Patent ID: 12208622

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A multifunction peripheral10as an example of a liquid supplying system according to one embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS.1through16.

In the following description, upward, downward, frontward, rearward, leftward and rightward directions related to the multifunction peripheral10will be referred to assuming that the multifunction peripheral10is disposed on a horizontal plane so as to be operable, as shown inFIGS.1A through2. Note that this posture of the multifunction peripheral10illustrated inFIG.1Awill also be referred to as an “operable posture” thereof

Specifically, an upward/downward direction7of the multifunction peripheral10is defined on a basis of the operable posture of the multifunction peripheral10. A frontward/rearward direction8is defined assuming that a surface of the multifunction peripheral10formed with an opening13(FIG.1A) is a front surface of the multifunction peripheral10in the operable posture. A leftward/rightward direction9is defined on a basis of an assumption that the multifunction peripheral10in the operable posture is viewed from its front surface. In the present embodiment, in the operable posture of the multifunction peripheral10, the upward/downward direction7is parallel to a vertical direction, and the frontward/rearward direction8and the leftward/rightward direction9are parallel to a horizontal direction. Further, the upward/downward direction7, the frontward/rearward direction8, and the leftward/rightward direction9are perpendicular to one another.

[Overall Structure of the Multifunction Peripheral10]

As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, the multifunction peripheral10has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction peripheral10has a lower portion in which a printer portion11is provided. The printer portion11is configured to record an image on a sheet of paper12(seeFIG.2) in accordance with an inkjet recording method. The printer portion11includes a housing14whose front wall14A is formed with the opening13.

As illustrated inFIG.2, within the housing14disposed are a sheet supply unit15, a sheet supply tray20, a discharge tray21, a pair of conveying rollers54, a recording portion24, a pair of discharging rollers55, a platen42, and ink tanks100(an example of a tank). The multifunction peripheral10has various functions such as a facsimile function and a printing function.

[Sheet Supply Tray20and Discharge Tray21]

As illustrated inFIGS.1A and1B, the sheet supply tray20is configured to be inserted into and removed from the housing14through the opening13in the frontward/rearward direction8. The opening13is positioned at the front surface of the multifunction peripheral10and at a center portion of the front wall14A of the housing14in the leftward/rightward direction9. As illustrated inFIG.2, the sheet supply tray20is configured to support the sheets12in a stacked state.

The discharge tray21is disposed above the sheet supply tray20, as illustrated inFIGS.1A to2. The discharge tray21is configured to support the sheets12discharged by the discharging rollers55from a portion between the recording portion24and the platen42.

[Sheet Supply Unit15]

The sheet supply unit15is configured to supply each of the sheets12supported in the sheet supply tray20onto a conveying path65. As illustrated inFIG.2. the sheet supply unit15includes a sheet supply roller25, a sheet supply arm26, and a shaft27. The sheet supply roller25is rotatably supported by a tip end portion of the sheet supply arm26. The sheet supply roller25is configured to be driven by a sheet supply motor (not illustrated). The shaft27is supported by a frame (not illustrated) of the printer portion11. The sheet supply arm26has a base end portion pivotally movable about an axis of the shaft27. The sheet supply arm26is urged to pivot toward the sheet supply tray20by its own weight or resiliently urging force of a spring, for example.

[Conveying Path65]

As illustrated inFIG.2, the conveying path65is a space partially defined by an outer guide member18and an inner guide member19arranged to oppose each other at a predetermined interval inside the printer portion11. The conveying path65extends rearward from a rear end portion of the sheet supply tray20, and then, makes a U-turn frontward while extending upward at a rear portion of the printer portion11, extends through a space between the recording portion24and the platen42, and reaches the discharge tray21.

As illustrated inFIG.3, a portion of the conveying path65positioned between the conveying rollers54and the discharging rollers55is provided substantially at a center portion of the multifunction peripheral10in the leftward/rightward direction9, and extends in the frontward/rearward direction8. A direction in which each sheet12is configured to be conveyed along the conveying path65will be referred to as a conveying direction29(indicated by a dashed-dotted arrow inFIG.2).

[Conveying Rollers54]

As illustrated inFIG.2, the pair of conveying rollers54is disposed at the conveying path65. The conveying rollers54include a conveying roller60and a pinch roller61arranged opposite to the conveying roller60. The conveying roller60is configured to be driven by a conveying motor (not illustrated). The pinch roller61is configured to be rotated following rotation of the conveying roller60. As the conveying roller60makes rotation in response to rotation of the conveying motor, each of the sheets12is nipped between the conveying roller60and the pinch roller61to be conveyed in the conveying direction29.

[Discharging Rollers55]

As illustrated inFIG.2, the pair of discharging rollers55is disposed downstream relative to the pair of conveying rollers54in the conveying direction29at the conveying path65. The discharging rollers55include a discharging roller62and a spur63positioned opposite to the discharging roller62. The discharging roller62is configured to be driven by the conveying motor (not illustrated). The spur63is configured to be rotated following rotation of the discharging roller62. As the discharging roller62makes rotation in response to the rotation of the conveying motor, each sheet12is nipped between the discharging roller62and the spur63and is conveyed in the conveying direction29.

[Recording Portion24]

As illustrated inFIG.2, the recording portion24is disposed at a position between the pair of conveying rollers54and the pair of discharging rollers55at the conveying path65. The recording portion24is positioned to oppose the platen42in the upward/downward direction7, with the conveying path65interposed between the recording portion24and the platen42. The recording portion24includes a carriage23and a recording head39.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the carriage23is supported by guide rails43and44. The guide rails43and44extend in the leftward/rightward direction9and are spaced apart from each other in the frontward/rearward direction8. The guide rails43and44are supported by the frame (not shown) of the printer portion11.

The carriage23is connected to a well-known belt mechanism provided at the guide rail44. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage-driving motor (not illustrated). The carriage23connected to the belt mechanism is configured to perform reciprocating movements in the leftward/rightward direction9in response to driving force of the carriage-driving motor. The carriage23is configured to move to exceed a right end and a left end of the conveying path65as indicated by one-dotted chain lines inFIG.3.

As illustrated inFIG.3, a bundle of four ink tubes32and a flexible flat cable33extend from the carriage23.

The four ink tubes32connect the recording head39to the ink tanks100. Each of the ink tubes32is configured to supply ink (an example of liquid) stored in each of four ink tanks100B,100Y,100C,100M (these ink tanks may be collectively referred to as “ink tanks100”) to the recording head39. Specifically, the four ink tubes32including ink tubes32B,32Y,32C,32M (these ink tubes may be collectively referred to as “ink tubes32”) extend from the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C,100M, respectively, so that ink of respective four colors (black, yellow, cyan and magenta) can flow through the corresponding ink tubes32from the corresponding ink tanks100. These four ink tubes32are bundled and connected to the carriage23.

The flexible flat cable33is configured to establish electrical connection between a control board (not illustrated) and the recording head39. A controller (not illustrated) is surface-mounted on the control board to control operations of the multi-function peripheral10. The flexible flat cable84is configured to transmit control signals outputted from the controller to the recording head39.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the recording head39is mounted on the carriage23. The recording head39has a lower surface including a plurality of nozzles40. Each nozzle40has a tip end exposed to an outside through the lower surface of the recording head39. The recording head39is configured to eject ink as minute ink droplets from the nozzles40. As the carriage23reciprocates in the leftward/rightward direction9, the recording head39ejects ink droplets, through the nozzles40, onto the sheet12supported by the platen42. In this way, an image is recorded on each sheet12, and the ink stored in each of the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M is consumed.

[Platen42]

As illustrated inFIG.2, the platen42is disposed between the conveying rollers54and the discharging rollers55at the conveying path65. The platen42is positioned to oppose the recording portion24in the upward/downward direction7, with the conveying path65interposed between the platen42and the recording portion24. The platen42supports the sheet12conveyed by the conveying rollers54from below.

[Cover70]

As illustrated inFIG.1B, an opening22is formed in a right end portion of the front wall14A of the housing14. A cover70is assembled to the housing14so as to be capable of covering the opening22. The cover70is pivotally movable between a closed position (a position illustrated inFIG.1A) for closing the opening22and an open position (a position illustrated inFIG.1B) for exposing the opening22to the outside.

