JP7188516B2 - Ink supply container - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank that stores ink to be supplied to a printing apparatus, and an ink supply system including such an ink supply container.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink tank storing ink therein is connected in a state in which ink can be supplied to a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink onto a medium. In such a recording apparatus, when the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank becomes small, the ink is replenished from the outside using an ink replenishing container (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-100003). .

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-146021

By the way, the ink replenishment work for the ink tank must be performed appropriately while suppressing the ink replenishment failure, etc., and such replenishment work has conventionally been performed by the user of the printing apparatus. Therefore, in order for users to appropriately perform such ink replenishment work, there has been a demand for further improvements in, for example, ink replenishment containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink supply container capable of appropriately supplying ink to an ink tank, and an ink supply system including such an ink supply container. be.

Means for solving the above problems and their effects will be described below.
An ink replenishing container for solving the above problems is an ink replenishing container for replenishing ink to an ink tank having an ink inlet passage portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet passage portion, wherein the ink tank and an ink outlet provided at the end of the container body for allowing the ink to flow out from the ink storage chamber. an outlet forming portion, a valve provided at the ink outlet forming portion to openably and closably seal the ink outlet; a positioning portion for positioning the ink tank, wherein the positioning portion is positioned on the opposite side of the valve to the side on which the container body is positioned, and intersects the central axis of the ink outlet. The positioning surface has a positioning surface extending in a direction toward the ink tank, and the positioning surface is aligned with the part on the ink tank side when the ink inlet channel portion of the ink tank is inserted into the ink outlet and the valve is opened. abut.

According to this configuration, when the ink supply container is moved to the ink tank side and the valve is opened by inserting the ink inlet channel portion of the ink tank into the ink outlet, the positioning surface moves the ink tank ahead of the valve. move to the side. Therefore, for example, if the ink tank is provided with a structure capable of guiding the movement of the positioning surface in the direction in which the ink inlet passage portion is inserted into the ink outlet, the ink inlet passage portion can be easily guided to the valve. Become. Further, when the positioning surface of the ink supply container comes into contact with a part of the ink tank side when the ink tank is refilled with ink, the position of the ink supply container is stabilized in the direction intersecting the central axis of the ink outlet. Therefore, the ink can be appropriately replenished to the ink tank.

In the ink supply container, it is preferable that the positioning surface is located on the opposite side of the ink outlet from the container main body side in the direction along the central axis of the ink outlet.
According to this configuration, when the ink supply container is inserted into the ink outlet of the ink inlet channel portion on the side of the ink tank, the positioning surface approaches the ink tank before the ink outlet. Therefore, when the ink supply container is brought close to the ink tank, it is easy to prevent the ink outlet from colliding with other members. In addition, this makes it easier to prevent damage to the ink outlets and adhesion of ink to other members.

In the ink supply container, it is preferable that the positioning surface is formed at the end of the ink outlet forming portion at the tip of a cylindrical portion that opens the ink outlet toward the outside.
According to this configuration, the positioning surface can be formed on the cylindrical portion, which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion, together with the ink outlet. can be done easily.

Another ink supply container for solving the above problem is an ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank having an ink inlet channel portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet channel portion, A container body having an ink containing chamber capable of containing ink to be replenished in the ink tank, and an ink outlet provided at an end of the container body and allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber are formed. a valve provided in the ink outlet forming portion for opening and closing the ink outlet; and a valve contacting a portion of the ink tank when the valve is opened. with respect to the ink tank, the ink outlet is formed in a cylindrical portion that is a part of the ink outlet forming section, and the positioning section intersects the central axis of the ink outlet A positioning surface extending in the direction of the cylinder is provided with a gap between it and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion. In this state, it abuts against the part on the ink tank side.

According to this configuration, when ink is replenished from the ink replenishing container to the ink tank, the positioning surface extending in the direction intersecting the central axis of the ink outlet comes into contact with a part of the ink tank side, so that the ink is stably and appropriately supplied. can be replenished. There is also the possibility of drawing ink adhering to the ink outlet or the positioning surface into the gap, reducing ink dripping and contamination to the outside.

In the ink supply container, the positioning surface is located on the side farther from the ink outlet in the direction intersecting the central axis of the ink outlet, and on the side closer to the ink outlet than the area contacting the portion of the ink tank side. It is preferable that the area is larger than the area of contact with the part on the ink tank side.

According to this configuration, the stability of the attitude of the ink outlet can be enhanced in the ink replenishing state in which the ink inlet channel portion is inserted into the ink outlet and the valve is opened.
Another ink supply container for solving the above problem is an ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank having an ink inlet channel portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet channel portion, A container body having an ink containing chamber capable of containing ink to be replenished in the ink tank, and an ink outlet provided at an end of the container body and allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber are formed. a valve provided in the ink outlet forming portion for opening and closing the ink outlet; and a valve contacting a portion of the ink tank when the valve is opened. with respect to the ink tank, the positioning part having a positioning surface that is inclined or curved in a direction intersecting the central axis of the ink outlet, the positioning surface of the ink tank When the ink inlet channel portion is inserted into the ink outlet and the valve is opened, the ink inlet channel portion abuts against the portion on the ink tank side.

According to this configuration, when ink is replenished from the ink replenishing container to the ink tank, the ink replenishing container can be positioned both in the direction along the central axis of the ink outlet and in the direction perpendicular to the central axis, and the ink can be appropriately replenished. be able to.

In the ink supply container, the positioning surface is inclined or curved in a direction gradually away from the central axis in a direction from the ink outlet toward the container main body.
According to this configuration, the ink supply container can be gradually guided along the inclined or curved positioning surface when the ink inlet passage portion is inserted into or removed from the ink outlet.

In the ink supply container, it is preferable that the positioning portion is provided on at least one of the ink outlet forming portion and the container main body portion, which is exposed to the outside.
According to this configuration, when the ink inlet passage portion of the ink tank is inserted into the ink outlet of the ink supply container, the positioning portion is easily visible from the outside. Further, when the positioning portion is provided in the portion of the container body exposed to the outside, since the container body containing the ink is positioned, a heavy portion is positioned, and the ink replenishment posture is changed. Stabilize.

Another ink supply container for solving the above problem is an ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank having an ink inlet channel portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet channel portion, A container body having an ink containing chamber capable of containing ink to be replenished in the ink tank, and an ink outlet provided at an end of the container body and allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber are formed. a valve provided in the ink outlet forming portion for opening and closing the ink outlet; and a valve contacting a portion of the ink tank when the valve is opened. with respect to the ink tank, and the positioning portion is provided inside the ink outlet.

According to this configuration, the positioning portion is protected inside the ink outlet compared to the case where the positioning portion is provided outside the ink outlet, so that it is less likely to be damaged. Further, since the positioning portion is close to the valve inside the ink outlet, the valve can be positioned with high accuracy with respect to the ink tank. Furthermore, even if ink adheres to the positioning portion, it is located inside the ink outlet, so it is difficult for the ink to adhere to the outside of the ink supply container.

An ink replenishing system for solving the above problems comprises an ink tank having an ink inlet passage portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet passage portion; an ink replenishing container having the above configuration; When the valve is positioned with respect to the ink tank via the positioning part, it is positioned between the positioning part and the part on the ink tank side, and the valve is positioned between the positioning part and the part on the ink tank side. and a positioning auxiliary member that mediates contact with the.

According to this configuration, when ink is replenished from the ink replenishing container to the ink tank, appropriate positioning can be performed for various ink tanks by using the positioning assisting member.

In the ink supply system described above, it is preferable that the auxiliary positioning member is made of an ink absorbing material capable of absorbing ink.
According to this configuration, the impact when the positioning portion of the ink supply container comes into contact with a portion of the ink tank can be reduced by the ink absorbing material. In addition, since the ink is absorbed by the ink absorbing material, it is possible to reduce dripping and scattering when the ink supply container is removed.

Another ink supply container for solving the above problem is an ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank having an ink inlet channel portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet channel portion, A container body having an ink containing chamber capable of containing ink to be replenished in the ink tank, and an ink outlet provided at an end of the container body and allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber are formed. a valve provided in the ink outlet forming portion for opening and closing the ink outlet; and a valve contacting a portion of the ink tank when the valve is opened. with respect to the ink tank.

According to this configuration, when the positioning portion of the ink supply container comes into contact with a portion of the ink tank during ink supply, the valve for opening and closing the ink outlet is positioned with respect to the ink tank. Therefore, it becomes easier to replenish the ink, and the ink can be appropriately replenished to the ink tank.
The present disclosure may be implemented in the following forms.
[Mode 1] An ink supply container for supplying ink to an ink tank of a printer having an ink inlet channel portion and an ink chamber communicating with the ink inlet channel portion, wherein the ink is supplied to the ink tank. and an ink outlet forming section provided at the end of the container body and formed with an ink outlet for allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber. and a slit valve in which one or more slits are provided in an elastic member, the valve being opened by the ink inlet passage portion inserted into the ink outlet, and the ink inlet passage portion being withdrawn from the ink outlet. and a positioning portion that contacts and positions the printer when the valve is open, wherein the positioning portion is provided on the container body. the ink supply container.
[Mode 2] A printer comprising an ink storage chamber capable of storing ink, a needle having a flow path communicating with the ink storage chamber and for introducing ink, and a pair of recessed portions sandwiching the needle. an ink supply container for taking in air through the needle and supplying ink to the ink supply unit of (1), the container body having an ink storage chamber capable of storing ink; and an end of the container body. and an ink outlet forming portion formed with an ink outlet for allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber ; and a cap engageable with the ink outlet forming portion by means of a screw. The outlet forming portion is a slit valve in which one or more slits are provided in an elastic member, the valve is opened by inserting the needle into the ink outlet, and the needle is removed from the ink outlet. a slit valve operable to close; a pair of projections configured to be insertable into the pair of recesses ; and a threaded portion engageable with the cap , wherein the ink outlet communicates with the ink Each of the pair of projections is provided on a cylindrical portion extending in the central axis direction of the outlet, and each of the pair of convex portions has a tip surface extending in the central axis direction and extending in a radial direction intersecting the central axis direction, and the pair of and a slit-like gap having a depth direction in the direction of the central axis is formed between each of the projections and the outer surface of the cylindrical portion . an ink supply container having a side defining an outer end, said side extending to said threaded formation, said cap covering said ink outlet and said pair of projections in engagement with said threaded formation. .

