Patent Grant
10220626
This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2016-158398 filed on Aug. 12, 2016. The entire disclosure of this Japanese application is expressly incorporated by reference herein. The present invention relates to a technique for liquid containers.
The present invention relates to a technique for liquid containers.
Hitherto, liquid containers for supplying a liquid having a precipitating component to a liquid ejection apparatus are known (e.g. JP-A-2009-34989, Japanese Patent No. 4,519,070, JP-A-2015-168247, and JP-A-2008-87486). A liquid container includes a liquid containing portion for containing the liquid, and a liquid leading portion for leading the liquid to the liquid ejection apparatus.
When a liquid containing a precipitating component is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, there may be an area where the concentration of the precipitating component is higher and an area where this concentration is lower due to precipitation of the precipitating component within the liquid containing portion. In this case, the concentration in the liquid supplied from the liquid container to the liquid ejection apparatus is uneven. For this reason, for example, the print quality is degraded, or a head for ejecting the liquid becomes clogged, which is inconvenient.
In some known liquid containers, a spacer member or a liquid-retaining portion for retaining, in the liquid containing portion, high-concentration liquid that contains a large amount of a precipitating component is arranged in the liquid containing portion, in order to make the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus less uneven (e.g. JP-A-2009-34989, Japanese Patent No. 4,519,070, and JP-A-2015-168247). Regarding some known liquid containers, low-concentration liquid that is present in an upper portion of the liquid containing portion and high-concentration liquid that is present in a lower portion of the liquid containing portion are mixed in the liquid leading portion, and are thereafter supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus (e.g. JP-A-2015-168247 and JP-A-2008-87486).
However, it is difficult to reduce the difference in the concentration between the liquid in the upper portion of the liquid containing portion and the liquid in the lower portion thereof only by providing a member for retaining high-concentration liquid in the liquid containing portion. Accordingly, the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus may be uneven. When the liquid in the upper portion of the liquid containing portion and the liquid in the lower portion thereof are mixed and then supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus, the following problems may occur. For example, there may be cases where it is difficult to cause both the low-concentration liquid that is present in an upper portion of the liquid containing portion and the high-concentration liquid that is present in a lower portion of the liquid containing portion to stably flow into the liquid leading portion, or it is difficult to cause both liquids to efficiently flow into the liquid leading portion. As a result, the concentration in the liquid in the liquid containing portion supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus may be uneven. In particular, these problems may be noticeable when the liquid in the liquid containing portion has been consumed and the amount of liquid therein has decreased.
For this reason, regarding the known techniques, there is a need for a technique with which the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus is less likely to be uneven.
The invention has been made in order to solve at least some of the foregoing problems, and can be implemented in the following modes or application examples.
(1) According to a mode of the invention, a liquid container is provided. This liquid container includes: a liquid containing portion that is flexible and contains the liquid, the liquid containing portion having a first end and a second end that opposes the first end; a liquid leading portion for leading the liquid in the liquid containing portion to the liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid leading portion being attached to the first end; a liquid flow tube that has a base end connected to the liquid leading portion, the liquid flow tube extending within the liquid containing portion from the liquid leading portion toward the second end; and a spacer member that is provided in the liquid containing portion and has a spacer body forming a liquid-retaining space for retaining the liquid in the liquid containing portion. The spacer member is coupled to the liquid leading portion. The liquid flow tube is coupled to the spacer member.
According to this mode, as a result of having the spacer member, the high-concentration liquid that contains a large amount of the precipitating component remaining in the liquid containing portion can be retained in the liquid containing portion. Due to the liquid flow tube being coupled to the spacer member that is coupled to the liquid leading portion, the position of the liquid flow tube in the liquid containing portion is less likely to be unstable. As a result, the liquid at a desired position in the liquid containing position in the liquid containing portion can be supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus via the liquid flow tube. In addition, since high-concentration liquid can be retained in the liquid containing portion, the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus is less likely to be uneven.
(2) In the above mode, the liquid flow tube may have a leading end at which an introduction port for introducing the liquid to the inside thereof is formed. A position at which the liquid flow tube is coupled to the spacer member may be located on the leading end side relative to a center of the liquid flow tube in a direction parallel to the liquid flow tube.
According to this mode, since the connecting position is on the leading end side relative to the center of the liquid flow tube, the position of the leading end that forms the introduction port in the liquid containing portion is less likely to be unstable. As a result, the liquid at a desired position in the liquid containing portion can be stably supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus via the liquid flow tube.
(3) In the above mode, in an orientation in which the liquid container is attached to the liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid flow tube may be configured to extend in a horizontal direction from the liquid leading portion within the liquid containing portion. The liquid flow tube may have a first flow passage and a second flow passage. The first flow passage may have a first base end that is in communication with the liquid leading portion, and a first leading end that forms a first introduction port that introduces the liquid in the liquid containing portion into the first flow passage. The second flow passage may have a second base end that is in communication with the liquid leading portion, and a second leading end that forms a second introduction port that introduces the liquid in the liquid containing portion into the second flow passage. In the orientation, the first introduction port may be located above the second introduction port.
