Patent ID: 12257843

In the following, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the embodiment which is to be explained below is merely an example of the present disclosure; it is needless to say that the embodiment can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present disclosure. Further, an up-down direction z1is defined, with a posture in which a MFP100is installed usably in a horizontal plane (a posture ofFIG.1, also referred to as a “usage posture”), as the reference; a front-rear direction y1is defined, with a side on which an opening1B of the MFP100is provided is defined as a front side (front surface); and a left-right direction x1is defined, with the MFP100as seen from the front side (front surface). In the present embodiment, in the usable posture, the up-down direction z1is the vertical direction, the front-rear direction y1and the left-right direction x1are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the front-rear direction y1and the left-right direction x1are orthogonal to each other.

Configuration of MFP100

InFIG.1, the MFP100is a multi-functional peripheral, and is provided with a casing1, a casing cover2and a printer part3. The MFP100is an example of a “liquid consuming apparatus” and is a part of a liquid supplying apparatus.

The casing1has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and partitions an internal space1A (seeFIG.1B) of the MFP100from the outside. An upper end of the internal space1A is an opening which is oriented upward. An opening1B which is oriented frontward is formed in the front surface11of the casing1, at a location in the vicinity to the center in the left-right direction x1. The opening1B has a rectangular shape as seen in a plan view from the front, and is communicated with the internal space1A.

The casing cover2is coupled or linked to the casing1, at a location in the vicinity to an upper rear corner of the casing1, with a coupling tool21(seeFIG.1B); the casing cover2rotates or pivots between a shielding position P11(seeFIG.1A) and an exposing position P12(seeFIG.1B) about the rotation axis of the coupling tool21. At the shielding position P11, the casing cover2shields constituent components (seeFIG.1B) in the internal space1A. The constituent components include a tank set31, a recording part32, etc. At the exposing position P12, the casing cover2exposes these constituent components to the outside.

The casing cover2may accommodate, in the inside thereof, a scanner part configured to optically read a manuscript (original). Other than this, the MFP100may have a facsimile function, etc.

InFIG.2, other than the tank set31and the recording part32(seeFIG.1B), the printer part3is provided with, in the internal space1A, a supply tray33, a discharge tray34, a conveying route35, a feeding roller part36, a conveying roller part37, a discharging roller part38and a platen39, and records an image on a sheet S (paper sheet S, paper S; seeFIG.2) in the ink-jet recording system.

The supply tray33and the discharge tray34are installed in the internal space1A via the opening1B (seeFIGS.1A and1B). A plurality of pieces of the sheet S are stacked in the supply tray33. The discharge tray34is positioned above the supply tray33, and supports a sheet S on which an image is recorded. The conveying route35is indicated inFIG.2by an arrow of a one-dot chain line, and has a curve part351and a straight line (linear) part352. The curved part351makes a U-turn frontward while extending upward from a rear end of the supply tray33. The straight line part352extends frontward linearly from a downstream end of the curved part351and reaches a rear end of the discharge tray34.

The feeding roller part36feeds, one by one, the sheets S on the supply tray33to an upstream end of the curved part351. The conveying roller part37is located at a downstream end of the curved part351, and feeds the sheet S conveyed by the curved part351toward the straight line part352in a conveying orientation y2. The conveying orientation y2is frontward in the straight line part352. The discharging roller part38is located immediately behind (on the rear side) of the discharge tray34in the straight line part352, and discharges the sheet S conveyed in the straight line part352to the discharge tray34.

The platen39is positioned, in the straight line part352, between the conveying roller part37and the discharging roller part38, and supports the sheet S, which is fed out from the conveying roller part37, from therebelow. The recording part32is positioned above the platen39, and is provided with a carriage321and a recording head322. The carriage321moves in a reciprocal manner in a main scanning direction x2which is parallel to the left-right direction x1. The recording head322is mounted on the carriage321so that a lower surface of the recording head322faces or is opposite to an upper surface of the platen39, via the straight line part352. A plurality of nozzles323are aligned, in the front-rear direction y1and the left-right direction x1, in the lower surface of the recording head322. The recording head322discharges or ejects inks of four colors (four color inks) stored inside the recording head322, from the plurality of nozzles323. The ink(s) is (are) an example of a “liquid”. The four colors are Y color (yellow), M color (magenta), C color (cyan) and K color (black). The recording head322discharges the ink(s) from the plurality of nozzles323toward the sheet S stopped on the platen39while moving together with the carriage321in the main scanning direction x2at a constant speed. With this, an image corresponding to one pass is recorded on the sheet S. In a case that recording of the image corresponding to one pass is ended, the sheet S is conveyed in the conveying orientation y2by a width corresponding to a unit line feed by an intermittent conveyance by the conveying roller part37. This image recording and the intermittent conveyance are alternately repeated to thereby record an image on the entirety of the sheet S.

Tank Set31

InFIGS.3A and3B, the tank set31is provided with four tanks4A to4D, two holding members51A and51B, four caps6A to6D, and two tank covers52A and52B. InFIG.3B, the holding members51A and51B, the caps6A to6D and the tank covers52A and52B are not illustrated.

The tanks4A to4D are installed at a location immediately behind the front surface11. The tank4A is positioned on the left side with respect to the supply tray33. The tanks4B to4D are positioned on the right side with respect to the supply tray33, and are arranged side by side from the left to the right, in an order of the tank4B, the tank4C and the tank4D.

Tank4A

The tank4A is an example of a “tank”, and is provided with a body41. The body41has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape of which size in the left-right direction x1is smaller than a size thereof in the up-down direction z1and a size thereof in the front-rear direction y1. The body41partitions a storing chamber47(seeFIG.4B) configured to store the ink of the K color from the outside. The body41is formed of an injection molding of a resin material having a light-translucency, etc., except for a side surface, of the body41, on one side in the left-right direction x1thereof. The side surface on the one side in the left-right direction x1is closed or sealed by a resin film which is thinner than other parts different from the side surface on the one side in the left-right direction x1.

As depicted inFIG.3B, one end of one of tubes42made of a flexible resin is connected to a location, of the body41, in the vicinity of the rear end of the body41. The other end of one of the respective tubes42is connected to the recording head322. In accordance with consumption of the ink inside the recording head322, the ink inside the body41is supplied to the recording head322via one of the tubes42. An atmosphere communicating hole is also formed at a location, of the body41, in the vicinity of the rear end of the body41.

InFIG.4A, the body41has an upper surface43which is parallel to a horizontal plane. A needle44(an example of a “communicating tube”), a projecting wall45and a receiver key member46are integrally provided on the upper surface43.

The needle44is a member which has a shape of a circular pipe and which is elongated in the up-down direction z1. An outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface of the needle44share an axis Ax1which is parallel to the up-down direction z1. The needle44extends upward perpendicularly from the upper surface43, and extends also downward perpendicularly with respect to the upper surface43and toward the inside of the storing chamber47. An upper end of the needle44is located above the receiver key member46. A lower end of the needle44is located above a bottom surface47A of the storing chamber47, as depicted inFIG.9B. InFIGS.4A and4B, the needle44has two channels441and442, and a partition wall443. The two channels441and442extend downward linearly from a location, in the needle44, which is lower to some extent from the upper end of the needle44, toward the storing chamber47of the body41. An upper end of each of the channels441and442is released upward, and a lower end of each of the channels441and442is released downward. The channels441and442are partitioned with respect to each other by the partition wall443which expands in the up-down direction z1and the left-right direction x1in an entire area between the upper end and the lower end of the needle44. The partition wall443extends up to a location above the channels441and442. The channel441extends up to a location below the channel442. An opening in the upper end of the channel441is an example of an “inlet port”. The channels441and442are examples of a “first channel” and a “second channel”, respectively.

InFIG.4A, the projecting wall45has curved plates71and72and connecting plates73and74so as to define an area which is elliptic in a plan view thereabove (hereinafter referred also to as a “first plan view”) in the upper surface43. The projecting wall45projects from the upper surface43upward only by a distance Dz1(seeFIG.4B). The distance Dz1is an example of a “second distance”. A projecting end surface (namely, an upper end surface) of the projecting wall45is parallel to the upper surface43.

The curved plates71and72face each other and are apart from each other in the front-rear direction y1with the needle44being interposed therebetween. Each of the curved plates71and72is substantially semi-cylindrically shaped in the first plan view. Inner circumferential surfaces of the curved plates71and72are each circular-arc shaped, while being rotationally moved approximately 180 degrees from each other about the axis Ax1. The curved plate71is positioned in front of the curved plate72and swells or protrudes frontward.

The connecting plates73and74face each other and are apart from each other in the left-right direction x1with the needle44being interposed therebetween. A right side surface of the connecting plate73and a left side surface of the connecting plate74face each other and are apart from each other in the left-right direction x1with the needle44being interposed therebetween, and are symmetrically shaped to each other, with a virtual plane including the axis Ax1and parallel to the up-down direction z1and the front-rear direction y1as the reference. Each of the right side surface of the connecting plate73and the left side surface of the connecting plate74is substantially rectangular-shaped which is elongated in the front-rear direction y1. A distance in the left-right direction x1between the connecting plates73and74is not less than the diameter of an outer circumferential surface853(seeFIG.6B) of a circular wall85(which will be described later on), as appreciated also fromFIG.9A. The connecting plate73connects or links left ends, respectively, of the curved plates71and72to each other, and the connecting plate74connects or links right ends, respectively, of the curved plates71and72to each other.

