Patent ID: 12187043

<Overall Configuration of Liquid Supply System100>

A liquid supply system100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the appended drawings. In the present embodiment, mechanical elements in the drawings show an actual scale in each of the drawings. As shown inFIG.1, the liquid supply system100includes a plurality of printers1, and a liquid supply device2. The liquid supply system100supplies an ink or a pretreatment agent, for example, as a liquid, to each of the plurality of printers1, from the liquid supply device2.

A number of the plurality of printers1is not limited to a particular number, and, for example, four printers1A,1B,1C, and1D are connected to the single liquid supply device2, using tubes8. The printer1is an inkjet printer, for example, and performs printing by ejecting the ink onto a print medium (not shown in the drawings). The print medium is a cloth, paper, or the like, and is a T-shirt, for example.

The ink is, for example, white (W), black (K), yellow (Y), cyan (C), or magenta (M). Hereinafter, of the five colors of the ink, the white color ink will be referred to as “white ink,” and when the four colors of the black, cyan, yellow and magenta inks are collectively referred to, or when one of the inks is not particularly specified, they will be referred to as “color inks.”

The white ink is used in printing as a portion representing white in an image, or as a base for the color inks. The color inks are ejected directly onto the print medium, or onto the base created using the white ink, and are used in printing of a color image.

The pretreatment agent is, for example, an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymer and a multivalent metal salt. The pretreatment agent is a base coat agent, for example, and is applied to the print medium before the printing using the color inks or the white ink. The pretreatment agent improves fixing of the ink to the print medium, or improves color development of the inks.

<Mechanical Configuration of Printer1>

Hereinafter, the upper left direction, the lower right direction, the lower left direction, the upper right direction, the upper direction, and the lower direction inFIG.1are, respectively, a left direction, a right direction, a front direction, a rear direction, an upper direction, and a lower direction of the printer1.

As shown inFIG.1, the printer1is provided with a frame body10, a conveyor11, a platen15, a pair of guide rails12, a carriage13, a plurality of heads14, a plurality of caps19, and a housing16. The frame body10is configured in a lattice shape by a plurality of shafts, and is fixed inside a cabinet (not shown in the drawings). The conveyor11is fixed to a lower portion of the frame body10, and includes a shaft extending in the front-rear direction, for example.

The platen15is positioned above the conveyor11, and is supported by the conveyor11. The platen15is plate shaped, and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The print medium (not shown in the drawings) is placed on the upper surface of the platen15. The platen15is driven by a sub-scanning motor182shown inFIG.11, and is conveyed in the front-rear direction along the conveyor11. Thus, in the present embodiment, the front-rear direction of the printer1is a sub-scanning direction.

The pair of guide rails12are respectively fixed to the upper portion of the frame body10, with an interval between therebetween in the front-rear direction, and each extends in the left-right direction. The carriage13is positioned between the pair of guide rails12in the front-rear direction, and is supported by the pair of guide rails12. The carriage13is plate shaped, and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The plurality of heads14are mounted to the carriage13. A number of the plurality of heads14is not limited to a particular number, and there are six of the heads14, for example.

The head14has a cuboid shape. A nozzle surface (not shown in the drawings) is provided on the lower surface of the head14. The nozzle surface is positioned higher than the platen15, and is exposed downward from the carriage13. The head14is driven by a head driver183shown inFIG.11, and ejects the ink or the pretreatment agent from the nozzle surface. The head driver183is configured by piezoelectric elements or by heater elements, for example. The plurality of heads14include the heads14for ejecting the white ink, the heads14for ejecting the color ink, and the heads14for ejecting the pretreatment agent, for example.

As a result of the carriage13being driven by a main scanning motor181shown inFIG.3, the carriage13is conveyed in the left-right direction along the pair of guide rails12. In this way, the heads14are also conveyed in the left-right direction. Thus, in the present embodiment, the left-right direction of the printer1is a main scanning direction.

The plurality of caps19are provided to the left of a movement path of the platen15and below a movement path of the plurality of heads14. A number of the plurality of caps19is not limited to a particular number, and is six, for example, which is the same number as the plurality of heads14. The plurality of caps19are disposed at positions corresponding to arrangement positions of the plurality of heads14.

As a result of the plurality of caps19moving upward in a state in which the plurality of heads14are positioned above the plurality of caps19, the caps19respectively closely adhere to the nozzle surfaces of the corresponding heads14. As a result of the plurality of caps19moving downward, the caps19respectively separate from the nozzle surfaces of the corresponding heads14.

The housing16is fixed to a right portion of the frame body10. A plurality of main tanks17are housed inside the housing16. A number of the main tanks17is not limited to a particular number, and there are six main tanks17W,17M,17C,17Y,17K, and17CS, for example. The main tank17may be configured by a cartridge.

The plurality of main tanks17respectively receive the supply of the liquid from the liquid supply device2, and store the supplied liquid. For example, the main tanks17W,17M,17C,17Y,17K, and17CS respectively receive the supply of the white (W) ink, the magenta (M) ink, the cyan (C) ink, the yellow (Y) ink, and the black (K) ink, and the pretreatment agent from the liquid supply device2.

The plurality of main tanks17are respectively connected to one or a plurality of the plurality of heads14, via sub pouches (not shown in the drawings). As a result of the driving of a supply mechanism184shown inFIG.11, the printer1supplies the inks or the pretreatment agent from each of the plurality of main tanks17to the plurality of heads14, via the sub pouches. The supply mechanism184is configured by one or both of a pump and a valve, and is provided in each of flow paths between the main tanks17and the heads14.

For example, the printer1supplies the white ink from the main tank17W, via the sub pouch, to the heads14, of the plurality of heads14, for ejecting the white ink. The printer1supplies the color inks from the main tanks17M,17C,17Y, and17K, via the sub pouches, to the heads14, of the plurality of heads14, for ejecting the color inks. The printer1supplies the pretreatment agent from the main tank17CS, via the sub pouch, to the heads14, of the plurality of heads14, for ejecting the pretreatment agent.

In the above-described configuration, the printer1performs pretreatment processing before printing processing, for example. For example, in the pretreatment processing, the printer1causes the carriage13to reciprocate in the left-right direction by the driving of the main scanning motor181shown inFIG.11, while causing the platen15to move in the front-rear direction by the driving of the sub-scanning motor182shown inFIG.11. The heads14eject the pretreatment agent supplied from the main tank17CS, while moving in the left-right direction.

After the pretreatment processing, the printer1prints a print image on the print medium by the print processing. For example, in the print processing, the printer1causes the carriage13to reciprocate in the left-right direction by the driving of the main scanning motor181shown inFIG.11, while causing the platen15to move in the front-rear direction by the driving of the sub-scanning motor182shown inFIG.11. The heads14eject the inks supplied from the main tanks17W,17M,17C,17Y, and17K, while moving in the left-right direction. In this way, the print image is printed on the print medium.