According to this mode, the low-concentration liquid and the high-concentration liquid can be caused to flow toward the liquid leading portion using the first flow passage and second flow passage, respectively. As a result, a liquid that is a mixture of the low-concentration liquid and high-concentration liquid is led from the liquid leading portion toward the liquid ejection apparatus. Accordingly, a liquid with a more stable concentration can be supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus.
(4) In the above mode, the first introduction port and the second introduction port may be movable relative to the spacer body. A distance between the first introduction port and the second introduction port may gradually decrease as the liquid in the liquid containing portion is consumed and a volume of the liquid containing portion decreases.
According to this mode, the distance between the first introduction port and second introduction port gradually decreases as the liquid in the liquid containing portion is consumed and the volume of the liquid containing portion decreases. As a result, the concentration in the liquid introduced from the first introduction port and the concentration in the liquid introduced from the second introduction port are less likely to be greatly different. As a result, the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus is even less likely to be uneven. In addition, since the first introduction port and second introduction port are individually movable relative to the spacer body, a common liquid flow tube can be used for liquid containers having liquid containing portion with different sizes. For example, by manufacturing a liquid flow tube so as to fit a liquid containing portion whose length in the up-down direction is largest, the thus-manufactured liquid flow tube can also be used for other liquid containing portions.
(5) In the above mode, positions of the first leading end and the second leading end relative to the spacer member may be fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion.
According to this mode, even if the volume of the liquid containing portion has changed and the shape thereof has also changed in various manners, the positions of the first leading end and second leading end relative to the spacer member can be maintained. As a result, the liquid at a desired position in the liquid containing portion can be more stably supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus via the first flow passage and second flow passage.
(6) In the above mode, the first leading end and the second leading end may be fixed to the spacer member.
According to this mode, even if the liquid container receives an impact due to the liquid container falling at the time of transportation, for example, the first leading end and second leading end are less likely to come off of the spacer member.
(7) In the above mode, in an orientation in which the liquid container is attached to the liquid ejection apparatus, the liquid flow tube may be configured to extend to a side in a gravity direction from the liquid leading portion. In the orientation, the spacer body may have a portion located below the liquid flow tube.
According to this mode, higher-concentration liquid in the liquid containing portion can be retained in the liquid containing portion using the liquid-retaining space in the spacer body.
(8) In the above mode, the liquid flow tube may have a leading end that forms an introduction port for introducing the liquid in the liquid container to the inside thereof. The leading end may be fixed to the spacer member.
According to this mode, even if the liquid container receives an impact due to the liquid container falling at the time of transportation, for example, the leading end is less likely to come off of the spacer member.
(9) In the above mode, assuming that three orthogonal directions are an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction, a size of the spacer body may be smaller than a size of the liquid leading portion in at least one of the three directions.
According to this mode, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the liquid containing portion after the liquid in the liquid containing portion has been consumed with liquid remaining in the spacer member left.
(10) In the above mode, the spacer member may have a center beam that extends in a first direction parallel to a direction moving from the first end side toward the second end side of the liquid containing portion, a first edge beam and a second edge beam that extend in the first direction, the first edge beam and the second edge beam being arranged at positions on both sides of the center beam in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and comb teeth that connect the center beam to the first edge beam and also connect the center beam to the second edge beam, the comb teeth including a plurality of through holes passing through in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and second direction.
According to this mode, due to the center beam, first edge beam, and second edge beam, the spacer member can have a rigidity with which it can maintain the shape in a state where no external force is applied thereto by a user or the like. In addition, as a result of having the comb teeth in which a plurality of through holes are formed, the spacer member can deform following the deformation of the liquid containing portion even if an external force that may deform the shape of the liquid containing portion is applied thereto.
(11) In the above mode, in an orientation in which the liquid container is attached to the liquid ejection apparatus, the third direction may be a direction parallel to a gravity direction.
According to this mode, liquid that is present on the upper side and on the lower side relative to the spacer member in the liquid containing portion can flow toward the respective opposite sides through the plurality of through holes. As a result, the concentration distribution in the liquid in the liquid containing portion is less likely to be uneven.
Note that the invention can also be implemented in various modes, and can be implemented not only in the mode of the liquid container, but also in the modes such as a method for manufacturing a liquid container, a liquid ejection system that includes a liquid container and a liquid ejection apparatus.
The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.
A-1: Configuration of Liquid Ejection System:
The liquid ejection system 1 (
Four liquid containers 24 are provided. When the four liquid containers 24 are distinguished, signs “24K”, “24C”, “24M”, and “24Y” will be used. The four liquid containers 24K to 24Y contain (are filled with) different types of liquid. In this embodiment, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) liquid is contained in different liquid containers, namely the liquid containers 24K to 24Y, respectively. The liquid container 24K contains black liquid. The liquid container 24C contains cyan liquid. The liquid container 24M contains magenta liquid. The liquid container 24Y contains yellow liquid. The liquid container 24K can contain a greater amount of liquid than each of the liquid containers 24C, 24M, and 24Y. The liquid contained in the liquid containers 24K to 24Y is ink that contains a precipitating component. The precipitating component is a pigment that is used as a coloring matter, for example. The pigment is dispersed in an ink solvent in the ink contained in the liquid containers 24K to 24Y. A detailed configuration of the liquid containers 24 will be described later.