As illustrated inFIG.1A, when the cover70is at the closed position illustrated inFIG.1A, a second sleeve162(seeFIGS.1B and4) of each ink tank100is shut off from the outside. When the cover70is at the open position illustrated inFIG.1B, the second sleeve162of each ink tank100is exposed to the outside. As illustrated inFIG.1A, the cover70is formed with an opening97. Inside the housing14, an internal void space is provided rearward of the opening22. The ink tanks100are positioned in this internal space. Incidentally, the cover70may not be provided.

[Ink Tanks100]

The ink tanks100illustrated inFIG.4are positioned in the printer portion11. The ink tanks100are used for supplying ink to the recording portion24of the printer portion11. The ink tanks100are configured of the four ink tanks100B,100Y,100C, and100M.

Ink of different colors are stored in the respective ink tanks100. Specifically, black ink is stored in the ink tank100B, yellow ink is stored in the ink tank100Y, cyan ink is stored in the ink tank100C, and magenta ink is stored in the ink tank100M. However, numbers of the ink tanks100and colors of ink are not limited to those of this embodiment.

Each of the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M has a generally similar configuration except that a length in the leftward/rightward direction9of the ink tank100B is greater than that of each of the remaining ink tanks100Y,100C and100M. Hence, in the following description, a detailed configuration of the ink tank100M will be described, while configurations of the ink tanks100B,100Y and100C will be omitted to avoid duplicating description. Still however, configurations of the second sleeves162of the respective ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M are different from one another, as will be described later.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the ink tank100M includes a frame (as an example of a casing) configured of a front wall101, a rear wall110, an upper wall104, a lower wall105, a right wall107, and a left wall108. The front wall101, the rear wall110, the upper wall104, and the lower wall105are made from resin. The right wall107and the left wall108are made from films.

The film as the right wall107is adhered to a right open end face defined by right end faces of the front wall101, the rear wall110, the upper wall104, and the lower wall105. The film as the left wall108is adhered to a left open end face defined by left end faces of the front wall101, the rear wall110, the upper wall104, and the lower wall105. The above described resin and the films constitute the frame defining an outer shape of the ink tank100M. Further, the front wall101, the rear wall110, the upper wall104, the lower wall105, the right wall107, and the left wall108define an ink chamber111(seeFIG.6) as an example of a storage chamber.

Incidentally, whether each wall of the frame is made of resin or film is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. For example, only the rear wall110may be formed of a film, and remaining walls may be made from resin. Alternatively, a part of the right wall107may be made from resin, and a remaining part of the right wall107may be formed of a film. Further alternatively, a part of the left wall108may be made from resin, and a remaining part of the left wall108may be formed of a film.

The resin part of the frame is integrally molded by, for example, injection molding with a translucent resin, for example, polypropylene, so that a user can visually confirm the ink stored in the ink chamber111of each ink tank100from outside thereof.

As illustrated inFIG.1A, the front wall101of each ink tank100is exposed to the outside of the multifunction peripheral10through the opening97of the cover70and the opening22of the housing14. The front walls101are visible from a front side of the multifunction peripheral10. A user can recognize a residual amount of ink stored in each ink chamber111through the corresponding front wall101when observing rearward at the front side of the multifunction peripheral10.

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the front wall101includes an upright wall102and an inclined wall106. The upright wall102extends in the upward/downward direction7and the leftward/rightward direction9. The inclined wall106spans from an upper end of the upright wall102to a front end of the upper wall104. The inclined wall106is inclined with respect to the upward/downward direction7and the frontward/rearward direction8.

The ink tank100M is formed with an air communication hole113(an example of an air communicating portion and an air communication opening). In the depicted embodiment, the air communication hole113is formed in the upper wall104. However, the air communication hole may be formed in the wall other than the upper wall104. The air communication hole113allows the ink chamber111to communicate with an atmosphere outside of the ink tank100M.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the air communication hole113and the ink chamber111are directly communicated with each other. Alternatively, the air communication hole113and the ink chamber111may be communicated with each other through an air communication passage. Further, a semipermeable membrane may be provided somewhere in the air communication passage connecting the ink chamber111to the air communication hole113. The semipermeable membrane is a porous membrane having minute pores that allows air to pass therethrough but prevents liquid from passing therethrough. In this example, the air communication hole113, the air communication passage, and the semipermeable membrane are examples of the air communicating portion, and the air communication hole113is an example of the air communication opening.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the ink tank100M is formed with an ink outlet opening115for discharging the ink stored in the ink chamber111. The ink outlet opening115is formed in the rear wall110. The ink tube32(32M) is connected to the ink outlet opening115. As illustrated inFIG.3, the ink stored in the ink chamber111is supplied to the recording head39through the ink outlet opening115and the ink tube32. Incidentally, the ink outlet opening115may be formed in the wall other than the rear wall110, such as the lower wall105.

[First Sleeve161]

As illustrated inFIGS.4through7, the ink tank100M includes a first sleeve161. The first sleeve161is integral with the frame of the ink tank100M. As illustrated inFIG.6, the first sleeve161includes an outer portion positioned outside of the frame of the ink tank100M. The outer portion protrudes diagonally upward and frontward from an outer surface106A of the inclined wall106.

Alternatively, the first sleeve161may be assembled to the frame of the ink tank100M. In this case, for example, the first sleeve161may have a flange portion protruding radially outwardly from an outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve161. The first sleeve161may be inserted into a through-hole109(seeFIG.6) formed in the inclined wall106, so that the flange portion abuts on the outer surface106A of the inclined wall106to regulate the insertion position of the first sleeve161.

Incidentally, the second sleeve162described later in detail protrudes diagonally upward and frontward from the outer surface106A and surrounds the outer portion of the first sleeve161.

Specifically, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162protrude in a protruding direction6crossing the frontward/rearward direction8(horizontal direction) and the upward/downward direction7(vertical direction). In other words, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162protrude in the direction containing horizontal component and vertical component. The protruding direction6also coincides with an axial direction of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162.

In the present embodiment, the first and second sleeves161,162are inclined by an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction. The first and second sleeves161,162are connectable to an outer sleeve91(described later) of a liquid bottle80(described later), as illustrated inFIG.13. Hence, ink stored in the liquid bottle80can be supplied into the ink chamber111.

The outer portion of the first sleeve161is generally hollow cylindrical. Incidentally, the shape of the first sleeve161is not limited to the hollow cylindrical shape, but can be any tubular shape such as polygonal tube, for example, a square tube.

The first sleeve161includes an inner portion positioned inside the frame of the ink tank100M (in the ink chamber111). The inner portion extends downward from an inner surface106B of the inclined wall106. The inner portion includes an outer wall part103including a front wall part103A and a rear wall part103B. The front wall part103A has a lowermost end positioned lower than a lowermost end of the rear wall part103B.

The first sleeve161also includes a partition wall117positioned in an inner space of the first sleeve161. The partition wall117partitions the inner space into two different spaces: an air passage121and a liquid passage122.

The air passage121is a space defined by the rear wall part103B and the partition wall117. The air passage121is an example of a first tubular portion. The air passage121has an inner end as an opening121A, and has an outer end as an opening121B.

The liquid passage122is a space defined by the front wall part103A and the partition wall117. The liquid passage122is an example of a second tubular portion. The liquid passage122has an inner end as an opening122A, and has an outer end as an opening122B. The liquid passage122is positioned below and frontward of the air passage121.

The openings121A and122A are positioned in the ink chamber111. The opening121A is open downward at the lowermost end of the rear wall part103B in the ink chamber111. The opening122A is open downward at the lowermost end of the front wall part103A in the ink chamber111. That is, the opening121A is positioned higher than the opening122A. The openings121A and122A are positioned lower than the air communication hole113.

Incidentally, in a case where the air communication portion is constituted by the air communication hole113and the air communication passage, the openings121A and122A may be positioned below a portion of the air communication portion.

The openings121B and122B are positioned outside of the ink chamber111. The opening121B provides communication between the ink chamber111and the outside of the ink tank100M through the air passage121. The opening122B provides communication between the ink chamber111and the outside of the ink tank100M through the liquid passage122. The opening121B is positioned upward and rearward of the opening122B.

Incidentally, the air passage121and the liquid passage122may extend in a direction different from the protruding direction6illustrated inFIG.6. For example, the air passage121in its entirety and the liquid passage122in its entirety may extend in the upward/downward direction7. In the latter case, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162may be provided at the upper wall104to extend in the upward/downward direction7.

