Container unit and liquid injection system

The present invention relates to a container unit and a liquid injection system including the container unit.

A printer, which is an example of a liquid injection device, ejects ink from a recording head onto a recording object (for example, printing paper) to perform printing. As a technique for supplying ink to the recording head, a technique for supplying ink from a container unit arranged outside the printer to the recording head via a tube is known (for example, Patent Document 1). This type of container unit includes a liquid inlet for injecting ink inside.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-219483</text></patcit></p>

<p> When ink is injected into the container unit from the liquid injection port and the ink tank is used, the ink may adhere to the surface of the container unit. The adhered ink drips onto the installation surface of a desk or the like, and the installation surface may be contaminated with the ink. For example, when injecting ink, the ink may overflow from the liquid injection port and adhere to the surface of the container unit, and the adhered ink may drip onto the installation surface. Further, for example, when the ink is injected, the ink may be dropped on a portion other than the liquid injection port and adhere to the surface of the container unit, and the adhered ink may be dropped on the installation surface.</p><p> The above-mentioned problem is not limited to the container unit that distributes ink to the printer, but is a container unit that stores the liquid ejected by the liquid injection device and has a liquid injection port for injecting the liquid inside. It was a common problem.</p><p> Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the possibility of liquid flowing out of the container unit in a container unit provided with a liquid injection port.</p>

<p> The present invention has been made to solve at least a part of the above problems, and can be realized as the following forms or application examples.</p><p>[Application Example 1] A container unit installed outside a liquid injection device that allows a liquid to flow to the liquid injection device via a flow pipe. A liquid storage container for containing the liquid inside, and a liquid storage container provided with a liquid injection port for injecting the liquid inside. A bottom cover member which is attached to the liquid storage container and constitutes a bottom surface in contact with the installation surface in a liquid supply posture when the liquid is supplied to the liquid injection device is provided. The bottom cover member is a container unit having a liquid holding portion for holding a liquid that has flowed into a surface opposite to the bottom surface and facing the opposite surface side of the liquid storage container. According to the container unit described in Application Example 1, since the bottom cover member has the liquid holding portion, the possibility that the liquid dripping on the bottom cover member flows out to the outside of the container unit can be reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 2] The container unit according to Application Example 1, which is the container unit. The liquid holding portion is a container unit which is a recess formed on the facing surface side. According to the container unit described in Application Example 2, the bottom cover member is provided with a recess, so that the liquid can be held by the recess. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the liquid will flow out to the outside of the bottom cover member.</p><p>[Application Example 3] The container unit according to Application Example 2, which is the container unit. In the liquid injection posture of the container unit when the liquid is injected into the liquid container, the bottom cover member is in an upright state with respect to the installation surface. In the liquid injection posture, the recess is a container unit that includes a groove-shaped first recess extending in a first direction having a horizontal component. According to the container unit described in Application Example 3, the recess includes a groove-shaped first recess extending in the first direction in the liquid injection posture. As a result, in the liquid injection posture, it is possible to prevent the liquid existing in the first recess of the bottom cover member from moving vertically downward due to gravity. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid flows out to the outside of the container unit can be reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 4] The container unit according to Application Example 3, which is the container unit. In the liquid injection posture, the recess is a second recess extending in a second direction having a vertical component, and includes a groove-shaped second recess that intersects the first recess. According to the container unit described in Application Example 4, the recess includes a groove-like second recess that intersects the first recess. As a result, a part of the liquid in the first recess can be moved to the second recess. That is, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a large amount of liquid stays in a specific portion of the bottom cover member. Therefore, the evaporation of the liquid existing in the bottom cover member can be promoted, and the possibility of the liquid flowing out to the outside of the container unit can be further reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 5] The container unit according to Application Example 4, which is the container unit. A plurality of the first and second recesses are formed, respectively. A container unit in which the first and second recesses are arranged in a grid pattern. According to the container unit described in Application Example 5, the liquid can be diffused into the first and second recesses by arranging the first recess and the second recess in a grid pattern. This makes it possible to further promote the diffusion of the liquid held by the recesses. That is, by further promoting the evaporation of the liquid existing in the bottom cover member, the possibility of the liquid flowing out to the outside of the container unit can be further reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 6] The container unit according to Application Example 4, which is the container unit. A plurality of the first and second recesses are formed, respectively. A container unit in which the second recesses are arranged in a staggered pattern. According to the container unit described in Application Example 6, since the second recesses are arranged in a staggered pattern, the liquid can be further diffused into the first recess through the second recess. This makes it possible to further promote the evaporation of the liquid held by the recesses. Therefore, the possibility of the liquid flowing out to the outside of the container unit can be further reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 7] The container unit according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 6. The bottom cover member further An opening or notch formed over the bottom surface and the facing surface, A container unit that is arranged on the facing surface side and has a peripheral edge portion that surrounds the opening or the notch and that protrudes from the facing surface. According to the container unit described in Application Example 7, it has a peripheral edge around an opening or notch. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid flows out of the container unit through the opening or the notch can be reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 8] The container unit according to Application Example 2, which is the container unit. The bottom cover member further It has a plurality of openings or notches formed over the bottom surface and the facing surface, and has a plurality of openings or notches. The container unit includes a groove-shaped third recess extending in a direction along the virtual line without intersecting the virtual line connecting the plurality of adjacent openings or notches with each other. According to the container unit described in Application Example 8, since the container unit has a groove-shaped third recess extending along the virtual line of the opening or notch, the liquid flow toward the opening or notch is caused by the third recess. Be hindered. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid will reach the opening or notch can be reduced. This can reduce the possibility that the liquid will flow out of the container unit through the opening or notch.</p><p>[Application Example 9] The container unit according to Application Example 8, which is the container unit. The bottom cover member further A container unit that is arranged on the facing surface side and has a peripheral edge that surrounds the opening or the notch and that protrudes from the facing surface. According to the container unit described in Application Example 9, it has a peripheral edge around an opening or notch. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid flows out of the container unit through the opening or the notch can be further reduced.</p><p>[Application Example 10] The container unit according to any one of Application Example 1 to Application Example 9. The bottom cover member is a container unit having a cover wall portion protruding from the peripheral edge to the side on which the liquid storage container is arranged. According to the container unit described in Application Example 10, since the bottom cover member has the cover wall portion, even if the liquid exists near the peripheral edge of the bottom cover member, the cover wall portion blocks the liquid going outward. Can be done. Therefore, the possibility that the liquid flows out of the container unit can be further reduced.</p><p>[Application example 11] A liquid injection system The container unit according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 10 and the container unit. A liquid injection device having a head for injecting the liquid onto an object, A liquid injection system including a flow pipe that connects the liquid injection device and the container unit and distributes the liquid contained in the container unit to the liquid injection device. According to the liquid injection system described in Application Example 11, the liquid can be supplied to the liquid injection device by using a container unit that reduces the possibility of the liquid flowing out.</p><p> The present invention can be realized in various forms. In addition to the above-mentioned container unit, a liquid injection system including the container unit and the liquid injection device, the above-mentioned method for manufacturing the container unit, and the above-mentioned liquid. It can be realized by a liquid injection method using an injection system or the like.</p>

<figref num="1">It is a figure for demonstrating the liquid injection system 1 of 1st Example.</figref><figref num="2">It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of ink supply.</figref><figref num="3">It is a 2nd figure for demonstrating the liquid injection system 1.</figref><figref num="4">It is a figure for demonstrating the whole structure of a container unit 50.</figref><figref num="5">It is an exploded perspective view of the container unit 50.</figref><figref num="6">It is a perspective view in the state which the bottom cover member 57 was removed.</figref><figref num="7">It is a figure for demonstrating the detailed structure of the bottom cover member 57.</figref><figref num="8">It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st and 2nd side cover members 56, 58.</figref><figref num="9">It is a figure for demonstrating the connection cover member 55 and the upper surface cover member 54.</figref><figref num="10">It is an exploded perspective view of a valve unit 70.</figref><figref num="11">It is a figure for demonstrating 1st and 2nd member 77,78.</figref><figref num="12">It is a figure for demonstrating the mounting mode of a valve unit 70.</figref><figref num="13">It is a conceptual diagram which shows the path from the atmosphere inlet 317 to the liquid outlet 306.</figref><figref num="14">It is the first external perspective view of the ink tank 30.</figref><figref num="15">It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st flow path 310.</figref><figref num="16">It is a second external perspective view of the ink tank 30.</figref><figref num="17">It is the figure which looked at the ink tank 30 of FIG. 16 from the Y-axis positive direction side.</figref><figref num="18">It is a figure for demonstrating the bottom cover members 57a, 57b of the 2nd and 3rd Examples.</figref><figref num="19">It is a figure for demonstrating the 1st modification.</figref>