The receiver key member46projects upward in the upper surface43, perpendicularly between the needle44and the projecting wall45. The receiver key member46partitions or defines a key hole48(an example of a “tank recessed part”) which is released upward, together with the upper surface43and the projecting wall45. Although the key hole48is in conformity to a key member88(seeFIG.6B) formed in the liquid container200A, the key hole48is not in conformity to a key member of each of the liquid containers200B to200D different from the liquid container200A. The receiver key member46includes a base part461and ribs462to4610.

The base part461is substantially cylindrical shape or substantially ringed shape in the first plan view (seeFIG.4A), and projects from the upper surface43perpendicularly up to a location below the distance Dz1(seeFIG.4B). The diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the base part461is not less than the inner diameter of a circular flat surface862B (seeFIG.6B) and less than the outer diameter of the circular flat surface862B. The diameter of the outer circumferential surface of the base part461is substantially same as the outer diameter of the circular flat surface862B. The upper surface of the base part461is parallel to the upper surface43and is oriented upward, and serves as a contact surface461A with which the circular flat surface862B is brought into contact at the time of ink replenishment.

Each of the ribs462and463extends linearly in the left-right direction x2between the needle44and the connecting plate73. In each of the ribs462and463, a part near to a right end thereof projects upward perpendicularly from the contact surface461A, and another part different from the part near to right end projects upward perpendicularly from the upper surface43. Each of the ribs462and463are apart from the needle44leftward, and are apart from the connecting plate73rightward. The ribs462and463are symmetrically shaped to each other, with a virtual plane including the axis Ax1and parallel to the up-down direction z1and the left-right direction x1as the reference; and the ribs462and463are positioned with a gap which is substantially constant in the front-rear direction y1therebetween.

The ribs464and465have shapes, respectively, which are obtained by rotationally moving the ribs462and463, respectively, about the axis Ax1by approximately 180 degrees only.

A rib466extends linearly in the front-rear direction y1between the needle44and the curved plate72. In the rib466, a part near to a front end thereof projects upward perpendicularly from the contact surface461A, and another part different from the part near to the front end projects upward perpendicularly from the upper surface43. The rib466is apart from the needle44rearward, and is apart from the curved plate72frontward. The rib466is positioned at a location which is intermediate between the ribs463and464in a circumferential direction θ1of the axis Ax1. The width in the left-right direction x1of the rib466is substantially constant over an entire area thereof in the front-rear direction y1.

A rib467is substantially semi-cylindrical shaped in the first plan view, and projects upward perpendicularly from the upper surface43. The rib467is positioned at a substantially intermediate location between the needle44and the curved surface71in a radial direction r1of the axis Ax1. The rib467extends substantially parallel to the curved plate71along the outer circumferential surface of the base part461, within a range between both inner ends, respectively, of the ribs462and465, in the circumferential direction θ1. The term “inner end” is an end in an orientation r12approaching toward the axis Ax1in the radial direction r1(hereinafter referred also to as an “inward orientation” r12).

Upper end surfaces, respectively, of the ribs462and467are flush with one another, and are located above the projecting wall45. The term “flush” means that there is no difference in height, and is parallel.

Each of ribs468and469has a substantially quarter-cylindrical shape which is coaxial with the axis Ax1in the first plan view, and projects upward perpendicularly from the upper surface43. An upper end surface of each of the ribs468and469is parallel with respect to the horizontal plane over an entire area thereof in the circumferential direction θ1. The ribs468and469are positioned, in the radial direction r1, at a substantially intermediate location between the curved plate72and the base part461. The rib468extends substantially parallel to the base part461and the curved plate72in the circumferential direction θ1at a location between both outer ends, respectively, of the ribs463and466. The rib469extends substantially parallel to the base part461and the curved plate72in the circumferential direction θ1at a location between both outer ends, respectively, of the ribs466and464. The term “outer end” is an end in an orientation r11which is opposite to the inward orientation r12(hereinafter referred also to as an “outward orientation” r11). InFIG.4A, an example of each of the radial direction r1, the outward orientation r11and the inward orientation r12.

The upper end surface of the rib468is flush with the upper end surface of the rib463within a range of an angle Dθ1from the rib463in the circumferential direction θ1. The upper end of the rib468is positioned at a location which is lower than the upper end surface of the rib463and is positioned above the contact surface461A in the up-down direction z1outside the range of the angle Dθ1. Namely, a cutout468A is formed in the rib468outside the range of the angle Dθ1.

The upper end surface of the rib469is flush with the upper end surface of the rib466within a range of an angle Dθ2from the rib466in the circumferential direction θ1. The upper end surface of the rib469is positioned at a location which is lower than the upper end surface of the rib466and is positioned above the contact surface461A in the up-down direction z1outside the range of the angle Dθ2. Namely, a cutout469A is formed in the rib469outside the range of the angle Dθ2.

The rib4610projects outward in the outward orientation r11on the outer circumferential surface of the rib467, from a position which is apart from the rib465only by an angle Dθ3in the circumferential direction θ1. A projecting end of the rib4610is apart from the curved plate71in the inward orientation r12. The rib4610extends perpendicularly from the upper surface43up to a position below the upper end surface of the rib467.

Although the rib4610projects outward in the outward orientation r11on the outer circumferential surface of the rib467, from the position which is apart from the rib465only by the angle Dθ3in the circumferential direction θ1, the rib4610is inclined with respect to the front-rear direction y1. An outer end of the rib4610is apart from the curved plate71in the inward orientation r12. An upper end surface of the rib4610is parallel to the upper end surface of the rib467, at a location below the upper end surface of the rib467. The width in the circumferential direction θ1of the rib4610is substantially constant over the entire area thereof in the radial direction r1.

Inner ends, respectively, of the ribs462to466and an inner circumferential surface of the rib467define, together with the outer circumferential surface of the needle44and the contact surface461A, the outer shape of a cylindrical space46A which is opened upward. At a time of ink replenishment, a small diameter part862having a cylindrical shape (seeFIG.6B) is inserted to the cylindrical space46A.

The upper surface43, the outer circumferential surface of the needle44, and the inner circumferential surface of the base part461define a circular space46B. The circular space46B is circular in the first plan view, and is recessed downward with respect to the contact surface461A in the surrounding of the needle44. A circular flat surface862C and a circular inclined surface862D in the small diameter part862(seeFIG.6B) enter into the circular space46B, at a time of ink replenishment.

Facing surfaces, respectively, of the ribs463and466in the circumferential direction θ1, the inner circumferential surface of the rib468, the outer circumferential surface of the base part461and the upper surface43define a partially circular space46C. Facing surfaces, respectively, of the ribs466and464in the circumferential direction θ1, the inner circumferential surface of the rib469, the outer circumferential surface of the base part461and the upper surface43define a partially circular space46D. Each of the partially circular spaces46C and46D has a substantially quarter-circular shape in the first plan view, and is recessed downward from the contact surface461A.

The upper surface43, the inner circumferential surface of the projecting wall45and the ribs462to4610define an external space46E. A part in the vicinity of the forward end part of the circular wall85(seeFIGS.6A and6B) is positioned in the external space46E at the time of ink replenishment. The external space46E communicates with the circular space46A via a gap between the ribs462and463and a gap between the ribs464and465.

Tanks4B to4D

InFIGS.3A and3B, each of the tanks4B to4D is another example of the “tank”, and is provided with a body which is configured similarly to the body41, except for the following points. In the body of each of the tanks4B to4D, a receiver key member having a function similar to that of the receiver key member46is formed. The receiver key member of each of the tanks4B to4D defines a key hole opened upward by a combination of a plurality of ribs, together with an upper surface and a projecting wall. The respective receiver key members of the tanks4B to4D have three-dimensional shapes which are mutually different among the tanks4B to4D, and which are also different from that of the receiver key member46of the tank4A. The three-dimensional shape of each of the receiver key members is determined by the sizes and/or positions in the left-right direction x1, the front-rear direction y1and the up-down direction z1of the respective ribs, or by the number (quantity) of the ribs. The bodies of the respective tanks4B,4C and4D are different from the body41in view of a point of storing the inks of C color, M color and Y color, respectively. The bodies of the respective tanks4B to4D may also be different from the body41in view of the volume of the ink.

Holding Members51A,51B

InFIG.3A, the holding member51A covers the upper surface43(seeFIG.4A) of the body41. The holding member51A is formed with a through hole511(seeFIG.5A) through which the projecting wall45and the needle44(seeFIG.4A) are inserted. The holding member51B collectively covers the upper surfaces of the tanks4B to4D (seeFIG.3B). The holding member51B is formed with through holes511B to511D (seeFIG.5A). Cylindrical walls and needles possessed by the tanks4B to4D are inserted through the through holes511B and511D, respectively.

A bearing53A is provided on the holder member51A, at a location behind the through hole511A. Bearings53B to53D are provided on the holder member51B, each at a location behind one of the through holes511B to511D. Each of the bearings53A to53D has the rotation axis which is parallel to the left-right direction x1, and supports one of the caps6A to6D between a closing position P21(seeFIG.3A) and an opening position P22(seeFIG.5A), rotatably about the rotation axis of one of the bearings53A to53D.

