JP6089523B2 - Liquid container and liquid consumption apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid consuming device such as an ink jet printer and a liquid container that contains a liquid consumed by the liquid consuming device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet printer (liquid consuming device) including an ink tank (liquid container) that can store ink consumed by a liquid ejecting head (liquid consuming unit) that ejects ink (liquid) is known. (For example, Patent Document 1). The ink tank in such a printer is provided with an air opening for opening the inside of the ink tank to the atmosphere in order to avoid pressure fluctuation in the ink tank due to, for example, a change in temperature environment.

JP 2004-148769 A

  By the way, although the air opening of the ink tank in the printer is sealed at the time of product shipment, in order to make the printer usable, when ink is injected into the ink tank, The sealed state is released and the air is released to the atmosphere.

  For this reason, when a printer that is in a usable state with ink stored in the ink tank is transported, for example, when the ink tank is turned upside down, the ink leaks to the outside through the atmosphere opening. There was a risk of doing so.

  Such a problem is not limited to an ink tank provided in an ink jet printer, and is generally common in a liquid container in which an air opening opening that opens an internal space for storing a liquid to the atmosphere is formed. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a purpose of the present invention is to provide a liquid container capable of suppressing leakage of liquid contained therein through the atmosphere opening even when the apparatus is inverted. And it is providing the liquid consumption apparatus provided with such a liquid container.

Hereinafter, means for solving the above-described problems and the effects thereof will be described.
A liquid container that solves the above problems includes a liquid storage chamber that stores the liquid to be supplied to a liquid consumption unit that consumes the liquid, and an air chamber that has an internal space partitioned by the liquid storage chamber and a partition wall. An air opening that opens the air chamber to the atmosphere, and a communication port that communicates between the liquid storage chamber and the air chamber, and the air chamber is the partition wall in a posture state during use. And above the liquid storage chamber.

  According to this configuration, in the posture state at the time of use, the air chamber is positioned above the liquid storage chamber, and it is difficult for liquid to enter the air chamber side from the liquid storage chamber side through the communication port. Leakage to the outside through the atmosphere opening can be suppressed. Even if the liquid storage chamber is turned upside down, the liquid in the liquid storage chamber is once received by the internal space of the air chamber through the communication port, so that the liquid leaks directly from the liquid storage chamber to the outside. Can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid stored inside from leaking to the outside through the atmosphere opening port even when it is inverted.

  In the liquid container, the air chamber includes at least a first air chamber and a second air chamber, and the first air chamber and the second air chamber are partitioned by a first partition wall, The first air chamber and the second air chamber communicate with each other through a first communication passage, and the flow passage cross-sectional area of the first communication passage is an area of a wall surface facing the first air chamber in the first partition wall. Smaller than.

  According to this configuration, even if the liquid flows from the liquid storage chamber into the first air chamber communicating with the communication port, the first air chamber and the second air chamber communicate with the first air chamber. It is necessary to pass through the first communication passage having a channel cross-sectional area smaller than the area of the wall surface facing the first air chamber in the first partition wall that partitions the air chamber. Therefore, the flow from the second air chamber to the air chamber side where the air opening is further formed is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the liquid contained inside from leaking to the outside through the air opening.

  In the liquid container, the first communication path includes a first opening located at a surface portion other than the first partition wall on the inner surface of the first air chamber, and the first partition on the inner surface of the second air chamber. The second opening located at a surface portion other than the wall communicates, and the length of the first communication passage is longer than the distance between the first air chamber and the second air chamber.

  According to this configuration, when the liquid that has flowed into the first air chamber from the liquid storage chamber side further flows from the first air chamber to the second air chamber side, the first air chamber and the second air chamber. Since it is necessary to flow from the first opening to the second opening in the first communication path that is longer than the distance between the first and second openings, the long distance increases the flow resistance, and the inflow to the second air chamber side is suppressed. Is done. Therefore, in this respect, it is possible to further suppress the liquid contained inside from leaking outside through the atmosphere opening.

In the liquid container, a distance from the partition wall to the first opening is equal to a distance from the partition wall to the second opening.
According to this configuration, even if the liquid flows into the air chamber side from the liquid storage chamber side due to being inverted, and further the liquid flows into the first communication passage that communicates the first air chamber and the second air chamber, When returning to the posture state at the time of use, the liquid in the first communication path flows out of the first communication path through the first opening and the second opening. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the possibility that solidified substances are generated in the first communication path by the liquid remaining in the first communication path and drying.

In the liquid container, a distance from the partition wall to at least a part of the first communication path is larger than a distance from the partition wall to the first opening.
According to this configuration, even when the gas-liquid interface is turned upside down near the first opening, the first communication path that connects the first opening and the second opening has the first opening and Since at least a part of the flow path part away from the gas-liquid interface is separated from the partition wall rather than the second opening, gas-liquid exchange can be made impossible at that part. Therefore, a negative pressure can be generated on the liquid storage chamber side relative to the first communication path, and leakage of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber side can be stopped.

  In the liquid container, the first communication path has a meandering long groove portion whose one end side communicates with the first opening and the other end side communicates with the second opening, and a coating disposed so as to cover the long groove portion. It is comprised by the member.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily realize a communication path that can suitably exhibit the effect of suppressing the leakage of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber side when it is inverted.
In the liquid container, the first communication passage is formed so as to penetrate the first partition wall.

According to this structure, the communication path which connects the air chambers divided by the division wall can be formed easily.
In the liquid container, the air chamber further includes a third air chamber, the second air chamber and the third air chamber are partitioned by a second partition wall, and the second air chamber and the The third air chamber communicates with the second communication path, and the distance from the partition wall to the first communication path is different from the distance from the partition wall to the second communication path.

  According to this configuration, even when the gas-liquid interface is turned upside down so as to come near either one of the first communication path and the second communication path, the first communication path and the second communication path Since one of the other communication paths is away from the gas-liquid interface at that time, gas-liquid exchange can be made impossible at the other communication path. Therefore, a negative pressure can be generated on the liquid storage chamber side with respect to the communication path, and the leakage of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber side can be stopped.

In the liquid container, the first communication path and the second communication path are arranged at different positions in a direction parallel to the first partition wall and the partition wall.
According to this configuration, not only when the apparatus is turned upside down, but also when it is placed on its side, the communication path on the side away from the gas-liquid interface in the first communication path and the second communication path. Gas-liquid exchange can be made impossible. Therefore, a negative pressure can be generated on the liquid storage chamber side with respect to the communication path, and the leakage of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber side can be stopped.

  In the liquid container, a wall surface of the first partition wall facing the second air chamber and a wall surface of the second partition wall facing the second air chamber have a rectangular shape, and the first communication path Is formed at one corner of the wall surface of the first partition wall, and the second communication path is formed at one corner of the wall surface of the second partition wall.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily realize a communication path that can suitably exhibit the effect of suppressing the leakage of the liquid from the liquid storage chamber side when it is inverted.
In addition, a liquid container that solves the above problems includes a liquid storage chamber that stores the liquid supplied to a liquid consumption unit that consumes the liquid, and an air that has an internal space partitioned by the liquid storage chamber and a partition wall. A chamber, an air opening for opening the air chamber to the atmosphere, and a communication port communicating between the liquid storage chamber and the air chamber, wherein the air chamber includes at least a first air chamber and a second air. Including a small chamber, the first air chamber and the second air chamber are partitioned by a first partition wall, and the first air chamber is located on a surface portion of the inner surface of the first air chamber other than the first partition wall. The second air chamber has a second opening located at a surface portion of the inner surface of the second air chamber other than the first partition wall, and the first opening and the second opening. And the first communication passage through the first communication passage, Has a long groove which is formed on the wall surface of the air chamber, and a covering member disposed so as to cover the long groove on the wall surface of the air chamber.

In the liquid container, a length of a portion of the long groove portion in a direction along the partition wall is longer than a distance between the first opening and the second opening.
Moreover, the liquid consumption apparatus which solves the said subject is provided with the liquid consumption part which consumes a liquid, and the liquid container of the said structure.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the liquid from leaking from the liquid container to the outside when the liquid consuming device is inverted.

1 is a perspective view of a multifunction machine according to a first embodiment. The fracture | rupture perspective view of the attachment surface to which the tank unit in an apparatus main body is attached. The perspective view from the right front of a tank unit. The perspective view from the left front of a tank unit. The perspective view from the left front of the tank unit which removed a member partially. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F6-F6 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F7-F7 in FIG. The perspective view from the right front of an ink tank. The perspective view from the right rear of an ink tank. The right side view of an ink tank. The top view of an ink tank. The perspective view which shows the shape of a film. The front view which looked at the ink tank from the opening part side. The perspective view from the left front of the tank unit to which the ink tank was attached. The front view which looked at the tank case from the opening part side. FIG. 6 is a front view of the tank unit as viewed from the opening side of the tank case, and shows a state in which the outer region of the film is stored. The perspective view of a choke valve. The exploded perspective view from the diagonally upper left of the choke valve. The exploded perspective view from the diagonally upper right of the choke valve. The front view of the choke valve of a valve opening state. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the choke valve of a valve opening state. The principal part enlarged view of FIG. The right view which fixed the tank case to the attachment surface. The bottom view of a tank case. The perspective view of the trough part in a tank unit. The perspective view from the lower left of a cover. The right view of the tank unit in which a cover is located in a concealment position. The right view of the tank unit in which a cover is located in a non-hiding position. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F29-F29 in FIG. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F30-F30 in FIG. The left side view of the ink tank in a state where it is turned upside down. FIG. 32 is a partially cutaway view of the right side surface of the ink tank in the state of FIG. 31. FIG. 32 is a left side view of the ink tank when it is vibrated so that acceleration is applied backward in the state of FIG. 31. FIG. 34 is a partially cutaway view of the right side surface of the ink tank in the state of FIG. FIG. 32 is a left side view of the ink tank when it is vibrated so that acceleration is applied forward in the state of FIG. 31. FIG. 36 is a partially cutaway view of the right side surface of the ink tank in the state of FIG. The front view of the choke valve of a valve closing state. Sectional drawing which shows the internal structure of the choke valve of a valve closing state. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the choke valve displaced from the state shown in FIG. 38 in the valve opening direction. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the choke valve displaced from the state shown in FIG. 39 in the valve opening direction. FIG. 6 is a side view for explaining the operation of the ink tank. The perspective view of the recording device of a 2nd embodiment. The front view of a tank unit. The perspective view from the lower side of a tank unit. The side view of the container case of 3rd Embodiment. The perspective view of a container case. The perspective view of a container case. The side view of the container case of a 1st modification. The side view of the container case of a 2nd modification. The side view of the container case of a 3rd modification. The side view of the container case of a 4th modification. The side view of the container case of a 5th modification. The side view of the container case of a 6th modification. The partially broken figure of the container case of a 7th modification. The partially broken figure of the container case of the 8th modification. The partially broken figure of the left side surface in the attitude | position state at the time of use of the ink tank of a 9th modification. FIG. 57 is a partially cutaway view of the right side surface of the ink tank in the state of FIG. 56. The left side view in the state where the ink tank of the 9th modification was turned upside down. FIG. 59 is a left side view of the ink tank when it is vibrated so that acceleration is applied backward in the state of FIG. 58. FIG. 59 is a left side view of the ink tank when it is vibrated so that acceleration is applied forward in the state of FIG. The partially broken view of the left side surface in the attitude | position state at the time of use of the ink tank of a 10th modification. FIG. 62 is a partial cutaway view of the right side surface of the ink tank in the state of FIG. 61. The partially broken view of the left side surface in the attitude | position state at the time of use of the ink tank of a 11th modification. (A) is F64a-F64a arrow sectional drawing in FIG. 63, (b) is F64b-F64b arrow sectional drawing in FIG. The side view for demonstrating the structure of the ink tank of a 12th modification. FIG. 66 is a side view when the inclination state of the ink tank in FIG. 65 changes.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a recording apparatus which is an example of a liquid consuming apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction machine 11 includes a recording device 12 and a scanner unit 14 mounted on an apparatus main body 13 of the recording device 12.
The recording device 12 can record on the paper P, while the scanner unit 14 can read an image or the like recorded on the document. In the present specification, the antigravity direction is referred to as an upward direction, and the gravity direction is referred to as a downward direction. In addition, a direction along the upward direction and the downward direction is illustrated as a vertical direction Z as an example of a vertical direction.

  The scanner unit 14 includes a scanner main body 15 that is partly rotatably connected to the apparatus main body 13 of the recording apparatus 12, and a transport unit 16 that is disposed above the scanner main body 15. The scanner main body 15 has a closed position that covers the upper side of the apparatus main body 13 with respect to the recording apparatus 12 and an open position that opens the upper side of the apparatus main body 13 via a rotation mechanism 17 such as a hinge provided on one end thereof. It is attached to be displaceable between. Further, the transport unit 16 is displaced between a position where the scanner body 15 is covered and a position where it is opened with respect to the scanner body 15 via a rotation mechanism 18 such as a hinge provided on one end thereof. It is attached as possible.

  In the following description, in the multifunction machine 11, the side on which the rotation mechanisms 17 and 18 are provided is referred to as a rear side or a back side, and the opposite side is referred to as a front side. A direction along the front direction and the rear direction is illustrated as a front-rear direction Y. The front end side of the scanner unit 14, the scanner main body 15, and the transport unit 16 can be turned upward.

  Furthermore, the direction along the right direction and the left direction when the rear direction is viewed from the front side (front view) is illustrated as the left-right direction X. Note that the left-right direction X, the front-rear direction Y, and the up-down direction Z intersect with each other (in the present embodiment, orthogonal). Therefore, the left-right direction X and the front-back direction Y in the present embodiment are directions along the horizontal direction.

  An operation panel 19 is disposed on the front side of the multifunction machine 11. The operation panel 19 includes a display unit (for example, a liquid crystal display) 20 for displaying a menu screen and the like, and various operation buttons 21 provided around the display unit 20.

  At the position below the operation panel 19 in the recording apparatus 12, a discharge port 22 for discharging the paper P from the inside of the apparatus main body 13 is opened. Further, a discharge tray 23 that can be pulled out is accommodated below the discharge port 22 in the recording apparatus 12.

  On the back side of the recording apparatus 12, a drawer-type medium support 24 having a substantially rectangular plate shape on which a plurality of sheets P can be stacked is attached. In addition, an inlet cover 25 is attached to the rear portion of the scanner main body 15 so as to be rotatable around a base end side (front end side in the present embodiment).

  A tank unit 27 as an example of a liquid container unit that stores ink (an example of liquid) is fixed to an attachment surface 13 a that is the right side surface outside the apparatus main body 13. Further, a scale accommodating portion 28 for accommodating the scale 28a is provided at a position between the apparatus main body 13 and the tank unit 27 and at a position behind the attachment surface 13a. The scale housing portion 28 has a mounting surface so as to form a rectangular groove shape that is long in the vertical direction Z with a depth in the left-right direction X corresponding to the thickness of the scale 28a and a width in the front-rear direction Y corresponding to the width of the scale 28a. A recess 13a is formed.

  On the other hand, inside the apparatus main body 13, there are provided a carriage 29 that is held so as to be capable of reciprocating in the left-right direction X, which is the main scanning direction, and a relay adapter 30 attached to the carriage 29. The other end of a tube 31 made of a flexible elastic material having one end connected to the tank unit 27 is connected to the relay adapter 30. A liquid ejecting head 32 as an example of a liquid consuming unit capable of ejecting ink supplied from the tank unit 27 is supported on the lower surface side of the carriage 29.

  Accordingly, the ink stored in the tank unit 27 is supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32 via the tube 31 by utilizing the water head difference. The ink supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32 is ejected onto the paper P transported by a transport mechanism (not shown) to perform recording (an example of liquid consumption).

  As shown in FIG. 2, first attachment ribs 34 and second attachment ribs 35 are formed so as to protrude from the attachment surface 13 a at the attachment position where the tank unit 27 is attached on the attachment surface 13 a. The first mounting rib 34 is formed along the outer shape of the tank unit 27. The second mounting rib 35 is formed along the edge of the scale accommodating portion 28.

  The first mounting rib 34 is positioned on the upper end side of the mounting surface 13a and extends along the front-rear direction Y. The first mounting rib 34 is positioned on the front side of the upper mounting rib portion 34a and extends in the vertical direction Z. A front mounting rib portion 34b that extends and a curved mounting rib portion 34c that connects the front end of the upper mounting rib portion 34a and the upper end of the front mounting rib portion 34b. Further, the first mounting rib 34 is positioned on the rear side of the upper mounting rib portion 34a and extends along the vertical direction Z, and is positioned on the lower end side of the mounting surface 13a and extends in the front-rear direction Y. And a lower mounting rib portion 34e extending along.

  The upper mounting rib portion 34a is formed in a shape where a plurality of portions are bent so that the front side portion thereof is positioned below the rear side portion, and the rear end thereof is in the vertical direction Z of the second mounting rib 35. It connects with the upper end of the front part extended along. On the other hand, the end of the rear portion extending along the vertical direction Z of the second mounting rib 35 extends in the vertical direction Z so as to extend rearwardly away from the scale housing portion 28 and with the upper end of the rear mounting rib 34d. Are formed so as to have an interval of. Further, the first mounting rib 34 is connected to the lower end of the rear mounting rib portion 34d and the rear end of the lower mounting rib portion 34e, while the lower end of the front mounting rib portion 34b and the front end of the lower mounting rib portion 34e. There is an interval in the front-rear direction Y. Further, a reinforcing mounting rib portion 34f that protrudes greatly from the mounting surface 13a is formed at the front side position and the rear side position of the lower mounting rib portion 34e, respectively, compared to the intermediate position of the lower mounting rib portion 34e.

  The first mounting rib 34 has at least one screw boss portion 37 (five in this embodiment) to which screws 36 (see FIGS. 4 and 23) as an example of a fixing member can be screwed. The mounting rib part 34a and the lower mounting rib part 34e are formed so as to protrude from the mounting surface 13a. That is, the screw boss portion 37 is formed at the front position, the rear position, and the intermediate position between the front position and the rear position of the upper mounting rib portion 34a. Furthermore, the screw boss part 37 is formed in the reinforcing attachment rib part 34f in the lower attachment rib part 34e. Further, a boss portion 38 protruding from the attachment surface 13a is formed at a position behind the front attachment rib portion 34b so as to have a space in the front-rear direction Y between the lower end of the front attachment rib portion 34b.