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. A, B. Examples: C. Modification example:

A. First Example: A-1. Overall configuration of liquid injection system: FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the liquid injection system 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 1A is a first external perspective view of the liquid injection system 1. FIG. 1B is a second external perspective view of the liquid injection system 1. FIG. 1 (B) is a view in which the cover member 51 is removed from the container unit 50 shown in FIG. 1 (A). Further, FIG. 1B shows a partially enlarged view for explaining the details of the hose fixing mechanism 19. In the partially enlarged view of FIG. 1 (B), the hose 23 is not shown. Note that FIG. 1 shows XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other in order to specify the direction. In the following figures, the XYZ axes that are orthogonal to each other are shown as needed.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the liquid injection system 1 includes an inkjet printer 12 (also simply referred to as printer 12) as a liquid injection device and a container unit 50. The printer 12 includes a paper feeding unit 13, a paper discharging unit 14, a carriage (sub tank mounting unit) 16, and four sub tanks 20. The four sub-tanks 20 contain inks of different colors. Specifically, the four sub-tanks 20 are a sub-tank 20Bk containing black ink, a sub-tank 20Cn containing cyan ink, a sub-tank 20Ma containing magenta ink, and a sub-tank 20Yw containing yellow ink. The four sub tanks 20 are mounted on the carriage 16.

The printing paper set in the paper feeding unit 13 is conveyed to the inside of the printer 12, and the printed printing paper is discharged from the paper ejection unit 14.

The carriage 16 can be moved in the main scanning direction (paper width direction, X-axis direction). This movement is driven by a stepping motor (not shown) via a timing belt (not shown). A recording head (not shown) is provided on the lower surface of the carriage 16. Ink is ejected onto the printing paper from the plurality of nozzles of the recording head to perform printing. Various parts constituting the printer 12, such as the timing belt and the carriage 16, are protected by being housed inside the case 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the container unit 50 includes a cover member 51, an ink tank 30 as a liquid storage container, and a valve unit (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1A, the cover member 51 includes a top cover member 54, a first side cover member 56, a second side cover member 58, a bottom cover member 57, and a connecting cover member (FIG. 1). (Not shown) and. The ink tank 30, each cover member 54, 56, 57, 58, and the connecting cover member can be molded from a synthetic resin such as polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS). Further, the connecting cover member and each cover member 54, 56, 57, 58 are colored in a predetermined color (for example, black) and are opaque. On the other hand, the ink tank 30 is translucent, and the state of ink (water level) can be confirmed from the outside. The ink tank 30 is protected by being surrounded by a part around it by the cover member 51. Further, by attaching the bottom cover member 57 to the ink tank 30, the container unit 50 is more stably installed on a predetermined installation surface (for example, a horizontal surface such as a desk or a shelf).

The four ink tanks 30 contain inks corresponding to the colors contained in the four sub tanks 20. That is, the four ink tanks 30 contain black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, respectively. In each ink tank 30, the state of ink can be confirmed from the outside from a predetermined portion. The ink tank 30 can accommodate a larger amount of ink than the sub tank 20.

The liquid injection system 1 further includes four hoses (tubes) 23 as distribution tubes. The hose 23 connects an ink tank 30 containing ink of each color and a sub tank 20 for storing ink of the corresponding color. The hose 23 is made of a flexible member such as synthetic rubber. When ink is ejected from the recording head and the ink in the sub tank 20 is consumed, the ink in the ink tank 30 is supplied to the sub tank 20 via the hose 23. As a result, the liquid injection system 1 can continuously print for a long time without interruption. Here, ink may be supplied directly from the ink tank 30 to the recording head via the hose 23 without providing the sub tank 20. Although details will be described later, the flow path inside the hose 23 can be opened and closed by rotating the handle 71, which is a part of the valve unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1 (B), the printer 12 includes a hose fixing mechanism 19 for fixing a part of the hose 23. The hose fixing mechanism 19 includes a rail 18 extending in the main scanning direction (paper width direction, X-axis direction) and a holding plate 15 attached to the rail 18. The rail 18 mounts a part of the hose 23. The holding plate 15 sandwiches the hose 23 mounted on the rail 18 together with the rail 18.

As shown in the right figure of the two partially enlarged views of FIG. 1 (B), the rail 18 includes a first rail fixing portion 182 and a second rail fixing portion 184. The first rail fixing portion 182 has a cylindrical shape protruding from the mounting surface on which the hose 23 is mounted, and has a screw hole 183 formed therein. The second rail fixing portion 184 projects from the mounting surface of the rail 18 and has a fitting portion 186 at the tip thereof that fits with the holding plate 15. The holding plate 15 has a flat plate shape extending in the width direction (short side direction, Y-axis direction) of the rail 18, and the holding plate 15 has a screw hole 152 formed on one end side and a second formed on the other end side. It has a through hole 154 for fitting with the rail fixing portion 184 of 2. When the holding plate 15 is mounted on the rail 18, the fitting portion 186 is inserted into the through hole 154, and the screw (not shown) is fixed to the screw holes 152 and 183. Further, a part of the hose 23 arranged on the rail 18 is sandwiched between the holding plate 15 and the rail 18 and fixed in the printer 12. In the holding plate 15, instead of the through hole 154 on the other end side, a screw hole is formed in the same manner as on the one end side, a screw hole is also formed in the rail 18, and a screw is fixed to these screw holes to hold the holding plate 15. A part of the hose 23 may be sandwiched between the plate 15 and the rail 18.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle of ink supply from the ink tank 30 to the sub tank 20. FIG. 2 shows the ink tank 30 when the ink tank 30 is viewed from the positive direction side of the Y axis. Further, FIG. 2 schematically shows the inside of the hose 23 and the printer 12.

The liquid injection system 1 is installed on a predetermined horizontal surface (installation surface) sf. The liquid outlet portion 306 of the ink tank 30 and the liquid receiving portion 202 of the sub tank 20 are connected by a hose 23. The sub tank 20 is molded of a synthetic resin such as polystyrene or polyethylene. The sub tank 20 includes an ink storage chamber 204, an ink flow path 208, and a filter 206. The ink supply needle 16a of the carriage 16 is inserted into the ink flow path 208. When impurities such as foreign substances are mixed in the ink, the filter 206 captures the impurities to prevent the impurities from flowing into the recording head 17. The ink in the ink storage chamber 204 flows through the ink flow path 208 and the ink supply needle 16a by suction from the recording head 17, and is supplied to the recording head 17. The ink supplied to the recording head 17 is ejected toward the outside (printing paper) through the nozzles.

The ink tank 30 is a liquid communication passage (second) that communicates a liquid storage chamber 340 for storing ink, an air storage chamber 330 for storing air, and a liquid storage chamber 340 and an air storage chamber 330. Also referred to as "flow path") 350. In the liquid supply posture of the ink tank 30 when supplying ink to the printer 12, the liquid communication passage 350 has a flow path cross section to such an extent that a meniscus is formed. As a result, the ink is held in the liquid communication passage 350 in the liquid supply posture.

The liquid storage chamber 340 has a liquid inlet 304 to which the plug member 302 is attached. When supplying ink to the printer 12, the liquid inlet 304 is sealed by the plug member 302. Further, the liquid storage chamber 340 has a negative pressure when the liquid is supplied. On the other hand, the air storage chamber 330 is maintained at atmospheric pressure by communicating with the atmosphere (outside) through the air chamber opening 318. The air chamber opening 318 communicates with the atmosphere inlet 317 that opens toward the outside. Here, in the liquid supply posture, the liquid communication passage 350 is arranged so as to be lower than the recording head 17. This causes a head difference d1. In the liquid supply posture, the head difference d1 in the state where the meniscus is formed in the liquid communication passage 350 is also referred to as "steady head difference d1".