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the recording apparatus in a see-through state; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an ink supply unit provided inside the housing of the printing apparatus; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the same ink supply unit; FIG. 4 is a partially broken cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3; 4 is a partially broken cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3; FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ink supply container of the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a side view of the ink supply container; FIG. 2 is a front view of the ink supply container; FIG. 2 is a plan view of the ink supply container; 10-10 line arrow sectional view in FIG. 11-11 line arrow sectional view in FIG. FIG. 4 is a partially broken front view showing the ink replenishment system immediately before the ink replenishment work; FIG. 4 is a partially broken side view showing the ink replenishment system immediately before the ink replenishment work; FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front view showing the ink replenishment system during ink replenishment work; FIG. 4 is a partially broken side view showing the ink replenishment system during ink replenishment work; FIG. 4 is a partially broken front view showing the ink replenishment system in a positioned state; FIG. 4 is a partially broken side view showing the ink supply system in a positioned state; FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an ink supply container according to a second embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of the ink supply unit during ink supply in the second embodiment; FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F20-F20 in FIG. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an ink supply container according to a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an ink supply container according to a fourth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of an ink supply container according to a fifth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a fifth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a sixth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a seventh embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in an eighth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a ninth embodiment; FIG. 11 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishment system in a tenth embodiment; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an ink supply unit in the eleventh embodiment; FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of the ink supply unit during ink supply in the eleventh embodiment; FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F33-F33. FIG. 21 is a partially broken front view showing an ink replenishing system in a twelfth embodiment; FIG. 21 is a partially broken side view showing an ink replenishing system in a thirteenth embodiment;

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of an ink supply system including an ink tank and an ink supply container in a printing apparatus will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the recording apparatus of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that records (prints) an image or the like on a medium by ejecting ink onto the medium. In the drawings, it is assumed that a recording apparatus having a predetermined height in the vertical direction, a predetermined width in the horizontal direction, and a predetermined depth in the front-rear direction is placed on a horizontal surface. In each figure, arrows indicate the up-down direction along the vertical line, the left-right direction along the horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical line, and the front-back direction along the horizontal plane perpendicular to both the up-down and left-right directions.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording apparatus 21 includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing 22 whose longitudinal direction is the horizontal direction. 1 schematically illustrates the inside of a housing 22 of the recording apparatus 21 as seen through. A support base 23 whose longitudinal direction is the left-right direction is provided in the lower part of the housing 22 near the rear so that the upper surface of the support base 23 extends along the substantially horizontal direction. A sheet P, which is an example of a medium, is transported forward in the transport direction while being supported on the upper surface of the support base 23 . A guide shaft 24 extending in the left-right direction is provided above the support table 23 in the housing 22. The guide shaft 24 is provided with a carriage 26 having a recording head 25 for ejecting ink on its lower surface side. is supported. That is, the carriage 26 is supported so as to reciprocate in the left-right direction with respect to the guide shaft 24 in a state in which the guide shaft 24 is inserted through the support hole 27 penetrating in the left-right direction.

A drive pulley 28 and a driven pulley 29 are rotatably supported at positions near both ends of the guide shaft 24 in the housing 22 . An output shaft of a carriage motor 30 is connected to the drive pulley 28 , and an endless timing belt 31 partly connected to the carriage 26 is wound between the drive pulley 28 and the driven pulley 29 . . When the carriage 26 is driven by the carriage motor 30 and guided by the guide shaft 24 via the timing belt 31 to reciprocate along the horizontal direction, which is the scanning direction for the paper P, the carriage 26 is transported forward on the support base 23 . Ink is ejected onto the paper P from the recording head 25 on the lower surface side of the carriage 26 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a front side of the support stand 23 on the front side of the housing 22 is provided at a position where the ink from the recording head 25 when conveyed on the support stand 23 inside the housing 22 flows. A rectangular discharge port 32 is open for discharging the paper P on which recording has been performed by ejection to the front side. At the discharge port 32, a rectangular plate-shaped discharge tray 33 capable of supporting the paper P discharged from the housing 22 is provided so as to be retractable forward in the discharging direction. Further, in the discharge port 32 , a paper feed cassette 34 capable of accommodating a plurality of sheets P used for recording in a stacked state is attached to the lower side of the discharge tray 33 so as to be freely insertable and removable in the front-rear direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the front surface and the upper surface of the housing 22 are rectangular at a position on the front surface of the housing 22 and on the left-right end side (right end side in FIG. 1) of the discharge port 32. An opening/closing door 35 having a right-angled triangular right side surface is provided so as to be freely opened/closed in the front-rear direction about a rotating shaft 36 provided at the lower end thereof and extending in the left-right direction. A window portion 37 made of a rectangular transparent member is formed on the front surface of the opening/closing door 35 . ) is visible.

Ink is supplied to the recording head 25 at a position behind the opening/closing door 35 in the housing 22 of the recording apparatus 21, that is, at a position near the front and near the end (in this case, near the right end). An ink supply unit 40 is accommodated. The ink supply unit 40 is a structure that includes a plurality (five in this embodiment) of ink tanks 41 to 45 and can be handled integrally. ink can be replenished.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the ink supply unit 40 includes five deformed box-shaped ink tanks 41 to 45 elongated in the front-rear direction, and five ink supply units pulled out from the rear side of each of the ink tanks 41 to 45. It comprises a tube 46 and a rectangular parallelepiped ink supply adapter 47 to which the ink tanks 41 to 45 are assembled together. The ink replenishing adapter 47 has a stepped portion formed by notching the front half of the upper portion of each of the ink tanks 41 to 45 in a state in which all the ink tanks 41 to 45 are arranged side by side with the thickness direction of the ink tanks 41 to 45 oriented horizontally. By being attached to 48, it is integrated with the ink tanks 41-45. Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 1, the ink supply tubes 46 pulled out from the ink tanks 41 to 45 are connected to ink flow paths (not shown) formed in the carriage 26, and recording is performed through the ink flow paths. It is connected to head 25 . The ink supply adapter 47 may constitute a part of the housing 22 covering the ink tanks 41-45, or may be integrally formed with the ink tanks 41-45.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the ink tanks 41 to 45 has an ink chamber 49 in which ink IK can be stored. In this embodiment, black ink is stored in the ink chamber 49 of the ink tank 41 located at the right end in the horizontal direction. Color inks other than black (cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.) are stored in the ink chambers 49 of the other ink tanks 42 to 45 arranged on the left side of the rightmost ink tank 41 in the horizontal direction. The front walls of the ink tanks 41 to 45, which are visible through the window 37 on the front of the housing 22, are made of transparent resin so that the surface of the ink IK in the ink chamber 49 can be seen. A visual recognition portion 50 is provided. In the visible portion 50, an upper limit indicating the upper limit of the liquid surface of the ink IK stored in the ink chamber 49 (an example of the reference of the amount of ink that can be injected without overflowing the ink from the ink inlet 53). A mark 51 and a lower limit mark 52 indicating a lower limit standard (for example, a standard for prompting replenishment of ink) are provided.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the ink tanks 41 to 45 is provided with an ink inlet 53 that allows ink to flow into the ink chamber 49 from the outside above the horizontal portion of the stepped portion 48 . The ink inlet 53 includes a needle 56, which is an example of an ink inlet channel portion extending vertically upward, having channels 54 and 55 communicating between the inside and the outside of the ink chamber 49. As shown in FIG. Inside the needle 56 having a cylindrical shape, two flow paths 54 and 55 are defined by a dividing wall formed so as to extend in the vertical direction at the central position in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the flow paths 54 and 55 of this embodiment are formed so that the height and cross-sectional area of the tip openings are substantially equal. A remaining amount sensor 57 for detecting the remaining amount of the ink IK in the ink chamber 49 is provided at the lower rear portion of the ink chamber 49 . Note that the remaining amount sensor 57 may not be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the ink replenishing adapter 47 has an upper surface 58 which is a horizontal surface along a direction orthogonal (intersecting) with the direction in which the needle 56 extends. A through hole 60 penetrating in the direction is formed as an ink inlet forming portion. This through-hole 60 comprises a circular ink inlet 53 in which a needle 56 is arranged in the center, and a pair of front and rear rectangular holes connected to the front and rear of the ink inlet 53. The lower openings are the ink tanks 41-45. At the end, the needle 56 is closed by the horizontal portion of the stepped portion 48 projecting upward.