<Mechanical Configuration of Liquid Supply Device2>

Hereinafter, the upper left direction, the lower right direction, the lower left direction, the upper right direction, the upper direction, and the lower direction inFIG.2are, respectively, a left direction, a right direction, a front direction, a rear direction, an upper direction, and a lower direction of the liquid supply device2. The left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the liquid supply device2may be respectively aligned with, or may intersect, the left-right direction and the front-rear direction of the printer1.

The liquid supply device2is provided with a main unit3A and a sub-unit3B. In the present embodiment, the main unit3A and the sub-unit3B differ from each other in the presence or absence of a control box5to be described later, a type of the liquid stored in a server tank6to be described later, and a configuration of a mount mechanism9W to be described later. Hereinafter, the structure of the main unit3A will be described in detail, and where, of the configuration of the sub-unit3B, the configuration is the same as that of the main unit3A, the same reference signs will be assigned as for the main unit3A, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The main unit3A includes a placement base30, the control box5, a plurality of placement units7, a plurality of the server tanks6, and a plurality of the mount mechanisms9. The placement base30includes a bottom plate31, a pair of pillars32, a top plate33(refer to the sub-unit3B), a fixed plate34, and a movable plate35. The bottom plate31is positioned at a lower portion of the placement base30, and extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The pair of pillars32extend upward from a left end a right end, respectively, of the bottom plate31.

Hereinafter, a space enclosed by the bottom plate31and the pair of pillars32will be referred to as a “placement space37”. The top plate33(refer to the sub-unit3B), extends in the left-right direction between the respective upper ends of the pair of pillars32. The front end of the top plate33is positioned at a central portion of the placement space37, in the front-rear direction.

The fixed plate34and the movable plate35are respectively provided at an upper portion of the placement space37. The fixed plate34extends in the left-right direction between the pair of pillars32, and extends downward from the front end of the top plate33(refer to the sub-unit3B). The fixed plate34is fixed to the top plate33.

A first end351of the movable plate35extends in the left-right direction, and is coupled to the lower end of the fixed plate34via a hinge (not shown in the drawings). The movable plate35moves between an open position and a closed position as a result of rotating around the first end351as an axis. Note thatFIG.2shows a state in which the movable plate35of the sub-unit3B is positioned at the open position, and shows a state in which the movable plate35of the main unit3A is positioned at the closed position.

When the movable plate35is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B), the movable plate35extends in the up-down direction and the left-right direction, and a second end352of the movable plate35is positioned higher than the first end351of the movable plate35. In this case, of the placement space37, a portion further to the front than the top plate33is open upward.

When the movable plate35is positioned at the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), the movable plate35extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, and the second end352of the movable plate35is positioned to the front of the first end351of the movable plate35. In this case, of the placement space37, the portion further to the front than the top plate33is covered, from above, by the movable plate35.

When the movable plate35rotates in the clockwise direction in a right side view from the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), the movable plate35comes into contact with the fixed plate34, from the front, at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B). As a result of the fixed plate34coming into contact with the movable plate35, the movable plate35is suppressed from rotating further in the clockwise direction in the right side view from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B).

Each of the pair of pillars32includes a facing surface321. The pair of facing surfaces321face each other in the left-right direction. Stoppers322are provided on each of the pair of facing surfaces321.FIG.2shows one of the pair of stoppers322, in the sub-unit3B. The pair of stoppers322respectively protrude from the facing surfaces321so as to face each other in the left-right direction.

The stoppers322are positioned further to the front than the fixed plate34, and are positioned at a position of the lower end of the fixed plate34in the up-down direction. When the movable plate35rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the right side view from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B), the movable plate35comes into contact, from above, with the stoppers322, at the closed position (refer to the main unit3A). As a result of the stoppers322coming into contact with the movable plate35, the movable plate35is suppressed from rotating further in the counterclockwise direction in the right side view from the closed position (refer to the main unit3A).

An open/closed sensor38is provided at the lower left portion of the fixed plate34. The open/closed sensor38is a proximity switch, and detects whether or not the movable plate35is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B). A plurality of receptors36are provided at the lower end of the fixed plate34. A number of the plurality of receptors36is not limited to a particular number, and is the same number as a number of the placement units7to be described later, for example, which is three. The plurality of receptors36are aligned alongside each other in the left-right direction.

The receptor36is provided with an extension plate361(refer to the sub-unit3B) and a receptacle362. The extension plate361extends from the lower end of the fixed plate34so as to extend to the left and downward the further toward the front. The receptacle362is fixed to the lower end of the extension plate361. The receptacle362is positioned further to the front than the fixed plate34. The receptacle362receives the liquid dripping from the mount mechanism9to be described later, when replacing the server tank6.

The control box5is provided at the upper surface of the top plate33in the main unit3A. Note that the sub-unit3B is not provided with the control box5. A control device50(refer toFIG.12) to be described later is provided inside the control box5.

A display56, an operation portion57, and a warning light58are provided at the control box5. The display56is positioned at the upper left portion of the front surface of the control box5, and displays various information. The operation portion57includes a plurality of buttons, for example, and is positioned below the display56at the front surface of the control box5. A user inputs various information to the liquid supply device2by operating the operation portion57.

The warning light58is positioned at the left end of the upper surface of the control box5. The warning light58is, for example, a three-color layered light, and emits light in various light emission modes in accordance with a state of the liquid supply system100. The state of the liquid supply system100includes a normal operation state, an error state, and the like. The user can ascertain the state of the liquid supply system100by the light emission mode of the warning light58.

A plurality of support portions39are provided at the front surface of the control box5. A number of the plurality of support portions39is not limited to a particular number and is, for example, the same number as the number of the placement units7to be described later, which is three. The plurality of support portions39are aligned alongside each other in the left-right direction. The plurality of support portions39are respectively positioned above placement plates73to be described later, and overlap the placement plates73to be described later, in the up-down direction. Note that in the present embodiment, “a certain member overlaps another member in a specific direction” means that, when the certain member is seen from the specific direction, at least a part of the certain member can be seen to be overlapping at least a part of the other member.

The support portion39includes a pair of plates391and an engagement shaft392. The pair of plates391respectively extend to the front from the front surface of the control box5and face each other in the left-right direction. The engagement shaft392extends in the left-right direction between the pair of plates391. When replacing the server tank6, the user removes the mount mechanism9to be described later from the server tank6, and hooks the removed mount mechanism9onto the support portion39. Note that, in the sub-unit3B, the plurality of support portions39are respectively provided at the front end of the top plate33.

The plurality of placement units7are respectively provided on the bottom plate31, and are aligned alongside each other in the left-right direction. A number of the plurality of placement units7is not limited to a particular number and is three, for example. A structure of the placement unit7will be described in detail later.

The server tanks6are positioned outside the plurality of printers1shown inFIG.1, and are placed on the placement units7, for example. The server tank6is a cuboid shape, and stores the liquid. The server tank6includes a protrusion61. The protrusion61protrudes upward from a corner of the upper surface of the server tank6. An external shape of the protrusion61is a circular shape as seen from above. An external screw thread is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion61. An opening62is formed in the upper end of the protrusion61. The opening62has a circular shape as seen from above. The interior and exterior of the server tank6are linked via the opening62.

