JP6102596B2 - Ink tank unit, inkjet printer, ink tank - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an ink tank unit, an ink jet printer, an ink tank, and the like.

  Conventionally, an ink jet printer is known as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. In general, an ink jet printer can print on a print medium by ejecting ink from a print head toward a print medium such as paper. Some printers (printing apparatuses) that perform printing using ink in this way include an ink storage container that stores ink to be supplied to a print head. In such a printer, conventionally, a method for injecting ink into an ink storage container using an injection container in which new ink is stored is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

U.S. Pat. No. 7,771,033

  When ink is injected into the ink storage container through the injection container in which ink is stored, it is conceivable that the ink spills from the injection container or the ink drips from the injection container. If ink spills or drips from the injection container, the dirt diffuses into the printer, which in turn is one of the factors that lower the print quality. Patent Document 1 does not disclose a countermeasure against ink spillage.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  [Application Example 1] A tank main body capable of containing ink, an ink injection portion provided in the tank main body and having an opening capable of injecting the ink into the tank main body, and the tank provided with the ink injection portion A case member that covers at least a part of a peripheral portion of the ink injection portion of the wall of the main body, the peripheral portion of the wall of the tank main body, and a portion of the case member that faces the peripheral portion. An ink tank unit provided with at least one of an ink receiving portion and an ink guide path capable of guiding the ink to the ink receiving portion.

  In the ink tank unit of this application example, at least one of the tank main body and the case member is provided with the ink receiving portion and the ink guiding path, so that the ink adhering to the tank main body and the case member is removed via the ink guiding path. It can be guided to the receiving part. And the ink adhering to a tank main body or a case member can be received in an ink receiving part. Thereby, it is easy to avoid that the ink adhering to the tank main body or the case member diffuses widely.

  Application Example 2 In the ink tank unit described above, the ink receiving portion is provided in at least a part of a peripheral portion of the ink injection portion of the wall of the tank body, and the case member includes The ink tank unit is provided with a first wall portion extending toward the ink receiving portion, and the ink guide path is constituted by the first wall portion.

  In this application example, the ink can be guided to the ink receiving portion provided in the tank body by the first wall portion provided in the case member.

  Application Example 3 In the above ink tank unit, the ink injection portion has a cylindrical side wall surrounding the opening, and the side wall is provided to protrude from the wall of the tank body. The ink receiving portion is provided outside the side wall when the opening is viewed in plan, and the first wall portion has a predetermined gap from the side wall when the opening is viewed in plan. An ink tank unit configured in a cylindrical shape or an inverted conical shape surrounding the side wall.

  In this application example, since the ink receiving portion is provided outside the side wall, the side wall can prevent the ink accumulated in the ink receiving portion from flowing into the opening.

  Application Example 4 In the above ink tank unit, the ink receiving portion is a recess provided in the wall.

  In this application example, since the ink receiving portion is a recess, the ink received in the recess is easily retained.

  Application Example 5 In the above ink tank unit, the ink receiving portion includes an ink absorbing member.

  In this application example, since the ink receiving portion includes the ink absorbing member, the ink received in the ink receiving portion can be easily held by the ink absorbing material.

  Application Example 6 An ink tank unit having two or more ink tanks and a case member covering at least a part of the two or more ink tanks, wherein the ink tank is a tank that can store ink. A main body and an ink injection portion provided in the tank main body and having an opening capable of injecting the ink into the tank main body, and the case member is provided with the ink injection portion. Of the wall of the main body, covers at least a part of the periphery of the ink injection portion, and between the ink injection portion of one of the ink tanks and the ink injection portion of the other ink tank, An ink tank unit is provided with at least one of the tank body and the case member having a second wall portion projecting to the opposite side of the tank body from the opening. Door.

  In the ink tank unit of this application example, since the second wall portion is provided between the ink injection portion of one ink tank and the ink injection portion of another ink tank, the ink injection portion of one ink tank It is easy to prevent the overflowed or leaked ink from flowing into the ink injection portion of another ink tank. Therefore, color mixing can be prevented when the ink color of one ink tank and the other ink tank is different.

  Application Example 7 In the above ink tank unit, the second wall portion includes the opening of the one ink tank and the opening of the other ink tank when the opening is viewed in plan. The ink tank unit is provided in a direction intersecting the direction in which the one opening and the other opening are arranged.

  According to this application example, it is easy to block one opening and the other opening with the second wall portion. For this reason, it is easier to prevent the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection portion of one ink tank from flowing into the ink injection portion of another ink tank.

  Application Example 8 In the ink tank unit described above, an ink tank unit in which a side wall surrounding the opening protrudes from the wall of the tank body.

  In this application example, the side wall surrounding the opening can further prevent the ink for one ink tank from flowing into the opening of the other ink tank.

  Application Example 9 In the ink tank unit described above, the second wall portion is provided on the case member.

  In this application example, the second wall portion provided in the case member easily prevents the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion of one ink tank from flowing into the ink injection portion of the other ink tank.

  Application Example 10 An ink jet printer provided with the above ink tank unit.

  The ink jet printer of this application example has an ink tank unit that is easy to avoid that the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection part is diffused widely, so that the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection part is diffused widely. It is easy to avoid doing.

  [Application Example 11] A tank main body capable of containing ink, an ink injection portion provided in the tank main body and having an opening capable of injecting the ink into the tank main body, and the periphery of the ink injection portion of the tank main body And two or more ribs protruding from the tank body, and the ink is held between the ribs adjacent to each other by a capillary force between the two ribs. An ink tank with a possible gap.

  In the ink tank of this application example, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion can be held between two or more ribs. Thereby, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection portion from being widely diffused.

  Application Example 12 In the above ink tank, the two adjacent ribs extend along the same direction.

  In this application example, since two adjacent ribs extend in the same direction, it is easy to increase the capacity of ink that can be held between the ribs.

  Application Example 13 In the ink tank described above, the two or more ribs are arranged in a lattice pattern.

  In this application example, since two or more ribs are arranged in a lattice shape, the ink is easily retained in the lattice.

  Application Example 14 In the above ink tank, the two or more ribs are provided radially around the opening when the opening is viewed in plan.

  In this application example, since the two or more ribs are provided radially around the opening, the two or more ribs can be efficiently arranged around the opening.

  Application Example 15 In the ink tank described above, a side wall surrounding the opening is provided in the ink injection portion so as to protrude from the tank body, and at least a part of the two or more ribs An ink tank in which a rib is connected to the side wall.

  In this application example, the ribs and the side walls connected to each other can be reinforced.

  [Application Example 16] A tank main body capable of containing ink, an ink injection portion provided in the tank main body and having an opening capable of injecting the ink into the tank main body, and provided in the tank main body. A first ink chamber that communicates with the injecting portion; a recess provided in a peripheral portion of the ink injecting portion in the tank body; and the ink injecting portion that is provided in the tank body and communicates with the recess. A second ink chamber communicating with the first ink chamber at a different position.

  In the ink tank of this application example, since the concave portion is provided in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion can be received by the concave portion. Thereby, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection portion from being widely diffused. In this ink tank, since the recess communicates with the second ink chamber, the ink received in the recess is guided to the second ink chamber. Since the second ink chamber communicates with the first ink chamber, the ink guided to the second ink chamber is guided to the first ink chamber. That is, in this ink tank, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion can be collected in the first ink chamber via the recess and the second ink chamber.

  Application Example 17 In the ink tank described above, in the state where the opening is directed vertically upward, the second ink chamber communicates with the first ink chamber from the communication portion side with the concave portion. An ink tank having an inclined surface inclined in a direction of lowering toward the side.