Therefore, in the through-hole 60, a pair of front and rear rectangular holes whose lower openings are blocked are provided in a region outside the ink inlet 53 in the radial direction centered on the ink inlet 53, in the direction in which the needle 56 extends. A pair of front and rear recesses 61 opening upward are formed so as to be symmetrical about the ink inlet 53 with the vertically downward direction as the depth direction. That is, in the ink replenishing adapter 47 integrated with the ink tanks 41 to 45, a plurality of points (in this case, front and rear) are provided in a region outside the ink inlet 53 including the needle 56, which is symmetrical with respect to the ink inlet 53. A pair of recesses 61 are formed. In this case, the tip of the needle 56 arranged at the center of the circular ink inlet 53 is the upper surface of the ink replenishing adapter 47, which is the opening edge of the through hole 60 containing the ink inlet 53 and the recess 61. It is positioned closer to the ink chamber 49 than 58 . That is, the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 extends in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the needle 56 at a position outside the tip of the needle 56 in the extending direction of the needle 56 . On the other hand, the lower surface 59 of the ink replenishment adapter 47 functions as a tank engaging portion that collectively engages the plurality of ink tanks 41 to 45 arranged side by side in the horizontal direction from above.

In addition, of the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47, the peripheral portion of the upper opening edge of each through-hole 60 is colored with a specific color. That is, it is colored in the same color as the ink stored in the ink chambers 49 of the ink tanks 41 to 45 into which the ink flows through the ink inlets 53 of the through holes 60 . In this regard, the ink tanks 41 to 45 that communicate with the ink inlets 53 of the through holes 60 and the ink chambers 49 are stored inside the peripheral portions of the upper opening edges of the through holes 60 in the ink supply adapter 47. It functions as a first part that externally presents information related to the ink that is present. Incidentally, the peripheral portion of the upper opening of the through-hole 60 where the ink inlet 53 communicating with the ink chamber 49 of the ink tank 41 storing black ink is arranged is colored black.

In addition, on the inner surface of the recess 61 (specifically, the inner surface along the vertical direction), a horizontal surface is provided at a position closer to the bottom surface than the upper opening edge of the recess 61 (that is, the horizontal portion side of the stepped portion 48). A first concave-convex portion (first key structure portion) 62 having a characteristic concave-convex shape in the direction is provided so as to extend along the depth direction of the concave portion 61 (in other words, along the direction of the central axis of the ink inlet 53). ing. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first uneven portion 62 is provided for each of the ink inlets 53 of the plurality (five in this embodiment) of the ink tanks 41 to 45 . Therefore, in the ink replenishing adapter 47, each through-hole 60 has a rectangular concave portion 61 in each through-hole 60 formed at a position corresponding to each of the ink tanks 41 to 45 in the vertical direction. A first concave-convex portion 62 different from the first concave-convex portion 62 provided on the inner surface of the concave portion 61 is formed. That is, these first concave-convex portions 62 are connected to the ink inlet 53 in the through-hole 60 in which the first concave-convex portions 62 are formed. 6, etc.) can be identified. In addition, "the position closer to the bottom surface than the upper opening edge of the recess 61" means that the position may be set back from the opening edge to the bottom surface side, even if only slightly.

Next, the ink supply container 63, which constitutes an ink supply system together with the ink tanks 41 to 45 and supplies ink to the ink tanks 41 to 45 when the remaining amount of ink is low, will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the ink supply container 63 in the first embodiment has a cylindrical container main body 64 as its main body, and a tip end of the container main body 64. and an ink outlet forming portion 66 having an ink outlet 65 opening at its tip for allowing ink to flow out of the ink outlet forming portion 66 . The ink outlet forming portion 66 of the present embodiment includes a separate container addition portion 67 added so as to surround the ink outlet 65 at a part of the tip side thereof. The ink outlet forming portion 66 may be provided integrally with the end portion of the container main body portion 64 or may be provided separately. Further, the container addition portion 67 may be configured to be integrally formed on the tip side of the ink outlet formation portion 66 instead of being a separate configuration added to the ink outlet formation portion 66 .

The ink outlet 65 of the ink outlet forming portion 66 is covered with a bottomed cylindrical cap 68 including the container addition portion 67 around it, so that the ink supply container 63 is hidden from the outside when it is stored. That is, a male screw portion 69 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical lower end portion of the container attachment portion 67 , and a female screw portion (not shown) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cap 68 . By screwing the female threaded portion of the cap 68 into the male threaded portion 69 of the container attachment portion 67 , the cap 68 is attached to the tip portion of the ink supply container 63 so as to cover the ink outlet 65 .

The entire outer surface of the container addition portion 67 is colored in a specific color. That is, it is colored in the same color as the ink contained in the container main body 64 to which the container adding portion 67 is added. In this respect, the container addition portion 67 of the ink supply container 63 functions as a second portion that indicates to the outside information related to the ink contained inside the ink supply container 63 . Incidentally, the outer surface of the container addition portion 67 in the ink supply container 63 that stores black ink is colored black. A plurality of (four in this embodiment) protrusions 70 are formed at equal angular intervals (eg, at intervals of 90 degrees) on the outer peripheral surfaces of the base ends of the container body 64 and the cap 68 . Incidentally, these protrusions 70 are formed to prevent the cylindrical ink supply container 63 from rolling. Furthermore, for example, the container main body 64 of the ink supply container 63 that contains black ink may be formed thicker than the container main body 64 of the ink supply container 63 that contains other color inks. In that case, the ink outlet forming portion 66 may have the same thickness and shape for black ink and other color inks.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, above the cylindrical lower end of the container attachment portion 67 having a male threaded portion 69 formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, ink is distributed radially from the ink outlet 65 as a center. A convex portion 71 is formed in a region outside the outlet 65 and protrudes upward in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 and opposite to the direction in which the container main body 64 is positioned with respect to the ink outlet 65 . It is The convex portion 71 is a second fitting portion that can be fitted with the concave portion 61 of the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 as a first fitting portion when inserting the tip of the needle 56 on the side of the ink inlet 53 into the ink outlet 65 . It functions as a fitting portion, and is provided so as to sandwich the ink outlet 65 from both sides in the radial direction (front and rear in the figure) in the same manner as the pair of recesses 61 that sandwich the ink inlet 53 from the front and rear. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the convex portion 71 is formed inside the outer peripheral surface of the container body portion 64 in the radial direction centering on the ink outlet 65 in the ink supply container 63 .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the outer surface of each convex portion 71 (right and left side surfaces in FIGS. 6 and 9) is provided with the first uneven portion (the first uneven portion) formed on the inner surface of the concave portion 61 of the ink supply adapter 47. As shown in FIGS. A second concave-convex portion (second key structure portion) 72 that can be engaged with the first key structure portion) 62 is formed. The second concave-convex portion 72 is provided so as to extend along the projecting direction of the convex portion 71 (in other words, the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65), and the convex portion 71 is fitted into the concave portion 61. , when the second uneven portion 72 is engaged with the first uneven portion 62, the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 is connected to the ink inlet 53 on the side of the ink tanks 41-45.

Between the cylindrical lower end portion of the container attachment portion 67 formed with the externally threaded portion 69 and the convex portion 71 formed with the second concave/convex portion 72, there is a space perpendicular (intersecting) with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. A planar positioning portion 73 is provided so as to be positioned radially outward of the ink outlet 65 when the ink outlet 65 is viewed in the direction of its central axis 85 . That is, the positioning portion 73 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the outer surface of the ink supply container 63 , and is positioned closer to the container than the tip of the convex portion 71 in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . It is provided at a position on the body portion 64 side. Since the positioning portion 73 is provided in the container addition portion 67 added to the ink outlet forming portion 66 in the ink supply container 63 , it can be said that the positioning portion 73 is provided outside the ink outlet forming portion 66 .

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the ink outlet 65 formed in the ink outlet forming portion 66, a valve 74 made of an elastic member such as a silicon film is provided for sealing the ink outlet 65 so as to be able to open and close. ing. The valve 74 is provided at a position where the positioning portion 73 is on the container body portion 64 side in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 (see FIG. 14, for example). The valve 74 is provided with a plurality of (three in this embodiment) slits 75 that intersect at equal angular intervals (for example, 120-degree intervals) with the center of the valve 74 as the point of intersection. It is configured to be opened by being pushed and spread from the outside of 65 to the inside. That is, when the tip of the needle 56 on the side of the ink inlet 53 is inserted into the ink outlet 65, the valve 74, which is a normally closed valve, is pushed inward by the tip of the needle 56 to open.

At this time, the positioning portion 73 abuts on the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 in which the through hole 60 including the ink inlet 53 and the recess 61 is formed outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction. The valve 74 is positioned with respect to the ink tanks 41-45 in the direction of the central axis 85 of the. In this respect, the planar positioning portion 73 functions as a positioning surface extending in a direction perpendicular to (crossing) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . On the other hand, the upper surface 58 of the ink replenishing adapter 47 is positioned so that the positioning portion 73 of the ink replenishing container 63 is positioned when the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 of the ink replenishing container 63 is opened to replenish the ink tanks 41 to 45 with ink. is a part of the ink tanks 41 to 45 with which the .