  As shown in FIG. 2, an absorbent material 39 that is adjacent to the upper mounting rib portion 34 a from the lower side and has a greater thickness in the left-right direction X than the upper mounting rib portion 34 a is attached to the mounting surface 13 a. Has been. Furthermore, a substantially rectangular communication hole 40 for communicating the inside and outside of the apparatus main body 13 is formed at a position above the front end portion of the upper mounting rib portion 34a on the mounting surface 13a. The tube 31 is inserted through the communication hole 40.

Hereinafter, the tank unit 27 shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
The left-right direction X, the front-rear direction Y, and the up-down direction Z in the tank unit 27 are based on the respective directions when the tank unit 27 is attached to the apparatus main body 13. That is, the tank unit 27 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape larger in the front-rear direction Y than in the left-right direction X and the up-down direction Z.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tank unit 27 includes a tank case 42 as an example of a protective member, and an ink tank 43 as an example of a liquid container accommodated in the tank case 42. A substantially rectangular window portion 42 a that communicates the inside and outside of the tank case 42 is formed on a wall portion that forms an outer surface (in this case, a right side surface) along the front-rear direction Y and the vertical direction Z in the tank case 42. Therefore, when the ink tank 43 is accommodated in the tank case 42, a part of the ink tank 43 is visible from the outside of the tank case 42 through the window 42 a. The tank case 42 is chamfered around the window portion 42a. Furthermore, the tank unit 27 includes a cover 44 that slides in the front-rear direction Y with respect to the tank case 42 and a choke valve 45 that is accommodated in the tank case 42.

  A recess 46 is formed in the front surface of the tank case 42, and a valve lever 47 for operating a choke valve 45 as an example of a valve unit is provided in the recess 46. The choke valve 45 crushes the tube 31 as the valve lever 47 is manually operated by the user, and interrupts the supply of ink from the ink tank 43 to the liquid ejecting head 32.

Next, the ink tank 43 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ink tank 43 includes a bottomed box-shaped container case 48 provided with a container opening 48 a as an example of an opening on one surface side, and an example of a thin film member. And a film 49. The container case 48 is a five-surface integral molded product, and an ink chamber 50 as an example of a liquid storage chamber that stores ink by attaching a film 49 to the container opening 48 a of the container case 48. As a result, an air chamber 200 is formed for communicating the ink chamber 50 with the atmosphere.

  The ink chamber 50 and the air chamber 200 are divided into a region that becomes the air chamber 200 and a region that becomes the ink chamber 50 by the partition wall 48 b formed so as to extend along the direction along the bottom surface of the container case 48 (front-rear direction Y). It is divided into. The partition wall 48b is formed integrally with the container case 48 so as to be orthogonal to the right side wall 48c (see FIG. 6) of the container case 48 and to protrude from the side wall 48c toward the container opening 48a. Has been.

  The container case 48 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the width in the front-rear direction Y is larger than the height in the vertical direction Z and the depth in the left-right direction X, that is, the front-rear direction Y is the longitudinal direction. According to the shape of the body case 48, the film 49 is also formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the front-rear direction Y as the longitudinal direction.

  In this embodiment, the container opening 48a has a rib shape formed on the entire circumference along the outer shape of the container case 48, and the film 49 is attached to the container opening 48a by welding. In addition, the film 49 is simultaneously formed with respect to a plurality of ribs (for example, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 and the vertical rib portions 111 to 118) erected in the left-right direction X in the ink chamber 50 at the same time as the container opening 48a. However, they are similarly welded and attached.

  The container case 48 is made of a transparent or translucent resin, and the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 and the ink level 51 (see FIG. 6) are visible from the outside of the ink tank 43. . Therefore, when the ink tank 43 is attached to the tank case 42, the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 can be visually recognized from the outside through the window portion 42a of the tank case 42.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the region corresponding to the window 42 a on the right side surface of the ink tank 43 (container case 48) is formed to face rightward (one direction) and rightward. The liquid surface 51 of the ink accommodated in the ink chamber 50 functions as a visual recognition surface 43a. Note that the visual recognition surface 43a has a width in the front-rear direction Y larger than the height in the vertical direction Z.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, an inlet 52, which is an example of a liquid inlet that can inject ink into the ink chamber 50, is formed in the upper part of the container case 48. The inlet 52 is located on one side (front side in the present embodiment) of the container case 48 in the middle of the front-rear direction Y, and on one side of the viewing surface 43a in the middle of the front-rear direction Y (in the present embodiment). It is formed at the position of the front side. Further, the injection port 52 protrudes toward the outer side of the ink chamber 50 and at the tip of the cylindrical portion 53 that protrudes in the upper right direction that is not orthogonal to the vertical direction Z and is higher than the horizontal direction. It is formed to open. Therefore, the end surface 52 a of the injection port 52 is non-orthogonal with respect to the vertical direction Z.

  Further, the direction in which the cylindrical portion 53 is inclined is a direction in which the tip (end surface 52a) of the cylindrical portion 53 is separated from the mounting surface 13a when the tank unit 27 is attached to the apparatus main body 13, and is a direction in which the visual recognition surface 43a is approached. It is.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the injection port forming surface 54 in which the injection port 52 and the cylindrical portion 53 are formed in the upper part of the container case 48 faces the upper right direction (one direction) intersecting the vertical direction Z. Is formed. That is, the injection port forming surface 54 is inclined so as to be non-orthogonal with respect to the vertical direction Z so that the viewing surface 43a side is positioned lower than the position where the base end portion of the cylindrical portion 53 is formed. .

  In the present embodiment, the inclination of the inlet forming surface 54 with respect to the vertical direction Z and the inclination of the cylindrical portion 53 are the same. Further, at a position above the viewing surface 43a and between the injection port 52 and the viewing surface 43a, a damming convex portion 55 as an example of a plate-like damming portion and a protruding portion is formed at the inlet. It protrudes from the formation surface 54. The damming convex portion 55 is inclined in the same direction as the cylindrical portion 53 (injection port 52) and is orthogonal to the injection port forming surface 54. Further, the blocking convex portion 55 is formed so as to protrude from a position closer to the cylindrical portion 53 than the right end on the viewing surface 43a side of the injection port forming surface 54, and the right end of the injection port forming surface 54 is formed on the viewing surface 43a. The stepped portion 54a is located above the damming convex portion 55 and the viewing surface 43a.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the injection port forming surfaces 54 formed in a downward slope shape from the injection port 52 toward the dam projections 55 in the upper part of the housing case 48 are formed on both sides in the front-rear direction Y. It is in a position that is lower in the vertical direction Z than the adjacent part. That is, the injection port forming surface 54 is sandwiched between the front and rear sides. Therefore, when ink leaks from the injection port 52, leaked ink as an example of the leaked liquid flows so as to travel along the injection port forming surface 54. Therefore, the inlet forming surface 54 functions as a flow path for leaked ink, and the damming projection 55 is positioned on the flow path for leaked ink.

  In addition, rib portions 56 extending along the left-right direction X on the left side and the right side of the cylindrical portion 53 are formed on the injection port forming surface 54 so as to sandwich the cylindrical portion 53 from both sides in the left-right direction X. Has been. Therefore, the injection port forming surface 54 is divided into front and rear by the rib portion 56.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the blocking protrusion 55 and the step 54 a have a width in the front-rear direction Y that intersects the lower right direction (an example of the leakage direction) in which the leakage ink flows. 52 and the width of the cylindrical portion 53 are larger.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a closing member 58 capable of closing the injection port 52 is detachably attached to the distal end of the cylindrical portion 53. The closing member 58 is connected to the other end side of a tether 58 a having one end connected to the tank case 42. Further, the closing member 58 is formed with a knob 58b on the upper side and a tubular fitting part 58c for fitting with the injection port 52 on the lower side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, at a lower position on the front surface (left side in FIG. 10) of the container case 48, a lead as an example of a liquid outlet that guides the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 to the tube 31 side. An outlet 59 is formed. The lead-out port 59 is located on one side (front side in the present embodiment) of the container case 48 from the midway position in the front-rear direction Y, and is located on one side of the visual recognition surface 43a in the midway position in the front-rear direction Y (in this embodiment). It is formed at the position of the front side.

  Further, an air release port 60 for taking air into the ink chamber 50 and releasing the atmosphere is formed on the upper surface of the container case 48 where the injection port 52 is formed. The container case 48 is formed with at least one (two in this embodiment) tank locking portion 62 that locks mounting screws 61 (see FIG. 5) that are attached when the container case 48 is fixed to the tank case 42. ing. Further, at least one (two in the present embodiment) positioning recesses 63a and 63b are formed on the right side surface of the housing case 48 as an example. Of the positioning recesses 63a and 63b, one positioning recess 63a (located on the front side in the present embodiment) is formed in an elongated hole shape in the front-rear direction Y.

  Moreover, the lower limit scale 64a as an example of a scale and the upper limit scale 64b as an example of a scale are protrudingly formed by the front side position in the visual recognition surface 43a. The lower limit scale 64a and the upper limit scale 64b are formed on one side (the front side in the present embodiment) from the midway position in the front-rear direction Y on the viewing surface 43a. By the way, since the window part 42a does not conceal the upper limit scale 64b, the width in the vertical direction Z on the front side is larger than the width in the vertical direction Z on the rear side (see FIG. 3). Therefore, similarly to the window portion 42a, the visual recognition surface 43a also has a larger width in the vertical direction Z on the front side than the width in the vertical direction Z on the rear side.

  The lower limit scale 64 a is formed on the outlet 59 side of the midway position in the front-rear direction Y and on the upper side of the outlet 59. On the other hand, the upper limit scale 64 b is formed on the inlet 52 side of the midway position in the front-rear direction Y and at a position below the inlet 52 and the atmosphere opening 60. The outlet 59 and the inlet 52 are formed on the same side (front side) in the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, the lower limit scale 64a is formed on the injection port 52 side with respect to the midway position in the front-rear direction Y and below the injection port 52 and the upper limit scale 64b. Therefore, a plurality of scales are formed on the viewing surface 43a on the same side in the front-rear direction Y with an interval in the vertical direction Z.

  The lower limit scale 64a is a scale indicating a lower limit amount that serves as a guide for injecting ink into the ink chamber 50. The upper limit scale 64 b is a scale indicating the upper limit amount of ink that is injected from the injection port 52 and accommodated in the ink chamber 50.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the film 49 is positioned outside the opening area of the container opening 48 a, that is, outside the container case 48 in the left-right direction X when attached to the container case 48. In addition to the region outer positions 49a, 49b, 49c, and 49d, the region outer position 49a and the region outer position 49c are provided with through holes 49H, respectively. In the present embodiment, the region outer positions 49a and 49b of the film 49 are formed on both sides in the vertical direction Z with respect to the container opening 48a, respectively, and the film 49 on both sides in the front-rear direction Y with respect to the container opening 48a. Region external positions 49c and 49d are formed, respectively. Further, the through holes 49H provided in the formed region outer positions 49a and 49c are round holes, and are provided in at least two positions separated from each other in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the ink tank 43. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the through holes 49H are respectively provided at positions that are substantially diagonal positions of the container case 48, that is, at two positions.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the tank case 42 having a case opening 42 b on the left side, which is the attachment side to the apparatus main body 13, is a five-sided integrally molded product. The portion 42 b is formed larger than the container case 48. Therefore, the tank case 42 is configured to cover the container case 48 in a state of being enclosed from the side opposite to the container opening 48a. In this respect, the tank case 42 functions as an example of a protective member that protects the container case 48.

  Further, a gap is provided between the container case 48 and the tank case 42 on both sides in the vertical direction Z and both sides in the front-rear direction. In this gap, the outer region positions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d of the film 49 can be stored.

  That is, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, the region outer positions 49 a and 49 b formed on the film 49 are located in a gap in the vertical direction Z formed between the container case 48 and the tank case 42. . Further, the region outside position 49 c is located in a front gap in the front-rear direction Y formed between the container case 48 and the tank case 42.

  On the other hand, the region external position 49d formed on the film 49 has a shape protruding from the tank case 42 to the outside (rear side) as shown in FIG. The protruding portion is inserted into a groove 42M formed as a gap between the tank case 42 and the container case 48 as shown in FIG. 16, and is stored in a state of being folded into the groove 42M. Is done. That is, the groove 42M is a recessed space having a predetermined width in the front-rear direction Y, a predetermined length in the vertical direction Z, and a predetermined length in the left-right direction X, and the region external position 49d can be folded and stored. It is formed as a space.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 15, there is an attachment screw 61 at a position inside the right wall portion where the window portion 42 a is formed in the tank case 42 and corresponding to the tank locking portion 62 of the ink tank 43. At least one (two in this embodiment) screwing portion 66 capable of screwing (see FIG. 5) is formed. Further, at least one positioning convex portion 67a, 67b as an example of a positioning portion (two in this embodiment) is formed at a position corresponding to the positioning concave portions 63a, 63b of the ink tank 43.

  The tank case 42 includes case locking portions 68a to 68e as examples of locking portions for locking a screw 36 (see FIG. 23) inserted when the tank case 42 is fixed to the apparatus main body 13. , At least one (5 in this embodiment) is formed. That is, each of the first to fifth case locking portions 68a to 68e is formed corresponding to the screw boss portion 37 formed on the mounting surface 13a. An engaging portion 69 that can engage with the boss portion 38 is formed at a position corresponding to the boss portion 38 of the apparatus main body 13 in the tank case 42.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, in the present embodiment, the region external positions 49 a, 49 b, 49 c formed on the film 49 have a shape that does not interfere with the attachment of the tank unit 27 to the apparatus main body 13. That is, the screwing portion 66 for attaching the ink tank 43 (container case 48) to the tank case 42 and the case locking portions 68a to 68e for fixing the tank case 42 to the apparatus main body 13 are fixed members ( The shape is cut out so as not to overlap in the direction in which the screw is inserted, that is, in the left-right direction X. Thus, the film 49 has a shape that does not hinder the fixing work by the fixing member (screw).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 13, the manufacturing method of the ink tank 43 of the present embodiment, that is, the process of manufacturing the ink tank 43 by attaching the film 49 to the container opening 48a of the container case 48 will be described. To do. In the present embodiment, the film 49 is formed on the container opening 48a (and the vertical ribs 111 to 118 formed in the ink chamber 50) by a welding device (not shown) using ultrasonic waves or heat. It will be described as being attached to it.

  First, in the first step, the film 49 is sucked and held by a holding tool (not shown) (for example, a suction pad). At this time, the entire region of the film 49 is adsorbed by adsorbing the region external positions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d as shown by the shaded portions in FIG. Further, a pin as an example of a positioning member provided in the holder is inserted into two through holes 49H provided at two positions separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. Since the two through holes 49H are provided at a substantially diagonal position of the film 49 which is also a substantially diagonal position of the container opening 48a, the film 49 is attracted to the holder in a stable posture in which rotation is suppressed. Retained.

  In the next step, the holder holds the film 49 held by suction with the container opening 48a of the container case 48 in which the container opening 48a is placed on a predetermined mounting table in the vertical direction. To move to the opposite position. In this movement, since the pin is inserted into the two through-holes 49H, the film 49 moves without causing a positional shift accompanying rotation about the axis in the thickness direction of the film 49.

  In the next step, the film 49 moved to the position facing the container opening 48a is positioned on the holder opening 48a while positioning the film 49 with respect to the pin inserted into the through hole 49H. The holding state is shifted from the held state to the state where the container opening 48a is closed. Specifically, by inserting a pin into an engaging portion such as a recess provided on the mounting table on which the container case 48 is mounted, the container case 48 (the container opening 48a), the film 49, Are aligned. In parallel with this, the suction of the holder is stopped and the outer positions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d are sucked by a new suction pad (not shown) on the mounting table, so that the film 49 is placed on the mounting table side. And the container opening 48a is closed.

  Next, the film 49 in a state in which the container opening 48a is closed is attached to the container opening 48a. In the present embodiment, a welding jig (for example, a welding head) is brought into contact with the film 49 from the side opposite to the container case 48 placed on the mounting table, so that the film 49 is welded to the container opening 48a. To attach. Of course, in the welding with the container opening 48a, the film 49 is also welded to each rib in the ink chamber 50 (for example, the intersecting ribs 101 to 103 and the vertical ribs 111 to 118 shown in FIG. 5).

  By the way, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13, for example, of the outer region positions 49 a, 49 b, and 49 c, the protrusion width of the outer region 49 a of the region 49 of the film 49 serving as an adsorption margin from the container opening 48 a is May be widened to enhance sex. In such a case, the region outside position 49 a may protrude outside the tank case 42 in a state where the tank case 42 is fixed to the apparatus main body 13. Therefore, in the present embodiment, similarly to the outer region position 49d, the outer region position 49a of the film 49 is folded and stored in a gap provided between the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42 (see FIG. 16). Therefore, in such a case, in the present embodiment, a gap is provided between the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42 so that the region outside position 49a can be folded and stored. The same applies to the region outside positions 49b and 49c.

Next, the internal structure of the ink chamber 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the ink chamber 50 has a bottom portion on one surface side (the lower surface side in FIG. 5) along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y). At the bottom of the ink chamber 50, there is a base bottom surface 50a, a step bottom surface 50b that has a step so as to be higher than the base bottom surface 50a and is aligned with the base bottom surface 50a in the front-rear direction Y, and an upper end that intersects the step bottom surface 50b. And a step side surface 50c whose lower end side intersects with the base surface 50a.

  The base bottom surface 50a is shorter in the front-rear direction Y than the step bottom surface 50b, and the base bottom surface 50a and the step side surface 50c are provided on the first end side (front end side in the present embodiment) in the front-rear direction Y of the bottom. It has been. The length of the step side surface 50c in the vertical direction Z is shorter than the length of the base surface 50a in the front-rear direction Y and the length of the step bottom surface 50b in the front-rear direction Y.

  At the bottom of the ink chamber 50, a position on the end side (front end side) in the front-rear direction Y of the base surface 50a and on the end side in the short side direction (left-right direction X) (left oblique front side in FIG. 5) Is provided with a liquid collection recess 50d opened in the basal plane 50a. The opening of the liquid collection recess 50d is shorter in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X than the base surface 50a. Further, the outlet 59 provided in the ink tank 43 is a position corresponding to the inner surface of the liquid collection recess 50d, and a position that is the first end side (front end side) in the front-rear direction Y of the base surface 50a. Is provided.