  In this application example, since the second ink chamber has an inclined surface, it is easy to guide the ink received by the concave portion to the first ink chamber.

  Application Example 18 In the ink tank described above, an ink tank in which at least a part of the wall facing the outside of the tank body among the walls defining the second ink chamber has light permeability. .

  In this application example, it is easy to visually recognize the second ink chamber from the outside of the tank body. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the degree of ink recovery from the recess to the first ink chamber.

  Application Example 19 In the above ink tank, an ink tank in which a flow path resistance in a communication portion between the second ink chamber and the first ink chamber is larger than a flow path resistance in the ink injection portion. .

  In this application example, the outflow of ink from the first ink chamber to the second ink chamber is suppressed, and ink filling into the first ink chamber is promoted.

  Application Example 20 Ink having a tank main body capable of containing ink, and an opening into which the injection tool for injecting the ink can be inserted and the ink can be injected into the tank main body through the injection tool An injection part, a valve member provided in the ink injection part, and capable of engaging with the valve member capable of opening and closing a communication path from the ink injection part to the inside of the tank body by inserting and removing the injection tool, When the ink in the tank body is below a predetermined level, the valve member is locked so as to keep the communication path open, and when the ink in the tank body exceeds a predetermined level, And a floating member that releases the locking of the valve member by a buoyancy received from the ink.

  In the ink tank of this application example, when the injection tool is inserted into the ink injection portion, a communication path extending from the ink injection portion to the inside of the tank body is opened. In this state, the valve member is locked by the floating member, so that the communication path is held open. In the state where the communication path is open, ink can be injected from the ink injection portion into the tank body via the injection tool. When the ink in the tank body exceeds a predetermined level, the valve member is unlocked by the floating member, and the communication path is closed. Thereby, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the ink injection portion.

  Application Example 21 In the above ink tank, the ink tank includes a biasing member that biases the valve member, and the valve member is biased by the biasing member in a direction to close the communication path. An ink tank that opens the communication path by receiving a pressing force against an urging force by the urging member from the injection tool.

  In this application example, when the valve member is pressed by the injection tool with a pressing force in the direction opposite to the urging force by the urging member, the communication path is opened and the valve member is locked by the floating member. Then, when the locking of the valve member by the floating member is released, the biasing force by the biasing member also acts on the injection tool via the valve member. Thereby, it can be notified that the ink in the tank body has exceeded a predetermined level.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mechanism unit of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an ink tank according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view when a supply port and an air communication port in the ink tank according to the first embodiment are cut along an XZ plane. FIG. 3 is a side view when the ink tank according to the first embodiment is viewed from the sheet member side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an ink tank unit according to the first embodiment. The perspective view which shows the 2nd case in 1st Embodiment. The enlarged view of the A section in FIG. Sectional drawing when the ink tank unit in 1st Embodiment is cut | disconnected by the YZ plane which passes an ink injection | pouring part. Sectional drawing when the ink tank unit in 1st Embodiment is cut | disconnected by the YZ plane which passes an ink injection | pouring part. Sectional drawing which shows the other example of the side wall in 1st Embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an ink tank in Example B1. The perspective view which shows the case in Example B1. The perspective view which shows the case in Example B2. The perspective view which shows the case in Example B3. The perspective view which shows the case in Example B4. The perspective view which shows the case in Example B5. The exploded perspective view showing the ink tank in a 3rd embodiment. The perspective view which shows the case in 3rd Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the valve apparatus in 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the valve apparatus and injection | pouring bottle in 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the valve apparatus in 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the valve apparatus and injection | pouring bottle in 4th Embodiment. Sectional drawing which shows the valve apparatus in 4th Embodiment.

  An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings by taking an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) as an example of a liquid ejection apparatus as an example. In addition, in each drawing, in order to make each structure the size which can be recognized, the structure and the scale of a member may differ.

(First embodiment)
The printer 1 according to the first embodiment can perform printing on a printing medium P such as printing paper with ink that is an example of a liquid. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 has a first case 3 and an ink tank unit 5. The ink tank unit 5 includes a second case 7 that is an example of a case member, and a plurality (two or more) of ink tanks 9. The first case 3 and the second case 7 constitute an outer shell of the printer 1. In FIG. 1, XYZ axes, which are coordinate axes orthogonal to each other, are attached. The XYZ axes are also attached to the drawings shown thereafter as necessary. In each of the XYZ axes, the direction of the arrow indicates the positive direction, and the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow indicates the negative direction. In a state where the printer 1 is used, the printer 1 is arranged on a horizontal plane defined by the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the usage state of the printer 1, the Z-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to a horizontal plane, and the Z-axis negative direction is the vertically downward direction.

  The first case 3 houses the mechanism unit 10 (FIG. 3) of the printer 1. The mechanism unit 10 is a mechanism part that executes a printing operation in the printer 1. Details of the mechanism unit 10 will be described later. The plurality of ink tanks 9 are accommodated in the second case 7 as shown in FIG. 1, and each accommodates ink to be used for printing. In the present embodiment, four ink tanks 9 are provided. In the four ink tanks 9, the type of ink differs for each ink tank 9. In the present embodiment, four types of ink, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, are employed. An ink tank 9 that contains black ink, an ink tank 9 that contains yellow ink, an ink tank 9 that contains magenta ink, and an ink tank 9 that contains cyan ink are provided one by one. Is provided.

  The printer 1 is provided with a paper discharge unit 11. In the printer 1, the print medium P is discharged from the paper discharge unit 11. In the printer 1, the surface on which the paper discharge unit 11 is provided is a front surface 13. The printer 1 has an operation panel 17 on an upper surface 15 that intersects the front surface 13. The operation panel 17 is provided with a power button 18A and other operation buttons 18B. The ink tank unit 5 is provided on the side portion 19 that intersects the front surface 13 and the upper surface 15 in the first case 3. The second case 7 is provided with a window portion 21. The window portion 21 is provided on the side portion 27 that intersects the front surface 23 and the upper surface 25 in the second case 7. The window part 21 has light transmittance. The four ink tanks 9 described above are provided at positions overlapping the window portion 21. For this reason, an operator who uses the printer 1 can visually recognize the four ink tanks 9 through the window portion 21.

  In the present embodiment, the portion of each ink tank 9 that faces the window portion 21 is light transmissive. The ink in the ink tank 9 can be visually recognized from the light transmissive portion of each ink tank 9. Therefore, the operator can visually recognize the amount of ink in each ink tank 9 by visually recognizing the four ink tanks 9 through the window portion 21. In addition, the 1st case 3 and the 2nd case 7 are comprised separately from each other. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the second case 7 can be separated from the first case 3. The second case 7 is coupled to the first case 3 by a mounting screw 31. As shown in FIG. 2, the second case 7 covers at least a part of the four (two or more) ink tanks 9, for example, the front surface, the upper surface, and the side surface.

  The printer 1 includes a printing unit 41 and a supply tube 43 as shown in FIG. 3, which is a perspective view showing the mechanism unit 10. The printing unit 41 includes a carriage 45, a print head 47, and four relay units 49. The print head 47 and the four relay units 49 are mounted on the carriage 45. The supply tube 43 has flexibility and is provided between the ink tank 9 and the relay unit 49. The ink in the ink tank 9 is sent to the relay unit 49 via the supply tube 43. The relay unit 49 relays the ink supplied from the ink tank 9 via the supply tube 43 to the print head 47. The print head 47 ejects the supplied ink as ink droplets.