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the container main body 64 of the ink supply container 63 is a bottle-shaped member having an ink containing chamber 76 capable of containing the ink IK. A male threaded portion 78 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of 77 . On the other hand, the ink outlet forming portion 66 provided at the upper end portion of the container body portion 64 includes a large diameter portion 79 located on the outer peripheral side of the neck portion 77 of the container body portion 64 and a position farthest away from the container body portion 64 . It has a small-diameter portion 80 that is a cylindrical portion that opens the outlet 65 toward the outside, and an intermediate portion 81 that connects the large-diameter portion 79 and the small-diameter portion 80 . A female threaded portion 82 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 79 is screwed into a male threaded portion 78 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the neck portion 77 of the container main body portion 64, whereby the ink outlet forming portion 66 is formed. It is attached to the upper end of the container body 64 .

A container addition portion 67 attached to the ink outlet forming portion 66 of the ink supply container 63 so as to surround the ink outlet 65 has a cylindrical lower end portion having a male screw portion 69 formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof. constitutes a joint portion 83 that is joined to the upper end surface of the large diameter portion 79 of the ink outlet forming portion 66 . The surface regions of the inner peripheral surface of the joint portion 83 facing each other in the front-rear direction are in surface contact with the front and rear outer surfaces of the intermediate portion 81 of the ink outlet forming portion 66 . It is joined to the large diameter portion 79 .

Next, the operation of the ink replenishment system configured as described above will be described below, focusing on the operation when ink is supplied to the ink tanks 41 to 45 of the ink supply unit 40 using the ink supply container 63. .

As a premise, as shown in FIG. , the ink tank 41 is replenished with ink. It is also assumed that the ink supply container 63 used for ink supply contains a sufficient amount of black ink, and that the cap 68 has been removed from the ink supply container 63 in advance. Further, the shape of the second uneven portion 72 formed on the outer surface of the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 is the same as the shape of the first uneven portion 72 formed on the inner surface of the concave portion 61 located in front of and behind the ink inlet 53 to the ink tank 41 . It corresponds to the shape of the concave and convex portion 62 and can be engaged with the concave portion 61 as the convex portion 71 is inserted.

When replenishing the ink tank 41 with ink, the user first rotates the opening/closing door 35 of the housing 22 forward about the rotating shaft 36 from the closed state shown in FIG. 1 to open it. Then, in the ink supply unit 40, the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47, in which the ink inlets 53 to the ink tanks 41 to 45 are formed, is exposed to the outside of the housing 22, and the user can select the desired ink inlet 53. In contrast, the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 can be connected from above.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the user turns the ink supply container 63 containing the black ink used for ink supply upside down so that the ink outlet 65 is the rightmost through hole in the ink supply adapter 47. It is held so as to be positioned above 60 . That is, the center axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 is aligned with the center axis of the ink inlet 53 of the ink tank 41 to be supplied with ink. At this time, the user can identify the color (second portion) colored in the container addition portion 67 of the ink supply container 63 held by the hand and the ink inlet 53 of the ink tank 41 to be supplied with ink at that time. Compare with the color (first portion) colored around the upper opening edge of the provided through-hole 60 . Then, if the colors are the same (black in this case), it is confirmed that the user is holding the ink replenishment container 63 suitable for the current ink replenishment, and the subsequent work for ink replenishment is started.

Then, the ink supply container 63 is lowered from the state shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the projection 71 of the ink supply container 63 is inserted into the recess 61 of the ink supply adapter 47 integrated with the ink tank 41 . Then, by realizing the state of insertion of the convex portion 71 into the concave portion 61, the coincidence state of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with the central axis of the ink inlet 53 is ensured. In this case, since the concave portion 61 is positioned symmetrically with respect to the needle 56 which is the center of the ink inlet 53 , the convex portion 71 can be inserted into any of the concave portions 61 . Therefore, the user does not have to rotate the ink supply container 63 around the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 many times to confirm the appropriate positional relationship between the concave portion 61 and the convex portion 71 . 71 can be easily inserted.

However, at this point, the protrusion 71 is only slightly inserted into the recess 61, and the tip of the needle 56 positioned at the center of the ink inlet 53 is also slightly protruding from the tip of the protrusion 71, thus opening the ink outlet 65. Although it is inserted inside, it does not reach the valve 74 positioned deep inside the ink outlet 65 . The reason for this is that, as shown in FIG. 13, the tip of the projection 71 is located closer to the top surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 on which the opening edge of the recess 61 is located than the distance L1 between the upper end of the first recess 62 in the recess 61 and the tip of the projection 71 . and the valve 74 in the ink outlet 65 is longer. Therefore, when the protrusion 71 is further inserted downward in the depth direction of the recess 61 from this state, the second protrusion 72 on the outer surface of the protrusion 71 engages the first protrusion 62 on the inner surface of the recess 61 . match. Then, while maintaining the engaged state, when the convex portion 71 is further inserted toward the bottom side in the depth direction of the concave portion 61 , the tip of the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 . Finally, the valve 74 is opened.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the tip of the needle 56 pushes the slit 75 upward from the bottom of the valve 74 (that is, from the outside to the inside of the ink outlet 65), thereby opening the valve 74. Open the valve. As a result, the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 and the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 of the ink tank 41 are connected, and black ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 to the ink tank 41 . At this time, the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 has two channels 54 and 55, one of which functions as an ink channel for circulating ink, and the other channel functions as an air channel for circulating air. Function. For example, if the user attempts to connect the ink outlet 65 to the ink inlet 53 with the ink replenishing container 63 tilted, the ink flow path 54 or 55 will become one of the two flow paths 54 and 55 due to the difference in tilting direction. The flow path will also change.

If the second concave-convex portion 72 does not engage with the first concave-convex portion 62 after the convex portion 71 is inserted into the concave portion 61, the user may use the ink supply container 63 of a color other than black at that point. You can recognize that you are trying to insert it incorrectly. In this case, if the upper end of the first concave-convex portion 62 is positioned at the same height as the opening edge of the concave portion 61, the engagement of the second concave-convex portion 72 with the first concave-convex portion 62 is rejected. In addition, since the insertion of the projection 71 into the recess 61 is also rejected, the user may try to insert the projection 71 into the recess 61 many times, wasting work time. be. In this regard, in the present embodiment, since the height of the first uneven portion 62 is lower than the opening edge of the recess 61 , the protrusion 71 is guided toward the bottom surface side in the depth direction of the recess 61 when inserted into the recess 61 . This makes it easier to do so, and wastefully lengthening the work time is also suppressed.

Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17, when the valve 74 in the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 is opened by the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 on the side of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), The positioning portion 73 of the ink supply container 63 contacts the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47, which is a part of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). That is, the ink replenishing container 63 is positioned by contact between the planar positioning portion 73 that functions as a positioning surface extending in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 and the upper surface 58 of the ink replenishing adapter 47. The valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

In this case, since the positioning portion 73 is positioned radially outward of the ink outlet 65 , the ink supply container 63 is stably held in a posture in which the ink outlet 65 is connected to the ink inlet 53 . 14 and 15, when the positioning portion 73 of the ink supply container 63 abuts against the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47, the ink inlet 53 where the base end of the needle 56 in the ink inlet 53 is located A gap exists between the bottom surface of the ink supply container 63 and the tip of the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 . Therefore, although ink tends to accumulate on the bottom surface of the ink inlet 53 where the base end of the needle 56 is located, it is also possible to prevent the accumulated ink from adhering to the tip of the ink outlet 65 and staining the ink supply container 63 . be.

14 and 16, when the ink supply from the ink supply container 63 to the ink tank 41 is completed, the liquid level of the ink in the ink tank 41 is higher than the upper limit mark 51 of the visual recognition portion 50. If it is still low, the same black ink supply container 63 may be used to supply ink up to the upper limit mark 51 . The ink replenishing operation as described above is performed in the same manner for the ink tanks 42 to 45 of other colors than the ink tank 41 for black ink.

According to the said 1st Embodiment, the following effects can be acquired.
(1-1) The ink replenishing container 63 has a planar positioning portion 73 that functions as a positioning surface extending in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 when the ink tanks 41 to 45 are replenished with ink. , the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47, which is a part of the ink tanks 41-45. Then, the ink replenishing container 63 is stabilized in the direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65, so that the valve 74 is opened while being positioned with respect to the ink tanks 41 to 45, and the ink is discharged. Easier to replenish. Therefore, the ink can be appropriately replenished to the ink tanks 41-45.

(1-2) Since the valve 74 is composed of a slit valve in which one or more slits 75 are provided in an elastic member made of a silicon film or the like, the ink replenishing container 63 can be provided with a small number of parts and a simple structure. can.

(1-3) When the ink supply container 63 is connected to the ink tanks 41 to 45 from the direction in which the needle 56 extends along the radial direction in which the two flow paths 54 and 55 are arranged, the two flow paths One of the channels 54 and 55 on the side closer to the ink outlet 65 of the ink replenishing container 63 functions as an ink channel, and the other channel functions as an air channel. Therefore, the user can use either of the two flow paths 54 and 55 as the ink flow path, so that the user can quickly perform the ink replenishment work without hesitation in selecting the flow path to be used as the ink flow path. It can be carried out.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, including this second embodiment, a part of the configuration of the ink supply container 63 differs from that of the first embodiment, and the rest of the configuration is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. . Therefore, hereinafter, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components as in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the ink replenishing container 63 of the second embodiment, the small diameter portion 80, which is an example of a tubular portion forming an opening of the ink outlet 65 toward the outside at the tip portion of the ink outlet forming portion 66, is the positioning portion. configured to function as That is, the cylindrical small-diameter portion 80 has a planar tip surface that is perpendicular to (intersects) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65, and the tip surface is perpendicular to (intersects) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. , forming a positioning surface 84 extending to the .