  The basal plane 50a is inclined so that the end side (the left oblique front side in FIG. 5) on the outlet 59 side in the left-right direction X is lowered. Further, an injection port 52 for injecting ink into the ink chamber 50 is disposed above the base surface 50a.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, in the ink chamber 50, at least one or at least two (three in the present embodiment) intersecting the base surface 50 a located below the injection port 52. Crossing rib portions 101 to 103 are provided. The intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 protrude upward from the base surface 50a with a distance in the front-rear direction Y (an example of the first direction). Moreover, the cross rib parts 101-103 are provided so that it may extend along the left-right direction X (an example of a 2nd direction). Note that the front-rear direction Y in the present embodiment is a direction along the direction away from the injection port 52 while intersecting the gravity direction, and is the longitudinal direction of the ink chamber 50. Further, the left-right direction X is a direction orthogonal to the bidirectional direction of the gravity direction and the front-rear direction Y.

  In the present embodiment, the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 among the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are formed in the front-rear direction Y closer to the outlet 59 than the injection port 52. That is, the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 are formed at a position between the inlet 52 and the outlet 59 in the front-rear direction Y and function as an example of the second rib. Further, the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 are located at a position where the first intersecting rib portion 101 is further away from the injection port 52 than the second intersecting rib portion 102, and the second intersecting rib portion 102 is Compared to the first intersecting rib portion 101, it is located on the injection port 52 side. The first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 are the first region on the basal plane 50a side of the ink chamber 50 on the outlet port 59 side (front side) and the front region in the front-rear direction Y. Partition into the second region on the opposite side.

  The intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 have different projecting heights upward from the base surface 50a. That is, among the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103, the protruding height of the first intersecting rib portion 101 that is farthest from the inlet 52 in the front-rear direction Y and is closest to the outlet 59 is the second intersecting rib portion 102 and the third intersecting rib portion 102. Larger than the protruding height of the intersecting rib portion 103. Further, the protruding height of the second intersecting rib portion 102 is the protruding height of the third intersecting rib portion 103 located at a position farther (from the rear side) from the outlet 59 in the front-rear direction Y than the second intersecting rib portion 102. Bigger than that. In other words, the height of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 gradually decreases as the distance from the outlet 59 increases. Therefore, the intervals between the upper surface 50e of the ink chamber 50 where the injection port 52 is disposed and the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are different. Specifically, the distance between the second intersecting rib portion 102 and the upper surface 50e is wider than the distance between the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the upper surface 50e, and is smaller than the distance between the third intersecting rib portion 103 and the upper surface 50e. .

  Note that the base bottom surface 50 a and the step bottom surface 50 b as an example of the bottom surface of the ink chamber 50 are positioned below the injection port 52. The upper surface 50e of the ink chamber 50 is a surface that faces the lower side and is positioned above the base surface 50a and the step bottom surface 50b. That is, in this embodiment, the injection port 52 is formed on the upper surface 50e, and the lower surface of the partition wall 48b is the upper surface 50e.

  Moreover, the 1st extension part 104 as an example of the extension part extended on the opposite side (rear side) from the outlet 59 is formed in each cross rib part 101-103. The first extending portion 104 is substantially perpendicular to the top surface so that the width in the front-rear direction Y gradually increases from the container opening 48 a side of the container case 48 toward the right side surface 50 f of the ink chamber 50. It is formed orthogonal to the right side surface 50f so as to have a triangular shape. The right side surface 50f extends along the front-rear direction Y and extends along the up-down direction Z.

  That is, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 and the first extending portion 104 are orthogonal to the right side surface 50f of the housing case 48 and protrude from the right side surface 50f side toward the housing opening 48a side. It is integrally molded with the case 48. In other words, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 and the first extending portion 104 are formed so as to protrude from the right side surface 50 f of the ink chamber 50.

  Furthermore, in the left-right direction X, the widths of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are substantially equal to the width from the right side surface 50f serving as the inner surface of the container case 48 to the container opening 48a. That is, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are formed in the left-right direction X in the ink chamber 50. Therefore, when the film 49 is bonded to the container opening 48a, the film 49 is also bonded to the bonding surfaces 101a to 103a that are the left ends of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103. Moreover, the lower end of each cross rib part 101-103 is recessedly formed toward the right side surface 50f side from the adhesive surfaces 101a-103a. Therefore, when the film 49 is adhered to the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103, the portion of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 where the recess is formed functions as the first communication portion 105. That is, the 1st communication part 105 is provided between the base 50a and each of the cross rib parts 101-103.

  Moreover, each cross rib part 101-103 is spaced apart and formed from the upper surface 50e. Therefore, when the film 49 is bonded, the upper side of each of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 functions as the second communication portion 106. That is, the second communication portion 106 is provided between the upper surface 50e and each of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 13. Further, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 have a plurality (two in the present embodiment) of communication portions 105 and 106 at different positions in the vertical direction Z. Moreover, since the protrusion height from the base face 50a differs in the 1st cross rib part 101 and the 2nd cross rib part 102, the height from each upper surface 50e of the 1st cross rib part 101 and the 2nd cross rib part 102 is high. Are different from each other. Therefore, the communicating portions 106 of the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 are provided at different positions in the vertical direction Z. And the area | region divided in the front-back direction Y by each cross rib part 101-103 communicates via the communication parts 105 and 106. FIG.

  Further, in the ink chamber 50, at least two, three or more (eight in the present embodiment) first rib portions 111 to 118 as the first ribs are disposed at a position behind the injection port 52. Is formed. That is, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are provided in the front-rear direction Y so as to extend along the left-right direction X at a position opposite to the outlet 59 (rear side) when viewed from the injection port 52. Further, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 extend along the vertical direction Z, which is a direction intersecting the step bottom surface 50b, and are formed at a distance in the front-rear direction Y.

  The vertical rib portions 111 to 118 have gaps with the step bottom surface 50b and the partition wall 48b in the vertical direction Z, and have gaps with the rear side surface 50g of the ink chamber 50 in the front-rear direction Y. That is, at least a part of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 is located between the upper surface 50e and the step bottom surface 50b in the vertical direction Z.

  Further, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are positioned at a distance above so as to be separated from the step bottom surface 50b. Further, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are positioned at a distance downward so as to be separated from the partition wall 48b. In addition, on the front and rear sides of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118, the upper surface is such that the width in the front-rear direction Y gradually increases from the container opening 48 a side to the right side 50 f side (right side) of the container case 48. A second extending portion 119 having a substantially right triangle shape as viewed is formed perpendicular to the right side surface 50f.

  Further, the reinforcement projecting upward from the step bottom surface 50b between the second vertical rib portion 112 and the third vertical rib portion 113 and between the fifth vertical rib portion 115 and the sixth vertical rib portion 116. The 1st protrusion part 121 as an example of a rib part is formed. Furthermore, the 2nd protrusion part 122 which protrudes toward the downward direction from the partition wall 48b is formed in the upper position of the 1st protrusion part 121. As shown in FIG. The protrusions 121 and 122 have a substantially right triangle shape in front view so that the width in the vertical direction Z gradually decreases from the right side surface 50f toward the container opening 48a side (left side).

  The vertical rib portions 111 to 118, the second extending portion 119, and the projecting portions 121 and 122 are accommodated so as to be orthogonal to the right side surface 50f and project from the right side surface 50f side toward the container opening 48a side. It is integrally molded with the body case 48. In other words, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118, the second extending portion 119, and the protruding portions 121 and 122 are formed to protrude from the right side surface 50f.

  Furthermore, the width of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 in the left-right direction X is substantially equal to the width from the right side surface 50f to the container opening 48a. That is, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are formed in the left-right direction X in the ink chamber 50. Therefore, when the film 49 is bonded to the container opening 48a, the film 49 is also bonded to the bonding surfaces 111a to 118a that are the left ends of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118. Therefore, when the film 49 is bonded to the vertical rib portions 111 to 118, the region partitioned by the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 in the front-rear direction Y is a gap between the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 and the step bottom surface 50b. And the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 communicate with each other through a gap between the partition wall 48b.

Next, the air chamber 200 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, the air chamber 200 is interposed between the ink chamber 50 and the atmosphere opening 60 in the ink tank 43, and the ink tank 43 is fixed to the recording apparatus 12 when in use. In the state (the posture state shown in FIGS. 3 to 7), the arrangement configuration is located above the ink chamber 50 with the partition wall 48 b as a boundary. The air chamber 200 includes a plurality of air chambers 200a to 200j (10 chambers in the present embodiment) partitioned such that the wall surfaces are adjacent in the front-rear direction Y by partition walls 201 to 209 along the left-right direction X. Has been.

  The first air chamber 200a on the rearmost side (the leftmost side in FIGS. 5 and 13) among the plurality of air chambers 200a to 200j communicates with the partition wall 48b which is also the bottom wall of the chamber. It communicates with the ink chamber 50 through the port 210. On the other hand, among the air chambers 200a to 200j, the 10th air chamber 200j on the foremost side (the rightmost side in FIGS. 5 and 13) is an air release formed on the upper wall of the housing case 48 which is also the upper wall of the chamber. The air communicates with the atmosphere through the mouth 60.

  The first partition wall 201 located on the rearmost side among the partition walls 201 to 209 partitions the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b on the front side thereof, and the second air chamber 200b. The second partition wall 202 facing from the front side partitions the second air chamber 200b and the third air chamber 200c on the front side. Similarly, each of the partition walls 203 to 208 from the third partition wall 203 to the eighth partition wall 208 includes air chambers located in the front and rear of each (for example, the air chamber 200c and the air chamber 200d, the air chamber 200d and the air chamber). 200e etc.). The ninth partition wall 209 located on the foremost side partitions the foremost tenth air chamber 200j and the ninth air chamber 200i behind it.

  In addition, the air chambers 200a to 200j partitioned from the partition walls 201 to 209 and arranged in series in the front-rear direction Y from the first air chamber 200a to the tenth air chamber 200j are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction Y ( For example, the air chamber 200a and the air chamber 200b, the air chamber 200b and the air chamber 200c, and the like) communicate with each other so as to allow ventilation.

Therefore, a communication configuration between the air chambers 200a to 200j will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 13, a surface portion other than the first partition wall 201 on the inner surface of the first air chamber 200 a (a surface portion on the inner back side of the first air chamber 200 a in FIG. 13) is in the first partition wall 201. A first opening 211 having an opening area smaller than the area of the wall surface facing the first air chamber 200a is formed through the side wall 48c of the container case 48 opposite to the container opening 48a. Similarly, the second air in the first partition wall 201 is formed on a surface portion other than the first partition wall 201 on the inner surface of the second air chamber 200b (the surface portion on the inner back side of the second air chamber 200b in FIG. 13). A second opening 212 having an opening area smaller than the area of the wall surface facing the small chamber 200 b is formed so as to penetrate the side wall 48 c of the container case 48.

  The first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are formed at positions where the distance from the partition wall 48b to the first opening 211 in the vertical direction Z is equal to the distance from the partition wall 48b to the second opening 212. Incidentally, in the present embodiment, at each corner position near the partition wall 48b and near the wall surface of the first partition wall 201 in the inner surface of the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b. The first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are each formed. That is, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are formed at respective positions that are line-symmetric with respect to the first partition wall 201.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, a third partition wall between the air chambers 200c and 200d is formed on the inner surface of the third air chamber 200c and on the inner surface of the fourth air chamber 200d. A first opening 211 and a second opening 212 having an opening area smaller than the wall surface area in 203 are formed through the side wall 48 c of the container case 48. In this case, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are also in the vicinity of the partition wall 48b and near the wall surface of the third partition wall 203, that is, with reference to the third partition wall 203. It is formed at each position that is line symmetric.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 13, the fifth section between the air chambers 200e and 200f is also provided on the inner surface of the fifth air chamber 200e and the inner surface of the sixth air chamber 200f. A first opening 211 and a second opening 212 having an opening area smaller than the wall surface area of the wall 205 are formed through the side wall 48 c of the container case 48. In this case, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are also in the vicinity of the partition wall 48b and near the wall surface of the fifth partition wall 205, that is, based on the fifth partition wall 205 as a reference. It is formed at each position that is line symmetric.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the container case 48 of the ink tank 43, the outer surface (the right side surface in the present embodiment) on the side wall 48c opposite to the container opening 48a side has one end. Serpentine long groove portions 213 a to 213 c are formed such that the side communicates with the first opening 211 and the other end communicates with the second opening 212. In the case of the present embodiment, the first opening 211 communicating with the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b communicated with the second air chamber 200b in the rearmost region in the upper part of the outer surface of the side wall 48c of the container case 48. A first long groove portion 213a that connects the opening 212 is formed.

  The first opening 211 that communicates with the third air chamber 200c and the second opening 212 that communicates with the fourth air chamber 200d are connected to a region adjacent to the front side of the region where the first long groove portion 213a is formed. A second long groove portion 213b is formed. Further, the first opening 211 communicating with the fifth air chamber 200e and the second opening 212 communicating with the sixth air chamber 200f are connected to a region adjacent to the front side of the formation region of the second long groove portion 213b. A third long groove portion 213c is formed.

  And as an example of the coating | coated member arrange | positioned so that the outer surface of the side wall 48c of the container case 48 may cover each long groove part 213a-213c so that the formation area of these three long groove parts 213a-213c may be coat | covered. The film 214 is bonded (for example, heat welding). As a result, on the outer surface side of the side wall 48 c of the container case 48, three continuous passages each having a channel cross-sectional area smaller than the area of the wall surfaces of the first, third, and fifth partition walls 201, 203, 205 are provided. Passages 221, 223, and 225 are formed between the three long groove portions 213a to 213c and the film 214 that covers them.

  Since these three communication passages 221, 223, and 225 are formed along meandering long groove portions 213a to 213c, an air chamber (for example, an air chamber) with which each of the communication passages 221, 223, and 225 communicates individually. The first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are connected at a distance longer than the distance between the air chamber 200a and the air chamber 200b). As can be understood from FIGS. 10 and 13, these three communication passages 221, 223, and 225 have a flow path portion (see FIG. 5) that is spaced upward from the partition wall 48 b more than the first opening 211 and the second opening 212. 10, the long groove portions 213a to 213c have groove portions 221a, 223a, and 225a extending in the horizontal direction at the uppermost position. That is, the distance from the partition wall 48b to at least a part of the communication paths 221, 223, and 225 (for example, the flow path portions 221a, 223a, and 225a) is larger than the distance from the partition wall 48b to the first opening 211. .

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 13, among the partition walls 201 to 209, the second partition wall 202, the fourth partition wall 204, the sixth partition wall 206, and the seventh partition wall 207 are Communication passages 222, 224, 226, and 227 that pass through the partition walls 202, 204, 206, and 207 in the front-rear direction Y are formed. Specifically, the partition walls 202, 204, 206, and 207 have a rectangular wall surface, and the partition wall is located on the container opening 48 a side of the container case 48 on the rectangular wall surface. The communication passages 222, 224, 226, and 227 are formed so as to form rectangular cutouts at the corners on the 48 b side. Then, the air adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction Y of the partition walls 202, 204, 206, and 207 in which the communication passages 222, 224, 226, and 227 are formed through these communication passages 222, 224, 226, and 227. The small chambers, for example, the seventh air small chamber 200g and the eighth air small chamber 200h communicate with each other so as to allow ventilation.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, the upper surface of the housing case 48 where the air opening 60 is formed is positioned so as to straddle the eighth air chamber 200h and the ninth air chamber 200i in the front-rear direction Y. Is formed such that a straight narrow groove 215 having a narrow width in the left-right direction X extends in the front-rear direction Y. In the narrow groove 215, a through hole 216a that communicates with the eighth air chamber 200h is formed in one end that is located above the eighth air chamber 200h so as to penetrate in the vertical direction Z, and the ninth air chamber 200i. A through hole 216b communicating with the ninth air chamber 200i is formed in the up-down direction Z at the other end which is the upper position of the first air chamber.

  Similarly, on the upper surface of the housing case 48, a concave groove 217 having a rectangular shape in plan view from above is formed at a position that is lateral to the narrow groove 215 in the left-right direction X (leftward in the present embodiment). Has been. In addition, a filter (not shown) that allows gas such as air to pass therethrough but restricts permeation of liquid such as ink and water is disposed in the concave groove 217. A through-hole 218a communicating with the ninth air chamber 200i is formed in the vertical direction Z at one corner that is the upper position of the ninth air chamber 200i in the concave groove 217.

  Similarly, on the upper surface of the housing case 48, a through hole 218b communicating with the tenth air chamber 200j is formed in the vertical direction Z at a position above the tenth air chamber 200j on the extended line of the narrow groove 215. ing. Similarly, on the upper surface of the housing case 48, at a position that is on the side of the groove 217 in the front-rear direction Y (front side in the present embodiment), the inside of the groove 217 formed with the through-hole 218a and the through-hole 218b. A meandering narrow groove 219 is formed to connect the two. The opening areas of the through holes 216a, 216b, 218a, 218b are the same as the opening areas of the first opening 211 and the second opening 212, and the groove widths of the narrow grooves 215, 219 are the long groove portions 213a to 213c. It is the same as the groove width.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a film 220 as an example of a covering member disposed so as to cover the narrow grooves 215 and 219 and the concave groove 217 is adhered (for example, heat welding) to the upper surface of the housing case 48. ing. As a result, on the upper surface of the container case 48, the two communication passages 228 and 229 having a smaller channel cross-sectional area than the areas of the wall surfaces of the eighth and ninth partition walls 208 and 209, respectively, are two narrow grooves. 215, 219 and the groove 217 and the film 220 covering them. Therefore, the air chambers 200a to 200j constituting the air chamber 200 communicate with each other through the communication paths 221 to 229 as described above.

