opened with respect to the printing unit 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the printing unit 3 has a mechanism unit 41. The mechanism unit 41 has a printing unit 42. In the printing unit 3, the printing unit 42 is accommodated in the housing 6. The printing unit 42 performs printing with ink on the print medium P transported in the Y-axis direction by a transport device (not shown). A transport device (not shown) intermittently transports the print medium P in the Y-axis direction. The printing unit 42 is configured to be capable of reciprocating along the X axis by a moving device (not shown). The liquid storage unit 4 supplies ink to the printing unit 42. In the printer 1, at least a part of the liquid storage unit 4 protrudes outside the housing 6. The printing unit 42 is housed in the housing 6. Thereby, the printing unit 42 can be protected by the housing 6.

  Here, the direction along the X-axis is not limited to a direction completely parallel to the X-axis, and includes directions inclined due to errors, tolerances, etc., except for a direction orthogonal to the X-axis. Similarly, the direction along the Y-axis is not limited to a direction completely parallel to the Y-axis, and includes directions inclined due to errors, tolerances, etc., except for a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis. The direction along the Z-axis is not limited to a direction completely parallel to the Z-axis, and includes directions inclined due to errors, tolerances, etc., except for a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis. In other words, the direction along any axis or plane is not limited to a direction completely parallel to any axis or plane, but may be due to errors, tolerances, etc., except for a direction perpendicular to any axis or plane. Including tilted direction.

  The liquid storage unit 4 has a tank 10. In the present embodiment, the liquid storage unit 4 has a plurality of (four in the present embodiment) tanks 10. The plurality of tanks 10 are located outside the casing 6 of the printing unit 3. The plurality of tanks 10 are accommodated in the housing 7. Thereby, the tank 10 can be protected by the housing 7. The housing 7 is located outside the housing 6. The housing 7 is fixed to the housing 6 with screws. That is, the liquid storage unit 4 is fixed to the printing unit 3 with screws.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid storage unit 4 has a plurality (four) of tanks 10. However, the number of tanks 10 is not limited to four, and may be less than three or more than four.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the some tank 10 is comprised separately from each other. However, the configuration of the tank 10 which is an example of the liquid container is not limited to this. As a configuration of the liquid container, a configuration in which a plurality of tanks 10 are integrated to form one liquid container may be employed. In this case, a single liquid container is provided with a plurality of liquid containers. The plurality of liquid storage portions are individually partitioned from each other and configured to store different types of liquids. In this case, for example, different color inks can be individually stored in the plurality of liquid storage portions.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an ink supply tube 43 is connected to each tank 10. The ink in the tank 10 is supplied from the liquid storage unit 4 to the printing unit 42 via the ink supply tube 43. The printing unit 42 is provided with a print head (not shown). The print head has a nozzle opening (not shown) directed to the print medium P side. The print head is a so-called ink jet print head. The ink supplied from the liquid storage unit 4 to the printing unit 42 via the ink supply tube 43 is supplied to the print head. Then, the ink supplied to the printing unit 42 is ejected as ink droplets from the nozzle opening of the print head toward the print medium P.

  In the above example, the printing unit 3 and the liquid storage unit 4 are illustrated as separate configurations. That is, in the above example, the housing 7 and the housing 6 are separate from each other. However, a configuration in which the housing 7 and the housing 6 are integrated may be employed. That is, the liquid storage unit 4 can be included in the configuration of the printing unit 3. When the housing 7 and the housing 6 are integrated, it can be said that the plurality of tanks 10 are accommodated in the housing 6 together with the printing unit 42 and the ink supply tube 43.

  Further, the arrangement location of the tank 10 is not limited to the side portion side of the housing 6 in the X-axis direction. For example, the front side of the housing 6 in the Y-axis direction may be employed as the location where the tank 10 is disposed.

  In the printer 1 having the above-described configuration, ink droplets are ejected to the print head of the printing unit 42 at a predetermined position while the printing medium P is conveyed in the Y-axis direction and the printing unit 42 is reciprocated along the X-axis. By doing so, printing is performed on the print medium P.

  The ink is not limited to either water-based ink or oil-based ink. The water-based ink may be either one having a configuration in which a solute such as a dye is dissolved in an aqueous solvent or one having a configuration in which a dispersoid such as a pigment is dispersed in an aqueous dispersion solvent. The oil-based ink may be either one having a configuration in which a solute such as a dye is dissolved in an oil-based solvent or one having a configuration in which a dispersoid such as a pigment is dispersed in an oil-based dispersion medium.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the liquid storage unit. As shown in FIG. 4, in the liquid storage unit 4, a mark 44 is added to the tank 10. Further, the tank 10 has a liquid injection part 45 and a visual recognition surface 46 which is an example of the visual recognition part described above. The tank 10 includes an ink storage unit 29 having a liquid injection unit 45. The ink storage unit 29 is stored in the housing 7. In the tank 10, ink can be injected into the tank 10 from the outside of the tank 10 via the liquid injection unit 45. The liquid injection part 45 communicates with the ink storage part 29 of the tank 10. The liquid injection part 45 includes a cylinder part 45A and an ink injection port 45B (liquid injection port). The cylinder part 45 </ b> A has a cylindrical structure and protrudes upward from the ink containing part 29. The ink injection port 45B is an opening located at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 45A. The ink inlet 45B opens upward. The operator can access the liquid injection part 45 of the tank 10 from the outside of the casing 7 by opening the cover 47 of the casing 7. The cover 47 is configured to be rotatable to the main body 52A via a hinge.

  The viewing surface 46 faces the window portion 25. The operator can visually recognize the amount of ink in the ink containing portion 29 of each tank 10 by visually recognizing the visual recognition surface 46 of the tank 10 through the window portion 25. The amount of ink in each tank 10 is one piece of information regarding ink. The indicator 44 indicates information related to ink. In the present embodiment, the marker 44 is provided on the viewing surface 46 of the tank 10.

  Examples of the indicator 44 indicating information related to ink include an upper limit mark 48 and a lower limit mark 49 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, an upper limit mark 48 and a lower limit mark 49 are added to the viewing surface 46 of the tank 10. The operator can grasp the amount of ink in the tank 10 using the upper limit mark 48 and the lower limit mark 49 as marks. The upper limit mark 48 indicates a measure of the amount of ink that does not overflow from the liquid injection portion 45 when ink is injected from the liquid injection portion 45. The lower limit mark 49 indicates a measure of the amount of ink when prompting ink injection. A configuration in which at least one of the upper limit mark 48 and the lower limit mark 49 is provided in the tank 10 may be employed.

  Note that a scale or the like indicating the amount of ink in each tank 10 may be employed as the indicator 44 indicating information related to ink. A configuration in which a scale is added to the upper limit mark 48 and the lower limit mark 49, a configuration in which the upper limit mark 48 and the lower limit mark 49 are omitted, and only a scale is added may be employed. In addition, as the indicator 44 indicating the information regarding the ink, an indicator indicating the type of ink stored in each tank 10 may be employed. For example, an indicator 44 indicating the color of the ink can be cited as the type of ink. Examples of the indicator 44 indicating the ink color include “Bk” indicating black ink, “C” indicating cyan ink, “M” indicating magenta ink, and “Y” indicating yellow ink. Various signs 44, such as a character and a display by a color, are mentioned.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the housing 7 includes a first housing 51 and a second housing 52. The first housing 51 is located in the −Z axis direction with respect to the plurality of tanks 10. The second housing 52 is located in the Z-axis direction relative to the first housing 51 and covers the plurality of tanks 10 from the Z-axis direction of the first housing 51. The plurality of tanks 10 are covered with a first housing 51 and a second housing 52. The second housing 52 includes a main body 52 </ b> A and a cover 47. The main body 52A covers at least a part of the portion excluding the liquid injection part 45 of the tank 10. The main body 52A is an example of a housing (case). The cover 47 is located at the end of the second housing 52 in the X-axis direction. The cover 47 constitutes a part of the side surface 28 facing in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, the cover 47 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the main body 52 </ b> A of the second housing 52.

  When the cover 47 is opened with respect to the main body 52A of the second housing 52, the liquid injection portions 45 of the plurality of tanks 10 are exposed. Thereby, the worker can access the liquid injection part 45 of the tank 10 from the outside of the housing 7. The ink injection port 45B is covered with a cap 53 as a plug member. When ink is injected into the tank 10, the ink is injected after the cap 53 is removed from the liquid injection portion 45 and the ink injection port 45 </ b> B is opened. In the printer 1, in the use posture, the ink injection port 45B faces upward from the horizontal direction.

  The cap 53 is provided for each ink injection port 45B. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of ink injection ports 45B and the number of caps 53 are the same number (four in this embodiment). In the following description, when the four caps 53 are individually identified, the four caps 53 are referred to as a cap 53A, a cap 53B, a cap 53C, and a cap 53D, respectively.