As shown in FIG. 18, the positioning surface 84 is formed by the tip surface of the small-diameter portion 80 forming the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side. Therefore, the positioning surface 84 is arranged such that the container main body 64 is positioned in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the valve 74 which is positioned deeper inward than the opening edge of the ink outlet 65 in the small diameter section 80 . The side is located on the opposite side. That is, the positioning surface 84 protrudes from the valve 74 toward the side where the ink flows out from the ink outlet 65 (hereinafter also referred to as "container tip side") in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. there is

In addition, the positioning surface 84 is formed by a tip surface that is the portion of the small diameter portion 80 that is farthest from the container main body portion 64 in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . Therefore, the positioning surface 84 is opposite to the side on which the container main body 64 is located in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65, rather than the ink outlet 65 formed on the inner peripheral side of the small diameter portion 80. It is located on the tip side of the container, which is the side. The small-diameter portion 80, which is the cylindrical portion in this embodiment, is a through hole (hereinafter also referred to as a “tank-side through hole”) 60 of the ink supply adapter 47 integral with the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). , the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 has a shape that can be fitted into the substantially circular ink inlet 53 located in the center.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the second embodiment to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the small diameter portion 80 forming the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side is It is inserted from above into the through hole 60 on the tank side. That is, the small-diameter portion 80 functioning as a positioning portion is inserted into the substantially circular ink inlet 53 of the through hole 60 so as to be fitted with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 aligned with the central axis of the ink inlet 53 . be done.

At this time, in the ink supply container 63 moving toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the small diameter portion 80 moves ahead of the valve 74 at the inner back of the ink outlet 65 to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). 42-45) side. The outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the cylindrical small-diameter portion 80 of the ink supply container 63 is aligned with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the arcuate surface forming the inner peripheral surface (inner surface) of the ink inlet 53 . Slide along the direction. In other words, the positioning surface 84, which is the tip surface of the cylindrical small-diameter portion (positioning portion) 80, slides on the arcuate surface forming the inner peripheral surface of the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 on the tank side. It is guided in a direction for inserting the needle 56 into the ink outlet 65 .

Then, while the small-diameter portion 80 of the ink supply container 63 is moving toward the bottom portion of the through-hole 60 in a state in which the positioning surface 84 at the tip thereof is inserted into the ink inlet 53 of the through-hole 60 on the tank side, the ink inlet When the tip of the needle 56 of 53 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 from below, the needle 56 causes the valve 74 to open. When the small-diameter portion 80 of the ink supply container 63 moves further toward the bottom of the through hole 60 from this state, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the small-diameter portion 80 comes into contact with the bottom. That is, the positioning surface 84 extending in the direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 at the tip of the ink supply container 63 abuts the bottom of the through-hole 60 on the tank side, so that the posture of the ink supply container 63 is stable. do. As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2) and (1-3) described above.
(2-1) Move the ink supply container 63 to the side of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), insert the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) into the ink outlet 65, and open the valve. When the valve 74 is opened, the positioning surface 84, which is the tip surface of the cylindrical small diameter portion (positioning portion) 80, moves toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) before the valve 74 does. At this time, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the small diameter portion 80 is guided by the arcuate surface forming the inner peripheral surface of the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 and smoothly moves in the direction of inserting the needle 56 into the ink outlet 65. do. As a result, it becomes easier to guide the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 to the valve 74 when replenishing ink.

(2-2) Move the ink supply container 63 to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side, insert the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) into the ink outlet 65, and open the valve. 74 is opened, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the small diameter portion 80 approaches the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) before the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side of the small diameter portion 80. As shown in FIG. Therefore, when the ink supply container 63 is brought close to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), it is easy to prevent the ink outlet 65 from colliding with other members. In addition, it is possible to protect the ink outlet 65 and easily prevent ink from adhering to other members.

(2-3) The ink supply container 63 intersects the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 when the positioning surface 84 abuts the bottom of the through hole 60 on the tank side when ink is supplied to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). The posture is stable in the direction to Therefore, it becomes easier to replenish ink, and the ink replenishing container 63 can appropriately replenish ink to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45).

(2-4) The ink supply container 63 can form the positioning surface 84 together with the ink outlet 65 on the small-diameter portion (cylindrical portion) 80 that is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66 . The structure can be simpler than forming on a part of a convex portion or the like provided at another location.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 21, the ink replenishing container 63 of the third embodiment extends from a position outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 to the tip of the container in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . A convex portion 71 protruding toward the side is configured to function as a positioning portion. That is, the convex portion 71 has a planar tip surface that is perpendicular to (intersects) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 and extends in a direction perpendicular to (intersects) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . It constitutes a positioning surface 84 .

As shown in FIG. 21, the convex portion 71 is located in a direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 relative to the small-diameter portion 80 forming the ink outlet 65 in which the valve 74 is positioned at the innermost portion of the container. It protrudes toward the tip of the container, which is the side opposite to the side where the body portion 64 is located. Therefore, the positioning surface 84, which is the tip surface of the projection 71, is on the opposite side of the ink outlet 65 and the valve 74 from the side on which the container main body 64 is located in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. Located at the tip of the container.

Further, the convex portion 71 is provided at a portion of the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66 and is exposed to the outside. That is, the convex portion 71 is provided at a portion of the ink replenishing container 63 that is outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 . The planar shape of the convex portion 71 can be fitted into a substantially rectangular concave portion 61 that extends from the front and rear direction to the substantially circular ink inlet 53 located in the center of the through hole 60 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). It has a nice shape. Between the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the cylindrical small-diameter portion 80 and the outer surface of the convex portion 71 facing this outer peripheral surface, the tip surface of the small-diameter portion 80 and the tip surface (positioning surface) of the convex portion 71 are separated. A slit-like gap 86 is formed through which ink adhering to the surface 84) can be drawn in by capillary action. In the case of the third embodiment, the first uneven portion 62 formed on the inner side surface of the recess 61 in the through hole 60 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) in the first embodiment is not provided.

As shown in FIG. 21, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the third embodiment to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), the convex portion 71 and the small diameter portion 80 at the tip of the ink supply container 63 are placed on the tank side. is inserted from above into the through hole 60 of the . That is, the convex portion 71 is inserted into the concave portion 61 in the through hole 60 on the tank side, and subsequently the small diameter portion 80 is inserted into the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 .

At this time, in the ink supply container 63 moving toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the convex portion 71 is positioned ahead of the ink outlet 65 of the small diameter portion 80 and the valve 74 at the innermost portion thereof. , moves toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). Then, the outer surface of the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 slides in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the inner surface of the concave portion 61 of the through hole 60 on the tank side. In other words, the positioning surface 84 , which is the substantially rectangular tip surface of the projection 71 , slides on the inner surface of the recess 61 in the through hole 60 and is guided in the direction of inserting the needle 56 into the ink outlet 65 . .

Then, while the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 is moving toward the bottom portion of the through hole 60 with the positioning surface 84 at the tip thereof inserted into the concave portion 61 of the through hole 60 on the tank side, the ink inlet 53 is closed. When the tip of the needle 56 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 from below, the needle 56 causes the valve 74 to open. When the protrusion 71 of the ink supply container 63 moves further toward the bottom of the through hole 60 from this state, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the protrusion 71 abuts against the bottom. That is, the positioning surface 84 extending in the direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 abuts the bottom of the through hole 60 at the tip of the projection 71, so that the posture of the ink supply container 63 is stabilized. As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

Further, when the ink leaking from the ink outlet 65 spreads outward in the radial direction from the tip surface of the small diameter portion 80 , the outer peripheral surface (outer surface) of the small diameter portion 80 and the outside of the convex portion 71 It is drawn into the gap 86 between the sides by capillary action. Therefore, the ink leaked from the ink outlet 65 is prevented from remaining on the tip surface of the small diameter portion 80 or adhering to the positioning surface 84 which is the tip surface of the convex portion 71 and solidifying.

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2), (1-3) and (2-3) described above.
(3-1) Move the ink supply container 63 to the side of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), insert the needle (ink inlet passage portion) 56 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) into the ink outlet 65, and open the valve. When the valve 74 is opened, the substantially rectangular positioning surface 84 that is the tip surface of the convex portion 71 moves toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) before the valve 74 does. At this time, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the protrusion 71 is guided by the inner surface of the substantially rectangular recess 61 in the through hole 60 on the tank side, and smoothly moves in the direction of inserting the needle 56 into the ink outlet 65. do. As a result, it becomes easier to guide the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 to the valve 74 when replenishing ink.

(3-2) Move the ink supply container 63 to the side of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), insert the needle (ink inlet passage portion) 56 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) into the ink outlet 65, and open the valve. When the valve 74 is opened, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the convex portion 71 approaches the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) before the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side of the small diameter portion 80 does. Therefore, when the ink supply container 63 is brought close to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), it is easy to prevent the ink outlet 65 from colliding with other members. In addition, this makes it easier to prevent damage to the ink outlet 65 and adhesion of ink to other members.

(3-3) Ink that leaks from the ink outlet 65 and adheres to the tip surface of the small diameter portion 80 or ink that adheres to the positioning surface 84 is drawn into the gap 86 between the small diameter portion 80 and the convex portion 71 . As a result, dripping of ink and contamination to the outside can be reduced.