Caps6A to6D

InFIGS.3A and3BandFIGS.5A and5B, the cap6A has a rubber part61A and an arm part62A. The rubber part61A has a cylindrical shape of which diameter is greater than that of the needle44(seeFIGS.4A and4B), and has a hole through which the needle44is inserted. Note thatFIG.5Adoes not illustrate the needle44, for the sake of convenience. The arm part62A is formed of a resin material which is harder than that forming the rubber part61A, and has an elongated stick or bar-like shape. The rubber part61A is attached to one end of the arm part62A. The other end of the arm part62A is provided with a rotation shaft through which the bearing53A is inserted.

As depicted inFIG.3A, in a case that the cap6A is at the closing position P21, the arm part62A extends frontward from the bearing53A, and the rubber part61A fits (is inserted) into the key hole48via the through hole511A of the holding member51A. In this situation, the needle44is inserted into the hole of the rubber part61A. Note that for the sake of convenience,FIG.5Adoes not illustrate the needle44and the key hole48. With this, any leaking and/or drying of the ink inside the body41is/are prevented. The opening position P22is a position which is rotated, from the closing position P21, at an angle approximately in a range of 90 degrees to 100 degrees about the rotation axis of the bearing53A.

Although the caps6B to6D have a similar configuration to that of the cap6A, the caps6B to6D are different from the cap6A in view of that each of the caps6B to6D loosely fits to the key hole provided on one of the liquid containers200B to200D (seeFIG.3B, etc.) via one of through holes511B to511D of the holding member51B.

Tank Covers52A,52B

In a case that the casing cover2is at the exposing position P12(seeFIG.1B), each of the tank covers52A and52B is rotatable (pivotable), about the rotation axis located on the rear side of one of the bearings53A to53D, between a covering position P31and an exposing position P32(seeFIG.3A). In a case that the tank cover52A is at the covering position P31, the tank cover52A covers the holding member51A, the cap6A and the bearing53A from thereabove. In a case that the tank cover52B is at the covering position P31, the tank cover52B covers the holding member51B, the caps6B to6D and the bearings53B to53D from thereabove. The exposing position P32is a position which is rotated, from the covering position P31, at an angle approximately in a range of 90 degrees to 100 degrees about the rotation axis of each of the tank cover52A and the tank cover52B.

Liquid Containers200A to200D

As depicted inFIG.5B, in the MFP100(seeFIGS.1A and1B), for example, four liquid containers200A to200D are used for replenishing the tanks4A to4D with the inks, respectively. The liquid containers200A to200D are a remaining part of the liquid supplying apparatus. Note that inFIG.5B, the liquid container200A is illustrated to be greater than the liquid containers200B to200D, for the sake of convenience. The liquid container200A stores a replenishing ink for the tank4A (the ink of K color). The liquid container200A is provided with a main body8and a container cap9. The liquid container200A is an example of a “liquid storing bottle”, and the container cap9is an example of a “cap”.

Main Body8

InFIG.6A, the main body8has a bottom part81, a trunk part82, a shoulder part83, a base part84, a circular wall85and a neck part86.

Bottom Part81

The bottom part81is a flat part of a bottom wall which has a substantially disc-shape. A posture assumed by the main body8in a case that the bottom part81is brought into contact with a horizontal plane300(seeFIG.5B) to thereby place the main body8on the horizontal plane300is referred to as a “placement posture”. In the following explanation, unless otherwise noted, the posture of the main body8is the placement posture. A virtual line passing through the center of the bottom part81and orthogonal to the bottom part81is defined as an “axis Ax2”. In an axial direction z2in which the axis Ax2extends, an orientation from the bottom part81toward the neck part86is also referred to as a separating orientation z21, and an orientation reverses to the separating orientation is also referred to as an approaching orientation z22. In a radial direction r1of the axis Ax2, an orientation approaching toward the axis Ax2is also referred to as an inward orientation r21, and an orientation reverse to the inward orientation r21is also referred to as an outward orientation r22.FIGS.5A,5B,6A and6Bdepict only an example of each of the radial direction r2, the inward orientation r21and the outward orientation r22.

Trunk Part82, Shoulder Part83

The trunk part82is a wall which has a substantially cylindrical shape extending from an outer edge of the bottom part81in the separating orientation z21. The shoulder part83is a wall which extends from an extending end of the trunk part82in the inward orientation r21. The shoulder part83is inclined with respect to the radial direction r2of the axis Ax2so as to further apart from the bottom part81as approaching closer to the axis Ax2. An extending end of the shoulder part83is away (apart) from the axis Ax2in the outward orientation r22, and has a circular shape in a plan view from the approaching orientation z22(hereinafter also referred to as a “second plan view”).

Base Part84

The base part84has a side wall and an upper wall. The side wall projects from the extending end of the shoulder part83in the separating orientation z21(namely, upward) and has a substantially cylindrical shape which is substantially coaxial with the axis Ax2. The upper wall projects from the projecting end (namely, the upper end) of the side wall of the base part84in the inner orientation r21and has a substantially ringed shape in the second plan view. In an upper wall of the base part84, an upper surface841(an example of an “upper surface”) defines an upper end of the base part84, and is a surface parallel to the bottom part81.

Storing Chamber87

As depicted inFIGS.7A and7B, the main body8has a space which is defined by the bottom part81, the trunk part82, the shoulder part83and the base part84, as a storing chamber87. The ink of the K color which is to be supplied to the tank4A and with which the tank4A is to be replenished is stored in the storing chamber87. The storing chamber87is an example of an “internal space” of the bottle body.

Circular Wall85

InFIGS.6A,6B,7A and7B, the circular wall85has a bottomed cylindrical shape which is coaxial with the axis Ax2. In the circular wall85, an end in the approaching orientation z22is sealed (seeFIG.7A) so as to form a bottom surface851which is ring-shaped (which has an annular shape) in the second plan view. The bottom surface851is a surface which is positioned in the separating orientation z21with respect to the upper surface841, which is parallel to the upper surface841and which is oriented (faces) upward. The circular wall85projects in the separating orientation z21from an outer edge of the bottom surface851, and extends up to a position which is apart, with the upper surface841as the reference, only by a distance Dz2(an example of a “first size”) in the separating orientation r21(seeFIG.4B). The distance Dz2is longer than the distance Dz1. The separating orientation r21is upward in the placement posture. The circular wall85has an end surface852at an end thereof in the separating orientation z21. The end surface852is ring-shaped in the second plan view, and expands parallel to the upper surface841. The end surface852surrounds an opening in the separating orientation z21of the circular wall85. A width in the radial direction r2of the circular wall85is substantially constant over the entire area thereof in a circumferential direction θ2, and is not more than a distance in the left-right direction x1between the rib462and the connecting plate73(seeFIG.4A). With the above-described configuration, the circular wall85is insertable to a space between the receiver key member46and the projecting wall45in the external space46E (seeFIG.4A), and the end surface852is capable of making contact with the upper surface43in the external space46E (seeFIG.4A).

Neck Part86

InFIGS.6A,6B,7A and7B, the neck part86is an example of a “nozzle”, and has a large diameter part861and a small diameter part862.

The large diameter part861is a substantially cylindrical body having an outer circumference surface861A and a circular flat surface861B. The outer circumferential surface861A extends from the bottom surface851in the separating orientation z21, and projects up to a location above the upper surface841. The outer circumferential surface861A is apart from the circular wall85in the inward orientation r21over the entire area thereof in the circumferential direction θ2. The circular flat surface861B extends from the projecting end of the outer circumferential surface861A in the inward orientation r21by a substantially constant distance. The circular flat surface861B is ring shaped in the second flat view, and is substantially parallel to the upper surface841.

The small diameter part862is a substantially cylindrical body having an outer circumference surface862A, circular flat surfaces862B,862C and a circular inclined surface862D. The outer circumferential surface862A extends from an inner edge of the circular flat surface861B in the separating orientation z21, and has a diameter smaller than that of the outer circumferential surface861A. The circular flat surface862B is ring-shaped in the second plan view, and extends from a projecting end of the outer circumferential surface862A in the inward orientation r21by a substantially constant distance and substantially in parallel to the upper surface841. The circular flat surface862C is a forward end surface in the separating orientation z21of the neck part86, and is ring-shaped in the second plan view. The circular flat surface862C is an example of a “forward end surface”, and is connected to the circular flat surface862B via the circular inclined surface862D at a position which is apart from the circular flat surface862B in the inward orientation r21and in the separating orientation z21.

The neck part86defines a channel862F via which the ink stored in the storing chamber87passes. As depicted inFIGS.7A and7B, the channel862F is continuous to the storing chamber87at an end in the approaching orientation z22of the channel862F, and is continuous to an outflow port862E (an example of an “opening”) which is formed in the circular flat surface862C, at an end in the separating orientation z21of the channel862F. In the channel862F, a part surrounded by the large diameter part861has a diameter larger than a diameter of a part, of the channel862F, which is surrounded by the small diameter part862(seeFIG.7B). The outflow port862E is circular shaped (round shaped) in the second plan view. The outflow port862E has a diameter which is slightly larger than the needle44(seeFIGS.4A and4B), and allows the ink flowing through the channel862F to flow to the outside of the liquid container200A.