A number of the plurality of server tanks6is not limited to a particular number, and is three in the main unit3A, for example. The plurality of server tanks6includes server tanks6W,6M, and6C. The server tanks6W,6M, and6C are aligned in order of the server tanks6W,6M, and6C from the right toward the left. The server tanks6W,6M, and6C respectively store the white (W), magenta (M), and cyan (C) inks.

Note that in the sub-unit3B, a number of the plurality of server tanks6is not limited to a particular number, and is three, for example. In the sub-unit3B, the plurality of server tanks6includes server tanks6Y,6K, and6CS. The server tanks6Y,6K, and6CS are aligned in order of the server tanks6Y,6K, and6CS from the right toward the left. The server tanks6Y,6K, and6CS respectively store the yellow (Y) and black (K) inks, and the pretreatment agent.

A maximum capacity of the liquid that the server tank6can store is not limited to a particular capacity, and is greater than a maximum capacity of the liquid that can be stored by the main tank17, for example. For example, the maximum capacity of the liquid that can be stored by the server tank6W is greater than the maximum capacity of the liquid that can be stored by the single main tank17W, and is greater than a total maximum capacity that can be stored by the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D.

The mount mechanism9is mounted to the server tank6and removed from the server tank6via the opening62. Note thatFIG.2shows a state in which the mount mechanism9is mounted to the server tank6in the main unit3A, and shows a state in which the mount mechanism9is removed from the server tank6in the sub-unit3B. The structure of the mount mechanism9will be described in detail later.

<Detailed Structure of Placement Unit7>

As shown inFIG.2, of the plurality of placement units7, an orientation of the placement unit7on which the server tank6W is placed is different, by 45° in the clockwise direction, with respect to the other placement units7, as seen from above. Hereinafter, the placement unit7will be described while taking the orientation of the placement unit7on which the server tank6W is placed will be taken as a reference. Note that the orientations of each of the plurality of placement units7may be the same as each other as seen from above.

As shown inFIG.3toFIG.5, the placement unit7includes a server sensor71, a tilt mechanism72, and the placement plate73. The server sensor71is a weight sensor, for example, and is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate31shown inFIG.2. The server sensor71detects a server remaining amount using the weight. The server remaining amount is a remaining amount of the liquid inside the server tank6placed on the placement unit7.

When the server remaining amount has decreased, the tilt mechanism72displaces the server tank6W from a horizontal posture (refer toFIG.4) to a tilted posture (refer toFIG.5) to be described later. The tilt mechanism72is provided with a guide plate721, an elastic body722, and a shaft723.

As shown inFIG.3, the guide plate721has a U-shape when seen from the front, and is open upward. A pair of upper ends of the guide plate721respectively extend in the front-rear direction and are positioned at the same height as each other. The guide plate721is fixed on the top of the server sensor71.

The elastic body722is a compression coil spring, for example, and extends upward from a bottom surface of the guide plate721. When the elastic body722is at an equilibrium length, the upper end of the elastic body722is positioned higher than the upper ends of the guide plate721. The shaft723extends in the left-right direction between the pair of side surfaces of the guide plate721. As shown inFIG.4, the shaft723is positioned further to the rear than the elastic body722.

As shown inFIG.3, the placement plate73is positioned above the elastic body722, and is supported by the elastic body722. When seen from above, the placement plate73has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the server tank6, and has a rectangular shape, for example. As shown inFIG.4, the server tank6is placed on the upper surface of the placement plate73with an orientation such that the opening62is disposed at a rear corner of the placement plate73when seen from above.

A stopper75is provided at the placement plate73. The stopper75is a plate and extends upward from two edges including the rear corner of the placement plate73. The stopper75suppresses the server tank6on the placement plate73from falling to the rear from the placement plate73.

As shown inFIG.3, a pair of guide plates74are provided at the placement plate73. The pair of guide plates74extend downward from the bottom surface of the placement plate73. The pair of guide plates74are disposed between a pair of side walls of the guide plate721.

As shown inFIG.4, support holes741are provided in each of rear portions of the pair of guide plates74. Note that, of the pair of guide plates74,FIG.4shows a portion of the right guide plate74that is hidden by the guide plate721using dotted lines. An inner diameter of the support hole741is larger than an outer diameter of the shaft723. The shaft723is disposed inside each of the support holes741in the pair of guide plates74.

According to the above-described configuration, as shown inFIG.3andFIG.4, when the server tank6is placed on the placement plate73, the elastic body722contracts downward in accordance with the server remaining amount. When the elastic body722has contracted by a predetermined length, the placement plate73comes into contact with the pair of upper ends of the guide plate721. In this case, the pair of upper ends of the guide plate721respectively extend in the front-rear direction, and thus, the placement plate73does not tilt and the placement plate73extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. When the placement plate73extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction, the bottom surface of the server tank6also extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction.

Hereinafter, the posture of the server tank6when the bottom surface of the server tank6extends in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction will be referred to as a “horizontal posture.” When the server tank6is placed on the placement plate73, a minimum server remaining amount when the placement plate73is in surface contact with the pair of upper ends of the guide plate721will be referred to as a “deformation remaining amount.” The deformation remaining amount is established by the Young's modulus of the elastic body722.

As the server remaining amount, a “first server remaining amount,” a “second server remaining amount,” and a “third server remaining amount” are defined. The first server remaining amount is greater than the deformation remaining amount. The second server remaining amount is smaller than the first server remaining amount, and is greater than the deformation remaining amount. The third server remaining amount is smaller than the deformation remaining amount.

Even when the server tank6is placed on the placement plate73and the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the second server remaining amount, since the server remaining amount is greater than the deformation remaining amount, the server tank6maintains the horizontal posture.

On the other hand, as shown inFIG.5, when the server tank6is placed on the placement plate73and the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the third server remaining amount, the server remaining amount becomes smaller than the deformation remaining amount, and thus, the elastic body722elastically deforms so as to extend upward. In this case, the placement plate73rotates in the clockwise direction, as seen from the right, around the shaft723. In this way, the placement plate73tilts from the upper direction in the downward direction the further from the front to the rear.

When the placement plate73tilts from the upper direction in the downward direction the further from the front to the rear, the bottom surface of the server tank6also tilts from the upper direction toward the downward direction the further from the front to the rear. Hereinafter, the posture of the server tank6when the bottom surface of the server tank6tilts from the upper direction toward the downward direction the further from the front to the rear will be referred to as a “tilted posture.” Note that in the tilted posture, the more the server remaining amount decreases, the larger an angle of the bottom surface of the server tank6becomes with respect to the front-rear direction.

As described above, when the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the third server remaining amount, the tilt mechanism72displaces the server tank6W from the horizontal posture to the tilted posture. On the other hand, when the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the second server remaining amount, the tilt mechanism72does not displace the server tank6W from the horizontal posture to the tilted posture. In the present embodiment, with respect to “when the server remaining amount decreases, the tilt mechanism72displaces the server tank6W from the horizontal posture to the tilted posture,” it is sufficient that there be a change in the server remaining amount that changes the posture of the server tank6W as a result of the decrease in the server remaining amount, such as when the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the third server remaining amount, for example. In other words, “when the server remaining amount decreases, the tilt mechanism72displaces the server tank6W from the horizontal posture to the tilted posture” may also include the change in the server remaining amount that does not change the posture of the server tank6W as a result of the decrease in the server remaining amount, such as when the server remaining amount decreases from the first server remaining amount to the second server remaining amount.