The liquid ejection apparatus 11 is an inkjet printer that records (prints) by ejecting the ink, which is an example of liquid, to a medium such as printing paper. When the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is installed on a horizontal surface that is parallel to the X direction and Y direction, the +Z direction is the gravity direction, and the −Z direction is the antigravity direction.
The liquid ejection apparatus 11 has an exterior body 12, whose height, depth, and width are respective given lengths when the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is in a state of being installed on a horizontal surface (installed state). The exterior body 12 has a substantially rectangular-parallelepiped shape. The exterior body 12 has an apparatus front face (apparatus first face, apparatus first wall) 121, an apparatus rear face (apparatus second face, apparatus second wall) 122, an apparatus upper face (apparatus third face, apparatus third wall) 123, an apparatus bottom face (apparatus fourth face, apparatus fourth wall) 124, an apparatus right side face (apparatus fifth face, apparatus fifth wall) 125, and an apparatus left side face (apparatus sixth face, apparatus sixth wall) 126. The faces 121 to 126 form the outer shell of the exterior body 12.
The apparatus front face 121 and apparatus rear face 122 oppose each other. The apparatus upper face 123 and apparatus bottom face 124 oppose each other. The apparatus right side face 125 and apparatus left side face 126 oppose each other. The apparatus front face 121, apparatus rear face 122, apparatus right side face 125, and apparatus left side face 126 are faces that are substantially perpendicular to the installation surface when the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is in an installed stated. The apparatus upper face 123 and apparatus bottom face 124 are faces that are substantially parallel to the installation surface when the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is in an installed state. Here, being “substantially perpendicular” or being “substantially parallel” means being almost “perpendicular” or “parallel” as well as being completely “perpendicular” or “parallel”. That is to say, the faces 121 to 126 are faces that are not completely flat but include projections, recesses, or the like, and need only be almost “perpendicular” or almost “parallel” in the appearance.
The X direction is a direction in which the apparatus right side face 125 and the apparatus left side face 126 oppose each other. The Y direction is a direction in which the apparatus front face 121 and the apparatus rear face 122 oppose each other. The Z direction is a direction in which the apparatus upper face 123 and the apparatus bottom face 124 oppose each other. The X direction is the “width direction” of the liquid ejection apparatus 11. The Y direction is the “depth direction” of the liquid ejection apparatus 11. The Z direction is the “height direction (up-down direction)” of the liquid ejection apparatus 11.
The liquid ejection apparatus 11 also has an ejecting portion 15, a controller 16, and tubes 22 (
The tubes 22 bring the ejecting portion 15 into communication with the liquid containers 24. The tubes 22 are flexible members. Four tubes 22 (
The ejecting portion 15 is moved back and forth in the X direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). The ejecting portion 15 performs recording (prints) by ejecting the ink supplied from the liquid containers 24 via the tubes 22 onto a recording medium. Specifically, when ejecting ink onto the recording medium to perform recording, the ejecting portion 15 moves back and forth in the X direction, and the recording medium is moved in the −Y direction within the exterior body 12 by a conveyance mechanism (not shown). In another embodiment, the ejecting portion 15 may be a line head that does not move back and forth and whose position is fixed.
The controller 16 (
The liquid ejection apparatus 11 (
The front lid 17 is configured so that the upper end thereof can rotate around the lower end thereof, which serves as a fulcrum. The front lid 17 is opened and closed by rotating the upper end. By opening the front lid 17, an attachment wall 172, which is provided in the liquid ejection apparatus 11, is exposed to the outside, as shown in
The paper feed opening 18 (
The liquid ejection apparatus 11 (
When the liquid containers 24 are in a state of being attached to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 (attached state), the connection mechanisms 30 are connected to the liquid containers 24. Four connection mechanisms 30 are provided corresponding to the accommodating spaces 50K to 50Y. The connection mechanisms 30 are arranged on the apparatus rear face 122 side in the housing space portions 50K to 50Y. The connection mechanisms 30 each have a liquid introduction tube 32, which extends in the Y direction. The liquid introduction tube 32 is connected to a later-described liquid leading portion of the corresponding liquid container 24. The ink that has flown out of the liquid leading portion flows through the liquid introduction tube 32. The ink that flows through the liquid introduction tube 32 is sent out to the ejecting portion 15 via the corresponding tube 22, due to an operation of the supply mechanism 29. The connection mechanisms 30 each also include a terminal (not shown), which is electrically connected to a later-described circuit board of the corresponding liquid container 24 when the liquid container 24 is in an attached state.