(3-4) The convex portion 71 having the positioning surface 84 at its tip is provided at a portion of the ink outlet forming portion 66 exposed to the outside, that is, at a position outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 . ing. Therefore, when the needle (ink inlet passage portion) 56 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) is inserted into the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63, the projection 71 functioning as a positioning portion and the positioning surface 84 at the tip thereof are Easy to see from the outside.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 23, in the ink supply container 63 of the fourth embodiment, as in the case of the third embodiment, the ink outlet 65 is arranged from a position outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 . A convex portion 71 protruding toward the tip side of the container in the direction along the central axis 85 of the container is configured to function as a positioning portion. That is, the convex portion 71 is also provided in a portion exposed to the outside in the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66, and the tip surface of the convex portion 71 extends in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. An extending positioning surface 84 is formed. A slit-like gap 86 is similarly formed between the convex portion 71 and the small diameter portion 80 .

However, unlike the convex portion 71 in the third embodiment, the convex portion 71 in the fourth embodiment has a positioning surface 84, which is the tip surface thereof, in a substantially T-like shape instead of a substantially rectangular shape. . That is, the positioning surface 84 in the fourth embodiment has a portion that extends linearly in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65, and a portion that extends linearly in the radial direction to both left and right sides from the radially outer end of the portion that extends linearly in the radial direction. It has a linearly extending portion. Therefore, the positioning surface 84 has a surface area farther from the ink outlet 65 than a surface area closer to the ink outlet 65 in a direction intersecting (orthogonal in this case) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . The width in the direction (tangential direction) orthogonal to the radial direction centering on the ink outlet 65 is large. In other words, when the positioning surface 84 in the fourth embodiment is inserted into the through hole 60 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the positioning surface 84 is positioned in a direction that intersects (in this case, orthogonally) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. The area of contact with the bottom of the through hole 60 on the far side from the ink outlet 65 is formed to be larger than the area of contact on the side close to the ink outlet 65 . Therefore, the ink supply container 63 of the fourth embodiment has basically the same effects as the ink supply container 63 of the third embodiment, except for the effects based on the different shape of the positioning surface 84. .

According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of (1-2), (1-3), (2-3), (3-1) to (3-4), the following effects are obtained. Obtainable.
(4-1) When the convex portion 71 is inserted into the through hole 60 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the ink outlet 65 is positioned in a direction that intersects (in this case, orthogonally) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. The area of contact with the bottom of the through hole 60 on the far side is larger than the area of contact on the side closer to the ink outlet 65 . Therefore, in the ink supply state in which the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 is inserted into the ink outlet 65 and the valve 74 is opened, the stability of the posture of the ink outlet 65 can be improved.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the ink replenishing container 63 of the fifth embodiment also extends radially from the ink outlet 65 to the outside of the ink outlet 65 as in the third and fourth embodiments. A protruding portion 71 protruding toward the tip side of the container in a direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 from the position of the ink outlet 65 functions as a positioning portion. That is, the convex portion 71 is also provided in a portion exposed to the outside in the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66, and the tip surface of the convex portion 71 extends in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. An extending positioning surface 84 is formed. A slit-like gap 86 is similarly formed between the convex portion 71 and the small diameter portion 80 .

However, unlike the protrusions 71 in the third and fourth embodiments, the protrusions 71 in the fifth embodiment have a protrusion height toward the tip of the container in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 of the small diameter portion. lower than 80. That is, the positioning surface 84 in the fifth embodiment is located closer to the base end of the container than the ink outlet 65 and the valve 74 in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65, which is the side on which the container main body 64 is located. is doing.

As shown in FIG. 25, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the fifth embodiment to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the small diameter portion 80 is inserted into the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 on the tank side. After that, the convex portion 71 is inserted into the concave portion 61 in the through hole 60 . In this case, before the projection 71 of the ink supply container 63 inserts the positioning surface 84 at the tip into the recess 61 of the through hole 60 on the tank side, the tip of the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 is pushed from below. The position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 is reached and the needle 56 causes the valve 74 to open.

When the protrusion 71 of the ink supply container 63 moves toward the bottom in the recess 61 of the through hole 60 from this state, the positioning surface 84 at the tip of the protrusion 71 extends vertically from the inner surface of the recess 61 . It abuts on the first uneven portion 62 provided in a rib shape. In this respect, the first concave-convex portion 62 serves as a contact portion that contacts the positioning surface 84 of the ink supply container 63 when positioning the valve 74 inside the ink outlet 65 with respect to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). Function. Therefore, in the ink supply container 63 , the positioning surface 84 extending in the direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 at the tip of the convex portion 71 contacts the first uneven portion (contact portion) 62 in the through hole 60 . Stabilize your posture by contacting it. As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

According to the fifth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2), (1-3), (3-3), and (3-4) described above.
(5-1) When the positioning surface 84 of the ink supply container 63 comes into contact with the first uneven portion (abutment portion) 62 in the through hole 60 on the tank side when ink is supplied to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), , the posture is stabilized in the direction intersecting with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . Therefore, it becomes easier to replenish ink, and the ink replenishing container 63 can appropriately replenish ink to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45).

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 26, the ink replenishment container 63 of the sixth embodiment also has a radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 from a position outside the ink outlet 65, as in the case of the third to fifth embodiments. A convex portion 71 protruding toward the tip side of the container in a direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 is configured to function as a positioning portion. That is, this convex portion 71 is also provided in a portion exposed to the outside of the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66, and similarly a slit-shaped portion is provided between the convex portion 71 and the small diameter portion 80. A gap 86 is formed.

However, unlike the convex portion 71 in the third to fifth embodiments, the convex portion 71 in the sixth embodiment is different from the convex portion 71 in the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side when the valve 74 inside the ink outlet 65 is opened. is not formed by the tip surface of the projection 71 . That is, the protrusion 71 in the sixth embodiment has a portion of the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) facing outward in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 in a direction that intersects the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. inclined to A positioning surface 84 is formed by part of the outer surface (or outer peripheral surface) of the protrusion 71 that is inclined in this way. The positioning surface 84 may be curved in a direction intersecting the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 .

In this case, in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65, the positioning surface 84 is arranged so that the ink outlet 65 is positioned toward the container base end side, which is the side opposite to the container front end side (that is, the side where the container main body 64 is located). It is composed of a conical surface or a sloping surface that is inclined in a direction gradually away from the central axis 85 of 65 . When the convex portion 71 is inserted into the through hole 60 on the tank side from the tip, a part of the surface area of the inclined positioning surface 84 exerts a wedge effect on the opening edge of the through hole 60 on the tank side. are formed to abut against each other.

As shown in FIG. 26, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the sixth embodiment to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the small diameter portion 80 is inserted into the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 on the tank side. After that, the convex portion 71 is inserted into the concave portion 61 in the through hole 60 . In this case, before the inclined positioning surface 84 of the projection 71 of the ink replenishing container 63 abuts against the opening edge of the through hole 60, the tip of the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 reaches the ink outlet 65 from below. The position of the valve 74 is reached and the needle 56 causes the valve 74 to open. When inserting the small-diameter portion 80 into the ink inlet 53 of the through hole 60 , the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer side surface of the convex portion 71 is placed against the opening edge of the through hole 60 , and gradually moves along the positioning surface 84 . Induction is also possible.

Then, when the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 moves toward the bottom portion in the concave portion 61 of the through hole 60 on the tank side from this state, the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer surface of the convex portion 71 moves toward the through hole 60 . Abuts on the edge of the opening. In this case, the positioning surface 84 of the ink supply container 63 is positioned with respect to the opening edge of the through hole 60 on the tank side in the gravitational direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 and in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the gravitational direction. . Therefore, the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer side surface of the projection 71 abuts the opening edge of the through hole 60 to stabilize the posture of the ink supply container 63 . As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

According to the sixth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2), (1-3), (3-3), and (3-4) above.
(6-1) A positioning surface 84 that contacts a portion of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) for positioning is inclined (or curved) in a direction that intersects the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65; Therefore, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), both the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 (gravity direction) and the direction perpendicular to the central axis 85 (horizontal direction) , the ink replenishment container 63 can be positioned, and ink replenishment can be performed appropriately.

(6-2) When the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 is inserted into or removed from the ink outlet 65, the ink supply container 63 can be gradually guided along the inclined (or curved) positioning surface 84. FIG.
(Seventh embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 27, in the ink supply container 63 of the seventh embodiment, as in the case of the sixth embodiment, the ink outlet 65 is arranged from a position outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 . A convex portion 71 projecting toward the tip side of the container in a direction along the central axis 85 of the container functions as a positioning portion. That is, this convex portion 71 is also provided in a portion exposed to the outside of the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66, and similarly a slit-shaped portion is provided between the convex portion 71 and the small diameter portion 80. A gap 86 is formed.

However, unlike the projection 71 in the sixth embodiment, the projection 71 in the seventh embodiment has a The inclined positioning surface 84 is not formed so as to contact the opening edge of the through hole 60 . That is, the protrusion 71 has a positioning surface 84 on the outer side thereof, which wedges against the upper end of the first protrusion 62 functioning as a rib-shaped abutting portion extending vertically from the inner side of the recess 61 . It is formed so as to exhibit and abut. The positioning surface 84 may be curved in a direction intersecting the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 .