Next, the choke valve 45 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the choke valve 45 has a substantially L-shape that projects from the surface portion of the inner side surface of the tank case 42 that is in front of the ink tank 43 at intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. It is arranged in the inner part surrounded by the two fixing ribs 301. Therefore, the choke valve 45 is disposed between the front surface 43 b of the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42. In this case, the front surface 43b of the ink tank 43 constitutes a part of the side surface of the ink tank 43 excluding the bottom surface 43c (see FIG. 10) and the top surface 43d facing the bottom surface 43c. Further, the front surface 43 b of the ink tank 43 is the narrowest surface portion of the side surfaces of the ink tank 43. The choke valve 45 is positioned vertically and horizontally by these fixing ribs 301. A tube 31 extending from the ink tank 43 is inserted through the choke valve 45. The choke valve 45 is configured to be switchable between an open state that allows ink flow through the tube 31 and a closed state that restricts ink flow through the tube 31.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the case 302 constituting the exterior of the choke valve 45 has a pair of case units 303 and 304 each having a substantially rectangular box shape opened on one side so that the opening ends of the case units 303 and 304 overlap each other in the left-right direction X. By being connected to each other, a hollow box is formed. In this case, the opening ends of the case units 303 and 304 have a longitudinal direction Y as a longitudinal direction and a vertical direction Z as a short direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, of the pair of case units 303 and 304, the wall portions 303 a and 303 b on both the upper and lower sides of the left case unit 303 are recessed leftward from the opening end of the case unit 303. Recesses 305 are respectively formed. These concave portions 305 are formed at positions closer to the front than the center in the longitudinal direction of the opening end of the case unit 303 in the both wall portions 303 a and 303 b of the case unit 303. The concave portions 305 are arranged at the same position in plan view, and are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction Z. And when both case units 303 and 304 are connected and the case 302 is comprised, each recessed part 305 is connecting the inside and outside of the case 302. As shown in FIG. The tubes 31 can be inserted into the recesses 305 so as to penetrate the inside and outside of the case 302 in the vertical direction Z.

  Concave grooves 307a and 307b are formed on the inner side surfaces of the wall portions 303a and 303b on the upper and lower sides of the case unit 303. The concave grooves 307 a and 307 b are arranged at the center position in the longitudinal direction at the opening end of the case unit 303. Further, the concave grooves 307 a and 307 b extend from the open end of the case unit 303 toward the inner back side of the case unit 303.

  Concave grooves 307 c and 307 d are formed on the inner side surfaces of the wall portions 303 c and 303 d on both sides of the case unit 303. The concave grooves 307 c and 307 d are arranged at the center position in the short direction at the opening end of the case unit 303. Further, the concave grooves 307 c and 307 d extend from the open end of the case unit 303 toward the inner back side of the case unit 303.

  Inside the case unit 303, a slider 310 as an example of a displacement member is accommodated through an opening on the right side of the case unit 303. The slider 310 has a base body 311 having a horizontally long and substantially U shape extending in the front-rear direction Y. Both ends of the base body 311 in the front-rear direction Y are projecting portions 312a and 312b having a quadrangular prism shape. Further, at the center position in the front-rear direction Y of the base 311, a wall portion 313 having a rectangular plate shape is provided so as to extend in parallel with the protruding direction of the protruding portions 312 a and 312 b. In this case, in the wall portion 313, the left-right direction X, which is the protruding direction of the protruding portions 312a, 312b, is the longitudinal direction, and the up-down direction Z, which is the thickness direction of the base 311, is the short direction. And the dimension of the longitudinal direction of the wall part 313 is smaller than the protrusion dimension of projection part 312a, 312b. The dimension in the short direction of the wall 313 is larger than the dimension in the thickness direction of the base 311. Therefore, the wall portion 313 protrudes from both the upper and lower surfaces of the base 311.

  Of the outer surface of the base 311, pressing portions 315 a and 315 b each having a substantially rectangular plate shape extend from the inner bottom surface 314 facing the protruding direction of the protruding portions 312 a and 312 b between the protruding portions 312 a and 312 b. . Specifically, in the inner bottom surface 314 of the base 311, the pressing portion 315 a extends from a surface portion located between the protruding portion 312 a and the wall portion 313, and between the protruding portion 312 b and the wall portion 313. A pressing portion 315b extends from the surface portion that is positioned. And the front-end | tip part of the extension direction in these press part 315a, 315b becomes the taper shape smoothly curved in convex shape. In addition, the extension dimension of these press part 315a, 315b is smaller than the protrusion dimension of projection part 312a, 312b.

  A convex strip 317 having a semicircular cross section is formed on the outer bottom surface 316 opposite to the inner bottom surface 314 from which both pressing portions 315a and 315b extend in the base 311. The ridge 317 is located at the center in the vertical direction Z on the outer bottom surface 316 of the base 311, and extends over the entire area in the front-rear direction Y on the outer bottom 316 of the base 311.

  In the slider 310, the protrusions 312 a and 312 b of the base body 311 are engaged with the concave and convex grooves 307 c and 307 d of the case unit 303, and the wall portion 313 of the base body 311 is recessed in the concave grooves 307 a and 307 b of the case unit 303. Are engaged with the projections and depressions. Therefore, the slider 310 is accommodated in the case unit 303 while being positioned in the front-rear direction Y and the vertical direction Z.

  Convex engaging portions 320 are formed on the outer surfaces of the upper and lower wall portions 303 a and 303 b in the case unit 303 and the outer surfaces of the front and rear wall portions 303 c and 303 d in the case unit 303. Specifically, the engaging portion 320 is a surface portion close to the opening end of the case unit 303 among the outer surfaces of the wall portions 303a and 303b on the upper and lower sides of the case unit 303 and the opening end of the case unit 303. Are respectively formed on the surface portion which is the center in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the engaging portion 320 is formed at two positions with a vertical distance from the surface portion near the opening end of the case unit 303 among the outer surfaces of the wall portions 303c and 303d on both the front and rear sides of the case unit 303. Has been.

  Of the pair of case units 303 and 304, a recess 325 is provided in the front wall portion 304c of the right case unit 304 from the opening end of the case unit 304 toward the right. A rotation shaft 331 of the valve lever 47 is inserted inside the recess 325. The rotating shaft 331 is rotatably supported by the inner surface of the recess 325 by the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 331 coming into contact with the inner surface of the recess 325.

  A mounting portion 340 having a substantially rectangular tube shape with one surface opened is fitted from the outside to the front end portion which is one end side in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 331. Then, the latching claw 342 extended from the gripping portion 341 of the valve lever 47 is engaged with the attachment portion 340 from the inside through the opening of the attachment portion 340, whereby the gripping portion 341 of the valve lever 47 is engaged. It is connected to the attachment portion 340 so as to be integrally rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the grip portion 341 of the valve lever 47 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is gripped when the rotation shaft 331 of the valve lever 47 is rotated. The outer side surface 343 of the grip portion 341 is a curved surface in which one end side in the longitudinal direction (upper side in FIG. 20) is smoothly curved, and a concave groove 344 is formed in the curved surface. The concave groove 344 extends from one end side in the longitudinal direction of the outer side surface 343 of the grip portion 341 toward the center position.

  As shown in FIG. 21, a cam 345 is supported at an intermediate position in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 331. Specifically, a fitting recess 346 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 331, and the fitting protrusion 347 provided on the cam 345 is fitted into the fitting recess 346, thereby 345 is supported so as to be integrally rotatable with respect to the rotation shaft 331.

  The cam 345 has an outer shape that is substantially D-shaped when viewed from the side along the direction of the axis of the rotation shaft 331. The center position of the cam 345 is disposed at a position deviating from the position of the axis center J of the rotation shaft 331. That is, the cam 345 is supported in an eccentric state with respect to the rotation shaft 331.

  A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 that is farthest from the rotation shaft 331 is notched flat and forms a flat surface 348. A convex portion 350 is formed on a surface portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 that is deviated from the flat surface 348 about a half circumference around the rotation shaft 331.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the convex portion 350 is a curved surface 351 as an example of a first surface in which a surface portion located in the clockwise direction around the rotation shaft 331 in FIG. 21 is curved in a concave shape. 21, a surface portion located in the counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft 331 is a curved surface 352 as an example of a second surface curved in a convex shape. A portion of the convex portion 350 where the curved surfaces 351 and 352 intersect with each other is a corner portion 353 that is sharp so as to form an acute angle toward the normal direction of the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345. It should be noted that the surface portion between the convex portion 350 and the flat surface 348 on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 gradually increases the distance from the axis center J of the rotation shaft 331 from the convex portion 350 side toward the flat surface 348 side. A curved surface 355 is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, there are engaged portions 360 on the outer surfaces of the upper and lower walls 304 a and 304 b and the outer surfaces of the front and rear walls 304 c and 304 d of the case unit 304. Is extended. The engaged portion 360 is formed at a position corresponding to each engaging portion 320 of the case unit 303 in the left-right direction X, which is the overlapping direction of the case units 303 and 304, and to the left of the opening end of the case unit 304. It protrudes toward. When the open ends of the case units 303 and 304 are overlapped with each other, the engaging portion 320 of the case unit 303 is engaged with the engaged portion 360 of the case unit 304, thereby Units 303 and 304 are connected. When the case units 303 and 304 are connected, the slider 310 and the rotation shaft 331 of the valve lever 47 are fastened and fixed in a state of being sandwiched between the case units 303 and 304. In this case, the ridge 317 of the slider 310 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotation shaft 331 of the valve lever 47 are arranged to face each other in the left-right direction X.

  A bracket 361 having a rectangular plate shape is vertically extended on the outer surface of the upper wall 304 a of the case unit 304. The bracket 361 has a through-hole 362 penetrating in the thickness direction. The fixing screw 363 is screwed into a screw hole 364 (see FIG. 15) formed in the inner surface of the tank case 42 with the fixing screw 363 (see FIG. 16) inserted through the through hole 362 of the bracket 361. Thus, the choke valve 45 is attached to the inner side surface of the tank case 42. The dimension of the case 302 in the left-right direction X of the choke valve 45 is smaller than the dimension of the tank case 42 in the left-right direction X. Therefore, the choke valve 45 is attached to the inner side surface of the tank case 42 in a state where the choke valve 45 is accommodated within the dimension in the thickness direction of the tank case 42.

Next, another configuration of the tank case 42 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the tank case 42 is positioned below the window 42a and at a position between the fourth case locking portion 68d and the fifth case locking portion 68e. A handle 71 is formed. Further, at the position where the fourth case locking portion 68d and the fifth case locking portion 68e are formed on the lower surface of the tank case 42, there is an engaging recess 72 that engages with the reinforcing mounting rib portion 34f on the mounting surface 13a side. It is formed on the case opening 42b side.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, a trough 42 c whose height in the vertical direction Z is one step lower than the upper surface is formed at the front side position on the upper surface of the tank case 42. The first case locking portion 68a is formed so as to be located in the valley portion 42c. A covering portion 73 is formed around the first case locking portion 68a. The covering portion 73 covers the first case locking portion 68a from the rear and above and opens on the right side. Therefore, the screw 36 screwed into the first case locking portion 68 a is hidden by the covering portion 73 from the user who looks down on the tank unit 27.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 25, when the ink tank 43 is attached to the tank case 42, the trough portion 42c receives the entry of the cylindrical portion 53 from the left side, which is the case opening 42b side, into the trough portion 42c. A receiving portion 74 having a U-shape in top view is formed. Further, in the valley portion 42c, the rear of the receiving portion 74 is formed one step higher than the position where the receiving portion 74 is formed, and a mounting portion 75 on which the closing member 58 can be mounted is formed. Yes. Therefore, the length of the anchoring portion 58a is set to such a length that the closing member 58 can be positioned alternatively to the cylindrical portion 53 and the placement portion 75.

  The mounting portion 75 includes a ring portion 75a formed in an annular shape whose inner peripheral shape is slightly larger than the outer peripheral shape of the fitting portion 58c of the closing member 58, and a fitting portion 58c positioned inside the ring portion 75a. The crus part 75b is slightly smaller than the inner peripheral shape. The crucible portion 75b has a shape in which vertical plate portions extending in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X intersect each other in a cross shape, and on each side surface in the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X of each vertical plate portion. A projection 75 c having a substantially triangular shape in top view and extending along the vertical direction Z is formed so as to protrude from the side surface. Therefore, when the closing member 58 is placed on the placement portion 75, the fitting portion 58c is positioned inside the ring portion 75a, and the inner peripheral surface thereof is brought into contact with the protrusion 75c of the cruise portion 75b. Supported in state.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the tank case 42 is formed with a pair of rail portions 76a, 76b as an example of support portions that support the cover 44 so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction Y so as to extend in the front-rear direction Y. Has been. Further, a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) ridges 77 extending along the front-rear direction Y are formed between the pair of rail portions 76a and 76b. Of the pair of rail portions 76a and 76b, the rear end upper surface of the first rail portion 76a located on the right side and the rear end upper surface (not shown) of the second rail portion 76b located on the left side are chamfered.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a pair of stopper recesses 78a and 78b are formed in the first rail portion 76a with an interval in the front-rear direction. The pair of stopper recesses 78a and 78b are chamfered on the inner side surface which is the other side of the front and rear inner surfaces. That is, the front first stopper recess 78a has a chamfered rear inner surface, and the rear second stopper recess 78b has a chamfered front inner surface.

  As shown in FIG. 26, the cover 44 includes an upper wall 44a, and a right wall 44b, a left wall 44c, and a rear wall 44d that are continuous with the upper wall 44a, respectively. The height of the right wall 44b and the rear wall 44d in the vertical direction Z is substantially the same, whereas the height of the left wall 44c is lower than the right wall 44b and the rear wall 44d.

  A pair of slidable contact portions 80 that engage with and slide in contact with the first rail portion 76a are formed on the inner surface, which is the surface on the left wall 44c side of the right wall 44b, with an interval in the front-rear direction Y. In addition, a pair of sliding contact portions 80 that engage with and slide in contact with the second rail portion 76b are formed on the inner surface of the left wall 44c on the right wall 44b side with an interval in the front-rear direction Y. . Note that the sliding contact portions 80 are alternately formed with their positions shifted in the front-rear direction Y. Further, of the pair of sliding contact portions 80 formed on the right wall 44b, a stopper convex portion 80a that can be engaged with the stopper concave portions 78a and 78b is formed on the sliding contact portion 80 positioned on the front side.

  The cover 44 is between the concealment position A shown in FIG. 27 where the stopper convex portion 80a engages with the stopper concave portion 78a and the non-concealment position B shown in FIG. 28 where the stopper convex portion 80a engages with the stopper concave portion 78b. Is slid in the front-rear direction Y.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, when the stopper convex portion 80a is engaged with the first stopper concave portion 78a, the cover 44 is placed on the cylindrical portion 53 in which the injection port 52 is formed. It is located at the concealment position A where the part 75 is concealed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, when the stopper convex portion 80 a is engaged with the second stopper concave portion 78 b, the cover 44 is located at a non-hiding position B different from the hiding position A, and the injection port 52 The cylindrical part 53 and the mounting part 75 in which are formed appear.

  7 and 27, the size of the cover 44 in the front-rear direction Y is smaller than the size of the tank case 42. When the cover 44 is positioned at the concealment position A, the cover 44 is above the tank case 42. Fits in. Further, when the ink tank 43 is fixed to the tank case 42, the cylindrical portion 53 is positioned so that the end surface 52 a of the injection port 52 is higher than the receiving portion 74 of the tank case 42, and the closed portion fitted to the cylindrical portion 53. The member 58 is formed so that the height thereof is lower than that of the cover 44 positioned at the concealment position A.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3, 23, and 28, the screws 36 screwed into the second case locking portion 68 b and the third case locking portion 68 c are hidden by the cover 44 attached to the tank case 42. It is. Further, the screw 36 screwed into the fourth case locking portion 68d and the fifth case locking portion 68e is hidden from the user who looks down on the unit by the tank unit 27 itself.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper wall 44a of the cover 44 is formed with a non-slip portion 82 that protrudes upward so that the overall shape is substantially triangular. Further, at the position behind the anti-slip portion 82 in the cover 44, characters, diagrams, and the like indicating the type of ink stored in the tank unit 27, a warning for injecting different types of ink, etc., an ink injection method A label 83 on which is written or a caution is attached. A similar label 83 is concealed by the cover 44 when the cover 44 is located at the concealment position A on the right side surface and front concave portion 46 of the tank case 42 and the attachment surface 13a, while the cover 44 is not concealed. It is also attached to the part that appears when it is located at B.

Next, the maximum fluctuation range of the ink liquid level 51 and the state of ink supply from the ink tank 43 to the liquid ejecting head 32 will be described.
By the way, the recording apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment supplies the ink contained in the ink chamber 50 to the liquid ejecting head 32 using the water head difference. Therefore, if the liquid level 51 fluctuates greatly in the vertical direction Z, ink cannot be supplied satisfactorily from the ink tank 43 to the liquid ejecting head 32. Specifically, when the liquid ejecting head 32 is located at a position considerably lower than the liquid level 51, there is a possibility that ink leaks from the liquid ejecting head 32, whereas the liquid ejecting head 32 is located above the liquid level 51. If it is at a considerably high position, ink may not be supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32.

  In the recording apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, when the maximum fluctuation width in the vertical direction Z of the ink liquid surface 51 (see FIG. 6) is 75 mm or more, the ink cannot be satisfactorily supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32. That is, for example, when the liquid ejecting head 32 is arranged in accordance with the case where the maximum amount of ink is accommodated in the ink chamber 50, when the ink is consumed and the liquid level 51 is lowered, the ink remains in the ink chamber 50. Also, the ink could not be supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32. Further, for example, if the liquid ejecting head 32 is arranged in accordance with the consumption of the ink in the ink chamber 50 and the liquid level 51 is lowered, the ink leaks from the liquid ejecting head 32 when the maximum amount of ink is accommodated. It was.

  On the other hand, if the maximum fluctuation width in the vertical direction Z of the ink liquid surface 51 is 70 mm or less, even when the maximum amount of ink is stored in the ink chamber 50, or when the ink liquid surface 51 in the ink chamber 50 is lowered. However, the ink could be supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32.

  However, when the maximum fluctuation range of the liquid level 51 is 70 mm, good supply may not be possible due to an assembly error or a manufacturing error between the liquid ejecting head 32 and the ink tank 43. Therefore, when the maximum fluctuation width is 55 mm or less, the ink can be satisfactorily supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32 even when there are some assembly errors and manufacturing errors. Further, when the maximum fluctuation width is 40 mm or less, for example, even when the installation surface of the recording apparatus 12 is slightly inclined, the ink can be satisfactorily supplied from the ink tank 43 to the liquid ejecting head 32.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the height in the vertical direction Z from the lower limit scale 64a to the upper limit scale 64b is set to 40 mm or less. That is, the user injects ink from the inlet 52 so that the ink level 51 rises to the upper limit scale 64b when the ink level 51 drops to the lower limit scale 64a. Accordingly, since the fluctuation range of the ink liquid level 51 when the liquid ejecting head 32 is normally used can be set to 40 mm or less, the ink in the ink chamber 50 is supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32 satisfactorily.

