Printing liquid container, and system including printing liquid container and tank

A printing liquid container includes first and second members having a supply port and a valve, respectively. The members rotate with respect to each other between first and second states. The valve closes and opens the supply port in the first and second states, respectively. The first and second members have first and second fitting portions, respectively. The fitting portions fit to a fitted portion of a tank in the first state. The second fitting portion allows rotation of the second member with respect to the fitted portion when the first fitting portion are fitted to the fitting portion. The first member does not rotate together with the second member due to fitting between the fitted portion and the first fitting portion. The second member cannot be removed from the fitted portion due to fitting of the second fitting portion to the fitted portion in the second state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-030268 filed on Feb. 26, 2021. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a printing liquid container for storing liquid.

In a conventional printing device, a configuration is known in which ink is supplied to a tank from a bottle connected to the tank each time ink stored in the tank is consumed. When the ink stored in the tank is consumed, the ink is supplied from the bottle to the tank through an injection port of the tank. When different types of ink, such as different ink colors, are stored in a plurality of tanks, a bottle is formed with a concavo-convex shape that can only be fitted to a specific tank so as not to be erroneously connected to tanks other than the specific tank.

SUMMARY

A supply port is formed at a distal end of a tapered nozzle so that ink smoothly flows out from the bottle. On the other hand, in consideration of the amount of ink that can be stored in the bottle, a main body of the bottle has an outer diameter larger than that of the nozzle. When the bottle is connected to the tank with the bottle upside down, that is, with the nozzle positioned below the main body, if the connection between the nozzle and the tank is incomplete or the bottle is inclined, weight of the ink may make the bottle unstable and the nozzle may be pulled out of the tank.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is provided a printing liquid container configured to fit to a tank including a fitted portion having an injection port. The printing liquid container includes a first member having a supply port communicating with an internal space, and a second member having a valve configured to open or close the supply port. The first member and the second member are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other between a first state and a second state. An internal space of the first member and an internal space of the second member constitute a storage chamber configured to store liquid. The valve closes the supply port in the first state and opens the supply port in the second state. One of the first member and the second member has a first fitting portion configured to fit to the fitted portion. An other of the first member and the second member has a second fitting portion configured to fit to the fitted portion. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fit to the fitted portion in the first state. The second fitting portion allows rotation of the other of the first member and the second member with respect to the fitted portion in a state where the fitted portion and the first fitting portion are fitted to each other. The one of the first member and the second member does not rotate together with the rotation of the other of the first member and the second member due to the fitting between the fitted portion and the first fitting portion. The other of the first member and the second member cannot be removed from the fitted portion due to fitting of the second fitting portion to the fitted portion in the second state.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, there is further provided a system including a printing liquid container and a tank. The tank includes a fitted portion having an injection port. The printing liquid container includes a first member having a supply port communicating with an internal space, and a second member having a valve configured to open or close the supply port. The first member and the second member are coupled to each other so as to be rotatable with respect to each other between a first state and a second state. An internal space of the first member and an internal space of the second member constitute a storage chamber configured to store liquid. The valve closes the supply port in the first state and opens the supply port in the second state. One of the first member and the second member has a first fitting portion configured to fit to the fitted portion. An other of the first member and the second member has a second fitting portion configured to fit to the fitted portion. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion fit to the fitted portion in the first state. The second fitting portion allows rotation of the other of the first member and the second member with respect to the fitted portion in a state where the fitted portion and the first fitting portion are fitted to each other. The one of the first member and the second member does not rotate together with the rotation of the other of the first member and the second member due to the fitting between the fitted portion and the first fitting portion. The other of the first member and the second member cannot be removed from the fitted portion due to fitting of the second fitting portion to the fitted portion in the second state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. It should be noted that the embodiment described below is merely an example of the present disclosure, and the embodiment can be modified appropriately without changing the scope of the present disclosure. In the following description, a way from a starting point to an ending point of an arrow is referred to as an orientation, and ways along a line connecting the starting point and the ending point of the arrow are collectively referred to as a direction. In other words, the orientation is a component of the direction. An up-down direction7is defined based on a posture of a multifunction device10which is installed on a horizontal plane so as to be usable (the posture shown inFIG.1which is also referred to as a “use posture”), a front-rear direction8is defined based on a surface on which an opening13of the multifunction device10is provided which is defined as front, and a left-right direction9is defined by viewing the multifunction device10from the front. In the present embodiment, in the use posture, the up-down direction7corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-rear direction8and the left-right direction9are orthogonal to each other.

[Overall Structure of Multifunction Device10]

As shown inFIG.1, the multifunction device10has a housing14having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A printer unit11is provided in a lower part of the housing14. The multifunction device10has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function. The multifunction device10has a printing function of recording an image on one side of a sheet12by an inkjet system. It should be noted that the multifunction device10may be configured to record images on both sides of the sheet12. An operation unit17is provided on an upper part of the housing14. The operation unit17consists of buttons operated for image recording instructions and various settings, a liquid crystal display for displaying various information, and the like. In the present embodiment, the operation unit17consists of a touch panel which serves as the buttons and the liquid crystal display.

As shown inFIG.2, the printer unit11includes a feeding tray20, a feeding unit16, an outer guide member18, an inner guide member19, a conveying roller pair59, a discharge roller pair44, a platen42, and a recording unit24which are accommodated in the housing14. Various state sensors configured to detect states of the multifunction device10and output signals corresponding to the detection results are accommodated in the housing14. The configuration of the printer unit11is merely an example, and the configuration of the printer unit11may be replaced with another known configuration.