As shown inFIG.4, in the front-rear direction, a center C1of the elastic body722is positioned further to the front than a center C2of the shaft723. In a state in which the mount mechanism9is mounted to the server tank6, a center of gravity G1of the server tank6itself (not including the mount mechanism9) is positioned further to the front than the opening62, and is positioned between the center C1of the elastic body722and the center C2of the shaft723in the front-rear direction. A center of gravity G2of a unit of the server tank6and the mount mechanism9is positioned further to the rear than the center of gravity G1of the server tank6itself (not including the mount mechanism9), and is positioned further to the rear than the center C2of the shaft723. As a result, in accordance with the server remaining amount decreasing, the server tank6is more easily displaced from the horizontal posture shown inFIG.4to the tilted posture shown inFIG.5.

<Detailed Structure of Mount Mechanism9>

As shown inFIG.2, hereinafter, the mount mechanism9corresponding to the server tank6W will be referred to as a “mount mechanism9W.” When the mount mechanisms9respectively corresponding to the server tanks6M,6C,6Y,6K, and6CS are collectively referred to, or when no particular distinction is made therebetween, they will be referred to as a “mount mechanism9C.” The configuration of the mount mechanism9is different between the mount mechanism9W and the mount mechanism9C.

In the present embodiment, the mount mechanism9W and the mount mechanism9C differ from each other in the presence or absence of an agitation mechanism96to be described later (refer toFIG.6), respective numbers of connectors97to be described later (refer toFIG.7andFIG.8), and connection configurations of the tubes8shown inFIG.7andFIG.8. Hereinafter, the structure of the mount mechanism9W will be described in detail, and, of the configuration of the mount mechanism9C, the configuration that is the same as that of the mount mechanism9W will be assigned the same reference signs, and a description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

As shown inFIG.6, the mount mechanism9W is provided with a cabinet91, a handle92, a cap93, a support plate94shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, a washer95shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, a guide plate944, the agitation mechanism96, and the tubes. Note that the mount mechanism9C shown inFIG.2is not provided with the agitation mechanism96.FIG.7omits illustration of the cap93.FIG.8shows the cap93using virtual lines.

The cabinet91is a cuboid shape. An engagement hook913is provided at the cabinet91. The engagement hook913extends downward after extending to the rear from the rear surface of the cabinet91. When the support portion39shown inFIG.2supports the mount mechanism9, the engagement hook913engages with the engagement shaft392shown inFIG.2.

The handle92extends downward after extending to the front from the front surface of the cabinet91. After extending downward, the handle92extends to the rear as far as the front surface of the cabinet91. The handle92is positioned on the opposite side of the cabinet91to the engagement hook913. The user handles the mount mechanism9while holding the handle92.

The cap93has a circular cylindrical shape. An opening931is formed in the lower end of the cap93. The opening931has a circular shape. The inner diameter of the opening931is substantially the same as the diameter of the protrusion61. An opening932is formed in the upper surface of the cap93. The diameter of the opening932is smaller than the diameter of the opening931. An internal screw thread (not shown in the drawings) is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the cap93. The cap93is mounted to the protrusion61by screwing together the internal screw thread of the cap93with the external screw thread of the protrusion61.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, a central shaft911and a plurality of connection shafts912are provided in the cabinet91. The central shaft911has a cylindrical shape and extends downward from the cabinet91. The plurality of connection shafts912are respectively positioned around the central shaft911in the radial direction of the central shaft911, and extend downward from the cabinet91. The central shaft911and the plurality of connection shafts912penetrate the inside of the openings931and932.

The support plate94has a ring shape. The support plate94connects the lower ends of each of the central shaft911and the plurality of connection shafts912. The outer diameter of the support plate94is smaller than the diameter of the opening931, is larger than the diameter of the opening932, and is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion61.

The outer diameter of the support plate94is smaller than the diameter of the opening931, and thus, when the cap93moves downward, the support plate94is disposed inside the cap93. The outer diameter of the support plate94is larger than the diameter of the opening932, and thus, when the cap93moves downward, the cap93is hooked on the support plate94. Thus, using the cabinet91and the support plate94, the cap93is held between the cabinet91and the support plate94in the up-down direction.

An opening (not shown in the drawings) and a plurality of connectors97are provided at the support plate94. The opening penetrates the center of the support plate94in the up-down direction, and is linked to an internal space of the central shaft911. The plurality of connectors97are provided around the central shaft911in the radial direction of the central shaft911. A number of the plurality of connectors97is not limited to a particular number, and in the mount mechanism9W is five, for example. Note that in each ofFIG.7andFIG.8, three of the five connectors97are illustrated. In the mount mechanism9C shown inFIG.2, the number of the plurality of connectors97is three, for example.

Each of the plurality of connectors97includes a first connector971and a second connector972. Each of the first connector971and the second connector972is a coupler plug or a hose nipple, for example. The first connector971protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the support plate94. The second connector972protrudes upward from the upper surface of the support plate94. Openings971A and972A are respectively provided in the first connector971and the second connector972. The opening971A of the first connector971and the opening972A of the second connector972are connected to each other.

The tubes8configure flow paths of the liquid between the server tank6and each of the plurality of printers1. The tubes8are connected to some or all of the plurality of connectors97. In the mount mechanism9W, as the tubes8, two tubes81and two tubes86are respectively connected to the four connectors97. Note thatFIG.7illustrates one of the tubes81and the two tubes86.FIG.8illustrates one of the tubes81and one of the tubes86.

The two tubes81are respectively configured by a tube811and a tube812. The two tubes86are respectively configured by a tube861and a tube862. The two tubes811and the two tubes861are respectively connected to the first connector971. In a state in which the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W, the two tubes811and the two tubes861respectively extend downward from the first connector971toward the inside of the server tank6W. As shown inFIG.6, first ends811A of each of the two tubes811and first ends861A of each of the two tubes861are positioned above and in the vicinity of a bottom plate947to be described later.

As shown inFIG.7andFIG.8, the two tubes812and the two tubes862are respectively connected to the second connector972. After extending upward from the second connector972, the two tubes812and the two tubes862respectively extend toward the printer1. Connection destinations of the tubes8including the tubes812and862will be described in detail later. Illustration of the tubes812and862is omitted inFIG.4toFIG.6.

Note that the tube8is not connected to a connector97A. The connector97A is one of the five connectors97. The connector97A causes a space inside the server tank6W to be communicated with the atmosphere. In this way, even when an inter supply device-printer supply operation or an inter supply device-printer circulation operation (to be described later) is performed, pressure inside the server tank6W is suppressed from changing. The connector97A need not necessarily have a function of connecting the tubes8to the server tank6W, and may simply be a through hole.