  The printer 1 includes a medium transport mechanism (not shown) and a head transport mechanism (not shown). The medium transport mechanism transports the print medium P along the Y-axis direction by driving the transport roller 51 with power from a motor (not shown). The head conveyance mechanism conveys the carriage 45 along the X-axis direction by transmitting power from the motor 53 to the carriage 45 via the timing belt 55. The print head 47 is mounted on the carriage 45. Therefore, the print head 47 can be transported in the X-axis direction via the carriage 45 by the head transport mechanism. The print head 47 is supported by the carriage 45 while facing the print medium P. Printing is performed on the print medium P by ejecting ink from the print head 47 while changing the relative position of the print head 47 with respect to the print medium P by the medium transport mechanism and the head transport mechanism.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the ink tank 9 includes a case 61 that is an example of a tank body, and a sheet member 63. The case 61 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as nylon or polypropylene. The sheet member 63 is formed into a film shape with a synthetic resin (for example, nylon, polypropylene, etc.) and has flexibility. In the present embodiment, the sheet member 63 is light transmissive. The case 61 has a housing portion 65 and an air chamber 67.

  The accommodating portion 65 includes a first wall 71, a second wall 72, a third wall 73, a fourth wall 74, and a fifth wall 75. The atmospheric chamber 67 has a first wall 71, a fifth wall 75, a sixth wall 76, a seventh wall 77, and an eighth wall 78. In the accommodating portion 65, the second wall 72, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 each intersect the first wall 71. The second wall 72 and the third wall 73 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 71 in the X-axis direction. The fourth wall 74 and the fifth wall 75 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 71 in the Z-axis direction. The second wall 72 intersects each of the fourth wall 74 and the fifth wall 75. The third wall 73 also intersects each of the fourth wall 74 and the fifth wall 75.

  The first wall 71 is surrounded by the second wall 72, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 in plan view. The second wall 72, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 protrude from the first wall 71 in the + Y axis direction. For this reason, the accommodating portion 65 is configured in a concave shape by the second wall 72 extending vertically from the main wall, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 with the first wall 71 as the main wall. Has been. The first wall 71, the second wall 72, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 constitute a recess 91. The concave portion 91 is configured to be concave toward the −Y axis direction. The recess 91 opens toward the + Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 63 side. Ink is stored in the recess 91. The first wall 71, the second wall 72, the third wall 73, the fourth wall 74, and the fifth wall 75 are not limited to flat walls, and may include irregularities.

  The atmospheric chamber 67 is provided on the fifth wall 75. The atmospheric chamber 67 protrudes from the fifth wall 75 to the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, that is, toward the + Z-axis direction side of the fifth wall 75. Note that the first wall 71 of the accommodating portion 65 and the first wall 71 of the atmospheric chamber 67 are the same wall. That is, in the present embodiment, the accommodating portion 65 and the atmospheric chamber 67 share the first wall 71 with each other.

  The sixth wall 76 protrudes from the fifth wall 75 to the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, that is, toward the + Z axial direction side of the fifth wall 75. The seventh wall 77 protrudes from the fifth wall 75 to the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, that is, toward the + Z-axis direction side of the fifth wall 75. The sixth wall 76 and the seventh wall 77 are provided at positions facing each other across the first wall 71 of the atmospheric chamber 67 in the X-axis direction. The eighth wall 78 is provided at a position facing the fifth wall 75 across the first wall 71 of the atmospheric chamber 67 in the Z-axis direction. The sixth wall 76 intersects each of the fifth wall 75 and the eighth wall 78. The seventh wall 77 also intersects each of the fifth wall 75 and the eighth wall 78.

  The first wall 71 of the atmosphere chamber 67 is surrounded by the fifth wall 75, the sixth wall 76, the seventh wall 77, and the eighth wall 78 in plan view. The fifth wall 75, the sixth wall 76, the seventh wall 77, and the eighth wall 78 protrude from the first wall 71 in the + Y axis direction. For this reason, the atmospheric chamber 67 is configured to be concave by the fifth wall 75, the sixth wall 76, the seventh wall 77, and the eighth wall 78 extending vertically from the main wall with the first wall 71 as the main wall. Has been. The first wall 71, the fifth wall 75, the sixth wall 76, the seventh wall 77, and the eighth wall 78 constitute a concave portion 92 of the atmospheric chamber 67. The recess 92 is configured to be concave toward the −Y axis direction. The recess 92 opens toward the + Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 63 side. The recess 91 and the recess 92 are partitioned from each other with the fifth wall 75 as a partition. In addition, the protrusion amount from the 1st wall 71 of the 2nd wall 72-the 8th wall 78 is set to the mutually same protrusion amount.

  The second wall 72 and the sixth wall 76 have a step in the X-axis direction. The second wall 72 is located on the third wall 73 side relative to the sixth wall 76, that is, on the −X axis direction side relative to the sixth wall 76. The third wall 73 and the seventh wall 77 have a step in the X-axis direction. The seventh wall 77 is located on the second wall 72 side relative to the third wall 73, that is, on the + X axis direction side relative to the third wall 73. In addition, the ink injection portion 101 is provided between the third wall 73 and the seventh wall 77 in a state where the first wall 71 is viewed in plan. The ink injection unit 101 is provided on the fifth wall 75.

  Here, a recess 103 is provided in the recess 91. The concave portion 103 is provided in a direction toward the opposite side to the fifth wall 75 side from the fourth wall 74, that is, in a direction that becomes concave toward the −Z axial direction side from the fourth wall 74. In the recess 103, a supply port 107 is provided in the wall 105 facing the third wall 73 and the second wall 72. For this reason, the supply port 107 is provided between the third wall 73 and the second wall 72 in a state in which the first wall 71 is viewed in plan. The ink injection part 101 and the supply port 107 allow the outside of the case 61 and the inside of the recess 91 to communicate with each other. The supply port 107 protrudes from the wall 105 toward the second wall 72 along the X-axis direction.

  The eighth wall 78 is provided with an air communication port 109. The air communication port 109 protrudes from the eighth wall 78 on the side opposite to the fifth wall 75 side of the eighth wall 78, that is, on the + Z-axis direction side of the eighth wall 78. The air communication port 109 communicates the outside of the case 61 and the inside of the recess 92. The atmosphere communication port 109 is an atmosphere passage for introducing the atmosphere outside the case 61 into the recess 92.

  The case 61 is provided with an air introduction path 111 that allows the recess 92 and the recess 91 to communicate with each other. The air introduction path 111 is provided in the overhanging portion 113. The projecting portion 113 is a region projecting from the fifth wall 75 toward the + Z-axis direction side along the edge of the opening of the recess 91 in the region of the fifth wall 75 on the −X-axis direction side with respect to the seventh wall 77. Have The protruding portion 113 has a portion protruding from the seventh wall 77 toward the −X-axis direction side along the edge of the opening of the recess 92 in the seventh wall 77. The overhang 113 has a portion of the eighth wall 78 that projects from the eighth wall 78 toward the + Z-axis direction along the edge of the opening of the recess 92. Further, the overhanging portion 113 has a portion of the sixth wall 76 that protrudes from the sixth wall 76 toward the + X-axis direction side along the edge of the opening of the recess 92. The overhang 113 has a portion of the second wall 72 that protrudes from the second wall 72 toward the + X-axis direction along the edge of the opening of the recess 91. Thus, the overhanging portion 113 is provided along the edge of the opening of the recess 91 and the recess 92.