As shown inFIG.1, an opening13is formed on a front surface23of the printer unit11. The feeding tray20can be inserted into and extracted from the housing14through the opening13by moving the feeding tray20in the front-rear direction8. The feeding tray20is movable between a feeding position (a position shown inFIGS.1and2) where the feeding tray20is mounted to the housing14and a non-feeding position where the feeding tray20is extracted from the housing14. The feeding tray20moves to the feeding position by being inserted backward with respect to the housing14, and moves to the non-feeding position by being pulled out forward with respect to the housing14.

The feeding tray20is a box-shaped member having an open upper portion and accommodates the sheets12. As shown inFIG.2, the sheets12are supported on a bottom plate22of the feeding tray20in a stacked state. A discharge tray21is provided above a front portion of the feeding tray20. The sheet12on which an image has been recorded by the recording unit24and discharged is supported on an upper surface of the discharge tray21.

As shown inFIG.2, when the feeding tray20is at the feeding position, the sheets12supported by the feeding tray20can be fed to a conveying path65.

As shown inFIG.2, the feeding unit16is arranged below the recording unit24and above the bottom plate22of the feeding tray20. The feeding unit16includes a feeding roller25, a feeding arm26, a drive transmission mechanism27, and a shaft28. The feeding roller25is rotatably supported at a distal end of the feeding arm26. The feeding arm26swings about the shaft28provided at a proximal end in a direction of an arrow29. Thus, the feeding roller25can contact and separate from the feeding tray20or the sheet12supported by the feeding tray20.

The feeding roller25rotates by a driving force of a motor transmitted to the feeding roller25by the drive transmission mechanism27in which a plurality of gears are meshed. As a result, of the sheets12supported by the bottom plate22of the feeding tray20at the feeding position, the uppermost sheet12in contact with the feeding roller25is fed to the conveying path65.

As shown inFIG.2, the conveying path65extends from a rear end of the feeding tray20. The conveying path65includes a curved portion33and a straight portion34. The curved portion33extends upward from the rear to the front in a U-shape. The straight portion34extends generally along the front-rear direction8.

The curved portion33is formed by the outer guide member18and the inner guide member19opposed to each other at a predetermined interval. The outer guide member18and the inner guide member19extend in the left-right direction9. Within a range where the recording unit24is arranged, the straight portion34is formed by the recording unit24and the platen42opposed to each other with a predetermined interval in the up-down direction7.

The sheet12supported by the feeding tray20is conveyed by the feeding roller25through the curved portion33and reaches the conveying roller pair59. The sheet12nipped by the conveying roller pair59is conveyed forward through the straight portion34toward the recording unit24. Ink ejected from the recording unit24adheres to the sheet12that has reached a position directly below the recording unit24and thereby an image is recorded on the sheet12. The sheet12on which the image has been recorded is conveyed forward through the straight portion34and discharged on the discharge tray21. As described above, the sheet12is conveyed along a conveying orientation15indicated by an arrow of a one dot chain line inFIG.2.

As shown inFIG.2, the conveying roller pair59is arranged in the straight portion34. The discharge roller pair44is arranged in the straight portion34downstream of the conveying roller pair59in the conveying orientation15.

The conveying roller pair59includes a conveying roller60and a pinch roller61arranged below the conveying roller60. The pinch roller61is pressed against the conveying roller60by a not-shown elastic member such as a coil spring. The conveying roller pair59can nip the sheet12.

The discharge roller pair44includes a discharge roller62and a spur roller63arranged above the discharge roller62. The spur roller63is pressed toward the discharge roller62by a not-shown elastic member such as a coil spring. The discharge roller pair44is can nip the sheet12.

The conveying roller60and the discharge roller62are rotated by driving forces from motors. As the conveying roller60rotates in a state where the sheet12is nipped by the conveying roller pair59, the sheet12is conveyed in the conveying orientation15by the conveying roller pair59and conveyed on the platen42. As the discharge roller62rotates in a state where the sheet12is nipped by the discharge roller pair44, the sheet12is conveyed in the conveying orientation15by the discharge roller pair44and discharged onto the discharge tray21.

As shown inFIG.2, the platen42is arranged in the straight portion34of the conveying path65. The platen42faces the recording unit24in the up-down direction7. The platen42supports the sheet12conveyed through the conveying path65from below.

As shown inFIG.2, the recording unit24is arranged above the platen42. The recording unit24includes a carriage40, a head38, and a tank80.

The carriage40is supported by two guide rails56and57which are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction8so as to be movable along the left-right direction9orthogonal to the conveying orientation15. The guide rail56is arranged upstream of the head38in the conveying orientation15. The guide rail57is arranged downstream of the head38in the conveying orientation15. The guide rails56and57are supported by a pair of not-shown side frames arranged outside the straight portion34of the conveying path65in the left-right direction9. The carriage40moves when a driving force is supplied from the motor.

The head38is supported by the carriage40. A lower surface68of the head38is exposed downward and faces the platen42. The head38includes a plurality of nozzles39, an ink flow path37, and a not-shown piezoelectric element.

The plurality of nozzles39are open to the lower surface68of the head38. The ink flow path37connects the tank80and the plurality of nozzles39. The piezoelectric element deforms as power is supplied, and deforms in the ink flow path37to eject ink droplets downward from the nozzles39.