Further, in a case where the first sleeve161is assembled to the frame of the ink tank100M, i.e., in case where the first sleeve161is provided as a separate member from the frame of the ink tank100M, the air passage121and liquid passage122may be not integral with the frame of the ink tank100M, but also provided as separate members from the tank of the ink tank100M.

[Second Sleeve162]

As illustrated inFIG.5, the ink tank100M also includes the second sleeve162as an example of a sleeve portion. The second sleeve162is integral with the frame of the ink tank100M in the present embodiment.

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the second sleeve162protrudes diagonally upward and frontward from the outer surface106A at a position surrounding the first sleeve161. The second sleeve162surrounds the outer portion of the first sleeve161, the outer portion protruding diagonally upward and frontward from the outer surface106A. That is, as illustrated inFIG.7, the second sleeve162surrounds the first sleeve161as viewed in the protruding direction6.

In other words, as illustrated inFIG.6, in a cross-section162C perpendicular to a center axis162B (passing through a center of the first sleeve161and a center of the second sleeve162and extending in the axial direction of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162), the first sleeve161is positioned radially inward of an outer peripheral surface162D of the second sleeve162(i.e., inside of an outermost profile of the second sleeve162). As illustrated inFIG.5, the second sleeve162is generally hollow cylindrical. The second sleeve162protrudes from the outer surface106A by a protruding length that is greater than a protruding length by which the first sleeve161protrudes from the outer surface106A.

The second sleeve162has an inner peripheral surface162A provided with a female screw portion71(an example of a first screw portion), two concave portions72(an example of a first engagement portion), and a convex portion73(an example of a regulating portion). The inner peripheral surface is an example of a peripheral surface.

The female screw portion71protrudes from the inner peripheral surface162A and extends helically in a form of a thread74, thereby forming a helical groove.

The concave portions72are formed in the thread74. As illustrated inFIG.5. Each of the concave portions72is formed at an exposure position where the concave portion72is visible by the user from the outside of the ink tank100M. That is, the user can visually recognize the concave portions72when viewed in the protruding direction6from the outside of the ink tank100M. Specifically, the concave portions72are positioned near a tip end (upper end) of the second sleeve162on the inner peripheral surface162A.

Incidentally, the concave portions72may be at positions other than near the tip end of the second sleeve162. For example, the concave portions72may be positioned near a base end of the second sleeve162, or may be positioned offset from the thread74. Alternatively, the concave portions72may be positioned not only in the thread74but also at a portion offset from the thread74. Further alternatively, the concave portions72may be at such positions that the user cannot observe the concave portions72from the outside of the ink tank100M.

As illustrated inFIGS.5and6, the thread74is segmentalized into a plurality of thread sections by the concave portions72. Each concave portion72is formed to extend in the protruding direction6from one end of the thread74in the protruding direction6(the end closer to the tip end of the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6) to another end of the thread74in the protruding direction6(the end closer to the base end of the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6).

As illustrated inFIG.6, the thread74of the present embodiment has two turns including a first turn74A and a second turn74B in the protruding direction6. Each of the concave portions72is configured of: a first concave portion72A formed in the first turn74A; and a second concave portion72B formed in the second turn74B. The first concave portion72A and the second concave portion72B are arranged in line in the protruding direction6.

As illustrated inFIG.7, each of the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M has the two concave portions72. The ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M respectively provide positional different relationships of the two concave portions72from one another. Specifically, the two concave portions72of the ink tank100B define a center angle θ1of 45 degrees therebetween about the center of the second sleeve162. The two concave portions72of the ink tank100Y define a center angle θ1of 180 degrees therebetween about the center of the second sleeve162. The two concave portions72of the ink tank100C define a center angle θ1of 135 degrees therebetween about the center of the second sleeve162. And, the two concave portions72of the ink tank100M define a center angle θ1of 90 degrees therebetween about the center of the second sleeve162. Of course, the center angles θ1are not limited to these angles.

Incidentally, not less than three concave portions72may be formed. Further, the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M may have different numbers of the concave portions72from one another, respectively. Further, the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M each may have the concave portions72whose size and shape are different from each other.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the convex portion73is positioned adjacent to one end of the thread74in a helical direction thereof. This end in the helical direction of the thread74will be referred to as a “base end” of the thread74, which is the end positioned closer to the base end of the second sleeve162than another end in the helical direction of the thread74is to the base end of the second sleeve162. The convex portion73extends toward the first sleeve161(toward the base end of the second sleeve162) and is positioned closer to the first sleeve161than the base end of the thread74is to the first sleeve161. The convex portion73has a protruding length in a radial direction of the second sleeve162(in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second sleeve162and to the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162) not more than protruding lengths of the thread74and a male screw portion92described later in the radial direction of the second sleeve162.

The convex portion73is provided at approximately the same position as one of the concave portions72in a circumferential direction of the second sleeve162(in a direction along the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162). More specifically, the convex portion73has one surface73A and an opposite surface in the circumferential direction, and the thread74has an end face75forming the one of the concave portions72. The one surface73A and the end face75are positioned on an identical imaginary plane extending along the protruding direction6. The one surface73A is a surface farther from the base end of the thread74than the opposite surface is from the base end of the thread74in the circumferential direction of the second sleeve162.

Incidentally, the convex portion73may have a shape different from the shape illustrated inFIG.5. For example, the surface73A of the convex portion73may be inclined with respect to the protruding direction6such that the surface73A approaches the base end of the thread74as extending toward the tip end of the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6. Further, the convex portion73may be omitted.

[Liquid Bottle80]

The liquid bottle80illustrated inFIG.8is connectable to the corresponding ink tank100, and is generally hollow cylindrical. As illustrated inFIGS.10through13, the liquid bottle80is a container providing an internal space84in which ink is stored.

Liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M (these liquid bottles may be collectively referred to as “liquid bottles80”, wherever appropriate). The liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C,80M respectively contain ink of different colors corresponding to the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M. That is, the liquid bottle80B (FIG.9D) contains black ink and is associated with the ink tank100B; the liquid bottle80Y (FIG.9C) contains yellow ink and is associated with the ink tank100Y; the liquid bottle80C (FIG.9B) contains cyan ink and is associated with the ink tank100C; and the liquid bottle80M (FIG.9A) contains magenta ink and is associated with the ink tank100M.

In the present embodiment, the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M have generally similar configurations, regardless of the color of the stored ink. Hence, hereinafter, the configuration of the liquid bottle80M will be described, while description as to the configurations of the remaining liquid bottles80B,80Y and80C will be omitted for simplifying description.

Note that configurations of the outer sleeves91of the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C,80M are different from one another. The difference will be described later in detail. Incidentally, the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M may be designed to be different from one another in accordance with the colors of the stored ink (for example, in terms of difference in outer shape, difference in labels indicative of ink color, difference in coloration of at least a part of the liquid bottle80or a bottle cap140).

The liquid bottle80M includes an outer wall81and the outer sleeve91. The outer wall81defines therein the internal space84. The outer wall81includes a main body portion82and a tapered portion83. The main body portion82has a hollow cylindrical shape. The tapered portion83has a frusto-conical shape. The tapered portion83is tapered such that a diameter thereof is gradually reduced with increasing the distance from the main body portion82in an axial direction151(i.e., a longitudinal direction of the main body portion82) of the liquid bottle80M.

The outer sleeve91is hollow cylindrical. The outer sleeve91extends from a tip end of the tapered portion83in the axial direction151. The tip end of the tapered portion83is opposite to a base end of the tapered portion83connected to the main body portion82. The outer sleeve91has a tip end opposite to the tapered portion83. The tip end of the outer sleeve91has a supply opening85that is open to the outside of the liquid bottle80M. The internal space84of the liquid bottle80M is communicable with the outside of the liquid bottle80M through the supply opening85. As will be described later, the outer sleeve91is connectable to the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M.

A seal79made from elastic material such as rubber is bonded to a tip end face91B (FIG.13) of the outer sleeve91. The seal79is an example of a valve. The supply opening85is closed by the seal79. The seal79is formed with slits in a form of cruciform shape, for example. The seal79can maintain a sealing state in a state where no external force is applied to the seal79.