  The air introduction path 111 is configured as a groove provided in the projecting portion 113 in a direction that is concave toward the side opposite to the sheet member 63 side. The air introduction path 111 has a delivery port 115 and an introduction port 117. The delivery port 115 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the recess 92. The introduction port 117 is an opening that opens toward the inside of the recess 91. The atmosphere inside the recess 92 enters the atmosphere introduction path 111 from a sending / outlet 115 serving as an inlet of the atmosphere introduction path 111. The atmosphere that has entered the atmosphere introduction path 111 is guided toward the recess 91 by the atmosphere introduction path 111, and exits into the recess 91 from the introduction port 117 serving as the outlet of the atmosphere introduction path 111.

  The ink injection unit 101 is provided on the fifth wall 75. The ink injection portion 101 is provided in a recess 121 surrounded by the seventh wall 77, the overhang portion 113, the third wall 73, and the first wall 71. As described above, the overhang portion 113 protrudes from the fifth wall 75 to the eighth wall 78 side. The seventh wall 77 also protrudes closer to the eighth wall 78 than the fifth wall 75. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the first wall 71 and the third wall 73 also protrude from the fifth wall 75 toward the eighth wall 78 side. The seventh wall 77 intersects both the overhang portion 113 and the third wall 73. The first wall 71 intersects both the third wall 73 and the seventh wall 77. Therefore, a region of the fifth wall 75 that is closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77 has a recess 121 surrounded by the seventh wall 77, the overhang portion 113, the third wall 73, and the first wall 71. It is composed. The concave portion 121 is provided in a direction that becomes concave from the fifth wall 75 side toward the fourth wall 74 side.

  With the above configuration, the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101 is surrounded by the seventh wall 77, the overhang portion 113, the third wall 73, and the first wall 71. In other words, a region surrounded by the seventh wall 77, the overhang portion 113, the third wall 73, and the first wall 71 in the fifth wall 75 corresponds to the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. And the recessed part 121 has a function of an ink receiving part. The ink receiving part can receive, for example, ink overflowing from the ink injection part 101 or ink that has dripped down during injection. Thus, the concave portion 121 functions as an ink receiving portion that receives ink.

  The sheet member 63 faces the first wall 71 with the second wall 72 to the eighth wall 78 sandwiched in the Y-axis direction. The sheet member 63 has a size that covers the concave portion 91, the concave portion 92, and the overhang portion 113 in plan view. The sheet member 63 is joined to a welding portion 123 provided in the case 61. In FIG. 4, the welded portion 123 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. In the case 61, the welded portion 123 is provided along the contours of the recess 91, the recess 92, the recess 103, and the overhang 113. The sheet member 63 is welded with a welded portion 123 in a state where a gap is provided between the sheet member 63 and the first wall 71. Thereby, the concave portion 91, the concave portion 92, the concave portion 103, and the atmosphere introduction path 111 are sealed by the sheet member 63. For this reason, the sheet member 63 can also be regarded as a lid for the case 61.

  As shown in FIG. 5, which is a cross-sectional view of the ink injection unit 101, the supply port 107, and the atmosphere communication port 109 taken along the XZ plane, the ink injection unit 101 includes an opening 125 and a side wall 127. Yes. The opening 125 is a through hole provided in the fifth wall 75. The recess 91 communicates with the outside of the recess 91 through an opening 125 that is a through hole. The side wall 127 is provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75 and surrounds the periphery of the opening 125. The side wall 127 protrudes from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. In the present embodiment, the side wall 127 protrudes on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side from each of the first wall 71 and the third wall 73. The side wall 127 can prevent the ink accumulated in the recess 121 from flowing into the opening 125.

  In the ink tank 9, as shown in FIG. 6 which is a side view when the ink tank 9 is viewed from the sheet member 63 side, the ink 131 is accommodated in the recess 91. In FIG. 6, the sheet member 63 is not shown and the welded portion 123 is hatched for easy understanding of the configuration. The ink 131 in the recess 91 is supplied from the supply port 107 to the print head 47. In the present embodiment, in a state where the printer 1 is used for printing, the supply tube 43 is connected to the supply port 107, and the plug 133 is connected to the ink injection unit 101. The ink 131 in the recess 91 reaches the print head 47 from the supply port 107 by sucking the supply tube 43 through the relay unit 49.

  As the print head 47 prints, the ink 131 in the recess 91 is sent to the print head 47 side. For this reason, the pressure in the recessed part 91 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure with printing by the print head 47. When the pressure in the recess 91 is lower than the atmospheric pressure, the atmosphere in the recess 92 is sent into the recess 91 through the atmosphere introduction path 111. Thereby, the pressure in the recess 91 is easily maintained at atmospheric pressure. As described above, the ink 131 in the ink tank 9 is supplied to the print head 47. When the ink 131 in the recess 91 in the ink tank 9 is consumed and the remaining amount of the ink 131 is reduced, the operator can refill the recess 91 with new ink from the ink injection unit 101.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the ink tank unit 5, the second case 7 covers four ink tanks 9. As shown in FIG. 8, the second case 7 is provided with four window portions 21 and four openings 135. As shown in FIG. 7, the four window portions 21 are respectively provided at positions facing the third wall 73 of each ink tank 9. Thereby, the third wall 73 of each ink tank 9 faces the window portion 21 of the second case 7. In the present embodiment, the ink tank 9 is made of a light transmissive material. For this reason, the operator can visually recognize the amount of ink in each ink tank 9 by visually recognizing the four ink tanks 9 through the window portion 21. Further, the four openings 135 are respectively provided in portions overlapping the ink injection portions 101 of the respective ink tanks 9. Each of the four openings 135 passes through the second case 7. Therefore, the ink injection portion 101 of each ink tank 9 is exposed to the outside of the second case 7 through the opening 135.

  As shown in FIG. 9, which is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. 8, the second case 7 is provided with a recess 137 in the peripheral portion of the opening 135. The recess 137 has a bottom 139. The bottom 139 is a wall that faces the fifth wall 75 of the ink tank 9. The bottom 139 is surrounded by the side wall 141, the side wall 142, the side wall 143, and the side wall 144. The concave portion 137 having the above-described configuration is provided in a direction that becomes concave toward the −Z-axis direction side. The opening 135 is opened at the bottom 139. The opening 135 is surrounded by the side wall 145. The side wall 145 is provided on the ink tank 9 side of the bottom 139. The side wall 145 protrudes from the bottom 139 toward the ink tank 9 side. For this reason, the side wall 145 can also be expressed as hanging from the bottom 139 toward the inside of the second case 7.

  When the opening 135 is viewed in plan, the region surrounded by the opening 135 and the side wall 145 is larger than the region surrounded by the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. That is, the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101 can be inserted into the region surrounded by the opening 135 and the side wall 145. In the present embodiment, in the ink tank unit 5, the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101 includes the opening 135 and the side wall as shown in FIG. It is inserted in the area surrounded by 145. A predetermined gap CL is provided between the inner periphery of the side wall 145 and the outer periphery of the side wall 127.

  In the ink tank unit 5, when the opening 135 is viewed in plan, the inner periphery of the side wall 145, which is an example of the first wall portion, is located in a region that overlaps the recess 121 of the ink tank 9. For this reason, the second case 7 covers at least a part of the recess 121 of the ink tank 9. With the above configuration, the side wall 145 functions as a guide path that guides the ink attached to the second case 7 into the recess 121. In the present embodiment, since the side wall 145 is provided, for example, ink dripping into the recess 137 or ink overflowing from the ink injection unit 101 is guided into the recess 121 by the side wall 145. Thereby, it is easy to avoid that the ink adhering to the ink tank 9 or the second case 7 is diffused widely.