  Further, the height in the vertical direction Z from the lower end (an example of the bottom surface) of the opening of the outlet port 59 formed in the ink chamber 50 to the upper limit scale 64b is set to 55 mm or less. Therefore, for example, even when the user continues printing without noticing that the ink level 51 has decreased to the lower limit scale 64a, the liquid ejecting head 32 remains when ink remains in the ink chamber 50. Ink is supplied.

Next, the shape of the ink chamber 50 will be described.
If the height of the ink chamber 50 in the vertical direction Z is limited, ink can be supplied satisfactorily to the liquid ejecting head 32, but the amount of ink that can be stored in the ink chamber 50 is reduced. Therefore, the ink tank 43 of the present embodiment secures an amount of ink that can be accommodated in the ink chamber 50 by increasing the width in the front-rear direction Y and increasing the horizontal sectional area.

  Specifically, it is assumed that the size of the ink chamber 50 in the left-right direction X is depth D, the size in the front-rear direction Y is width W, and the size in the up-down direction Z is height H. In the ink chamber 50, when the ink corresponding to 5% of the amount that can be stored in the ink chamber 50 is derived from the outlet 59, the fluctuation range of the ink liquid level 51 in the ink chamber 50 is changed to the ink chamber 50. It has a region (for example, a region in the vertical direction Z from at least the lower limit scale 64a to the upper limit scale 64b in FIG. 10) that is 5% or less of the cube root of the accommodation capacity. In the following description, the condition relating to the shape of the ink chamber 50 is referred to as a shape condition, and the capacity that can be accommodated in the ink chamber 50 is referred to as a maximum capacity.

For example, when the ink chamber 50 has a cubic shape in which the depth D in the left-right direction X, the width W in the front-rear direction Y, and the height H in the up-down direction Z are equal (D = W = H), the ink liquid surface 51. Satisfies the shape condition in any position. Specifically, in the case of a cubic shape, the fluctuation range (0.05 × D × W × H / (D × W)) of the liquid level 51 when 5% of the maximum capacity is derived is the maximum. It becomes equal to 5% (0.05 × (D × W × H) ^1/3 ) of the cube root of the accommodation amount.

  Therefore, the shape condition is satisfied if the shape is a rectangular parallelepiped longer in the front-rear direction Y or the left-right direction X than the cubic shape. That is, when the height H of the ink chamber 50 is smaller than the depth D and the width W, the shape condition is satisfied. Specifically, the shape condition is satisfied if the bottom area (D × W) of the ink chamber or the area of the liquid surface 51 (horizontal cross-sectional area of the ink chamber 50) is equal to or higher than the square of the height H. However, the shape condition may be satisfied even when the height H is larger than either the depth D or the width W. For example, even when the depth D is half of the height H, the shape condition is satisfied if the width W is twice or more the height H.

Next, the fluctuation range of the ink liquid level 51 in the ink chamber 50 when ink equivalent to 5% of the maximum capacity is derived will be described.
The minimum fluctuation width (hereinafter simply referred to as “minimum fluctuation width”) of the ink liquid level 51 in the ink chamber 50 when ink equivalent to 5% of the maximum storage capacity is derived is the third root of the maximum storage capacity. If it is 6% or more, it is not possible to ensure a sufficient amount of ink that can be stored in the ink chamber 50.

  On the other hand, when the minimum fluctuation range is 5% or less of the third root of the maximum capacity, the ink can be sufficiently stored in the ink chamber 50, but the minimum fluctuation width is the third root of the maximum capacity. Is more preferably 4% or less.

Hereinafter, an operation when the ink tank 43 is fixed to the apparatus main body 13 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 16, first, the ink tank 43 is inserted from the case opening 42b of the tank case 42, and the positioning convex portions 67a and 67b and the positioning concave portions 63a and 63b are fitted into the concave and convex portions for alignment. At this time, the left portion of the film 49 is folded into the tank case 42. Further, the mounting screw 61 is screwed into the tank locking portion 62 and the screwing portion 66 to fix the ink tank 43 to the tank case 42. That is, the tank case 42 protects the ink tank 43 by covering the ink tank 43 from the outside. Further, the choke valve 45 into which the tube 31 is inserted is attached to the tank case 42, and the tip of the tube 31 is inserted into the outlet 59.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23, the tank case 42 to which the ink tank 43 is fixed is aligned with the mounting surface 13a. That is, the tank case 42 surrounds the first mounting rib 34, engages the boss portion 38 and the engaging portion 69, and further engages the reinforcing mounting rib portion 34 f and the engaging recess 72.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the tank case 42 to which the ink tank 43 is attached is aligned with the attachment surface 13 a, the absorbent 39 is located at a position between the injection port 52 and the apparatus main body 13. The absorbent 39 has a greater thickness in the left-right direction X than the upper mounting rib portion 34a. Therefore, the absorber 39 interposed between the apparatus main body 13 and the ink tank 43 is compressed by being sandwiched between the apparatus main body 13 and the ink tank 43.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 23, when the tank case 42 is aligned with the mounting surface 13a, the case locking portions 68a to 68e and the screw boss portion 37 are aligned. Therefore, when the screws 36 are screwed into the case locking portions 68a to 68e, the case locking portions 68a to 68e and the screw boss portions 37 are screwed, and the tank case 42 and the apparatus main body 13 are fixed.

  In this state where the tank case 42 and the apparatus main body 13 are fixed, the region positions 49a, 49b, and 49c (see FIG. 13) of the film 49 protruding from the container opening 48a are the ink tank 43 and the tank. It is stored in a gap provided between the case 42 and the case 42. Further, the region 49d (see FIG. 14) of the region 49 of the film 49 that protrudes outside the tank case 42 is stored in a state of being folded into a gap provided between the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42 (FIG. 4). reference). Therefore, the film 49 does not protrude outside the tank case 42 in a state where the tank case 42 is fixed to the apparatus main body 13.

  When the tank case 42 is attached to the apparatus main body 13, the case opening 42 b of the tank case 42 is covered with the apparatus main body 13. Therefore, the apparatus main body 13 and the tank case 42 function as an example of a protective member that covers and protects the ink tank 43 from the outside, and the liquid supply system includes the apparatus main body 13, the tank case 42, the ink tank 43, and the absorbent 39. An example is configured.

  Subsequently, in a state where the tank case 42 is fixed to the apparatus main body 13, the cover 44 is mounted from the rear of the tank case 42 so that the rail portions 76 a and 76 b and the sliding contact portion 80 are engaged.

  Now, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the cover 44 is positioned at the non-hiding position B with the stopper convex portion 80a first engaging with the second stopper concave portion 78b located on the rear side. When the cover 44 positioned at the non-hiding position B is further pushed forward, the stopper convex portion 80a and the second stopper are arranged so that the stopper convex portion 80a rides on the chamfered front side surface of the second stopper concave portion 78b. The engagement of the recess 78b is released, and the cover 44 moves forward.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 29, the cover 44 is positioned at the concealment position A with the stopper convex portion 80a engaging the first stopper concave portion 78a. The first stopper recess 78a has a chamfered rear inner surface, and therefore, when the cover 44 positioned at the concealment position A is pushed rearward, the stopper protrusion 80a becomes the first stopper recess 78a. The stopper convex portion 80a and the first stopper concave portion 78a are disengaged so as to ride on the chamfered rear inner surface, and the cover 44 moves rearward.

Next, the operation when ink is injected into the ink tank 43 will be described.
Now, when the liquid level 51 of the ink accommodated in the ink tank 43 falls to the lower limit scale 64a, the user slides the cover 44 backward from the concealment position A to the non-concealment position B (see FIG. 28). Then, the closing member 58 and the placement portion 75 that are hidden by the cover 44 located at the hidden position A appear.

  Further, the user moves the closing member 58 fitted to the tip of the cylindrical portion 53 to the placement portion 75 and injects ink from the injection port 52. The injected ink can be confirmed from the window 42 a of the tank case 42.

  By the way, when ink is spilled as the ink is injected, the leaked ink flows along the injection port forming surface 54 in the direction away from the apparatus main body 13 and is blocked by the blocking protrusion 55. Even if the amount of leaked ink is large and should exceed the blocking protrusion 55, the leaked ink spreads along the stepped portion 54a to change the leaking direction. Further, for example, even when the ink has flown toward the apparatus main body 13, the leaked ink is absorbed by the absorbent material 39 interposed between the apparatus main body 13 and the tank unit 27.

  When the liquid level 51 rises to the upper limit scale 64b as the ink is injected, the user finishes the ink injection, returns the closing member 58 placed on the placement portion 75 to the cylindrical portion 53, and covers the cover. 44 is slid forward and moved to the concealment position A.

Next, the operation in the ink chamber 50 into which ink is injected will be described.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, when ink is injected from the injection port 52, the ink is guided backward so as to be blocked by the cross rib portions 101 to 103. Further, the first extending portion 104 is formed in the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103. Therefore, the flow of ink in the direction of getting over the cross rib portions 101 to 103 to the front side is suppressed by the first extension portion 104, and the ink tends to flow more rearward.

  Further, the ink flows backward through the gap between the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 and the step bottom surface 50b. Therefore, when the liquid level 51 (see FIG. 6) in the ink chamber 50 rises as the ink is injected and reaches the position where the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are formed, first, the ink flows backward first. It will be obstructed by the vertical rib portion 111. Therefore, the ink flow toward the rear changes.

  That is, vortexes are generated in the ink at a rear position downstream of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 in the flowing direction of ink (backward along the step bottom surface 50b in the present embodiment). Therefore, the ink flows in a direction (upward) intersecting the step bottom surface 50b. For this reason, for example, when the ink is injected several times, the previously injected ink is stirred by the vortex generated along with the flow of the ink injected later, and is injected later. Also mix with fresh ink.

  By the way, as the ink tank 43 can accommodate a large amount of ink, the time from when the ink is first injected until the next ink needs to be injected becomes longer. For this reason, for example, when pigment ink, which is an example of ink, is accommodated in the ink chamber 50, the pigment component of the ink may settle. However, since the ink remaining in the ink chamber 50 is agitated by newly injecting ink from the injection port 52, the density deviation in the ink chamber 50 is reduced.

Next, an operation when the multifunction machine 11 (recording apparatus 12) is transported in a usable state in which ink is stored in the ink tank 43 will be described.
When transporting the multifunction machine 11 (recording device 12) in which ink is stored in the ink tank 43, the choke valve 45 is first closed. In this state, for example, when a cardboard box packed with the multifunction machine 11 (recording device 12) is placed upside down, the ink tank 43 is more than the ink chamber 50 than the air chamber 200, as shown in FIG. Is in an inverted posture with the upper side positioned on the upper side.

  Then, ink starts to flow from the ink chamber 43 side of the ink tank 43 toward the air chamber 200 (specifically, the first air chamber 200a) through the communication port 210 due to the water head pressure. In a normal case, the water head pressure and the negative pressure of the ink chamber 50 are eventually balanced, so that the inflow of ink from the ink chamber 50 side to the air chamber 200 side through the communication port 210 stops.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 31, on the air chamber 200 side, the first air chamber 200a that communicates directly with the ink chamber 50 through the communication port 210 is filled with the inflowed ink. As shown, in the meandering communication path 221 corresponding to the first long groove portion 213a, the flow path portion 221a located at the lowest position at that time is filled with the inflowed ink. Then, since the gas-liquid exchange is impossible in the channel portion 221a located at the lowest position in the communication passage 221, a negative pressure is generated in the ink chamber 50. As a result, the negative pressure and the water head pressure are generated. And the flow of ink to the air chamber 200 side stops.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 35, when a vibration that further accelerates in the front-rear direction Y is applied to the ink tank 43 in the inverted state, the ink in the communication path 221 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 36, the inside of the communication path 221 moves in the direction in which the acceleration is applied. However, even in this case, the ink in the communication path 221 travels between one end side (first opening 211 side) and the other end side (second opening 212 side) in the communication path 221 according to the direction of acceleration. It does not flow out from the second opening 212 into the second air chamber 200b on the atmosphere opening 60 side. The length of the first long groove portion 213a that is a portion of the communication path 221 in the direction along the partition wall 48b is set to be longer than the distance between the first opening 211 and the second opening 212, but the first long groove portion 213a. Can be further suppressed from reaching the second opening 212 due to vibration in the front-rear direction Y.

  Then, the ink tank 43 is placed in an inverted position in which the ink chamber 50 is located on the upper side of the air chamber 200 shown in FIG. 31 and the like, and the air chamber 200 shown in FIG. When the posture is returned to the upper side, the ink flowing into the communication path 221 returns to the air chambers 200a and 200b from the first opening 211 and the second opening 212. Therefore, it is avoided that ink remains in the communication path 221 having a small flow path cross-sectional area and is dried and solidified.

Next, the operation when the choke valve 45 is switched from the closed state to the open state will be described.
Now, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, when the choke valve 45 is in the closed state, the concave groove 344 formed in the gripping portion 341 of the valve lever 47 is a circulation path centering on the rotation shaft 331. It is arranged at the lowermost position on the top.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 38, the tip portion of the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 is disposed at the valve closing position where it abuts on the flat surface 348 of the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345. Then, the slider 310 is pressed to the inner back side of the case unit 303 by the flat surface 348 of the cam 345.

  Therefore, the tube 31 inserted vertically through the inner back side of the case unit 303 is crushed by pressing the outer surface of the tube 31 by the tip portions of the pressing portions 315a and 315b of the slider 310. As a result, the tube 31 is restricted from flowing ink from the ink tank 43 side toward the liquid ejecting head 32 side through the portion crushed by the pressing portions 315a and 315b of the slider 310.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 39, the valve lever 47 is rotated about the rotation shaft 331 in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. Then, the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 rides on the curved surface 355 from the flat surface 348 of the cam 345 and is disposed at an intermediate position.

  In this case, the rotational resistance acting on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 from the slider 310 is different between the case where the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 rides on the curved surface 355 from the flat surface 348 of the cam 345 and the case where the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 moves to the cam 345. This is different from the case where the curved surface 355 is slid. Therefore, it is easily recognized that the choke valve 45 has started to switch from the closed state to the open state based on the change in resistance when the valve lever 47 is rotated in the valve opening direction.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40, the valve lever 47 is further rotated about the rotation shaft 331 in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. In this case, the curved surface 355 of the cam 345 gradually decreases in distance from the axis center J of the rotation shaft 331 from the flat surface 348 side toward the convex portion 350 side. Therefore, as the cam 310 rotates, the slider 310 gradually reduces the pressing force acting from the curved surface 355 of the cam 345 in the direction in which the tube 31 is crushed. In this case, in the slider 310, the tip portion of the pressing portion 315 a that is in contact with the outer surface of the tube 31 is pushed back according to the elastic return force of the tube 31. For this reason, the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 is maintained in a state of being in sliding contact with the curved surface 355 of the cam 345 when the cam 345 is rotated.

  Next, when the valve lever 47 is further rotated in the clockwise direction shown in FIG. 40 about the rotation shaft 331, the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345.

  Then, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the tip portion of the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 is located on the surface portion 356 (see FIG. 22) closest to the rotating shaft 331 on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345. It arrange | positions in the valve opening position which contact | abuts. That is, in this embodiment, the cam 345 has the convex part 350 in the surface site | part to which the convex strip 317 of the slider 310 slidably contacts, when the slider 310 displaces from an intermediate position to a valve opening position. The slider 310 further reduces the pressing force acting from the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 in the direction in which the tube 31 is crushed. As a result, the tube 31 is hardly crushed by the pressing portion 315a of the slider 310. Accordingly, the choke valve 45 is in an open state in which ink flow from the ink tank 43 side toward the liquid ejecting head 32 side is allowed.

  Here, when the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345, the rotational resistance acting on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 from the slider 310 causes the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 to move along the curved surface 355 of the cam 345. It becomes larger than the case of sliding. For this reason, it is easily recognized that the choke valve 45 has been switched to the open state based on the change in resistance when the valve lever 47 is rotated in the valve opening direction.

  Further, when the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345, the protrusion 317 collides with the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 and emits a sound. Therefore, it is easily recognized that the valve lever 47 has been switched to the valve open state.

  When the choke valve 45 is switched to the open state, the convex portion 350 of the cam 345 is locked by the convex strip 317 of the slider 310, so that the choke valve 45 is temporarily fixed to the open state. Therefore, even if the application of the external force for the rotation operation to the valve lever 47 is released, the choke valve 45 is reliably maintained in the open state.

  As shown in FIG. 20, when the choke valve 45 is in the open state, the concave groove 344 formed in the grip portion 341 of the valve lever 47 is the uppermost position on the circuit path around the rotation shaft 331. Placed in.

  By the way, when the choke valve 45 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345 in the same manner. However, when the choke valve 45 is switched from the valve-closed state to the valve-opened state, the curved surface 351 slidably contacting the convex strip 317 of the slider 310 in the convex portion 350 is curved so as to form a concave shape. On the other hand, when the choke valve 45 is switched from the open state to the closed state, the curved surface 352 slidably contacting the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 in the convex portion 350 is curved to form a convex shape.

  As a result, the rotational resistance that acts on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 from the slider 310 when the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345 switches the choke valve 45 from the closed state to the open state. This is larger than when the choke valve 45 is switched from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, when the choke valve 45 is switched to the open state, the magnitude of the rotational torque that acts on the cam 345 becomes relatively large. For this reason, since the amount of change in resistance during the turning operation of the cam 345 increases, it is more easily recognized that the choke valve 45 has been switched to the open state.

Next, the operation of the ink tank 43 when the multifunction machine 11 is installed obliquely will be described. The configuration of the ink tank 43 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.
In the multifunction machine 11, when the installation surface is inclined or the tank unit 27 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the apparatus main body 13 in an inclined state, the ink tank 43 may be inclined. .

  When the ink tank 43 is inclined so that the step bottom surface 50b side of the ink chamber 50 is higher than the base bottom surface 50a side, the ink flows from the step bottom surface 50b side to the base bottom surface 50a side. In this case, the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is collected in the liquid collection recess 50 d and then flows out through the outlet 59.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 41, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined such that the base bottom surface 50a side of the ink chamber 50 is higher than the step bottom surface 50b side, the ink flows to the step bottom surface 50b side. It is suppressed by the step side surface 50c. Since the outlet port 59 is provided on the base surface 50a side (right end side in FIG. 41) in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the bottom, the ink blocked by the step side surface 50c on the base surface 50a side is guided. It flows out from the outlet 59.

