Patent Grant
9555639
This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2014-013068 filed on Jan. 28, 2014 and 2014-213619 filed on Oct. 20, 2014. The entire disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2014-013068 and 2014-213619 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a liquid supplying apparatus, a liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid container unit, and the like.
Related Art
In the prior art, ink jet printers are known as an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus. It is possible for an ink jet printer to perform printing on a printing medium by discharging ink, which is an example of a liquid, from an ejecting head onto a printing medium such as printing paper sheets. In an ink jet printer such as this, a configuration is known in the prior art where ink, which is stored in a tank which is an example of a liquid containing portion, is supplied to an ejecting head. An ink injection port is provided in the tank. It is possible for a user to fill ink from the ink injection port into the tank (see JP-A-2012-51307 (PTL 1), for example). Here, a configuration, where a liquid containing portion such as the tank is added to a liquid ejecting apparatus such as an ink jet printer, is used below to represent a liquid ejecting system.
Since a tank body in the tank which is described in PTL 1 is semi-transparent, it is possible for a user to visually recognize the amount of ink in an inner section of the tank from the outside. In the tank, a lower limit line is provided at a portion of wall sections which configure the tank body. It is possible for a user to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tank by ink inside the tank being visually recognizable via the wall section where the lower limit line is provided. Then, it is possible for a user to inject ink from a liquid injection port into the inside of the tank when the amount of ink is low. The wall section which is provided with the lower limit line is referred to as a visual recognition section.
Here, in the liquid ejecting apparatus which is described in PTL 1, the tank is provided on a side surface of the printer where the paper sheet discharge section side of the printer is set as a front surface. Then, when viewing the printer from the front surface, the visual recognition section of the tank is a surface on the side which intersects with the front surface. For this reason, when a user ascertains the amount of ink inside the tank, it is necessary for the tank to be visually recognizable from the side of the printer. In the liquid ejecting apparatus, it is convenient if it possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion from the front surface of the liquid ejecting apparatus. In this manner, there is a problem in the liquid ejecting apparatuses in the prior art in that there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.
The present invention is carried out in order to solve at least a portion of the problem described above and is able to be realized as the following embodiments or applied examples.
A liquid supplying apparatus configured to supply a liquid to a liquid ejecting section that is configured to eject the liquid is provided with a liquid containing portion configured to contain the liquid, and a fluid communication member in fluid communication with the liquid containing portion and having one end that is exposed to air, the fluid communication member further including a liquid visual recognition portion through which the liquid inside the fluid communication member is visually recognizable.
Since one end of the fluid communication member, which is in fluid communication with the liquid containing portion, is exposed to air in the liquid supplying apparatus of this applied example, it is possible for the liquid which is contained in the liquid containing portion to flow into the fluid communication member. The liquid level of the liquid which flows into the fluid communication member is the same as the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is possible to estimate the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the liquid level in the fluid communication member being visually recognizable via the liquid visual recognition portion of the fluid communication member. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion. Due to this configuration of the liquid supplying apparatus, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the fluid communication member being visually recognizable even if the fluid communication member is separated from the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is difficult for the position of the fluid communication member to restrict the position of the liquid containing portion. As a result, it is easy to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion without the position of the liquid containing portion being restricted.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the liquid visual recognition portion includes a container through which the liquid is visually recognizable.
Since the liquid visual recognition portion is configured by the container in this applied example, it is difficult for the liquid visual recognition portion to change shape. Due to this, it is possible to easily visually recognize the liquid.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above is provided with a supply passage connected to the liquid containing portion and through which the liquid contained in the liquid containing portion is configured to be fed from the liquid containing portion to the liquid ejecting section, the fluid communication member being provided in the supply passage between the liquid containing portion and the liquid ejecting section.
Since the fluid communication member is provided with the supply passage in this applied example, it is easy to provide the fluid communication member in the path of the supply passage.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the fluid communication member is provided in series with regard to the liquid ejecting section.
Since the fluid communication member is provided in series with regard to the liquid ejecting section in this applied example, it is possible to supply the liquid from the liquid containing portion to the liquid ejecting section via the fluid communication member. As a result, it is easy to avoid the liquid languishing in the fluid communication member.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the fluid communication member is provided in parallel with regard to the liquid ejecting section.
Since the fluid communication member is provided in parallel with regard to the liquid ejecting section in this applied example, it is easy to separate the fluid communication member from the path of the supply passage by branching the fluid communication member from the supply passage.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above is provided with a supply passage connected to the liquid containing portion and through which the liquid contained in the liquid containing portion is configured to be fed from the liquid containing portion to the liquid ejecting section.
In this applied example, it is possible to provide the fluid communication member and the supply passage independently from the liquid containing portion.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the one end of the fluid communication member is exposed to air via the liquid containing portion.
Since the end of the fluid communication member is exposed to air via the liquid containing portion in this applied example, it is possible to reduce evaporation of liquid from the fluid communication member.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above is provided with a plurality of the liquid containing portions and a plurality of the fluid communication members, the respective fluid communication members out of the plurality of fluid communication members being provided in the respective liquid containing portions out of the plurality of liquid containing portions, and at least the liquid visual recognition portions being integral with each other in the plurality of the fluid communication members.
Since at least the liquid visual recognition portions are configured to be integral with each other in the plurality of the fluid communication members in this applied example, the plurality of liquid visual recognition portions are aggregated.
A liquid supplying apparatus is provided with a liquid ejecting section configured to eject a liquid, a liquid containing portion configured to contain the liquid for supplying to the liquid ejecting section, and a fluid communication member in fluid communication with the liquid containing portion and having one end that is exposed to air, the fluid communication member further including a liquid visual recognition portion through which the liquid inside the fluid communication member is visually recognizable, and the liquid visual recognition portion being positioned on a front surface of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
Since one end of the fluid communication member which is in fluid communication with the liquid containing portion is exposed to air in the liquid supplying apparatus of this applied example, it is possible for the liquid which is contained in the liquid containing portion to flow into the fluid communication member. The liquid level of the liquid which flows into the fluid communication member is the same as the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is possible to estimate the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the liquid level in the fluid communication member being visually recognizable via the liquid visual recognition portion of the fluid communication member. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion. Due to this configuration of the liquid supplying apparatus, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the fluid communication member being visually recognizable even if the fluid communication member is separated from the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is difficult for the position of the fluid communication member to restrict the position of the liquid containing portion. As a result, it is easy to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion without the position of the liquid containing portion being restricted. Then, in the liquid ejecting apparatus, since the liquid visual recognition portion is positioned on the front surface of the liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion from the front surface of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the fluid communication member has an air exposing opening that runs through from an inner section of the fluid communication member to an outer section of the fluid communication member, the fluid communication member is exposed to air via the air exposing opening, and the air exposing opening serves as an liquid injection port that receives the liquid that is led from an outer section of the liquid containing portion into an inner section of the liquid containing portion.