When the ink in the ink storage chamber 204 is sucked by the recording head 17, the ink storage chamber 204 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined negative pressure. When the ink storage chamber 204 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined negative pressure, the ink in the liquid storage chamber 340 is supplied to the ink storage chamber 204 via the hose 23. That is, the ink storage chamber 204 is automatically replenished with the amount of ink that has flowed out to the recording head 17 from the liquid storage chamber 340. In other words, it is generated by the difference in vertical height between the ink liquid level (atmospheric contact liquid level) LA in contact with the air storage chamber 330 (that is, the atmosphere) in the ink tank 30 and the recording head (specifically, the nozzle). Ink is supplied from the liquid storage chamber 340 to the ink storage chamber 204 when the suction force (negative pressure) from the printer 12 side becomes larger to some extent than the water head difference d1.

When the ink in the liquid storage chamber 340 is consumed, the air G (also referred to as bubble G) in the air storage chamber 330 is introduced into the liquid storage chamber 340 via the liquid communication passage 350. As a result, the liquid level of the liquid storage chamber 340 is lowered. When the liquid level drops and the amount of ink in the liquid storage chamber 340 falls below a predetermined amount, ink is injected into the ink tank 30 from the liquid injection port 304 by a user or the like.

FIG. 3 is a second diagram for explaining the liquid injection system 1. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a liquid injection system 1 when the ink tank 30 is in the liquid supply posture. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing a liquid injection system 1 when the ink tank 30 is in a liquid injection posture, which is a posture when ink is injected.

As shown in FIG. 3A, in the liquid supply posture, the ink tank 30 is installed in a state where a part of the wall portion (first wall portion) 370c1 can be visually recognized from the outside. In the liquid supply posture, the first wall portion 370c1 is a wall portion that is in an upright state with respect to the installation surface. In this embodiment, the first wall portion 370c1 is a wall portion substantially perpendicular to the installation surface.

The liquid injection system 1 includes a ruler 53 as a measuring instrument for measuring the amount of ink in the ink tank 30. The ruler 53 is graduated at predetermined intervals. As shown in FIG. 3B, a fixing portion 120 for mounting the container unit 50 is provided on the side surface of the printer 12. The ruler 53 is housed in the fixed portion 120. Specifically, the ruler 53 is inserted and stored in the opening 121 provided on one side surface (upper surface in this embodiment) of the fixing portion 120.

Here, as shown in FIG. 3A, when measuring the water level of the ink in the ink tank 30, the user takes out the ruler 53 from the opening 121 and positions the ruler 53 on the first wall portion 370c1 side. Measure the ink water level in the ink tank 30. When the ink water level reaches a predetermined threshold value, the user replenishes the ink tank 30 with ink. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the posture of the ink tank 30 is changed from the liquid supply posture to the liquid injection posture in which the liquid injection port 304 opens vertically upward (in the positive direction of the Z axis). Then, the top cover member 54 is opened. Then, the user removes the plug member 302 from the liquid injection port 304, and injects ink into the ink tank 30 from the liquid injection port 304.

Here, by opening the upper surface cover member 54, the second wall portion 370c2 different from the first wall portion 370c1 can be visually recognized from the outside. The second wall portion 370c2 is a wall portion that stands upright with respect to the installation surface in the liquid injection posture of the ink tank 30. In this embodiment, the second wall portion 370c2 is a wall portion substantially perpendicular to the installation surface in the liquid injection posture.

The second wall portion 370c2 is provided with an upper limit portion LB for indicating that the ink is sufficiently contained in the ink tank 30. The upper limit portion LB has an upper limit line LM that is horizontal in the liquid injection posture of the container unit 50 and a triangular arrow LY for indicating the position of the upper limit line LM. The upper limit line LM is provided to identify that the ink inside the ink tank 30 has reached the second threshold value.

The user injects (replenishes) ink into the ink tank 30 until the ink liquid level reaches the vicinity of the upper limit line LM. After the ink is replenished, the user changes the posture of the ink tank 30 to the liquid supply posture shown in FIG. 3 (A). Further, the ruler 53 is inserted through the opening 121 and stored. As described above, the liquid injection system 1 is provided with the ruler 53 and the upper limit portion LB, so that the user can easily check the amount of ink inside the ink tank 30 in each posture.

A-2. Overall configuration of container unit 50: FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the container unit 50. FIG. 4A is a first external perspective view of the container unit 50. FIG. 4B is a second external perspective view of the container unit 50. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the container unit 50 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and in the liquid supply posture of the container unit 50, the outer surface of the bottom cover member 57 has a bottom surface 570W in contact with the installation surface. Configure. The four ink tanks 30 include a positioning unit 328 with a notch 325a and a protrusion 324. The four ink tanks 30 are accurately arranged (laminated) by arranging the protrusions 324 of the other adjacent ink tanks 30 so as to fit in the notch 325a of one ink tank 30. The container unit 50 further includes a connecting cover member 55 for connecting the plurality of ink tanks 30. A plurality of ink tanks 30 are connected and integrated by the connecting cover member 55. Here, by removing the connecting cover member 55, the plurality of integrated ink tanks 30 can be easily disassembled. As a result, the container unit 50 can easily change the number of ink tanks 30 arranged according to the number of ink colors used in the printer 12 and the specifications. The details of the connecting cover member 55 will be described later.

Next, the configuration of the container unit 50 will be further described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the container unit 50. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container unit 50 with the bottom cover member 57 removed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ink tank 30 has a columnar shape. The plurality of ink tanks 30 are arranged (stacked) in a row. The plurality of ink tanks 30 are arranged so that the opening wall portion 370 of one ink tank 30 closed by a film 34 that does not transmit a fluid is covered by adjacent ink tanks 30. Further, the container unit 50 includes a valve unit 70 for opening and closing the flow path inside the hose 23. The valve unit 70 is assembled as a component of the container unit 50 by a plurality of screws 420. The detailed configuration of the valve unit 70 will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the bottom cover member 57 has a plurality of openings 571 through which the plurality of screws 400 are inserted. The plurality of screws 400 are inserted through the corresponding openings 571. Further, the plurality of screws 400 are attached to the plurality of screw holes 399,562,582 provided in the ink tank 30 and the side cover members 56 and 58, respectively. As a result, the bottom cover member 57 is assembled as a constituent member of the container unit 50. That is, the opening 571 is used when assembling the bottom cover member 57 as a constituent member of the container unit 50. Further, the bottom cover member 57 is assembled so as to cover the bottom surface side of the plurality of (four) ink tanks 30 in the liquid supply posture. In this embodiment, the bottom cover member 57 is attached to the ink tank 30 and the side cover members 56 and 58 using six screws 400. Here, instead of the opening 571, a notch may be formed in the bottom cover member 57, and the screw 400 may be inserted through the notch.

A-3. Detailed configuration of bottom cover member: FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a detailed configuration of the bottom cover member 57. FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the bottom cover member 57. FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view for explaining the peripheral edge portion 575 of the bottom cover member 57. FIG. 7C is a schematic view for explaining the detailed configuration of the facing surface 570Y of the bottom cover member 57.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the bottom cover member 57 includes a flat bottom cover main body 578 and bottom cover wall portions 572, 573 standing upright with respect to the bottom cover main body 578. The bottom cover wall portions 572, 573 project from the peripheral edge of the bottom cover main body 578 to the side where the ink tank 30 is arranged (Z-axis positive direction side, upper side of the bottom cover main body 578). A plurality of ink tanks 30 are attached to the bottom cover main body 578. Of the bottom cover main body 578, the facing surface 570Y facing the ink tank 30 has a recess (groove) 579Z as a liquid holding portion. The recess 579Z is formed over the entire facing surface 570Y. Here, the recess 579Z includes a first recess 579W and a second recess 579V that intersect each other. A plurality of first and second recesses 579W and 579V are formed, respectively.

Further, the bottom cover member 57 is a plurality of (six) openings 571 formed over the bottom surface 570W and the facing surface 570Y, and the plurality of openings used for attaching the bottom cover member 57 to the ink tank. Has 571. Specifically, the plurality of openings 571 each penetrate the bottom cover main body 578. The plurality of openings 571 are arranged in a bow shape in the vicinity of the peripheral edge of the bottom cover main body 578.

