Liquid supply system

A liquid supply system adapted to be mounted in a carriage unit having a first liquid introduction portion and a second liquid introduction portion is proposed. The liquid supply system comprises two liquid supply units each having liquid supply portion adapted to liquid to the first and second liquid introduction portions, respectively. The two liquid supply units are adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit. The liquid supply system further comprises a holder unit adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit and adapted to fix the two liquid supply units to the carriage unit. The two liquid supply units are located between the holder unit and the carriage unit.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to liquid supply systems equipped with liquid supply units that supply liquid to liquid ejection apparatuses.

2. Related Art

Printers are widely used as a kind of liquid ejection apparatuses, and ink cartridges are used as liquid supply units for the printers. Hitherto, with a printer that prints using ink of a plurality of colors, independent ink cartridges are prepared for respective ink colors and are independently attached to and detached from the printer. However, in the case of using independent ink cartridges for the respective ink colors, if the number of ink colors increases, the structure of a cartridge attaching portion becomes complicated as a result of enabling many ink cartridges to be attached, which is disadvantageous for a size reduction of the printer. In addition, the operation of replacing the ink cartridges takes time and effort.

A printer has been proposed to which an integrated ink cartridge that contains ink of a plurality of colors is attached to perform. For example, JP-A-2008-74100 discloses an ink tank (ink cartridge) in which the inside of a housing thereof is partitioned into a plurality of ink containing portions and an ink supply port is provided in each ink containing portion. The ink tank has a plurality of lock portions, and is attached to the printer by engaging these lock portions with lock portions on the printer side.

With an integrated ink cartridge such as the one disclosed in JP-A-2008-74100, time and effort in the operation of replacing the ink cartridge can be reduced since a plurality of ink cartridges are integrated. Furthermore, an integrated ink cartridge is more space-saving than a plurality of ink cartridges are, and allows the configuration of a cartridge attaching portion to be simplified. Accordingly, an integrated ink cartridge is advantageous for a size reduction of a printer.

However, although an integrated ink cartridge is advantageous in terms of a size reduction and time and effort in replacement, an entire ink cartridge needs to be replaced if the remaining amount of ink of only one of the plurality of ink colors becomes small. Accordingly, a problem arises in that the ink is wasted. For this reason, there has been a demand for an ink cartridge that is advantageous for a size reduction and time and effort in replacement and with less waste of ink. This problem is not limited to ink cartridges for printers, but is also a problem shared by liquid supply systems for other kinds of liquid ejection apparatuses.

SUMMARY

The invention has been made in order to solve at least a part of the above-described problem, and can be achieved as the following modes or application examples.

A mode of the invention is a liquid supply system adapted to be mounted in a carriage unit having a first liquid introduction portion and a second liquid introduction portion, including: a first liquid supply unit having a first liquid supply portion adapted to supply first liquid to the first liquid introduction portion and adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit; a second liquid supply unit having a second liquid supply portion adapted to supply second liquid to the second liquid introduction portion and adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit independently of the first liquid supply unit; and a holder unit adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit and adapted to fix the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit to the carriage unit, wherein when a plane in which the first liquid supply portion abuts against the first liquid introduction portion in a state where the first liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit is defined as a reference plane, and a direction perpendicular to the reference plane is defined as an attaching direction, the first liquid supply unit is located between the holder unit and the carriage unit in the attaching direction, the second liquid supply unit is located between the holder unit and the carriage unit in the attaching direction, and the holder unit has a terminal portion adapted to be electrically connected to the carriage unit.

According to this mode, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can be independently replaced, whereas both the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can be fixed to the carriage unit using the holder unit, which is a single member. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in time and effort in replacement and a reduction in waste of ink. In addition, the terminal portion can be arranged in the holder unit instead of arranging a terminal portion in each of the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit. Accordingly, the size of the liquid supply system can be reduced.

A mode of the invention is a liquid supply system adapted to be mounted in a carriage unit having a first liquid introduction portion and a second liquid introduction portion, including: a first liquid supply unit having a first liquid supply portion adapted to supply first liquid to the first liquid introduction portion and adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit; a second liquid supply unit having a second liquid supply portion adapted to supply second liquid to the second liquid introduction portion and adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit independently of the first liquid supply unit; and a holder unit adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit and adapted to fix the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit to the carriage unit, wherein when a plane in which the first liquid supply portion abuts against the first liquid introduction portion in a state where the first liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit is defined as a reference plane, and a direction perpendicular to the reference plane is defined as an attaching direction, the first liquid supply unit is located between the holder unit and the carriage unit in the attaching direction, the second liquid supply unit is located between the holder unit and the carriage unit in the attaching direction, and the holder unit has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that can engage with the carriage unit.