Since the fluid communication member which is in fluid communication with the liquid containing portion is exposed to air via the air exposing opening in this applied example, it is possible for liquid which is contained in the liquid containing portion to flow into the fluid communication member. The liquid level of the liquid which flows into the fluid communication member is the same as the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is possible to estimate the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the liquid level in the fluid communication member being visually recognizable via the liquid visual recognition portion of the fluid communication member. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion. Due to this configuration of the liquid supplying apparatus, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the fluid communication member being visually recognizable even if the fluid communication member is separated from the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is difficult for the position of the fluid communication member to restrict the position of the liquid containing portion. As a result, it is easy to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion without the position of the liquid containing portion being restricted. In addition, since the air exposing opening also serves as the liquid injection port in the liquid supplying apparatus, it is possible to for liquid, which is introduced from the liquid injection port into the inside of the fluid communication member, to be led into an inner section of the liquid containing portion. Due to this, it is possible for the liquid to be filled into the inside of the liquid containing portion when, for example, the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion is low, by introducing the liquid from the liquid injection port into the inside of the fluid communication member.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the fluid communication member has a liquid injection port that receives the liquid that is led from an outer section of the liquid containing portion to an inner section of the liquid containing portion.
Since the liquid injection port is formed in the fluid communication member in this applied example, it is possible for the liquid, which is injected through the liquid injection port into the inside of the fluid communication member, to be led into an inner section of the liquid containing portion. Due to this, it is possible for the liquid to be filled into the inside of the liquid containing portion when, for example, the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion is low, by injecting the liquid through the liquid injection port into the inside of the fluid communication member.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above has a first linking path connecting the liquid containing portion and the fluid communication member, and a second linking path connecting the liquid containing portion and the fluid communication member, a second connecting portion that is a portion that connects the fluid communication member and the second linking path being positioned between a first connecting portion that is a portion that connects the fluid communication member and the first linking path, and the liquid injection port.
In this applied example, it is possible for the liquid which is contained in the liquid containing portion to flow from the first connecting portion into the fluid communication member via the first linking path. The liquid level of the liquid which flows into the fluid communication member is the same as the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion. For this reason, it is possible to estimate the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the liquid level in the fluid communication member being visually recognizable via the liquid visual recognition portion of the fluid communication member. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion. In addition, the second connecting portion which is a portion which connects the fluid communication member and the second linking path is positioned in the liquid supplying apparatus between the first connecting portion and the liquid injection port in the liquid supplying apparatus. For this reason, when the liquid from the liquid injection port is introduced into an inner section of the fluid communication member, the liquid inside the fluid communication member flows into the liquid containing portion via the second linking path before the liquid level of the liquid inside the fluid communication member reaches the liquid injection port. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the liquid overflowing from the liquid injection port.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the liquid injection port is formed in a funnel shape.
Since the liquid injection port is formed in a funnel shape in this applied example, it is difficult for the liquid to spill out from the liquid injection port when the liquid is poured in the liquid injection port.
A liquid supplying apparatus configured to supply a liquid to a liquid ejecting section of a liquid ejecting apparatus is provided with a plurality of liquid containing portions configured to contain the liquid and through which the liquid is visually recognizable from outside, and a casing covering the plurality of liquid containing portions, the plurality of liquid containing portions lining up from a front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus to a back surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, and the casing including a window portion through which the liquid containing portion positioned farthest to the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus out of the plurality of liquid containing portions is visually recognizable on the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
In the liquid supplying apparatus of this applied example, the window portion is formed in the casing which covers the plurality of liquid containing portions which line up from the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus to the back surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus. It is possible for the liquid containing portion, which is positioned farthest to the front surface side out of the plurality of liquid containing portions, to be visually recognizable via the window portion. For this reason, it is possible to ascertain the liquid level of the liquid inside the liquid containing portion by the liquid containing portion being visually recognizable via the window portion in the casing. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion. Then, in the liquid ejecting apparatus, since the window portion in the case is formed on the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion from the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
The liquid supplying apparatus described above, where the window portion is provided along from a front surface side of the liquid containing portion that is positioned farthest to the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus to a side surface that extends in a direction that intersects with the front surface.
Since it is possible to widen the opening section in this applied example, it is easy for the liquid containing portion to be visually recognizable.
A liquid ejecting apparatus provided with the liquid supplying apparatus described above, and a liquid ejecting section configured to eject a liquid.
Since it is easy to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid containing portion in the liquid supplying apparatus, it is easy to improve convenience in the liquid ejecting apparatus in this applied example.
A liquid container unit is provided with a liquid container configured to contain a liquid that is supplied to a liquid ejecting apparatus, and a casing covering at least a portion of the liquid container, the liquid container including a first side portion through which the liquid is visually recognizable from outside, and a second side portion that extends in a direction that intersects with the first side portion and through which the liquid is visually recognizable from outside, and the casing having a first opening section through which at least a portion of the first side portion is visually recognizable from outside, and a second opening section through which at least a portion of the second side portion is visually recognizable from outside.
It is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid container from both of the first side portion and the second side portion which intersect with each other in the liquid container unit in this applied example.
The liquid container unit described above, where the first opening section and the second opening section are continuous.
Since the first opening section and the second opening section are continuous in this applied example, it is possible to widen the opening sections and it is easy for the liquid container to be visually recognizable. In addition, since the opening sections become one opening section, manufacturing and positioning are easy compared to a case where there are a plurality of the opening sections.
The liquid container unit described above, where the first opening section is positioned more to a front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus than the second opening section.
In this applied example, it is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid container from the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus via the first opening section which is positioned on the front surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus.
The liquid container unit described above, where the first side portion is positioned above the second side portion.
In this applied example, it is easy for the liquid inside the liquid container to be visually recognizable via the first side portion which is positioned above the second opening section.