  In the liquid storage unit 4, a holding portion 54 is provided on the main body 52 </ b> A of the second housing 52. The holding part 54 holds (places) the cap 53 removed from the liquid injection part 45. In the present embodiment, a holding portion 54 is provided for the purpose of holding (mounting) the cap 53 removed from the liquid injection portion 45. The holding part 54 is provided for each ink injection port 45B. That is, in the present embodiment, the number of ink injection ports 45B and the number of holding portions 54 are the same number (four in this embodiment). A plurality (four in this embodiment) of ink inlets 45B are arranged along the Y axis. A plurality (four in the present embodiment) of holding portions 54 are also arranged along the Y axis.

  In the following description, when the four holding units 54 are individually identified, the four holding units 54 are referred to as a holding unit 54A, a holding unit 54B, a holding unit 54C, and a holding unit 54D, respectively. In the following description, when the four ink injection ports 45B are individually identified, the four ink injection ports 45B are respectively an ink injection port 45B1, an ink injection port 45B2, an ink injection port 45B3, and an ink injection port 45B4. It is written. Of the four ink injection ports 45B, the ink injection port 45B1 is located most in the Y-axis direction. That is, the four ink injection ports 45B are arranged in the order of the ink injection port 45B4, the ink injection port 45B3, the ink injection port 45B2, and the ink injection port 45B1 from the −Y-axis direction to the Y-axis direction.

  The holding portion 54A and the cap 53A are associated with the ink injection port 45B1. The holding unit 54B and the cap 53B are associated with the ink injection port 45B2, the holding unit 54C and the cap 53C are associated with the ink injection port 45B3, and the holding unit 54D and the cap 53D are associated with the ink injection port 45B4.

  The main body 52A of the second housing 52 has a covering portion 71 as shown in FIG. The covering portion 71 is a portion covered with the cover 47 in a state where the cover 47 is closed with respect to the main body 52A. The covering portion 71 includes a wall 72 facing the X-axis direction and a wall 73 facing the direction intersecting the wall 72. The wall 72 is located in the −X axis direction with respect to the side surface 28. The wall 73 is located in the −Z-axis direction with respect to the upper surface 27 (FIG. 3). Four openings 74 are formed in the covering portion 71. Each of the four openings 74 is formed corresponding to the arrangement of the tank 10. The opening 74 is formed at a position over the wall 72 and the wall 73 across the intersection of the wall 72 and the wall 73. The liquid injection part 45 of the tank 10 is exposed from the main body 52 </ b> A through the opening 74.

  Further, the covering portion 71 is provided with a recess 81. The recess 81 is provided in a direction that is recessed from the wall 72 in the −X axis direction. The recess 81 is provided for each ink injection port 45B. In the following description, when the four concave portions 81 are individually identified, the four concave portions 81 are referred to as a concave portion 81A, a concave portion 81B, a concave portion 81C, and a concave portion 81D, respectively. At this time, the concave portion 81A is associated with the ink inlet 45B1, the concave portion 81B is associated with the ink inlet 45B2, the concave portion 81C is associated with the ink inlet 45B3, and the concave portion 81D is associated with the ink inlet 45B4. . The concave portion 81 overlaps the ink injection port 45B and the holding portion 54 when the main body 52A is viewed from the front, that is, when the main body 52A is viewed in the −X axis direction. In other words, when the main body 52 </ b> A is viewed from the front, the ink injection port 45 </ b> B and the holding portion 54 that are associated with each other are located in a region that overlaps the concave portion 81.

  Each recess 81 is provided with an inclined wall 82. For this reason, the main body 52 </ b> A having the four concave portions 81 is provided with four inclined walls 82. The inclined wall 82 is inclined with respect to the wall 72. In the present embodiment, the wall 72 extends along the YZ plane. For this reason, the inclined wall 82 is inclined with respect to the YZ plane. The inclined wall 82 is inclined in the direction toward the −X axis direction as it descends from above, that is, from the Z axis direction toward the −Z axis direction. In other words, the inclined wall 82 is inclined toward the inside of the housing 7 as it descends from above, that is, toward the printing unit 3 (FIG. 3) as it descends from above.

  In the following description, when the four inclined walls 82 are individually identified, the four inclined walls 82 are referred to as an inclined wall 82A, an inclined wall 82B, an inclined wall 82C, and an inclined wall 82D, respectively. At this time, the inclined wall 82A is associated with the ink inlet 45B1, the inclined wall 82B is associated with the ink inlet 45B2, the inclined wall 82C is associated with the ink inlet 45B3, and the inclined wall 82D is the ink inlet 45B4. Is associated with. The wall 72 of the main body 52 </ b> A corresponds to the side wall having the inclined wall 82.

  When the printer 1 is viewed from the Z-axis direction in the usage posture of the printer 1, the holding unit 54 and the ink injection port 45B are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The holding portion 54 and the ink injection port 45 </ b> B are arranged in the −X axis direction with respect to the side surface 28. The detailed configuration of the holding unit 54 will be described later.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the tank will be described. 5, 6 and 7 are schematic views showing the structure of the tank, and FIGS. 8 and 9 are partially enlarged views showing the structure of the tank.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the tank 10 includes a case 161 </ b> A and a sheet member 163. The case 161A is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as nylon or polypropylene. The sheet member 163 is formed into a film shape with a synthetic resin (for example, nylon or polypropylene) and has flexibility. In the present embodiment, the sheet member 163 has light transmittance.

  The joint portion 167 is provided in the case 161A. In FIG. 5, the joint portion 167 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. A sheet member 163 is bonded to the bonding portion 167. In the present embodiment, the case 161A and the sheet member 163 are joined by welding. The tank 10 has a configuration in which a case 161A and a sheet member 163 are joined.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the tank 10 includes an ink storage portion 29 and a communication portion 169. The communication unit 169 includes a first atmosphere chamber 171, a second atmosphere chamber 172, a first communication passage 173, a third atmosphere chamber 174, and a second communication passage 175. In the tank 10, ink is stored in the ink storage portion 29. 7 shows a state in which the tank 10 is viewed from the sheet member 163 side, and the case 161A is illustrated over the sheet member 163. The ink storage unit 29, the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, the first communication passage 173, the third atmospheric chamber 174, and the second communication passage 175 are partitioned from each other. .

  The case 161A includes a first wall 191, a second wall 192, a third wall 193, a fourth wall 194, a fifth wall 195, a sixth wall 196, a seventh wall 197, and an eighth wall 198. And have. The first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, the first communication passage 173, the third atmospheric chamber 174, and the second communication passage 175 are provided on the opposite side of the fifth wall 195 from the ink containing portion 29 side. , Is arranged. In addition, the second communication path 175 is arranged to extend on the opposite side of the second wall 192 from the ink containing portion 29 side. When the first wall 191 is viewed in plan from the sheet member 163 side, the ink containing portion 29 is surrounded by the second wall 192, the third wall 193, the fourth wall 194, and the fifth wall 195. .

  Further, when the first wall 191 is viewed in plan from the sheet member 163 side, the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, the first communication passage 173, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 include the fifth wall. 195, a sixth wall 196, a seventh wall 197, and an eighth wall 198. Note that the first wall 191 of the ink containing portion 29 and the first walls 191 of the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 are the same wall. That is, in the tank 10, the ink storage portion 29, the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 share the first wall 191 with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second wall 192, the third wall 193, the fourth wall 194, and the fifth wall 195 intersect with the first wall 191, respectively. The second wall 192 and the third wall 193 are provided at positions facing each other with the first wall 191 sandwiched along the X axis. The fourth wall 194 and the fifth wall 195 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 191 along the Z axis. The second wall 192 intersects each of the fourth wall 194 and the fifth wall 195. The third wall 193 also intersects the fourth wall 194 and the fifth wall 195, respectively.

  The second wall 192, the third wall 193, the fourth wall 194, and the fifth wall 195 protrude from the first wall 191 in the −Y axis direction. Thereby, the first wall 191 is used as the main wall, and the concave portion 201 is configured by the second wall 192 extending from the main wall in the −Y-axis direction, the third wall 193, the fourth wall 194, and the fifth wall 195. The The recess 201 is configured in a direction that becomes concave in the Y-axis direction. The recess 201 opens toward the −Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 163 (FIG. 5). In other words, the concave portion 201 is provided in a direction that is concave toward the Y-axis direction, that is, toward the opposite side to the sheet member 163 (FIG. 5) side. When the sheet member 163 is joined to the case 161 </ b> A, the recess 201 is closed by the sheet member 163, and the ink containing portion 29 is configured. Each of the first wall 191 to the eighth wall 198 is not limited to a flat wall, and may include irregularities.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sixth wall 196 protrudes from the fifth wall 195 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 194 side of the fifth wall 195, that is, toward the Z-axis direction side of the fifth wall 195. . The seventh wall 197 protrudes from the fifth wall 195 toward the opposite side of the fifth wall 195 to the fourth wall 194 side, that is, toward the Z-axis direction side of the fifth wall 195. The sixth wall 196 and the seventh wall 197 are opposed to each other with the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, the first communication passage 173, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 sandwiched along the X axis. It is provided in the position to do. The eighth wall 198 is located at a position facing the fifth wall 195 with the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, the first communication passage 173, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 sandwiched along the Z axis. Is provided. The sixth wall 196 intersects each of the fifth wall 195 and the eighth wall 198. The seventh wall 197 also intersects each of the fifth wall 195 and the eighth wall 198.