The slits maintain the cruciform shape in the sealing state of the seal79, so that the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M is shut off from the outside. On the other hand, the seal79can be an open state upon receiving an external force from the outside, i.e., upon abutment of the first sleeve161against the seal79. The seal79is pushed and wound around the slits by the application of external force to the seal79, i.e., by the pushing force of the first sleeve161against the seal79, so that the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M becomes communicated with the outside.

The seal79may not necessarily be bonded to the tip end face91B of the outer sleeve91. For example, the seal79may be bonded to an inner peripheral surface of the outer sleeve91at a position deeper than the tip end face91B (farther away from the tip end of the outer sleeve91) in the axial direction151.

Further, the structure for opening and closing the supply opening85is not limited to the seal79. For example, a duckbill type valve may be provided at the tip end face91B of the outer sleeve91. Alternatively, a movable valve may be provided in the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M. In the latter case, the movable valve may be internally urged by a spring to be in intimate contact with a surface forming the supply opening85to close the supply opening85in a state where no external force is applied to the movable valve. On the other hand, the movable valve may be moved away from the surface forming the supply opening85against the urging force of the spring by the pushing force from the first sleeve161moving into the internal space84. Hence, the supply opening85is opened. At this time, the valve is at the opening state.

The outer sleeve91has an outer peripheral surface91A provided with a male screw portion92, and a pair of convex portions93. The outer peripheral surface91A is an example of a peripheral surface. The male screw portion92is an example of a second screw portion. The convex portion93is an example of a second engagement portion.

The male screw portion92is constituted by a thread protruding from the outer peripheral surface91A and extending helically. The outer sleeve91has an outer diameter that is approximately equal to an inner diameter of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M. The male screw portion92is threadingly engageable with the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162.

The convex portions93are positioned at a tip end portion of the outer sleeve91. The convex portions83are positioned closer to the tip end of the outer sleeve91than the male screw portion92is to the tip end. Each of the convex portions93has a protruding length in a radial direction of the outer sleeve91(in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction151of the outer sleeve91and to the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91) not more than a protruding length of the male screw portion92in the radial direction of the outer sleeve91.

Positions and shapes of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M correspond to those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100M. In the same manner, positions and shapes of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80B correspond to those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100B. Positions and shapes of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80Y correspond to those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100Y. Positions and shapes of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80C correspond to those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100C.

That is, according to the present embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.9A through9D, two convex portions93are provided in each of the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M. Positional relationship between the two convex portions93of each of the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M is different from one another. In the present embodiment, center angles θ2defined by the two convex portions93of the liquid bottle80B,80Y,80C and80M are 45 degrees (as illustrated inFIG.9D), 180 degrees (as illustrated inFIG.9C), 135 degrees (as illustrated inFIG.9B), and 90 degrees (as illustrated inFIG.9A), respectively.

Incidentally, values of the center angles θ2and shapes of the convex portions93of the respective liquid bottles80are not limited to the above described examples, as long as these match the values of the center angles θ1and the shapes of the concave portions72of the corresponding ink tanks100. Further, numbers of the convex portions93may not be limited to the above-described numbers, provided that the numbers are greater than one.

[Connection of Liquid Bottle80to Ink Tank100]

The liquid bottles80are connected to the corresponding ink tanks100. That is, the liquid bottle80B is connected to the ink tank100B; the liquid bottle80Y is connected to the ink tank100Y; the liquid bottle80C is connected to the ink tank100C; and the liquid bottle80M is connected to the ink tank100M. In the following description, a process to connect the liquid bottle80M to the ink tank100M will be described.

As illustrated inFIG.10, for the connection of the liquid bottle80M to the ink tank100M, the supply opening85of the outer sleeve91is brought closer to the first sleeve162and the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6, while alignment between the supply opening85and the first and second sleeves161and162in the protruding direction6is maintained.

Incidentally, in the process of the connection of the liquid bottle80M to the ink tank100M (in the states illustrated inFIGS.10through13), the axial direction of the outer sleeve91(the axial direction151of the liquid bottle80M) is coincident with the axial direction of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162. That is, the axial direction of the outer sleeve91(the axial direction151of the liquid bottle80M) is coincident with the protruding direction6.

As illustrated inFIG.11, as the outer sleeve91is inserted into the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6, the convex portions93enter into the corresponding concave portions72of the second sleeve162. As described above, the positions and shapes of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M correspond to those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100M. Hence, the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M enter into the corresponding concave portions72of the ink tank100M and are guided relative to the concave portions72in the protruding direction6, i.e., in the direction of the center axis162B (seeFIG.6).

In other words, a user holds the liquid bottle80M to allow the two convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M to be entered into the two concave portions72of the second sleeve162, and inserts the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M into the second sleeve162. Here, moving in the direction of the center axis162B means movement along the center axis162B in both directions (toward the upper-front and toward the lower-rear). In the state illustrated inFIG.11, the male screw portion92is not yet threadingly engaged with the female screw portion71, since the male screw portion92is still located outside of the second sleeve162.

Similarly, for the connection of the liquid bottle80B to the ink tank100B, the concave portions72of the ink tank100B permit the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80B to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6. For the connection of the liquid bottle80Y to the ink tank100Y, the concave portions72of the ink tank100Y permit the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80Y to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6. For the connection of the liquid bottle80C to the ink tank100C, the concave portions72of the ink tank100C permit the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80C to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6.

On the other hand, in a case where connection of the liquid bottle80M to the ink tanks100other than the ink tank100M (i.e., connection to the ink tank100B,100Y or100C) is contemplated, the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M are prevented from being guided by the concave portions72of the ink tank100B,100Y or100C in the protruding direction6. This is because the positional relationship between the concave portions72of the ink tank100B,100Y,100C is different from the positional relationship between the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M. Hence, even if insertion of the liquid bottle80M into any one of the ink tanks100B,100Y and100C in the protruding direction6is contemplated, the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M abut against the thread74of the ink tank100B,100Y or100C. Accordingly, insertion of the outer sleeve92of the liquid bottle80M into the second sleeve162of the ink tank100B,100Y or100C is prevented.

Similarly, in a case where the connection of the liquid bottle80B to the ink tank100M,100Y or100C those other than the ink tank100B is contemplated, the concave portions72of the ink tank100M,100Y or100C do not permit the convex portions93to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6. Further, in a case where the connection of the liquid bottle80Y to the ink tank100B,100M or100C those other than the ink tank100Y is contemplated, the concave portions72of the ink tank100B,100M or100C do not permit the convex portions93to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6. In a case where the connection of the liquid bottle80C to the ink tank100B,100Y or100M those other than the ink tank100C is contemplated, the concave portions72of the ink tank100B,100Y or100M do not permit the convex portions93to be guided and entered in the protruding direction6.

Here, assume that the multifunction peripheral10is provided with only one single ink tank100. If a liquid bottle80is to be connected to the single ink tank100, the concave portions72of the single ink tank100permit the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80to be guided along the concave portions72in the protruding direction6. On the other hand, here, assume that there is another kind of multifunction peripheral provided with a single ink tank having concave portions whose configurations are different from those of the concave portions72of the ink tank100of the multifunction peripheral10. If the liquid bottle80is attempted to be connected to the single ink tank of the other kind of multifunction peripheral, the concave portions cannot receive the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80. That is, the concave portions of the other kind of multifunction peripheral do not guide movement of the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80in the protruding direction6.

In accordance with further insertion of the outer sleeve91into the second sleeve162from the state illustrated inFIG.11, the convex portions93move past the concave portions72. Then, as illustrated inFIG.12, the convex portions93approach the base end of the second sleeve162. That is, the convex portions93are positioned between the female screw portion71and the first sleeve161in the protruding direction6. Further, the male screw portion92is brought into threading engagement with the female screw portion71. That is, in the present embodiment, the threading engagement between the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71is started after the concave portions72guide the movement of the convex portions93in the process of connecting the outer sleeve91to the second sleeve162.

Thereafter, as the user rotates the liquid bottle80M in a clockwise direction, the threading engagement between the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71is promoted. That is, as a result of further advancing movement of the outer sleeve91into the second sleeve162from the state illustrated inFIG.12, the first sleeve161is brought into abutment with the seal79of the outer sleeve91as illustrated inFIG.13, and the first sleeve161pushes the seal79. Hence, the seal79is wound along the slits to provide the open state of the seal79. That is, during the process of connection of the outer sleeve91to the second sleeve162, the seal79changes from its closed state to its open state as a result of the abutment thereof with the first sleeve161after the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71are threadingly engaged with each other.