The liquid container unit described above, where the second side portion has a protruding portion that protrudes more to the outside than the casing.
In this applied example, it is easy for the liquid inside the liquid container to be visually recognizable via the protruding portion which protrudes more to the outside than the casing.
The liquid container unit described above, where the liquid container includes a plurality of liquid containers that line up from a front surface side to a back surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, and the liquid container that is arranged at an end on the front surface side out of the plurality of liquid containers has the first side portion and the second side portion.
In this applied example, the liquid container, which is arranged at the end on the front surface side out of the plurality of liquid containers which line up from the front surface side to the back surface side of the liquid ejecting apparatus, has the first side portion and the second side portion. It is possible to ascertain the amount of liquid inside the liquid container from both of the first side portion and the second side portion which intersect with each other in the liquid container which is arranged at the end of the front surface side.
The liquid container unit described above, where the liquid container has a liquid injection port for introducing the liquid into an inner section, and at least one out of the first side portion and the second side portion has an upper limit display section that indicates an upper limit for an introduction amount.
In this applied example, it is possible to recognize the upper limit for the liquid which is introduced into the liquid container using the upper limit display section which is provided in at least one out of the first side portion and the second side portion.
A liquid ejecting apparatus provided with the liquid container unit described above, and a liquid ejecting section configured to eject a liquid.
Since it is easy to ascertain the amount of liquid in the liquid container inside the liquid container unit, it is easy to improve convenience in the liquid ejecting apparatus in this applied example.
Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:
Embodiments with a liquid ejecting system, which includes an ink jet printer (referred to below as a printer) which is an example of a liquid ejecting apparatus, as an example will be described below with reference to the drawings. Here, there are times when the scale of the configuration and members in each of the drawings are different in order for the sizes to be of an extent such that it is possible for the respective configurations to be recognized.
As shown in
Here, X, Y, and Z axes, which are coordinate axes which are orthogonal to each other, are applied in
A mechanism unit 10 (
In addition, a paper discharge section 11 is provided in the printer 3. The printing medium P is discharged from the paper discharge section 11 in the printer 3. A surface where the paper discharge section 11 is provided in the printer 3 is a front surface 13. In addition, the printer 3 has an operation panel 17 on an upper surface 15 which intersects with the front surface 13. A power source button 18A, other operation buttons 18B, and the like are provided in the operation panel 17. The tank unit 5 is provided in the first casing 6 at a side section 19 which intersects with the front surface 13 and the upper surface 15. Window portions 21 are provided in the second casing 7. The window portions 21 are provided in the second casing 7 at a side section 27 which intersects with a front surface 23 and an upper surface 25.
The window portions 21 are optically transmissive. Then, the four tanks 9 described above are provided at positions which overlap with the window portions 21. For this reason, it is possible for an operator who is using the liquid ejecting system 1 to visually recognize the four tanks 9 via the window portions 21. In the present embodiment, the window portions 21 are provided as openings which are formed in the second casing 7. It is possible for an operator to visually recognize the four tanks 9 via the window portions 21 which are openings. Here, the window portions 21 are not limited to being openings, and may be configured by, for example, members which are optically transmissive.
In the present embodiment, at least a portion of parts, which oppose the window portions 21, in each of the tanks 9 are optically transmissive. It is possible to visually recognize the ink in the tanks 9 from the parts, which are optically transmissive, in each of the tanks 9. Accordingly, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the amount of ink in each of the tanks 9 by the four tanks 9 being visually recognizable via the window portions 21. That is, it is possible to utilize at least a portion of the parts which oppose the window portions 21 as a visual recognition section where it is possible to visually recognize the amount of ink in each of the tanks 9. An upper limit mark 28 which indicates an upper limit of the amount of ink and a lower limit mark 29 which indicates the lower limit of the amount of ink are provided in each of the tanks 9 at the parts which oppose the window portions 21. It is possible for an operator to ascertain the amount of ink in each of the tanks 9 with the upper limit mark 28 and the lower limit mark 29 as markings. Here, the upper limit mark 28 (an upper limit display section) indicates an estimate of an amount such that ink does not overflow from an ink introduction section 101 when ink is introduced from the ink introduction section 101. In addition, the lower limit mark 29 (a lower limit display section) indicates an estimate of an amount of ink when introduction of ink is to be prompted. It is possible to also adopt a configuration where at least one of the upper limit mark 28 and the lower limit mark 29 are provided in the second casing 7.
In addition, a window portion 31 is provided in the second casing 7. The window portion 31 is provided in the front surface 23 in the second casing 7. The window portion 31 is optically transmissive. Then, a plurality of (two or more) indicators 33 are provided at positions which overlap with the window portion 31. In the present embodiment, four of the indicators 33 are provided. The four indicators 33 are respectively connected to each of the four tanks 9. That is, one of the indicators 33 is connected to one of the tanks 9. It is possible for the indicators 33 to respectively indicate the remaining amount of ink which is contained in each of the four tanks 9. It is possible for an operator who uses the liquid ejecting system 1 to visually recognize the four indicators 33 via the window portion 31. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the amount of ink in each of the indicators 33 by the four indicators 33 being visually recognizable via the window portion 31.
Here, the first casing 6 and the second casing 7 are configured independently from each other. For this reason, it is possible to separate the second casing 7 from the first casing 6 in the present embodiment as shown in
In addition, the tank unit 5 has a support frame 37. The four tanks 9 are supported by the support frame 37. In addition, the four indicators 33 are supported by the support frame 37. The support frame 37 is configured to be independent from the first casing 6. For this reason, it is possible to separate the support frame 37 from the first casing 6 in the present embodiment as shown in
As shown in
In addition, the printer 3 has a medium transport mechanism (which is not shown in the drawings) and a head transport mechanism (which is not shown in the drawings). The medium transport mechanism transports the printing medium P along the Y axis direction by a transfer roller 51 being driven using the motive force from a motor which is not shown in the drawings. The head transport mechanism transports the carriage 45 along the X axis direction by transmitting motive force from a motor 53 to the carriage 45 via a timing belt 55. The printing head 47 is mounted on the carriage 45. For this reason, it is possible for the printing head 47 to be transported in the X axis direction via the carriage 45 using the head transport mechanism. Here, the printing head 47 is supported by the carriage 45 in a state of opposing the printing medium P. Printing is carried out on the printing medium P by ink being discharged from the printing head 47 while the relative position of the printing head 47 is changed with regard to the printing medium P using the medium transport mechanism and the head transport mechanism.