According to this mode, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can be independently replaced, whereas both the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can be fixed to the carriage unit using the holder unit, which is a single member. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve both a reduction in time and effort in replacement and a reduction in waste of ink. In addition, the engaging portion can be arranged in the holder unit instead of arranging an engaging portion in each of the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit. Accordingly, the size of the liquid supply system can be reduced.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that the first liquid supply unit has a first atmosphere communication hole, and the holder unit has a first atmosphere release opening adapted to be in communication with the first atmosphere communication hole. With this configuration, it is less likely that the first atmosphere communication hole of the first liquid supply unit is blocked by the holder unit.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that when a direction in which the carriage unit scans is defined as a main scanning direction, the first liquid supply unit has a first restriction portion adapted to restrict movement in the main scanning direction with respect to the holder unit when the first liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit. With this configuration, movement of the first liquid supply unit in the main scanning direction can be restricted when the first liquid supply unit is fixed to the carriage unit using the holder unit.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that when a direction in which the carriage unit scans is defined as a main scanning direction, the first liquid supply unit has a first restriction portion adapted to restrict movement in a direction intersecting the attaching direction and the main scanning direction with respect to the holder unit when the first liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit. With this configuration, movement of the first liquid supply unit in the direction intersecting the main scanning direction and the attaching direction can be restricted when the first liquid supply unit is fixed to the carriage unit using the holder unit.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that when a direction in which the carriage unit scans is defined as a main scanning direction, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are configured to be arranged side-by-side in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction when the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are attached to the carriage unit, the first liquid supply unit has a first restriction portion adapted to restrict movement in the main scanning direction with respect to the holder unit when the first liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit, the second liquid supply unit has a second restriction portion adapted to restrict movement in the main scanning direction with respect to the first liquid supply unit when the second liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit, and the holder unit has a third restriction portion adapted to restrict movement in the main scanning direction with respect to the second liquid supply unit when the second liquid supply unit is attached to the carriage unit. With this configuration, when the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are arranged side-by-side in the direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction when the first and second liquid supply units are attached to the carriage unit, even if the force exerted in the main scanning direction is applied by sliding of the carriage unit, it is less likely that the positions of the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit move in the main scanning direction. In addition, since the liquid supply units can restrict movement thereof among them, the configuration of the holder unit can be simplified. Accordingly, this mode is advantageous for a size reduction.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that when the first restriction portion and the second restriction portion are viewed in a plan view in the attaching direction in a state where the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are attached to the carriage unit, positions of the first restriction portion and the second restriction portion in the main scanning direction are different from each other. With this configuration, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit can be prevented from being incorrectly attached.

In a mode of the invention, it is desirable that a third liquid supply unit is further included that has a third liquid supply portion adapted to supply third liquid to the carriage unit and adapted to be attached to and detached from the carriage unit independently of the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit, wherein when a direction in which the carriage unit scans is defined as a main scanning direction, the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are configured to be arranged side-by-side in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction when the first liquid supply unit and the second liquid supply unit are attached to the carriage unit, the first liquid supply unit and the third liquid supply unit are configured to be arranged side-by-side in the direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction when the first liquid supply unit and the third liquid supply unit are attached to the carriage unit, and the second liquid supply unit and the third liquid supply unit are configured to be arranged side-by-side in the main scanning direction when the second liquid supply unit and the third liquid supply unit are attached to the carriage unit. With this configuration, the three liquid supply units can be efficiently arranged. In addition, since the liquid supply units can restrict movement thereof among them, the configuration of the holder unit can be simplified. Accordingly, this mode is advantageous for a size reduction.

A mode of the invention is any of the above-described liquid supply systems further including: a liquid container; and a first liquid supply tube that connects the first liquid supply unit to the liquid container. The liquid supply system in this mode can supply liquid from the liquid container to the first liquid supply unit. Accordingly, the size of the first liquid supply unit can be reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of a liquid supply unit and a liquid supply system to which the invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings.

Overall Configuration

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a printer to which ink cartridges according to Embodiment 1 of the invention are attached. A printer500, which serves as a liquid ejection apparatus, includes a control unit510that controls each part of the printer500, a carriage unit520, a main scanning feed mechanism that moves the carriage unit520back and forth in a main scanning direction, and a sub-scanning feed mechanism that conveys a print medium P in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction. As will be described later, ink cartridges20, each serving as a liquid supply unit, are attached to the carriage unit520so as to be held by a holder unit30.

In this specification, an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction are three directions orthogonal to one another. Regarding each of the three, namely XYZ directions shown inFIG. 1, the orientation of the arrow indicates a + direction (positive direction), and the orientation opposite to the arrow orientation indicates a − direction (negative direction). The printer500, when in use, is arranged on an XY plane, which is a horizontal plane. At this time, the X direction is a direction parallel with the main scanning direction (the left-right direction of the printer500) in which the carriage unit520is moved back and forth, and the Y direction is a direction parallel with the sub-scanning direction (the front-rear direction of the printer500) in which the print medium P is conveyed. The +Y direction indicates forward, and the −Y direction indicates rearward. The Z direction is the vertical direction (the up-down direction of the printer500), and the −Z direction is the vertically downward direction.

A main scan mechanism of the printer500includes a carriage motor522and a drive belt524that is looped in the main scanning direction, and the power of the carriage motor522is transmitted to the carriage unit520via the drive belt524. A sub-scan mechanism includes a conveyance motor532and a platen roller534, and the print medium P is conveyed using the power of the conveyance motor532via the platen roller534. The carriage motor522and the conveyance motor532operate based on a control signal from the control unit510.

The control unit510and the carriage unit520are electrically connected via a flexible cable517. The carriage unit520includes a cartridge attaching portion60to which the holder unit30and a plurality of ink cartridges20are attached, and a print head540arranged below the cartridge attaching portion60. The print head540operates based on a control signal from the control unit510, and discharges ink toward the print medium P. The print medium P is thereby printed.

Ink Supply System

As shown inFIG. 1, the carriage unit520includes a bottom wall portion61that constitutes a bottom portion of the cartridge attaching portion60, a first side wall portion62that constitutes a wall surface of the cartridge attaching portion60in the +Y direction, a second side wall portion63that constitutes a wall surface of the cartridge attaching portion60in the −Y direction, a third side wall portion64that constitutes a wall surface of the cartridge attaching portion60in the −X direction, and a fourth side wall portion65that constitutes a wall surface of the cartridge attaching portion60in the +X direction. The print head540is provided below the bottom wall portion61. The cartridge attaching portion60is provided with a recessed space surrounded by these five wall portions, and the plurality of ink cartridges20and the holder unit30can be attached in this recessed space from above (+Z direction).