In the mount mechanism9C shown inFIG.2, as the tubes8, two of the tubes81are respectively connected to two of the connectors97. The tube8is not connected to one of the three connectors97. The connector97to which the tube8is not connected causes the space inside the server tank6to be communicated with the atmosphere.

The washer95is an elastic body and has a ring shape. The washer95is fixed to the bottom surface of the support plate94.FIG.7shows the washer95hidden below the support plate94using dotted lines. The inner edge of the washer95is positioned around the plurality of connectors97in the radial direction of the support plate94. The outer diameter of the washer95is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion61. The inner diameter of the washer95is smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion61.

As shown inFIG.6, the guide plate944includes an extension plate945, a pair of side plates946, and the bottom plate947. The extension plate945extends downward from the bottom surface of the support plate94. The extension plate945is positioned further to the rear than any of the plurality of connectors97. The left end of the extension plate945is positioned further to the left than any of the plurality of connectors97. The right end of the extension plate945is positioned further to the right than any of the plurality of connectors97. The pair of side plate946extend to the front from both the left and the right ends of the extension plate945, respectively. The bottom plate947extends to the front from the lower end of the extension plate945. An opening948is provided in the bottom plate947.

The agitation mechanism96includes a propeller stirrer, and is provided with a rotation shaft961, a propeller962, and an agitation motor963shown inFIG.12. After passing from inside the cabinet91through the central shaft911shown inFIG.7, the rotation shaft961passes through the opening948and extends to a position lower than the bottom plate947. A bearing (not shown in the drawings) is fixed to the inside of the central shaft911. The rotation shaft961is rotatably supported by the bearing.

The propeller962includes a plurality of vanes, and is fixed to the lower end of the rotation shaft961, and extends to the outside in the radial direction of the rotation shaft961. The propeller962is supported by the support plate94, via the central shaft911, the bearing, and the rotation shaft961. In the state in which the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W, the propeller962is positioned in the vicinity of the bottom surface of the server tank6W inside the server tank6W.

The agitation motor963shown inFIG.12is provided inside the cabinet91, and is coupled to the rotation shaft961via gears (not shown in the drawings), or by direct coupling. The agitation mechanism96rotates the rotation shaft961by the driving of the agitation motor963shown inFIG.12. As a result of the rotation of the rotation shaft961, the propeller962rotates. As a result of rotating the propeller962in the state in which the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W, the agitation mechanism96agitates the white ink inside the server tank6W.

Hereinafter, an operation of the agitation mechanism96driving the agitation motor963shown inFIG.12and rotating the propeller962will be referred to as an “agitation operation.” In the present embodiment, the agitation mechanism96intermittently performs the agitation operation by repeatedly driving and stopping the agitation motor963shown inFIG.12. Hereinafter, the agitation mechanism96intermittently performing the agitation operation will be referred to as “intermittent driving of the agitation operation.”

In the present embodiment, the white ink includes components that are more likely to precipitate than components included in the color inks, as solid components such as pigment particles and the like. The components that are more likely to precipitate include titanium oxide, for example. Titanium oxide is a type of inorganic pigment having a relatively high specific gravity. The white ink includes the components that are relatively likely to precipitate, and thus, the solid components in the white ink, such as the pigment particles and the like, easily precipitate. Hereinafter, the precipitation of the solid components in the white ink will be also referred to as “the white ink settles.” By performing the agitation operation, the agitation mechanism96suppresses the white ink from settling inside the server tank6W.

According to the above-described configuration, as shown inFIG.4andFIG.5, when the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W, the first ends811A of the tubes811and the first ends861A of the tubes861are disposed inside the server tank6W. Thus, when the server tank6W is in the tilted posture shown inFIG.5, the white ink inside the server tank6W collects around the first ends811A of the tubes811and the first ends861A of the tubes861.

In this way, a height of a liquid surface inside the server tank6W is higher, at the positions of the first ends811A of the tubes811and the first ends861A of the tubes861, than when the server tank6W is in the horizontal posture. Thus, even when the server remaining amount decreases, the first ends811A of the tubes811and the first ends861A of the tubes861are suppressed from being removed upward from the liquid surface of the liquid inside the server tank6W. Note that the height of the liquid surface inside the server tank6is defined by a length in the up-down direction (the vertical direction) from the bottom surface of the server tank6to the liquid surface.

The cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, and the agitation mechanism96are integrated with each other to configure the mount mechanism9W. Thus, in the present embodiment, “the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W” means that “the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, or the agitation mechanism96are mounted to the server tank6W.”

Furthermore, “the support portion39supports the mount mechanism9” means that the “support portion39supports the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, or the agitation mechanism96.” Note that “a plurality of member are integrated with each other to configure a member” refers to the fact that a plurality of members are coupled together to an extent to which the single member cannot be dismantled to the plurality of members, insofar as a certain external force is not applied, or the user does not intentionally remove the member.

<Method of Assembling Mount Mechanism9>

Hereinafter, of the mount mechanism9W, a method of assembling the vicinity of the support plate94will be described as an example. The connectors97, the washer95, the central shaft911, the connection shafts912, and the guide plate944are attached to the support plate94. For example, the connectors97are screwed together with the support plate94. The washer95is adhered to the support plate94using an adhesive. The central shaft911is formed integrally with the support plate94. The connection shafts912and the guide plate944are respectively attached to the support plate94using screws.

In this state, the cap93is mounted to the support plate94, from above, such that the central shaft911and the connection shafts912are inserted, from below, into the opening931and the opening932in order. In this way, the support plate94is disposed inside the cap93. Hereinafter, a unit in which the connectors97, the washer95, the central shaft911, the connection shafts912, and the guide plate944are attached to the support plate94will be referred to as a “support plate unit.”

The cabinet91is attached to the support plate unit. In this way, the central shaft911fits into a hole of a fixed plate inside the cabinet91. The connection shafts912are attached by screws to the fixed plate inside the cabinet91. The rotation shaft961is inserted into the opening948from below toward the upward direction, and is further inserted into the central shaft911. The rotation shaft961is press fitted to a bearing inside the cabinet91. As described above, the assembly of the mount mechanism9is complete.

<Tank Replacement>

Hereinafter, a method of replacing the server tank6W will be described as an example. Note that the method of replacing the server tanks6M,6C,6Y,6K, and6CS is the same as the method of replacing the server tank6W. As shown inFIG.2, the user moves the movable plate35from the closed position (refer to the main unit3A) to the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B). In the state in which the movable plate35is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B), the movable plate35is positioned further to the rear than the opening62, and the opening62is open upward.

The user loosens the cap93from the protrusion61. In the state in which the movable plate35is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B), the user holds the handle92and pulls the mount mechanism9W out from the server tank6W via the opening62.

The mount mechanism9W is configured by the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, and the agitation mechanism96being integrated with each other. Thus, the user can remove the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, and the agitation mechanism96from the server tank6simply by removing the mount mechanism9W from the server tank6. In other words, the user does not need to individually remove each of the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, and the agitation mechanism96from the server tank6.