Here, the indicator 33 described above is connected to the tank 9 via a tube which will be described later. The ink in the tank 9 is sent to the indicator 33 via the tube. In the present embodiment, the indicator 33 is optically transmissive. For this reason, it is possible to visually recognize the ink, which is sent from the tank 9 to the indicator 33, via the indicator 33. The liquid level of the ink in the tank 9 is reflected by the indicator 33. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to ascertain the remaining amount of ink in the tank 9 by the liquid level of the ink in the indicator 33 being visually recognizable. Below, a combination of one of the tanks 9 and one of the indicators 33 is used to represent a tank set 57.
Various applied examples of the tank set 57 will be described. Here, in order for the tank set 57 to be identified in each of the applied examples below, different alphabetic characters have been assigned to the reference numerals of the tank set 57 for each of the applied examples.
A tank set 57A is described in applied example 1. As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In addition, in a planar view of the first wall 81 from the sheet member 63 side, the air chamber 68 is surrounded by the fifth wall 85, the sixth wall 86, the seventh wall 87, and the eighth wall 88. Here, the first wall 81 of the containing section 65 and the first wall 81 of the air chamber 68 are the same wall. That is, in the present embodiment, the containing section 65 and the air chamber 68 share the first wall 81. As shown in
The fourth wall 84, the fifth wall 85, the second wall 82, and the third wall 83 protrude from the first wall 81 in the −Y axis direction. Due to this, a recessed section 91 is configured by the fourth wall 84, the fifth wall 85, the second wall 82 and the third wall 83, which extend in the −Y axis direction from the main wall, with the first wall 81 as the main wall. The recessed section 91 is configured with an orientation so to be recessed toward the Y axis direction. The recessed section 91 is open toward the −Y axis direction, that is, toward the sheet member 63 (
As shown in
The sixth wall 86, the seventh wall 87, and the eighth wall 88 protrude from the first wall 81 in the −Y axis direction. Due to this, a recessed section 99 is configured by the fifth wall 85, the sixth wall 86, the seventh wall 87 and the eighth wall 88, which extend in the −Y axis direction from the main wall, with the first wall 81 as the main wall. The recessed section 99 is configured with an orientation so to be recessed toward the Y axis direction. The recessed section 99 is open toward the −Y axis direction, that is, the sheet member 63 (
The second wall 82 and the sixth wall 86 form a step. The second wall 82 is positioned more to the third wall 83 side than the sixth wall 86, that is, more to the X axis direction side than the sixth wall 86. In addition, the third wall 83 and the seventh wall 87 form a step. The seventh wall 87 is positioned more to the second wall 82 side than the third wall 83, that is, more to the −X axis direction side than the third wall 83. Then, in a state of a planar view of the first wall 81 from the sheet member 63 side, the ink introduction section 101 is provided between the third wall 83 and the seventh wall 87. The ink introduction section 101 is provided in the fifth wall 85.
As shown in
Here, as shown in
The ninth wall 111 is positioned between the third wall 83 and the second wall 82 and opposes the third wall 83 so as to interpose the eleventh wall 113. The tenth wall 112 is positioned between the first wall 81 and the sheet member 63 (
As shown in
The supply tube 43 (
In addition, an air linking section 121 is provided in the eighth wall 88 as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The ink introduction section 101 is provided in the fifth wall 85. As shown in
In the configuration described above, the ink introduction section 101 is surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhanging section 105, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81. In other words, the ink introduction section 101 is provided in a region, which is surrounded by the seventh wall 87, the overhanging section 105, the third wall 83, and the first wall 81, in the fifth wall 85. Then, the recessed section 131 has a function of an ink receiving section. It is possible for the ink receiving section to receive, for example, ink which overflows from the ink introduction section 101 and ink which drips down during introducing. In this manner, the recessed section 131 has a function of an ink receiving section which receives ink.
As shown in
As shown in
The ink 141 inside the containing section 65 is sent to the printing head 47 side along with printing using the printing head 47. For this reason, the pressure inside the containing section 65 becomes lower than air pressure along with printing using the printing head 47. When the pressure inside the containing section 65 becomes lower than air pressure, air in the air chamber 68 passes through the linking path 73 and flows into the inside of the containing section 65. Due to this, it is easy to maintain the pressure in the containing section 65 at air pressure. As described above, the ink 141 inside the tank 9 is supplied to the printing head 47. The ink 141 inside the containing section 65 in the tank 9 is consumed and it is possible for an operator to fill new ink from the ink introduction section 101 into the inside of the containing section 65 when the remaining amount of ink 141 is low.
As shown in
Due to this, the tank 9A and the indicator 33A are connected using the tube 58 as shown in
Due to the tank set 57A, it is easy to set the position of the indicator 33A with regard to the tank 9A to an arbitrary position. It is possible to set the length and the path of the tube 58 according to the position of the indicator 33A with regard to the tank 9A. For this reason, it is easy to arrange the indicator 33A without restricting the position or the orientation of the tank 9A in the liquid ejecting system 1. In the liquid ejecting system 1, the window portion 21 where it is possible to visually recognize the amount of ink in the tank 9A is provided in the side section 27 which intersects with the front surface 13 of the printer 3. For this reason, it is necessary for an operator to shift their line of sight from the front surface 13 side to the side section 27 side of the printer 3 in a case of visually recognizing the remaining amount of ink in the tank 9A from the third wall 83 of the tank 9A. In addition, it is difficult to ascertain the remaining amount of ink in a case where there is an object which obstructs the line of sight on the side section 27. In this case, it is necessary to move the liquid ejecting system 1.
In contrast to this, the window portion 31, where it is possible to visually recognize the indicator 33A which indicates the remaining amount of ink in the tank 9A, is provided on the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 in the present embodiment. Then, the indicator 33A is provided at a position which overlaps with the window portion 31. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the indicator 33A from the front surface 13 side of the printer 3. As such, it is possible for an operator to ascertain the remaining amount of ink from the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 in a case of ascertaining the remaining amount of ink in the tank 9A. That is, it is possible to reduce complexity when confirming the remaining amount of ink in the tank 9A using the liquid ejecting system 1 of the present embodiment.