As shown inFIG.2, the tank80is mounted on the carriage40. As shown inFIGS.2and4, the tank80has an internal space81. Ink is stored in the internal space81. The internal space81of the tank80communicates with the plurality of nozzles39via the ink flow path37. As a result, ink is supplied from the internal space81to the nozzles39.

As shown inFIG.2, the tank80is arranged above the head38. Although, in the present embodiment, the tank80is arranged above the head38, the positional relationship between the tank80and the head38may be changed as appropriate. In the present embodiment, the recording unit24includes one tank80. Black ink is stored in the one tank80. It should be noted that the color of ink stored in the tank80is not limited to black.

As shown inFIG.4, an upper wall82of the tank80has a recess84that is recessed toward the internal space81. A cross section of the recess84is a circular shape into which a bottle100(seeFIG.5) can be inserted. An injection port83configured to inject ink into the internal space81is formed at a lower end of the recess84. A plurality of grooves86into which the bottle100described later is to be fitted are radially formed in the recess84around the injection port83. Each groove86extends linearly outward from the injection port83.

Two projections87are formed at an upper end portion of the recess84. The two projections87are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about an axis83A of the injection port83. Each projection87projects from the upper end portion of the recess84toward the axis83A.

As shown inFIG.2, a lid85is fitted in the recess84. When the lid85is removed, the injection port83is exposed to the outside. In this state, the bottle100is inserted into the recess84, and ink is injected from the bottle100into the internal space81through the injection port83.

Although not shown in the drawings, the tank80may be provided with an atmospheric relief port. The atmospheric relief port may be openable and closable by a solenoid valve or the like.

Hereinafter, the bottle100will be described with reference toFIGS.5to8. The bottle100stores ink. The bottle100supplies ink to the tank80through the injection port83. As shown inFIGS.5and6, the bottle100includes a nozzle member101, a valve body102, and a housing103.

As shown inFIG.5, an outer shape of the bottle100is a substantially cylindrical shape elongated in the up-down direction7. While the bottle100is shown inFIGS.5to7with a supply port113facing downward, the bottle100may be placed with the supply port113facing upward during transportation and storage.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the nozzle member101is accommodated inside the housing103, and a portion of the nozzle member101protrudes outward (downward in each figure) from the housing103. The nozzle member101includes a nozzle portion111and an inserting portion112.

An outer shape of the nozzle portion111is generally cylindrical, tapering downward. The supply port113opens to a lower end surface111L of the nozzle portion111. The supply port113is circular and communicates an internal space of the nozzle portion111with the outside. On an outer peripheral surface111C of the nozzle portion111, a plurality of elongated engaging ribs114extending in the up-down direction7are formed. The plurality of engaging ribs114are formed radially about the supply port113. The engaging ribs114enter and engage with the grooves86of the tank80, respectively. The number and arrangement of the engaging ribs114match the number and arrangement of the grooves86.

The inserting portion112extends upward from an upper end surface111U of the nozzle portion111. The inserting portion112has a substantially cylindrical shape. An outer diameter of the inserting portion112is smaller than a diameter of the upper end surface111U. Therefore, the upper end surface111U is arranged around a lower end of the inserting portion112. An axis of the nozzle portion111and an axis of the inserting portion112coincide with an axis100A of the bottle100. The inserting portion112is inserted into an internal space of the valve body102. An internal space of the inserting portion112communicates with the internal space of the nozzle portion111.

On an outer peripheral surface of the inserting portion112, flat portions115each formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral surface are provided at three locations around the axis100A. Each flat portion115is a rectangle elongated in the up-down direction7. A projection116protruding outward is formed on each flat portion115. An outer shape of each projection116is substantially parallelogram when viewed along a radial direction of the inserting portion112. The projections116are fitted into the guide grooves124of the valve body102, respectively.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, the valve body102is accommodated inside the housing103. An outer shape of the valve body102is substantially cylindrical. An axis of the valve body102coincides with the axis100A.

As shown inFIG.7, the valve body102includes a tube portion121having a cylindrical shape and a rod122arranged inside the tube portion121. The rod122has a columnar shape and projects downward from a lower end of the tube portion121. A dimension of the rod122in the up-down direction7is greater than a dimension of the nozzle member101in the up-down direction7. An outer shape of a lower end of the rod122coincides with an inner diameter of the supply port113of the nozzle portion111. As shown inFIG.7A, the supply port113is closed by fitting the rod122into the supply port113.

As shown inFIGS.7and8, an upper end of the rod122is connected to the tube portion121by a plurality of connecting portions123. The plurality of connecting portions123are circumferentially spaced around the upper end of the rod122. Spaces between adjacent connecting portions123are spaces through which ink can flow. The plurality of connecting portions123connect the rod122and the tube portion121so that an axis of the rod122coincides with the axis100A. The rod122extending downward from the connecting portions123enters the internal spaces of the inserting portion112and the nozzle portion111from above the nozzle member101.

As shown inFIG.7, the tube portion121is inserted into an internal space of the housing103. An outer diameter of the tube portion121is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing103. As shown inFIGS.6and7, the tube portion121includes guide grooves124that form parts of spiral shapes around the axis100A. The guide grooves124are formed at three positions around the axis100A and penetrate through the tube portion121. InFIG.6, each guide groove124is directed upward toward the right side. The projections116fit into the guide grooves124, respectively. The valve body102and the nozzle member101are rotatable with respect to each other about the axis100A in a state where the projections116are fitted into the guide grooves124. By this relative rotation, each projection116can move to the vicinity of a right end or a left end of each guide groove124.