Hereinafter, in this specification, a multiple unit constituted by the holder unit30holding the plurality of ink cartridges20will be called an ink supply system10(liquid supply system). In the ink supply system10, the holder unit30that is arranged so as to cover the plurality of ink cartridges20is engaged with the cartridge attaching portion60, thereby fixing the plurality of ink cartridges20to the carriage unit520. Ink can thereby be supplied from the ink cartridges20each serving as an ink supply unit (liquid supply unit) to the print head540. Note that the XYZ directions shown in the drawings in this specification indicate the XYZ directions in a state where the ink supply system10is attached to the carriage unit520of the printer500installed on an XY plane as shown inFIG. 1.

Ink Cartridge

Each ink cartridge20contains ink, which serves as a printing material. The printer500according to Embodiment 1 discharges, from the print head540, ink of six colors, namely black, yellow, magenta, light magenta, cyan, and light cyan. Accordingly, six ink cartridges20can be attached to the cartridge attaching portion60. Each of six ink cartridges20stores ink of a corresponding one of the aforementioned six colors. Note that the number and the type of ink cartridges that can be attached to the cartridge attaching portion60are not limited to the aforementioned number and type, and can be changed as appropriate.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare perspective views schematically showing the ink cartridge20.FIG. 2Ais a perspective view as viewed obliquely from above, andFIG. 2Bis a perspective view as viewed obliquely from below. The ink cartridge20includes a rectangular parallelepiped housing21, an ink supply portion280, an atmosphere communication port22, a front projection portion23, and a rear projection portion24. An ink containing portion that contains ink is provided within the housing21, and a porous ink holding member284(seeFIG. 4D) is arranged therein. The ink supply portion280is provided in a bottom portion of the housing21, and the atmosphere communication port22is open in an upper face of the housing21. The ink supply portion280and the atmosphere communication port22are in communication with the ink containing portion.

The front projection portion23projects in the +Y direction from a side face (front face) of the housing that is oriented in the +Y direction. The rear projection portion24projects in the −Y direction from a side face (back face) of the housing21that is oriented in the −Y direction. The front projection portion23and the rear projection portion24each have a rib-like form extending in the Z direction along a side face of the housing21, and have a fixed dimension of projection from the side face of the housing21and a fixed width in the X direction.

Holder Unit

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare perspective views schematically showing the holder unit30.FIG. 3Ais a perspective view as viewed obliquely from below, andFIG. 3Bis a perspective view as viewed obliquely from above. As mentioned above, Embodiment 1 provides the configuration in which the six ink cartridges20are held by a single holder unit30and fixed to the carriage unit520, butFIGS. 3A and 3Bshow a simplified configuration in which two ink cartridges20are held for the purpose of simplification of the description.

The holder unit30includes an upper wall portion31that covers, from the side in the +Z direction, the two ink cartridges20arranged side-by-side in the X direction serving as the main scanning direction, a front wall portion32that is continuous with an end portion of the upper wall portion31in the +Y direction, and a rear wall portion33that is continuous with an end portion of the upper wall portion31in the −Y direction. The holder unit30houses and holds the two ink cartridges20in a space surrounded by these three wall portions. The holder unit30also includes a first engaging projection portion34, two second engaging projection portions35, two atmosphere release openings36, two front recess portions37, two rear recess portions38, and a terminal portion40.

The first engaging projection portion34projects in the +Y direction from the front wall portion32of the holder unit30. The two second engaging projection portions35are arranged side-by-side in the X direction, while projecting in the −Y direction from the rear wall portion33. The terminal portion40includes a circuit board41arranged obliquely between a leading end of the first engaging projection portion34and a lower end of the front wall portion32, and a terminal group42placed on the circuit board41. The terminal group42includes contact portions arrayed on a surface of the circuit board41. A storage element is provided on the back side of the circuit board41. Information regarding the ink in the ink cartridges20(amount of ink, ink color, etc.) is stored in the storage element. The terminal group42is electrically connected to the storage element.

Atmosphere release openings36are formed in the upper wall portion31. The two atmosphere release openings36, which are arranged side-by-side in the X direction, are through holes penetrating the upper wall portion31. The front wall portion32and the rear wall portion33are opposed to each other in the Y direction, and two pairs of recess portions are formed in opposing faces of these wall portions. That is to say, the two front recess portions37are formed in the front wall portion32while being arranged side-by-side in the X direction, and the two rear recess portions38are formed in the rear wall portion33while being arranged side-by-side in the X direction. These four recess portions each have a groove shape having a fixed width and a fixed depth, and extend in the Z direction. The two front recess portions37are opposed to the rear recess portions38in the Y direction.