A tank set 57B is described in applied example 2. As shown in
The tank 9B has the same configuration as the tank 9A except for the configuration being different to the casing 61A of the tank 9A in applied example 1. In the same manner as the tank 9A, the tank 9B has the sheet member 63 (
A connecting portion 163 is provided in the casing 61B. The casing 61B has the same configuration as the casing 61A in applied example 1 except for the connecting portion 163 being provided. The connecting portion 163 is provided in the eighth wall 88. The connecting portion 163 protrudes from the eighth wall 88 to the opposite side to the fifth wall 85 side of the eighth wall 88, that is, to the Z axis direction side of the eighth wall 88. The connecting portion 163 is formed in a cylindrical shape. A linking opening 165 is formed in the connecting portion 163.
The linking opening 165 is an opening which is formed in the connecting portion 163 and runs through to the recessed section 99 (the air chamber 68) of the tank 9B. The linking opening 165 is an opening from the connecting portion 163 toward the outer side of the tank 9B. As shown in
In the tank set 57B in applied example 2, the inside of the container section 151 of the indicator 33A is exposed to air via the tube 161 and the air chamber 68 and the air communication port 122 of the tank 9B. That is, the fluid communication member is configured mainly by a flow path which includes the tube 58, the indicator 33A, the tube 161, the air chamber 68, and the air communication port 122, and one end is exposed to air. For this reason, the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151, which is sent from the tank 9B to the indicator 33A via the tube 58, is the same as the liquid level of the ink inside the tank 9B. Due to this, the liquid level of the ink inside the tank 9B is reflected in the container section 151. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to ascertain the remaining amount of ink inside the tank 9B by the liquid level of the ink inside the indicator 33A being visually recognizable.
In addition, the inside of the container section 151 of the indicator 33A is exposed to air via the tube 161 and the air chamber 68 and the air communication port 122 of the tank 9B in the tank set 57B in applied example 2. For this reason, it is possible to lengthen the path from the inside of the container section 151 to being exposed to air compared to applied example 1. Due to this, it is possible for it to be difficult for liquid components in the ink inside the container section 151 to evaporate.
Here, as shown in
In addition, the supply tube 43 and the tube 58 are connected to each of the tank 9A and the tank 9B in applied example 1 and applied example 2 respectively as well as in the example shown in
Here, a configuration is adopted in applied example 1 and applied example 2 where the indicator 33A is provided with the container section 151. However, the configuration of the indicator 33A is not limited to this. As shown in
A tank set 57C is described in applied example 3. As shown in
The tank 9C has the same configuration as the tank 9A except for the configuration being different to the casing 61A of the tank 9A in applied example 1. In the same manner to the tank 9A, the tank 9C has the sheet member 63 (
The casing 61C has the same configuration as the casing 61A in applied example 1 except for the connecting portion 115 of the casing 61A shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Here, even in applied example 3, it is possible to adopt a configuration where the container section 151 of the indicator 33B is exposed to air via the tank 9C in the same manner to applied example 2. In this configuration, the connecting portion 163 in applied example 2 is added and the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33B is connected to the connecting portion 163. Due to this configuration, the same effects as applied example 2 are obtained.
In addition, a configuration is adopted where the indicator 33B is provided with the container section 151 in applied example 3. However, the configuration of the indicator 33B is not limited to this. In the same manner to applied example 1 and applied example 2, it is possible to also adopt an example as the indicator 33B where, for example, the indicator 33B is configured with the tube 58. In this example, the tube 58 is optically transmissive. Due to this, it is possible to ascertain the remaining amount of ink inside the tank 9C by the liquid level of the ink inside the tube 58 being visually recognizable.
Here, the indicator 33B and the printing head 47 are connected in series from the tank 9C in applied example 3. Due to this, it is possible to supply the ink from the tank 9C to the printing head 47 via the indicator 33B. That is, the ink which is supplied from the tank 9C to the printing head 47 passes through the indicator 33B. For this reason, it is easy to avoid ink languishing in the indicator 33B.
In the embodiment described above, a plurality of the indicators 33 are configured independently from each other. However, the configuration of the plurality of indicators 33 is not limited to this. As the configuration of the plurality of indicators 33, it is also possible to adopt, for example, an integral configuration for the plurality of indicators 33 as shown in
Here, the method for integrally configuring the plurality of indicators 33 is not limited to the integral forming described above. As a method for integrally configuring the plurality of indicators 33, it is possible to adopt a method for integrally configuring the plurality of container sections 151 by, for example, bundling the container sections 151 in at least the plurality of indicators 33. It is possible to realize the integral bundling of the plurality of container sections 151 by, for example, utilizing a binding member.
In the embodiment described above, the printing head 47 corresponds to the liquid ejecting section, the tank set 57 corresponds to the liquid supplying apparatus, the tank 9 (the tank 9A, the tank 9B, and the tank 9C) corresponds to the liquid containing portion, the container section 151 corresponds to the container which is the liquid visual recognition portion, and the supply tube 43 corresponds to the supply passage.
In each of the applied examples described above, a method where new ink is filled in from the ink introduction section 101 of the tank 9 is adopted as a method where ink is filled into the tank set 57. However, the method where ink is filled into the tank set 57 is not limited to this. As the method where ink is filled into the tank set 57, it is possible to also adopt a method where ink is filled into the tank set 57 by, for example, introducing ink into the indicator 33. An applied example where ink is filled into the tank set 57 by introducing ink into the indicator 33 will be described below.
The tank set 57A in applied example 4 has a configuration which is the same as the tank set 57A (
In applied example 4, a method where ink is introduced from the air exposing opening 159 of the air hole portion 155 into the indicator 33A (
Here, it is possible to also adopt a configuration in applied example 4 where the liquid injection port 191 (the air exposing opening 159) is formed in a funnel shape as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In the indicator 33D, the air hole portion 155 and the liquid injection port 191 are formed in the container section 151 at positions which are different to each other. The liquid injection port 191 in the indicator 33D is formed on an end section of the container section 151 in the Z axis direction in the same manner as the indicator 33C (
As shown in
As shown in
A connecting portion 197 is provided in the tank 9D. Except for this, the tank 9D has a configuration which is the same as the tank 9A. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the tank 9A are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the tank 9D which are the same as the tank 9A. An opening section (which is not shown in the drawings) is formed in the connecting portion 197. The connecting portion 197 runs through to the inside of the containing section 65 via the opening section. That is, the containing section 65 of the tank 9D runs through to the outside of the tank 9D via the opening section which is formed in the connecting portion 197. One end of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 197 of the tank 9D. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9D side, of the tube 195 is connected to the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33D. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 6 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2.