The open state of the seal79causes the supply opening85to be opened. The first sleeve151enters into the interior of the outer sleeve91through the opened supply opening85. Hence, the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M is in communication with the ink chamber111of the ink tank100M through the opening121B and the opening122B. The state illustrated inFIG.13is a connection state between the liquid bottle80M and the ink tank100M. In the connection state, the tip end face91B (to which the seal79is bonded) of the outer sleeve91is seated on the outer surface106A of the ink tank100M.

For detaching the liquid bottle80M from the ink tank100M, that is, in a process to disconnect the outer sleeve91from the second sleeve162, the liquid bottle80M is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. Hence, the threading engagement between the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71is gradually released while the liquid bottle80M is moved away from the ink tank100M. In accordance with the movement of the liquid bottle80M, the seal79is first separated from the first sleeve161. Thus, the seal79is unwound around the slits to restore the closed state. Thereafter, the male screw portion92is disengaged from the female screw portion71.

After disengagement of the male screw portion92from the female screw portion71, the convex portions93are brought into abutment against the thread74from the side near the base end of the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6, thereby preventing the liquid bottle80M from detaching from the ink tank100M. At this time, the liquid bottle80M is rotated in the counterclockwise direction while being applied with a force urging the liquid bottle80M to be pulled out from the ink tank100M. Hence, the convex portions93are moved in the circumferential direction of the second sleeve162while being guided by the thread74.

Finally, one of the convex portions93abuts against the convex portion73of the second sleeve162. By the abutment, movement of the convex portions93in the circumferential direction is restricted. Further, because of this abutment, the convex portions93are respectively in alignment with the corresponding concave portions72of the second sleeve162in the protruding direction6(as described above, the one surface73A of the convex portion73is aligned with the end face75defining one of the concave portions72in the protruding direction6).

In this state, by the application of the pull-out force to the liquid bottle80M, the liquid bottle80M is moved in a pull-out direction (in the protruding direction6) relative to the ink tank100M while the convex portions93are guided by the concave portions72. In this way, the liquid bottle80M is removed from the ink tank100M.

Next, ink supply from the liquid bottle80M to the ink tank100M in the connection state illustrated inFIG.13will be described.

The internal space84of the liquid bottle80M and the ink chamber111are communicated with each other through the air passage121and the liquid passage122, when the openings121B and122B of the first sleeve161are located in the internal space84of the ink bottle80M as a result of the connection of the liquid bottle80M to the ink tank100M. Accordingly, the ink stored in the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M flows along the liquid passage122through the opening122B and into the ink chamber111through the opening122A of the liquid passage122.

Further, in response to the ink flow into the ink chamber111, air in the ink chamber111of the ink tank100M flows into the air passage121through the opening121A, and the air is introduced into the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M through the opening121B of the air passage121. A volume of the ink flowing from the liquid bottle80M into the ink chamber111of the ink tank100M is approximately equal to a volume of the air flowing from the ink chamber111into the liquid bottle80M. In this way, so called air/liquid replacement is performed.

Inflow of the ink into the ink chamber111causes elevation of a level of the ink in the ink chamber111. When the level of the ink in the ink chamber111rises up to the opening121A of the air passage121, air communication between the air passage121and the ink chamber111is shut off, thereby stopping inflow of the air from the ink chamber111to the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M. As a result, inflow of the ink from the internal space84of the liquid bottle80M into the ink chamber111is also stopped. Ink replenishment into the ink camber111is terminated by the detachment of the liquid bottle80M from the ink tank100M.

[Tank Cap130]

Next, a tank cap130will be described with reference toFIG.14. The tank cap130is attachable to and detachable from the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M (seeFIG.5) to close and open the openings121A and122A (121B,122B) of the first and second sleeves161and162.

The tank cap130of a specific configuration is provided for each of the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M. That is, four different tank caps130are provided for the multifunction peripheral10.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the tank cap130includes a main portion131, a flange portion132, and convex portions133as an example of an engagement portion of the tank cap. The main portion131is generally hollow cylindrical. The main portion131has a shape and size approximately the same as those of the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M. The main portion131has one end and another end131A in an axial direction thereof.

The flange portion132is provided at one end of the main portion131in an axial direction of the main portion131. The flange portion132has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the main portion131. A knob132A is provided at the flange portion132. The knob132A is gripped by the user for attaching the tank cap130to the second sleeve162. The convex portions133are provided at an outer peripheral surface131B of the main portion131. The outer peripheral surface131B is an example of a peripheral surface of the tank cap.

Positions, number, and shape of the convex portions133provided at the outer peripheral surface131B of the main portion131with respect to the four different tank caps130are different from one another in one-to-one correspondence with the ink tanks100B,100Y,100C and100M.

That is, positions, number, and shape of the convex portions133of the tank cap130to be attached to the second sleeve162of the ink tank100B are identical to those of the convex portions93provided at the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80B. Further, positions, number, and shape of the convex portions133of the tank cap130to be attached to the second sleeve162of the ink tank100Y are identical to those of the convex portions93provided at the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80Y. Further, positions, number, and shape of the convex portions133of the tank cap130to be attached to the second sleeve162of the ink tank100C are identical to those of convex portions93provided at the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80C. Further, positions, number, and shape of the convex portions133of the tank cap130to be attached to the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M are identical to those of the convex portions93provided at the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M.

With this structure, the tank cap130can be attached to the second sleeve162of the corresponding one of the ink tanks100, because the concave portions72properly guides the convex portions133, respectively. On the other hand, the tank cap130cannot be attached to the second sleeve162of any one of the remaining three ink tanks100(other than the corresponding ink tank100) because the convex portions133cannot be received and guided by the concave portions72.

The main portion131has another end opposite to the one end connected to the flange portion132in the axial direction of the main portion131. An end face131A of the other end of the main portion131is in pressure contact with the first sleeve161in a state where the tank cap130is attached to the second sleeve162. The pressure contact between the end face131A and first sleeve161provides liquid-tight sealing to the openings121B and122B of the first sleeve161. That is, the openings121B and122B are hermetically sealed. On the other hand, the openings121B and122B are open prior to attachment of the tank cap130to the second sleeve162. Incidentally, in an operable state of the multifunction peripheral10, the liquid bottles80are not attached to the respective ink tanks100. Hence, the second sleeve162is plugged by the corresponding tank cap130in order to prevent leakage of the ink.

Further, in an attached state of the tank cap130to the second sleeve162, an outer peripheral surface132B of the flange portion132is in pressure contact with the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162. Hence, the interior of the second sleeve162is closed off from the atmosphere, and accidental removal of the tank cap130from the second sleeve162can be avoided.

A male screw (as an example of a third screw portion) threadingly engageable with the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162may be provided at the outer peripheral surface131B of the tank cap130. This male screw may have a structure identical to that of the male screw portion92provided at the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80. In the latter case, the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162can be threadingly engaged with selected one of the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91and the male screw of the tank cap130. Alternatively, the male screw of the tank cap130may be different from the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80. For example, the number of turns of the male screw of the tank cap130may be different from the number of turns of the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80.

[Bottle Cap140]

Next, the bottle cap140will be described with reference toFIG.15. The bottle cap140is attachable to and detachable from the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M (seeFIG.16) to close and open the supply opening85of the outer sleeve91.

The bottle cap140of a specific configuration is provided for each of the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M. That is, four different bottle caps140are provided.

As illustrated inFIG.15, the bottle cap140includes a main portion141, a female screw portion142(as an example of a fourth screw portion), concave portions143(as an example of an engagement portion of the bottle cap), and a convex portion144. The main portion141is generally hollow cylindrical. The main portion141has one end in an axial direction thereof that is closed by an end surface141A. The main portion141has another end in the axial direction thereof which is an open end. The main portion141has an inner peripheral surface141B (as an example of a peripheral surface of the bottle cap) at which the female screw portion142, the concave portions143, and the convex portion144are provided.

The main portion141has a shape and size approximately the same as those of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M. That is, the inner peripheral surface141B of the main portion141corresponds to the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162.