In a state where each projection116is positioned near the right end of each guide groove124as shown inFIG.6A, as shown inFIG.7A, the valve body102is in a state where it is moved downward with respect to the nozzle member101(hereinafter referred to as a first state), and the lower end of the rod122closes the supply port113.

In a state where each projection116is positioned near the left end of each guide groove124as shown inFIG.6B, as shown inFIG.7B, the valve body102is in a state where it is moved upward with respect to the nozzle member101(hereinafter referred to as a second state), the lower end of the rod122is arranged above the supply port113, and the supply port113is open.

As shown inFIG.6, two annular ribs125extending annularly along the circumferential direction are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the tube portion121. Each annular rib125projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion121. The two annular ribs125are arranged above the guide groove124with an interval in the up-down direction7. Notches126are formed to each annular rib125at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis100A. The notches126of the two annular ribs125form pairs in the up-down direction7. A pair of notches126are aligned along the axis100A and serve as a third groove. Guide rails133of the housing103fit into the pair of notches126, respectively.

As shown inFIGS.6and7, in the vicinity of an upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion121, two through holes127communicating an internal space of the tube portion121with the outside are formed. The two through holes127are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis100A.

Annular receiving portions128are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion121above and below the through holes127. The receiving portions128project outward from the outer peripheral surface and support O-rings129, respectively. The O-ring129is made of elastically deformable resin and is pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the housing103. A space between the housing103and the tube portion121is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring129. The valve body102is supported on the housing103via the O-ring129so as to be slidable with respect to the housing103in the up-down direction7.

An upper end of the tube portion121is closed by a plug portion130. The internal space of the tube portion121and an internal space of the nozzle member101constitute a storage chamber104for storing ink.

As shown inFIGS.5and7, an outer shape of the housing103is substantially cylindrical. An outer peripheral surface of the housing103(an outer surface around the axis100A) is a cylindrical surface. A dimension of the housing103in the up-down direction7is greater than a dimension of the valve body102in the up-down direction7. Therefore, the valve body102is accommodated in the internal space of the housing103and is movable along the up-down direction7in the internal space of the housing103.

As shown inFIG.5, two grooves131are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing103. The two grooves131are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis100A. Each groove131includes a first groove131A that is open at a lower end surface of the housing103and extends in the up-down direction7, and a second groove131B that extends to the left inFIG.5along the circumferential direction from an upper end of the first groove131A. The first groove131A and the second groove131B define a continuous space. The projections87of the tank80can enter the grooves131.

As shown inFIGS.5and7, two grooves132are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing103. The two grooves132are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis100A. Each groove132is open to an upper end surface of the housing103and extends in the up-down direction7. As shown inFIG.7A, a lower end of the groove132is arranged above the two O-rings129of the valve body102in the first state. As shown inFIG.7B, the lower end of the groove132is arranged between the two O-rings129of the valve body102in the second state. The two grooves132, together with the through holes127of the valve body102, constitute an air communication passage that communicates the storage chamber104with the outside. Therefore, in the first state shown inFIG.7A, the air communication passage is closed. In the second state shown inFIG.7B, the air communication passage is open.

As shown inFIG.7, two guide rails133are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing103below the grooves132. The guide rails133are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis100A. Each guide rail133projects inward from the inner peripheral surface of the housing103and extends linearly along the up-down direction7. A circumferential dimension of each guide rail133is slightly smaller than a circumferential dimension of each notch126. The guide rails133fit in the pair of notches126and guide the valve body102so as to be movable along the up-down direction7.

As shown inFIG.7, an annular projection134is formed near a lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the housing103. The projection134is arranged slightly above the lower end surface of the housing103. The projection134projects inward from the inner peripheral surface of the housing103. An inner diameter of the annular projection134is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inserting portion112of the nozzle member101. The inserting portion112of the nozzle member101is inserted inside the projection134from the lower end of the housing103. The upper end surface111U of the nozzle portion111of the nozzle member101is in contact with the projection134. The nozzle member101is positioned with respect to the housing103by the contact between the upper end surface111U of the nozzle portion111and the projection134. The outer peripheral surface111C of the nozzle portion111and the inner peripheral surface of the housing103are in contact with each other. The housing103is rotatable with respect to the nozzle member101by the projection134sliding with respect to the upper end surface111U of the nozzle portion111and the inner peripheral surface sliding with respect to the outer peripheral surface111C of the nozzle portion111. As shown inFIG.7A, in the first state, the projection134is sandwiched between the nozzle portion111and the tube portion121.

[Supply of Ink to Tank80from Bottle100]

Hereinafter, a method of supplying ink to the tank80from the bottle100will be described below with reference toFIGS.8and9.

When ink is discharged from the nozzles39of the head38and ink in the tank80is consumed, for example, in response to a notification indicating that a remaining amount of ink in the tank80is small, a user replenishes the tank80with ink. In order to replenish the tank80with ink, the user rotates an upper cover of the multifunction device10to expose the upper wall82of the tank80to the outside. Then, the user removes the lid85to expose the recess84to the outside.