Attaching of ink supply system to cartridge attaching portion

FIGS. 4A to 4Dare illustrative diagrams schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration of the carriage unit520and the ink supply system10, andFIGS. 5A to 5Care illustrative diagrams schematically showing a plan configuration of the carriage unit520and the ink supply system10. Note thatFIGS. 5A to 5Cshow a simplified configuration in which not six, but two ink cartridges20containing different ink are held by a single holder unit30, as inFIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 4A and 5Aare a cross-sectional view and a plan view, respectively, that schematically show the carriage unit520. The cartridge attaching portion60in the carriage unit520is provided with a plurality of ink introduction portions640, a contact point mechanism70, a first engaging portion66, and two second engaging portions68. The ink introduction portions640project in the +Z direction from the bottom wall portion61, as shown inFIG. 4A. The same number of ink introduction portions640as the number of ink cartridges20to be attached to the cartridge attaching portion60are arranged on the bottom wall portion61side-by-side in the X direction. The adjacent ink introduction portions640are partitioned by a rib (not shown). Regions demarcated in the X direction by the rib are each a cartridge attachment slot that includes a single ink introduction portion640.

The contact point mechanism70includes a terminal group71in which a plurality of terminals are arranged, and a terminal base72that holds the terminal group71. The terminal base72has an inclined face that inclines relative to the bottom wall portion61and the first side wall portion62, and contact portions of the terminals constituting the terminal group71are arranged on the inclined face. The terminal group71is biased in the direction in which the contact portions of the terminals project from the inclined face73. When the holder unit30is engaged with the cartridge attaching portion60, the contact portions of the terminal group71elastically come into contact with the contact portions of the terminal group42provided in the holder unit30.

The first engaging portion66, which can move relative to the first side wall portion62, is provided in the first side wall portion62. The first engaging portion66according to Embodiment 1 is a rotary lever, and can rotate around an axis extending in the X direction with a rotation fulcrum67provided in an upper part of the first side wall portion62as the center. This first engaging portion66is a portion that is to engage with the first engaging projection portion34of the above-described holder unit30. Meanwhile, the two engaging portions68are formed in the second side wall portion63. The second engaging portions68are pass-through portions that passes through the second side wall portion63in the Y direction, and are arranged side-by-side in the X direction. The second engaging portions68can engage with the second engaging projection portions35of the above-described holder unit30. Note that the second engaging portions68do not need to be pass-through portions. For example, the second engaging portions68may be recess portions.

FIG. 5Bis a plan view of the ink supply system10as viewed from above. In the ink supply system10, the two ink cartridges20arranged side-by-side in the X direction are held by the holder unit30. Of each of the two ink cartridges20, the front projection portion23engages with the corresponding front recess portion37of the holder unit30, and the rear projection portion24engages with the corresponding rear recess portion38of the holder unit30. The front projection portion23and the rear projection portion24each function as a first restriction portion that restricts movement of the ink cartridge20in the X direction, which is the main scanning direction, by engaging with the holder unit30. In addition, the atmosphere communication ports22of the two ink cartridges20overlap, in the Z direction, the two atmosphere release openings36on the side of the holder unit30. Note that the number and the shape of the first restriction portions (front projection portion23, rear projection portion24) are not limited to the aforementioned number and shape. For example, the projections may be replaced with recesses.

FIG. 4Bshows a state in the middle of attaching the ink supply system10to the cartridge attaching portion60. When attaching the ink supply system10to the cartridge attaching portion60, a rear end portion (end portion in the −Y direction) of the holder unit30is lowered in the −Z direction relative to a front end portion (end portion in the +Y direction) of the holder unit30, and the two second engaging projection portions35are inserted into the second engaging portions68of the cartridge attaching portion60to engage therewith. Thereafter, the front end portion (end portion in the +Y direction) of the holder unit30is lowered, the first engaging portion66of a rotary type is rotated, and the first engaging projection portion34is engaged with the first engaging portion66. Thereby, the attaching of the ink supply system10to the cartridge attaching portion60is complete as shown inFIGS. 4C and 5C.

In the state where the attaching is complete as shown inFIGS. 4C and 5C, movement of the ink cartridges20in the +Z direction is restricted by the holder unit30, and the ink cartridges20are fixed to the cartridge attachment slots. The first engaging portion66is biased in the −Z direction by a biasing portion (not shown). Otherwise, the ink cartridge20is biased in the +Z direction from the bottom wall portion61of the cartridge attaching portion60by a biasing portion (not shown), and the first engaging projection portion34of the holder unit30is biased in the +Z direction toward the first engaging portion66. For this reason, the engaging state between the first engaging projection portion34and the first engaging portion66is stable. Accordingly, the state of the holder unit30fixing the ink cartridges20in the Z direction is stable. In addition, as mentioned above, the front projection portion23and the rear projection portion (first restriction portion) of each ink cartridge20engage with the recess portions (front recess portion37, rear recess portion38) of the holder unit30to position the ink cartridge20in the X direction (main scanning direction). Furthermore, the front wall portion32and the rear wall portion33of the holder unit30position the ink cartridge20in the Y direction (direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction).

As shown inFIG. 4C, in a state where the ink supply system10is attached to the cartridge attaching portion60, the ink supply portion280of each ink cartridge20is opposed, in the Z direction, to the corresponding ink introduction portion640of the cartridge attaching portion60, and the ink supply portion280is connected to the ink introduction portion640. The ink in the ink cartridge20can thereby be introduced to the ink introduction portion640via the ink supply portion280. In this state, the contact portions of the terminal group71provided in the contact point mechanism70elastically come into contact with the contact portions of the terminal group42provided in the terminal portion40on the side of the ink cartridge20. Thereby, the terminal portion40on the side of the ink supply system10is electrically connected to the contact point mechanism70on the side of the carriage unit520.