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 27, when ink is replenished from the ink supply container 63 of the seventh embodiment to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), the through holes 60 on the tank side are closed as in the case of the sixth embodiment. The small-diameter portion 80 is inserted into the ink inlet 53 inside, followed by the convex portion 71 being inserted into the concave portion 61 inside the through hole 60 . In this case, before the inclined positioning surface 84 of the protrusion 71 of the ink replenishing container 63 abuts against the first uneven portion (abutting portion) on the inner side surface of the through hole 60, the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 is displaced. The tip of the needle 56 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 from below, and the needle 56 causes the valve 74 to open. In this seventh embodiment as well, when inserting the small-diameter portion 80 into the ink inlet 53 of the through hole 60, positioning is performed from a state in which the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer surface of the convex portion 71 is brought into contact with the opening edge of the through hole 60. A gradual guidance along the surface 84 is also possible.

Then, when the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 moves toward the bottom portion in the concave portion 61 of the through hole 60 on the tank side from this state, the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer surface of the convex portion 71 moves toward the through hole 60 . It abuts on the first concave-convex portion (abutment portion) on the inner surface. Also in this case, the positioning surface 84 of the ink replenishing container 63 is positioned in the direction of gravity along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the first concave-convex portion (contact portion) of the through hole 60 on the tank side. It is positioned in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction. Therefore, the inclined positioning surface 84 on the outer surface of the projection 71 abuts the first uneven portion (abutting portion) on the inner surface of the through hole 60 to stabilize the posture of the ink supply container 63 . As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

According to the seventh embodiment, the same effects as (1-2), (1-3), (3-3), (3-4), (6-1) and (6-2) are obtained. Obtainable.
(Eighth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 28, the ink replenishing container 63 of the eighth embodiment also has an ink outlet 65 from a position outside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65 as in the case of the sixth embodiment. A convex portion 71 projecting toward the tip side of the container in a direction along the central axis 85 of the container functions as a positioning portion. That is, the convex portion 71 is also provided in a portion exposed to the outside in the container addition portion 67 which is a part of the ink outlet forming portion 66, and is an outer surface (or A positioning surface 84 is provided on the outer peripheral surface).

However, unlike the convex portion 71 in the sixth embodiment, the convex portion 71 in the eighth embodiment has a positioning surface 84 provided on the outer surface thereof that is not inclined in a direction intersecting the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . curved without This positioning surface 84 also extends toward the base end of the ink outlet 65, which is the side opposite to the front end of the container (that is, the side where the main body 64 of the container is located) in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. It is composed of a conical surface, a slope, or the like that is curved in a direction that gradually separates from the central axis 85 . When the convex portion 71 is inserted into the through hole 60 on the tank side from the tip, a part of the surface area of the curved positioning surface 84 exerts a wedge effect against the opening edge of the through hole 60 on the tank side. are formed to abut against each other. The positioning surface 84 may be configured to be inclined in a direction intersecting with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 .

As shown in FIG. 28, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the eighth embodiment to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), the ink outlet 65 of the small diameter portion 80 is supplied with ink as in the case of the sixth embodiment. The needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 is first inserted and the valve 74 is opened. After that, the curved positioning surface 84 on the outer surface of the projection 71 of the ink supply container 63 abuts against the opening edge of the through hole 60 on the tank side, and ink is supplied in this state.

According to the eighth embodiment, the same effects as (1-2), (1-3), (3-3), (3-4), (6-1) and (6-2) are obtained. Obtainable.
(Ninth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 29, the ink replenishing container 63 of the ninth embodiment differs from the first to eighth embodiments in that the positioning portion and the positioning surface extend radially from the ink outlet 65. is located inside the That is, the ink replenishing container 63 of the ninth embodiment has an ink outlet forming portion 66 which is formed between the small diameter portion 80, which is a cylindrical portion forming the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side, and the intermediate portion 81 connected to the base end side. A partition wall 87 is formed at the end, and this partition wall 87 constitutes a positioning portion. A communication hole 88 that communicates the ink outlet 65 with the ink containing chamber 76 is formed through a central portion of the partition wall 87 at a position through which the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 passes.

In the partition wall 87 , a positioning surface 84 is formed by a wall surface located on the tip side of the container in the direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . The positioning surface 84 is perpendicular to the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 so that the tip end surface of the needle (ink inlet passage portion) 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side can come into contact in a surface contact state. It is formed in a planar shape extending in a (intersecting) direction.

As shown in FIG. 29, when ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the ninth embodiment to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45), the small diameter portion 80 is inserted into the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 on the tank side. When the tip of the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 from below, the needle 56 opens the valve 74 . When the ink replenishing container 63 is further moved toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) from this state, the planar positioning surface 84 formed on the partition wall 87 inside the ink outlet 65 becomes a needle (ink inlet channel). portion) 56. Therefore, the ink replenishment container 63 has a planar positioning surface 84 provided inside the ink outlet 65 extending in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . Posture is stabilized by contact with the tip surface. As a result, the valve 74 is opened while positioned in the direction of the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 with respect to the needle 56 on the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) side.

According to the ninth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2) and (1-3) described above.
(9-1) Since the positioning portion (in this case, the partition wall 87) and the positioning surface 84 are protected inside the ink outlet 65 as compared with the case where they are provided outside the ink outlet 65, they are less likely to be damaged. In addition, since the positioning portion (in this case, the partition wall 87) and the positioning surface 84 are close to the valve 74 inside the ink outlet 65, the valve 74 can be accurately positioned with respect to the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). Furthermore, even if ink adheres to the positioning portion (in this case, the partition wall 87 ) and the positioning surface 84 , it is located inside the ink outlet 65 .

(Tenth embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 30, in the ink replenishing container 63 of the tenth embodiment, as in the case of the ninth embodiment, the positioning portion and the positioning surface are arranged inside the ink outlet 65 in the radial direction centered on the ink outlet 65. is provided in That is, a partition wall 87 formed between the small diameter portion 80 and the intermediate portion 81 of the ink outlet forming portion 66 constitutes a positioning portion. A positioning surface 84 is formed by the wall surface located at . A communication hole 88 is formed through the central portion of the partition wall 87 to communicate the ink outlet 65 with the ink containing chamber 76 .

However, unlike the positioning surface 84 in the ninth embodiment, the positioning surface 84 in the tenth embodiment is inclined in a direction intersecting with the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 . That is, the positioning surface 84 is composed of a conical surface or a sloping surface that is inclined in a direction along the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 in a direction that gradually separates from the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 toward the tip of the container. . Then, when the tip surface of the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 that opens the valve 74 abuts from below, a part of the surface area of the inclined positioning surface 84 becomes the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 . It is formed so as to exhibit a wedge effect against and abut against.

According to the tenth embodiment, the same effects as (1-2), (1-3) and (9-1) can be obtained.
(Eleventh embodiment)
As shown in FIGS. 31 to 33, the ink supply unit 40, which constitutes an ink supply system together with the ink supply container 63 of the eleventh embodiment, has a structure in which the ink inlet 53 is normally closed. That is, the ink supply unit 40 has a lever-like cap support member 90 for each of the plurality of ink inlets 53 . The base end of the cap support member 90 is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 91 provided on the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 so as to extend in a direction (horizontal direction) crossing the central axis of the ink inlet 53 . It is An elastic cap 92 having a shape that can be fitted into the ink inlet 53 is provided on the tip side of each cap support member 90 relative to the center in the longitudinal direction. is in a closed state fitted to the

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, when ink is replenished, the elastic cap 92 is fitted to the ink inlet 53 so that the cap support member 90, which is in a closed state, puts a hand on the bent handle portion 93 at the tip thereof. The user tilts the elastic cap 92 to an open state away from the ink inlet 53 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 31, a unit cover 100 that collectively covers the plurality of cap support members 90 may be provided so as to be openable and closable. The elastic cap 92 is made of an elastic material such as elastomer, and the cap supporting member 90 is made of a material having higher rigidity than the elastic cap 92, such as polystyrene or ABS resin.

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, in the ink replenishing container 63 of the eleventh embodiment, the shoulder portion located on the tip side of the container in the ink outlet forming portion 66 constitutes a positioning portion, and the ink outlet 65 is positioned at the shoulder portion. A planar surface extending in a direction perpendicular to (crossing) the central axis 85 constitutes a positioning surface 84 . From the central portion of the positioning surface 84, the small-diameter portion 80, which is a cylindrical portion forming the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side, protrudes toward the tip side of the container.

When ink is supplied from the ink supply container 63 of the eleventh embodiment to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), first, the elastic cap 92 closes the ink inlet 53 of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) to be supplied with ink. The closed cap support member 90 is opened. Then, the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 is inserted into the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 of the opened ink inlet 53 . Then, the tip of the needle 56 of the ink inlet 53 reaches the position of the valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 from below, and the needle 56 opens the valve 74 . When the ink supply container 63 is further moved toward the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) from this state, the positioning surface 84 formed on the shoulder portion of the ink outlet forming portion 66 abuts on the upper surface of the cap support member 90, The ink supply container 63 and its ink outlet 65 valve 74 are positioned with respect to the ink tank 41 (42-45). That is, the cap support member 90 is positioned between the positioning surface 84 of the ink supply container 63 and a part (through hole 60, etc.) on the side of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) to mediate the contact therebetween. Functions as an auxiliary member.

In this case, the positioning surface 84 abuts against the ink inlet 53 of the ink tank to be replenished with ink (eg, the ink tank 43) and the other ink tank (eg, the ink tanks 42, 44) adjacent to the elastic cap 92. is the upper surface of the cap support member 90 closed with . By bringing the positioning surfaces 84 into contact with the upper surfaces of the cap support members 90 on both sides in this manner, a wide contact area is ensured. Further, if the upper surface 58 of the ink supply adapter 47 in which the tank-side through hole 60 is formed is, for example, inclined or has a step, and is not suitable for contacting the positioning surface 84, a constant A cap support member 90 having a flat portion of .theta. is used as a positioning assist member.