The user prepares the bottle100in which ink is stored and inserts the nozzle portion111of the bottle100into the recess84of the tank80with the supply port113directed downward. At this time, the bottle100is in a state in which the rod122closes the supply port113, that is, in the first state.

In inserting the nozzle portion111, the user aligns the first grooves131A of the housing103with the projections87of the recess84. When positions of the first grooves131A and the projections87match, the projections87can enter the first grooves131A, and the bottle100can be inserted into the recess84with the projections87as guides.

As shown inFIG.8, when the projections87reach upper ends of the first grooves131A, the supply port113(lower end of the nozzle portion111) of the bottle100fits into the injection port83of the tank80, and the supply port113and the injection port83communicate with each other so that ink can flow therethrough. The engaging ribs114of the bottle100fit into the grooves86of the tank80, respectively. In this state, the axis83A and the axis100A coincide with each other.

In the state shown inFIG.8(i.e., in the first state), the housing103can be rotated about the axis100A with respect to the tank80using the projections87as guides. In other words, the grooves131allow the housing103to rotate in a state where the projections87are fitted. When the user rotates the housing103counterclockwise when viewed from the top, the projections87enter the second grooves131B, respectively. Even if the housing103is rotated, since the engaging ribs114are fitted in the grooves86, the nozzle member101is prevented from rotating with respect to the tank80. That is, the nozzle member101does not rotate with the rotation of the housing103. Accordingly, the housing103rotates counterclockwise with respect to the nozzle member101.

Since the notches126are fitted to the guide rails133, when the housing103is rotated, the valve body102rotates together with the housing103. In other words, the valve body102also rotates counterclockwise with respect to the nozzle member101. When the valve body102is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the nozzle member101from the first state shown inFIG.6A, the valve body102is guided by the fitting between the projections116of the nozzle member101and the guide grooves124of the valve body102, and slides upward with respect to the housing103while rotating with respect to the nozzle member101.

Since the fitting between the notches126and the guide rails133does not prevent the valve body102from sliding in the up-down direction7with respect to the housing103, the valve body102slides upward along the axis100A in the internal space of the housing103while rotating together with the housing103and thereby moves to the second state shown inFIG.9. In the process of changing the state of the bottle100from the first state to the second state, after the supply port113is opened, the air communication passage opens through the groove132. In the second state, the projections87are in contact with the extending ends of the second grooves131B.

As shown inFIG.7B, in the second state, the lower ends of the grooves132of the housing103are between the two O-rings129in the up-down direction7and communicates with the through holes127of the valve body102. As a result, the storage chamber104of the bottle100communicates with the outside through the through holes127and the grooves132and is atmospherically relieved. As shown inFIGS.7B and9, in the second state, the lower end of the rod122is positioned above the supply port113and thus the supply port113is open. As a result, ink stored in the storage chamber104flows down to the internal space81of the tank80through the supply port113and the injection port83.

As shown inFIG.9, in the second state, since the projections87of the tank80are in the second grooves131B of the housing103, the bottle100is prevented from moving upward with respect to the tank80. That is, in the second state, the bottle100cannot be pulled out from the tank80.

When the supply of ink from the bottle100to the tank80is completed, the user rotates the housing103clockwise with respect to the tank80from the second state shown inFIG.9to the first state shown inFIG.8. Thus, the projections87of the tank80can enter the first grooves131A of the housing103, and the bottle100can move upward with respect to the tank80. In the bottle100in the first state, since the rod122closes the supply port113, even if ink remains in the storage chamber104of the bottle100, ink does not flow out from the supply port113of the bottle100removed from the tank80.

According to the above-described embodiment, in a state where the engaging ribs114of the nozzle member101are fitted into the grooves86of the tank80, respectively, the housing103rotates with respect to the nozzle member101and the valve body102by operating only the housing103. Further, the bottle100in the second state is prevented from being removed from the tank80. The contact between the extending ends of the second grooves131B of the nozzle member101and the projections87of the tank80restricts a rotation range of the housing with respect to the nozzle member101and the valve body102.

In the above-described embodiment, by rotating the valve body102and the housing103with respect to the nozzle member101, the rod122of the valve body102opens or closes the supply port113of the nozzle member101, and the relative position between the O-rings129and the lower ends of the grooves132changes to open or close the air communication passage. However, the bottle100may not be provided with the air communication passage. In this case, ink may be discharged from the storage chamber104of the bottle100by, for example, a chicken feed system in which gas-liquid replacement is performed through flow paths. The chicken feed type bottle150will be described in detail below.

Hereinafter, a bottle150will be described with reference toFIGS.10-14. The bottle150is configured to store ink. The bottle150supplies ink to the tank80through the injection port83. As shown inFIGS.10and11, the bottle150includes a nozzle member151, a valve body152, and a housing153.

As shown inFIG.10, an outer shape of the bottle150is a substantially cylindrical shape elongated in the up-down direction7. As shown inFIGS.11and12, the nozzle member151is arranged inside the housing153, and a portion thereof protrudes outward (downward in each figure) from the housing153. The nozzle member151includes a nozzle portion161and an inserting portion162.

An outer shape of the nozzle portion161is generally cylindrical, tapering downward. A supply port163opens to a lower end surface161L of the nozzle portion161. The supply port163is circular and communicates an internal space of the nozzle portion161with the outside. On an outer peripheral surface161C of the nozzle portion161, a plurality of elongated engaging ribs164extending in the up-down direction7are formed. The plurality of engaging ribs164are formed radially about the supply port163. The engaging ribs164enter and engage with the grooves86of the tank80, respectively. The number and arrangement of the engaging ribs164match the number and arrangement of the grooves86.