FIG. 4Dis an enlarged view of a connecting portion of the ink supply portion280and the ink introduction portion640. The ink supply portion280includes an ink supply port281and an outer wall282that surrounds the ink supply port281. The outer wall282includes an opening face288that is oriented in the −Z direction. An ink supply port constituting member283is arranged at the ink supply port281. The ink supply port constituting member283is a fibrous member formed by bundling polypropylene or the like that is drawn and made fibrous, or a porous member formed by a foam body such as polyurethane. The ink supply port constituting member283is in contact with the ink holding member284arranged in the +Z direction relative thereto.

The ink introduction portion640includes a tubular ink introduction port641, and a seal portion648that surrounds the ink introduction port641. The seal portion648can undergo elastic deformation in the Z direction. A mesh filter642is attached to a leading end in the +Z direction of the ink introduction port641. The opening face288of the ink supply portion280elastically comes into contact with the seal portion648and sticks thereto. Thereby, the periphery of the ink supply port281and the ink introduction port641is tightly closed, preventing leakage of the ink. At this time, the mesh filter642comes into surface contact with the ink supply port constituting member283while being pressed thereagainst. Thereby, the ink supply port constituting member283is connected to the ink introduction port641.

In this specification, assuming that a plane in which the ink supply portion280of each ink cartridge20abuts against the corresponding ink introduction portion640of the cartridge attaching portion60is a reference plane SP, and a direction in which the ink supply portion280abuts against the ink introduction portion640is an attaching direction SD, the attaching direction SD is a direction perpendicular to the reference plane SP. As mentioned above, since the opening face288of the ink supply portion280abuts against the seal portion648of the ink introduction portion640, the reference plane SP corresponds to the opening face288. When the printer500is in use, the opening face288corresponds to an XY plane, and accordingly, the reference plane SP is an XY plane and the attaching direction SD is the Z direction.

As mentioned above,FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5A to 5Csimplify the holder unit30and show the mode in which the two ink cartridges20are held thereby. However, in the case of holding four more ink cartridges20as shown inFIG. 1, the dimension of the upper wall portion31of the holder unit30in the X direction is set so as to be able to cover the six ink cartridges20, and six atmosphere release openings36are provided at positions overlapping six atmosphere communication ports22on the ink cartridge side. Then, six pairs of the front recess portion37and the rear recess portion38, which are opposed to each other, are provided respectively in the front wall portions32and the rear wall portions33.

Note that the number of ink cartridges20to be held by the holder unit30may be any number that is 2 or greater. For example, six ink cartridges20can be attached to the cartridge attaching portion60using three holder units30each of which holds two ink cartridges20as shown inFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5A to 5C, or using two holder units30each of which holds three ink cartridges20.

As described above, with the ink supply system10according to Embodiment 1, at least two ink cartridges20can be fixed to the cartridge attaching portion60using a single holder unit30. Accordingly, a plurality of ink cartridges20do not need to be individually engaged with the cartridge attaching portion60, and a replacement operation can be easily performed. In addition, an engagement structure does not need to be provided for each ink cartridge20, and furthermore, and a terminal portion does not need to be provided in each ink cartridge20since the holder unit30has the terminal portion40. Accordingly, the structure of the ink cartridges20and the cartridge attaching portion60can be simplified, which is advantageous for a size reduction. In addition, the plurality of ink cartridges20, which are separate bodies, can be independently replaced. Accordingly, the ink cartridges do not need to be replaced while some ink remains as in the case of an integrated ink cartridge, and waste of ink can be reduced.

In Embodiment 1, when the plurality of ink cartridges20are attached to the holder unit30, the atmosphere communication port22of each ink cartridge20overlaps the corresponding atmosphere release opening36of the holder unit30. Accordingly, the atmosphere communication port22is not blocked by the holder unit30, and a state where the ink cartridge20is in communication with the atmosphere can be maintained.

In Embodiment 1, the movement of the ink cartridges20in the X direction that is the main scanning direction can be restricted by engaging the recess portions (front recess portion37, rear recess portion38) of the holder unit30with the projection portions (front projection portion23, rear projection portion24) of the ink cartridges20. Accordingly, the ink cartridge20can be positioned in the X direction. Note that a similar effect can also be obtained with a configuration in which the holder unit30is provided with projection portions and each ink cartridge20is provided with recess portions.

FIGS. 6A to 6Care illustrative diagrams schematically showing an ink supply system10A according to Embodiment 2.FIG. 6Ais a cross-sectional view schematically showing a state where the ink supply system10A is attached to a carriage unit520,FIG. 6Bis a perspective view showing an ink cartridge20A as viewed obliquely from above, andFIG. 6Cis a perspective view of the ink cartridge20A as viewed obliquely from below. Hereinafter, the same part as that of the already-described mode will be assigned the same signs and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Only different part will be assigned different signs and will be described. Embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in the mode of the restriction portion for restricting movement of the ink cartridge20A when a plurality of ink cartridges20A are held by a holder unit30A.

The ink supply system10A according to Embodiment 2 includes a plurality of ink cartridges20A, and a holder unit30A that fixes the ink cartridges20A to a cartridge attaching portion60. As shown inFIG. 6B, each ink cartridge20A does not have a front projection portion23and a rear projection portion24formed on side faces of a housing21as in Embodiment 1. Instead, two upper recess portions25and26are formed in a face (upper face) of the housing21that is oriented in the +Z direction. The two upper recess portions25are arranged on the sides of an atmosphere communication port22in the +Y direction and the −Y direction.

The holder unit30A is not provided with front recess portions37in a front wall portion32as in Embodiment 1, and is not provided with rear recess portions38in a rear wall portion33as in Embodiment 1. Instead, the holder unit30A includes upper projection portions39that project downward (−Z direction) from the upper wall portion31. A total of four upper projecting portions39are provided. Namely, two upper projection portions39are provided on the sides of each of the two atmosphere release openings36in the +Y direction and the −Y direction.