Further, the bottom cover member 57 has a peripheral edge portion 575 that is arranged on the facing surface 570Y side and surrounds the opening 571. As shown in FIG. 7B, the peripheral edge portion 575 is a substantially cylindrical member protruding from the facing surface 570Y side (specifically, the bottom surface of the recess 579Z). The peripheral edge portion 575 protrudes from the facing surface 570Y. An opening 571 is formed inside the peripheral edge portion 575.

As shown in FIG. 7 (C), in the liquid injection posture of the container unit 50, the X-axis direction is the vertical direction and the X-axis negative direction is the vertical downward direction. That is, in the liquid injection posture, the bottom cover member 57 is in an upright state with respect to the installation surface of the container unit 50. In this embodiment, in the liquid injection posture, the bottom cover main body 578 of the bottom cover member 57 is in a state of being substantially perpendicular to the installation surface. The first recess 579W has a groove shape extending in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction, first direction) in the liquid injection posture. Further, the plurality of first recesses 579W extend over the entire longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction, longitudinal direction) of the bottom cover main body 578. Further, the plurality of first recesses 579W are formed at regular intervals in the lateral direction (X-axis direction, width direction) and are formed over the entire lateral direction. Here, in the liquid injection posture, one or more of the plurality of first recesses 579W are arranged vertically above the opening 571U located most vertically below the plurality of openings 571. The size of the first recess 579W is not particularly limited, but it may be set to a size that can hold ink by capillary force.

The second recess 579V has a groove shape extending in the vertical direction (X-axis direction, second direction) in the liquid injection posture. The second recess 579V is formed in the vicinity of the boundary portion of the facing surface 570Y where one ink tank 30 and another adjacent ink tank 30 overlap each other. Further, the plurality of second recesses 579V extend over the entire lateral direction (X-axis direction, width direction) of the bottom cover main body 578. That is, in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) in the liquid injection posture, each of the second recesses 579V is arranged linearly without interruption in the formation range of the first recess 579W. The first recess 579W and the second recess 579V are orthogonal to each other and are arranged so as to form a grid as a whole. The size of the second recess 579V is not particularly limited, but it may be set to a size that can hold ink by capillary force.

Ink may exist (inflow) on the facing surface 570Y of the bottom cover member 57 for various reasons. For example, when a user or the like injects ink into the ink tank 30, the ink may be erroneously dropped to a place other than the liquid injection port 304. In this case, if the container unit 50 is changed from the liquid injection posture to the liquid supply posture with the ink adhering to the surface of the ink tank 30, the adhering ink may flow into the bottom cover member 57 due to gravity. Further, for example, a problem may occur in the ink tank 30 when the liquid is supplied, and the ink may leak to the outside of the ink tank 30. In this case, the leaked ink may flow through the surface of the ink tank 30 and flow into the bottom cover member 57.

However, as described above, the bottom cover member 57 of this embodiment is provided with a recess 579Z on the facing surface 570Y (FIGS. 7A and 7C). As a result, even when ink is present in the bottom cover member 57, the ink can be held by the recess 579Z. Therefore, the possibility of ink flowing out to the outside of the container unit 50 can be reduced. From the above, the possibility that the installation surface (for example, a desk) of the container unit 50 is contaminated with ink can be reduced.

Further, the recess 579Z has a first recess 579W extending in the horizontal direction in the liquid injection posture (FIGS. 7A and 7C). Thus, in the liquid injection position, a pair of bottom cover member 57 even if there is ink in the facing surfaces 570Y, it can be suppressed ink to move vertically downward. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of ink flowing out of the container unit 50 in the liquid injection posture.

Further, the recess 579Z has a second recess 579V extending in the vertical direction and having a second recess 579V orthogonal to the first recess 579W in the liquid injection posture (FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (C)). As a result, even if ink is present in the bottom cover member 57, it is possible to prevent the ink from staying in a specific portion of the recess 579Z. That is, the ink existing in a specific portion of the recess 579Z can be smoothly diffused into the plurality of first and second recesses 579W and 579V. As a result, the surface area of the ink held in the recess 579Z can be increased, and the evaporation of the ink can be promoted. Therefore, the possibility that the ink flows out of the container unit 50 can be further reduced.

Further, the bottom cover member 57 is provided on the facing surface 570Y side and has a peripheral edge portion 575 that surrounds the opening 571 and has a peripheral edge portion 575 that protrudes from the facing surface 570Y (FIGS. 7A and 7B). )). As a result, even if the ink is present on the facing surface 570Y, the possibility that the ink flows into the opening 571 can be reduced by using the peripheral edge portion 575 as a barrier. As a result, the possibility that the ink will flow out to the outside of the bottom cover member 57 can be further reduced.

Further, the bottom cover member 57 has bottom cover wall portions 572, 573 extending from the peripheral edge of the bottom cover main body 578 to the side where the ink tank 30 is arranged (FIGS. 7A and 7C). As a result, for example, even if a large amount of ink that cannot be held by the recess 579Z exists on the facing surface 570Y, the bottom cover wall portion 572, 573 acts as a barrier, and the ink may flow out to the outside of the bottom cover member 57. Can be reduced. That is, the bottom cover wall portions 572, 573 can block the ink going to the outside of the bottom cover member 57.

A-4. Detailed configuration of other components of the container unit: Next, other constituent members of the container unit 50 will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the first and second side cover members 56, 58. FIG. 8A is an external perspective view of the first side cover member 56. FIG. 8B is an external perspective view of the second side cover member 58.

As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the first side cover member 56 has a mounting portion 561 for hooking the container unit 50 to the fixed portion 120 (FIG. 3 (B)) of the printer 12. Further, the first side cover member 56 has a through hole 563 through which the handle 71 (FIG. 6) passes, and a screw hole 562 for fixing the bottom cover member 57 with a screw 400 (FIG. 5). Further, on the inner surface of the bottom cover member 57 facing the ink tank 30, a fitting portion 564 into which the protrusion 324 (FIG. 4B) of the ink tank 30 is fitted is formed.

As shown in FIG. 8 (B), the second side cover member 58 has a mounting portion 581 for hooking the container unit 50 to the fixing portion 120 (FIG. 3 (B)) of the printer 12. Further, the second side cover member 58 has a screw hole 582 for fixing the bottom cover member 57 with a screw 400 (FIG. 5). Further, on the inner surface of the second side surface cover member 58 facing the ink tank 30, a protrusion 584 that fits with the notch 325a (FIG. 4B) of the ink tank 30 is formed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the connecting cover member 55 and the top cover member 54. FIG. 9A is an external perspective view of the connecting cover member 55. FIG. 9B is an external perspective view of the top cover member 54.

The connecting cover member 55 prevents the laminated ink tanks 30 from being easily separated from each other when the adjacent ink tanks 30 are laminated with each other by the positioning unit 328. The connecting cover member 55 is arranged over a plurality of ink tanks 30 included in the container unit 50. As shown in FIG. 9A, the connecting cover member 550 has a fixing portion 552 for fixing to the ink tank 30 on one end side. The claw portion 554 on the tip end side of the fixed portion 552 is hooked on the ink tanks 30 arranged at the ends of the plurality of ink tanks 30. Further, the connecting cover member 55 is sandwiched between the ink tank 30 and the cover members 54, 56, 58 (specifically, the top cover member 54, the first side cover member 56, the second side cover member 58). The cover.

As shown in FIG. 9B, both side portions of the top cover member 54 have recesses 542 for receiving the connecting cover member 55.

Next, the valve unit 70 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the valve unit 70. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the first and second members 77,78. FIG. 11A is an external perspective view of the first member 77. FIG. 11B is an external perspective view of the second member 78. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining how the valve unit 70 is attached to the ink tank 30. FIG. 12A is an external perspective view in which the valve unit 70 is attached to the ink tank 30. FIG. 12 (B) is a diagram in which the second member 78 of FIG. 12 (A) is removed. Note that FIG. 10 shows that one of the four hoses 23 is arranged in the valve unit 70 for ease of understanding. Further, in FIG. 10, the internal configuration of the opening / closing portion 76 is extracted and shown in a circled area. Further, in FIG. 12, the hose 23 is not shown.