  A ninth wall 203 is provided between the fifth wall 195 and the eighth wall 198 to partition the first atmospheric chamber 171 and the second atmospheric chamber 172. A tenth wall 204 and an eleventh wall 205 are provided between the sixth wall 196 and the seventh wall 197. The first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, and the third atmospheric chamber 174 are separated by the tenth wall 204 and the eleventh wall 205 along the X axis. The tenth wall 204 is provided closer to the seventh wall 197 than the sixth wall 196, and faces the sixth wall 196. The eleventh wall 205 is provided closer to the sixth wall 196 than the seventh wall 197, and faces the seventh wall 197. The eleventh wall 205 is provided closer to the seventh wall 197 than the tenth wall 204.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sixth wall 196, the seventh wall 197, the eighth wall 198, the ninth wall 203, the tenth wall 204, and the eleventh wall 205 are respectively the first wall 191. Protrudes in the -Y-axis direction. The sixth wall 196 extending from the first wall 191 in the −Y-axis direction, the ninth wall 203, the tenth wall 204, and the eighth wall 198 constitute a recess 209. The sixth wall 196 extending from the first wall 191 in the −Y-axis direction, the fifth wall 195, the tenth wall 204, and the ninth wall 203 constitute a recess 211. Further, the fifth wall 195 extending from the first wall 191 in the −Y-axis direction, the seventh wall 197, the eighth wall 198, and the eleventh wall 205 constitute a recess 213.

  The recessed portion 209, the recessed portion 211, and the recessed portion 213 each open toward the −Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 163 (FIG. 5). In other words, the recessed portion 209, the recessed portion 211, and the recessed portion 213 are each provided in a direction that is recessed toward the Y-axis direction, that is, toward the opposite side to the sheet member 163 (FIG. 5) side. . When the sheet member 163 is joined to the case 161 </ b> A, the recess 209 is closed by the sheet member 163, and the first atmospheric chamber 171 is configured. Similarly, when the sheet member 163 is joined to the case 161A, the concave portion 211 is closed by the sheet member 163 to form the second atmospheric chamber 172, and the concave portion 213 is closed by the sheet member 163. 174 is configured. The protruding amounts of the second wall 192 to the eighth wall 198 and the ninth wall 203 to the eleventh wall 205 from the first wall 191 are set to the same protruding amount.

  The second wall 192 and the sixth wall 196 have a step along the X axis. The second wall 192 is located on the third wall 193 side with respect to the sixth wall 196, that is, on the X axis direction side with respect to the sixth wall 196. Further, the third wall 193 and the seventh wall 197 have a step along the X axis. The seventh wall 197 is located on the second wall 192 side relative to the third wall 193, that is, on the −X axis direction side relative to the third wall 193. And the liquid injection | pouring part 45 is provided between the 3rd wall 193 and the 7th wall 197 in the state which planarly viewed the 1st wall 191 from the sheet | seat member 163 side. The liquid injection part 45 is provided on the fifth wall 195.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first communication passage 173 is provided between the tenth wall 204 and the eleventh wall 205, and communicates the second atmospheric chamber 172 and the third atmospheric chamber 174. The second communication path 175 is formed outside the ink storage unit 29 and the third atmospheric chamber 174 and outside the ink storage unit 29, the first atmospheric chamber 171, the second atmospheric chamber 172, and the first communication path 173. It is built. The third atmosphere chamber 174 and the ink storage unit 29 communicate with each other via the second communication path 175. A communication port 217 is provided in the ninth wall 203. The first atmospheric chamber 171 and the second atmospheric chamber 172 communicate with each other through the communication port 217. The second atmospheric chamber 172 communicates with the first communication passage 173 through the communication port 219. The third atmosphere chamber 174 communicates with the first communication path 173 via the communication port 221. The first communication path 173 meanders. The second atmospheric chamber 172 snakes through the first communication path 173 and then communicates with the third atmospheric chamber 174.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the case 161 </ b> A is provided with an overhang portion 223. The second communication path 175 is provided in the overhang portion 223. The overhang portion 223 is a portion of the fifth wall 195 that protrudes from the fifth wall 195 toward the Z-axis direction along the edge of the opening of the recess 201 in a region on the X-axis direction side of the seventh wall 197. Have. The part protrudes from the seventh wall 197 toward the X-axis direction side along the edge of the opening of the recess 213 in the seventh wall 197. The overhang portion 223 has a portion overhanging from the eighth wall 198 toward the Z-axis direction.

  The overhang portion 223 has a portion of the sixth wall 196 that protrudes from the sixth wall 196 toward the −X axis direction side along the edges of the openings of the recess 209 and the recess 211. The projecting portion 223 has a portion projecting from the second wall 192 toward the −X axis direction side along the edge of the opening of the recess 201 in the second wall 192. The second communication path 175 is configured as a groove 227 provided in the overhanging portion 223 so as to be concave toward the side opposite to the sheet member 163 side.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second communication path 175 has a communication port 241. The communication port 241 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the third atmospheric chamber 174. The third atmosphere chamber 174 communicates with the second communication path 175 through the communication port 241. Further, the second communication path 175 has a communication port 243. The communication port 243 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the ink storage unit 29. The second communication path 175 communicates with the ink storage unit 29 through the communication port 243.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a recess 271 is provided in the recess 201. The concave portion 271 is provided in a direction toward the opposite side of the fourth wall 194 from the fifth wall 195 side, that is, in a direction that becomes concave toward the −Z axis direction side from the fourth wall 194. In the recess 271, a connection portion 275 is provided on the wall 273 facing the third wall 193. For this reason, the connection part is provided between the 3rd wall 193 and the 2nd wall 192 in the state which planarly viewed the 1st wall 191. The ink supply tube 43 is inserted into the connection portion 275. The connection part 275 is provided on the wall 273. The connecting portion 275 protrudes from the wall 273 in the −X axis direction. A supply port 277 (FIG. 7) is formed at the end of the connection portion 275 on the −X axis direction side. The supply port 277 is an opening formed in the connection portion 275 and opens from the connection portion 275 toward the outside of the tank 10. The liquid injection part 45 and the supply port 277 communicate the outside of the case 161A and the inside of the recess 201, respectively. The supply port 277 is connected to the ink supply tube 43 (see FIG. 3) via a relay unit (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the eighth wall 198 is provided with an air communication part 279. An atmospheric communication port 281 is formed in the atmospheric communication unit 279. The atmosphere communication port 281 is an opening formed in the atmosphere communication part 279 and opens from the atmosphere communication part 279 toward the outside of the tank 10. The atmospheric communication portion 279 protrudes from the eighth wall 198 to the side opposite to the fifth wall 195 side of the eighth wall 198, that is, the Z-axis direction side of the eighth wall 198. The air communication port 281 communicates the outside of the case 161 </ b> A and the inside of the recess 209. The atmosphere communication port 281 and the atmosphere communication portion 279 are atmospheric passages for introducing the atmosphere outside the case 161 </ b> A into the recess 209. In the case 161A, the joint portion 167 is provided along the contours of the recess 201, the recess 209, the recess 211, the recess 213, the recess 271, the first communication path 173, and the second communication path 175.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet member 163 faces the first wall 191 with the second wall 192 to the eighth wall 198 interposed therebetween. The sheet member 163 has a size that covers the concave portion 201, the concave portion 209, the concave portion 211, the concave portion 213, the concave portion 271, and the overhang portion 223 in a plan view. The sheet member 163 is welded to the joint portion 167 with a gap between the sheet member 163 and the first wall 191. Accordingly, the recess 201, the recess 209, the recess 211, the recess 213, the recess 271, the first communication path 173, and the second communication path 175 are sealed by the sheet member 163. For this reason, the sheet member 163 can also be regarded as a lid for the case 161A.

  As described above, the ink containing portion 29 shown in FIG. 7 passes through the second communication path 175, the third atmosphere chamber 174, the first communication path 173, the second atmosphere chamber 172, the first atmosphere chamber 171, and the atmosphere communication port 281. To the outside of the tank 10. In other words, the communication unit 169 communicates between the air communication port 281 and the ink storage unit 29. The atmosphere that has flowed into the first atmosphere chamber 171 from the atmosphere communication port 281 flows into the second atmosphere chamber 172 via the communication port 217. The atmosphere that has flowed into the second atmosphere chamber 172 flows into the third atmosphere chamber 174 via the first communication path 173. The air that has flowed into the third atmosphere chamber 174 flows into the ink containing portion 29 via the second communication path 175.

  The liquid injection part 45 is provided on the fifth wall 195. As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid injection part 45 is provided in a recess 283 surrounded by the seventh wall 197, the overhang part 223, the third wall 193, and the first wall 191. As described above, the overhang portion 223 protrudes from the fifth wall 195 to the eighth wall 198 side. Further, the seventh wall 197 also protrudes closer to the eighth wall 198 than the fifth wall 195. Similarly, in the case 161A, the first wall 191 and the third wall 193 also protrude from the fifth wall 195 to the eighth wall 198 side. The overhang portion 223 intersects both the seventh wall 197 and the third wall 193. The first wall 191 intersects both the third wall 193 and the seventh wall 197. For this reason, a region of the fifth wall 195 closer to the third wall 193 than the seventh wall 197 has a recess 283 surrounded by the seventh wall 197, the overhanging portion 223, the third wall 193, and the first wall 191. It is composed. The recess 283 is provided in a direction that becomes concave from the fifth wall 195 side toward the fourth wall 194 side.