The supply mechanism 29 is a mechanism that suctions the ink in the liquid containers 24 that are connected to the liquid introduction tubes 32, and sends out the ink that has flown into the liquid introduction tubes 32 to the ejecting portion 15 via the tubes 22. The supply mechanism 29 has a pressure change portion 292 and a pressure transmission tube 293. A pressure change generated by the pressure change portion 292 is transmitted to the connection mechanisms 30 via the pressure transmission tube 293. Using this pressure change, the connection mechanisms 30 repeat suctioning of the ink contained in the liquid containers 24 and sending out the suctioned ink to the tubes 22 to supply the ink to the ejecting portion 15.
A-2. Configuration of Liquid Container:
The liquid container 24C (
The front face 241 and rear face 42 oppose each other. The upper face 43 and bottom face 44 oppose each other. The right side face 45 and left side face 46 oppose each other. The rear face 42, right side face 45, and left side face 46 stand upright from the bottom face 44. The front face 241 is located on the leading end side in the attaching direction (+Y direction). The direction in which the right side face 45 and left side face 46 oppose each other is the X direction. The direction in which the front face 241 and rear face 42 oppose each other is the Y direction. The direction in which the upper face 43 and bottom face 44 oppose each other is the Z direction. The X direction is the “width direction” of the liquid container 24C. The Y direction is the “depth direction” of the liquid container 24C. The Z direction is the “height direction (thickness direction)” of the liquid container 24C. Regarding the liquid containers 24K, 24C, 24M, and 24Y according to this embodiment, the length in the height direction is the shortest, and the length in the depth direction is the longest.
The case 40 (
The container body 60 (
The liquid containing portion 62 has a first face 627 (
The connecting member 65 (
In the attached state, the liquid leading portion 61 is connected to the liquid introduction tube 32 (
The cover portion 63 is fixed to the liquid leading portion 61. The cover portion 63 is fixed to the opening portion 41 of the case 40. The cover portion 63 has an arrangement opening portion 632 and a circuit board 68. The arrangement opening portion 632 is an opening that passes through the cover portion 63 in the Y direction. A portion of the liquid leading portion (including the opening 612) is arranged in the arrangement opening portion 632. A contact portion that comes into contact with a terminal in the connection mechanism 30 to be electrically connected thereto is formed on the surface of the circuit board 68. A storage unit in which various kinds of information (e.g. ink color information) is stored is arranged on the back face of the circuit board 68.
The liquid leading portion 61 (
The intermediate member 619 is a member sandwiched by the leading end connecting portion 613 and the joint portion 614 in the +Y direction (attaching direction). The intermediate portion 619 is fitted to the cover portion 63 (
Several kinds of flow passages, namely flow passages 615, 616, and 618 for allowing the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 to flow up to the opening 612 are formed within the liquid leading portion 61. Ink from a later-described first flow passage 70 flows into a first branch flow passage 615. Ink from a later-described second flow passage portion 80 flows into a second branch flow passage 616. A confluent flow passage 618 is a flow passage where the first branch flow passage 615 and second branch flow passage 616 merge with each other. At least a portion of the confluent flow passage 618 is formed within the leading end connecting portion 613.
The liquid container 24C also includes liquid flow tubes 70 and 80 for guiding the ink in the liquid containing portion 62 to the liquid leading portion 61, and the spacer member 90 that forms through holes 952 and 962 (
The first flow passage 70 (
The first flow passage 70 (
The second flow passage 80 (
The second flow passage 80 (
The spacer member 90 is in communication with the liquid leading portion 61 through coupling members 902. In this embodiment, a face 99fa (
The spacer member 90 is integrally molded using a synthetic resin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The spacer member 90 (
The spacer body 91 forms the through holes 952 and 962 (
The spacer body 91 (
The center beam 92 extends in a first direction, which is parallel to the direction moving from the first end 621 side toward the second end 622 side of the liquid containing portion 62. In this embodiment, when the liquid container 24 is in the attachment orientation, the first direction is the Y direction. The center beam 92 is a plate-shaped member. When the liquid container 24 is in the attachment orientation, the center beam 92 has a first arrangement face 92fa (
The first edge beam 93 and second edge beam 94 extend in the first direction. The first edge beam 93 and second edge beam 94 are arranged at positions on both sides of the center beam 92 in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction (
The first edge beam 93 is a plate-shaped member. The first edge beam 93 is located on the side in the −X direction relative to the center beam 92. The second edge beam 94 is a plate-shaped member. The second edge beam 94 is located on the side in the +X direction relative to the center beam 92. The respective thicknesses of the first edge beam 93 and second edge beam 94 are substantially the same as the thickness of the center beam 92. In another embodiment, the respective thicknesses of the first edge beam 93 and second edge beam 94 may be different from the thickness of the center beam 92.