In the present embodiment, the outer circumferential surfaces861A and862A, the circular flat surfaces861B,862B and862C, the circular inclined surface862D and the outflow port862E are coaxial with the axis Ax2. However, the present embodiment is not limited to or restricted by this; it is allowable that the axis of at least one of the outer circumferential surfaces861A and862A, the circular flat surfaces861B,862B and862C, the circular inclined surface862D and the outflow port862E is not coaxial with the axis Ax2. In the present embodiment, the outflow port862E is round shaped in the second plan view. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this; the outflow port862E may have a shape which is different from the round shape in the second plan view.

Relationship Between Circular Wall85and Neck Part86

InFIGS.7A and7B, the circular wall85is positioned in the surrounding of the neck part86, with a spacing distance from the neck part86in the outward orientation r22, and defines a cylindrical space86A between the circular wall85and the neck part86. In the separating orientation z21, a forward end of the circular wall85is apart from the bottom part81farther than the forward end of the neck part86. In the placement posture, the forward end (namely, the upper end) of the circular wall85is positioned above the circular flat surface862B (namely, the forward end surface) of the neck part86.

Key Member88, First Rib881, Second Rib882and Third Rib883

InFIG.6B, the main body8is further provided with a key member88. The key member88projects perpendicularly from the upper surface841, the bottom surface851and the circular flat surface861B in the separating orientation z21, at a position between the circular wall85and the small diameter part862. In the placement posture, an upper end of the key member88is closer to the upper surface841than the upper end of the circular wall85. The key member88includes a first rib881, a second rib882and a third rib883which are in conformity to or are loosely in conformity to the receiver key member46.

The first rib881connects to each of the small diameter part862and the circular wall85. As the first rib881, three first ribs881A to881C are exemplified inFIG.6B. Each of the first ribs881A to881C projects perpendicularly from the bottom surface851and the circular flat surface861B in the separating orientation z21. An inner end and an outer end of each of the first ribs881A to881C are integral, respectively, to the small diameter part862and the circular wall85. A projecting end of each of the first ribs881A to881C expands, in the axial direction z2, substantially parallel to the upper surface841at a position closer to the end surface852of the circular wall85than the circular flat surface861B.

The first ribs881A and881B have shapes, respectively, which are rotationally moved from each other by approximately 180 degrees in the circumferential direction η2of the axis Ax2. The projecting end surface of each of the first ribs881A and881B is flush with the circular flat surface862B. At the time of ink replenishment, the first rib881A has a size which is insertable to a gap between the ribs464and465(seeFIG.4A) from thereabove; and the first rib881B has a size which is insertable to a gap between the ribs462and463(seeFIG.4A) from thereabove.

The first rib881C is apart only by an angle Dθ4in an orientation θ21in the clockwise orientation in the circumferential direction θ2, with the first rib881A as the reference, in the second plan view. The angle Dθ4is greater than angles Dθ5angle Dθ6which will be described later on. A projecting end surface of the first rib881C is positioned, in the axial direction z2, to a slight extent in the approaching orientation z22with respect to the circular flat surface862B, and defines a stepped part (a difference in height) with respect to the circular flat surface862B. The first rib881C has a size fittable to the cutout468A (seeFIG.4A) from thereabove at the time of ink replenishment.

Although the second rib882connects to the small diameter part862, the second rib882does not connect to the circular wall85. InFIG.6B, one piece of a second rib882A is exemplified as the second rib882. The second rib882A extends linearly, in the second plan view, in the outward orientation r22along the circular flat surface861B from a position, in the outer circumference surface862A, which is apart only by an angle Dθ5(see The.8A) in the orientation θ21, with the first rib881A as the reference. The second rib882A extends linearly, in the second plan view, in the outward orientation r22along the circular flat surface861B also from a position, in the outer circumference surface862A, which is apart only by an angle Dθ6(seeFIG.8A) in the orientation θ21from the first rib881A. The angle Dθ5is greater than 0 (zero), and the angle Dθ6is greater than the angle Dθ5. The second rib882A extends in a circular-arc shape along an outer edge of the circular flat surface861B between the angles Dθ5and Dθ6. Although the respective projecting end surfaces in the separating orientation z21of the second rib882A expand substantially parallel to the upper surface841, the respective projecting end surfaces are positioned in the approaching orientation z22to some extent with respect to the circular flat surface862B, and define a stepped part (difference in height) with respect to the circular flat surface862B. The width of the second rib882A is substantially constant over an entire area in an extending direction in which the second rib882A extends. The second rib882A has a size loosely fittable to the partially circular space46D (seeFIG.4A) at the time of ink replenishment.

Although the third rib883does not connect to the small diameter part862, the third rib882connects to the circular wall85. InFIG.6B, one piece of a third rib883A is exemplified as the third rib883. The third rib883A is positioned in the outward orientation r22to be apart with respect to the small diameter part862. The third rib883A extends in a circular arc shape, in the second plan view, along the outer edge of the circular flat surface861B within a range from an angle Dθ7(seeFIG.8A) up to an angle Dθ8(seeFIG.8A) in a counterclockwise orientation in the circumferential direction θ2, with the first rib881A as the reference. The angle Dθ7is greater than 0 (zero), and the angle Dθ8is greater than the angle Dθ7. The third rib883A extends in the outward orientation r22from the both ends in the circumferential direction θ2toward the circular wall85, and connects to the circular wall85. A projecting end surface in the separating orientation z21of the third rib883A expands parallel to the upper surface841, and is positioned in the approaching orientation z22with respect to the end surface852. The projecting end surface has a stepped part (difference in height) within a range from an angle Dθ9(seeFIG.8A) up to an angle Dθ10(seeFIG.8A) in the orientation θ22, with the first rib881as the reference. The angle Dθ9is greater than the angle Dθ7. The angle Dθ10is greater than the angle Dθ9and is smaller than the angle Dθ8. The width of the third rib883A is substantially constant over an entire area in an extending direction in which the third rib883A extends. The third rib883A has a size loosely fittable to a space between the ribs462and4610in the external space46E, at the time of ink replenishment.

Male Screw854, Recessed Parts855A,855B

InFIGS.6B,7A and7B, the main body8has a male screw854in the outer circumferential wall853of the circular wall85. The male screw854projects in the outward orientation r22from the outer circumferential surface853of the circular wall85. The male screw854has a helical shape which moves in the outer circumferential surface of the circular wall85, in the approaching orientation z22at a position which is apart from the end surface852in the approaching orientation z22only by a distance Dz3(seeFIG.4B), while rotating about the axis Ax2. The distance Dz3is an example of a “third size”, and is longer than the distance Dz1. Recessed part855A and855B (each an example of a “recessed part”) are formed in the male screw854. The recessed part855A is formed by cutting out, in the male screw854, at least a part thereof in the outward orientation r22with respect to the first rib881A. The recessed part855A is recessed toward the first rib881A with respect to a virtual line c1(see a broken line inFIG.6B) which is obtained by virtually extending an apex of the male screw854.

As depicted inFIG.8A, positions which are apart, to some extent, from the first rib881A respectively in the orientation θ21and θ22are defined as positions P41and P42, respectively. Positions which are apart from the positions P41and P41respectively in the orientation θ21and θ22are defined as positions P51and P52, respectively. A line linking the position P41at the foot of the screw thread of the male screw854and the position P51at the apex of the screw thread is defined as a line L11. A line linking the position P42at the foot of the screw thread of the male screw854and the position P52at the apex of the screw thread is defined as a line L12. In the second plan view, by cutting out a part, in the male screw854, which is surrounded by the outer circumferential surface853, the virtual line c1and the lines L11and L12, the recessed part855A is formed.

The recessed part855B has a shape which is obtained by rotating the recessed part855A by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction θ2.

Valve Mechanism88

InFIG.7B, the main body8is further provided with a valve mechanism89in the channel862F. The valve mechanism89has a rubber part891, a supporting member892, a valve body893and a coil spring894.

The rubber part891has a bottomless cylindrical shape, and is inserted into the channel862F so as to be coaxial with the axis Ax2. At the time of insertion, an outer circumferential surface and one end surface of the rubber part891make tight contact with the internal surface of the small diameter part862. An inner circumferential surface of the rubber part891has a diameter which is substantially same as that of the outflow port862E, except for the other end of the inner circumferential surface of the rubber part891. The other end in the inner circumferential surface of the rubber part891projects slightly in both of the inward orientation r21and the approaching orientation z22, thereby making the diameter of the other end of the inner circumferential surface of the rubber part891to be slightly smaller than the outflow port862E and/or the needle44(seeFIGS.4A and4B). A size in the axial direction z2of the rubber part891is shorter than that of the neck part86.

The supporting member892is, for example, an integrated molded item formed of a resin, and is attached to the channel862F so as to bring the rubber part891into tight contact with the small diameter part862. The supporting member892has four side parts892A and a bottom part892B. For the sake of convenience, only three side parts892A are depicted inFIG.7B. Each of the side parts892A is fixed in the inner circumferential surface of the small diameter part862, at a position in the approaching orientation z22with respect to the rubber part891. A forward end of each of the side parts892A makes contact with the other end surface of the rubber part891. The respective side parts892A are arranged side by side with equal spacing distances in the circumferential direction θ2; each of the side parts892A extends from a forward end thereof toward the storing chamber87, along the inner circumferential surface of the small diameter part862. As appreciated fromFIG.9B, the bottom part892B is cross-shaped in the second plan view, and extends from a position which is apart from the other end surface of the rubber part891in the approaching orientation z22and which is in the vicinity of the axis Ax2, radially toward the ends in the approaching orientation z22, respectively, of the side parts892A, and is linked or connected to the ends of the respective side parts892A. The respective side parts892A and the bottom part892B of the supporting member892define or demarcates an accommodating space. The accommodating space is substantially cylindrical shaped, and accommodates the valve body893and the coil spring894therein.