Note that, when the movable plate35is positioned at the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), the movable plate35is positioned above the opening62. In this state, a distance in the up-down direction from the opening62to the movable plate35is smaller than a length in the up-down direction of the mount mechanism9W, such as a length from the upper end of the cabinet91to the propeller962, for example. As a result, when the movable plate35is at the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), even if the user tries to pull the mount mechanism9W from inside the server tank6W, the mount mechanism9W collides with the movable plate35. Thus, when the movable plate35is at the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), it is difficult for the user to remove the mount mechanism9W from the server tank6W.

After removing the mount mechanism9W from inside of the server tank6W, the user hooks the engagement hook913shown inFIG.4onto the engagement shaft392. In this way, the support portion39supports the mount mechanism9W. In this case, the lower end of the guide plate944is positioned directly above the receptacle362. Thus, the receptacle362can receive the white ink dripping from the guide plate944.

Hereinafter, a region through which the movable plate35passes when moving from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B) to the closed position (refer to the main unit3A) will be referred to as a “movement path of the movable plate35.” In a state in which the support portion39supports the mount mechanism9W, a portion of the mount mechanism9W is positioned on the movement path of the movable plate35. Thus, in the state in which the support portion39supports the mount mechanism9W, if the movable plate35attempts to move from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B) to the closed position (refer to the main unit3A), the movable plate35collides with the mount mechanism9W. As a result, the mount mechanism9W suppresses the movable plate35from moving from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B) to the closed position (refer to the main unit3A) during the replacement of the server tank6W.

In the state in which the support portion39supports the mount mechanism9W, the user replaces the pre-replacement server tank6W with the server tank6W to be used as the replacement. The server tank6W to be used as the replacement is the server tank6W storing the sufficient white ink, for example. For example, the user moves the pre-replacement server tank6W from the placement plate73to another location. The user places the server tank6W to be used as the replacement on the placement plate73, with an orientation such that, when seen from above, the opening62is disposed at the rear corner of the placement plate73. Note that the pre-replacement server tank6W may be refilled with the white ink via the opening62, without replacing the pre-replacement server tank6W with the server tank6W to be used as the replacement.

The user holds the handle92, and removes the engagement hook913from the engagement shaft392. The user inserts the guide plate944into the server tank6W from the opening62. The user tightens the cap93on the protrusion61. In this way, the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W.

The outer diameter of the washer95is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion61. The inner diameter of the washer95is smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion61. The outer diameter of the support plate94is larger than the inner diameter of the protrusion61. Thus, when the cap93is tightened onto the protrusion61, the support plate94is pressed by the cap93against opening edges of the protrusion61, via the washer95. In this way, the support plate94is fixed to the server tank6W. The support plate94is fixed to the cabinet91via the central shaft911and the plurality of connection shafts912, and thus, the position of the rotation shaft961is fixed with respect to the server tank6W.

In the state in which the mount mechanism9W is mounted to the server tank6W, the upper end of the mount mechanism9W is positioned lower than the stoppers322. In other words, all of the mount mechanism9W is positioned outside the movement path of the movable plate35. Thus, the user can move the movable plate35from the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B) to the closed position (refer to the main unit3A). The tank replacement is completed as described above.

<Flow Path Configuration of Liquid Supply System100>

“1B,” “1C,” and “1D” shown inFIG.9respectively indicate the “printer1B,” the “printer1C,” and the “printer1D” as connection destinations from the liquid supply device2. In the present embodiment, “one of the tubes8is connected to the server tank6or the printer1” includes a case in which one of the tubes8is directly connected to the server tank6or the printer1, or a case in which one of the tubes8is connected to the server tank6or the printer1via another of the tubes8or another member. “One of the tubes8is connected to the server tank6or the printer1” refers to a state in which the liquid can pass through the one of the tubes8, and can flow to the server tank6or the printer1directly or via the other tube8or the other member.

As shown inFIG.9, the flow path configuration of the liquid supply system100includes a white flow path W0and color/pretreatment agent flow paths S0, as the flow paths between the liquid supply device2and the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D. The white flow path W0differs from the color/pretreatment agent flow paths S0in the presence or absence of tubes84,85, and86to be described later. Thus, hereinafter, the white flow path W0will be described, and, of the configuration of the color/pretreatment agent flow paths S0, the configuration that is the same as that of the white flow path W0will be assigned the same reference signs as the white flow path W0and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The white flow path W0includes a first white flow path W1and a second white flow path W2. Note thatFIG.9andFIG.10show the first white flow path W1using solid lines and show the second white flow path W2using dotted lines. The first white flow path W1connects the server tank6W and the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B to each other. The second white flow path W2connects the server tank6W and the respective main tanks17W of the printers1C and1D to each other.

As shown inFIG.10, the first white flow path W1and the second white flow path W2differ from each other in whether the connection destination from the liquid supply device2is one of the printer1A and1B, or the printer1C and1D. Thus, hereinafter, the first white flow path W1will be described and, for the second white flow path W2, the same reference signs will be assigned as for the first white flow path W1and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The first white flow path W1is configured by the tubes81, tubes82and83, and the tubes84,85, and86as the tubes8. The tube81is connected to the server tank6W. The tube81extends from inside the server tank6W to a point P1, via one of the plurality of connectors97shown inFIG.7andFIG.8. The tube81is connected to the tube82and the tube83at the point P1.

The tube82extends from the point P1toward the printer1A via a point P2. The tube82is connected to the main tank17W of the printer1A. The tube83extends from the point P1toward the printer1B via a point P3. The tube83is connected to the main tank17W of the printer1B.

The tube84is connected to the tube82at the point P2. The tube84extends from the point P2to a point P4, and is connected to the tube86at the point P4. The tube85is connected to the tube83at the point P3. The tube85extends from the point P3to the point P4, and is connected to the tube86at the point P4. The tube86extends from the point P4toward the server tank6W, and is connected to the server tank6W. The tube86extends to inside the server tank6W, via one of the plurality of connectors97shown inFIG.7andFIG.8.

Hereinafter, the flow path from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A via the tube81and the tube82, and the flow path from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1B via the tube81and the tube83will be respectively referred to as a “supply flow path.” The side of the server tank6W in the supply flow path will be referred to as “upstream in the supply flow path,” and the side of the main tank17W of the printer1A or the printer1B will be referred to as “downstream in the supply flow path.” For example, at a halfway point in the supply flow path, the side of the server tank6W is upstream in the supply flow path and the side of the main tank17W of the printer1A or the printer1B is downstream in the supply flow path.

The flow path from the main tank17W of the printer1A to the server tank6W via the tube84and the tube86, and the flow path from the main tank17W of the printer1B to the server tank6W via the tube85and the tube86will be respectively referred to as a “circulation flow path.” The side of the main tank17W of the printer1A or the printer1B in the circulation flow path will be referred to as “upstream in the circulation flow path,” and the side of the server tank6W will be referred to as “downstream in the circulation flow path.” For example, at a halfway point in the circulation flow path, the side of the main tank17W of the printer1A or the printer1B is upstream in the circulation flow path and the side of the server tank6W is downstream in the circulation flow path.