The inserting portion162extends upward from an upper end surface161U of the nozzle portion161. The inserting portion162has a substantially cylindrical shape. An outer diameter of the inserting portion162is smaller than a diameter of the upper end surface161U. Therefore, the upper end surface161U is arranged around a lower end of the inserting portion162. An axis of the nozzle portion161and an axis of the inserting portion162coincide with an axis150A of the bottle150. The inserting portion162is inserted into an internal space of the housing153. An internal space of the inserting portion162communicates with the internal space of the nozzle portion161.

As shown inFIGS.11and12, the inserting portion162includes guide grooves165that form parts of spiral shapes around the axis150A. The guide grooves165are formed at three positions around the axis150A and penetrate through the inserting portion162. InFIG.11, each guide groove165is directed upward toward the right side. The projections116fit into the guide grooves165, respectively. The valve body152and the nozzle member151are rotatable with respect to each other about the axis150A in a state where the projections174are fitted into the guide grooves165. By this relative rotation, each projection174can move to the vicinity of the right end or the vicinity of the left end of each guide groove165.

As shown inFIGS.11and12, the valve body152is arranged inside the nozzle member151and the housing153. An outer shape of the valve body152is substantially cylindrical. The axis of valve body152coincides with the axis150A.

As shown inFIG.12, the valve body152includes a tube portion171having a cylindrical shape and a valve172arranged inside the tube portion171. The valve172has a columnar shape having a first flow path191and a second flow path192formed therein, and projects downward from a lower end of the tube portion171. A dimension of the valve172in the up-down direction7is greater than a dimension of the nozzle member151in the up-down direction7. An outer diameter of a lower end of the valve172coincides with the inner diameter of the supply port163of the nozzle portion161. As shown inFIG.12A, when the valve172fits into the supply port163, the supply port163is closed.

As shown inFIGS.12and13, an upper end of the valve172is connected to the tube portion171by a plurality of connecting portions173. The plurality of connecting portions173are circumferentially spaced around the upper end of the valve172. Spaces between adjacent connecting portions173are spaces through which ink can flow. The plurality of connecting portions173connect the valve172and the tube portion171so that an axis of the valve172coincides with the axis150A. The valve172extending downward from the connecting portions173enters the internal spaces of the inserting portion162and the nozzle portion161from above the nozzle member151.

As shown inFIG.12, the valve172has a first flow path191and a second flow path192extending along the axis150A. The first flow path191and the second flow path192are partitioned by a peripheral wall of the valve172and a partition wall193. In the present embodiment, the first flow path191and the second flow path192extend along the axis150A. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such configuration and, for example, the first flow path191and the second flow path192may be curved.

A length of the first flow path191along an ink flow direction (in this embodiment, along the axis150A) is longer than a length of the second flow path192along the ink flow direction. The first flow path191and the second flow path192have the same shape and size except for the above-mentioned length difference. A cross-sectional area of a cross section of the first flow path191perpendicular to the axis151A is the same as a cross-sectional area of a cross section of the second flow path192perpendicular to the axis150A. In the present embodiment, shapes of the cross section of the first flow path191and the second flow path192are both semicircular. It should be noted that the shapes of the cross sections of the first flow path191and the second flow path192may be shapes other than semicircular shapes. Further, the shape of the cross section of the first flow path191may be different from the shape of the cross section of the second flow path192, and the cross-sectional area of the first flow path191may be different from the cross-sectional area of the second flow path192.

One end of the first flow path191communicates with a storage chamber154through an opening194. An opening195, which is the other end of the first flow path191, is arranged at a distal end portion (lower end in each figure) of the valve172. One end of the second flow path192communicates with the storage chamber154through an opening196. An opening197, which is the other end of the second flow path192, is arranged at a distal end portion (lower end in each figure) of the valve172. In this embodiment, the storage chamber154and the outside of the bottle150communicate with each other only by the first flow path191and the second flow path192.

As shown inFIG.12, the opening194is arranged above the opening196when the distal end of the valve172positioned near the supply port163is facing downward. The opening195and the opening197are arranged at the same position in the up-down direction7.

The opening194is arranged at a proximal end of the valve172, which is connected to the tube portion171by the connecting portions173, and opens only into an internal space of the tube portion171. The opening196is arranged between the distal end and the proximal end of the valve172and opens into an internal space of the tube portion171and also opens into an internal space of the nozzle member151through the connecting portions173.

The partition wall193extends below (lower side inFIG.12) the openings195and197. A disk198is coupled to a lower end of the partition wall193. An axis of the disk198coincides with the axis150A. An outer diameter of the disk198matches an inner diameter of the supply port163of the nozzle member151. The supply port163is liquid-tightly closed by the disk198fitted into the supply port163.

As shown inFIG.12, the tube portion171is inserted into the internal space of the housing153. An outer diameter of the tube portion171is smaller than an inner diameter of the housing153. A lower portion of the tube portion171is also inserted into the inserting portion162of the nozzle member151. The outer diameter of the tube portion171is smaller than an inner diameter of the inserting portion162.

The projections174projecting outward are arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the tube portion171. Each projection174has a substantially parallelogram outer shape when viewed along a radial direction of the inserting portion162. The projections174are fitted into the guide grooves165of the nozzle member151, respectively.