In addition, the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33D functions as a connecting portion between the containing section 65 of the tank 9D and the container section 151 in applied example 6. In addition, the inside of the container section 151 is exposed to air via the liquid injection port 191 of the indicator 33D in applied example 6. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 6 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2. The air hole portion 155 is positioned on the Z axis direction side of the connecting portion 153. That is, the air hole portion 155 is positioned vertically above the connecting portion 153. In addition, the air hole portion 155 is positioned more to the −Z axis direction side than the liquid injection port 191, that is, vertically below the liquid injection port 191. As such, the air hole portion 155 is positioned between the connecting portion 153 and the liquid injection port 191.
For this reason, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into the inside of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the air hole portion 155 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9D via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 when the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the air hole portion 155. That is, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 in introduced into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the air hole portion 155 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9D via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the liquid injection port 191. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the liquid injection port 191.
In this manner, a flow path, which is from the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33D to the connecting portion 197 via the tube 195, functions as a bypass path where the ink, which is excessively introduced into the inside of the connecting portion 151, bypasses through to the tank 9D in applied example 6. In applied example 6, the flow path, which is from the air hole portion 155 to the connecting portion 197 via the tube 195, is an example of a second linking path. In addition, a flow path, which is from the connecting portion 116 (
As shown in
The connecting portion 163 is added to the tank 9E. Except for this point, the tank 9E has the same configuration as the tank 9D in applied example 6. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the tank 9D are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the tank 9E which are the same as in the tank 9D. In addition, the connection portion 163 has the same configuration as the connection portion 163 of the tank 9B. For this reason, detailed description of the connection portion 163 is omitted.
The indicator 33E has the connecting portion 199. Except for this point, the indicator 33E has the same configuration as the indicator 33D. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the indicator 33D are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the indicator 33E which are the same as the indicator 33D. The connecting portion 199 is provided at the side surface of the container section 151. The connecting portion 199 protrudes from the side surface of the container section 151 in a direction which intersects with the Z axis. An opening section (which is not shown in the drawings), which is open toward a direction which intersects with the Z axis, is formed in the connecting portion 199. The connecting portion 199 runs through to the inside of the container section 151 via the opening section. That is, an inner section of the container section 151 runs through to an outer section of the container section 151 in the indictor 33E via the opening section which is formed in the connecting portion 199.
One end of the tube 161 is connected to the connecting portion 163 of the tank 9E in the tank set 57F. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9E side, of the tube 161 is connected to the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33E. In addition, one end of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 197 of the tank 9E. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9E side, of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 199 of the indicator 33E. In applied example 7, the inside of the container section 151 of the indicator 33E is exposed to air via the tube 161 and the air chamber 68 and the air communication port 122 of the tank 9E. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 7 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2.
In addition, the connecting portion 199 is positioned vertically above the connecting portion 153 in applied example 7. In addition, the connecting portion 199 is positioned more to the −Z axis direction side than the air hole portion 155, that is, vertically below the air hole portion 155. As such, the connecting portion 199 is positioned between the connecting portion 153 and the air hole portion 155. For this reason, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into the inside of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9E via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 when the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the connecting portion 199. That is, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9E via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the liquid injection port 191. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the liquid injection port 191.
In addition, in applied example 7, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9E via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the air exposing opening 155. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink flowing from the air hole portion 155 into the air chamber 68 of the tank 9E.
In each of applied example 4 to applied example 7, the supply tube 43 and the tube 58 are connected to the tank 9. That is, the supply tube 43 and the tube 58 are each provided independently in the tank 9 in each of applied example 4 to applied example 7. However, connecting of the tank 9 with the supply tube 43 and the tube 58 is not limited to this. For connecting of the tank 9 with the supply tube 43 and the tube 58, it is possible to adopt a configuration where, for example, the tube 58 is connected to the supply tube 43 between the tank 9 and the printing head 47 as shown in
The tank set 57C in applied example 8 has a configuration which is the same as the tank set 57C (
In applied example 8, a method is adopted for introducing ink from the air exposing opening 159 of the air hole portion 155 in the indicator 33B (
Here, it is possible to also adopt a configuration in applied example 8 where the liquid injection port 191 (the air exposing opening 159) is formed in a funnel shape as shown in
As shown in
The connecting portion 163 is added to the tank 9F. Except for this point, the tank 9F has the same configuration as the tank 9C in applied example 8. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the tank 9C are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the tank 9F which are the same as in the tank 9C. The connection portion 163 has the same configuration as the connection portion 163 of the tank 9B. For this reason, detailed description of the connection portion 163 is omitted.
In the indicator 33G, the air hole portion 155 is added to the indicator 33F (
In the indicator 33G The air hole portion 155 and the liquid injection port 191 are formed in the container section 151 at positions which are different to each other. The liquid injection port 191 in the indicator 33G is formed on an end section of the container section 151 in the Z axis direction in the same manner as the indicator 33F (
The connecting portion 163 runs through to the air chamber 68 of the tank 9F via the linking opening 165 (
As shown in
The connecting portion 197 is provided in the tank 9G. Except for this, the tank 9G has a configuration which is the same as the tank 9C. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the tank 9C are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the tank 9G which are the same as in the tank 9C. An opening section (which is not shown in the drawings) is formed in the connecting portion 197. The connecting portion 197 runs through to the inside of the containing section 65 via the opening section. One end of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 197 of the tank 9G. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9G side, of the tube 195 is connected to the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33G. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 10 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2.
In addition, the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33G functions as a connecting portion between the containing section 65 of the tank 9G and the container section 151 in applied example 10. In addition, the inside of the container section 151 is exposed to air via the liquid injection port 191 of the indicator 33D in applied example 10. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 10 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2. The air hole portion 155 is positioned on the Z axis direction side of the connecting portion 153. That is, the air hole portion 155 is positioned vertically above the connecting portion 153. In addition, the air hole portion 155 is positioned more to the −Z axis direction side than the liquid injection port 191, that is, vertically below the liquid injection port 191. As such, the air hole portion 155 is positioned between the connecting portion 153 and the liquid injection port 191.