  Here, the side wall 127 of the ink injection portion 101 is housed in the recess 137 in the Z-axis direction. In other words, the side wall 141 to the side wall 144 constituting the recess 137 protrude in the + Z-axis direction side from the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101 in the Z-axis direction. For this reason, the two adjacent ink tanks 9 are separated from each other by a side wall 141 and a side wall 143 that protrude from the side wall 127 toward the + Z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. Each of the side wall 141 and the side wall 143 extends in a direction intersecting with the direction in which the openings 125 of the two adjacent ink tanks 9 are arranged.

  As a result, the two adjacent ink tanks 9 are considered to be partitioned by the side wall 141 protruding to the + Z axis direction side from the side wall 127. Similarly, it is considered that the two adjacent ink tanks 9 are partitioned by a side wall 143 that protrudes further to the + Z-axis direction side than the side wall 127. For this reason, in the ink tank unit 5, the space between the two adjacent ink tanks 9 is blocked by the side wall 141 and the side wall 143 that are examples of the second wall portion. As described above, the overflowed or leaked ink from the ink injection portion 101 of one ink tank 9 is suppressed from flowing into the ink injection portion 101 of another ink tank 9.

  In the present embodiment, the side wall 145 that is an example of the first wall portion is configured in a cylindrical shape, but the configuration of the side wall 145 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. As the configuration of the side wall 145, for example, an inverted conical shape may be adopted as shown in FIG. In the inverted conical side wall 145, the inner surface of the side wall 145 is inclined so as to approach the side wall 127 toward the −Z axis direction side. Even if it is this structure, said effect can be acquired.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the concave portion 121 provided in the ink tank 9 is used as an ink receiving portion is shown, but the ink receiving portion is not limited to this. As the ink receiving portion, for example, an absorbing material having a property of absorbing ink may be employed. By omitting the concave portion 121 and providing an absorbing material in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101, the absorbing material can have a function as an ink receiving portion. The above effect can also be obtained by this configuration. Furthermore, the structure which provided the absorber in the recessed part 121 may be employ | adopted. According to this configuration, since the ink accumulated in the recess 121 can be held by the absorbent material, it is easier to avoid the ink adhering to the ink tank 9 and the second case 7 from being widely diffused.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the structure which provided the side wall 145 which is an example of a 1st wall part in the 2nd case 7 is employ | adopted, the structure of a 1st wall part is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the first wall portion is provided in the ink tank 9 may be employed. Also in this configuration, the first wall portion provided in the ink tank 9 can be used as a guide path.

  Further, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the ink tank 9 is provided with the concave portion 121 that is an example of the ink receiving portion is employed, but the configuration of the ink receiving portion is not limited to this. For example, the structure which provided the ink receiving part in the 2nd case 7 may be employ | adopted. Even in this configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect that it is easy to avoid the ink adhering to the ink tank 9 and the second case 7 from being widely diffused.

  Furthermore, the ink tank 9 may be provided with an ink receiving portion and a guiding path, and the second case 7 may be provided with an ink receiving portion and a guiding path. According to this configuration, it is easier to avoid that the ink adhering to the ink tank 9 and the second case 7 is diffused widely.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, although the side wall 141 and the side wall 143 which are examples of a 2nd wall part were provided in the 2nd case 7, the structure of a 2nd wall part is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the second wall portion is provided in the ink tank 9 may be employed. Even if it is this structure, said effect can be acquired. Furthermore, for example, a configuration in which the second wall portion is provided in both the second case 7 and the ink tank 9 may be employed. According to this configuration, the overflowed or leaked ink from the ink injection portion 101 of one ink tank 9 is further suppressed from flowing into the ink injection portion 101 of another ink tank 9. Further, the configuration for partitioning between the two adjacent ink tanks 9 is not limited to the second wall portion protruding to the + Z-axis direction side from the side wall 127, and a configuration for partitioning by a groove may be employed.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment will be described. The printer 1 in the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the printer 1 in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the ink tank 9 is different. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the following description, the ink tank 9 in the second embodiment is referred to as an ink tank 9B. Thereby, the ink tank 9 in the first embodiment and the ink tank 9B in the second embodiment are identified.

  Further, the second embodiment includes a plurality of examples. Hereinafter, an example in the second embodiment is referred to as an example B. In the following, since there are a plurality of examples B, the plurality of examples B are mutually identified by adding a number to each. Further, the ink tank 9B corresponding to each of the plurality of embodiments B is also numbered to identify the ink tank 9B for each embodiment B.

(Example B1)
The ink tank 9B1 of Example B1 has a case 61B1 and a sheet member 151 as shown in FIG. In the case 61B1, the concave portion 121 (FIG. 4) in the case 61 is omitted, and a plurality of (two or more) ribs 153 are provided. Except for these points, the case 61B1 has the same configuration as the case 61 in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The sheet member 151 has the same configuration as the sheet member 63 except that the contour shape is different.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the plurality of ribs 153 are provided in a region of the fifth wall 75 that is closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77, that is, in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 153 are provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, and project from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. Each of the plurality of ribs 153 extends along the X-axis direction. Each of the plurality of ribs 153 extends over a distance from the third wall 73 side of the ink injection unit 101 to the seventh wall 77 side of the ink injection unit 101. Further, the plurality of ribs 153 are provided in the Y-axis direction over a region from the first wall 71 side to the ink injection unit 101 to the welding unit 123 side to the ink injection unit 101. Between the two adjacent ribs 153, a gap is formed between the ribs 153 so that ink can be held by capillary force.

  With the above configuration, the ink tank 9B1 can hold the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion 101 between the two or more ribs 153. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. Further, in the ink tank 9B1, since the two adjacent ribs 153 extend along the same direction, it is easy to increase the capacity of ink that can be held between the ribs 153. Note that at least some of the plurality of ribs 153 are connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. For this reason, the side wall 127 can be reinforced by the rib 153 connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127.

(Example B2)
The ink tank 9B2 of Example B2 has a case 61B2. In the ink tank 9B2 of Example B2, the case 61B1 in the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1 is replaced with the case 61B2. Except for this point, the ink tank 9B2 of Example B2 has the same configuration as the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The case 61B2 has a plurality of ribs 155 as shown in FIG. In the case 61B2, the plurality of ribs 153 in the case 61B1 of Example B1 are replaced with a plurality of ribs 155. Except this point, the case 61B2 of Example B2 has the same configuration as the case 61B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The plurality of ribs 155 are provided in a region of the fifth wall 75 closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77, that is, in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 155 are provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, and protrude from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. Each of the plurality of ribs 155 extends along the Y-axis direction. Each of the plurality of ribs 155 extends over a distance from the first wall 71 side of the ink injection unit 101 to the welding unit 123 side of the ink injection unit 101. The plurality of ribs 155 are provided in a region extending from the third wall 73 side of the ink injection unit 101 to the seventh wall 77 side of the ink injection unit 101 in the X-axis direction. Between the two adjacent ribs 155, a gap is formed between the ribs 155 so that ink can be held by capillary force.

  With the above configuration, the ink tank 9B2 can hold the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion 101 between the two or more ribs 155. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. Further, in the ink tank 9B2, since the two adjacent ribs 155 extend along the same direction, it is easy to increase the capacity of the ink that can be held between the ribs 155. Note that at least some of the plurality of ribs 155 are connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. For this reason, the side wall 127 can be reinforced by the rib 155 connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127.