Here, it is assumed, as in Embodiment 1, that a direction perpendicular to an abutting face (opening face288: XY plane) in which an ink supply portion280of each ink cartridge20A abuts against a corresponding ink introduction portion640of the holder unit30A is an attaching direction SD (Z direction), and, of the attaching direction SD, a direction that extends from the ink introduction portion640toward the ink supply portion280(i.e., the direction in which the ink cartridge20A is detached: +Z direction) is a first direction, and a direction that extends from the ink supply portion280toward the ink introduction portion640(i.e., the direction in which the ink cartridge20A is attached: −Z direction) is a second direction. At this time, the upper projection portions39project while being oriented in the second direction (−Z direction) from the upper wall portion31of the holder unit30A.

As shown inFIG. 6A, when the plurality of ink cartridges20A are held by the holder unit30A, the upper projection portions39of the holder unit30A engage with the two upper recess portions25of each ink cartridge20A. Thereby, the ink cartridge20A can be positioned in the X direction and the Y direction.

As described above, with the ink supply system10A according to Embodiment 2, the configuration similar to that in Embodiment 1 achieves an effect similar to that of Embodiment 1. In addition, each ink cartridge20A includes recess portions (upper recess portions25) each serving as a first restriction portion that restricts movement of the ink cartridge20A in the X direction that is the main scanning direction of the carriage unit520, and the direction (Y direction) that intersects the attaching direction SD (Z direction) when the ink cartridge20A is held by the holder unit30A to constitute the ink supply system10A. Accordingly, when the plurality of ink cartridges20A are fixed to the carriage unit520using the holder unit30A, movement of each ink cartridge20A in the main scanning direction (X direction) and the direction (Y direction) that intersects the attaching direction SD (Z direction) can be restricted, and the ink cartridge20A can be positioned in these directions.

Note that the number and the shape of first restriction portion according to Embodiment 2 are not limited to the aforementioned number and shape. For example, the recess of the first restriction portion according to Embodiment 2 may be replaced with projection. That is to say, recess portions may be formed in place of the upper projection portions39, and projection portions may be formed in place of the upper recess portions25.

FIGS. 7A to 7Care illustrative diagrams schematically showing an ink supply system110according to Embodiment 3.FIG. 7Ais a plan view of a carriage unit520,FIG. 7Bis a plan view of the ink supply system110, andFIG. 7Cis a plan view showing a state where the ink supply system110is attached to a cartridge attaching portion160of the carriage unit520. The ink supply system110according to Embodiment 3 includes four ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D, and a holder unit130.

The cartridge attaching portion160according to Embodiment 3 is provided with ink introduction portions640, a contact point mechanism70, a first engaging portion66, and two second engaging portions68. The cartridge attaching portion160is configured similarly to the cartridge attaching portion60according to Embodiment 1 except the arrangement of the ink introduction portions640. In the cartridge attaching portion160, four ink introduction portions640are arranged in 2×2 lines, and a total of four cartridge attachment slots are provided.

As shown inFIG. 7B, the ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D are arranged in 2×2 lines so as to correspond to the arrangement of the ink introduction portions640. The ink cartridges120A and120B constitute a line of the 2×2 lines on the side in the −X direction, and are located respectively on the sides in the +Y direction and the −Y direction. The ink cartridges120C and120D constitute a line of the 2×2 lines on the side in the +X direction, and are located respectively on the sides in the +Y direction and the −Y direction. The four ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D each include a rectangular parallelepiped housing. An ink supply portion280is provided in a bottom portion of each housing, and an atmosphere communication port22is open in an upper face of each housing. A front recess portion123is formed in a side face of each housing in the +Y direction, and a rear projection portion124is formed in a side face of each housing in the −Y direction.

As shown inFIG. 7B, the positions of the front recess portions123and the rear projection portions124in the X direction are different among the four ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D. Regarding the ink cartridges that are adjacent in the Y direction (i.e., the ink cartridges120A and120B, and the ink cartridges120C and120D), the positions of the front recess portions123and the rear projection portions124are determined such that the rear projection portion124of the ink cartridge120A engages with the front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120B, and the rear projection portion124of the ink cartridge120C engages with the front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120D.

The holder unit130includes four atmosphere release openings36, two front projection portions137, two rear recess portions138, and a terminal portion40. The atmosphere release openings36are formed at positions overlapping the atmosphere communication ports22of the four ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D. The front projection portions137are formed such that the position and the shape thereof enable the front projection portions137to engage with the front recess portions123of the ink cartridges120A and120C. The rear recess portions138are formed such that the position and the shape thereof enable the rear recess portions138to engage with the rear projection portions124of the ink cartridges120B and120D.

The holder unit130also includes a first engaging projection portion34and two second engaging projection portions35. These engaging projection portions are engaged with the first engaging portion66and the two second engaging portions68of the cartridge attaching portion160, and the attaching of the holder unit130is thereby complete as shown inFIG. 7C.