As shown in FIG. 10, the valve unit 70 includes a handle 71, an opening / closing portion 76, and first and second members 77,78. The opening / closing portion 76 includes a case main body 762, a cam 764 whose one end side is connected to the handle 71, and a slider 768. One end of the cam 764 protrudes to the outside of the case body 762, and the remaining part is housed in the case body 762. The slider 768 is housed inside the case body 762. The slider 768 is displaced in conjunction with the rotational movement of the cam 764, and crushes the portion of the hose 23 that passes through the inside of the case body 762. That is, by displacing the slider 768, the flow path of the hose 23 is opened and closed.

The hose 23 passes through the opening 761 of the case body 762 and is connected to the printer 12. Further, the first and second members 77 and 78 sandwich and fix a part of the hose 23 that has passed through the opening 761. The first and second members 77,78 are provided with a plurality of openings 772,782, respectively, which are used to attach the first and second members 77,78 to a predetermined member. Screws 420 are passed through the plurality of openings 772 and 782, respectively, and the first and second members 77 and 78 are assembled as components of the container unit 50. When each of the plurality of openings 772,782 is used separately, it shall be referred to by the number in parentheses in the figure. Similarly, when a plurality of screws 420 are used separately, they shall be referred to by the numbers in parentheses in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 11B, a plurality of protrusions 786 are formed on the side of the second member 78 facing the first member 77. When a plurality of protrusions 786 are used separately, they shall be referred to by the numbers in parentheses in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second members 77 and 78 are assembled with the hose 23 sandwiched between them. Specifically, the opening 782a and the opening 772a are overlapped with each other, and the screw 420a is inserted into the openings 782a and 772a. Further, the opening 782c and the opening 772c are overlapped, and the screw 420c is inserted into the openings 782c and 772c. Further, the protrusions 786b1 and 786b2 shown in FIG. 11B are inserted into the openings 772b1 and 772b2 of the first member 77, respectively. As a result, the first and second members 77 and 78 are integrated.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12A, the integrated first and second members 77 and 78 are mounted on a plurality of (two) ink tanks 30. Specifically, with the first and second members 77,78 still attached to the two adjacent ink tanks 30, the first and second ink tanks 30 can be easily disassembled. Members 77 and 78 are attached to two ink tanks 30. The details of how the first and second members 77 and 78 are mounted on the ink tank 30 will be described below. For convenience of explanation, of the two ink tanks 30 to which the first and second members 77 and 78 are mounted, one ink tank 30 is also referred to as "ink tank 30Y" and the other ink tank 30. Is also called "ink tank 30Z".

The ink tank 30 has a member mounting portion 369 for mounting the first and second members 77 and 78 on the outer surface. The member mounting portion 369 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped protrusion formed on the surface of the ink tank 30. First to third mounting holes 366, 367, 368 are formed in the member mounting portion 369. The first and second mounting holes 366,367 are open on the first side facing the second member 78. The third mounting hole 368 is arranged with the first side facing the second member 78 and the other ink tank 30 to which the valve unit 70 is mounted in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction) of the ink tanks 30. The second side (Y-axis positive direction side) is open. In this embodiment, the third mounting hole 368 is U-shaped.

As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the screw 420b is passed through the opening 782b of the second member 78 and the second mounting hole 367 of the ink tank 30Y, and the second member 78 is ink. Screwed to tank 30Y. Further, the protrusion 786b4 (FIG. 11B) of the second member 78 is inserted into the second mounting hole 367 of the ink tank 30Y. Further, the protrusion 786b3 (FIG. 11B) of the second member 78 is inserted into the third mounting hole 368 of the ink tank 30Z. As described above, in the valve unit 70, the second member 78 is fixed to only one of the two ink tanks 30Y and 30Z by screwing. Therefore, the two ink tanks 30Y and 30Z can be easily disassembled without removing the screw 420b that fixes the valve unit 70 to the ink tank 30Y.

A-5. Ink tank outline configuration: Before explaining the detailed configuration of the ink tank 30, for the sake of easy understanding, FIG. 13 shows a path (flow path) from the atmosphere inlet 317 that opens toward the outside to the liquid outlet 306 that guides the ink to the outside. It will be explained conceptually with reference to. FIG. 13 is a diagram conceptually showing the route from the atmosphere inlet 317 to the liquid outlet 306. The path from the atmosphere inlet 317 to the liquid outlet 306 is also referred to as a "forming channel".

The route from the air inlet 317 to the liquid outlet 306 is roughly divided into an air open channel 300 and a liquid storage chamber 340. The open air flow path 300 includes a first flow path 310 (also referred to as "atmospheric communication passage 310"), an air storage chamber 330, and a second flow path 350 (also referred to as "liquid communication passage 350") in order from the upstream. .) And.

In the first flow path 310, the air chamber opening 318 at one end opens in the air accommodating chamber 330, and the air inlet 317 at the other end opens outward. As a result, the first flow path 310 communicates the air accommodating chamber 330 with the outside. The first flow path 310 includes a communication flow path 320, a gas-liquid separation chamber 312, and a communication flow path 314. One end of the communication flow path 320 communicates with the atmosphere inlet 317, and the other end communicates with the gas-liquid separation chamber 312. A part of the communication flow path 320 is an elongated flow path, which prevents the water content of the ink stored in the liquid storage chamber 340 from evaporating from the open air flow path 300 due to diffusion. A film (sheet) 316 is arranged between the upstream and the downstream of the gas-liquid separation chamber 312. This film 316 has a property of being permeable to gas and not permeable to liquid. By arranging the film 316 in the middle of the open air flow path 300, the ink flowing back from the liquid storage chamber 340 is suppressed from flowing into the upstream side of the film 316. Once the film 316 gets wet with ink, its original function as a gas-liquid separation membrane may be impaired and air may not be transmitted.

The communication flow path 314 communicates the gas-liquid separation chamber 312 and the air storage chamber 330. Here, one end of the communication flow path 314 forms an air chamber opening 318.

The air storage chamber 330 contains air. The air storage chamber 330 has a larger flow path cross-sectional area than the second flow path 350, which will be described later, and has a predetermined volume. As a result, the ink that has flowed back from the liquid storage chamber 340 can be temporarily stored, and the ink can be suppressed from flowing into the upstream side of the air storage chamber 330.

Further, the air storage chamber 330 has a partition wall 334 as a restraining portion in the middle of the path (flow path) from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318. The partition wall 334 divides the air accommodating chamber 330 into an opening side accommodating chamber 331 where the air chamber opening 318 is located and a communication passage side accommodating chamber 332 where the one end side opening 351 is located. Here, the communication passage side accommodating chamber 332 is located between the opening side accommodating chamber 331 and the second flow path 350.

In the second flow path 350, one end side opening 351 is located in the air storage chamber 330, and the other end side opening 352 is located in the liquid storage chamber 340. As a result, the second flow path 350 communicates the air storage chamber 330 and the liquid storage chamber 340. Further, the second flow path 350 is a flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area small enough to form a meniscus (liquid level crosslink).

The liquid storage chamber 340 stores ink, and the ink is circulated from the liquid outlet portion 349 of the liquid outlet portion 306 to the sub tank 20 (FIG. 1) via the hose 23. Further, the liquid storage chamber 340 is provided with a liquid injection port 304.

A-6. Detailed composition of the ink tank: Next, the detailed configuration of the ink tank 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17. FIG. 14 is a first external perspective view of the ink tank 30. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the first flow path 310. FIG. 16 is a second external perspective view of the ink tank 30. FIG. 17 is a view of the ink tank 30 of FIG. 16 as viewed from the Y-axis positive direction side. Further, FIG. 14 shows a diagram in which the films 316 and 322 included in the ink tank 30 are separated from the tank main body 32. Further, in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17, the illustration of the plug member 302 attached to the liquid injection port 304 is omitted. Further, FIG. 15 shows the flow of air from the air inlet 317 to the air chamber opening 318 in the direction of the arrow.