The first comb teeth 95 and second comb teeth 96 (
The first comb teeth 95 (
The second comb teeth 96 (
In this embodiment, due to having the center beam 92, first edge beam 93, and second edge beam 94, the spacer body 91 of the spacer member 90 has a rigidity that allows its shape to be maintained in a state where no external force is applied thereto by a user or the like. That is to say, when the liquid container 24 is in the attachment state, it is possible to suppress bending of the spacer member 90 on the side in the −Y direction toward the side in the gravity direction (+Z direction) due to gravity or the like. The spacer body 91 of the spacer member 90 has the first comb teeth 95 and second comb teeth 96, each of which serves as comb teeth, in addition to the aforementioned elements 92, 93, and 94. As a result, the spacer member 90 has a rigidity with which, when an external force is applied to the liquid containing portion 62 by a user or the like, the spacer member 90 can deform following the deformation of the liquid containing portion 62. Since the spacer member 90 can deform following the deformation of the liquid containing portion 62, the spacer member 90 is less likely to break under an external force. Note that the aforementioned rigidity of the spacer member 90 may be provided by appropriately selecting the material of the spacer member 90.
A first support member 97 (
The first support member 97 has a first arm 971 and a first support portion 972. The first support portion 972 is arranged on the end side of the spacer body 91 in the −Y direction. The first arm 971 has a plate shape. A first end 971s of the first arm 971 is connected to the spacer body 91. The first arm 971 can elastically deform so that a second end 971e can be displaced in a direction YR1 (
A second support member 98 (
The second support member 98 (
The distance between the first support portion 972 and the second support portion 982 in the Z direction is greater than the distance between the first face 627 and the second face 628 of the liquid container 24C in the initial state. With this configuration, when the spacer member 90 is arranged in the liquid containing portion 62, the first support portion 972 abuts against the first face 627, and the second support portion 982 abuts against the second face 628, as shown in
It is favorable that the positions at which the liquid flow tubes 70 and 80 are coupled to the spacer member 90 are on the leading end 72, 82 side relative to centers 70P and 80P of the liquid flow tubes 70 and 80, respectively, in the direction parallel to the liquid flow tubes 70 and 80. With this configuration, it is less likely that the positions of the first leading end 72 and second leading end 82 that form the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821, respectively, in the liquid containing portion 62 become unstable. As a result, the ink at a desired position in the liquid containing portion 62 can be stably supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 via the liquid flow tubes 70 and 80. In this embodiment, the position at which the first flow passage 70 is coupled to the spacer member 90 is at the first leading end 72 that is supported by the first support portion 972. The position at which the second flow passage 80 is coupled to the spacer member 90 is at the second leading end 82 that is supported by the second support portion 982.
The first introduction port 721 of the first flow passage 70 and the second introduction port 821 of the second flow passage 80 are located on the second end 622 side relative to the center CP of the overall length L1 of the internal space of the liquid containing portion 62 in the Y direction (longitudinal direction of the liquid containing portion 62). In this embodiment, the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821 are located slightly closer to the second end 622 than to the center CP. This is for the following reason. When the ink in the liquid containing portion 62 is consumed and the volume of the liquid containing portion 62 decreases, the first face 627 and second face 628 that form the liquid containing portion 62 are most likely to collapse near the center CP in the overall length L1. That is to say, the first face 627 and second face 628 are most likely to abut against the spacer member 90 first near the center CP. If portions of the first face 627 and second face 628 near the center CP collapse earlier than the other portions, the flow of the ink in the liquid containing portion 62 may be obstructed by the collapsed portions. If the ink flow is obstructed, for example, the ink that is present on the first end 621 side relative to the collapsed portions is unlikely to reach the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821. Accordingly, the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821 are located slightly closer to the second end 622 than to the center CP of the overall length L1. Thus, a space can be readily formed around the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821, even if the first face 627 and second face 628 collapse first near the center CP. By thus allowing the ink to flow through the formed space, the ink that is present on the first end 621 side relative to the center CP can flow toward the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821.
In the attachment orientation, the second introduction port 821 is located below the first introduction port 721. Thus, the concentration of the precipitating component in the ink that flows into the second introduction port 821 is higher than that in the ink that flows into the first introduction port 721. High-concentration ink usually has a high viscosity. Accordingly, it is favorable to employ the following configuration to avoid unevenness between the amount (e.g. amount per unit time) of low-concentration ink that flows through the first flow passage 70 and reaches the liquid leading portion 61 and the amount (e.g. amount per unit time) of high-concentration ink that flows through the second flow passage 80 and reaches the liquid leading portion 61. For example, the resistance in the passage from the first introduction port 721 of the first flow passage 70 up to the liquid leading portion 61 (first resistance) is set greater than the resistance in the passage from the second introduction port 821 of the second flow passage 80 up to the liquid leading portion 61 (second resistance). To set the first resistance to be greater than the second resistance, for example, the flow passage length from the first introduction port 721 of the first flow passage 70 up to the liquid leading portion 61 (first flow passage length) need only be set longer than the flow passage length from the second introduction port 821 of the second flow passage 80 up to the liquid leading portion 61 (second flow passage length). Otherwise, for example, the flow passage diameter of the first flow passage 70 may be set smaller than the flow passage diameter of the second flow passage 80. Also, for example, the inner diameter of the portion supported by the first support portion 972 (the first leading end 72 in this embodiment) may be set smaller than the inner diameter of the portion supported by the second support portion 982 (the second leading end 82 in this embodiment), by setting the inner diameter of the first support portion 972 to be smaller than the inner diameter of the second support portion 982. Two or more of the relationship regarding the flow passage length, the relationship regarding the flow passage diameter, and the relationship regarding the inner diameter of the first and second support portion 972 and 982 may be combined. In this embodiment, the first introduction port 721 is arranged on the second end 622 side relative to the second introduction port 821, thereby making the first flow passage length longer than the second flow passage length (
A-3. Regarding Process of Consumption of Liquid in Liquid Container:
The distance between the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821 will be denoted as the distance D. The distance D is the distance in the Z direction (direction parallel to the gravity direction) in the attachment orientation. The distance D is the distance between the center of the first introduction port 721 and the center of the second introduction port 821.