The front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120A is a first restriction portion that engages with the corresponding front projection portion137of the holder unit130and restricts movement of the ink cartridge120A in the X direction that is the main scanning direction. The front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120B is a second restriction portion that engages with the rear projection portion124of the ink cartridge120A and restricts movement of the ink cartridge120B in the X direction that is the main scanning direction. The rear recess portions138of the holder unit130are third restriction portions, one of which engages with the rear projection portion124of the ink cartridge120B and restricts movement of the ink cartridge120B in the X direction that is the main scanning direction. Regarding the line of the ink cartridges120C and120D, similarly, the ink cartridge120C includes the front recess portion123serving as the first restriction portion, the ink cartridge120D includes the front recess portion123serving as the second restriction portion, and the holder unit130includes the corresponding rear recess portion138serving as the third restriction portion.

In the state where the attaching is complete as shown inFIG. 7C, movement of the four ink cartridges120A to120D in the +Z direction is restricted by the holder unit130, and the ink cartridges120A to120D are fixed to the cartridge attaching portion160. The ink supply portions280of the four ink cartridges120A to120D are connected to the four ink introduction portions640in one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the terminal group71provided in the contact point mechanism70on the side of the cartridge attaching portion160comes into contact with the terminal group42provided in the terminal portion40on the side of the holder unit130.

As described above, in the ink supply system110according to Embodiment 3, the four ink cartridges120A to120D can be covered with the single holder unit130and fixed to the cartridge attaching portion160as in Embodiments 1 and 2. Accordingly, the ink cartridges120A to120D do not need to be individually engaged with the holder unit130, and a replacement operation can be easily performed. In addition, the structure of the ink cartridges120A to120D and the cartridge attaching portion160can be simplified, which is advantageous for a size reduction. Furthermore, the ink cartridges do not need to be replaced while some ink remains, and waste of ink can be reduced. In addition, in Embodiment 3, the ink cartridges can restrict movement thereof among them, and accordingly, the configuration of the holder unit130can be simplified. Accordingly, Embodiment 3 is more advantageous for a size reduction.

In the ink supply system110according to Embodiment 3, the ink cartridge120A and the ink cartridge120B are arranged side-by-side in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction serving as the main scanning direction when these ink cartridges are attached to the carriage unit520, and the movement of the ink cartridges120A and120B in the X direction can be restricted by the above-described first to third restriction portions. Accordingly, even if the force exerted in the main scanning direction (X direction) is applied by sliding of the carriage unit520, it is unlikely that the positions of the ink cartridges120A and120B move in the main scanning direction (X direction). The same applies to the ink cartridges120C and120D.

In addition, in the ink supply system110according to Embodiment 3, when the front recess portions123of the ink cartridges120A and120B and the rear recess portion138of the holder unit130are viewed in a plan view in the Z direction (attaching direction SD), the positions of the front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120A and the front recess portion123of the ink cartridge120B in the main scanning direction (X direction) are different. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the ink cartridges120A and120B from being incorrectly attached. In addition, the positions of the front recess portions123and the rear projection portions124of the four ink cartridges120A,120B,120C, and120D in the X direction are different, and accordingly, it is also possible to prevent the ink cartridges120C and120D from being incorrectly attached.

FIGS. 8A to 8Care illustrative diagrams schematically showing an ink supply system210according to Embodiment 4.FIG. 8Ais a plan view of a carriage unit520,FIG. 8Bis a plan view of the ink supply system210, andFIG. 8Cis a plan view showing a state where the ink supply system210is attached to a cartridge attaching portion260of the carriage unit520. The ink supply system210according to Embodiment 4 includes three ink cartridges220A,220B, and220C, and a holder unit230.

The cartridge attaching portion260according to Embodiment 4 is provided with ink introduction portions640, a contact point mechanism70, a first engaging portion66, and two second engaging portion68. The cartridge attaching portion260is configured similarly to the cartridge attaching portion60according to Embodiment 1 except the arrangement of the ink introduction portions640. In the cartridge attaching portion260, one of the three ink introduction portions640is arranged on the side in the +Y direction, and the other two ink introduction portions640are arranged on the side in the −Y direction.

As shown inFIG. 8B, the ink cartridges220A,220B, and220C are arranged so as to correspond to the arrangement of the ink introduction portions640. The ink cartridge220A is located on the side in the +Y direction, and the ink cartridges220B and220C are arranged on the side in the −Y direction relative to the ink cartridge220A, side-by-side in the X direction. That is to say, the ink cartridges220A and220B are arranged side-by-side in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction (main scanning direction), the ink cartridges220A and220C are arranged side-by-side in the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction (main scanning direction), and the ink cartridges220B and220C are arranged side-by-side in the X direction (main scanning direction). The three ink cartridges220A,220B, and220C each include a rectangular parallelepiped housing. An ink supply portion280is provided in a bottom portion of each housing, and an atmosphere communication port22is open in an upper face of each housing.

The ink cartridge220A includes two front projection portions223formed in a side face of the housing in the +Y direction, and two rear projection portions224formed in a side face of the housing in the −Y direction. The ink cartridges220B and220C have the same shape, and each include a front recess portion225formed in a side face of the housing in the +Y direction, and a rear projection portion226formed in a side face of the housing in the −Y direction. The positions of the front recess portions225and the rear projection portions226in the X direction are different between the two ink cartridges220B and220C. The rear projection portions224of the ink cartridge220A are formed such that the position and the shape thereof enable the rear projection portions224to engage with the front recess portions225of the ink cartridges220B and220C.

The holder unit230includes three atmosphere release openings36, two front recess portions237, two rear recess portions238, and a terminal portion40. The atmosphere release openings36are formed at positions overlapping the atmosphere communication ports22of the three ink cartridges220A,220B, and220C. The front recess portions237are formed such that the position and the shape thereof enable the front recess portions237to engage with the front projection portions223of the ink cartridge220A. The rear recess portions238are formed such that the position and the shape thereof enable the rear recess portions238to engage with the rear projection portions226of the ink cartridges220B and220C.