The female screw portion142corresponds to the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162and has the same configuration as the female screw portion71. The convex portion144corresponds to the convex portion73of the second sleeve162and has the same configuration as the convex portion73. Incidentally, the female screw portion142may be different from the female screw portion71in terms of the number of helical turns.

Positions, number, and shape of the concave portions143formed in the inner peripheral surface141B of the main portion141with respect to the four different bottle caps140are different from one another in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid bottles80B,80Y,80C and80M.

Specifically, positions, number, and shape of the concave portions143of the bottle cap140to be attached to the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80B are identical to those of the concave portions72formed in the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100B. Likewise, positions, number, and shape of the concave portions143of the bottle cap140to be attached to the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80Y are identical to those of the concave portion72formed in the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100Y. Further, positions, number, and shape of the concave portions143of the bottle cap140to be attached to the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80C are identical to those of the concave portions72formed in the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100C. Further, positions, number, and shape of the concave portions143of the bottle cap140to be attached to the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M are identical to those of the concave portions72formed in the inner peripheral surface162A of the second sleeve162of the ink tank100M.

With this structure, the bottle cap140can be attached to the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80, because the concave portions143properly guide the convex portions93of the corresponding liquid bottle80. On the other hand, the bottle cap140cannot be attached to the outer sleeve91of any one of the remaining three liquid bottles80other than the corresponding liquid bottle80, because the concave portions143cannot guide the convex portions93of such incorrect liquid bottles80.

In a state where the bottle cap140is attached to the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80M, the seal79is covered with the bottle cap140. Therefore, the seal79is prevented from becoming into the open state due to application of external force to the seal79, so that the supply opening85is kept to be closed. On the other hand, the seal79is not covered with the bottle cap140in a state where the bottle cap140is detached from the outer sleeve91. Therefore, the seal79can be into the open state by the application of external force to the seal79. That is, the supply opening85can be open. Incidentally, the outer sleeve91is normally capped with the bottle cap140in order to avoid leakage of the ink in the detached state of the ink bottle80from the corresponding ink tank100.

Incidentally, the female screw portion142and the convex portion144may be omitted from the bottle cap140.

Operational and Technical Advantages of the Embodiment

According to the above-described embodiment, the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80(80M) is connected to the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162of the corresponding ink tank100(100M) for ink supply from the liquid bottle80to the ink tank100. At this time, the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91is threadingly engaged with the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162. Thus, the connection state of the liquid bottle80to the ink tank100is maintained. Accordingly, ink supply from the liquid bottle80to the corresponding ink tank100can be performed without the user's gripping of the liquid bottle80.

Further, according to the embodiment, the concave portions72of the ink tank100M is configured to guide the convex portions93of the liquid bottle80M, but are not configured to guide the convex portions93of any one of the liquid bottles80C,80Y and80B. That is, the concave portions72of the ink tank100are adapted to guide the convex portions93of the corresponding liquid bottle80, but are not adapted to guide the convex portions93of any of the liquid bottles80other than the corresponding liquid bottle80. Therefore, attachment of the liquid bottle80to any un-matched ink tank100is avoidable.

Further, in the embodiment, since the first and second sleeves161and162extend diagonally upward, the liquid bottle80has a slanting posture in the state of connection of the liquid bottle80to the ink tank100. In this connection, if the liquid bottle80were not fixed to the ink tank100, the liquid bottle80would be disconnected from the ink tank100and dropped down from the ink tank100unless the user grips the liquid bottle80. According to the present embodiment, the liquid bottle80can be fixed to the ink tank100by way of the threading engagement between the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91and the female screw portion71of the second sleeve162. Hence, such inadvertent dropping down of the liquid bottle80from the ink tank100can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, the seal79is changed to the open state after the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71are at least partially threadingly engaged with each other. Therefore, leakage of the ink out of the liquid bottle80prior to the fixing of the liquid bottle80to the ink tank100can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, eligibility of the liquid bottle80to be attached to the ink tank100can be determined by visually observing the shape of the concave portions72of the ink tank100. Therefore, there is no need to have uniformity in coloring between the ink tank100and the corresponding liquid bottle80.

Further, according to the embodiment, the second sleeve162includes the convex portion73. During the disconnection process of the outer sleeve91from the second sleeve162, rotation of the outer sleeve91to a rotation-stop position thereof provides an in-line array between the convex portion93and the concave portion72in the axial direction. That is, the convex portion93can be guided by the concave portion72only by pulling out the outer sleeve91in the axial direction. Hence, disconnection of the outer sleeve91from the second sleeve162can be facilitated.

Further, according to the embodiment, the protruding length of the convex portion93is not more than the protruding length of the male screw portion92. Therefore, complexity in shape of the outer sleeve91and the second sleeve162due to existence of the convex portion93can be restrained. Further, a bulky structure of the first and second sleeves161and162due to the convex portion93can be obviated.

Further, according to the embodiment, the concave portions72are formed in the thread74which forms the female screw portion71. Therefore, independent formation of the concave portions72and the thread74is unnecessary. Hence, simplified shape of the outer sleeve91and the second sleeve162can be provided.

Further, according to the embodiment, erroneous attachment of the tank cap130to any unmatched one of the ink tanks100can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, accidental detachment of the tank cap130from the second sleeve162of the corresponding ink tank100can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, erroneous attachment of the bottle cap140to any unmatched one of the liquid bottles80can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, accidental detachment of the bottle cap140from the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80can be prevented.

Further, according to the embodiment, not only the second sleeve162but also the bottle cap140can be threadingly engaged with the male screw portion92of the outer sleeve91of the corresponding liquid bottle80.

Modification 1

FIGS.17and18illustrate a liquid bottle280and an ink tank200according to a first modification to the embodiment. In the following description and drawings, like parts and components are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the above described embodiment in order to avoid duplicating description.

In the above-described embodiment, the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80includes the male screw portion92as the second screw portion and the convex portion93as the second engagement portion. However, the outer sleeve91may not include the male screw portion92.

Specifically, in the liquid bottle280of the first modification, an outer sleeve291does not include the male screw portion92, but includes a convex portion293(instead of the convex portion93) functioning as the second screw portion as well as the second engagement portion.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the ink tank200of the first modification includes: the first sleeve161of the embodiment; and a second sleeve262in which a concave portion272is formed only in a first turn of a thread274constituting a female screw portion271, the first turn being positioned closest to a tip end of the second sleeve262. Further, a pitch (interval) of neighboring turns of the thread274in the protruding direction6is not less than a length of the convex portion293in the axial direction of the outer sleeve291.

For the connection of the liquid bottle280to the ink tank200, firstly, the convex portion293is guided by the concave portion272. Hence, the convex portion293is positioned between the neighboring turns of the thread274. Thereafter, the liquid bottle280is rotated in the clockwise direction about an axis thereof extending in the protruding direction6. Accordingly, the convex portion293is guided along the female screw portion271. That is, the convex portion293as the second screw portion is threadingly engaged with the female screw portion271as the first screw portion.

Incidentally, similar to the above-described embodiment, the specific positional relationship between the convex portion293of the liquid bottle280and the concave portion272of the corresponding ink tank200is provided with respect to each liquid bottle280and associated ink tank200. Therefore, the liquid bottle280is attachable only to the corresponding ink tank200, but cannot be attached to any of the ink tanks200other than the corresponding ink tank200.

According to the first modification, since the single concave portion272is formed in the thread274, complexity in shape of the outer sleeve291and the second sleeve262can be obviated.

Incidentally, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve262may not be integral with the frame of the ink tank200as in the embodiment. Alternatively, at least one of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve262may be provided as separate members from the frame of the ink tank200.

Modification 2

FIGS.19A through20Billustrate a liquid bottle380and an ink tank300according to a second modification.

In the above-described embodiment, for the connection of the liquid bottle80to the ink tank100, firstly, the convex portions93are guided by the respective concave portions72, and then, the male screw portion92and the female screw portion71are threadingly engaged with each other. However, according to the second modification, for the connection of the liquid bottle380to the ink tank300, firstly, a male screw portion392and a female screw portion371are threadingly engaged with each other, and then, convex portions393are guided by concave portions372.

More specifically, as illustrated inFIGS.19A through20B, the liquid bottle380includes an outer sleeve391, instead of the outer sleeve91of the embodiment. The outer sleeve391includes a first outer sleeve391A and a second outer sleeve391B.