As the ink in the liquid containing portion 62 is supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 and is thus consumed, the volume of the liquid containing portion 62 decreases. That is to say, as the ink is consumed, the first face 627 and second face 628 of the liquid containing portion 62 are displaced in the directions approaching each other. In this embodiment, as the ink in the liquid containing portion 62 is consumed, the first face 627 is displaced in the +Z direction to approach the spacer body 91/91B, and the second face 628 is displaced in the −Z direction to approach the spacer body 91/91B. Due to the first face 627 being displaced, the first introduction port 721 is displaced as a result of being directly or indirectly pressed in the +Z direction by the first face 627. Due to the second face 628 being displaced, the second introduction port 821 is displaced as a result of being directly or indirectly pressed in the −Z direction by the second face 628. Accordingly, the distance D between the first introduction port 721 and the second introduction port 821 gradually decreases as the volume of the liquid containing portion 62 decreases.
Most of the pigment particles, which are a precipitating component in ink INK in the liquid containing portion 62, move in the gravity direction (+Z direction) under their own weight. Accordingly, the ink concentration in the liquid containing portion 62 tends to be higher on the second face 628 side than on the first face 627 side. In this embodiment, high-concentration ink INKb that contains many pigment particles is suctioned from the second introduction port 821 into the second flow passage 80, and reaches the liquid leading portion 61. Low-concentration ink INKa that contains less pigment particles than in the ink INKb is suctioned from the first introduction port 721 into the first flow passage 70, and reaches the liquid leading portion 61. The high-concentration ink INKb and low-concentration ink INKa that have reached the liquid leading portion 61 merge in the liquid leading portion 61, and are then supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11.
When the liquid container 24 is in a state shown in
A-4. Effects:
According to the first embodiment, the liquid container 24 has the spacer member 90/90B (
According to the first embodiment, when the liquid container 24 is in the attachment orientation, the first introduction port 721 is located above the second introduction port 821 (
According to the first embodiment, the distance D between the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821 gradually decreases as the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 is consumed and the volume of the liquid containing portion 62 decreases (
According to the first embodiment, in the attachment orientation, the through holes 952 and 962 pass through the spacer member 90/90B in a direction (Z direction) parallel to the gravity direction (+Z direction) (
The first support member 97a supports the first leading end 72. By being supported by the first support member 97a, the position of the first leading end 72 relative to the spacer member 90a is fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62.
The first support member 97a (
Due to the first support member 97a having the first fixed arm 971a1, second fixed arm 971a2, and third fixed arm 973, the position of the first support portion 972a relative to the spacer body 91 does not change regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62. That is to say, the first support portion 972a is not displaced even when pressed against a face (first face 627 in this embodiment) that forms the liquid containing portion 62. As a result, the position of the first leading end 72 relative to the spacer member 90a is fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62.
The position of the first leading end 72 relative to the spacer member 90a is fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62, by being supported by the first support member 97a.
The second support member 98a (
Due to the second support member 98a having the first fixed arm 981a1, second fixed arm 981a2, and third fixed arm 983, the position of the second support portion 982a relative to the spacer member 91 does not change regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62. That is to say, the second support portion 982a is not displaced even when pressed against a face (second face 628 in this embodiment) that forms the liquid containing portion 62. As a result, the position of the second leading end 82 relative to the spacer member 90a is fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62.
The second embodiment also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment due to having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. For example, the liquid container 24a has the spacer member 90a (
According to the second embodiment, the positions of the first leading end 72 and second leading end 82 relative to the spacer member 90a are fixed regardless of a change in the volume of the liquid containing portion 62. As a result, even if the volume of the liquid containing portion 62 has changed and the shape of the liquid containing portion 62 has also changed in various manners, the positions of the first leading end 72 and second leading end 82 relative to the spacer member 90a can be maintained. Thus, the liquid at a desired position in the liquid containing portion 62 can be more stably supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 via the first flow passage 70 and second flow passage 80.