  With the above configuration, the liquid injection part 45 is surrounded by the seventh wall 197, the overhang part 223, the third wall 193, and the first wall 191. In other words, the liquid injection part 45 is provided in a region surrounded by the seventh wall 197, the overhang part 223, the third wall 193, and the first wall 191 in the fifth wall 195. And the recessed part 283 has a function of an ink receiving part. The ink receiving portion can receive, for example, ink overflowing from the liquid injection portion 45 or ink that has dripped down during injection. Thus, the concave portion 283 functions as an ink receiving portion that receives ink. The liquid injection portion 45 has an ink injection port 45B, and the ink injection port 45B communicates with the ink storage portion 29.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the second communication path 175 includes a first path 301, a second path 302, a third path 303, a fourth path 304, a fifth path 305, and a sixth path 306. And can be divided into The first passage 301 starts from the communication port 241 and extends toward the third wall 193 along the fifth wall 195, that is, along the X axis. The first passage 301 extends from the communication port 241 to the reversing unit 311. The inversion part 311 is a part where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is inverted. In the reversing unit 311, the flow path direction is reversed from the X-axis direction to the −X-axis direction. In the atmosphere path from the atmosphere communication port 281 to the ink storage unit 29, the atmosphere communication port 281 side is the upstream side, and the communication port 243 side is the downstream side.

  The second passage 302 faces the seventh wall 197 from the reversing portion 311 along the extending direction of the first passage 301, that is, along the X axis. The second passage 302 extends from the reversing part 311 to the bent part 312. The bent portion 312 is a portion where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is bent. In the bent portion 312, the flow path is bent in the Z-axis direction from the −X-axis direction. The third passage 303 extends from the bent portion 312 along the seventh wall 197, that is, along the Z axis toward the eighth wall 198. The third passage 303 extends from the bent portion 312 to the bent portion 313. The bent portion 313 is a portion where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is bent. In the bent portion 313, the direction of the flow path is bent from the Z-axis direction to the -X-axis direction.

  The fourth passage 304 extends from the bent portion 313 along the eighth wall 198, that is, along the X axis toward the sixth wall 196. The fourth passage 304 is located above the third atmospheric chamber 174 in the Z-axis direction. The fourth passage 304 extends from the bent portion 313 to the bent portion 314. The bent portion 314 is a portion where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is bent. In the bent portion 314, the direction of the flow path is bent from the X-axis direction to the -Z-axis direction. The fifth passage 305 extends from the bent portion 314 along the sixth wall 196, that is, along the Z axis toward the fourth wall 194. The fifth passage 305 extends from the bent portion 314 to the reversing portion 315. The reversing unit 315 is a part where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is reversed. In the reversing unit 315, the direction of the flow path is reversed from the −Z-axis direction to the Z-axis direction. The sixth passage 306 is directed from the reversing portion 315 along the second wall 192, that is, along the Z axis toward the fifth wall 195. The sixth passage 306 extends from the reversing part 315 to the bent part 316. The bent portion 316 is a portion where the direction of the flow path in the second communication path 175 is bent. In the bent portion 316, the direction of the flow path is bent from the Z-axis direction to the X-axis direction. The second communication path 175 is bent at the bent portion 316 and then communicates with the ink containing portion 29 through the communication port 243.

  Here, the problem in the structure of the conventional tank is demonstrated. In other words, since the conventional tank has an air communication port communicating with the liquid storage portion disposed above the liquid storage portion, when the printer is used in a use posture, the liquid in the tank attached to the printer is used. It is considered that the ink stored in the storage portion does not reach the atmosphere communication port and the ink does not flow out of the tank. However, for example, when a printer equipped with a tank containing ink is in an inverted state (for example, inverted (upside down)), the ink stored in the liquid storage unit reaches the atmosphere communication port, There arises a problem that ink flows out from the atmosphere communication port.

  In view of this, the tank 10 according to the present embodiment includes the closing unit 400 that prevents the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 from flowing out from the atmosphere communication port 281 when the printer 1 is in the inverted state.

  The closing means 400 includes a closing port 410 provided in the first communication path 173 or the second communication path 175 and a closing member 420 that can close the closing port 410. In the present embodiment, a closing port 410 is provided in the second communication path 175. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the closing port 410 is provided in the vicinity of the reversing portion 315 of the fifth passage 305 of the second communication passage 175. The blocking port 410 is a through-hole and communicates the fifth passage 305 and the sixth passage 306. The blocking port 410 is set to have an area smaller than the area of the passage that intersects the flow direction of the atmosphere of the fifth passage 305.

  The closing member 420 is disposed in the −Z-axis direction with respect to the closing port 410 in the use posture. In the fifth passage 305 in the vicinity of the reversing part 315, a recess 430 is formed in the −Z-axis direction, and the closing member 420 is disposed at the bottom of the recess 430 in the use posture. The closing member 420 has a size capable of moving through the second communication passage 175 (the fifth passage 305). The size of the passage between the fifth passage 305 and the sixth passage 306 is smaller than that of the closing member 420, and the moving section of the closing member 420 is between the bottom of the recess 430 and the closing port 410. Regulated by That is, the closing member 420 of this embodiment has one degree of freedom so that it can move in the direction of gravity.

  Further, the closing member 420 of the present embodiment is a sphere, and can smoothly move between the recess 430 and the closing port 410. The blocking member 420 is a material larger than the specific gravity of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29, and is, for example, stainless steel, nickel, iron, or the like. In consideration of the corrosiveness of the blocking member 420, a configuration in which surface processing such as nickel plating or chromium plating is performed may be used.

  Next, the operation of the closing unit 400 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when the printer 1 is used in the usage posture, the closing member 420 is disposed at the bottom of the recess 430 in the −Z-axis direction of the fifth passage 305. In this state, the closing port 410 is open, and the ink storage unit 29 and the atmosphere communication port 281 communicate with each other through the communication unit 169.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows the state of the tank 10 when the printer 1 is in the inverted state (inverted (upside down) state). When the printer 1 is reversed and inverted, the tank 10 is also reversed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, the closing member 420 moves through the fifth passage 305 toward the closing port 410 due to gravity, and finally closes the closing port 410. As a result, the ink container 29 and the atmosphere communication port 281 are closed by the closing member 420.

  Therefore, when the printer 1 equipped with the ink containing tank 10 is inverted and turned upside down, the ink that flows out from the ink containing portion 29 toward the communicating portion 169 is stopped by the closing member 420 (the closing means 400). be able to. As a result, the ink that has flowed out of the ink containing portion 29 does not reach the atmosphere communication port 281, so that the ink can be prevented from flowing out from the atmosphere communication port 281. In addition, although the said obstruction | occlusion means 400 was provided, it is not limited to this, You may provide multiple. Moreover, the structure which provided the obstruction | occlusion means 400 in the 1st communicating path 173 may be sufficient. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired.

  Next, the configuration of the cap (plug member) will be described. FIG. 10 is an external view showing the configuration of the cap (plug member), and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the cap (plug member).

  As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cap 53 covers the ink injection port 45 </ b> B, and includes a covering portion 86, a seal portion 87, a cover portion 88, and a grip portion 89. The cap 53 is made of a material which is rich in flexibility and elasticity and hardly allows liquid or gas to pass therethrough. Examples of the material constituting the cap 53 include rubber and elastomer.

  The covering portion 86 has a size and shape that can cover the ink injection port 45B from above. In the present embodiment, the covering portion 86 constitutes a plate-like portion that can cover the ink injection port 45B from above. The seal part 87 protrudes from the covering part 86. In the present embodiment, the seal portion 87 protrudes in a cylindrical shape from the covering portion 86, and the inside is configured to be hollow. The seal portion 87 can be inserted into the ink injection port 45B, and closes the ink injection port 45B while being inserted into the ink injection port 45B. The seal portion 87 and the ink injection port 45B have an interference fit. That is, the ink injection port 45B is closed by pressing the seal portion 87 into the ink injection port 45B. Thereby, when the ink injection port 45B is closed by the cap 53, the airtightness between the ink injection port 45B and the seal portion 87 is improved.

  In the following, the state where the ink injection port 45B is closed by inserting the seal portion 87 into the ink injection port 45B may be expressed as the state where the cap 53 is attached to the liquid injection unit 45. In the following, when there is no particular notice, the state where the cap 53 is attached to the liquid injection portion 45 indicates a state where the ink injection port 45B is closed by inserting the seal portion 87 into the ink injection port 45B. When the ink injection port 45B is closed with the cap 53, the seal portion 87 is inserted into the ink injection port 45B, so that the ink in the tank 10 or the ink attached to the cylinder portion 45A adheres to the seal portion 87. There is.