The valve body893and the coil spring894are accommodated or stored in the accommodating space of the supporting member892. The valve body893is accommodated to be movable in the axial direction z2in the inside of the accommodating space. The valve body893has a circular shape in the second plan view, and has a diameter which is substantially same as the accommodating space having the cylindrical shape. The coil spring894is a torsion coil spring, and is positioned between the bottom part of the supporting member892and the valve body893in the accommodating space. The coil spring894makes contact with the valve body893in the inside of the accommodating space, and urges the valve body893in the separating orientation z21. With this, in a case that a contact force in the approaching orientation z22is not applied from the needle44to the valve body893, the valve body893makes tight contact with the other end surface of the rubber part891, which in turn prevents the ink in the storing chamber87from leaking from the outflow port862E.

Liquid Containers200B to200D

The liquid containers200B to200D are similar to the liquid container200A, except for the following points. In each of the liquid containers200B to200D, the key member is constructed by a combination of at least one kind or two kinds of a first rib, a second rib and a third rib which are similar to the first rib881, the second rib882, the third rib883, respectively. Here, the combinations of the respective ribs including the first, second and third ribs are mutually different among the liquid containers200A to200D. The three-dimensional shapes of the respective key members are mutually different among the liquid containers200B to200D, and are also different from the three-dimensional shape of the key member88. The three-dimensional shape of the key member is a shape which is defined by the sizes and/or the positions in the axial direction z2, the circumferential direction θ2and the radial direction r2of the respective ribs or by the number (quantity) of the respective ribs. Other than this, the liquid containers200B,200C and200D are different form the liquid container200A in view of a point that the liquid containers200B to200C store, respectively, the inks of the C color, the M color and the Y color. It is also allowable that the liquid containers200B to200D are different from the liquid container200A in view of the ink capacity (an amount of the ink storable therein).

Container Cap9

As apparent fromFIG.5BandFIGS.6A and6B, the container cap9is a single member, and is attachable and detachable with respect to the main body8. In the following, unless specifically noted, the term “container cap9” means the container cap9attached to the main body8. InFIG.8B, the container cap9is provided with a ceiling wall91, a side wall92and a female screw93.

Ceiling Wall91

As depicted inFIG.5B, the ceiling wall91is a wall having a substantially disc-shape which is coaxial with the axis Ax1. InFIG.8B. the ceiling wall91has two main surfaces which are an outer main surface911and an inner main surface912which are apart from each other in the axial direction z2. The inner main surface912is positioned in the approaching orientation z22with respect to the outer main surface911.

Engaging Part913(an Example of a “Sealing Part”), Engaging Part914(an Example of a “Circular Contacting Part”

An engaging part913projects, in the inner main surface912of the ceiling wall91, in the approaching orientation z22at a location close to the axis Ax1. The engaging part913has a substantially ring shape in the second plan view. The engaging part913makes contact liquid-tightly with the circular flat surface862C of the main body8, over the entire area thereof in the circumferential direction θ2. With this, in an attached state of the container cap9, the engaging part913seals, together with the ceiling wall91, the outflow port862E.

An engaging part914projects, in the inner main surface912of the ceiling wall91, in the approaching orientation z22at a location close to the side wall92than the engaging part913. The engaging part914has a substantially ring shape in the second plan view. The engaging part914makes contact liquid-tightly with the end surface852of the circular wall85, over the entire area thereof in the circumferential direction θ2. With this, in the attached state of the container cap9, the engaging part914seals, together with the ceiling wall91, the opening of the cylindrical space86A (seeFIGS.6A and6B).

It is allowable that the engaging parts913and914are produced of a same material as that of the ceiling wall91, and are integrated with the ceiling wall91. The present disclosure is not limited to this, and the engaging parts913and914may be formed of a material having more flexibility than that of the ceiling wall91, for example, of rubber, elastomer, etc., and may be a separate body from the ceiling wall91.

Side Wall92, Female Screw93

As depicted inFIG.8B, the side wall92is a wall having a substantially cylindrical shape which extends in the approaching orientation z22from the outer edge of the inner main surface912, and has an inner circumferential surface921and an outer circumferential surface922which are apart from each other in the radial direction r1. The inner circumferential surface921has a diameter which is greater to some extent than the outer circumferential surface853(seeFIG.6B) of the circular wall85. The female screw93is formed in the inner circumferential surface921and is capable of being screwed (threadedly engaged) with respect to the male screw814of the main body8. The container cap9is placed to the circular wall85from thereabove to cover the circular wall85to thereby position the side wall92in the outer orientation r22with respect to the outer circumferential surface853. In a case that the male screw854is being screwed with respect to the female screw93by rotating the container cap9in the circumferential direction θ2in this state, an end, of the side wall92, in the approaching orientation z22makes contact with the upper surface841of the base part84, in the entire circumference thereof. A state that the end of the side wall92substantially makes contact with the upper surface841is an attached state in which the container cap9is attached to the main body8. By allowing the female screw93of the container cap9to be screwed with respect to the male screw854formed in the main body8, the container cap9is attached to the main body8easily and in an ensured manner. Further, even in a case that the liquid container200A is dropped, the container cap9is less likely to be detached from the main body8.

After screwing the male screw854with respect to the female screw93, an end in the approaching orientation z22of the side wall92(namely, an extending end of the side wall92) substantially makes contact with the upper surface841over the entire circumference thereof, and is stopped in the axial direction z2. The size in the axial direction z2of the side wall92is determined so that the extending end of the side wall92makes contact with the upper surface841in the attached state. At least the shape of the engaging part913and the size in the axis direction z2and the size in the radial direction r2of the engaging part913are determined so that in the attached state, the engaging part913make contact with the circular flat surface862C. At least the shape of the engaging part914and the size in the axis direction z2and the size in the radial direction r2of the engaging part914are determined so that in the attached state, the engaging part914make contact with the end surface852of the circular wall85.

Replenishment of Tank4A with Ink from Liquid Container200A

In a case that the tank4A is replenished with the ink inside the liquid container200A, an operator moves the casing cover2in the MFP100from the shielding position P11to the exposing position P12(seeFIGS.1A and1B), moves the tank cover52A from the covering position P31(seeFIG.1B) to the exposing position P32(seeFIG.3A), and moves the cap6A from the closing position P21(seeFIG.3A) to the opening position P22(seeFIG.5A). The operator detaches the container cap9in the liquid container200A from the main body8(seeFIGS.5B,6A).

Next, as understood fromFIGS.9A and9A, the operator turns the outflow port862E of the liquid container200A to be oriented downward and causes the key member88(seeFIGS.6A and6B) to approach closely to the key hole48(seeFIGS.4A and4B) provided on the MFP100. Even in a case that the outflow port862E is oriented downward, the valve body893makes tight contact with the rubber part891by the urging force of the coil spring894, and thus the ink inside the storing chamber87does not leak out to the outside of the liquid container200.

Next, the operator positions the key member88with respect to the key hole48. By the positioning, the end surface852of the circular wall85is positioned immediately above the external space46E. Further, the lower end of the first rib881A is positioned immediately above the gap defined by the ribs464and465, the lower end of the first rib881B is positioned immediately above the gap defined by the ribs462and463, and the lower end of the first rib881C is positioned immediately above the cutout468A. The lower end of the second rib882A is positioned immediately above the partially circular space46D, and the third rib883A is positioned, in the external space46E, immediately above the part thereof between the ribs462and4610. The outflow port862E of the liquid container200A is positioned immediately above the upper end of the needle44of the tank4A.

In a process up to the completion of the positioning, the operator turns the recessed parts855A and855B of the liquid container200leftward and rightward. With this, the operator is capable of positioning the lower ends of the first ribs881A and881B substantially immediately above the ribs462to465, even if the operator is unable to visually recognize the key member88. With this, the positioning can be performed easily.

After completing the positioning, the operator moves the key member88of the liquid container200A downward, in the inside of the key hole48. Specifically, the first rib881A moves downward between the ribs464and465, and the first rib881B moves downward between the ribs462and463. A part in the vicinity of the outer edge of the first rib881C is moves downward into the inside of the cutout468A. The second rib882A moves downward into the inside of the partially circular space46D. The third rib883A moves downward, in the external space46E, to the part thereof between the ribs462and4610. The outer circumferential surface862A moves downward while making contact with the inner ends, respectively, in the ribs462to466and the inner circumferential surface of the rib467.

There is such a case that the operator is unable to move the key member88downward inside the key hole48. As one of the factors of such a case, the lower end of the first rib881A is positioned erroneously immediately above the space defined by the ribs462and463, and the lower end of the first rib881B is positioned erroneously immediately above the space defined by the ribs464and465. In this case, since the key member88does not move downward inside the key hole48due to such a reason, for example, that the lower end of the first rib881C interferes with the upper end of the rib469, etc., the operator rotates the liquid container200A by 180 degrees in the circumferential direction θ2, and positions the lower ends, respectively, of the first ribs881A and881B to the correct positions thereof, respectively. Afterwards, the operator moves the key member88downward in the inside of the key hole48.