A supply pump20, a supply valve22, and a filter24are provided in the tube82. A supply pump21, a supply valve23, and a filter25are provided in the tube83. The supply pump20is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the point P2. The supply pump21is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the point P3.

As a result of being respectively driven by pump motors201and211shown inFIG.12, the supply pumps20and21suck up the white ink from the server tank6W via the tube81. As a result of being driven by the pump motor201shown inFIG.12, the supply pump20sends the sucked up white ink toward the main tank17W of the printer1A, via the tube82. As a result of being driven by the pump motor211shown inFIG.12, the supply pump21sends the sucked up white ink toward the main tank17W of the printer1B, via the tube83.

Hereinafter, a state in which a valve is closed will be referred to as a “closed state,” and a state in which valve is open will be referred to as an “open state.” In the closed state, the valve causes the flow path to be in a blocked state. In the open state, the valve causes the flow path to be in a communicated state.

The supply valve22is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply pump20. The supply valve23is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply pump21. The supply valves22and23switch between the closed state and the open state as a result of being driven by solenoids221and231shown inFIG.12, respectively. In the closed state, the supply valve22causes the tube82to be in the blocked state, and in the open state, causes the tube82to be in the communicated state. In the closed state, the supply valve23causes the tube83to be in the blocked state, and in the open state, causes the tube83to be in the communicated state.

The filter24is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply valve22. The filter25is positioned further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply valve23. The filters24and25are respectively configured by a non-woven fabric, a woven fabric, a resin film, or a porous metal piece, for example, and filter the liquid. In the white flow path W0, the filters24and25respectively filter the white ink.

A circulation pump26and a circulation valve28are provided in the tube84. A circulation pump27and a circulation valve29are provided in the tube85. As a result of being driven by a pump motor261shown inFIG.12, the circulation pump26sucks up the white ink from the main tank17W of the printer1A, via a portion of the tube82further downstream in the supply flow path than the point P2. As a result of being driven by a pump motor271shown inFIG.12, the circulation pump27sucks up the white ink from the main tank17W of the printer1B, via a portion of the tube83further downstream in the supply flow path than the point P3. As a result of being respectively driven by the pump motors261and271shown inFIG.12, the circulation pumps26and27send the sucked up white ink toward server tank6W, via the tube86.

The circulation valve28is positioned further downstream in the supply flow path than the circulation pump26. The circulation valve29is positioned further downstream in the circulation flow path than the circulation pump27. The circulation valves28and29switch between the closed state and the open state as a result of being driven by solenoids281and291shown inFIG.12, respectively. In the closed state, the circulation valve28causes the tube84to be in the blocked state, and in the open state, causes the tube84to be in the communicated state. In the closed state, the circulation valve29causes the tube85to be in the blocked state, and in the open state, causes the tube85to be in the communicated state.

As shown inFIG.9, the color/pretreatment agent flow path S0includes a first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1and a second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2. Note thatFIG.9shows the first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1using solid lines and shows the second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2using dotted lines. The first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1corresponds to the first white flow path W1. The second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2corresponds to the second white flow path W2.

The first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1connects the server tank6M and the respective main tanks17M of the printers1A and1B to each other, connects the server tank6C and the respective main tanks17C of the printers1A and1B to each other, connects the server tank6Y and the respective main tanks17Y of the printers1A and1B to each other, connects the server tank6K and the respective main tanks17K of the printers1A and1B to each other, or connects the server tank6CS and the respective main tanks17CS of the printers1A and1B to each other. The first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1is configured by the tubes81,82, and83. In other words, the first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1differs from the first white flow path W1in not being provided with the tubes84,85, and86.

The second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2connects the server tank6M and the respective main tanks17M of the printers1C and1D to each other, connects the server tank6C and the respective main tanks17C of the printers1C and1D to each other, connects the server tank6Y and the respective main tanks17Y of the printers1C and1D to each other, connects the server tank6K and the respective main tanks17K of the printers1C and1D to each other, or connects the server tank6CS and the respective main tanks17CS of the printers1C and1D to each other.

The second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2is configured by the tubes81,82, and83. In other words, the second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2differs from the second white flow path W2in not being provided with the tubes84,85, and86. The first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1and the second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2differ from each other in whether the connection destination from the liquid supply device2is one of the printer1A and1B, or the printer1C and1D.

In the above-described configuration, by causing one or both of the supply valves22and23to be in the open state and driving, of the supply pump20and the supply pump21, the supply pump corresponding to the valve[s] in the open state, the liquid supply system100supplies the liquid from the liquid supply device2toward the printer1via the tube8.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the liquid supply system100supplies the liquid from the liquid supply device2toward the printer1via the tube8will be referred to as an “inter supply device-printer supply operation.” In the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the present embodiment, the liquid supply system100can supply the liquid from the plurality of server tanks6of the liquid supply device2to each of the plurality of main tanks17of the plurality of printers1, via the tubes8, in parallel or to one of the plurality of printers1at a time. In other words, in each of the supply flow paths to the plurality of printers1, the plurality of server tanks6are positioned further upstream than each of the plurality of printers1.

In a state in which one or both of the circulation valve28and the circulation valve29are in the open state, of the circulation pump26and the circulation pump27, the liquid supply system100drives the supply pump corresponding to the valve [s] in the open state, and thus returns the liquid from the printer1toward the liquid supply device2, via the tube8.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the liquid supply system100returns the liquid from the printer1toward the liquid supply device2via the tube8will be referred to as an “inter supply device-printer return operation.” In the inter supply device-printer return operation of the present embodiment, the liquid supply system100can return the liquid from the plurality of main tanks17of each of the plurality of printers1to the plurality of server tanks6of the liquid supply device2, via the tubes8, in parallel or from one of the plurality of printers1at a time.

By performing one of the inter supply device-printer supply operation or the inter supply device-printer return operation while the other operation is in progress, the liquid supply system100can circulate the liquid via the tubes8between the server tanks6of the liquid supply device2and the respective main tanks17of the plurality of printers1, or can circulate the liquid from the server tanks6of the liquid supply device2, via the tubes8, further upstream in the supply flow path than the respective main tanks17of the plurality of printers1. Alternatively, by performing one of the inter supply device-printer supply operation or the inter supply device-printer return operation after the other operation has been performed, the liquid supply system100can circulate the liquid between the server tanks6of the liquid supply device2and the respective main tanks17of the plurality of printers1, via the tubes8.

Hereinafter, an operation in which the liquid supply system100circulates the liquid between the liquid supply device2and the printer1via the tube8will be referred to as an “inter supply device-printer circulation operation.” For example, the liquid supply system100may perform the inter supply device-printer supply operation between the server tank6and the main tank17of the printer1A, and may perform the inter supply device-printer return operation between the server tank6and the main tank17of the printer1B.

As an example of a flow of the liquid when the inter supply device-printer supply operation has been performed, a flow of the white ink from the liquid supply device2toward the printers1A and1B in the first white flow path W1will be described. As shown inFIG.10, when the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A, the white ink flows from the server tank6W toward the main tank17W of the printer1A via the tube81and the tube82(refer to arrows A1). When the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1B, the white ink flows from the server tank6W toward the main tank17W of the printer1B via the tube81and the tube83(refer to arrows A2).