  The cover portion 88 covers at least a part of the periphery of the seal portion 87. In this embodiment, the cover portion 88 is located outside the seal portion 87 when the cover portion 86 is viewed from the seal portion 87 side. Projecting from the portion 86. The direction in which the cover portion 88 protrudes from the covering portion 86 is the same as the direction in which the seal portion 87 protrudes from the covering portion 86. The amount that the cover portion 88 protrudes from the covering portion 86 is smaller than the amount that the seal portion 87 protrudes from the covering portion 86. Therefore, the front end portion of the seal portion 87 protrudes from the cover portion 88 in a side view. In the present embodiment, when the cover portion 86 is viewed from the seal portion 87 side, the cover portion 88 is provided over a region surrounding the seal portion 87. However, it is not limited to the form in which the cover part 88 protrudes from the seal part 87 over the entire circumference of the region surrounding the seal part 87. A configuration in which the cover portion 88 is partially cut may be employed.

  When the seal portion 87 is inserted into the ink injection port 45 </ b> B, the cylinder portion 45 </ b> A is positioned between the seal portion 87 and the cover portion 88. In other words, when the seal portion 87 is inserted into the ink injection port 45B, the cylindrical portion 45A is sandwiched between the seal portion 87 and the cover portion 88. The cover portion 88 and the cylinder portion 45A may be in an interference fit relationship or a clearance fit relationship. That is, the setting may be such that the cover part 88 is press-fitted into the cylinder part 45A, or the gap may be provided between the cover part 88 and the cylinder part 45A with the seal part 87 inserted into the ink injection port 45B.

  The grip part 89 is provided on the side opposite to the seal part 87 side of the covering part 86. The grip portion 89 protrudes from the covering portion 86 toward the side opposite to the seal portion 87 side. The grip part 89 is a part that becomes a handle when the cap 53 is attached / detached, and an operator can attach / detach the cap 53 to / from the liquid injection part 45 by grasping the grip part 89.

  Furthermore, the cap 53 of the present embodiment is provided with a sign indicating information related to ink. A color member for indicating the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 can be applied as the marker indicating the information about the ink.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the color member of the present embodiment is a ring 90 that is fitted or joined to the cap 53. The ring 90 is a thin annular resin material. The ring 90 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the covering portion 86, and the operator can visually recognize the ring 90 by its appearance. Further, in the state where the ring 90 is fitted or joined to the cap 53, the outermost peripheral portion of the ring 90 protrudes from the outermost peripheral surface of the covering portion 86. Thereby, even when the operator looks at the cap 53 from directly above the cap 53, the ring 90 can be visually recognized.

  In the plurality of ink storage portions 29 and caps 53, the ring 90 is provided for each of the plurality of caps 53 corresponding to the plurality of ink storage portions 29. In this case, for example, if the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 is black, a ring 90 having a black color is fitted or joined to the corresponding cap 53. Further, if the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 is cyan, the ring 90 having a cyan color is fitted or joined to the corresponding cap 53. If the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 is magenta, the ring 90 having the magenta color is fitted or joined to the corresponding cap 53. Similarly, if the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 is yellow, a ring 90 having a yellow color is fitted or joined to the corresponding cap 53.

  Thus, by providing the cap 90 with the ring 90 having each color information corresponding to the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29, when the operator refills the tank 10, the ink to be refilled is supplied. You can avoid mistakes in color.

  The form of the ring 90 is not limited to an annular configuration, and for example, an O-ring shape, an elliptical ring, a square ring, or the like can be applied.

  Further, the cover portion 88 of the cap 53 may be configured by a transparent or translucent member. That is, the cover part 88 may be comprised with the member which has a light transmittance. According to this, when the ink injection port 45B is covered with the cap 53, it is easy to confirm the mounting state of the seal portion 87 with respect to the ink injection port 45B, so that the risk of liquid leakage from the ink injection port 45B can be suppressed. it can. Note that not only the cover portion 88 of the cap 53 but also the entire cap 53 may be formed of a transparent or translucent member.

  Next, the configuration of the housing (case) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 7 is configured to be able to store the ink containing portion 29 (tank 10). The housing 7 includes a holding portion 54 that holds the cap 53.

  The holding unit 54 is a part that holds the cap 53 removed from the ink injection port 45B when the cap 53 covering the ink injection port 45B is removed, for example, when the ink storage unit 29 is replenished with ink. The holding portion 54 of this embodiment is provided on the wall 73.

  The holding portion 54 is configured such that the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 54 in a holding state where the cap 53 is held by the holding portion 54. That is, in the holding state in which the cap 53 is held by the holding portion 54, the seal portion 87 is separated from the housing 7. Hereinafter, the holding state refers to a state in which the cap 53 is held by the holding portion 54. In the present embodiment, the cap 53 is held by the holding portion 54 in the holding state of the cap 53. Further, the cover portion 88 has a contact portion 88a that contacts the holding portion 54 on the opposite side to the grip portion 89 in the holding state, and the cap 53 has a portion other than the contact portion 88a in the holding portion 54 in the holding state. It is held so as not to touch.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the holding portion. Further, FIG. 12 shows a holding state of the cap in the holding portion. As shown in FIG. 12, the holding portion 54 has a first convex portion 500 that protrudes outward from the wall 73 of the housing 7 in order to contact the contact portion 88 a of the cap 53. Note that the contact portion 88 a of the cap 53 in the present embodiment corresponds to the distal end surface of the cover portion 88 on the side opposite to the covering portion 86.

  The first protrusion 500 protrudes from the wall 73 in the Z-axis direction. The first convex portion 500 has a cylindrical shape and includes a placement portion 501 that contacts the contact portion 88a. The placement unit 501 has a flat surface. Therefore, in the holding state, the flat surface portion of the contact portion 88a and the flat surface portion of the placement portion 501 come into contact with each other. In other words, the portion of the contact portion 88 a of the cap 53 is placed on the placement portion 501 of the holding portion 54. Here, the distance between the mounting portion 501 and the surface of the wall 73 is longer than the distance at which the seal portion 87 protrudes from the cover portion 88 in a side view. Further, the mounting portion 501 is disposed outside the outer peripheral portion of the seal portion 87 in plan view. Therefore, when the cap 53 is held by the holding portion 54, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 54 and is separated from the wall 73 (housing 7).

  In addition, a convex portion 504 that protrudes from the placement portion 501 in the Z-axis direction is provided on the outside of the placement portion 501 of the holding portion 54 (a position corresponding to the outside of the cover portion 88 in the held state). The convex portion 504 can prevent the cap 53 from being displaced from the placement portion 501 when the cap 53 is placed on the placement portion 501.

  Next, a method for supplying ink to the tank will be described. 13 and 14 are schematic views showing the ink replenishing method. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the ink stored in the liquid replenishing container 94 is injected into the tank 10. The liquid replenishing container 94 is provided with a nozzle portion 95 that can discharge ink. The nozzle part 95 has a tubular structure. The ink in the liquid replenishing container 94 is discharged out of the liquid replenishing container 94 through the nozzle portion 95. The operator removes the cap 53 from the liquid injection part 45, and with the cap 53 held by the holding part 54, the operator inserts the nozzle part 95 of the liquid replenishment container 94 into the ink injection port 45 </ b> B and sets the ink in the liquid replenishment container 94. Is injected into the tank 10 from the liquid injection part 45.

  Here, the liquid replenishing container 94 is provided with a positioning portion 96 as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the positioning portion 96 is provided outside the tubular nozzle portion 95. The positioning unit 96 contacts the tip (outer end) of the ink injection port 45B when the nozzle unit 95 is inserted into the ink injection port 45B, and the degree of insertion of the nozzle unit 95 into the ink injection port 45B (both nozzle insertion) Positioning). In the present embodiment, when the nozzle portion 95 is inserted into the ink injection port 45B, the positioning unit 96 can contact the tip (outer end) of the cylindrical portion 45A that constitutes the ink injection port 45B. Accordingly, the position of the liquid replenishing container 94 with respect to the tank 10 when the nozzle portion 95 of the liquid replenishing container 94 is inserted into the ink injection port 45B is easily regulated.

  When the positioning portion 96 comes into contact with the tip of the cylindrical portion 45A constituting the ink injection port 45B, a gap is formed between the liquid replenishing container 94 and the holding portion 54. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the liquid replenishing container 94 and the cap 53 held by the holding portion 54. That is, when the positioning portion 96 comes into contact with the tip of the cylindrical portion 45A that constitutes the ink injection port 45B, the liquid replenishing container 94 and the holding portion 54 are separated from each other. The cap 53 held by 54 is separated. Thereby, when the positioning part 96 of the liquid replenishing container 94 is brought into contact with the ink injection port 45B, the liquid replenishing container 94 and the holding part 54 do not interfere with each other. Similarly, the liquid replenishing container 94 and the cap 53 held by the holding portion 54 do not interfere with each other. As a result, when ink is injected into the tank 10 by the liquid replenishing container 94, the ink can be smoothly injected.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 53 removed from the ink injection port 45B is held by the holding unit 54. Here, the contact portion 88a of the cover portion 88 of the cap 53 and the placement portion 501 of the holding portion 54 come into contact with each other, and the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 54 and the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 54 and the like with ink adhering to the seal portion 87.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the holding unit will be mainly described. 15 and 16 are schematic views showing the configuration of the holding unit.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the liquid storage unit 4a of the present embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153a covering the ink injection port 45B, and the ink storage unit 29. The case 7 is provided with a holding portion 541. The holding part 541 is provided on the wall 73. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the basic configuration of the cap 153a is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The cap 153a according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the ring 90 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the holding state in which the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 541, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 541. Then, in the cap 153a, the cover portion 88 is held by the holding portion 541 in the holding state. Specifically, the holding portion 541 includes a second convex portion 505 having a shape along the peripheral wall (the shape of the outer peripheral surface) of the cover portion 88. In the present embodiment, the second convex portion 505 protrudes from the wall 73 in the Z-axis direction and has a curved surface 591 along the peripheral wall (outer peripheral portion 88b) of the cover portion 88.