(Example B3)
The ink tank 9B3 of Example B3 has a case 61B3. In the ink tank 9B3 of Example B3, the case 61B1 in the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1 is replaced with a case 61B3. Except for this point, the ink tank 9B3 of Example B3 has the same configuration as the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The case 61B3 has a plurality of ribs 157 as shown in FIG. In the case 61B3, the plurality of ribs 153 in the case 61B1 of Example B1 are replaced with a plurality of ribs 157. Except for this point, the case 61B3 of Example B3 has the same configuration as the case 61B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The plurality of ribs 157 are provided in a region of the fifth wall 75 closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77, that is, in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 157 are provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, and protrude from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. The plurality of ribs 157 respectively extend along both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, each of the plurality of ribs 157 extends over a distance from the first wall 71 side to the ink injection unit 101 to the welding unit 123 side to the ink injection unit 101. Further, in the Y-axis direction, each of the plurality of ribs 157 extends over a distance from the third wall 73 side of the ink injection unit 101 to the seventh wall 77 side of the ink injection unit 101. The plurality of ribs 157 extending in the X-axis direction and the plurality of ribs 157 extending in the Y-axis direction intersect each other. For this reason, in the case 61B3, a plurality of ribs 157 are provided in a lattice shape. Between the two adjacent ribs 157, a gap is formed between the ribs 157 so that the ink can be held by capillary force.

  With the above configuration, in the ink tank 9B3, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion 101 can be easily retained in the lattice of the plurality of ribs 157 provided in a lattice shape. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. Note that at least some of the plurality of ribs 157 are connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. For this reason, the side wall 127 can be reinforced by the rib 157 connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127. In the ink tank 9B3, the plurality of ribs 157 extending in the X-axis direction and the plurality of ribs 157 extending in the Y-axis direction intersect with each other, and thus the plurality of ribs 157 are reinforced. be able to.

(Example B4)
The ink tank 9B4 of Example B4 has a case 61B4. In the ink tank 9B4 of Example B4, the case 61B1 in the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1 is replaced with the case 61B4. Except for this point, the ink tank 9B4 of Example B4 has the same configuration as the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The case 61B4 has a plurality of ribs 159 as shown in FIG. In the case 61B4, the plurality of ribs 153 in the case 61B1 of Example B1 are replaced with a plurality of ribs 159. Except this point, the case 61B4 of Example B4 has the same configuration as the case 61B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The plurality of ribs 159 are provided in a region of the fifth wall 75 closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77, that is, in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 159 are provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, and protrude from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. The plurality of ribs 159 are provided radially around the opening 125 when the opening 125 of the ink injection portion 101 is viewed in plan. Between the two adjacent ribs 159, a gap is formed between the ribs 159 so that ink can be held by capillary force.

  With the above configuration, in the ink tank 9B4, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion 101 can be held between the two or more ribs 159. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. In the ink tank 9B4, since the plurality of ribs 159 are provided radially around the opening 125, the plurality of ribs 159 can be efficiently arranged around the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 159 are connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. For this reason, the side wall 127 can be reinforced by the rib 159 connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127.

(Example B5)
The ink tank 9B5 of Example B5 has a case 61B5. In the ink tank 9B5 of Example B5, the case 61B1 in the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1 is replaced with the case 61B5. Except for this point, the ink tank 9B5 of Example B5 has the same configuration as the ink tank 9B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The case 61B5 has a plurality of ribs 161 as shown in FIG. In the case 61B5, the plurality of ribs 153 in the case 61B1 of Example B1 are replaced with a plurality of ribs 161. Except for this point, the case 61B5 of Example B5 has the same configuration as the case 61B1 of Example B1. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those in the embodiment B1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the embodiment B1, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The plurality of ribs 161 are provided in the fifth wall 75 in a region closer to the third wall 73 than the seventh wall 77, that is, in the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion 101. The plurality of ribs 161 are provided on the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side of the fifth wall 75, and protrude from the fifth wall 75 toward the side opposite to the fourth wall 74 side. Each of the plurality of ribs 161 is provided radially around the opening 125 when the opening 125 of the ink injection portion 101 is viewed in plan. Between the two adjacent ribs 161, a gap is formed between the ribs 161 so that ink can be held by capillary force. Further, in the ink tank 9B5, a slope 163 is provided on each of the plurality of ribs 161. The inclined surface 163 is inclined so as to approach the fifth wall 75 as the distance from the ink injection unit 101 increases.

  With the above configuration, in the ink tank 9B5, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection portion 101 can be held between the two or more ribs 161. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. In the ink tank 9B5, since the plurality of ribs 161 are provided radially around the opening 125, the plurality of ribs 161 can be efficiently arranged around the ink injection unit 101. Further, in the ink tank 9B5, since the inclined surface 163 is provided on the rib 161, the rib 161 can be easily downsized. The plurality of ribs 161 are connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127 of the ink injection unit 101. For this reason, the side wall 127 can be reinforced by the rib 161 connected to the outer periphery of the side wall 127.

  In each of Examples B1 to B5, a configuration in which the concave portion 121 in the first embodiment is added may be employed. According to this configuration, it is easier to avoid that the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection portion 101 is diffused widely.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described. The printer 1 in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the printer 1 in the first embodiment except that the configuration of the ink tank 9 is different. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the following, the ink tank 9 in the third embodiment is referred to as an ink tank 9C. Thereby, the ink tank 9 in the first embodiment and the ink tank 9C in the third embodiment are identified.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the ink tank 9 </ b> C according to the third embodiment includes a case 61 </ b> C and a sheet member 151. In the case 61 </ b> C, a concave portion 171, which is an example of a second ink chamber, is provided, and an opening 173 is provided in the seventh wall 77. Except for these points, the case 61C has the same configuration as the case 61 in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the following, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The sheet member 151 is the same as the sheet member 151 in the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the opening 173 is provided in a portion of the seventh wall 77 located in the recess 121. In the present embodiment, an opening 173 is provided in a portion of the seventh wall 77 that intersects the fifth wall 75. The recess 121 and the recess 171 communicate with each other through the opening 173. The welded portion 123 is provided around the recessed portion 171 excluding the notched portion 175. For this reason, when the sheet member 151 is joined to the welding part 123, the recessed part 171 and the recessed part 92 are partitioned from each other. The notch 175 is provided in the fifth wall 75 and is provided in a direction that becomes concave toward the inside of the recess 171. The recess 171 and the recess 91 communicate with each other through the notch 175.

  In the third embodiment, since the concave portion 121 is provided, for example, the ink overflowing from the ink injection portion 101 or the ink dripping at the time of injection can be received by the concave portion 121. As a result, it is easy to avoid the ink that has overflowed or leaked from the ink injection unit 101 from being diffused widely. Further, in the ink tank 9 </ b> C, since the recess 121 communicates with the recess 171, the ink received by the recess 121 is guided into the recess 171. Since the recess 171 communicates with the recess 91 that is an example of the first ink chamber, the ink guided into the recess 171 is guided into the recess 91. That is, in the ink tank 9 </ b> C, the ink overflowing or leaking from the ink injection unit 101 can be collected in the recess 91 through the recess 121 and the recess 171. As a result, it is possible to effectively use the ink overflowing from the ink injection unit 101 and the ink dripping down during the injection.

  In addition, the case 61 </ b> C is provided with an inclined surface 177 in the recess 171. The inclined surface 177 forms the bottom surface of the recess 171 in a state where the opening 125 of the ink injection unit 101 is directed vertically upward. The inclined surface 177 is inclined so as to become lower from the opening 173 side toward the notch 175 side in a state where the opening 125 of the ink injection portion 101 is directed vertically upward. For this reason, it is easy to guide the ink received in the recess 121 into the recess 91.