In the process in which the key member88is (being) moved downward inside the key hole48, the needle44is inserted from the outflow port862E of the liquid container200A to the channel862F, and approaches toward the valve body893. After the upper end of the needle44makes contact with the lower end of the valve body893, the valve body893starts moving upward, by the contact force received from the upper end of the partition wall443of the needle44, against the urging force of the coil spring894. In response to a situation that the circular flat surface862C enters into the circular space48B, and the circular flat surface862B makes contact with the contact surface461A, and the end surface852of the circular wall85reaches the upper surface43in the external space46E, the key member88of the tank4is engaged to the key hole48of the main body8, thereby completing the connection of the main body8to the tank4A.

At the time of completion of the connection, the contact surface461A makes contact with the circular flat surface862B of the small diameter part862which is positioned in the cylindrical space46A. The inner ends, respectively, of the ribs462to466and the inner circumferential surface of the rib467make contact, over the entire area thereof in the up-down direction z1, with the outer circumferential surface862A of the small diameter part862which is in the inside of the cylindrical space46A. The rib467further makes contact with the inner circumferential surface of the third rib883A from the side of the inward orientation r21. At the time of completion of the connection (an example of a “connected state”), the end surface852of the circular wall85makes contact with the upper surface43at a position which in in the inner orientation r21with respect to the projecting wall45. Owing to this, even in a case that the operator removes his or her hand from the main body8, the main body8is supported by the upper surface43, the projecting wall45and the receiver key member46of the key hole48as depicted inFIGS.9A and9B, and stands in an inverted manner, without hardy being inclined with respect to the up-down direction z1.

At the time of completion of the connection, the valve body893releases the channel862F by the contact force from the forward end of the partition wall443. Since the forward end of the partition wall443projects to a location above the upper ends, respectively, of the channels441and442, gaps are defined each between the valve body893and the channel441and between the valve body893and the channel442. With these gaps, the storing chamber87of the main body8and the storing chamber47of the tank4A communicate with each other via the channels441,442and862F. Namely, the main body8and the tank4A are connected so as to allow the ink to flow out from the storing chamber87to the storing chamber47.

There is such a case that the ink adheres to the surface of the neck part86, etc. In a process that the neck part86approaches toward the contact surface461A in the inside of the cylindrical space46A, the ink leaking out from a location between the neck part86and the contact surface461A flows into the partially circular spaces46C and46D and/or flows into the external space46E via the gap between the ribs462and463and the gap between the ribs464and465. Further, the ink overflowed from the partially circular spaces46C and46D flows out to the external space46E via the cutouts486A and469A.

Since immediately after the completion of connection, gas-liquid replacement starts between the liquid container200A and the tank4A. In the gas-liquid replacement, the ink inside the storing chamber87flows into the storing chamber47via the channels862F and441. In the gas-liquid replacement, air flows from the atmosphere communicating hole of the tank4A into the storing chamber47, and this air flows into the storing chamber87via the channels442and862F. An outflow amount of the ink from the storing chamber87to the storing chamber47, and an inflow amount of the air from the storing chamber47to the storing chamber87are substantially same. In a case that the liquid surface of the ink in the storing chamber47reaches the lower end of the flow channel442or that the ink inside the storing chamber87becomes empty, the gas-liquid replacement is ended. In such a manner, the tank4A is replenished with the ink inside the liquid container200A.

After the ending of the ink replenishment, the operator pulls the key member88and the neck part86of the liquid container200A upward from the key hole48and the needle44of the tank4A. In a process in which the neck part86is (being) moved upward with respect to the needle44, the valve body893first maintains a state that the valve body893makes contact with the upper end of the partition wall443of the needle44by the urging force of the coil spring894. After the valve body893makes contact with the small diameter part862of the neck part86, the valve body893is apart from the upper end of the circular wall443.

Afterward, the operator attaches the container cap9to the main body8(seeFIGS.5B and6A). With this, the ink remaining in the inside of the storing chamber87of the liquid container200A is preserved. The operator moves the casing cover2in the MFP100from the exposing position P12to the shielding position P11(seeFIGS.1A,1B), moves the tank cover52A from the exposing position P32(seeFIG.3A) to the covering position P31(seeFIG.1B), and moves the cap6A from the opening position P22(seeFIG.5A) to the closing position P21(seeFIG.3A). In a case that the tank4A is replenished with the ink inside of the liquid container200A in another occasion, the operator replenishes the tank4A with the ink in a procedure which is similar to that described above.

Prevention of Erroneous Connection of Liquid Containers200B to200D to Tank4A

In a case that the operator attempts to erroneously connect any one of the liquid containers200B to200D to the key hole48of the tank4A, the shape and/or the position in the left-right direction x1and/or the front-rear direction of at least one of the ribs462to4610constructing the key hole48does or do not match the key member of each of the liquid containers200B to200D which is wrong (not matching) with respect to the tank4A, in some cases, which in turn results in such a case that the key member is not in conformity to the key hole48. Owing to this, the operator can quickly recognize that the operator is attempting to fit any one of the liquid containers200B to200D erroneously to the tank4A. Further, it is also possible to quickly prevent the tank4A from being replenished with an ink which is wrong with respect to the tank4A.

Furthermore, in such a case that the operator attempts to erroneously fit any one of the liquid containers200B to200D to the key hole48of the tank4A, the shape and/or the position in the up-down direction z1of at least one of the ribs462to4610constructing the key hole48does or do not match the key member of each of the liquid containers200B to200D which is wrong (not matching) with respect to the tank4A, in some cases. In this case, since any one of the liquid containers200B to200D does not move downward, the operator can quickly recognize that the operator is attempting to fit any one of the liquid containers200B to200D erroneously to the tank4A. Moreover, it is also possible to prevent the tank4A from being replenished with an ink which is wrong with respect to the tank4A.

Technical Effects of Embodiment

In the ink replenishment, the outflow port862E of the main body8is oriented downward and thus the ink easily adheres to the surrounding of the outflow port862E; thus, in a process of making the liquid container200A to be in the placement position after the ink replenishment, this ink remains, along an outer surface of the neck part86, between the circular wall85and the neck part86. With this, during a process of replenishing the tank4A with the ink again, the ink is less likely to adhere to a hand and/or a finger of the operator and/or to a place in which the liquid container200A is placed (for example, the desktop, etc.). Further, in the attached state wherein the container cap9is attached to the main body8, the engaging part913seals the outflow port862E and thus the ink remaining between the circular wall85and the neck part86does not flow back to the outflow port862E. Furthermore, in the attached state, the opening of the cylindrical space86A (seeFIG.6B) is sealed by the engaging part914, and thus the ink inside the cylindrical space86A is prevented from flowing down or streaming along the outer circumferential surface853of the circular wall85and from adhering to the outer surfaces, respectively, of the base part84, the shoulder part83and the trunk part82. Further, the ink is prevented from adhering to the side wall92of the bottle cap. With this, the ink is less likely to adhere to the hand and/or the finger of the operator and/or to the place wherein the liquid container200A is placed.

By performing the cutting out in the male screw854, the recessed parts855A and855B are formed at two locations, respectively, of the outer circumferential surface853. The recessed parts855A and855B are used, by the operator in the positioning in the ink replenishment, as the indicators indicating the positions of the first ribs881A and881B, respectively, each of which is a part of the key member88. Owing to such recessed parts855A and855B, the operator is capable of easily position the key member88with respect to the key hole48.

The key member88is formed in the cylindrical space86A, and is not formed on the outer circumferential surface853of the circular wall85. Such an outer circumferential surface853is formed with the male screw854. Accordingly, the key member88does not affect the screwing (threadedly engagement) of the male screw854and the female screw93. With this, the container cap9is attached to the main body8easily and in an ensured manner.

The key member88is formed in the cylindrical space86A, and is loosely in conformity to the key hole48formed in the tank4A. The number (quantity), the three-dimensional shape and/or the position of the ribs constructing the key member88and the key hole48are changed per each of the liquid containers200A and200D. Accordingly, the operator is capable of grasping the kind of the liquid containers200A to200D by the shape of the key member88.

In the ink replenishment, the ink adhered to the neck part86easily drips down from the neck part86. The forward end of the circular wall85, however, projects in the separating orientation z21with respect to the forward end of the neck part86. Accordingly, even in a case that the ink drips down when the main body8is inclined so that the orientation of the outflow port862E is reversed, the ink is easily made to drip down to the inside of the circular wall85. Further, in a case, for example, that the main body8is dropped down from the desk, etc., the circular wall85collides against the floor, etc., faster than the neck part86, and thus the neck part86can be protected from the impact.