For this reason, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into the inside of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the air hole portion 155 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9G via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 when the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the air hole portion 155. That is, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the air hole portion 155 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9G via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the liquid injection port 191. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the liquid injection port 191.
In this manner, a flow path, which is from the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33G to the connecting portion 197 via the tube 195, functions as a bypass path where the ink, which is excessively introduced into the inside of the connecting portion 151, bypasses through to the tank 9G in applied example 10. In applied example 10, the flow path, which is from the air hole portion 155 to the connecting portion 197 via the tube 195, is an example of a second linking path. In addition, a flow path, which is from the connecting portion 116 (
As shown in
The connecting portion 163 is added to the tank 9H. Except for this point, the tank 9H has the same configuration as the tank 9G in applied example 10. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the tank 9G are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the tank 9H which are the same as in the tank 9G. In addition, the connection portion 163 has the same configuration as the connection portion 163 of the tank 9B. For this reason, detailed description of the connection portion 163 is omitted.
The indicator 33H has the connecting portion 199. Except for this point, the indicator 33H has the same configuration as the indicator 33G. For this reason, the same reference numerals as in the indicator 33G are given and detailed description is omitted for configurations in the indicator 33H which are the same as in the indicator 33G. In addition, the connection portion 199 has the same configuration as the connection portion 199 of the indicator 33E. For this reason, detailed description of the connection portion 199 is omitted.
One end of the tube 161 is connected to the connecting portion 163 of the tank 9H in the tank set 57J. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9H side, of the tube 161 is connected to the air hole portion 155 of the indicator 33H. In addition, one end of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 197 of the tank 9H. The other end, which is on the opposite side to the tank 9H side, of the tube 195 is connected to the connecting portion 199 of the indicator 33H. In applied example 11, the inside of the container section 151 of the indicator 33H is exposed to air via the tube 161 and the air chamber 68 and the air communication port 122 of the tank 9H. Due to this, it is possible to obtain the same effects in applied example 11 as in applied example 1 and applied example 2.
In addition, the connecting portion 199 is positioned vertically above the connecting portion 153 in applied example 11. In addition, the connecting portion 199 is positioned more to the −Z axis direction side than the air hole portion 155, that is, vertically below the air hole portion 155. As such, the connecting portion 199 is positioned between the connecting portion 153 and the air hole portion 155. For this reason, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into the inside of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9H via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 when the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the connecting portion 199. That is, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 flows into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9H via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the liquid injection port 191. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink overflowing from the liquid injection port 191.
In addition, in applied example 11, when the ink from the liquid injection port 191 is introduced into an inner section of the container section 151, the ink inside the container section 151 flows from the connecting portion 199 into the inside of the containing section 65 of the tank 9H via the tube 195 and the connecting portion 197 before the liquid level of the ink inside the container section 151 reaches the air exposing opening 155. Due to this, it is easy to avoid the ink flowing from the air hole portion 155 into the air chamber 68 of the tank 9E.
In each of applied example 5, applied example 7, applied example 9, and applied example 11 described above, it is possible to adopt a configuration where capping (stoppering) is carried out on the liquid injection port 191. In this configuration, ink is introduced into the liquid injection port 191 once an operator removes a cap from the liquid injection port 191 when ink is to be introduced from the liquid injection port 191. Due to this configuration, it is easy to suppress evaporation of liquid components in the ink inside the container section 151 of the indicator 33 from the liquid injection port 191 since capping is carried out on the liquid injection port 191.
It is possible to adopt an aspect shown in
In addition, a region which overlaps with the liquid injection port 191 in the indictor 33 is an opening in the second casing 7 in the liquid ejecting system 1B. Then, the liquid injection port 191 in each of the indicators 33 is exposed to the outside of the second casing 7 via an opening in the second casing 7. Due to this, it is possible for an operator to access the liquid injection port 191 of the indicator 33 without the second casing 7 being removed when ink is introduced into the liquid injection port 191 of the indicator 33. Here, it is possible to also adopt a configuration where capping (stoppering) of each of the liquid injection ports 191 is carried out in the liquid ejecting system 1B.
It is possible to also adopt a configuration where the upper limit mark 28 and the lower limit mark 29 are added to the indicator 33 in each of applied example 1 to applied example 11 described above. Due to this configuration, it is possible for an operator to ascertain the amount of ink in each of the tanks 9 with the upper limit mark 28 and the lower limit mark 29 which are provided in the indicators 33 as markings.
In the embodiments described above, a configuration is adopted where the tanks 9 are provided independently to the indicators 33 from the point of view that it is easy to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tanks 9 from the front surface side of the liquid ejecting system 1. However, the configuration where it is easy to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tanks 9 from the front surface 13 side of the liquid ejecting system 1 is not limited to the embodiments described above. As a configuration where it is easy to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tanks 9 from the front surface 13 side of the liquid ejecting system 1, it is possible to adopt an aspect of, for example, a liquid ejecting system 1C shown in
The liquid ejecting system 1C has the printer 3, a tank unit 5B, and a scanner unit 501 as shown in
The printer 3 and the scanner unit 501 overlap with each other in the liquid ejecting system 1C. The scanner unit 501 is positioned vertically upward from the printer 3 in a state where the printer 3 is being used. Here, X, Y, and Z axes, which are coordinate axes which are orthogonal to each other, are applied in
The scanner unit 501 is a flat head type of scanner unit and has an imaging element (which is not shown in the diagrams) such as an image sensor. It is possible for the scanner unit 501 to read an image or the like, which is to be recorded on a medium such as paper sheets, as image data via the imaging element. For this reason, the scanner unit 501 functions as an apparatus for reading images and the like. The scanner unit 501 is configured so as to be able to rotate with regard to the printer 3. The scanner unit 501 also functions as a lid for the printer 3. It is possible for an operator to rotate the scanner unit 501 with regard to the printer 3 by lifting up the scanner unit 501 in the Z axis direction due a finger being inserted into a handle section 503. Due to this, it is possible to open the scanner unit 501, which functions as the lid for the printer 3, with regard to the printer 3.
Here, the handle section 503 is provided as a recessed section which is formed at the side section 19 of the printer 3. The handle section 503 is formed with an orientation so to be recessed from the side section 19 in the −X axis direction. The surface on the −Z axis direction side of the handle section 503 which is formed as the recessed section is the same as the upper surface 25 of the tank unit 5B. That is, the upper surface 25 of the tank unit 5b configures a portion of the inner surface of the handle section 503.