  At this time, if the ink tank 43 is not provided with the step bottom surface 50b and the step side surface 50c, the ink accumulated on the lower bottom side flows out from the outlet 59 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. Will remain. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the ink dammed to the base bottom surface 50a side by the stepped side surface 50c is collected in the liquid collection recess 50d and then flows out from the outlet port 59.

  As a result, the ink accumulated on the side of the step bottom surface 50b remains without flowing out from the outlet 59, but the remaining amount is smaller than when the step bottom surface 50b and the step side surface 50c are not provided. That is, when the ink tank 43 is inclined such that the first end side in the longitudinal direction where the outlet 59 is provided is raised, the amount of ink remaining at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 is reduced.

  In the recording apparatus 12, when it is visually recognized that the liquid level 51 in the ink chamber 50 is lowered through the viewing surface 43 a (see FIG. 1) provided in the container case 48 (see FIG. 1), the injection port Ink is replenished by injecting ink through 52.

  However, if the ink does not flow out from the outlet 59 and remains at the bottom of the ink chamber 50, the liquid level 51 can be seen from the viewing surface 43 a provided in the container case 48, but the ink is liquid ejecting head. 32 (see FIG. 1) can occur.

  Then, the ink is ejected in a state where the ink is not supplied through the outlet 59, and there is a possibility of causing a printing defect. Even when the remaining amount of ink in the ink chamber 50 is managed by integrating the amount of ink ejected from the liquid ejecting head 32, if the ink does not flow out from the outlet 59 and remains at the bottom of the ink chamber 50. There is a risk that similar printing defects may occur. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the amount of ink remaining at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 is reduced, so that such a concern is reduced.

  Further, in the recording apparatus 12, since the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is supplied to the liquid ejecting head 32 using the water head difference, the ink tank 43 increases the width in the front-rear direction Y while moving in the vertical direction. It has a horizontally long shape with a reduced height at Z. Therefore, when ink is injected into the ink chamber 50, there is a possibility that ink that has bounced off the bottom of the ink chamber 50 overflows from the injection port 52. In this respect, in the present embodiment, since the injection port 52 is disposed above the base surface 50a located at a position lower than the step bottom surface 50b, ink does not easily overflow from the injection port 52.

Next, the operation when the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is led out from the outlet 59 will be described.
As described above, the ink contained in the ink chamber 50 is agitated at the time of injection and the density deviation is reduced. However, as time passes, the pigment component settles and the ink density is uneven. Sometimes. That is, the ink positioned below has a high density (hereinafter referred to as “dark ink”), and the ink positioned above has a low density (hereinafter referred to as “thin ink”).

  Therefore, when the ink liquid level 51 is positioned higher than the first intersecting rib portion 101, the thin ink passes through the communicating portion 106 between the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the upper surface 50e, and the outlet port. It flows to 59 side. On the other hand, the dark ink flows through the communication portion 105 located at the lower end of the first intersecting rib portion 101 and flows toward the outlet 59. Accordingly, the ink is led out from the outlet 59 in a state where the dark ink and the light ink are mixed.

  When the ink is led out and the liquid level 51 is displaced to a position lower than the upper end of the first intersecting rib portion 101, the thin ink passes between the second intersecting rib portion 102 and the upper surface 50e toward the outlet port 59. Flowing. On the other hand, the dark ink flows to the outlet port 59 side through the communication portion 105 located at the lower end of the second intersecting rib portion 102. Further, the ink passes through the communication portion 105 of the first intersecting rib portion 101 in a state where the dark ink and the light ink are mixed, and is led out from the outlet port 59.

  Further, when the ink is led out and the liquid level 51 is displaced to a position lower than the upper end of the second intersecting rib portion 102, the thin ink passes through the communication portion 106 between the third intersecting rib portion 103 and the upper surface 50e and is guided. It flows to the exit 59 side. On the other hand, the dark ink passes through the communication portion 105 located at the lower end of the third intersecting rib portion 103 and flows toward the outlet 59. That is, the ink passes through the communication portion 105 of the second intersecting rib portion 102 and the communication portion 105 of the first intersecting rib portion 101 in a state where the dark ink and the light ink are mixed, and is led out from the outlet 59.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Inserting a positioning member, such as a pin, for positioning with respect to the holder when holding the film 49 held and moved by the holder, for example, for attachment to the container opening 48a of the container case 48 This can be easily performed using the possible through hole 49H. For this reason, the film 49 is transported to a position where the container opening 48a of the container case 48 is closed in a state where no displacement occurs, and is then attached to the container case 48 by, for example, welding. The Accordingly, the positional deviation of the film 49 attached to the container case 48 so as to seal the container opening 48a of the container case 48 with respect to the container opening 48a is suppressed.

  (2) Even when the film 49 has a shape having a longitudinal direction that is relatively likely to be displaced, the film 49 is positioned by using at least two through holes 49H that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the position shift of the film 49 attached to the container case 48 with respect to the container opening 48a can be suppressed.

  (3) In the ink tank 43, the outer region positions 49 a, 49 b, 49 c, 49 d of the film 49 that protrude outward from the container opening 48 a of the container case 48 are folded so as not to be exposed in the gap between the tank case 42 and the like. For example, the tank unit 27 that is preferable in appearance can be obtained.

  (4) Since the displacement of the film 49 attached to the container case 48 with respect to the container opening 48a can be suppressed, the recording apparatus 12 including the tank unit 27 having the ink chamber 50 with good sealing performance ( Liquid consumption device) can be realized.

  (5) Since ink is supplied from the ink chamber 50 of the tank unit 27 to the liquid ejecting head 32 via the tube 31, for example, the recording device 12 (liquid consuming device) capable of continuously supplying a large amount of ink to the liquid ejecting head 32. realizable.

  (6) Since the film 49 is prevented from being displaced with respect to the container opening 48a when attached to the container case 48, for example, a decrease in adhesion force due to a decrease in a welding area with the container case 48 is suppressed. As a result, a good sealing property of the ink tank 43 is obtained.

  (7) Since the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are provided apart from the step bottom surface 50b in the ink chamber 50, the ink injected into the ink chamber 50 from the injection port 52 extends along the step bottom surface 50b. It flows between the step bottom surface 50b and the vertical rib portions 111-118. Furthermore, when the flow of ink is hindered by the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 and the rear side surface 50g intersecting the step bottom surface 50b of the ink chamber 50, the ink flows in a direction intersecting the step bottom surface 50b. Therefore, even if the density of the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is uneven, the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is agitated by the flow of ink newly injected into the ink chamber 50. . That is, an upward flow can be generated even at a position away from the injection port 52 in the front-rear direction Y. Therefore, by injecting ink into the ink chamber 50, it is possible to easily eliminate the uneven density of the ink stored in the ink chamber 50.

  (8) The ink injected from the injection port 52 is led out from the lead-out port 59. Therefore, at a position opposite to the outlet port 59 when viewed from the inlet port 52, an ink flow accompanying the derivation of ink from the outlet port 59 occurs compared to a position between the inlet port 52 and the outlet port 59. Hateful. In that respect, since the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are provided on the side opposite to the outlet port 59 when viewed from the injection port 52, the ink existing at a position where the flow of ink accompanying the extraction hardly occurs is injected from the injection port 52. The ink can be stirred as the ink is injected. Therefore, by injecting ink into the ink chamber 50, it is possible to efficiently eliminate the uneven density of the ink stored in the ink chamber 50.

  (9) By forming the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 projecting from the right side surface 50 f in the ink chamber 50, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 can be easily formed. Furthermore, since the stirrable region can be increased by forming at least two vertical rib portions 111 to 118, the size of the ink chamber 50 can be further increased.

  (10) The vertical rib portions 111 to 118 extending in the direction intersecting the step bottom surface 50 b can inhibit the flow of ink along the front-rear direction Y, which is the direction away from the injection port 52. That is, the ink can be agitated by causing a swirl flow in the ink.

  (11) Since the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are provided between the injection port 52 and the outlet port 59, the ink flow from the injection port 52 toward the outlet port 59 can be inhibited. Therefore, for example, even when ink is vigorously injected from the injection port 52, the pressure applied to the ink near the outlet 59 can be reduced.

  (12) When the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is led out through the outlet 59, the ink flows through the communicating portions 105 and 106 located at different positions in the vertical direction Z. For this reason, even when the density of the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is uneven, it is possible to cause the inks having different densities to flow through the communication portions 105 and 106. Furthermore, since the positions of the communication portions 105 and 106 are different from each other, the at least two intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 can cause ink at different positions in the vertical direction Z to flow. Therefore, even when the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 is led out and the liquid level 51 is lowered, the low concentration liquid near the liquid level 51 and the high concentration liquid near the base 50a are mixed. Can be derived.

  (13) The flow of ink from the injection port 52 toward the outlet port 59 is further inhibited by increasing the protruding height of the first intersecting rib portion 101 located at a position away from the injection port 52 from the base surface 50a. be able to. On the other hand, since the protruding height from the base surface 50a of the second intersecting rib portion 102 located near the injection port 52 is small, the ink blocked by the first intersecting rib portion 101 having a large projecting height is discharged from the outlet port. A backward flow away from 59 is allowed. Therefore, the ink can be further stirred on the side away from the outlet 59 when viewed from the inlet 52.

  (14) Since the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 have the first extending portion 104, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the ink injected from the injection port 52 gets over the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103. Therefore, the pressure applied to the ink near the outlet 59 can be further reduced.

(15) It is possible to use the recording apparatus 12 that can easily eliminate the uneven density of the ink stored in the ink chamber 50.
(16) When the ink tank 43 is in a posture during use, the air chamber 200 is positioned above the ink chamber 50, and ink enters the air chamber 200 side from the ink chamber 50 side through the communication port 210. Since it is difficult, it is possible to prevent the ink from leaking outside through the atmosphere opening 60.

  (17) Even if the ink tank 43 is turned upside down from the posture at the time of use, the ink in the ink chamber 50 is once received by the internal space of the air chamber 200 through the communication port 210. Ink can be prevented from leaking directly from 50 to the outside. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ink stored inside from leaking to the outside through the atmosphere opening 60 even when it is turned upside down.

  (18) Even if ink flows from the ink chamber 50 into one air chamber 200a communicating with the communication port 210, the communication passage having a small flow path cross-sectional area is connected to the next air chamber 200b communicating with the air chamber 200a. Since it is necessary to pass through 221, the flow of ink toward the air chamber 200 j in which the atmosphere opening 60 is formed is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the ink stored inside from leaking outside through the atmosphere opening 60.

  (19) When the ink that has flowed into the first air chamber 200a from the ink chamber 50 side further flows from the first air chamber 200a to the second air chamber 200b side, the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber It is necessary to flow from the first opening 211 to the second opening 212 in the communication passage 221 having a distance longer than the distance 200b. Therefore, this long distance increases the flow resistance against the flow of ink from the first air chamber 200 a to the second air chamber 200 b, so that the ink accommodated therein can be further transferred to the outside through the atmosphere opening port 60. Can be prevented from leaking.

  (20) When the ink tank 43 is turned upside down, the ink flows from the ink chamber 50 side to the air chamber 200 side, and further, ink flows into the communication path 221 that connects the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b. Even in this case, when the posture is returned to that in use, the ink in the communication path 221 flows out of the communication path 221 through the first opening 211 and the second opening 212. For this reason, it is possible to avoid the possibility that a solidified product is generated in the communication path 221 due to ink remaining in the communication path 221 and drying.

  (21) Even when the ink tank 43 is inverted with the gas-liquid interface near the first opening 211, the communication path 221 connecting the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 is It has a flow path portion 221a that is further away from the gas-liquid interface by being separated from the partition wall 48b than the first opening 211 and the second opening 212. Therefore, it is possible to make it impossible to exchange gas and liquid between the air and the ink at the flow path portion 221a which is the lowermost portion when the apparatus is inverted. Therefore, a negative pressure can be generated on the ink chamber 50 side with respect to the communication path 221, and leakage of ink from the ink chamber 50 side can be stopped.

  (22) Since the film 214 is bonded so as to close the openings of the long grooves 213a to 213c formed in a meandering shape to form the communication paths 221, 223, and 225, the ink chamber when the ink tank 43 is inverted The communication paths 221, 223, and 225 that can suitably exhibit the effect of suppressing the leakage of ink from the 50 side can be easily realized.

  (23) When the slider 310 is displaced to the valve opening position, it is necessary for the slider 310 to get over the convex portion 350 of the cam 345, so that the rotational torque applied to the cam 345 increases. Therefore, when the slider 310 is displaced to the valve opening position as the cam 345 rotates in accordance with the manual operation, the resistance feeling during the rotation operation of the cam 345 changes. Therefore, it can be easily recognized that the slider 310 that is displaced in order to switch the ink flow state is displaced to the valve opening position according to the manual operation.

  (24) As the cam 345 is rotated according to the manual operation, when the slider 310 is displaced from the valve opening position toward the valve closing position, the slider 310 is displaced from the valve closing position toward the valve opening position. Sometimes, a difference occurs in the magnitude of the rotational torque that acts on the cam 345 in order for the slider 310 to get over the convex portion 350 of the cam 345. Therefore, it can be easily recognized whether the cam 345 is rotating in order to displace the slider 310 in the valve opening position or the valve closing position.

  (25) When the cam 345 is rotated according to the manual operation, when the slider 310 is displaced to the valve opening position, the cam 345 is caused to act on the slider 310 so as to get over the curved surface 351 of the convex portion 350. The magnitude of the rotational torque is relatively large. For this reason, when the slider 310 is displaced to the valve opening position, the amount of change in resistance when the cam 345 is rotated increases, so that it is possible to more easily recognize that the slider 310 has been displaced to the valve opening position.

  (26) When the slider 310 is displaced from the valve closing position to the intermediate position, the cam 345 is switched from a state where it abuts against the slider 310 on the flat surface 348 to a state where it abuts on the curved surface 355. Therefore, when the slider 310 is displaced from the valve closing position to the intermediate position, the rotational torque applied to the cam 345 changes. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize that the slider 310 is displaced from the valve closing position to the intermediate position by changing the resistance feeling when the cam 345 is rotated.

  (27) Since the choke valve 45 is attached to the inner surface of the tank case 42, even if an impact is applied to the choke valve 45 from the outside of the tank case 42, the impact is transmitted from the choke valve 45 to the ink tank 43. Can be suppressed. Further, since the choke valve 45 is attached to the inner side surface of the tank case 42, vibrations due to valve opening / closing operations are prevented from being directly transmitted to the ink tank 43, and the ink liquid level vibrates due to the vibration of the ink tank 43. This prevents problems such as the generation of bubbles. Unlike the case where the choke valve 45 is attached to the inner bottom surface of the tank case 42, a bracket 361 for screwing the choke valve 45 to the inner bottom surface of the tank case 42 extends from the choke valve 45 in the thickness direction of the tank case 42. Since it is not necessary to install, the dimension of the tank case 42 in the thickness direction can be reduced. Further, since the choke valve 45 can be assembled to the tank case 42 independently of the ink tank 43, the assembling property of the choke valve 45 to the tank case 42 can be improved.

  (28) In the ink tank 43, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined so that the step bottom surface 50b side is higher than the base bottom surface 50a side, the ink is caused to flow from the step bottom surface 50b side to the base bottom surface 50a side. Ink can flow out from the outlet 59. On the other hand, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined so that the base surface 50a side is higher than the step bottom surface 50b side, the flow of ink to the step bottom surface 50b side is suppressed by the step side surface 50c. Since the outlet port 59 is provided on the base surface 50a side in the longitudinal direction of the bottom (front-rear direction Y), the ink dammed to the base surface 50a side by the stepped side surface 50c can flow out from the outlet port 59. it can. That is, when the ink tank 43 is inclined, all of the ink in the ink chamber 50 is prevented from flowing out and remaining at the bottom. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 can be reduced even in the inclined state.

  (29) The choke valve 45 is disposed between the tank case 42 and the front surface 43b constituting the side surface of the ink tank 43 other than the bottom surface 43c and the top surface 43d facing the bottom surface 43c. Therefore, the height of the tank unit 27 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the choke valve 45 is disposed between the bottom surface 43c or the top surface 43d of the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42.

  (30) The choke valve 45 is disposed between the front surface 43b having the narrowest width and the tank case 42 among the side surfaces of the ink tank 43 other than the bottom surface 43c and the top surface 43d facing the bottom surface 43c. For this reason, the choke valve 45 can be accommodated within the width of the narrowest front surface 43b of the side surfaces of the ink tank 43, so that the increase in the width of the tank unit 27 can be suppressed.

  (31) In the ink tank 43, since the base surface 50a is shorter in the front-rear direction Y than the step bottom surface 50b, the end portion of the base surface 50a in the front-rear direction Y when the base surface 50a is inclined. The amount of ink remaining without flowing out from the outlet 59 provided at the side position can be reduced.

  (32) In the ink tank 43, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined so that the first end side in the longitudinal direction becomes higher, the step side surface 50c is disposed closer to the first end side. Since the upper end position of the liquid crystal element becomes higher, a high liquid level position can be maintained near the outlet 59 provided on the first end side. Therefore, even when the inclination angle of the ink chamber 50 is increased, the ink dammed to the base surface 50a side by the step side surface 50c can be discharged from the outlet 59.

  (33) In the ink tank 43, the ink blocked by the step side surface 50c on the base bottom surface 50a side can be collected in the liquid collection recess 50d, and the ink can flow out through the outlet port 59. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining on the base surface 50a side from the step side surface 50c at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 can be reduced.

  (34) In the ink tank 43, since the injection port 52 is disposed above the base surface 50a at a position lower than the step bottom surface 50b, the ink is unlikely to overflow when ink is injected.

  (35) In the ink tank 43, the base bottom surface 50a is inclined so that the outlet port 59 side is lowered. Therefore, the ink dammed to the base bottom surface 50a side by the stepped side surface 50c is inclined along the outlet port 59 side. Can be made to flow. Therefore, the amount of ink remaining at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 can be reduced even in the inclined state.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the scanner unit 14 is not provided. And since it is substantially the same as 1st Embodiment in another point, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol about the same structure.