  And the curved surface 591 and a part of outer peripheral part 88b of the cover part 88 of the cap 153a are made to contact. In other words, a part of the cover portion 88 of the cap 153a is placed on the curved surface 591 of the second convex portion 505 of the holding portion 541. Further, the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 541 so that the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces the inclined wall 82. In this way, the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces the inside of the printer 1, that is, the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces away from the operator, so that the seal portion 87 adheres to the finger of the operator. Can be prevented from coming into contact with the ink.

  The length in the X-axis direction of the second convex portion 505 (curved surface 591) is longer than the total length of the cover portion 88 and the covering portion 86 in the X-axis direction of the cap 153a in the holding state. It is set to be. Therefore, the cap 153a can be stably held on the curved surface 591. The second convex portion 505 is provided at a position where the tip portion of the seal portion 87 does not contact the inclined wall 82 when the cap 153 a is held on the curved surface 591 so that the seal portion 87 faces the inclined wall 82. It has been. Therefore, when the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 541, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 541 and is also separated from the inclined wall 82.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 153a removed from the ink injection port 45B is held by the holding unit 541. Here, a part of the outer peripheral portion 88b of the cover portion 88 of the cap 53 is placed on the curved surface 591 of the second convex portion 505, and the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 541, the inclined wall 82, and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 541 and the like with ink adhering to the seal portion 87.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the cap and the holding portion will be mainly described.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the cap, and FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams illustrating the configuration of the holding unit. As shown in FIG. 17, the cap 153 b includes a covering portion 86, a seal portion 87, a cover portion 88, and a grip portion 89. A through hole 89 a is formed in the grip portion 89. Note that the configurations of the covering portion 86, the seal portion 87, and the cover portion 88 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the liquid storage unit 4b of the present embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153b that covers the ink injection port 45B, and an ink storage. A case 7 for storing the portion 29, and the case 7 is provided with a holding portion 542. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The cap 153 b is held by the holding portion 542 in the holding portion 89 in the holding state. In the holding state where the cap 153 b is held by the holding portion 542, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 542. Specifically, the holding portion 542 has a hook 592. The hook 592 is disposed on the inclined wall 82. And the through-hole 89a provided in the holding part 89 of the cap 153b with respect to the hook 592 is inserted. As a result, the cap 153b is held by the holding portion 542.

  The hook 592 has a portion protruding from the inclined wall 82 in the X-axis direction, and a portion where the tip portion of the hook 592 in the X-axis direction is bent in the Z-axis direction. The hook 592 has a rod-like shape, and the cross-sectional area of the hook 592 is smaller than the area of the through hole 89a provided in the grip part 89, and the hook 592 is inserted into the through hole 89a provided in the grip part 89. It becomes possible.

  Further, the cap 153 b is held by the hook 592 so that the seal portion 87 faces the −Z axis direction (wall 73). The hook 592 is provided at a height at which the seal portion 87 does not contact the wall 73 when the cap 153b is held. Therefore, when the cap 153 b is held by the hook 592 of the holding part 542, the seal part 87 is separated from the holding part 542 and also from the wall 73.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 153b removed from the ink injection port 45B is held by the hook 592 of the holding unit 542. Here, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 542 (hook 592), the wall 73, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 542 and the like with ink adhering to the seal portion 87.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the holding unit will be mainly described.

  20 and 21 are schematic views showing the configuration of the holding unit. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the liquid storage unit 4c of the present embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153a covering the ink injection port 45B, and the ink storage unit 29. The case 7 is provided with a holding portion 543. The holding portion 543 is provided on the wall 73. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the basic configuration of the cap 153a is the same as that of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. The cap 153a according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the ring 90 of the first embodiment is omitted.

  In the holding state where the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 543, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 543. In the present embodiment, the holding portion 89 is held by the holding portion 543 in the holding state. Specifically, the holding portion 543 includes a plurality of third convex portions 593 that protrude from the wall 73. In the present embodiment, two third convex portions 593 are provided. The two third convex portions 593 project from the wall 73 in the Z-axis direction. Each of the two third convex portions 593 has a cylindrical shape. The two third convex portions 593 are arranged in parallel in the Y-axis direction, and the distance between the two third convex portions 593 is the short side direction of the grip portion 89 when the cap 153a is viewed in plan view. Slightly longer than the distance. Also, the length of the two third convex portions 593 in the Z-axis direction is formed to be slightly longer than the distance in the long side direction of the grip portion 89 when the cap 153a is viewed in plan. Further, the two third convex portions 593 are formed at positions that are longer than the total length of the seal portion 87 and the cover portion 86 of the cap 153a in the X-axis direction from the inclined wall 82. Yes.

  In the holding state, the grip portion 89 of the cap 153a is inserted between the two third convex portions 593. Then, the posture of the grip part 89 is regulated by the two third convex parts 593. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, when the grip portion 89 of the cap 153a is fitted between the two third convex portions 593, each of the grip portion 89, the covering portion 86, and the cover portion 88 is a wall. 73 is contacted.

  When the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 543, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 543 and is also separated from the inclined wall 82. Note that the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 541 so that the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces the inclined wall 82. In this way, the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces the inside of the printer 1, that is, the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces away from the operator, so that the seal portion 87 adheres to the finger of the operator. Can be prevented from coming into contact with the ink.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 153a removed from the ink injection port 45B is held by the holding unit 543. Here, the holding portion 89 of the cap 153a is held between the two third convex portions 593. The seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 543, the inclined wall 82, and the like. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 543 and the like with ink adhering to the seal portion 87.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the holding unit and the like will be mainly described.

  22 and 23 are schematic views showing the configuration of the holding unit. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the liquid storage unit 4d of the present embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153a that covers the ink injection port 45B, and an ink storage unit 29. The case 7 is provided with a holding portion 544. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the basic configuration of the cap 153a is the same as that of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the holding state where the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 544, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 544. The holding portion 544 of the present embodiment includes a connecting member 594 having a rod shape, and one end of the connecting member 594 is connected to the inclined wall 82. The other end of the connection member 594 is connected to the outer periphery of the cap 153a. In the present embodiment, the other end portion of the connection member 594 is connected to the outer peripheral portion of the cover portion 88 of the cap 153a. The connection member 594 is, for example, mild steel such as a wire. Therefore, the connecting member 594 can be easily deformed. Further, the connecting member 594 has a length that allows the connecting member 594 to be attached to and detached from the ink inlet 45B of the cap 153a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 23, the connecting member 594 is deformed so that the tip of the seal portion 87 faces the inclined wall 82 of the case 7, and the cap 153a is held. That is, the cap 153a is held in a suspended state by the connection member 594. Therefore, when the cap 153 a is held by the holding portion 544, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 544 and is also separated from the inclined wall 82. In addition, since the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces the inclined wall 82 side, that is, the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces away from the operator, the ink attached to the seal portion 87 contacts the operator's fingers. Can be prevented.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 153a removed from the ink injection port 45B is held by the connection member 594 of the holding portion 544. Here, since the cap 153a is suspended by the connection member 594, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 544, the inclined wall 82, and the like. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 544 and the like with ink attached to the seal portion 87.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the holding unit will be mainly described.

  24 and 25 are schematic views showing the configuration of the holding portion, and FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the connecting member. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the liquid storage unit 4e of this embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153a covering the ink injection port 45B, and the ink storage unit 29. The case 7 is provided with a holding portion 54. The holding portion 54 is provided on the wall 73. The configurations of the tank 10, the cap 53, and the holding unit 54 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a connection member 85 that connects the cap 53 and the case 7 is further provided. The case 7 (the inclined wall 82) has a connecting portion 84 to which one end of the connecting member 85 is connected. The connecting portion 84 is provided for each ink injection port 45B. That is, in the present embodiment, four connection portions 84 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the connection member 85 extends in a rod shape from the covering portion 86 of the cap 53. The connecting member 85 extends from the covering portion 86 in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the seal portion 87 protrudes. A connected portion 91 is provided at the end of the connecting member 85 opposite to the covering portion 86 side. The connected portion 91 protrudes from the connecting member 85 in a cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the connected portion 91 protrudes from the connecting member 85 is the same as the direction in which the seal portion 87 protrudes from the covering portion 86. A recessed portion 92 is formed inside the connected portion 91 that protrudes in a cylindrical shape.