As shown in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17, the ink tank 30 has a substantially columnar shape (specifically, a substantially right-angled columnar shape). As shown in FIG. 14, the ink tank 30 includes a tank body 32 and films 34,316,322. The tank body 32 is molded of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The tank body 32 is translucent. This allows the user to check the state of the ink inside (ink water level) from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 16, the shape of the tank body 32 is a concave shape with one side surface open. Ribs (walls) 380 of various shapes are formed in the recesses of the tank body 32. Here, one side surface of the opening (one side surface including the outer frame of the tank body 32 forming the opening) is referred to as an opening wall portion 370 (opening side surface 370). Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the wall portion facing the opening wall portion 370 is also referred to as the facing wall portion 370b. Further, the side surface portion connecting each side of the opening wall portion and the facing wall portion 370b is also referred to as a side wall portion 370c. When different side wall portions 370c that are not arranged on the same plane are used separately, different reference numerals are used.

As shown in FIG. 16, the film 34 is attached to the tank body 32 so as to cover the opening of the opening wall portion 370 by heat welding or the like. Specifically, the film 34 is precisely attached so that there is no gap between the end face of the predetermined rib 380 and the end face of the outer frame of the tank body 32. As a result, a plurality of small rooms are formed. Specifically, an air storage chamber 330, a liquid storage chamber 340, and a second flow path 350 are mainly formed. That is, the air storage chamber 330, the liquid storage chamber 340, and the second flow path 350 are formed by the tank body 32 and the film 34.

Before explaining the main small rooms 330,340,350, the detailed configuration of the first flow path 310 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the first flow path 310 is formed in the side wall portion 370c4 (also referred to as opposing side wall portion 370c4). The side wall portion 370c4 is a wall portion facing the printer in the liquid supply posture. The upstream portion of the communication flow path 320 is formed on the back side (inside of the tank body 32) of the side wall portion 370c4.

The gas-liquid separation chamber 312 has a concave shape, and an opening is formed in the concave bottom surface. The gas-liquid separation chamber 312 and the communication flow path 314 communicate with each other through the opening on the bottom surface. The end of the communication flow path 314 is an air chamber opening 318.

A bank 313 is formed on the entire circumference of the inner wall surrounding the bottom surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber 312. The film 316 (Fig. 14) is adhered to the bank 313. Further, the film 322 is adhered to the side wall portion 370c4 so as to cover the flow path formed on the outer surface of the side wall portion 370c4 of the first flow path 310. As a result, the communication flow path 320 is formed, and the ink inside the ink tank 30 is prevented from leaking to the outside. A part of the communication flow path 320 is formed along the outer circumference of the gas-liquid separation chamber 312 in order to increase the distance from the air inlet 317 to the gas-liquid separation chamber 312. As a result, it is possible to prevent the moisture in the ink inside the tank body 32 from evaporating from the atmosphere inlet 317 to the outside. From the viewpoint of suppressing water evaporation, the communication flow path 320 may be a meandering flow path in order to increase the distance of the communication flow path.

The air flowing through the first flow path 310 will pass through the film 316 adhered to the bank 313 on the way. As a result, it is possible to further prevent the ink contained in the tank body 32 from leaking to the outside.

Next, the small rooms 330, 340, 350 will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the liquid storage chamber 340 forms a vertically long space in the liquid supply posture. Further, in the liquid supply posture, the liquid outlet portion 349 is arranged near the lowermost end of the liquid storage chamber 340. As a result, when ink is supplied from the container unit 50 to the printer 12, the possibility of air flowing to the printer 12 side can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 16, the air accommodating chamber 330 is divided into a communication passage side accommodating chamber 332 and an opening side accommodating chamber 331 by a partition wall 334 as a restraining portion. The partition wall 334 extends from the facing wall portion 370b to the opening wall portion 370. The partition wall 334 includes a first restraint wall 334V and a second restraint wall 334Y. The first restraining wall 334V intersects the vertical direction in the liquid supply posture (the posture in which the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction). In this embodiment, the first restraint wall 334V is horizontal in the liquid supply posture. Further, the first restraining wall 334V is located between the one end side opening 351 and the air chamber opening 318 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) in the liquid supply posture. The second restraint wall 334Y is connected to the first restraint wall 334V. The second restraining wall 334Y intersects the vertical direction in the liquid injection posture (the posture in which the Y-axis direction is the vertical direction). In this embodiment, the second restraint wall 334Y is horizontal in the liquid injection position. Further, the second restraining wall 334Y is located between the one end side opening 351 and the air chamber opening 318 in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) in the liquid injection posture. The second restraint wall 334Y is formed with a partition wall opening 335 that communicates the opening side accommodation chamber 331 and the communication passage side accommodation chamber 332. The partition wall opening 335 of this embodiment is formed by cutting out a portion of the second restraining wall 334Y that is in contact with the film 34. By doing so, the partition wall opening 335 can be easily formed.

The air storage chamber 330 has a substantially right-angled pillar shape. Of the inner surfaces of the wall portion forming the air storage chamber 330, the lowest portion (first portion) in the liquid supply posture is the bottom surface 330Vf of the first air chamber. The highest surface (second portion) in the liquid supply posture is 330 Va on the upper surface of the first air chamber. Further, among the inner surfaces of the wall portion forming the air storage chamber 330, the lowest portion (third portion) in the liquid injection posture is the bottom surface 330Vc of the second air chamber. The highest surface (fourth portion) in the liquid injection posture is 330 Ve on the upper surface of the second air chamber. Further, the posture in which one end side of the container unit 50 in which the four ink tanks 30 are arranged (here, the first side cover member 56, FIG. 5) is the lowest among the members of the container unit 50 (laminated posture). The lowest surface (fifth part) is 330 Vb at the bottom of the third air chamber. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 330Vb of the third air chamber corresponds to the 34th surface of the film. Further, in the laminated posture, the highest surface (sixth portion) is 330 Vd on the upper surface of the third air chamber. In this embodiment, the upper surface 330Vd of the third air chamber corresponds to the inner surface of the facing wall portion 370b.

The opening side accommodation chamber 331 of the air accommodation chamber 330 has a protrusion 330Z protruding from the side wall portion 370c4 into the opening side accommodation chamber 331. The tip surface 330Za, which is one end side end surface of the protrusion 330Z, is located in the air accommodation chamber 330 without being in contact with the wall portion forming the partition of the air accommodation chamber 330. A part of the first flow path 310 (FIG. 13) is formed inside the protrusion 330Z. Further, the air chamber opening 318 is formed by opening the tip surface 330Za of the protrusion 330Z.

In the liquid supply posture in which the negative direction of the Z axis is vertically downward, the air chamber openings 318 are arranged at predetermined intervals from the bottom surface of the first air chamber 330Vf and the top surface of the first air chamber 330Va in the vertical direction. There is. That is, the air chamber opening 318 is arranged apart from the first air chamber bottom surface 330Vf and the first air chamber upper surface 330Va. As a result, ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330 in the liquid supply posture that is likely to be taken and the posture that is opposite to the liquid supply posture among the plurality of postures that the ink tank 30 can take. Even if this is the case, the possibility that ink will flow into the first flow path 310 from the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced.

Further, in the liquid injection posture in which the negative direction of the X-axis is vertically downward, the air chamber openings 318 are arranged at predetermined intervals from the bottom surface 330Vc of the second air chamber and the upper surface 330Ve of the second air chamber in the vertical direction. Has been done. That is, the air chamber opening 318 is arranged apart from the second air chamber bottom surface 330Vc and the second air chamber upper surface 330Ve. As a result, when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330 in the liquid injection posture and the posture opposite to the liquid injection posture, which are likely to be taken among the plurality of postures that the ink tank 30 can take. However, the possibility of ink flowing into the first flow path 310 from the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced.

Further, the air chamber opening 318 includes an air storage chamber 330 including the bottom surfaces of the first, second and third air chambers 330Vf, 330Vc, 330Vb and the upper surfaces of the first, second and third air chambers 330Va, 330Ve, 330Vd. They are arranged at predetermined intervals from all the inner wall surfaces to be formed. That is, the air chamber opening 318 is arranged away from the inner wall surface that partitions the air storage chamber 330. As a result, when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330, the ink flows into the first flow path 310 from the air chamber opening 318 even if the container unit 50 takes various postures. The possibility can be reduced.

Further, the ink tank 30 of the present embodiment is provided with a protruding portion 330Z protruding from the side wall portion 370c4 into the air accommodating chamber 330, and the air chamber opening 318 of the first flow path 310 (FIG. 13) is provided in the protruding portion 330Z. It forms a part including. Thereby, the air chamber opening 318 can be easily arranged at a position away from the inner surface (for example, the bottom surface 330 Vb of the third air chamber) of all the walls forming the air accommodating chamber 330.