According to the second embodiment, the first leading end 72 and second leading end 82 are fixed to the spacer member 90a. As a result, even if the liquid container 24a receives an impact due to, for example, the liquid container 24a falling at the time of transportation, the first leading end 72 and second leading end 82 are less likely to come off of the spacer member 90a.
A liquid flow tube 70b is a tube. The liquid flow tube 70b has a base end 71b, which is connected to the liquid leading portion 61, and extends from the liquid leading portion 61 toward the second end 622 within the liquid containing portion 62. When the liquid container 24b is in the attachment orientation, the liquid flow tube 70b is configured to extend from the liquid leading portion 61 to a side in the gravity direction (+Z direction) within the liquid containing portion 62. That is to say, a leading end 72b, at which the introduction port 721 is formed, is located on the side in the gravity direction relative to the base end 71b. In this embodiment, the liquid flow tube 70b extends from the base end 71b in a direction parallel to the gravity direction.
The spacer member 90b has a spacer body 91b, which forms through holes 952b that serve as liquid-retaining spaces for retaining ink (liquid) in the liquid containing portion 62, and a support member 97b for connecting the spacer body 91b to the liquid flow tube 70b. The spacer member 90b is coupled to the liquid leading portion 61 through the connecting member 902. The position of the spacer member 90b relative to the liquid leading portion 61 is fixed by the coupling member 902. When the liquid container 24b is in the attachment orientation, the spacer body 91b has a portion that is located below (on the side in the +Z direction) the liquid flow tube 70b. In this embodiment, the entire spacer body 91b is located below the liquid flow tube 70b. A first end 971bs of the support member 97b is connected to the spacer body 91b, and a second end 971be holds the liquid flow tube 70b. The second end 971be has a ring shape. The liquid flow tube 70b is inserted in an opening the forms this ring shape. Note that the second end 971be may be fixed to the liquid flow tube 70b by means of welding or the like.
The spacer body 91b has a substantially rectangular-parallelepiped shape. The spacer body 91b has a rectangular-parallelepiped shape in which lattices are formed in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The spacer body 91b has a plurality of through holes 952b that pass therethrough in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. These through holes 952 are formed within the lattices in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. When the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 has decreased to some extent, the first face 627 and second face (not shown) that form the liquid containing portion 62 is closely attached to the outer surface of the spacer body 91b to close the through holes 952b. Thus, passages for the ink in the through holes 952b to reach the first introduction port 721 and second introduction port 821 are cut off, and the ink can be retained in the through holes 952b.
It is favorable that the position at which the liquid flow tube 70 is connected to the spacer member 90b (i.e. the position of the second end 971be) is located on the leading end 72b side relative to the center of the liquid flow tube 70b in the direction parallel to the liquid flow tube 70b (Z direction). With this configuration, the position of the leading end 72b that forms the introduction port 721 in the liquid containing portion 62 is less likely to be unstable. As a result, the ink at a desired position in the liquid containing portion 62 can be stably supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 via the liquid flow tubes 70b. Similar to the first embodiment, the introduction port 721 is located on the second end 622 side relative to the center CP of the overall length L1 of the internal space of the liquid containing portion 62 in the Z direction (longitudinal direction of the liquid containing portion 62). In this embodiment, the introduction port 721 is located slightly closer to the second end 622 than to the center CP, similar to the first embodiment.
The third embodiment also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment due to having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. For example, the liquid container 24b has the spacer member 90b. This configuration makes it possible to retain, in the liquid containing portion 62, high-concentration liquid (ink) that contains a large amount of precipitating component (pigment particles in this embodiment) remaining in the liquid containing portion 62. Due to the liquid flow tube 70b being coupled to the spacer member 90b that is coupled to the liquid leading portion 61 by the coupling member 902, the position of the liquid flow tube 70b in the liquid containing portion 62 is less likely to be unstable. Thus, liquid at a desired position in the liquid containing portion 62 can be supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 via the liquid flow tube 70b. In addition, high-concentration liquid can be retained in the liquid containing portion 62. Accordingly, the concentration in the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection apparatus 11 is less likely to be uneven.
According to the third embodiment, when the liquid container 24b is in the attachment orientation, the spacer body 91b is located below the liquid flow tube 70b. Thus, higher-concentration liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 can be retained in the through holes 952, which serve as the liquid-retaining spaces, in the spacer body 91b.
With this configuration as well, the same effects as those of the liquid container 24b according to the third embodiment are achieved. In addition, the leading end 72b is fixed to the spacer member 90ba by means of welding or the like. As a result, even if the liquid container 24ba receives an impact due to, for example, the liquid container falling at the time of transportation, the leading end 72b is less likely to come off of the spacer member 90ba.
A favorable relationship between the liquid leading portion 61 and the spacer members 90, 90a, 90b, 90ba, and 90B in the respective embodiments will be described, taking a liquid container 24Ka for containing black ink as an example.