  By inserting the connecting portion 84 (see FIG. 25) provided on the inclined wall 82 into the concave portion 92 of the connected portion 91, the connecting member 85 is anchored to the case 7 (inclined wall 82). In the present embodiment, the concave portion 92 and the connection portion 84 are in an interference fit relationship. That is, when the connecting portion 84 is press-fitted into the recess 92, the connected portion 91 is connected to the connecting portion 84. Thereby, since the fixing force of the to-be-connected part 91 with respect to the connection part 84 can be heightened, when the connection member 85 is moored to the connection part 84, the cap 53 cannot fall easily from the case 7 (inclined wall 82).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the connection portion 84 is provided on the inclined wall 82 in the recess 81. For this reason, when the connection member 85 of the cap 53 is moored to the connection part 84, the protrusion amount of the connection member 85 in the X-axis direction from the wall 72 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the cap 53 can be attached to the liquid injection part 45 in a state where the connection member 85 is anchored to the connection part 84. Further, the cap 53 removed from the liquid injection part 45 can be placed on the holding part 54 while the connection member 85 is anchored to the connection part 84. That is, in the present embodiment, the connection member 85 has a length that allows the cap 53 to be attached to the liquid injection part 45 in a state where the connection member 85 is moored to the connection part 84, and the cap 53 that has been removed from the liquid injection part 45. It has a length that can be placed on the associated holding portion 54.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the liquid replenishing container 94 is connected to the connecting portion 84 and the holding portion 54 in a replenishing posture in which ink is replenished from the liquid replenishing container 94 to the ink containing portion 29 via the ink inlet 45B. Separated from each other. Further, in the refilling posture, the liquid replenishing container 94 is also separated from the cap 53 held by the holding unit 54. The replenishing posture of the liquid replenishing container 94 is a posture in which the axis passing through the center of the ink inlet 45B and the liquid replenishing container 94 are substantially parallel.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  When ink is replenished to the ink storage unit 29 with the liquid replenishment container 94, the connection part 84 of the liquid replenishment container 94 and the cap 53 held by the holding part 54 are separated from each other. Thus, when ink is injected into the tank 10 with the liquid replenishing container 94, the ink can be smoothly injected.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. Since the configuration of the printer is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the configuration different from that of the first embodiment, that is, the configuration of the cap and the tank will be mainly described. 27 and 28 are schematic views showing the configurations of the cap and the tank.

  The liquid storage unit 4f of the present embodiment includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153a that covers the ink injection port 45B, and a case 7 that stores the ink storage unit 29. Yes. The configuration of the tank 10, the cap 153a, and the case 7 is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the cap 153a of the liquid storage unit 4f is configured to be openable and closable by the hinge portion 600 that connects the ink injection port 45B and the cover portion 88. The hinge part 600 is a hinge, the shaft part 601, one of which is rotatably connected to the shaft part 601, and the other is a first member 602 fixedly connected to the outer peripheral part of the ink injection port 45B, and one of them. A second member 603 that is rotatably connected to the shaft portion 601, and the other is fixedly connected to the outer peripheral portion of the cover portion 88.

  As shown in FIG. 27, when the ink inlet 45B is closed by the cap 153a, the ink inlet 45B is closed by the seal portion 87 of the cap 153a. In order to open the ink injection port 45B, the grip portion 89 is picked and the cap 153a is pushed upward. Then, the cap 153a rotates with respect to the tank 10 around the shaft portion 601 of the hinge portion 600. As a result, the ink injection port 45B is opened as shown in FIG. By opening the ink injection port 45B, it is possible to replenish ink into the ink containing portion 29 via the ink injection port 45B. At this time, the distal end portion of the seal portion 87 faces upward, so that it is separated from the housing 7.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  The cap 153a and the ink injection port 45B are connected by the hinge portion 600. Thereby, when the ink injection port 45B is opened, the seal portion 87 does not contact the housing 7 and the like, so that ink adhesion contamination can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the ink injection port 45B is opened, the cap 153a does not become a single unit but is connected to the ink injection port 45B, so that the cap 153a can be prevented from being lost.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment. A modification will be described below.

  (Modification 1) In the first embodiment, when the first convex portion 500 is provided in the holding portion 54 and the cap 53 is held in the holding portion 54, the seal portion 87 and the holding portion 54 are separated from each other. It is not limited to this configuration. For example, the following configuration may be used.

  29 and 30 are schematic views illustrating the configuration of the holding unit according to the present modification. As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the liquid storage unit 4g of the present modification includes an ink storage unit 29 (tank 10) having an ink injection port 45B, a cap 153c that covers the ink injection port 45B, and an ink storage unit 29. , And a holding portion 546 is provided in the case 7. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  In the holding state where the cap 153 c is held by the holding portion 546, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 546. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 30, the cap 153 c includes a covering portion 86, a seal portion 87, a cover portion 88, and a grip portion 89. A magnetic portion 597 having magnetism is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the cover portion 88. The magnetic part 597 is, for example, nickel, iron, or an alloy thereof. Note that the configurations of the covering portion 86, the seal portion 87, and the cover portion 88 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The cap 153c is held by the holding unit 546 by the magnetic unit 597 in the holding state. Specifically, the holding portion 546 includes a magnet 596 on the inclined wall 82. As a result, the magnetic part 597 of the cap 153c attracts the magnet 596, and the cap 153c is held by the holding part 546. The magnet 596 is disposed so as to protrude from the inclined wall 82 in the X-axis direction. The magnet 596 has a plate shape. Note that the surface of the magnet 596 that adsorbs to the magnetic portion 597 may be a curved surface that follows the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic portion 597.

  The magnetic part 597 may be attracted to the magnet 596 so that the seal part 87 faces the −Z axis direction (wall 73), or the magnetic part 597 is made so that the seal part 87 faces the Z axis direction. It may be adsorbed. Further, the magnetic part 597 may be attracted so that the seal part 87 faces in the Y-axis direction. The magnet 596 is provided at a height at which the seal portion 87 does not contact the wall 73 regardless of which direction the tip portion of the seal portion 87 faces.

  Even in this case, when the cap 153 c is held by the magnet 596 of the holding portion 546, the seal portion 87 is separated from the holding portion 546 and also from the wall 73. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the risk of soiling the holding portion 546 and the like with the ink attached to the seal portion 87.

  In the modified example, a magnetic part may be disposed on the case 7 (inclined wall 82) side, and a magnet may be disposed on the cap 53 side. The case (inclined wall 82) and the cap may be configured to be detachable from each other with a hook-and-loop fastener. Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired.

  (Modification 2) In the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the closing means 400 is provided. However, the closing means having a different configuration from the closing means 400 may be provided. 31 and 32 are partially enlarged views showing the configuration of the tank according to the second modification.

  The tank 10a according to the present modification includes a closing unit 401 that prevents the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29 from flowing out from the atmosphere communication port 281 when the printer 1 is in the inverted state. Since the configuration of the tank 10a other than the closing means 401 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. The closing means 401 includes a closing port 410 provided in the first communication path 173 or the second communication path 175, a closing member 420 that can close the closing port 410, and a spring 425 as an elastic member.

  In the present modification, the closing port 410 is provided in the second communication path 175. Since the configuration of the blocking port 410 is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. A concave portion 430 is formed in the −Z axis direction in the fifth passage 305 in the vicinity of the reversing portion 315. One end of a spring (for example, a coil spring) is connected to the bottom of the recess 430, and a closing member 521 is connected to the other end of the spring in the Z-axis direction. The closing member 521 and the spring 425 are disposed in the recess 430.

  The closing member 420 is disposed in the −Z-axis direction with respect to the closing port 410 in the use posture. The closing member 420 is configured to be movable between the recess 430 and the closing port 410. Note that the configuration of the closing member 420 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the operation of the closing unit 400 will be described. As shown in FIG. 31, when the printer 1 is used in the usage posture, the closing member 521 compresses the spring 425 by its own weight and is disposed in the recess 430. In this state, the closing port 410 is open, and the ink storage unit 29 and the atmosphere communication port 281 communicate with each other through the communication unit 169.

  On the other hand, FIG. 32 shows the state of the tank 10a when the printer 1 is in the inverted state (inverted (upside down) state). When the printer 1 is reversed and turned upside down, the tank 10a is similarly reversed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 32, the closing member 420 moves along the fifth passage 305 toward the closing port 410 by the extension of the spring 425 along with gravity, and finally closes the closing port 410. As a result, the ink container 29 and the atmosphere communication port 281 are closed by the closing member 420.

  Therefore, when the printer 1 equipped with the ink containing tank 10 is inverted and turned upside down, the ink that flows out from the ink containing portion 29 toward the communicating portion 169 is stopped by the closing member 420 (the closing means 400). be able to. As a result, the ink that has flowed out of the ink containing portion 29 does not reach the atmosphere communication port 281, so that the ink can be prevented from flowing out from the atmosphere communication port 281. Furthermore, not only when the printer 1 is inverted, but also when the printer 1 is in a posture other than the usage posture (a state where the printer 1 is inverted in any of the five directions), the spring 425 extends to close the closing port 410. be able to.