According to the eleventh embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1-2) and (1-3) above.
(11-1) When ink is replenished from the ink replenishing container 63 to the ink tanks 41 (42-45), various ink tanks 41 (42-45) can be replenished by using a positioning assistance member (cap support member 90 in this case). 45) can be properly positioned.

(12th embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 34, in the ink supply container 63 of the twelfth embodiment, as in the case of the eleventh embodiment, at the time of ink supply, other inks adjacent to the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45) to be supplied with ink are stored. The positioning surface 84 is configured to contact the upper surface of the cap support member 90 that closes the ink inlet 53 of the tank with the elastic cap 92 . That is, when the ink outlet 65 of the ink supply container 63 is inserted into the needle (ink inlet channel portion) 56 of the opened ink inlet 53 , the needle 56 opens the valve 74 . When the ink supply container 63 is further moved from this state toward the ink tanks 41 (42 to 45), the positioning surface 84 comes into contact with the upper surface of the cap support member 90. As shown in FIG.

However, in the case of the twelfth embodiment, unlike the eleventh embodiment, instead of the ink outlet forming portion 66, the shoulder portion of the container body portion 64 on the base end side of the container is used as the positioning portion. A planar surface extending in a direction perpendicular to (intersecting) the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65 at the shoulder portion of 64 constitutes a positioning surface 84 . Therefore, when replenishing ink, the weight of the container main body 64 having the ink containing chamber 76 is directly applied to the cap supporting member 90 functioning as a positioning assisting member, so that the ink replenishing container 63 is positioned in a stable posture.

According to the twelfth embodiment, the same effects as (1-2), (1-3) and (11-1) can be obtained.
(13th embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 35, in the ink replenishment system of the thirteenth embodiment, the tip surface of the projection 71 projecting toward the container tip side of the ink replenishment container 63 constitutes the positioning surface 84 . At the time of ink replenishment, an ink absorbing material 89 is positioned between the positioning surface 84, which is the tip surface of the projection 71 inserted into the through hole 60 on the tank side, and the bottom of the through hole 60 on the tank side. is configured to The ink absorbing material 89 is made of an elastic member such as sponge, and functions as a cushioning material between the convex portion 71 of the ink supply container 63 and the bottom portion of the through hole 60 on the tank side. The ink absorbing material 89 also has a function of adjusting the depth of insertion of the needle (ink inlet passage portion) 56 into the ink outlet 65 by adjusting the thickness thereof.

According to the thirteenth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of (1-2), (1-3) and (11-1) above.
(13-1) The ink absorber 89 can absorb the impact when the positioning surface 84 of the ink supply container 63 comes into contact with a portion of the ink tank 41 (42 to 45). In addition, since the ink is absorbed by the ink absorbing material 89, dripping and scattering when the ink supply container 63 is removed can be reduced.

Note that the above embodiment may be modified as follows.
- In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, the container adding portion 67 may be omitted.
The small-diameter portion 80 forming the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side is not necessarily cylindrical, and may be rectangular, depending on the shape of the inner surface of the ink inlet 53 in the through hole 60 on the tank side. However, it is preferable that the opening shape of the ink outlet 65 on the inner peripheral side of the small diameter portion 80 is circular.

- In the third and fourth embodiments shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, if the height of the projecting portion 71 projecting toward the tip of the container is greater than the small diameter portion 80, the height is the same as the height in the embodiment. is not limited to

In the fourth embodiment, the shape of the tip surface of the convex portion 71 that constitutes the positioning surface 84 is such that the ink tank 41 (42 to 45) is located farther from the ink outlet 65 in the direction intersecting the central axis 85 of the ink outlet 65. The shape is not limited to the substantially T-shape in the embodiment, as long as the area contacting the part of the side is larger than the area contacting the side closer to the ink outlet 65 . For example, it may be substantially Y-shaped or triangular.

- In the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the height of the projecting portion 71 protruding toward the tip of the container is limited to the height in the embodiment if it does not protrude beyond the small diameter portion 80. not.

- In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.
In the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 27 (and the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 25), the first uneven portion 62 formed on the inner side surface of the concave portion 61 as a contact portion with respect to the positioning surface 84 has a shape other than a rib shape. It may be in the shape of a protrusion or the like.

- In the ninth and tenth embodiments shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the positioning surface 84 provided inside the ink outlet 65 may be a concave spherical surface with a communication hole 88 formed in the center.
- In the third to seventh embodiments, the width of the slit-shaped gap 86 is not limited to the width in the embodiments, as long as it is a width that exhibits capillary action.

The two flow paths 54 and 55 of the needle (ink inlet flow path portion) 56 of the ink inlet 53 may be configured in a plurality of flow paths other than two.
The ink outlet forming portion 66 and the container main body portion 64 of the ink supply container 63 may be integrated, and the positioning portion and the positioning surface 84 are not provided on the container additional portion 67 but on the ink outlet forming portion 66 and the container main body portion 64. may be provided.

・In the eleventh and twelfth embodiments shown in FIGS. It may be configured by an additional container addition portion 67 .

- In the thirteenth embodiment shown in FIG. 35, the auxiliary positioning member is not limited to the ink absorbing material 89, but may be, for example, a spacer made of resin.
The valve 74 of the ink outlet 65 of the ink replenishing container 63 is not limited to three slits 75 but may be provided with a plurality of slits 75 such as two slits or four slits 75 as long as the number of slits 75 is one or more. In addition, the slit valve is not limited to the slit valve provided with the slit 75, and a valve without the slit 75 that is pushed from below by the needle 56 and displaced in the valve opening direction may be used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21... Recording apparatus, 22... Housing, 23... Support base, 24... Guide shaft, 25... Recording head, 26... Carriage, 27... Support hole, 28... Driving pulley, 29... Follower pulley, 30... Carriage motor, 31 Timing belt 32 Discharge port 33 Discharge tray 34 Paper feed cassette 35 Open/close door 36 Rotating shaft 37 Window 40 Ink supply unit 41 to 45 Ink tank 46 Ink supply tube 47 Ink supply adapter 48 Step portion 49 Ink chamber 50 Visible portion 51 Upper limit mark 52 Lower limit mark 53 Inlet inlet 54, 55 Flow path 56 Needle (ink inlet channel portion) 57 Remaining amount sensor 58 Upper surface 59 Lower surface 60 Through hole 61 Concave portion 62 First uneven portion (contact portion) 63 Ink supply container 64 Container main body 65 Ink outlet 66 Ink outlet forming part 67 Container addition part 68 Cap 69 Male screw part 70 Protrusion 71 Convex part 72 Second uneven part 73 Positioning portion 74 Valve 75 Slit 76 Ink chamber 77 Neck portion 78 Male screw portion 79 Large diameter portion 80 Small diameter portion (cylindrical portion) 81 Intermediate portion 82 Internal screw portion 83 Joint portion 84 Positioning surface 85 Center shaft 86 Gap 87 Partition wall 88 Communication hole 89 Ink absorber (positioning assist member) 90 Cap support member (positioning assist member) member), 91... Rotating shaft, 92... Elastic cap, 93... Handle, 100... Unit cover, P... Paper, IK... Ink, L1, L2... Distance.

Claims (5)

An ink supply unit for a printer, comprising: an ink storage chamber capable of storing ink; a needle having a flow path communicating with the ink storage chamber to introduce ink; and a pair of concave portions arranged to sandwich the needle. and an ink replenishing container for taking in air through the needle and replenishing ink,
a container body having an ink containing chamber capable of containing ink;
an ink outlet forming portion connected to an end portion of the container main body and formed with an ink outlet for allowing the ink to flow out from the ink containing chamber;
a cap threadably engageable with the ink outlet formation;
with
The ink outlet forming portion is
A slit valve in which one or more slits are provided in an elastic member, the valve being opened when the needle is inserted into the ink outlet and closed when the needle is removed from the ink outlet. a working slit valve;
a pair of protrusions configured to be insertable into the pair of recesses;
a threaded portion engageable with the cap;
with
The ink outlet is provided in a cylindrical portion extending in the central axis direction of the ink outlet,
Each of the pair of protrusions extends in the direction of the central axis and has a tip surface extending in a radial direction intersecting the direction of the central axis, and each of the pair of protrusions and the outer side surface of the cylindrical portion A slit-shaped gap having a depth direction in the central axis direction is formed between the pair of convex portions, and each of the pair of convex portions has a side surface constituting an outer end in the radial direction, and the side surface extends to said thread formation,
the cap covers the ink outlet and the pair of projections when engaged with the threaded portion;
Ink supply container. The ink supply container according to claim 1 ,
the pair of protrusions has a positioning surface extending in a direction intersecting the central axis direction and closer to the container main body than the tip end surface in the central axis direction;
The ink replenishing container, wherein the positioning surface is in contact with opening edges of the pair of recesses in a state in which the protrusion is inserted into the recess, the needle is inserted into the ink outlet, and the slit valve is opened. The ink supply container according to claim 1 or claim 2 ,
An ink supply container, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed at equal angular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the cap. The ink supply container according to claim 3 ,
The ink supply container, wherein the protrusion is formed to prevent the ink supply container from rolling. The ink supply container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An ink supply container, wherein a plurality of container body side protrusions are formed at equal angular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the container body.

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