The operator is capable of replenishing the tank4A with the ink by using the liquid container200A a plurality of times. Each time the ink replenishment is performed, as appreciated fromFIG.9B, since the outflow port862E of the main body8is oriented downward, the ink easily adheres to the surrounding of the outflow port862E. In the process of making the liquid container200A to be in the placement position after the ink replenishment, the ink flows down the outer circumferential surface of the neck part86and remains in the cylindrical space86A between the circular wall85and the neck part86. In the next ink replenishment, in a case that the outflow port862E is oriented downward, the ink inside the cylindrical space86A moves downward toward the upper surface43of the tank4A. However, at the time of completion of the connection, the end surface852of the circular wall85makes contact with a position, in the upper surface43, in the inner orientation r21with respect to the projecting wall45. Accordingly, the ink remains in the external space46E, does not leak from the projecting wall45in the outward orientation r22in the upper surface43, and does not flow down the outer surface of the tank4A, including the upper surface43.

As depicted inFIG.4B, the distance Dz1of the projecting wall45and the distances Dz2and Dz3in the circular wall85are in a relationship of Dz2>Dz3>Dz1. Under this relationship, by making a distance in the left-right direction x1between the connecting plates73and74to be longer to some extent than the diameter of the outer circumferential surface853(seeFIG.6B) of the circular wall85, it is possible to make the three-dimensional shape of the projecting wall45to be small, without any interference between the projecting wall45and the male screw854.

While the present disclosure has been described in conjunction with various example structures outlined above and illustrated in the figures, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that may be presently unforeseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the example embodiments of the disclosure, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative of the invention, and not limiting the invention. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to embrace all known or later developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and/or substantial equivalents. Some specific examples of potential alternatives, modifications, or variations in the described invention are provided below:

Modification

In the following, a body41, a main body8and a container cap9according to a modification will be explained, with reference toFIGS.10A,10B,11A,11B and12. In the following, the difference from the embodiment will be mainly explained, a configuration which corresponds to that explained in the embodiment is denoted by a same reference numeral, and any explanation therefor will be omitted or simplified.

Body41, Curved Plates71and72, Connecting Plates73and74

InFIG.10A, the upper ends of the curved plates71and72and the connecting plates73and74are different from those in the embodiment in view of that the upper ends of the curved plates71and72and the connecting plates73and74are positioned above the upper end of the needle44.

The connecting plate74is different from that of the embodiment in view of that a rib741, a groove742and a slit743are arranged side by side from the front to the rear in this order.

The rib741perpendicularly projects to the left side, in the inner surface of the connecting plate74at a location in front of the needle44. The rib741is continuous between both ends in the up-down direction z1of the connecting plate74, and extends linearly in the up-down direction z1. The rib741has a rectangular plate-like shape which is thin in the front-rear direction y1and elongated in the up-down direction z1in a first front view (which is in a plan view from the front).

The groove742is positioned on the right side as seen from the needle44, is continuous between the both ends in the up-down direction z1of the connecting plate74, and extends linearly in the up-down direction z1. The groove742is recessed rightward from the inner surface of the connecting plate71. The depth and/or the width of the groove742is/are substantially constant in an entire area, of the groove742, between the both ends in the up-down direction z1of the groove742.

The slit743is continuous from a position, in the connecting plate74, which is above to some extent from a lower end of the connecting plate74and the upper end of the connecting plate74, and extends linearly in the up-down direction z1. A distance between the both ends in the up-down direction z1of the slit743is substantially same as a distance between both ends in the axial direction z2of a rib813(seeFIGS.11A and11B). In the following, the distance between both ends in the up-down direction z1, and the distance between both ends in the axial direction z2are each referred also simply as a “height”. The width of the slit743is substantially constant over an entire area between the both ends in the up-down direction z1of the slit743.

InFIGS.10A and10B, the connecting plate73is different from that in the embodiment in view of that the connecting plate73is constructed of an inner plate75and an outer plate76which expand in the up-down direction z1and the front-rear direction y1. The inner plate75faces the outer plate76in the left-right direction x1, at a position which is closer to the needle44to some extent than the outer plate76. A slit731and a rib732are formed in the inner plate75.

The slit731is positioned on the left side as seen from the needle44, is continuous between a position which is to some extent above a lower end of the inner plate75and an upper end of the inner plate75, and linearly extends in the up-down direction z1. The slit731has a substantially same height as a rib815(seeFIGS.11A and11B). The width of the slit731is substantially constant in an entire area between both ends in the up-down direction z1of the slit731.

The rib732perpendicularly projects to the right side, in the inner surface of the inner plate75at a location behind the needle44. The rib732is continuous between the upper end and the lower end of the inner plate75, and extends linearly in the up-down direction z1. The rib732has a plate-like shape which is similar to that of the rib741of the connecting plate74. A projecting end surface (namely, a right side surface) of the rib732expands in the up-down direction z1and the front-rear direction y1, and is inclined to some extent with respect to the left-right direction x1.

InFIG.10A, the curved plate71is different from that of the embodiment in view of that a projecting part711is formed in the curved plate71. The projecting part711is positioned apart from the needle44at a location which is substantially in front of the needle44, and is positioned in the vicinity of the center in the circumferential direction θ1of the curved plate71. The projecting part711has a substantially rectangular shape in the first plan view, and projects rearward from the inner surface of the curved plate71. A rear end surface of the projecting part711is a circular arc shape in the first plan view (seeFIG.10B). A right side surface and a left side surface of the projecting part711are each a flat surface which is substantially orthogonal to the left-right direction x1. The projecting part711is continuous between the both ends in the up-down direction z1of the curved plate71, except for a part712which is on a rear right corner in the first plan view of the projecting part711, and extends linearly in the up-down direction z1. The part712is a substantially parallelogram in the first plan view, is continuous between a lower end of the curved plate71and a location which is below the upper end of the curved plate71, and extends in the up-down direction z1.

The projecting wall45partitions or defines a key hole48which is released upward, together with the ribs741and732, the groove742, the slits743and731, the projecting part711and the part712. The key hole48is an example of a “receiver key member” and/or an example of a “tank recessed part”. A liquid container200A, which is to be descried later on, is connected to the key hole48in a case of ink replenishment. Although the key hole48is in conformity to a key member88formed on the side of the liquid container200A, the key part48is not in conformity to a key member of each of other liquid containers200B to200D.

Circular Wall85

InFIGS.11A and11B, the circular wall85is different from that of the embodiment in view of having connecting plates856and857and curved plates858and859. The circular wall85is different from that of the embodiment also in view of that an end surface in the separating orientation z21of the circular wall85does not have a ring shape (annular shape).

Each of the connecting plates856and857is a flat plate having a substantially linear shape in the second plan view, and the connecting plates856and857face each other in the radial direction r2with the neck part86being interposed therebetween. At the time of ink replenishment, the connecting plate856is positioned on the left side with respect to the connecting plate74of the projecting wall45(seeFIG.10A), and the connecting plate857is positioned on the right side with respect to the connecting plate73of the projecting wall45(seeFIGS.10A and10B).

Each of the curved plates858and859has a circular arc shape located on a virtual circle c2(seeFIG.11B) in the second plan view, and the curved plates858and859face each other in the radial direction r2with the neck part86being interposed therebetween. The virtual circle c2is a circle having the axis Ax2as the center thereof in the second plan view, and has a diameter which is smaller to some extent than that of the upper surface841of the base part84. Specifically, the planar shape of the upper surface841of the base part84is substantially circular. The curved plate858extends, in the upper surface841, in the separating orientation z21from a position along the virtual circle c2. The curved plate859extends, on the upper surface841, in the axial direction z2from a position which is rotationally moved approximately by 180 degrees, from the position occupied by the curved plate858on the upper surface841, in a circumferential direction θ2of the axis Ax2. The curved plate858is connected or linked to one ends, respectively, of the connecting plates856and857, which are located to approach toward each other in the circumferential direction θ2. The other ends, respectively, of the connecting plates856and857are connected to each other by the curved plate859. The curved plate858has such a shape that, at the time of ink replenishment, the curved plate858is overlapped with the curved plate71of the projecting wall45at a position immediately behind the curved plate71(seeFIGS.10A and10B) of the projecting wall45; the curved plate859has such a shape that, at the time of ink replenishment, the curved plate859is overlapped with the curved plate72of the projecting wall45(seeFIGS.10A and10B) of the projecting wall at a position immediately in front of curved plate72.

InFIGS.11A and11B, ribs811to813project perpendicularly from the outer surface of the connecting plate856toward the outside of the circular wall85. Among the ribs811to813, the rib811is positioned closest to the curved plate858and the rib813is positioned closest to the curved plate859. The ribs811to813are continuous at both ends in the axial direction z2of the connecting plate856, and extend linearly in the axial direction z2. Each of the ribs811to813has a substantially same height as the slit743(seeFIG.10A) in the tank4A. The ribs811to813do not protrude, in the second plan view, from the upper surface841of the base part84. Specifically, the maximum distance between the both ends in the projecting direction of the rib811is shorter than the distance between the both ends in the projecting direction of the rib741(seeFIG.10A) on the side of the tank4A. In a case of comparing a distance from the axis Ax2to the projecting end of the rib811in the radial direction r2with a distance from the axis Ax2to the outer circumferential surface of the curved plate858in the radial direction r2, the distance to the projecting end (an example of a “first distance”) is shorter than the distance to the outer circumferential surface (an example of a “second distance”) in order to avoid any interference with respect to the container cap9. At a time of completing the connection, the rib811makes contact with the rib741on the side of the tank4A (seeFIG.10A) from the rear side. In this situation, the projecting end (namely, the left end) of the rib741makes contact with the connecting plate856from the right side. The rib812is engaged to the groove742at a time of connecting the bottom200A with the tank4A; in this situation, the projecting end of the rib812makes contact with the bottom of the groove742from the left side. The rib813is inserted into the slit743at the time of completion of connection of the bottom200A with the tank4A. A part of the projecting end surface of the rib813is notched and forms a part of a male screw814(seeFIG.11A) which will be described later on.