  (Modification 3) In the tank 10 of the first embodiment, the closing means 400 is provided inside the tank 10. However, the closing means 400 may be provided outside the tank 10. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a liquid container according to the third modification.

  In this modified example, the closing means 402 that can be connected to the atmosphere communication port 281 of the tank 10 is provided, and the ink stored in the ink containing portion 29 flows out from the closing means 402 when the printer 1 is in the inverted state. To prevent. Note that the configuration of the tank 10 is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The blocking means 402 is connected to the atmosphere communication portion 279 of the tank 10 and has a connection portion 451 having a communication passage 452 communicating with the atmosphere communication port 281, and a communication passage 456 connected to the connection portion 451 and communicating with the communication passage 452. 457 and a closing port 458, and an opening 460 having a communication path 461 communicating with the closing port 458. That is, the closing means 402 according to this modification is unitized separately from the tank 10.

  The communication path 452 extends in the Z-axis direction and is connected to the communication path 456. The communication path 456 extends in the Z-axis direction and reaches the bent portion 481. The bent part 481 is a part where the direction of the flow path is bent. In the bent portion 481, the flow path is bent from the Z-axis direction to the -X-axis direction. The communication path 457 extends in the X-axis direction and reaches the bent portion 482. The bent portion 482 is a portion where the direction of the flow path is bent. In the bent portion 482, the direction of the flow path is bent from the X-axis direction to the Z-axis direction. The communication path 457 is connected to the communication path 461 through the closing port 458. And the Z-axis direction edge part of the communicating path 461 is opened, and it connects with air | atmosphere.

  The closing means 402 includes a closing member 420 that can close the closing port 458 and a spring 425 as an elastic member. In the present modification, a closing port 458 is provided in the communication path 457. The configuration of the blocking port 458 is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment (blocking port 410), and the description thereof is omitted. A concave portion 490 is formed in the −Z-axis direction of the bent portion 482.

  One end of a spring 425 (for example, a coil spring) is connected to the bottom of the recess 490, and a closing member 420 is connected to the other end in the Z-axis direction of the spring. The closing member 420 and the spring 425 are disposed in the recess 490. Note that the configuration of the closing member 420 and the spring 425 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. In the use posture, the closing member 420 is disposed in the −Z-axis direction with respect to the closing port 458.

  Next, the operation of the closing unit 402 will be described. When the printer 1 is used in the usage posture, the closing member 420 compresses the spring 425 by its own weight and is disposed in the recess 490. In this state, the closing port 458 is open, and the ink storage unit 29, the atmosphere communication port 281, and the opening 460 communicate with each other.

On the other hand, when the printer 1 is in the inverted state (inverted (upside down) state), the tank 10 is also inverted in the same manner. In this case, the closing member 420 moves toward the closing port 458 by the extension of the spring 425 together with the gravity, and finally closes the closing port 458. As a result, the ink container 29 and the opening 460 are closed by the closing member 420.
Therefore, when the printer 1 equipped with the ink containing tank 10 is inverted and turned over, the ink flowing out from the ink containing portion 29 can be stopped by the closing member 420 (blocking means 402). As a result, the ink that has flowed out of the ink containing portion 29 does not reach the opening portion 460, so that the ink can be prevented from flowing out of the opening portion 460. Furthermore, not only when the printer 1 is inverted, but also when the printer 1 is in a posture other than the usage posture (a state where the printer 1 is inverted in any of the five directions), the spring 425 extends to close the closing port 458. be able to.

(Modification 4) In 1st Embodiment, although the ring 90 as a color member was arrange | positioned in the outer peripheral part of the coating | coated part 86 of the cap 53, it is not limited to this structure.
34 to 37 are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a cap according to this modification.
First, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the cap 153 d includes a covering portion 86, a seal portion 87, a cover portion 588, and a grip portion 89.
The entire cover portion 588 of the cap 153d functions as a color member, and the color member (cover portion 588) is connected to the covering portion 86. The color member has a color corresponding to the color of the ink stored in the ink storage unit 29. Even in this case, when ink is replenished to the tank 10 of the worker, the color of the ink to be replenished can be prevented from being mistaken.

  As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the cap 153 e includes a covering portion 86, a seal portion 87, a cover portion 588, and a grip portion 89. The cap 153e includes a ring 90 as a color member and a cover portion 588 as a color member. The configuration of the ring 90 is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment, and the configuration of the cover portion 588 as a color member is the same as the above configuration (see FIGS. 34 and 35). Even if it does in this way, the same effect as the above can be acquired.

  (Modification 5) Although the connection member 594 of the holding portion 544 in the fifth embodiment is a wire, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the connecting member 594 may be a steel tape measure. Furthermore, the connection member 594 may be a member having a rubber material, a tension spring, or a bellows mechanism. Even in this case, the shape of the connection member 594 can be easily deformed, and the cap 153a can be held.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer (printing apparatus), 3 ... Printing unit, 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g ... Liquid storage unit, 5 ... Scanner unit, 7 ... Case (case), 10, 10a ... Tank 29: Ink storage part (liquid storage part) 45 ... Liquid injection part 45B ... Ink injection port (liquid injection port) 53 ... Cap (plug member) 54 ... Holding part 72 ... Wall 82 ... Inclination Wall, 84 ... connection part, 87 ... seal part, 88 ... cover part, 88a ... contact part, 89 ... gripping part, 89a ... through hole, 90 ... ring, 153a, 153b, 153c, 153d, 153e ... cap (plug member) , 281 ... Atmospheric communication port, 400, 401, 402 ... Blocking means, 500 ... First convex part, 505 ... Second convex part, 541, 542, 543, 544, 546 ... Holding part, 591 ... Curved surface 59 ... hook, 593 ... third convex portion, 594 ... connecting member, 600 ... hinge portion.

Claims (16)

A liquid storage unit provided in the printing apparatus and capable of injecting liquid from a liquid injection port,
A liquid container having the liquid inlet;
A plug member covering the liquid inlet;
A case for storing the liquid container,
The plug member is
A seal portion that is at least partially inserted into the liquid inlet and closes the liquid inlet;
A cover portion covering at least a part of the periphery of the seal portion;
Including a gripping part that becomes a handle when attaching and detaching,
The case is
Including a holding portion for holding the plug member;
In the holding state in which the stopper member is held by the holding portion, the seal portion is separated from the holding portion. The liquid storage unit according to claim 1,
The liquid storage unit, wherein the cover member is held by the holding portion in the holding state. The liquid storage unit according to claim 2,
The cover portion has a contact portion that contacts the holding portion on the side opposite to the grip portion in the holding state,
In the holding state, the plug member is held so that portions other than the contact portion do not contact the holding portion. The liquid storage unit according to claim 3,
The liquid holding unit, wherein the holding part has a first convex part protruding outward from the case in order to contact the contact part. The liquid storage unit according to claim 2,
The liquid holding unit, wherein the holding portion includes a second convex portion having a shape along a peripheral wall of the cover portion. The liquid storage unit according to claim 1,
The liquid storage unit, wherein the plug member is held by the holding portion in the holding state. The liquid storage unit according to claim 6,
The holding part has a hook,
The gripping part has a through hole;
The liquid storage unit, wherein the plug member is held by inserting the hook into the through hole. The liquid storage unit according to claim 6,
The holding portion has a plurality of third convex portions protruding from the case,
In the plug member, the gripping portion is held between the plurality of third convex portions and held therein. The liquid storage unit according to claim 1,
A connection member for connecting the plug member and the case;
The liquid storage unit, wherein the connection member holds the plug member so that the seal portion can be deformed so as to face the case. The liquid storage unit according to claim 1,
A connection member for connecting the plug member and the case;
The case has a connection part to which one end of the connection member is connected,
In a refilling posture in which the liquid is replenished from the liquid replenishing container through the liquid inlet, the liquid replenishing container is separated from the connection part and the holding part. A liquid storage unit provided in the printing apparatus and capable of injecting liquid from a liquid injection port,
A liquid container having the liquid inlet;
A plug member covering the liquid inlet,
The plug member is
A seal portion that is at least partially inserted into the liquid inlet and closes the liquid inlet;
A cover portion covering at least a part of the periphery of the seal portion;
Including a gripping part that becomes a handle when attaching and detaching,
The plug member is
A liquid storage unit configured to be openable and closable by a hinge portion that connects the liquid inlet and the cover portion. The liquid storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The said cover part is comprised with a transparent or translucent member, The liquid storage unit characterized by the above-mentioned. The liquid storage unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A liquid storage unit, wherein the stopper member is provided with a sign indicating information on the liquid. The liquid storage unit according to claim 13,
The liquid container unit, wherein the mark is a color member for indicating a color of the liquid contained in the liquid container. The liquid storage unit according to claim 14,
The liquid container unit, wherein the color member is a ring fitted or joined to the plug member. The liquid storage unit according to any one of claims 13 to 15,
A plurality of the liquid storage part and the plug member are provided,
The label is provided for each of the plurality of plug members corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage portions.

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