  As shown in FIG. 42, a recording device 85 as an example of a liquid consuming device includes an operation button 86 on the front side. A discharge port 88 for discharging the paper P from the apparatus main body 87 is opened at a position below the operation button 86 in the recording apparatus 85. Further, below the discharge port 88 in the recording apparatus 12, a discharge tray 89 that can be pulled out is accommodated. Further, on the back side of the recording apparatus 85, a rotating medium support 90 capable of stacking a plurality of sheets P is attached.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, a wedge-shaped projecting portion 87b in a top view is integrally formed at the front side position of the attachment surface 87a to which the tank unit 27 is attached in the apparatus main body 87. The overhang portion 87b is curved from the top to the front so as to fill the gap between the apparatus main body 87 and the tank unit 27, and the front surface of the overhang portion 87b and the front surface of the tank unit 27 face each other. Become one.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 44, the tank unit 27 is fixed to the apparatus main body 87 via a spacer 91 having an L-shaped cross section that fills the gap between the apparatus main body 87 and the lower portion. The spacer 91 is provided in the front-rear direction Y from the overhanging portion 87b to the engaging recess 72 corresponding to the fourth case locking portion 68d. The spacer 91 engages with the engagement recess 72 in which the fourth case locking portion 68d is formed.

Next, an operation when the tank unit 27 is attached to the recording device 85 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 44, the tank case 42 to which the ink tank 43 is fixed is first aligned with the mounting surface 87a with a spacer 91 interposed. At this time, the spacer 91 is aligned by engaging the engaging portion (not shown) with the boss portion 38 and engaging with the engaging recess 72 formed with the fourth case locking portion 68d.

Then, with the tank case 42 aligned with the mounting surface 87a, the screws 36 are screwed onto the case locking portions 68a to 68e to fix the tank case 42 and the apparatus main body 87 together.
Subsequently, in a state where the tank case 42 is fixed to the apparatus main body 87, the cover 44 is mounted from the rear side of the tank case 42 so that the rail portions 76 a and 76 b and the sliding contact portion 80 are engaged.

According to the said 2nd Embodiment, the effect similar to the said 1st Embodiment can be acquired.
(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, this 3rd Embodiment differs in the shape of the container case 125 from the case of 1st Embodiment. And since it is substantially the same as 1st Embodiment in another point, even if it is the structure inside the container case 125, the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol about the same component.

  As shown in FIG. 45, the container case 125 has a bottomed box shape having a container opening 125a. Further, the container case 125 has at least one (two in this embodiment) tank locking portions 126 that lock the mounting screws 61 that are attached when being fixed to a tank case (not shown). It is formed below the case 125. On the other hand, a tank case (not shown) is formed with a screwed portion (not shown) to which the mounting screw 61 can be screwed at a position corresponding to the tank locking portion 126.

  As shown in FIGS. 45 to 47, at least two (six in the present embodiment) first ribs 131 to 136 are formed in the ink chamber 50 as an example. The lateral rib portions 131 to 136 extend in a direction along the step bottom surface 50b. That is, the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 extend along the front-rear direction Y and the left-right direction X, and are provided at positions opposite to the outlet port 59 when viewed from the injection port 52 in the front-rear direction Y.

  The lateral rib portions 131 to 136 are formed in at least one row (in this embodiment, two rows) with an interval in the vertical direction Z. And the horizontal rib parts 131-136 are located between the inlet and the level | step difference bottom face 50b in the gravity direction. Further, the horizontal rib portions (three in the present embodiment) constituting each row are formed with a space in the front-rear direction Y and with the back side surface 50g of the ink chamber 50 in the front-rear direction Y. ing. That is, the first horizontal rib portion 131 to the third horizontal rib portion 133 are spaced from each other in the front-rear direction Y, and the fourth horizontal rib portion 134 to the sixth horizontal rib portion 136 are the first horizontal rib portion 131 to the first horizontal rib portion 131. Three horizontal ribs 133 are spaced above each other in the front-rear direction Y at a position above the horizontal ribs 133.

  That is, the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 are formed with a gap from the step bottom surface 50b and the partition wall 125b, and thus are positioned at a distance above the step bottom surface 50b. It should be noted that the front and rear sides of each of the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 are front so that the width in the front-rear direction Y gradually increases from the container opening 125a side to the right side 50f side (right side) of the container case 125. A third extending portion 137 having a substantially right triangle shape as viewed is formed orthogonal to the right side surface 50f.

  And the horizontal rib parts 131-136 and the 3rd extension part 137 are orthogonal to the right side surface 50f of the container case 125, and are accommodated so that it may protrude toward the container opening part 125a side from the right side surface 50f side. It is integrally molded with the case 125. In other words, the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 and the third extending portion 137 are formed to protrude from the right side surface 50f.

  Furthermore, in the left-right direction X, the widths of the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 are substantially equal to the width from the right side surface 50f of the housing case 125 to the housing opening 125a. Therefore, when the film 49 is bonded to the container opening 125a, the film 49 is also bonded to the bonding surfaces 131a to 136a that are the left ends of the lateral rib portions 131 to 136.

Next, the operation in the ink chamber 50 into which ink is injected will be described.
As shown in FIG. 45, the ink injected from the injection port 52 flows backward along the step bottom surface 50b. Therefore, when the liquid level (not shown) in the ink chamber 50 rises as the ink is injected and reaches the position where the horizontal rib portions 131 to 136 are formed, it passes under the horizontal rib portions 131 to 136. The ink flow toward the rear changes to an upward flow along the rear side surface 50g intersecting the ink flow direction. Further, the ink flows forward through the upper side of the first lateral rib portion 131 to the third lateral rib portion 133 located on the lower side.

  Therefore, in the ink chamber 50, the ink flows at a higher flow rate than when the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 are formed to hinder the flow. Therefore, for example, when the ink is injected several times, the previously injected ink flows so as to be pushed by the subsequently injected ink. In other words, since the ink remaining in the ink chamber 50 is agitated by newly injecting the ink from the injection port 52, even if the concentration of the ink in the ink chamber 50 is uneven, Bias is reduced.

  When ink is further injected and the ink level 51 is positioned on the upper side, in addition to the flow of liquid passing above the first horizontal rib portion 131 to the third horizontal rib portion 133, the fourth horizontal rib portion 134 to the fourth side. A flow through the upper side of the six lateral ribs 136 also occurs.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(34) After the flow of the ink flowing along the step bottom surface 50b is changed upward by the horizontal rib portions 131 to 136 extending in the direction along the step bottom surface 50b, the horizontal rib portion is further changed. The ink can flow along 131-136. Therefore, since the ink flows can be prevented from colliding, the flow velocity of the ink flowing in the direction along the step bottom surface 50b can be increased.

In addition, you may change each said embodiment as follows.
In each of the above embodiments, the tube 31 that supplies the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 of the tank unit 27 to the liquid ejecting head 32 is not necessarily provided. For example, the tank unit 27 may be arranged on the carriage 29.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, there may be no gap between the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42 in which the region 49 outside the region 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d of the film 49 can be stored. For example, if the outer region 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d of the film 49 has a narrow protrusion width from the container opening 48a and does not cause a problem in appearance, the gap between the ink tank 43 and the tank case 42 is unnecessary. It is.

  In each of the above embodiments, the through holes 49H are not necessarily provided at two positions of the film 49 that are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the container opening 48a. For example, it may be provided at two positions of the film 49 that are separated from each other in the short direction of the container opening 48a. Furthermore, the through hole 49H may be provided at two or more positions (for example, three positions).

  In each of the above embodiments, the through hole 49H may be provided only in any one of the region outer positions 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d. Further, the shape of the through hole 49H may be, for example, a rectangular hole such as a square in addition to the round hole. Alternatively, they may have different shapes and sizes. In short, any shape may be used as long as positioning is possible.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 48, the first oblique rib portion 141 inclined with respect to the step bottom surface 50b may be formed in the ink chamber 50 (first modified example). That is, the first oblique rib portion 141 extends along the direction along the left-right direction X, and is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Z so that the upper end is located on the front side of the lower end. In addition, at least one or at least two (six in FIG. 48) first oblique rib portions 141 are provided, spaced apart from the step bottom surface 50b and the partition wall 48b, and spaced from each other in the front-rear direction Y. Is formed. Further, the first oblique rib portion 141 is spaced from the rear side surface 50 g of the ink chamber 50 in the front-rear direction Y.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 49, the second oblique rib portion 142 inclined with respect to the step bottom surface 50b may be formed in the ink chamber 50 (second modification). That is, the second oblique rib portion 142 extends along the direction along the left-right direction X, and is inclined with respect to the up-down direction Z so that the lower end is positioned in front of the upper end. Note that at least one or at least two second oblique rib portions 142 (six in FIG. 49) are provided, are spaced apart from the step bottom surface 50b and the partition wall 48b, and are spaced from each other in the front-rear direction Y. Is formed. Further, the second oblique rib portion 142 is spaced from the rear side surface 50 g of the ink chamber 50 in the front-rear direction Y.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 50, the first vertical rib portion 111 and the second vertical rib portion 112, the second horizontal rib portion 132, the third horizontal rib portion 133, and the fifth inside the ink chamber 50. You may provide the horizontal rib part 135 and the 6th horizontal rib part 136 (3rd modification). That is, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 and the horizontal rib portions 131 to 136 may be provided in any combination. Moreover, the number of the vertical rib parts 111-118 and the horizontal rib parts 131-136 can also be selected arbitrarily. That is, for example, the rear rib portion may be provided on the rear side, and the lateral rib portion may be provided on the front side. Further, in the front-rear direction Y, vertical rib portions and horizontal rib portions may be provided alternately.

  -In each said embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51, you may mutually vary the magnitude | size in the up-down direction Z of the vertical rib parts 111-118 (4th modification). That is, for example, the size of the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 in the up-down direction Z is set such that the first vertical rib portion 111 located at a position (front side) close to the injection port 52 is the largest and away from the injection port 52 ( You may make it small gradually toward the 8th vertical rib part 118 located in a rear side. And the vertical rib part 111-118 is spaced apart from the level | step difference bottom face 50b, so that the size of the up-down direction Z is small.

  Since the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 located at a position away from the inlet 52 are largely separated from the step bottom surface 50b, vortices can be generated at positions away from the step bottom surface 50b. Accordingly, the ink having a high density near the step bottom surface 50b and the ink having a low density near the liquid surface 51 can be stirred at a position away from the injection port 52 where the deviation of the ink density tends to be large. Can be reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 52, the intervals between the vertical rib portions 111 to 117 adjacent in the front-rear direction Y may be varied (fifth modification). That is, the vertical rib portions 111 to 117 are provided such that the distance between the first vertical rib portion 111 and the second vertical rib portion 112 located on the front side is the narrowest and the one located on the rear side is larger. That is, the distance between the vertical rib portions adjacent in the front-rear direction Y is larger on the rear side than on the front side. In addition, if the number of vertical rib parts is also three or more, it can be arbitrarily selected.

  The spiral flow generated when the flow is blocked by the vertical rib portions 111 to 117 is generated between the vertical rib portions 111 to 117 adjacent in the front-rear direction Y, which is the direction in which the ink flows. And the larger spiral-like flow arises, so that the space | interval of the longitudinal rib parts 111-117 is wide. In that respect, since the interval between the vertical rib portions 111 to 117 adjacent to each other at a position away from the injection port 52 is large, a larger vortex flow can be generated at a position away from the injection port 52. Accordingly, since the ink having a low density near the liquid surface 51 can be made to flow at a position away from the injection port 52 where the deviation of the ink density tends to be large, the deviation of the ink density can be further reduced. .

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 53, the front surfaces of the protrusions 121 and 122 are provided so as to intersect with the step bottom surface 50b so as to make an acute angle in the rearward direction away from the injection port 52. (6th modification) may be sufficient. Moreover, you may provide so that the surface of the rear part of the protrusion parts 121 and 122 may cross | intersect so that an acute angle may be made toward the front direction which approaches the injection port 52 side with respect to the level | step difference bottom face 50b.

  Ink injected from the inlet 52 flows along the step bottom surface 50b. The front surface of the projecting portion 121 intersects the step bottom surface 50b so as to form an acute angle in the rear direction that is the ink flow direction. That is, since the flow path resistance is reduced, the ink injected into the ink chamber 50 can be favorably flown backward from the injection port 52 while ensuring the rigidity of the ink tank 43. Further, since the rear surface of the projecting portion 121 intersects the step bottom surface 50b so as to form an acute angle in the forward direction, the flow path resistance can be further reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 53, when the protruding portion 121 is provided, the longitudinal rib portion positioned at a position close to the first protruding portion 121 in the front-rear direction Y may not be provided. That is, for example, the first vertical rib portion 111, the fourth vertical rib portion 114, the seventh vertical rib portion 117, and the eighth vertical rib portion 118 may be provided in the ink chamber 50. In this case, the interval between the first vertical rib portion 111 and the fourth vertical rib portion 114 arranged with the first protruding portion 121 sandwiched in the front-rear direction Y, and the fourth vertical rib portion 114 and the seventh vertical rib portion. The distance between the 117 is greater than the distance between the other seventh vertical ribs 117 and the eighth vertical ribs 118.

  By increasing the interval between the vertical rib portions arranged with the protrusion 121 interposed therebetween, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the flow of ink whose flow direction has been changed by the protrusion 121 is obstructed by the vertical rib. That is, it is possible to reduce the flow resistance that flows in the backward direction away from the injection port 52 as compared with the case where the interval between the vertical rib portions arranged with the protruding portion 121 interposed therebetween is reduced. Accordingly, the ink injected into the ink chamber 50 can be favorably flowed away from the injection port 52 while ensuring the rigidity of the ink tank 43.

  -In each said embodiment, you may change arbitrarily the height of the cross rib parts 101-103. For example, as shown in FIG. 54, the protruding height from the basal plane 50a of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 may be smaller as it is located on the front side (seventh modified example). That is, the protruding height of the second intersecting rib portion 102 may be made larger than the projecting height of the first intersecting rib portion 101 and smaller than the projecting height of the third intersecting rib portion 103.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 55, the protruding height of the first intersecting rib portion 101 is made smaller than the projecting height of the second intersecting rib portion 102 and larger than the projecting height of the third intersecting rib portion 103. Good (eighth modification).

  Even when the height of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 is changed, the ink accommodated in the ink chamber 50 is connected to the communicating portions 105 and 106 of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 according to the height of the liquid surface 51. Pass through. Therefore, even when the liquid level fluctuates, ink at different positions in the vertical direction Z can be passed.

  In each of the above embodiments, the protrusions 121 and 122 may not be provided. Further, the protruding portion 121 only needs to be provided on the base bottom surface 50a or the step bottom surface 50b, and the ink tank 43 may extend along any direction as long as it protrudes from the base bottom surface 50a or the step bottom surface 50b. The rigidity of can be increased. That is, for example, the protrusion 121 may be formed along the front-rear direction Y and the up-down direction Z. Further, the protrusion 121 may be formed to be inclined with respect to the vertical direction Z.

In each of the above embodiments, the first extension 104, the second extension 119, and the third extension 137 may be omitted.
In each of the above embodiments, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 may be formed in a curved or bent shape. In this case, it is preferable that the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 are curved or bent toward the rear. By positioning the upper ends of the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 behind the lower end, the possibility that the ink injected from the injection port 52 will get over the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 is reduced, and the ink flow is moved to the rear side. Can be guided.

-In each said embodiment, you may make the protrusion height of the cross rib parts 101-103 from the base 50a the same.
In each of the above embodiments, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 may be provided apart from the base surface 50a. That is, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 may be provided between the inlet 52 and the outlet 59 in the front-rear direction Y.

  -In each said embodiment, it is good also as a structure which provides one cross rib part 101-103. Moreover, when providing one cross rib part 101-103, it is preferable to provide the 1st cross rib part 101 located in the position near the outlet 59. FIG. Further, the first rib portion 101 and the second rib portion 102 may have a configuration in which the second communication portion 106 is not provided. That is, the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion may be formed so as to protrude from the upper surface 50e. By projecting the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 from the upper surface 50e, the ink injected from the injection port 52 passes through the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102 and is led out. The possibility of flowing to the 59 side can be further reduced. Further, the second communication portion 106 may be provided between the upper surface 50 e and each of the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion 102. By providing the second communication portion 106 on the upper surface 50e side, the position of the ink liquid surface 51 in the vertical direction is aligned between the first region and the second region partitioned by the first intersecting rib portion 101 and the second intersecting rib portion. be able to.

  In each of the above embodiments, the second communication portion 106 may be provided by forming the cross rib portions 101 to 103 by denting the bonding surfaces 101 a to 103 a in the same manner as the first communication portion 105. Further, the first communication portion 105 may be provided in the left-right direction in the ink chamber 50, similarly to the second communication portion 106.

  In the above embodiments, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 may protrude from the partition wall 48b. Further, the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103 may protrude from the upper surface 50 e of the ink chamber 50. In this case, it is preferable to form a communication portion that allows air to flow between the regions partitioned by the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 and the intersecting rib portions 101 to 103.

-In each said embodiment, it is good also as a structure which does not provide the cross rib parts 101-103.
In the above embodiments, the two vertical rib portions may be provided at a distance in the front-rear direction Y and may be provided at different positions in the vertical direction Z. That is, for example, the vertical rib portions having the same size in the vertical direction may be provided so that the separation distances from the base surface 50a are different.

  In the third embodiment, the lateral rib portions 131 to 136 may be provided in a row. Moreover, the horizontal rib parts 131-136 of the same line are good also as one horizontal rib part continued in the front-back direction. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides any one of the vertical rib parts 111-118.

  In each of the above embodiments, the vertical rib portions 111 to 118 or the horizontal rib portions 131 to 136 may be fixed to the right side surface 50f of the container cases 48, 125 by adhesion or engagement. Further, the film 49 may be provided with vertical rib portions 111 to 118 or horizontal rib portions 131 to 136.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are partition walls in the inner surface of each of two adjacent air chambers (for example, the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b). You may form each in the vicinity of the ceiling surface farthest from 48b. That is, as in the ninth modification shown in FIG. 56, a corner near the wall surface of a partition wall (for example, the first partition wall 201) between two air chambers (for example, the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b). You may form in each position which becomes line symmetrical with respect to the said partition wall 201 in each position of a corner, respectively.