The holder unit230also includes a first engaging projection portion34and two second engaging projection portions35. These engaging projection portions are engaged with the first engaging portion66and the two second engaging portions68of the cartridge attaching portion260, and the attaching of the holder unit230is thereby complete as shown inFIG. 8C.

The front projection portions223of the ink cartridge220A are first restriction portions that engage with the front recess portions237of the holder unit230and restrict movement of the ink cartridge220A in the X direction that is the main scanning direction. The front recess portions225of the ink cartridges220B and220C are second restriction portions that engage with the rear projection portions224of the ink cartridge220A and restrict movement of the ink cartridges220B and220C in the X direction that is the main scanning direction. The rear recess portions238of the holder unit230are third restriction portions that engage with the rear projection portions226of the ink cartridges220B and220C and restrict movement of the ink cartridges220B and220C in the X direction that is the main scanning direction.

In the state where the attaching is complete as shown inFIG. 8C, movement of the three ink cartridges220A to220C in the +Z direction is restricted by the holder unit230, and the ink cartridges220A to220C are fixed to the cartridge attaching portion260. The ink supply portions280of the three ink cartridges220A to220C are connected to the three ink introduction portions640in one-to-one correspondence. Furthermore, the terminal group71provided in the contact point mechanism70on the side of the cartridge attaching portion260comes into contact with the terminal group42provided in the terminal portion40on the side of the holder unit130.

As described above, in the ink supply system210according to Embodiment 4, the three ink cartridges220A to220C can be fixed to the cartridge attaching portion260using a single holder unit230as in Embodiments 1 to 3. Accordingly, the ink cartridges220A to220C do not need to be individually engaged with the cartridge attaching portion260, and a replacement operation can be easily performed. In addition, the structure of the ink cartridges220A to220C and the cartridge attaching portion260can be simplified, which is advantageous for a size reduction. Furthermore, the ink cartridges do not need to be replaced while some ink remains, and waste of ink can be reduced.

In the ink supply system210according to Embodiment 4, two of the three ink cartridges220A to220C are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, and the remaining one is laterally arranged on the side in the +Y direction. With this configuration, the three ink cartridges220A to220C can be arranged in a space-saving manner, and an efficient arrangement can be achieved. In addition, the ink cartridges can restrict movement thereof among them as in Embodiment 3, and accordingly, the configuration of the holder unit230can be simplified. Accordingly, Embodiment 4 is advantageous for a size reduction.

In the ink supply system210according to Embodiment 4, when forming recess portions and projection portions as the restriction portions in the ink cartridges220A to220C, in the case of forming recess portions as the restriction portions, these recess portions are formed in a side face on the short side, which is a face separate from the corresponding ink supply portion280. Specifically, the front recess portions225serving as the second restriction portions are formed in the faces of the ink cartridges220B and220C in the +Y direction that are the short sides, at a portion where the ink cartridges220A and220B engage with each other and at a portion where the ink cartridges220A and220C engage with each other, and the rear projection portions224that engage with the front recess portions225are formed in the face of the ink cartridge220A on the side in the −Y direction that is the long side. Thus forming the recesses and projections at positions separate from the ink supply portions280can reduce influence on an ink flow within the ink cartridges, which is also advantageous.

FIG. 9is an illustrative diagram schematically showing an ink supply system300according to Embodiment 5. The ink supply system300, which serves as a liquid supply system, includes a plurality of ink cartridges20, a holder unit330, a plurality of external tanks301(liquid containers) that contain ink, and a plurality of flexible tubes302(first liquid supply tubes) connecting the plurality of ink cartridges20to the plurality of external tanks301in one-to-one correspondence. The external tanks301are installed outside the printer500. For example, a stationary tank holder may be installed outside the printer500, and the external tanks301may be set in this tank holder. The flexible tubes302are connected to the ink cartridges20through an opening331provided in an upper face of the holder unit330.

In the ink supply system300, ink in the external tanks301can be supplied to the corresponding ink cartridges20via the flexible tubes302. Accordingly, by fixing the ink cartridges20in the ink supply system300to the cartridge attaching portion60in the printer500using the holder unit330, it is possible to supply the ink in the external tanks301to the ink introduction portions640in the cartridge attaching portion60via the ink cartridges20and perform printing with the printer500. In this mode, the ink cartridges20do not need to be replaced when ink runs short, and the external tanks301need only be replaced, or the ink need only be supplied to the external tanks301. Accordingly, the size of the ink cartridges20can be reduced. Note that some of the plurality of ink cartridges20can be connected to the external tanks301using the flexible tubes302.

OTHER MODES

The configurations in the above-described modes may be combined as appropriate in accordance with the purpose or usage. The invention is applicable not only to inkjet printers and ink cartridges thereof, but also to various liquid ejection apparatuses that eject various kinds of liquid including ink and liquid supply systems to be attached to and detached from carriage units of the liquid ejection apparatuses. For example, the invention is applicable to image forming apparatuses such as facsimiles. Here, ink includes general water-based ink and oil-based ink, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel ink and hot melt-ink. The invention is also applicable to liquid supply systems used in apparatuses that eject color materials used in manufacturing of color filters, apparatuses that eject electrode materials, apparatuses that eject various samples, apparatuses that eject lubricating oil, apparatuses that eject resin liquid, apparatus that eject etching liquid, and the like.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-243732 filed on Dec. 2, 2014, is expressly incorporated by reference herein.