Further, the ink tank 30 has a partition wall 334 in the middle of the path from the second flow path (liquid communication passage) 350 to the air chamber opening 318. As a result, even when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330, the flow of the inflowing ink toward the air chamber opening 318 can be suppressed. As a result, the possibility that the ink reaches the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced, and the possibility that the ink flows into the first flow path 310 from the air chamber opening 318 can be further reduced.

As described above, the container unit 50 of the present embodiment includes the bottom cover member 57 constituting the bottom surface 570W in the liquid injection posture (FIG. 6). As a result, the container unit 60 can be stably installed on the installation surface and ink can be supplied to the printer 12. Further, the bottom cover member 57 is provided with a recess 579Z as a liquid holding portion on the facing surface 570Y (FIGS. 7A and 7C). As a result, even when ink is present in the bottom cover member 57, the ink can be held by the recess 579Z. Therefore, the possibility of ink flowing out to the outside of the container unit 50 can be reduced. That is, the possibility that the installation surface of the vessel unit 50 is contaminated with ink can be reduced.

Further, in the ink tank 30 of the present embodiment, the air chamber opening 318, which is one end of the first flow path 310, is formed apart from the wall portion forming the air storage chamber 330 (FIG. 16). As a result, even when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330, the possibility of ink flowing into the first flow path 310 from the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced. As a result, the possibility that the film 316 as the gas-liquid separation membrane arranged in the middle of the first flow path 310 is wet with ink can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the original function of the film 316 from being impaired and to introduce air into the ink tank 30 through the first flow path 310.

B. Second and third examples: FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the bottom cover members 57a and 57b of the second and third embodiments. FIG. 18A is a diagram schematically showing a recess 579Wa as a liquid holding portion formed on the facing surface 570Ya of the bottom cover member 57b of the second embodiment. FIG. 18B is a diagram schematically showing a recess 579Wb as a liquid holding portion formed on the facing surface 570Yb of the bottom cover member 57b of the third embodiment. The difference between the first embodiment and the second and third embodiments is the configuration of the recesses 579Wa and 579Wb. Since the configurations of the other container units 50a and 50b and the configuration of the liquid injection system are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18A, the bottom cover member 57a of the second embodiment has a recess 579Za as a liquid holding portion on the facing surface 570Ya. The recess 579Za includes a first recess 579W and a second recess 579Va that intersect each other. A plurality of first and second recesses 579W and 579Va are formed, respectively.

Similar to the first embodiment, the plurality of first recesses 579W are formed in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction, first direction) over the entire longitudinal direction of the bottom cover main body 578 in the liquid injection posture of the container unit 50a. ) Extends to each. Further, the plurality of second recesses 579Va extend in the vertical direction (X-axis direction, second direction) in the liquid injection posture. The second recess 579Va is arranged in a zigzag pattern. That is, in the vertical direction (X-axis direction) in the liquid injection posture, the plurality of second recesses 579Va in the formation range of the first recess 579W are arranged not in a straight line but in a shredded shape. Here, the sizes of the first and second recesses 579W and 579Va are not particularly limited, but may be set to such a size that the ink can be held by the capillary force.

As described above, the container unit 50a of the second embodiment includes the recess 579Z on the facing surface 570Ya of the bottom cover member 57a. Therefore, the ink is held by the recess 579Z. As a result, the possibility of ink flowing out to the outside of the container unit 50a can be reduced as in the first embodiment. Further, in the container unit 50a, the second recesses 579 are arranged in a staggered pattern. As a result, the ink existing in a specific portion of the recess 579Za can be smoothly dispersed by the plurality of first and second recesses 579W, 579Va. As a result, the surface area of the ink held in the recess 579Za can be further increased, and the evaporation of the ink can be further promoted. Therefore, the possibility that the ink flows out of the container unit 50 can be further reduced.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the bottom cover member 57b of the third embodiment has a recess 579Wb (also referred to as a third recess 579Wb) as a liquid holding portion on the facing surface 570Yb. The recess 579Wb has a groove shape and extends in the direction along the virtual line ML without intersecting the virtual line ML connecting a plurality of adjacent openings 571. Specifically, each recess 579Wb is arranged without intersecting a plurality of openings 571. Here, the size of the recess 579Wb is not particularly limited, but it may be set to a size capable of holding ink by capillary force.

As described above, the container unit 50b of the third embodiment includes the recess 579Zb on the facing surface 570Yb of the bottom cover member 57b. Therefore, the ink is held by the recess 579Zb. As a result, the possibility of ink flowing out to the outside of the container unit 50b can be reduced as in the first embodiment. Further, in the container unit 50b, the recess 579Zb extends in the direction along the virtual line ML. As a result, even when the ink moves in the recess 579Zb, it is possible to prevent the moved ink from reaching the opening 571. Therefore, the possibility that the ink flows out from the opening 571 can be reduced.

C. Modification example: In addition, among the constituent elements in the above-described embodiment, the elements other than the elements described in the independent clause of the claims are additional elements and can be omitted as appropriate. Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or embodiment, and can be implemented in various embodiments without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the following modifications are also possible.

C-1. First variant: FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a first modification. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an air storage chamber 330c of the ink tank 30c of the first modification. The difference from the first embodiment is the configuration of the partition wall 334c as the restraining portion. Since the configuration of the liquid injection system 1 including the other container unit 50 is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof will be omitted.

Similar to the first embodiment, the partition wall 334c divides the air accommodating chamber 330c into an opening side accommodating chamber 331c in which the air chamber opening 318 is located and a communication passage side accommodating chamber 332c in which the one end side opening 351 is located. The partition wall 334c has an arc shape. Further, the partition wall 334c is formed with a partition wall opening 335c that communicates the opening side accommodating chamber 331 and the communication passage side accommodating chamber 332 by notching a portion in contact with the film 34.

In this way, even if the partition wall 334c is formed in an arc shape, the flow of ink to the air chamber opening 318 is suppressed when the ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330, as in the above embodiment. it can.

In the above-described embodiment and the above-mentioned first modification, partition walls 334, 334c (FIGS. 17 and 19) for partitioning the air accommodating chambers 330 and 330c were used as the restraining portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, in the middle of the path from the second flow path 350 (liquid communication path 350) to the air chamber opening 318 (simply referred to as "path"), the ink from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318. It suffices if a configuration for suppressing the flow of the ink is provided. That is, the suppression unit can adopt a configuration in which the flow path resistance of a part of the path is higher than the flow path resistance of the remaining other parts.

For example, a check valve may be provided in the middle of the path from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318 in the air storage chamber 330. This check valve is configured to allow fluid flow from the air chamber opening 318 to the second flow path 350, but block fluid flow from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318. The fluid. Further, the middle part of the route may be an elongated meandering flow path.

Further, for example, in the middle of the path from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318, in the liquid supply posture of the container unit 50, a wall intersecting the vertical direction (for example, in the first embodiment, the first suppression). Only the wall 334V, Fig. 17) may be provided. Furthermore, the wall that intersects the vertical direction does not necessarily have to be a horizontal wall. For example, in the liquid supply posture of the container unit 50, the first restraining wall 334V may be tilted by a predetermined angle (for example, 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) with respect to the horizontal direction. Even in this way, since the ink tank has a wall that intersects the vertical direction, the flow of ink from the second flow path 350 toward the air chamber opening 318 can be suppressed. In particular, even when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330 in the liquid supply posture and the liquid supply posture upside down, the possibility that the inflowing ink reaches the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced.

Further, for example, in the middle of the path from the second flow path 350 to the air chamber opening 318, in the liquid injection posture of the container unit 50, a wall intersecting the vertical direction (for example, in the first embodiment, the second suppression). Only the wall 334Y, Fig. 17) may be provided. Furthermore, the wall that intersects the vertical direction does not necessarily have to be a horizontal wall. For example, in the liquid injection posture of the container unit 50, the second restraining wall 334Y may be tilted by a predetermined angle (for example, 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) with respect to the horizontal direction. Even in this way, since the ink tank has a wall that intersects the vertical direction, the flow of ink from the second flow path 350 toward the air chamber opening 318 can be suppressed. In particular, in the liquid injection posture and the liquid injection posture upside down, even when ink flows from the liquid storage chamber 340 into the air storage chamber 330, the possibility that the inflowing ink reaches the air chamber opening 318 can be reduced.