  In this case, the long groove portion formed on the outer surface of the side wall 48c of the container case 48 may be formed into linear long groove portions 230a to 230c as shown in FIG. Even in such a configuration, when the ink tank 43 is turned upside down, the air chamber 200 side communicates directly with the ink chamber 50 via the communication port 210 as shown in FIG. The first air chamber 200a is filled with the ink that has flowed in. Further, ink gradually flows from the first air chamber 200a side into the second air chamber 200b communicating with the first air chamber 200a through the linear communication path 221 corresponding to the long groove portion 230a.

  However, also in this case, since the portion of the linear communication path 221 is positioned at the lowest position in the inverted state, when the communication path 221 is filled with ink, gas-liquid exchange is performed in the communication path 221. It becomes impossible. As a result, a negative pressure is generated in the ink chamber 50, the negative pressure and the water head pressure are balanced, and the inflow of ink to the air chamber 200 side is stopped.

  Further, even in the case where vibration is applied that is accelerated in the front-rear direction Y, as shown in FIGS. 59 and 60, the air flows into the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b connected by the communication path 221. The ink that is being moved simply goes back and forth in the direction in which acceleration is applied, and does not further flow out into the third air chamber 200c on the atmosphere opening port 60 side.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 may not have the same distance from the partition wall 48b. For example, as in the tenth modification shown in FIG. 61, the first opening 211 is formed near the ceiling surface farthest from the partition wall 48b, while the second opening 212 is formed near the partition wall 48b. It is good also as a structure. In this case, as shown in FIG. 62, the long groove portion formed on the outer surface of the side wall 48c of the container case 48 is preferably formed into the inclined linear long groove portions 230a to 230c.

  Also in this case, since the portion of the first opening 211 is positioned at the lowest position in the communication path 221 corresponding to the linear long groove portion 230a in the inverted state, the portion of the first opening 211 of the communication path 221 When the ink is filled up to the ink, gas-liquid exchange is impossible in the communication path 221. Accordingly, a negative pressure is generated in the ink chamber 50, and the negative pressure and the water head pressure are balanced, and the inflow of ink to the air chamber 200 side is stopped.

  In each of the above embodiments, the first air chamber 200a and the second air chamber 200b, the third air chamber 200c and the fourth air chamber 200d, the fifth air chamber 200e and the sixth air chamber 200f communicate with each other. 223,225 may be the structure penetrated by the partition walls 201,203,205 which divide each of those air chambers. For example, as shown in FIG. 63, the first opening 211 is formed on the inner back side surface of the air chamber of the eleventh modified example of both air adjacent to each other with the first, third, and fifth partition walls 201, 203, 205 as a boundary. 64 (a) (b) without forming the second opening 212, the communication walls having different distances from the partition wall 48b are formed in both partition walls adjacent in the front-rear direction Y, as shown in FIGS. Also good.

  Incidentally, in FIG. 64 (a), the communication passage 222 is arranged in the corner portion on the container opening 48a side near the partition wall 48b in the even-numbered (second) second partition wall 202 from the first air chamber 200a side. A state of being formed penetrating in the direction Y is illustrated. FIG. 64 (b) shows the inner side of the fifth air chamber 200e near the ceiling surface farthest from the partition wall 48b in the odd (fifth) fifth partition wall 205 from the first air chamber 200a side. The state where the communication path 225 is formed penetrating in the front-rear direction Y is illustrated in the corner portion.

  In other words, the communication paths 221, 223, and 225, which are examples of the first communication path, are formed through one corner of the wall surface of the odd-numbered partition wall having a rectangular shape. On the other hand, the communication paths 222, 224, and 226, which are examples of the second communication path, project the odd-numbered partition wall surfaces onto the even-numbered partition wall surfaces facing in the front-rear direction Y and having the same rectangular shape. In addition, it is formed at one corner that is opposite to one corner projected on the wall surface.

  When configured in this manner, the communication paths 221, 223, and 225 formed through the odd-numbered partition walls are defined as the first communication paths, and the communication paths 222, 224, and 226 formed through the even-numbered partition walls are provided. When the second communication path is used, when the ink tank 43 is in the inverted state, one of the first communication path and the second communication path is away from the gas-liquid interface. Therefore, also in this case, a negative pressure can be generated in the ink chamber 50, and the outflow of ink from the ink chamber 50 can be suppressed. The first communication path and the second communication path are not limited to the case where the first communication path and the second communication path are alternately formed with respect to the partition walls 201 to 209 continuous in the front-rear direction Y. For example, the front-rear direction The first communication path may be formed on at least two partition walls that are continuous with Y, and the second communication path may be formed on at least one other partition wall that is continuous in the front-rear direction.

  Further, in this case, it is not necessary to form the long groove portions 213a to 213c that connect the first opening 211 and the second opening 212, and the openings such as the long groove portions 213a to 213c are closed. It is not necessary to adhere the film 214 to the film, so that the configuration of the communication path can be easily obtained. In addition, since it is only necessary to form the communication passage through the corner portion of the diagonal position on the rectangular partition wall, it is possible to easily realize a configuration capable of suppressing the leakage of ink when it is inverted.

  Further, in this case, the first communication path (for example, the communication path 225) and the second communication path (for example, the communication path 222) are parallel to the first partition wall and the partition wall 48b (for example, the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction). X) are arranged at different positions. Therefore, not only when it is turned upside down, but also when it is placed on its side, for example, the gas-liquid exchange is carried out at the portion of the first communication passage and the second communication passage on the side away from the gas-liquid interface. The generation of negative pressure in the ink chamber 50 can suppress the leakage of ink from the ink chamber 50.

  In the eleventh modification shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, the first communication path and the second communication path are not limited to the diagonal positions of the rectangular partition wall, but are formed at different positions in the vertical direction Z and the horizontal direction X, respectively. It only has to be. In addition, since it is sufficient that either one of the first communication path and the second communication path is located away from the gas-liquid interface when inverted, the first communication path and the second communication path are in the vertical direction in that sense. It suffices if they are formed at positions different from each other in Z, and in this case, any communication path may be on the upper side.

  In the tenth modification shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the first opening 211 and the second opening 212 are configured such that the second opening 212 is positioned above the first opening 211 in the posture state during use. There may be.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the meandering long groove portions 213a to 213c and the meandering narrow groove 219 may form grooves in a curved shape such as an arc shape or a V shape, The narrow groove 215 and the linear long groove portions 230a to 230c may form a non-linear groove such as a meandering shape or a curved shape. Further, the covering member bonded so as to cover these grooves may be, for example, a thin resin sheet or plate in addition to the film.

  In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the communication passage formed through the partition walls 201 to 209 is formed so as to be cut out in a rectangular shape at the corners of the partition walls. It may be a through hole penetrating a surface portion other than the surface portion in the thickness direction.

  -In each above-mentioned embodiment and modification, channel parts 221a, 223a, and 225a separated from partition wall 48b in communicating paths 221, 223, and 225 corresponding to long slot parts 213a-213c may be non-linear. Good. Further, in the communication passages 221, 223, and 225, portions where the distance from the partition wall 48b is larger than the distance from the partition wall 48b to the first opening 211 are flow path portions 221a, 223a, and 225a extending in the horizontal direction. It is not necessary and may be at least a part of the communication passages 221, 223, 225.

In each of the above embodiments, the choke valve 45 may be mounted inside the ink tank 43 or attached to the outer surface of the ink tank 43.
In each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which two or more ink tanks 43 are connected in a side-by-side arrangement manner may be accommodated in the tank case 42. In this case, the choke valve 45 includes the bottom surface of the assembly formed by the bottom surface 43c of each ink tank 43 and the other side surface of the assembly excluding the top surface of the assembly formed by the top surface 43d of each ink tank 43. It is desirable to be disposed between the tank case 42.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the slider 310 is positioned at the valve closing position, the surface portion with which the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 abuts on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 may be curved.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the choke valve 45 is switched from the closed state to the open state, the curved surface 351 slidably contacting the convex strip 317 of the slider 310 at the convex portion 350 may be curved to form a convex shape. Good. Further, when the choke valve 45 is switched from the valve open state to the valve closed state, the curved surface 352 in which the convex strip 317 of the slider 310 is in sliding contact with the convex portion 350 may be curved so as to form a concave shape.

  In this configuration, the rotation resistance that acts on the outer peripheral surface of the cam 345 from the slider 310 when the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 gets over the protrusion 350 of the cam 345 changes the choke valve 45 from the open state to the closed state. The case of switching is larger than the case of switching the choke valve 45 from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, as the cam 345 is rotated according to the manual operation, when the slider 310 is displaced from the valve opening position, the rotation of the cam 345 is caused to move over the curved surface 355 of the convex portion 350 with respect to the slider 310. The magnitude of the dynamic torque becomes relatively large. Therefore, since the convex portion 350 of the cam 345 is stably locked by the convex strip 317 of the slider 310, the choke valve 45 can be reliably maintained in the open state.

  In each of the above embodiments, the convex portion 350 of the cam 345 does not necessarily have a curved surface on which the slider 310 slides when the choke valve 45 is switched between the open state and the closed state. For example, it may be bent or flat.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the convex portion 350 of the cam 345 includes the surface on which the convex strip 317 of the slider 310 slides when the choke valve 45 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and the choke valve 45 from the open state. When switching to the valve-closed state, the surface with which the protrusion 317 of the slider 310 is in sliding contact may have the same shape.

  In each of the above embodiments, the outer surface of the cam 345 protrudes in the vicinity of the surface part farthest from the rotation shaft 331, which is the surface part with which the slider 310 abuts when the slider 310 is in the valve closing position. The part 350 may be formed.

  In this configuration, when the slider 310 is displaced to the valve closing position, it is necessary for the slider 310 to get over the convex portion 350 of the cam 345, so that the rotational torque applied to the cam 345 increases. Therefore, when the slider 310 is displaced to the valve closing position as the cam 345 is rotated in accordance with the manual operation, the resistance feeling when the cam 345 is rotated is changed. Therefore, it can be easily recognized that the slider 310 that is displaced in order to switch the ink flow state is displaced to the valve closing position according to the manual operation.

  In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, as shown in the twelfth modified example of FIG. 65, on the base surface 50a provided on the first end side (right end side in FIG. 65) in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y). Instead of providing the liquid collection recess 50d (see FIG. 5), the outlet 59 may be provided on the second end side in the front-rear direction Y of the basal plane 50a (on the step side surface 50c side that is the left end side in FIG. 65). In FIGS. 65 and 66, the film 49 (see FIG. 4) is not shown.

  In this case, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined so that the base bottom surface 50a side of the ink tank 43 is higher than the step bottom surface 50b side, the flow of ink to the step bottom surface 50b side is caused by the step side surface 50c. It is suppressed. Since the outlet 59 is provided on the step side surface 50c side (left end side in FIG. 65) in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the base surface 50a, the ink blocked by the step side surface 50c on the base surface 50a side. Can flow out from the outlet 59.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 66, when the ink tank 43 is inclined such that the step bottom surface 50b side of the ink tank 43 is higher than the base bottom surface 50a side, the step bottom surface 50b side to the base bottom surface 50a side. Ink flows. Therefore, the ink stored in the ink chamber 50 can flow out through the outlet port 59.

  In the ink tank 43 of each of the embodiments described above, a plurality (at least two or more) step bottom surfaces 50 b may be provided in a step shape along the front-rear direction Y at the bottom of the ink chamber 50. According to this configuration, since the two or more step bottom surfaces 50b are provided in a stepped manner along the front-rear direction Y, the step is formed on the step bottom surface 50b side than the step side surface 50c due to the inclination of the volume formed. The amount of ink can be reduced. Therefore, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined, the amount of ink remaining without flowing out from the outlet 59 can be reduced.

  In each of the above embodiments, the step bottom surface 50b provided in the ink tank 43 may be inclined so that the base surface 50a side is lowered. According to this configuration, the ink on the side of the step bottom surface 50b can flow along the inclination toward the base surface 50a side, so that the ink tank 43 remains at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 even when the ink tank 43 is inclined. The amount of ink can be reduced.

In the ink tank 43 of each of the embodiments described above, the upper end side of the step side surface 50c may be inclined toward the direction of shortening the length in the longitudinal direction of the step bottom surface 50b.
In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, the base surface 50a may be inclined so that the outlet port 59 side is lowered in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y).

-In the ink tank 43 of each said embodiment, the base face 50a does not need to incline.
In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, the lengths of the base surface 50a and the step bottom surface 50b in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) may be equal, or the length of the base surface 50a in the front-rear direction Y is the step bottom surface. It may be longer than 50b.

  In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, the base surface 50a may be provided near the center in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the ink chamber 50, and the step bottom surface 50b may be provided on both ends thereof. In this case, when the ink tank 43 is inclined, the ink can flow to the basal plane 50a regardless of which end side in the longitudinal direction is high, so that the ink can flow out from the outlet 59 provided near the basal plane 50a. The amount of remaining ink can be further reduced.

In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, the outlet port 59 may be opened downward.
In the ink tank 43 of each embodiment described above, the outlet 59 may be provided near the center in the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction Y) of the base surface 50a.

  In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, when the step bottom surface 50b is the first step bottom surface 50b and the step side surface 50c is the first step side surface 50c, as in the twelfth modification shown in FIGS. The second step bottom surface 50h and the second step side surface 50i may be provided in the ink chamber 50 in the short direction (left and right direction X which is a direction orthogonal to the paper surface in FIGS. 65 and 66). The second step bottom surface 50h is provided in the ink chamber 50 with a step so as to be higher than the base bottom surface 50a and lower than the first step bottom surface 50b. The second step side surface 50i has the upper end side intersecting with the second step bottom surface 50h while the lower end side intersecting with the base bottom surface 50a. In this case, it is preferable to provide the outlet 59 on the bottom surface 50 a side in the short direction at the bottom of the ink chamber 50. Further, the second step bottom surface 50h may be inclined so that the base surface 50a side is lowered.

  According to this configuration, when the ink chamber 50 is inclined so that the base surface 50a side is higher than the second step bottom surface 50h side in the short side direction, the ink flows to the second step bottom surface 50h side. Is suppressed by the second step side surface 50i. Since the outlet port 59 is provided on the base surface 50a side in the short side direction of the bottom, the ink dammed to the base surface 50a side by the second step side surface 50i can flow out from the outlet port 59. Therefore, even when the ink chamber 50 is inclined in the short direction, the amount of ink remaining at the bottom of the ink chamber 50 can be reduced.

  In the ink tank 43 of each of the above embodiments, the base surface 50a and the step side surface 50c may be subjected to a liquid repellent treatment. In this case, the ink accumulated on the base surface 50a and the step side surface 50c can be quickly flowed into the liquid collection recess 50d and discharged from the outlet 59.

In each of the above embodiments, the ink tank 43 may be provided in the apparatus main body 13.
In each of the above embodiments, the tank case 42 may not be provided. That is, for example, the screw boss portion 37 in the apparatus main body 13 may be formed at a position corresponding to the tank locking portion 62 of the ink tank 43, and the ink tank 43 may be directly fixed to the apparatus main body 13.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid consuming apparatus may be a liquid consuming apparatus that consumes by ejecting, discharging, or applying a liquid other than ink. In addition, the state of the liquid ejected as a minute amount of liquid droplets from the liquid consuming device includes those that are tailed in a granular shape, a tear shape, or a thread shape. Moreover, the liquid here should just be a material which can be consumed with a liquid consumption apparatus. For example, it may be in a state in which the substance is in a liquid phase, such as a liquid with high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals (metal melts ). Further, not only a liquid as one state of a substance but also a substance in which particles of a functional material made of a solid such as a pigment or metal particles are dissolved, dispersed or mixed in a solvent is included. Typical examples of the liquid include ink and liquid crystal as described in the above embodiments. Here, the ink includes general water-based inks and oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. Specific examples of the liquid consuming device include, for example, a liquid containing a material such as an electrode material or a color material used for manufacturing a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, a surface light emitting display, a color filter, or the like in a dispersed or dissolved state. There is a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting the liquid. Further, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects a bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid as a sample that is used as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, or the like. In addition, transparent resin liquids such as UV curable resin to form liquid injection devices that pinpoint lubricant oil onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and micro hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements. May be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects the liquid onto the substrate. Further, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects an etching solution such as acid or alkali in order to etch a substrate or the like.

  The liquid container, the liquid container unit, and the liquid supply system may be a liquid container, a liquid container unit, and a liquid supply system that store the liquid supplied to these liquid consuming devices.

  12, 85 ... Recording device (an example of a liquid consuming device), 32 ... Liquid ejecting head (an example of a liquid consuming unit), 43 ... Ink tank (an example of a liquid container), 48b, 125b ... Partition walls, 50 ... Ink chamber (An example of a liquid storage chamber), 60 ... atmosphere opening port, 200 ... air chamber, 200a to 200j ... first to tenth air chambers, 201 to 209 ... first to ninth partition walls, 210 ... communication port, 211 ... 1st opening, 212 ... 2nd opening, 213a-213c, 230a-230c ... long groove part, 214, 220 ... film (an example of a coating | coated member), 221-229 ... communication path, 221a, 223a, 225a ... flow-path part.

Claims (4)

A liquid storage chamber for storing the liquid to be supplied to a liquid consumption unit that consumes the liquid;
An air opening for taking air into the liquid storage chamber and opening it to the atmosphere;
A communication path for communicating the atmosphere opening and the liquid storage chamber;
An air chamber provided in the middle of the communication path;
With
The air chamber includes at least a first air chamber, a second air chamber, a partition wall that partitions the first air chamber and the second air chamber, the first air chamber intersecting the partition wall, and the A first wall facing the second air chamber,
The first air chamber has a first opening in the first wall, the second air chamber has a second opening in the first wall, and the first opening and the second opening are: In the first state where the partition wall and the first wall are along the height direction, the first wall is located at the same height and connects the first opening and the second opening in the communication path. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the passage connects the first opening and the second opening via a position having a height different from the height of the first opening and the second opening . The first communication path includes a groove formed on a surface of the first wall opposite to the surface of the first air chamber and the second air chamber, and a covering member that covers the groove. the liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that that. The air chamber includes a plurality of sets composed of a combination of the first air chamber, the second air chamber, and the first communication path connecting the first air chamber and the second air chamber, Each set of claim 1 wherein the first wall side of the partition wall in the first state, characterized in that it is connected by a second communication passage through the opening provided on the opposite side in the horizontal direction or The liquid container according to claim 2. A liquid consumption unit for consuming liquid;
A liquid consuming apparatus comprising the liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 3 .