As shown inFIG.11A, in a state where each projection174is positioned near the right end of each guide groove165, as shown inFIG.12A, the valve body152is in a state where it is moved upward with respect to the nozzle member151(hereinafter referred to as the first state), and the disk198of the valve172closes the supply port163. In this state, openings195and197are within the storage chamber154and are not exposed to the outside of the bottle150.

As shown inFIG.11B, in a state where each projection174is positioned near the left end of each guide groove165, as shown inFIG.12B, the valve body152is in a state where it is moved downward with respect to the nozzle member151(hereinafter referred to as the second state), and the disk198of the valve172is positioned below the supply port163. In this state, the distal end portion of the valve172protrudes from the supply port163to the outside, and the openings195and197are exposed to the outside. As a result, the supply port163opens through the first flow path191and the second flow path192of the valve172.

As shown inFIG.11, an annular rib175extending annularly along the circumferential direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion171. The annular rib175projects outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion171. The annular rib175is arranged above the projections174. Notches176are formed to the annular rib175at intervals of 90 degrees about the axis150A. Guide rails183of the housing153fits into the notches176.

An upper end of the tube portion171is closed by a plug member180. The plug member180is screwed to the upper end of the tube portion171. The internal space of the tube portion171and the internal space of the nozzle member151constitute the storage chamber154in which ink is to be stored.

A groove178extending in the circumferential direction is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the plug member180. The groove178supports an O-ring179. The O-ring179is made of elastically deformable resin and is pressed against an inner peripheral surface of the housing153. A space between the housing153and the tube portion171is hermetically and liquid-tightly sealed by the O-ring179. Further, the valve body152is supported on the housing153via the O-ring179so as to be slidable with respect to the housing153in the up-down direction7.

As shown inFIGS.10and12, an outer shape of the housing153is substantially cylindrical. An outer surface of the housing153around the axis150A is a cylindrical surface. A dimension of the housing153in the up-down direction7is greater than a dimension of the valve body152in the up-down direction7. Therefore, the valve body152is accommodated in the internal space of the housing153and can move in the up-down direction7within the internal space of the housing153.

As shown inFIG.10, two grooves181are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing153. The two grooves181are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees about the axis150A. Each groove181includes a first groove181A that is open at a lower end surface of the housing153and extends in the up-down direction7, and a second groove181B that extends to the left inFIG.10along the circumferential direction from an upper end of the first groove181A. The first groove181A and the second groove181B define a continuous space. The projections87of the tank80can enter the grooves181.

As shown inFIG.12, four guide rails183are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the housing153. The guide rails183are arranged at intervals of 90 degrees about the axis150A. Each guide rail183projects inward from the inner peripheral surface of the housing153and extends linearly along the up-down direction7. A circumferential dimension of each guide rail183is slightly smaller than a circumferential dimension of each notch176. The guide rails183fit into the notches176, respectively, and guide the valve body152so as to be movable in the up-down direction7.

The upper end surface151U of the nozzle portion161of the nozzle member151is in contact with the lower end surface of the housing153. The nozzle member151is positioned with respect to the housing153by the contact between the upper end surface161U of the nozzle portion161and the lower end surface of the housing153. An outer peripheral surface of the inserting portion162and the inner peripheral surface of the housing153are in contact with each other. The housing153can be rotated with respect to the nozzle member151by the lower end surface sliding with respect to the upper end surface161U of the nozzle portion161and the inner peripheral surface sliding with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the inserting portion162.

[Supply of Ink to Tank80from Bottle150]

Hereinafter, a method of supplying ink to the tank80from the bottle150will be described below with reference toFIGS.13and14.

When ink is discharged from the nozzles39of the head38and ink in the tank80is consumed, for example, in response to the notification indicating that the remaining amount of ink in the tank80is small, the user replenishes the tank80with ink. In order to replenish the tank80with ink, the user rotates the upper cover of the multifunction device10to expose the upper wall82of the tank80to the outside. Then, the user removes the lid85to expose the recess84to the outside.

The user prepares the bottle150in which ink is stored and inserts the nozzle portion161of the bottle150into the recess84of the tank80with the supply port163directed downward. At this time, the bottle150is in a state in which the valve172closes the supply port163, that is, in the first state.

In inserting the nozzle portion161, the user aligns the first grooves181A of the housing153with the projections87of the recess84. When positions of the first grooves181A and the projections87match, the projections87can enter the first grooves181A, and the bottle150can be inserted into the recess84with the projections87as the guides.

As shown inFIG.13, when the projections87reach upper ends of the first grooves181A, the supply port163(lower end of the nozzle portion161) of the bottle150fits into the injection port83of the tank80, and the supply port163and the injection port83communicate with each other so that ink can flow therethrough. The engaging ribs164of the bottle150fit into the grooves86of the tank80, respectively. In this state, the axis83A and the axis150A coincide with each other.

In the state shown inFIG.13(i.e., in the first state), the housing153can be rotated about the axis150A with respect to the tank80using the projections87as guides. When the user rotates the housing153clockwise when viewed from the top, the projections87enter the second grooves181B, respectively. In other words, the second grooves181B allow the housing153to rotate. Even if the housing153is rotated, since the engaging ribs164are fitted in the grooves86, the nozzle member151is prevented from rotating with respect to the tank80. That is, the nozzle member151does not rotate with the rotation of the housing153. Accordingly, the housing153rotates clockwise with respect to the nozzle member151.