The first outer sleeve391A is integral with the outer wall81of the liquid bottle380. That is, the first outer sleeve391A is continuous with the outer wall81. The first outer sleeve391A has an outer peripheral surface391Aa as an example of the peripheral surface of a first outer sleeve. The male screw portion392(as an example of the second screw portion) is provided at a tip end portion of the outer peripheral surface391Aa.

The second outer sleeve391B is supported by the outer wall81or the first outer sleeve391A such that the second outer sleeve391B is movable relative to the first outer sleeve391A in the axial direction151between a first position (illustrated inFIG.19A) and a second position (illustrated inFIG.20B). The second outer sleeve391B is accommodated in the first outer sleeve391A at the first position. The second outer sleeve391B protrudes out from the first outer sleeve391A in the axial direction151at the second position. Incidentally, a conventional mechanism used in a click action ballpoint pen is available for moving the second outer sleeve391B.

The second outer sleeve391B has an outer peripheral surface391Ba as an example of a peripheral surface of a second outer sleeve. The convex portions393(as an example of the second engagement portion) are provided at a tip end portion of the outer peripheral surface391Ba. The second outer sleeve391B has an open end as a supply opening385. A seal379is provided at the open end for closing the supply opening385.

The ink tank300includes the first sleeve161and a second sleeve362. The second sleeve362defines therein a first space363and a second space364aligned with the first space363in the axial direction151.

The first space363is positioned closer to a tip end of the second sleeve362than the second space364is to the tip end. The first space363has an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the first outer sleeve391A. The first space363has an open end that is open to the outside of the ink tank300. The first space363has a base end in communication with the second space364. The first space363is defined by an inner peripheral surface363A of the second sleeve362. The female screw portion371(as an example of the first screw portion) is formed in the inner peripheral surface363A.

The second space364has an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the second outer sleeve391B. The second space364has a tip end in communication with the first space363, and a base end defined by a surface364B through which the tip end of the first sleeve161extends. Hence, the second space364is in communication with the air passage121and the liquid passage122. The second space364is defined by an inner peripheral surface364A of the second sleeve362. The concave portions372are formed on the inner peripheral surface364A to extend in the axial direction. The concave portions372are an example of the first engagement portion.

Similar to the above-described embodiment, for the connection of the liquid bottle380to the ink tank300, firstly, the liquid bottle380is moved in the protruding direction6so that the outer sleeve391approaches the first sleeve161and the second sleeve362, while the outer sleeve391is maintained in such a posture that the supply opening385faces the first sleeve161and the second sleeve362in the protruding direction6, as illustrated inFIG.19A. At this time, the second outer sleeve391B is at the first position.

Then, as illustrated inFIG.19B, the first outer sleeve391A enters into the first space363. At this time, the liquid bottle380is rotated in the clockwise direction about its axis. Hence, the male screw portion392of the first outer sleeve391A is threadingly engaged with the female screw portion371of the second sleeve362.

Subsequently, as illustrated inFIG.20A, the second outer sleeve391B is moved from the first position toward the second position. Incidentally, the liquid bottle380is provided with an operation portion (not illustrated) for moving the second outer sleeve391B. User's manipulation of the non-illustrated operation portion causes the second outer sleeve391B to protrude out from the first outer sleeve391A and to advance into the second space364. At this time, the convex portions393of the second outer sleeve391B are guided by the concave portions372of the second sleeve362in the protruding direction6. That is, in the process of connection of the outer sleeve391to the second sleeve362, after completion of the threading engagement between the male screw portion392and the female screw portion371, the convex portions393are guided by the concave portions372by the movement of the second outer sleeve391B from the first position toward the second position.

As a result of further protruding movement of the second outer sleeve391B from the state illustrated inFIG.20A, the second outer sleeve391B reaches the second position illustrated inFIG.20B. At the second position, the seal379provided at the second outer sleeve391B abuts against the first sleeve161, and the seal379is pressed by the first sleeve161. Hence, the seal379is wound along the slits to provide the open state of the seal379. The state illustrated inFIG.20Bis the state of connection between the liquid bottle380and the ink tank300.

For detaching the liquid bottle380from the ink tank300, firstly, the user operates the operation portion (not illustrated) to move the second outer sleeve391B from the second position to the first position. During this movement, the convex portions393of the second outer sleeve391B are guided by the concave portions372of the second sleeve362in the protruding direction6. Then, the user rotates the liquid bottle380in the counterclockwise direction. Hence, the male screw portion392of the first outer sleeve391A is disengaged from the female screw portion371of the second sleeve362, so that the liquid bottle380can be detached from the ink tank300.

Incidentally, similar to the above-described embodiment, the specific positional relationship between the convex portions393of the liquid bottle380and the concave portions372of the ink tank300is provided with respect to each liquid bottle380and associated ink tank300. Therefore, the liquid bottle380is attachable only to the corresponding ink tank300, but cannot be attached to any of the ink tanks300other than the corresponding ink tank300.

According to the second modification, since the male screw portion392and the convex portions393are provided in the discrete components (i.e., in the first outer sleeve391A and second outer sleeve391B, respectively), shapes and positions of the convex portion393can be determined without any binding of the shape and position of the male screw portion392.

Modification 3

FIGS.21A through22illustrate a liquid bottle480and an ink tank400according to a third modification.

In the above-described embodiment, the protruding length of the convex portions93in the radial direction of the outer sleeve91is equal to or smaller than the protruding length of the male screw portion92. In contrast, according to the third modification, a protruding length of convex portions493(corresponding to the convex portion93) is greater than a protruding length of a male screw portion492(corresponding to the male screw portion92).

Specifically, as illustrated inFIGS.21A and21B, an outer sleeve491of the liquid bottle480of the third modification includes the male screw portion492and two convex portions493. The ink tank400includes the first sleeve161and a second sleeve462. The second sleeve462includes a female screw portion471(corresponding to the female screw portion71), and two concave portions472formed in an inner peripheral surface of the second sleeve462. Each of the concave portions472has a depth corresponding to the protruding length of each convex portions493. In order to ensure the depth of the concave portions472, two protruding portions476are provided on an outer peripheral surface462D of the second sleeve462each at a position corresponding to each of the concave portions472.

Incidentally, the second sleeve462also includes a convex portion (not illustrated) corresponding to the convex portion73. The convex portion has a protruding length in a radial direction of the second sleeve462that is not more than a protruding length of a thread of the female screw portion471and a protruding length of the male screw portion492of the outer sleeve491. However, the protruding length in the radial direction of the convex portion (not illustrated) of the second sleeve462may be greater than the protruding lengths of the thread of the female screw471and the male screw492.

Modification 4

In the above-described embodiment, the ink tank100includes the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162. However, an alternative structure is available.

FIG.23illustrates a liquid bottle580and an ink tank500according to a fourth modification to the embodiment. The ink tank500does not include the second sleeve162, but only includes a first sleeve561corresponding to the first sleeve161. A male screw portion592and concave portions (not illustrated) are provided at an outer peripheral surface561A of the first sleeve561. Further, a partition wall517is provided inside the first sleeve561at a position between a front wall part503A and a rear wall part503B. Hence, an internal space of the first sleeve561is divided into an air passage521and a liquid passage522. The air passage521is in communication with the ink chamber111through an opening521A. The liquid passage522is in communication with the ink chamber111through an opening522A.

The liquid bottle580includes an outer sleeve591. A female screw portion571and convex portions (not illustrated) are provided at an inner peripheral surface591C of the outer sleeve591. A seal579is positioned at a deep end of the outer sleeve591, i.e., at a boundary between the outer sleeve591and the tapered portion83. Incidentally, the seal579is opened in a state illustrated inFIG.23, but the seal579in its closed state is indicated by a broken line inFIG.23.

InFIG.23, the outer sleeve591of the liquid bottle580is connected to the first sleeve561. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the convex portions (not illustrated) of the liquid bottle580are guided by the corresponding concave portions (not illustrated) of the ink tank500, and the male screw portion592of the second sleeve562is threadingly engaged with the female screw portion571of the liquid bottle580. Then, the seal579is opened by abutment of the seal579against the first sleeve561to open a supply opening585of the liquid bottle580. In the connection state, the air passage521is in communication with the internal space84through an opening521B, and the liquid passage522is in communication with the internal space84through an opening522B.