The indicator 33 is not adopted in the liquid ejecting system 1C. In the liquid ejecting system 1C, the plurality of tanks 9 in the tank unit 5B line up from the front surface 13 side toward the back surface side of the printer 3, that is, from the front surface 13 in the −Y axis direction as shown in
A tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 13 side out of the plurality of tanks 9 has a first side portion 505 and a second side portion 506. The first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506 extend in directions which intersect with each other. The first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506 are each optically transmissive. For this reason, it is possible for the liquid surface of the ink in the tank 9S to be visually recognizable from each of the first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506. The first side portion 505 is positioned in the tank 9S more to the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 than the second side portion 506.
The window portion 21 which is positioned farthest to the front surface 13 side is formed at a portion which overlaps with the second side portion 506 of the tank 9S when the second casing 7 is viewed in the −X axis direction. In addition, the window portion 31 is formed at a portion which overlaps with the first side portion 505 of the tank 9S when the second casing 7 is viewed in the −Y axis direction. In the liquid ejecting system 1C, it is possible for the first side portion 505 of the tank 9S to be visually recognizable via the window portion 31 which is formed in the front surface 23 of the second casing 7. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the amount of ink in the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side from the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 by the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side being visually recognizable via the window portion 31. In addition, in the liquid ejecting system 1C, it is possible for the second side portion 506 of the tank 9S to be visually recognizable via the window portion 21 which is positioned on the front surface 23 side out of the window portions 21 in the second casing 7. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the amount of ink in the tank 9S by the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side being visually recognizable via the window portion 21 which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side.
The window portions 21 and the window portion 31 are configured as the opening sections which are formed in the second casing 7. Then, the window portion 31 is an example of a first opening section and the window portions 21 are an example of a second opening section. However, the configuration of the window portions 21 and the window portion 31 are not limited to opening sections. As the configuration of the window portions 21 and the window portion 31, it is possible to adopt a configuration where, for example, opening sections which are formed in the second casing 7 are closed off using transparent film, sheet members, members with a plate shape, or the like. The same effects are obtained even with this configuration.
In addition, in the liquid ejecting system 1C, the ink introduction section 101 is provided in the tank 9. The upper limit mark 28 is provided in each of the first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506 in the tank 9S. For this reason, it is possible for an operator to visually recognize the upper limit for the ink which is introduced into the tank 9S when ink is introduced from the ink introduction section 101 into the tank 9S. The upper limit mark 28 is an example of an upper limit display section. Here, it is sufficient if the upper limit mark 28 is provided in at least one out of the first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506. Furthermore, it is possible to also adopt a configuration where both the upper limit mark 28 and the lower limit mark 29 are provided in at least one out of the first side portion 505 and the second side portion 506.
The liquid ejecting system 1C is effective as, for example, the liquid ejecting system 1 as follows. An application for the liquid ejecting system 1, where black ink is frequently used, is considered even for the liquid ejecting system 1 which is able to perform recording using inks of a plurality of colors. The liquid ejecting system 1C described above is effective as the liquid ejecting system 1 with this application. It is possible to adopt a configuration in the liquid ejecting system 1 where black ink is frequently used where the capacity of the tank 9 which contains black ink is larger than the capacity of the tank 9 which contains inks of other colors. In this configuration, it is desirable for it to be easy to ascertain the remaining amount of black ink since black ink is frequently used.
In this case, the capacity of the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side is larger than the capacity of the other tanks 9. Then, black ink is contained in the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side. Due to this configuration, it is possible for the remaining amount of black ink in the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side to be visually recognizable from the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 by the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side being visually recognizable via the window portion 31. Here, ink which is contained in the tank 9S which is positioned farthest to the front surface 23 side is not limited to being black ink and may be ink of another color.
The tank unit 5B in the liquid ejecting system 1C has a cover 507 as shown in
Here, a protruding portion 509 is provided in the cover 507. As shown in
The protruding portion 509 are inserted into the engaging hole 511 of the second casing 7 in a state where the cover 507 is closed. At this time, the projection 510 of the protruding portion 509 engages with the engaging hole 511. Due to this, a clicking sensation is obtained when the projection 510 engages with the engaging hole 511 due to the cover 507 being closed. In addition, it is possible to buffer the force of the cover 507 by the projection 510 engaging with the engaging hole 511 as such, for example, when the cover 507 is closed with a strong force. Due to this, it is possible to reduce shocks when the cover 507 abuts with the second casing 7 when the cover 507 is closed.
A configuration is adopted in the tank unit 5B described above where the window portion 31 is provided independently to the window portions 21. However, the configuration where it is easy to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tank 9 from the front surface 13 side of the liquid ejecting system 1 is not limited to this. As the configuration where it is easy to ascertain the amount of ink inside the tank 9 from the front surface 13 side of the liquid ejecting system 1, it is possible to adopt, for example, an aspect which is a tank unit 5C shown in
Here, a configuration is adopted in the tank 9S where a side section on the front surface 13 side of the printer 3 is the first side portion 505 as shown in
In addition, it is possible to also adopt a configuration in the tank 9S where at least a portion of the second side portion 506 protrudes more than second casing 7 as shown in
In addition, it is possible for the ink in the tank 9S to be visually recognizable via a fourth side section 524 of the protruding portion 521 in the configuration where there is the protruding portion 521. The fourth side section 524 is a side section which is toward the upper surface 15 (
Here, a handle section 526 is formed in a bottom surface 525 of the tank unit 5B and the tank unit 5C in the liquid ejecting system 1C as shown in
In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least ±5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-013068 | Jan 2014 | JP | national |
| 2014-213619 | Oct 2014 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20090262153 | Tamaki | Oct 2009 | A1 |
| 20120038719 | Shimizu | Feb 2012 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 201099042 | Aug 2008 | CN |
| 08-197743 | Aug 1996 | JP |
| 2003-205624 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| 2003-211694 | Jul 2003 | JP |
| 2004-142325 | May 2004 | JP |
| 2004142325 | May 2004 | JP |
| 2012-051307 | Mar 2012 | JP |
| 2012-051308 | Mar 2012 | JP |
| 2012051307 | Mar 2012 | JP |
| 2014-195908 | Oct 2014 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| International Search Report for International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2015/000320 dated Apr. 21, 2015. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20150210081 A1 | Jul 2015 | US |