C-2. Second variant: In the first and second embodiments, the first recess 579W provided in the bottom cover members 57, 57a extends in the horizontal direction in the liquid injection posture (FIGS. 7 (A), (B), FIG. 18 (A))), but not limited to this. The first recess 579W may extend in the first direction having a horizontal component. For example, in the liquid injection posture, the first recess 579W may be inclined in a predetermined angle range (for example, a range larger than 0 degrees and 45 degrees or less) with respect to the horizontal direction. Even in this way, it is possible to prevent the ink existing in the first recess 579W from moving vertically downward due to gravity in the liquid injection posture of the container units 50, 50a.

C-3. Third variant: In the first and second embodiments, the second recesses 579V and 579Va provided in the bottom cover members 57 and 57a extend in the vertical direction in the liquid injection posture (FIGS. 7 (A) and 7 (B)). ), Fig. 18 (A))), but is not limited to this. As long as it intersects the first recess 579W, the second recesses 579V, 579Va need only extend in the second direction having the vertical component in the liquid injection posture. For example, in the liquid injection posture, the second recesses 579V and 579Va may be inclined in a predetermined angle range (for example, a range larger than 0 degrees and 45 degrees or less) with respect to the vertical direction. Even in this way, in the liquid injection posture of the container units 50 and 50a, the second recesses 579V and 579Va can prevent ink from staying in one of the plurality of first recesses 579W. That is, the ink is diffused to the other first recess 579W via the second recess 579V and Va. Therefore, the evaporation of the ink existing on the bottom cover members 57 and 57a can be promoted.

C-4. Fourth variant: In the above embodiment, the bottom cover members 57, 57a, 57b have recesses 579Z, 579Za, 579Zb as liquid holding portions on the facing surfaces 570Y, 570Ya, 570Yb, but other configurations capable of holding the liquid are adopted. You may. For example, instead of forming recesses 579Z, 579Za, 579Zb on the facing surfaces 570Y, 57a, 57b, it has a property (water absorption) that ink can be retained inside by capillary force on the facing surfaces 570Y, 57a, 57b. A porous member (for example, a sponge) may be arranged. Even in this way, the possibility of ink flowing out to the outside of the container units 50, 50a, 50b can be reduced as in the above embodiment. Further, the recesses 579Z, 579Za, 579Zb and the porous member may be used in combination.

C-5. 5th variant: In the above embodiment, the recesses 579Z, 579Za, 579Zb provided on the facing surfaces 570Y, 570Ya, 570Yb have a groove shape, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the recess may be a hemispherical or rectangular parallelepiped recess. Specifically, a plurality of recesses having a predetermined shape may be provided over the entire facing surface 570Y, 570Ya, 570Yb. The size of the recess is not particularly limited, but it may be large enough to hold ink by capillary force. Even if the recess is a hemispherical or rectangular parallelepiped recess in this way, the possibility that ink will flow out to the outside of the container units 50, 50a, 50b due to the recess can be reduced, as in the above embodiment.

C-6. 6th variant: In the above embodiment, the air chamber openings 318 are arranged at predetermined intervals from the inner surface that partitions the air storage chamber 330, but the present invention is not limited to this. At least, the air chamber opening 318 has the first part, which is the lowest part in the liquid supply posture, the second part, which is the highest part, and the third part, which is the lowest part in the liquid injection posture. It suffices if they are arranged at predetermined intervals from the fourth portion, which is the higher portion. In this way, among the possible postures of the ink tank 30, the air chamber opening is performed in a relatively likely posture (liquid supply posture and vice versa, and liquid injection posture and vice versa). The possibility of ink flowing into the 318 can be reduced.

C-7. 7th variant: In the above embodiment, the ink tank 30 used in the printer 12 as a liquid storage container has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, an apparatus provided with a color material injection head such as a liquid crystal display, or an organic device. A device equipped with an electrode material (conductive paste) injection head used for electrode formation such as an EL display and a surface emitting display (FED), a device equipped with a bioorganic substance injection head used for biochip manufacturing, and sample injection as a precision pipette. The present invention can be applied to a liquid storage container provided with a head, a liquid storage container capable of supplying a liquid to a liquid injection device such as a printing device or a micro dispenser, and having a liquid injection port. When a liquid container is used for the above-mentioned various liquid injection devices, a liquid (coloring material, conductive paste, bioorganic substance, etc.) corresponding to the type of liquid injected by the various liquid injection devices is applied inside the liquid container. It should be housed in. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid injection system including various liquid injection devices and a liquid storage container used for various liquid injection devices.

1 ... Liquid injection system 10 ... case 12 ... Inkjet printer (printer) 13 ... Paper feed section 14 ... Paper ejector 15 ... Hold plate 16 ... Carriage 16a ... Ink supply needle 17 ... Recording head 18 ... rail 19 ... Hose fixing mechanism 20 ... sub tank 23 ... hose 30,30c, 30Y, 30Z ... Ink tank 32 ... tank body 34 ... film 50, 50a, 50b ... Container unit 51 ... Cover member 53 ... Ruler 54 ... Top cover member 55 ... Connecting cover member 56 ... 1st side cover member 57,57a, 57b ... Bottom cover member 58 ... 2nd side cover member 60 ... Container unit 70 ... valve unit 71 ... handle 76 ... Opening and closing part 77 ... 1st member 78 ... Second member 120 ... Fixed part 121 ... Aperture 152 ... hole 154 ... through hole 182 ... 1st rail fixing part 183 ... hole 184 ... 2nd rail fixing part 186 ... Fitting part 202 ... Liquid receiving part 204 ... Ink storage room 206 ... filter 208 ... Ink flow path 300 ... Open to the atmosphere 302 ... Plug member 304 ... Liquid inlet 306 ... Liquid outlet 310 ... Atmospheric passage (first passage) 312 ... Vapor-liquid separation room 313 ... bank 314 ... communication flow path 316 ... film 317 ... Atmospheric inlet 318 ... Air chamber opening 320 ... Communication flow path 322 ... film 324 ... protrusion 325a ... notch 328 ... Positioning unit 330 ... Air containment chamber 330Z ... protrusion 330c ... Air containment chamber 330Va ... Upper surface of the 1st air chamber 330Vb ... Bottom of 3rd air chamber 330Vc ... Bottom of 2nd air chamber 330Vd ... Top of the 3rd air chamber 330Za ... tip surface 330Ve ... Upper surface of the second air chamber 330Vf ... Bottom of 1st air chamber 331,331c ... Open side containment chamber 332,332c ... Containment room on the aisle side 334, 334c ... partition wall 334V ... 1st restraint wall 334Y ... Second restraint wall 335,335c ... bulkhead opening 340 ... Liquid containment chamber 349 ... Liquid outlet 350 ... Liquid passage (second passage) 351 ... One end side opening 352 ... Opening on the other end 366 ... 1st mounting hole 367 ... 2nd mounting hole 368 ... 3rd mounting hole 369 ... Member mounting part 370 ... Side of opening (opening wall) 370b ... Opposing wall (side wall) 370c1 ... 1st wall 370c2 ... 2nd wall 370c4 ... Side wall (opposite side wall) 380 ... rib 399 ... hole 542 ... recess 550 ... Connecting cover member 552 ... Fixed part 554 ... nails 561 ... Mounting part 562 ... hole 563 ... Throughout 564 ... Fitting part 570,570Ya, Yb ... facing surface 570W ... bottom 570Y ... facing surface 571,571 U ... opening 572,573 ... Bottom cover wall 575 ... Peripheral 578 ... Bottom cover body 579W, 579Wa ... 1st recess 579Z, 579Za, 579Zb ... recess 579V, Va ... 2nd recess 579Wb ... 3rd recess 581 ... Mounting part 582 ... hole 584 ... protrusion 761 ... opening 762 ... Case body 764 ... cam 768 ... slider 772,772a, 772c ... Aperture 782a ... opening 782b ... opening 782c ... opening 786 ... protrusion G ... Bubbles d1 ... head difference LB ... upper limit ML ... virtual line LM ... upper limit LY ... arrow Yb ... facing side sf ... horizontal plane