  Further, since the sheet member 151 is light transmissive, at least a part of the wall facing the outside of the case 61C among the walls of the second ink chamber partitioned by the recess 171 and the sheet member 151 is formed. It has optical transparency. Therefore, it is easy to visually recognize the second ink chamber partitioned by the concave portion 171 and the sheet member 151 through the sheet member 151. As a result, it is possible to confirm the degree of ink recovery from the recess 171 into the recess 91.

  In the ink tank 9 </ b> C, the ink flow path resistance in the notch 175 is larger than the ink flow path resistance in the ink injection part 101. As a result, the outflow of ink from the concave portion 91 to the concave portion 171 is suppressed, and ink filling into the concave portion 91 is promoted.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment relates to a valve device that can be provided in the ink injection unit 101. The valve device according to the fourth embodiment can be employed in any of the ink tank 9, the ink tank 9B, and the ink tank 9C. Furthermore, the valve device according to the fourth embodiment may be employed in these other ink tanks. For this reason, in 4th Embodiment, the detailed description about the structure of an ink tank is abbreviate | omitted. In the fourth embodiment, the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, an ink tank case to which the valve structure according to the fourth embodiment can be applied is referred to as a case 181.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the valve device 183 according to the fourth embodiment includes a valve member 185, a lock lever 187 that is an example of a floating member, and a spring 189 that is an example of a biasing member. The lock lever 187 includes a lever body 191, a weight 193, and a float 194. FIG. 21 illustrates a cross section when the ink injection unit 101 and the valve device 183 are cut along the XZ plane. The valve member 185 is inserted into the side wall 127 of the ink injection part 101 from the inside of the case 181. The opening 125 of the ink injection unit 101 is blocked from the inside of the case 181 by the valve member 185. In the case 181, the wall on which the ink injection unit 101 is provided is referred to as a wall 201.

  The side wall 127 protrudes from the wall 201 toward the side opposite to the inside of the case 181. Here, a stepped portion 127 </ b> A is provided on the inner periphery of the side wall 127. The inner periphery of the side wall 127 extends from the stepped portion 127A. The inner periphery of the side wall 127 is wider inside the case 181 than the front end side of the side wall 127. When the valve member 185 hits the stepped portion 127A, the opening 125 is closed. A state in which the opening 125 is blocked by the valve member 185 is referred to as a closed state.

  The valve member 185 extends inside the case 181 rather than the wall 201. The valve member 185 is provided with an insertion port 195. The insertion port 195 is provided in a direction in which the valve member 185 is recessed from the outside of the case 181 toward the inside of the case 181. A nozzle of an injection bottle described later is inserted into the insertion port 195. The valve member 185 is provided with a flow path 197. The flow path 197 communicates from the outer peripheral surface of the valve member 185 to the bottom of the insertion port 195. Through the flow path 197, the insertion port 195 communicates with the outside from the outer peripheral surface of the valve member 185. In the closed state, the flow path 197 is blocked by the inner periphery of the side wall 127. For this reason, in the closed state, the opening 125 of the ink injection portion 101 does not communicate with the inside of the case 181.

  The spring 189 is provided on the side opposite to the wall 201 side with respect to the valve member 185. The spring 189 biases the valve member 185 from the inside to the outside of the case 181, that is, in a direction in which the valve member 185 is abutted against the stepped portion 127 </ b> A. In the closed state, the valve member 185 is abutted against the stepped portion 127 </ b> A by biasing by the spring 189.

  The lever body 191 is configured to be rotatable about the shaft portion 203. The lever main body 191 is provided with an engaging portion 207 that can be engaged with an engaged portion 205 provided on the valve member 185. The weight 193 is provided on the side opposite to the wall 201 side of the lever body 191, that is, on the lower side of the lever body 191. In the closed state, the engaging portion 207 of the lever main body 191 is disengaged from the engaged portion 205. In this state, when the opening 125 is directed vertically upward, the direction connecting the shaft portion 203 and the weight 193 intersects the vertical direction. At this time, the weight 193 is located on the side opposite to the valve member 185 side from the shaft portion 203. Therefore, the lever main body 191 is urged by the weight 193 so that the weight 193 approaches the valve member 185. The float 194 is provided on the opposite side of the weight 193 from the lever body 191 side, that is, on the lower side of the weight 193.

  As shown in FIG. 22, the injection bottle 211 has a bottle body 213 and a nozzle 215 that is an example of an injection tool. In addition, in FIG. 22, the state which cut | disconnected the injection | pouring bottle 211 by XZ plane is shown in figure. The bottle body 213 is configured to be able to store ink. The ink in the bottle main body 213 can be discharged out of the injection bottle 211 through the nozzle 215. The nozzle 215 is configured to be insertable into the insertion port 195 of the valve member 185 through the opening 125. When the ink in the injection bottle 211 is injected into the case 181, the operator first pushes the valve member 185 toward the back of the opening 125 through the injection bottle 211.

  At this time, the valve member 185 is displaced toward the spring 189 side by receiving a pressing force against the urging force of the spring 189 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the spring 189 is compressed. When the valve member 185 is displaced toward the spring 189 side, the flow path 197 is connected to the flow path 217. The flow path 217 is provided on the inner periphery of the side wall 127 and has a groove shape that becomes concave from the inner periphery side of the side wall 127 toward the outer periphery side. When the flow path 197 is connected to the flow path 217, the engaging portion 207 of the lever main body 191 is engaged with the engaged portion 205. Thereby, the position of the valve member 185 is fixed. A state in which the engaging portion 207 of the lever main body 191 is engaged with the engaged portion 205 and the flow path 197 is connected to the flow path 217 is called an open state.

  In the open state, the operator holds the injection bottle 211 to inject the ink in the bottle main body 213 into the case 181 from the nozzle 215. At this time, the ink in the bottle main body 213 is injected into the case 181 from the nozzle 215 via the flow path 197 and the flow path 217 as shown in FIG. When the ink in the bottle main body 213 is injected into the case 181, the ink level 221 floats and reaches 194 as shown in FIG. 25. When the ink level 221 reaches the float 194, buoyancy due to the ink acts on the float 194. When buoyancy acts on the float 194, the lever body 191 is released in a direction in which the weight 193 moves away from the valve member 185 around the shaft portion 203, that is, the engaged portion 205 is unlocked by the engaging portion 207. A rotational force (torque) acts in the direction. When the buoyancy acting on the float 194 exceeds a predetermined level, the engagement of the engaged portion 205 by the engaging portion 207 is released. Thereby, it will be in a closed state.

  That is, in the valve device 183, when the nozzle 215 of the injection bottle 211 is inserted into the ink injection unit 101, a communication path from the ink injection unit 101 to the inside of the case 181 opens. In this state, the valve member 185 is locked by the lock lever 187, so that the communication path is held open. In the state where the communication path is open, ink can be injected into the case 181 from the ink injection portion 101 via the nozzle 215. When the ink in the case 181 exceeds a predetermined level, the locking of the valve member 185 by the lock lever 187 is released, and the communication path is closed. Thereby, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the ink injection portion 101.

  Further, in the valve device 183, when the valve member 185 is pressed by the nozzle 215 with a pressing force opposite to the biasing force by the spring 189, a communication path from the ink injection unit 101 to the inside of the case 181 is opened, and the valve member 185 is opened. Is locked by the lock lever 187. When the locking of the valve member 185 by the lock lever 187 is released, the urging force by the spring 189 also acts on the nozzle 215 via the valve member 185. Thereby, it can be notified that the ink in the case 181 has exceeded a predetermined level.