Since the notches176are fitted to the guide rails183, when the housing153is rotated, the valve body152rotates together with the housing153. In other words, the valve body152also rotates clockwise with respect to the nozzle member151. When the valve body152is rotated clockwise with respect to the nozzle member151from the first state shown inFIG.11A, the valve body152is guided by the fitting between the guide grooves165of the nozzle member151and the projections174of the valve body152, and slides downward with respect to the housing153while rotating with respect to the nozzle member151.

Since the fitting between the notches176and the guide rails183does not prevent the valve body152from sliding in the up-down direction7with respect to the housing153, the valve body152slides downward along the axis150A in the internal space of the housing153while rotating together with the housing153and thereby moves to the second state shown inFIG.14. In the second state, the projections87are in contact with the extending ends of the second grooves181B.

As shown inFIGS.12B and14, in the second state, since the disk198of the valve172is positioned below the supply port163, the supply port163is open. Further, the openings195and197are arranged in the internal space81of the tank80, and the storage chamber154and the internal space81communicate with each other through the first flow path191and the second flow path192.

Since the opening194is arranged above the opening196, there is a hydraulic head pressure between the opening194and the opening196. As a result, ink stored in the storage chamber154flows into the first flow path191through the opening194, and flows into the internal space81through the opening195.

When ink flows, the air in the internal space81flows into the storage chamber154through the second flow path192. A volume of ink flowing from the storage chamber154to the internal space81and a volume of air flowing from the internal space81to the storage chamber154are substantially the same. In this manner, so-called gas-liquid replacement is performed. When all the ink in the storage chamber154of the bottle150flows into the internal space81of the tank80, the gas-liquid replacement ends.

As shown inFIG.14, in the second state, since the projections87of the tank80are in the second grooves181B of the housing153, the bottle150is prevented from moving upward with respect to the tank80. That is, in the second state, the bottle150cannot be pulled out from the tank80.

When the supply of ink from the bottle150to the tank80is completed, the user rotates the housing153counterclockwise with respect to the tank80from the second state shown inFIG.14to the first state shown inFIG.8. Thus, the projections87of the tank80can enter the first grooves181A of the housing153, and the bottle150can move upward with respect to the tank80. In the bottle150in the first state, since the disk198closes the supply port163, even if ink remains in the storage chamber154of the bottle150, ink does not flow out from the supply port163of the bottle150removed from the tank80.

In the above-described embodiment, the nozzle member101includes the engaging ribs114and the tank80includes the grooves86. However, since the engaging ribs114and the grooves86are in pairs, it is sufficient if one of the nozzle member101and the tank80is provided with the engaging ribs114and the other is provided with the grooves86. Further, the shapes and arrangements of the engaging ribs114and the grooves86are not limited to those extending radially around the supply port113. For example, a pair of boss and recess which can be fitted to each other may be formed at only one place around the supply port113.

In the above-described embodiment, the nozzle member101has the engaging ribs114for preventing rotation and the housing103has the grooves131for allowing rotation. However, since the engaging ribs114and the grooves131are in pairs, the engaging ribs114may be provided to the housing103and the grooves131may be provided to the nozzle member101. Further, the projections87of the tank80may not be in contact with the extending ends of the second grooves131B when the bottle100is in the second state. In place of the projections134of the housing103, projections may project outward from the vicinity of the lower end of the inserting portion112of the nozzle member101.

The valve body102and the housing103do not necessarily have to be separate members but may be formed as one member. The shape of the supply port113is not limited to a circular shape but may be other shapes such as an elliptical shape or a rectangular shape. The air communication passage is not limited to the passage formed by the through hole127and the groove132.

In the tank80, the injection port83and the recess84may be formed on other than the upper wall82. For example, the injection port83and the recess84may be formed on an outer surface of the tank80and on an inclined wall inclined with respect to the up-down direction7. The tank80does not necessarily need to be mounted on the carriage40, and the head38and the tank80may be connected to each other by a tube or the like so that ink can flow therethrough.

In the above-described embodiments, ink has been described as an example of a printing liquid. However, the printing liquid is not limited to ink. For example, the printing liquid may be a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the recording sheet prior to the ink at the time of printing, water that is sprayed to prevent the nozzles39of the head38from drying, or the like.

The groove86and the projection87in the above-described embodiments are examples of a fitting portion according to aspects of the present disclosures. The bottles100and150in the above-described embodiments are examples of a printing liquid container according to aspects of the present disclosures. The nozzle members101and151in the above-described embodiments are examples of a first member according to aspects of the present disclosures. The valve bodies102and152and the housings103and153in the above-described embodiments are examples of a second member according to aspects of the present disclosures. The engaging ribs114and164in the above-described embodiments are examples of a first fitting portion and a first projection according to aspects of the present disclosures. The rod122and the valve172in the above-described embodiments are examples of a valve according to aspects of the present disclosures. The grooves131and181in the above-described embodiments are examples of a second fitting portion according to aspects of the present disclosures. The first grooves131A and181A in the above-described embodiments are examples of a second groove according to aspects of the present disclosures. The second groove131B in the above-described embodiments is an example of a third groove according to aspects of the present disclosures. The up-down direction7in the above-described embodiments is an example of a first direction according to aspects of the present disclosures. The circumferential direction in the above-described embodiments is an example of a second direction according to aspects of the present disclosures.