In the liquid container 24Ka, it is favorable that, in at least one of the three directions, namely the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction, the size of the spacer body 91B is smaller than the size of the liquid leading portion 61. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the liquid containing portion 62 after the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 has been consumed.
In this variation, the size of the spacer body 91B in the Z direction is smaller than the size of the liquid leading portion 61. This configuration can suppress an increase in the size of the liquid containing portion 62 in the Z direction. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the space body 91b, which is flat. Accordingly, the shape of the liquid containing portion 62 can be made flat after the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 has been consumed. Thus, pointed portions and projecting portions of the liquid containing portion 62 can be reduced. As a result, the liquid containing portion 62 is less likely to be damaged or broken. Note that, in another variation, the size of the spacer body 91B in the X direction and Y direction may be smaller than the size of the liquid leading portion 61.
It is also favorable that the spacer members 90, 90a, 90b, 90ba, and 906 are smaller than the liquid containing portion 62 in two directions (e.g. X direction and Y direction) that are perpendicular to the direction in which the liquid containing portion 62 contracts as the liquid is consumed (e.g. Z direction). Thus, an increase in the size of the liquid containing portion 62 can be further suppressed.
It is also favorable that, when the liquid container 24a is viewed from the opening 612 side (from the side in the attaching direction), a center axis 612Ce of the cylindrical leading end connecting portion 613 overlaps a center 91Ce of the spacer body 91B in the thickness direction (e.g. Z direction) and the width direction (e.g. X direction). With this configuration, as the liquid in the liquid containing portion 62 is consumed, the liquid containing portion 62 can be caused to collapse further in a symmetrical manner in the left-right direction and up-down direction when viewed from the opening 612 side. As a result, the user is less likely to feel that something is amiss about the way the liquid containing portion 62 collapses.
Note that this invention is not limited to the above examples and embodiments, and may be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the following modifications are also possible.
F-1. First Modification:
In the above embodiments and variations, the liquid containers 24, 24a, 24b, 24b a, and 24Ka each have the case 40, but the case 40 may not be employed.
F-2. Second Modification:
The liquid containers 24 and 24a according to the first and second embodiments are each provided with two liquid flow tubes 70 and 80 (e.g.
F-3. Third Modification:
In the first and second embodiments, the first flow passage 70 merges with the second flow passage 80 in the liquid leading portion 61. However, the invention is not limited thereto. A configuration may also be employed in which the liquid flow tube is branched on the leading end side, and the branches merge on the base end side close to the liquid leading portion 61.
F-4. Fourth Modification:
The invention is applicable not only to an inkjet printer and a liquid container for supplying ink to the inkjet printer, but also to any liquid ejection apparatus that ejects liquid other than ink and having a precipitating component, and a liquid container for supplying ink thereto. For example, the invention is applicable to various liquid ejection apparatuses as listed below and liquid containers thereof:
(1) image recording apparatuses such as a facsimile apparatus;
(2) color material ejection apparatuses used to manufacture color filters for image display apparatuses such as a liquid crystal display;
(3) electrode material ejection apparatuses used to form electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), or the like;
(4) liquid ejection apparatuses that eject liquid containing biological organic matter used to manufacture biochips:
(5) sample ejection apparatuses serving as precision pipettes;
(6) lubricating oil ejection apparatuses;
(7) resin solution ejection apparatuses;
(8) liquid ejection apparatuses that eject lubricating oil pinpoint to precision machines such as a watch and a camera;
(9) liquid ejection apparatuses that eject a transparent resin solution such as a UV-cured resin solution onto substrates in order to form micro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication elements and the like;
(10) liquid ejection apparatuses that eject acid or alkaline etchant in order to etch substrates and the like; and
(11) liquid ejection apparatuses including liquid ejection heads for discharging a very small amount of any other kind of droplet.
Note that “droplet” refers to a state of the liquid discharged from a liquid ejection apparatus, and includes droplets having a granular shape, a tear-drop shape, and a shape having a thread-like trailing end. Furthermore, the “liquid” mentioned here need only be any kind of material that can be ejected by a liquid ejection apparatus. For example, the “liquid” need only be a material in a state where a substance is in a liquid phase, and a liquid material having a high or low viscosity, sol, gel water, and other liquid materials such as an inorganic solvent, organic solvent, solution, liquid resin, and liquid metal (metallic melt) are also included as a “liquid”. The “liquid” is not limited to being a single-state substance, and also includes particles of a functional material made from solid matter, such as pigment or metal particles, that are dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent, or the like. Representative examples of the liquid include ink such as that described in the above embodiment, liquid crystal, or the like. Here, the “ink” encompasses general water-based ink and oil-based ink, as well as various types of liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot melt ink.
The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, examples, and modifications, and can be implemented in various configurations without departing from the gist of the invention. For example, the technical features in the embodiments, examples, and modifications corresponding to the technical features in the modes described in the summary of the invention may be replaced or combined as appropriate, in order to solve a part of or the entire problem described above, or to achieve some or all of the effects described above. The technical features that are not described as essential in this specification may be removed as appropriate.
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