Modification 5

In the above-described embodiment, capability of connection between the outer sleeve91and the second sleeve162is determined by the positional relationship between the convex portions93and the concave portions72. However, capability of the connection may be determined by another structure.

FIG.24illustrates ink tanks600according to a fifth modification to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.24, each of ink tanks600B,600Y,600C and600M of the fifth modification includes: the first sleeve161of the embodiment; and a second sleeve662having an inner peripheral surface formed with a female screw portion671. In the respective ink tanks600B,600Y,600C and600M, a pitch of the female screw portion671of the second sleeve662is different from one another. That is, a distance between neighboring turns of a thread674constituting the female screw portion671in the protruding direction6is different in each of the ink tanks600B,600Y,600C and600M. In this connection, in liquid bottles (not shown) connectable to these ink tanks600, a pitch of a male screw portion (not illustrated) provided at an outer peripheral surface of an outer sleeve is different from one another according to the color of the stored ink.

With this structure, similar to the above-described embodiment, the specific relationship in terms of pitch between the female screw portion671of the ink tank600and the male screw portion of the outer sleeve of the ink bottle is provided with respect to each ink tank600and its associated ink bottle. Therefore, the male screw portion of the liquid bottle is threadingly engageable with the female screw portion671of the corresponding ink tank600, so that the liquid bottle is attachable to the corresponding ink tank600. However, the male screw portion of the liquid bottle cannot threadingly engage with the female screw portion671of any of the ink tanks600other than the corresponding ink tank600due to the difference in pitch of the male screw portion and the female screw portion671. Hence, the liquid bottle cannot be attached to any one of the non-corresponding ink tanks600. Incidentally, the female screw portion671(thread674) is an example of the first engagement portion, and the male screw portion is an example of the second engagement portion.

Incidentally, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve662may not be integral with the frame of the ink tank600as in the depicted embodiment, but at least one of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve662may be provided as separate members from the frame of the ink tank600.

Modification 6

In the above-described embodiment, the air passage121and the liquid passage122are formed in the first sleeve161. However, the air passage121and the liquid passage122may be formed in sleeves different from each other.

FIG.25illustrates an ink tank700according to a sixth modification to the embodiment. The ink tank700includes a sleeve723, and a sleeve724, instead of the first sleeve161of the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.25, an air passage721is formed in the sleeve723, and a liquid passage722is formed in the sleeve724different from the sleeve723.

Modification 7

In the above-described embodiment, the first sleeve161(the air passage121and the liquid passage122) and the second sleeve162are integrally formed with the frame of the ink tank100. However, at least one of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162may be a separate member not integral with the frame of the ink tank100. That is, at least one of the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162may be attachable to and detachable from the frame of the ink tank100.

FIGS.26and27illustrate a holding member880that can be fixed to the housing14(FIG.1). Second sleeves862corresponding to the second sleeves162are provided in the holding member880. As illustrated inFIG.28, an ink tank800according to a seventh modification is not provided with a structure corresponding to the second sleeve162, but is provided with a first sleeve861corresponding to the first sleeve161.

The holding member880is configured to hold a plurality of the ink tanks800arranged side by side in the leftward/rightward direction9. The four ink tanks800arranged in line in the leftward/rightward direction9(seeFIG.4) are held integrally by the holding member880. As illustrated inFIG.28, the holding member880covers a front portion of each ink tank800while holding the ink tanks800.

As illustrated inFIGS.26and27, the holding member880has a box-like shape having an opening881. The four ink tanks800are attached to an interior of the holding member880through the opening881. The holding member880has at least a portion that is positioned inside the housing14while the holding member880holds the four ink tanks800. In this state, the opening881is at a rear side of the holding member880and is open rearward.

The holding member880includes an upright wall882, an inclined wall883, and side walls884. The upright wall882extends in the upward/downward direction7and the leftward/rightward direction9. The inclined wall883extends from an upper end of the upright wall882diagonally upward and rearward.

One of the side walls884is a top wall extending rearward from an upper end of the inclined wall883. Another one of the side walls884is a bottom wall extending rearward from a lower end of the upright wall882, and remaining two side walls884extend rearward from right and left ends of the inclined wall883and the upright wall882, respectively. The opening881is defined by rear ends of the four side walls884.

The side wall884extending rearward from the lower end of the upright wall882(bottom wall) supports the ink tanks800from below.

The upright wall882is formed with a plurality of openings885. The openings885are arrayed with each other in the leftward/rightward direction9with an interval between neighboring two of the openings885. Each opening885corresponds to each ink tank800. Each ink tank800has a front wall801configured of: an upright wall802(corresponding to the upright wall102); and an inclined wall806(corresponding to the inclined wall106). The upright wall802is exposed to the outside of the multifunction peripheral10through the corresponding opening885. Hence, a user can visually recognize an amount of ink stored in each ink tank800through the upright wall802and the opening885.

The second sleeves862are provided at the inclined wall883. The second sleeves862are integral with the holding member880. Alternatively, the second sleeves862may be separate members from the holding member880, and may be attachable to and detachable from the holding member880.

As illustrated inFIG.27, the inclined wall883is formed with openings886each at a position corresponding to a base end of each second sleeve862. As illustrated inFIG.28, each ink tank800includes the first sleeve861provided at the inclined wall806. In a state where the holding member880holds the ink tanks800, a tip end portion of each first sleeve861protrudes into an interior of the corresponding second sleeve862through the opening886. Hence, the positional relationship between the first sleeve861and the second sleeve862is similar to that between the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162in the above-described embodiment. As a result, in the seventh modification, the outer sleeve91of the liquid bottle80is connectable to the first and second sleeves861and862.

Other Modifications

In the above-described embodiment illustrated inFIGS.10through13, the ink tank100includes the female screw portion71as the first screw portion, and the liquid bottle80includes the male screw portion92as the second screw portion. However, in contrast to the embodiment, the ink tank100may include a male screw portion as the first screw portion, and the liquid bottle80may include a female screw portion as the second screw portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the ink tank100includes the concave portions72as the first engagement portion, and the liquid bottle80includes the convex portions93as the second engagement portion. However, in contrast to the embodiment, the ink tank100may include convex portions as the first engagement portion, and the liquid bottle80may include concave portions as the second engagement portion.

In the above-described embodiment, the second sleeve162includes the convex portion73as the regulating portion. However, in contrast to the embodiment, the outer sleeve91may include the convex portion73as the regulating portion. In a case where the convex portion73(the regulating portion) is provided at the outer peripheral surface91A of the outer sleeve91, the convex portion73may be formed at a position adjacent to an end of the male screw portion92, the end being closer to a base end of the outer sleeve91(i.e., the tapered portion83) than to the tip end of the outer sleeve91in the axial direction151.

In the ink tank100of the above-described embodiment, the first sleeve161and the second sleeve162protrude diagonally upward and frontward from the outer surface106A of the inclined wall106. However, the positions and protruding direction of the first and second sleeves161and162may not be limited to those in the above-described embodiment. For example, the first sleeve161and second sleeve162may protrude in the vertical direction or horizontal direction. Incidentally, the liquid passage122may be positioned below the air passage121in a case where the first sleeve161protrudes in a direction other than the vertical direction. Positional relationship between the liquid passage122and the air passage121may be arbitrary in a case where the first sleeve121protrudes in the vertical direction.

In the ink tank100of the above-described embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.6, the first sleeve161has a first part within the ink chamber111extending in the upward/downward direction7, and a second part extending in the protruding direction6(in the direction along the center axis162B) from the interior of the ink chamber111to the outside of the ink chamber111. However, the configuration of the first sleeve161may not be limited to that of the depicted embodiment. For example, the first sleeve161in its entirety may extend in the protruding direction6. Alternatively, the first sleeve161in its entirety may extend in the upward/downward direction7.

The liquid bottle80and the ink tank100may be shaped differently from the depicted embodiment. For example, the liquid bottle80may be hollow cylindrical without the tapered portion83, or may be a hollow quadrangular prismatic. Further, the ink tank100may have a shape of rectangular parallelepiped without the inclined wall106.

In the above-described embodiment, ink is an example of the liquid. However, pretreatment liquid (which is ejected onto the sheet prior to ejection of ink for printing) or water (which is ejected to a region near the nozzles40of the recording head39for protection against desiccation of the nozzles40) is also available as the liquid.

While the description has been made in detail with reference to the embodiments thereof, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.