  In each of the above embodiments, the liquid ejecting apparatus may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that consumes by ejecting, ejecting, or applying a liquid other than ink. Note that the state of the liquid ejected as a minute amount of liquid droplets from the liquid ejection device includes those in the form of particles, tears, and threads. Moreover, the liquid here should just be a material which can be consumed with a liquid discharge 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 ejection device include, for example, a liquid that contains materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescence) displays, surface-emitting displays, color filters, and the like in a dispersed or dissolved form. There is a liquid ejecting apparatus for ejecting the liquid. Further, it may be a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects bio-organic matter used for biochip manufacturing, a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid as a sample used as a precision pipette, a printing apparatus, a micro dispenser, or the like. In addition, a transparent resin liquid such as UV curable resin is used to form a liquid ejection device that injects lubricating oil pinpoint onto precision machines such as watches and cameras, and a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements. May be a liquid ejection device 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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printer, 3 ... 1st case, 5 ... Ink tank unit, 7 ... 2nd case, 9, 9B1, 9C ... Ink tank, 10 ... Mechanism unit, 11 ... Paper discharge part, 13 ... Front, 15 ... Top surface, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 ... Operation panel, 18A ... Power button, 18B ... Operation button, 19 ... Side part, 21 ... Window part, 23 ... Front, 25 ... Upper surface, 27 ... Side part, 31 ... Mounting screw, 41 ... Printing part, 43 ... Supply tube 45 ... carriage 47 ... printing head 49 ... relay unit 51 ... conveying roller 53 ... motor 55 ... timing belt 61,61B1,61B2,61B3,61B4,61B5 ... case 63 ... sheet member 65 ... accommodating part, 67 ... atmosphere chamber, 71 ... first wall, 72 ... second wall, 73 ... third wall, 74 ... fourth wall, 75 ... fifth wall, 76 ... sixth wall, 77 ... seventh Wall, 78th ... Wall, 91 ... concave portion, 92 ... concave portion, 101 ... ink injection portion, 103 ... concave portion, 105 ... wall, 107 ... supply port, 109 ... atmospheric communication port, 111 ... atmospheric introduction passage, 113 ... overhang portion, 115 ... delivery port DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 117 ... Introduction port, 121 ... Recessed part, 123 ... Welding part, 125 ... Opening, 127 ... Side wall, 127A ... Step part, 131 ... Ink, 133 ... Plug, 135 ... Opening, 137 ... Recessed part, 139 ... Bottom part, 141 ... Side wall, 142 ... Side wall, 143 ... Side wall, 144 ... Side wall, 145 ... Side wall, 151 ... Sheet member, 153, 155, 157, 159, 161 ... Rib, 163 ... Slope, 171 ... Recess, 173 ... Opening, 175 ... Cut Notch portion, 177 ... inclined surface, 181 ... case, 183 ... valve device, 185 ... valve member, 187 ... lock lever, 189 ... spring, 191 ... lever body, 193 ... weight 194: floating, 195: insertion port, 197 ... flow path, 201 ... wall, 203 ... shaft portion, 205 ... engaged portion, 207 ... engaging portion, 211 ... injection bottle, 213 ... bottle body, 215 ... nozzle, 217 ... flow path, 221 ... liquid level.

Claims (21)

A tank body capable of containing ink;
An ink injection part provided in the tank body, and having an opening through which the ink can be injected into the tank body;
A case member that covers at least a part of the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion of the wall of the tank main body provided with the ink injection portion;
At least one of the peripheral portion of the wall of the tank body and the portion of the case member facing the peripheral portion is an ink receiving portion, and an ink guide path capable of guiding the ink to the ink receiving portion. Provided,
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to claim 1,
The ink receiving portion is provided at least at a part of the peripheral portion of the ink injection portion of the wall of the tank body,
The case member is provided with a first wall portion extending toward the ink receiving portion,
The ink guide path is configured by the first wall portion.
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to claim 2,
The ink injection part has a cylindrical side wall surrounding the opening,
The side wall is provided to protrude from the wall of the tank body,
The ink receiving portion is provided outside the side wall when the opening is viewed in plan view,
The first wall portion is configured in a cylindrical shape or an inverted conical shape surrounding the side wall with a predetermined gap from the side wall when the opening is viewed in plan view.
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The ink receiving portion is a recess provided in the wall;
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The ink receiving portion includes an ink absorbing member;
Ink tank unit. An ink tank unit having two or more ink tanks and a case member covering at least a part of the two or more ink tanks,
The ink tank is
A tank body capable of containing ink;
An ink injection portion provided in the tank main body and having an opening capable of injecting the ink into the tank main body,
The case member covers at least a part of a peripheral portion of the ink injection portion of the wall of the tank body provided with the ink injection portion,
Between the ink injection part of one of the ink tanks and the ink injection part of the other ink tank, a second wall part projecting to the opposite side of the tank body side from the opening is Provided in at least one of the tank body and the case member,
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to claim 6,
The second wall portion includes the one opening and the other opening between the opening of the one ink tank and the opening of the other ink tank when the opening is viewed in plan. It is provided in the direction that intersects the direction in which
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to claim 6 or 7,
A side wall surrounding the opening is provided in the tank body so as to protrude from the wall of the tank body.
Ink tank unit. The ink tank unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
The second wall is provided on the case member;
Ink tank unit. An ink tank unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.
inkjet printer. A tank body capable of containing ink;
An ink injection part provided in the tank body, and having an opening through which the ink can be injected into the tank body;
Two or more ribs provided around the ink injection portion of the tank main body and projecting from the tank main body,
Between the two adjacent ribs of the two or more ribs, a gap is provided between the ribs so that the ink can be held by capillary force.
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 11,
The two adjacent ribs extend along the same direction as each other,
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 11 or 12,
The two or more ribs are arranged in a lattice pattern,
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 11,
The two or more ribs are provided radially around the opening when the opening is viewed in plan view.
Ink tank. The ink tank according to any one of claims 11 to 14,
In the ink injection portion, a side wall surrounding the opening is provided so as to protrude from the tank body,
At least some of the two or more ribs are connected to the side wall;
Ink tank. A tank body capable of containing ink;
An ink injection part provided in the tank body, and having an opening through which the ink can be injected into the tank body;
A first ink chamber provided in the tank body and communicating with the ink injection portion;
A recess provided in a peripheral portion of the ink injection portion in the tank body;
A second ink chamber provided in the tank main body, communicating with the recess and communicating with the first ink chamber at a position different from the ink injection portion;
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 16,
In a state where the opening is directed vertically upward, the second ink chamber has an inclined surface that is inclined in a direction that decreases from the communication portion side with the concave portion toward the communication portion side with the first ink chamber. Have
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 16 or 17,
Of the walls defining the second ink chamber, at least a part of the wall facing the outside of the tank body has light permeability.
Ink tank. The ink tank according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising:
The flow path resistance at the communication portion between the second ink chamber and the first ink chamber is greater than the flow path resistance at the ink injection portion;
Ink tank. A tank body capable of containing ink;
An ink injection part having an opening through which an injection tool for injecting the ink can be inserted and the ink can be injected into the tank body via the injection tool;
A valve member that is provided in the ink injection portion and that can open and close a communication path from the ink injection portion to the inside of the tank body by inserting and removing the injection tool;
When the ink in the tank body is engageable with the ink and the ink in the tank body is below a predetermined level, the valve member is locked so as to hold the communication path open, and the ink in the tank body A floating member that releases the locking of the valve member by buoyancy received from the ink when the pressure exceeds a predetermined level,
Ink tank. The ink tank according to claim 20, wherein
A biasing member that biases the valve member;
The valve member is biased by the biasing member in a direction to close the communication path, and opens the communication path by receiving a pressing force against the biasing force by the biasing member from the injection tool.
Ink tank.

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