InFIGS.11A and11B, a rib815and a groove816are formed on the outer surface of the connecting plate857. The rib815projects perpendicularly and toward outside of the circular wall85in the outer surface of the connecting plate857, at a location closer to the curved plate858than the groove816. A projecting end of the rib815does not protrude, in the second plan view, from the upper surface841in the outward orientation r22. The rib815has a height which is substantially same as the height of the slit731(seeFIGS.10A and10B). Specifically, ends in the approaching orientation z22, respectively, of the rib815and the connecting plate857are located at mutually same positions. On the other hand, an end in the separating orientation z21of the rib815is at a location which is closer, to some extent, to the approaching orientation z22than an end in the separating orientation z21of the connecting plate857, as depicted inFIG.11A. Namely, a distance in the axial direction z2from the upper surface841to the end in the separating orientation z21of the rib815is shorter than a distance in the axial direction z2from the upper surface841to the end in the axial direction z2of the connecting plate857. Note that the separating orientation z21is the up-down direction z1in the placement posture, and the end in the separating orientation z21is the upper end in the placement posture. At the time of completing the connection, the rib815is inserted into the slit731, and the end in the separating orientation z21of the rib815makes contact with a lower end of the slit731. The groove816is continuous between the both ends in the axial direction z2of the connecting plate857, and extends linearly in the axial direction z2. The groove816is recessed from the outer surface to the inner surface of the connecting plate857. The bottom surface of the groove816is parallel to the circumferential direction θ2in the first plan view. The width of the groove816is substantially constant between both ends in the axial direction of the connecting plate857. At the time of the ink replenishment, the rib732(seeFIGS.10A and10B) is engaged to the groove816; in this situation, the projecting end of the rib732makes contact with the bottom of the groove816from the left side.

InFIGS.11A and11B, another part of the male screw814is formed in the outer circumferential surface of each of the curbed plates858and859, at a location in the vicinity of the center in the axial direction z2. As described above, the part of the male screw814is formed also in the rib813. Namely, the male screw814is formed in a divided manner in the projecting end surface of the rib813and the curved plates858and859. Such a male screw814is screwed (threadedly engaged) with respect to a female screw93formed in the container cap9.

A groove817is formed in the outer surface of the curved plate858. The groove817is continuous between both ends in the axial direction z2of the curved plate858, at a location in a center part in the circumferential direction θ1of the curved plate858, and extends linearly in the axial direction z2. The groove817is recessed from the outer circumferential surface toward the inner circumferential surface of the curved plate858. A bottom surface of the groove817is parallel to the circumferential direction θ2in the first plan view. The width and the depth of the groove817are substantially constant between the both ends in the axial direction z2of the curved plate858, except for a part corresponding to a rib818which will be described later on. Specifically, the depth of the groove817is substantially same as a size in the front-rear direction y1of the projecting part711, and the width of the groove817is same as the maximum value of the size in the left-right direction x1in the projecting part711. A rib818is formed in the groove817. The rib818extends, in the groove817, from one side surface in the circumferential direction θ2(a side surface in a clockwise orientation inFIGS.11A and11B) of the groove817. The rib818extends from a location, in the groove817, between both ends in the radial direction r2of the groove817, and expands in the radiation direction r2and the circumferential direction θ2. The rib818has a shape which is substantially same as that of the part712(seeFIG.10A) on the side of the tank4A, in the second plan view, and the rib818has a plate-like shape which is thin in the axial direction z2. An end surface in the separating orientation z21of the rib818is apart (separated), in the approaching direction z22, from an end in the separating orientation z21of the groove817, by an amount corresponding to the height of the part712(seeFIG.10A).

The groove817is engaged to the projecting part711(seeFIGS.10A and10B) at the time of completing the connection; in this situation, the end surface in the separating orientation z21of the rib818makes contact with the part712from thereabove.

The circular wall85forms a key member88which is in conformity to the key hole48(seeFIGS.10A and10B), together with the ribs811to813,815and818and the grooves816and817. In the embodiment, the key member88is positioned between the circular wall85and the neck part86. In the present modification, however, the key member88is positioned at the outer surface of the circular wall85, rather than being positioned between the circular wall85and the neck part86.

Seat Part865, Seat Surface865A

InFIGS.11A and11B, the neck part86is different from that of the embodiment in view that the neck part86is provided with a seat part865having a seat surface865A. The seat surface865A has a substantially ring shape surrounding the entire circumference of the neck part86in the second plan view, at the outside of the neck part86. The seat surface865A is a surface parallel to the radial direction r2. Specifically, the seat surface865A extends in the outward orientation r22toward the circular wall85from the entire circumference of the outer circumferential surface, in the neck part86, which is apart from the forward end surface in the approaching orientation z22. Namely, the seat surface865A is at a position which is closer to the circular wall85in the radial direction r2than the forward end surface of the neck part86and which is closer to the upper surface841and/or the storing chamber87in the axial direction z2than the forward end surface of the neck part86. Further, in the placement posture of the main body8, the seat surface865A is oriented upward at a location below the forward end surface of the neck part86. Although the seat surface865A is continuous with the inner surfaces, respectively, of the connecting plates856and857and the bottom wall of the groove817, the seat surface865A is not continuous with the inner surfaces, respectively, of the curved plates858and859. The width in the radial direction r2of the seat surface865A becomes to a minimum width W11between the neck part86and the bottom wall of the groove817.

Container Cap9

InFIG.12, the container cap9is different from that of the embodiment in view of further having a circular projecting piece94.

The circular projecting piece94is a wall having a substantially cylindrical shape and extending in the approaching orientation z22from a position which is in the outward orientation r22with respect to the engaging part913and which is in the inward orientation r21with respect to the side wall92. The inner circumferential surface of the circular projecting piece94is substantially coaxial with the outer circumferential surface of the neck part86. The thickness of the circular projecting piece94is a size in the radial direction r1between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the circular projecting piece94. This thickness is substantially constant over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction θ1, and is smaller slightly than the above-described minimum width W11between the neck part86and the groove817. In the attached state of the container cap9, the circular projecting piece94makes contact with the outer circumferential surface of the neck part86in the main body8, and is fitted between the neck part86and the outer circumferential surface of the circular wall85.

In a process of screwing the male screw814with the female screw93(hereinafter also referred to as a “screwing process”), the inner circumferential surface of the circular projecting piece94slidably moves on the outer circumferential surface of the neck part86, while rotating about the axis Ax2. After the screwing process, an end941in the approaching orientation z22(namely, an extending end) of the circular projecting piece94makes contact with the seat surface865A over the entire circumference thereof. By the contact between the end941and the seat surface865A, an end position at which the container cap9is screwed with respect to the main body8is determined, and the screwing of the container cap9is stopped in the axial direction z2. The size in the axial direction z2of the circular projecting piece94is previously determined so that the end941makes contact with the seat surface865A in the attached state. Further, in a case that the container cap9is at the end position, the inner main surface912makes contact with an end surface in the separating orientation z21of the circular wall85. With this, the container cap9seals a space which is on the inner side with respect to the circular wall85, in a liquid tight manner.

Other Modifications

In the embodiment, the four color inks are stored in the tanks4A to4D, respectively, as described above. It is allowable, however, that a pre-processing liquid (another example of the “liquid”) which is discharged or ejected by the recording head322onto a sheet S, etc., prior to the discharge of the ink in the image recording is stored in the tanks4A to4D. Other than this, it is allowable that the tanks4A to4D store water (yet another example of the “liquid”) which is used for cleaning or washing the recording head322.

In the embodiment, the printer part3is capable of recording a full color image on the sheet S. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to or restricted by this; the printer part3may be capable of recording only a monochrome image on the sheet S. In such a case, the tank set31is provided with the tank4A, the holding member51A, the cap6A and the tank cover52A.

In the embodiment, the key hole48is provided on the tank4A. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to this; the key hole48may be formed in the inner circumferential surface of the through hole511A of the holding member51A.

In the embodiment, the three-dimensional shape of each of the key member88and the key hole48is made to be mutually different per each of the colors of the inks. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to this; the three-dimensional shape of each of the key member88and the key hole48is made to be mutually different per each kind (namely, each model) of the MFP100.

In the embodiment, each of the key member88and the receiver key member46is constructed of the cutout and the rib projecting in the separation orientation z21with respect to the upper surface841. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to this; other than this, each of the key member88and the receiver key member46may be constructed of a slit which is long in the approaching orientation z22with respect to the upper surface841or a recessed part which is recessed in the circumferential direction θ2or the radial direction r2.

In the embodiment, the main body8is provided with the recessed parts855A and855B, and the recessed parts855A and855B are formed by performing cutting out the parts, in the male screw854, which are rotationally moved with each other only by 180 degrees. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to this; the main body8may be provided with two projected parts, rather than the recessed parts855A and855B. The two projected parts may project from parts, respectively, in the outer circumferential surface853, which are rotationally moved with each other only by 180 degrees.