As an example of a flow of the liquid when the inter supply device-printer return operation has been performed, a flow of the white ink from the printers1A and1B toward the liquid supply device2in the first white flow path W1will be described. As shown inFIG.10, when the white ink is returned to the server tank6W from the main tank17W of the printer1A, the white ink flows from the main tank17W of the printer1A toward the server tank6W via the tube82, the point P2, the tube84, and the tube86(refer to arrows B1). When the white ink is returned to the server tank6W from the main tank17W of the printer1B, the white ink flows from the main tank17W of the printer1B toward the server tank6W via the tube83, the point P3, the tube85, and the tube86(refer to arrows B2).

Both when the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A, and when the white ink is returned to the server tank6W from the main tank17W of the printer1A, the white ink flows through a portion of the tube82further downstream in the supply flow path than the point P2. Both when the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1B, and when the white ink is returned to the server tank6W from the main tank17W of the printer1B, the white ink flows through a portion of the tube83further downstream in the supply flow path than the point P3.

A case will be described in which the inter supply device-printer supply operation and the inter supply device-printer return operation are simultaneously performed in the first white flow path W1, between the server tank6W and the main tank17W of the printer1A. In this case, the white ink flows from the server tank6W toward the main tank17W of the printer1A via the tube81and the tube82. While flowing from the server tank6W toward the main tank17W of the printer1A, at the point P2, the white ink flows from the tube82into the tube84. The white ink flows from the tube84toward the server tank6W via the tube86. Note that, during the performing of the inter supply device-printer supply operation and the inter supply device-printer return operation, some of the white ink may flow from the point P2toward the main tank17W of the printer1A, or may flow from the main tank17W of the printer1A toward the point P2.

The liquid supply system100performs the inter supply device-printer circulation operation in the white flow path W0, for example. In this way, the liquid supply system100suppresses the white ink from settling inside the server tank6W and in the first white flow path W1, or in the server tank6W, in the second white flow path W2, and in the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B. For example, in the white flow path W0, when the liquid circulates via the tubes8between the server tank6W of the liquid supply device2and the respective main tanks17W of the plurality of printers1A,1B,1C, and1D, the liquid supply system100also suppresses the white ink from settling inside the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D.

<Electrical Configuration of Printer1>

As shown inFIG.11, the printer1is provided with a control device40. The control device40is fixed to the frame body10and is provided with a CPU41, a ROM42, a RAM43, a flash memory44, and a communication portion45. The CPU41controls the printer1, and functions as a processor. The CPU41controls the pretreatment processing and the print processing, for example. The CPU41is electrically connected to the ROM42, the RAM43, the flash memory44, and the communication portion45.

The ROM42stores a control program for the CPU41to control operations of the printer1, information necessary for the CPU41when executing various programs, and the like. The RAM43temporarily stores various data and the like used by the control program. The flash memory44is non-volatile, and stores calibration data of main sensors185to be described later, and the like. The communication portion45is a controller for communicating, in a wired or wireless manner with an external device. The CPU41communicates with the liquid supply device2, for example, using the communication portion45.

The main scanning motor181, the sub-scanning motor182, the head driver183, the supply mechanism184, the plurality of main sensors185, and an operation portion186are electrically connected to the CPU41. The main scanning motor181, the sub-scanning motor182, the head driver183, and the supply mechanism184are driven by control of the CPU41.

The plurality of main sensors185are respectively provided in the plurality of main tanks17shown inFIG.1. The plurality of main sensors185are pressure sensors, for example. Each of the plurality of main sensors185detects a main remaining amount by detecting a pressure inside each of the main tanks17. The main remaining amount is a remaining amount of the liquid inside the main tank17. A signal indicating the main remaining amount detected by the main sensor185is output to the CPU41.

The operation portion186is a touch panel display or the like, displays various information, and outputs information to the CPU41in accordance with an operation by the user. By operating the operation portion186, the user can input, to the printer1, a print command for starting printing by the printer1and the like.

<Electrical Configuration of Liquid Supply Device2>

As shown inFIG.12, a control device50is provided with a CPU51, a ROM52, a RAM53, a flash memory54, and a communication portion55. The CPU51controls the liquid supply device2, and functions as a processor. The CPU51is electrically connected to the ROM52, the RAM53, the flash memory54, and the communication portion55.

The ROM52stores a control program for the CPU51to control operations of the liquid supply device2, information necessary for the CPU51when executing various programs, and the like. The RAM53temporarily stores various data and the like used by the control program. The flash memory54is non-volatile, and stores calibration data of the server sensors71, and the like. The communication portion55is a controller for communicating, in a wired or wireless manner with an external device. The CPU51communicates with each of the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D, for example, via the communication portion55.

The agitation motor963, the pump motors201,211,261, and271, the solenoids221,231,281, and291, the plurality of open/closed sensors38, the plurality of server sensors71, the display56, the operation portion57, the warning light58, and a speaker59are electrically connected to the CPU51.

The agitation motor963, the pump motors201,211,261, and271, the solenoids221,231,281, and291, the display56, the warning light58, and the speaker59are driven by control of the CPU51.

The plurality of open/closed sensors38respectively detect the movable plate35, in the main unit3A and the sub-unit3B, when the movable plate35is positioned at the open position shown inFIG.2(refer to the main unit3A shown inFIG.2). When the open/closed sensor38detects the movable plate35, a signal indicating that the movable plate35is positioned at the open position is output to the CPU51.

The plurality of server sensors71respectively detect the server remaining amounts, using as a reference, for example, the weight of the empty server tank6to which the mount mechanism9(refer toFIG.3) is mounted, by detecting the weights of the server tanks6(refer toFIG.3) placed on the plurality of server sensors71. A signal indicating the server remaining amount detected by the server sensor71is output to the CPU51. Note that the weight of each of the server tanks6placed on the plurality of server sensors71refers to the total weight of the server tank6, the liquid inside the server tank6, and the mount mechanism9mounted to the server tank6.

<Main Processing>

When a power supply to the liquid supply device2is switched on, for example, by reading out and operating the control program from the ROM52, the CPU51performs main processing shown inFIG.13. In the main processing, the CPU51performs control relating to the inter supply device-printer supply operation, and the agitation operation. Hereinafter, at the start of the main processing, it is assumed that the supply valves22and23, and the circulation valves28and29are all in the closed state.

As shown inFIG.13, when the main processing is started, for each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1shown inFIG.9, the CPU51determines whether or not supply start conditions for starting the inter supply device-printer supply operation are established (step S11). For example, the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply start conditions on the basis of a supply request, a supply command, the main remaining amount, and the like.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply start conditions on the basis of the supply request. In this case, when the CPU51acquires the supply request from the printer1for performing the inter supply device-printer supply operation, the CPU51determines that the supply start conditions are established.

For example, in the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply request to the liquid supply device2when the main remaining amount of one of the plurality of main tanks17has become equal to or less than a first predetermined remaining amount. In this case, the first predetermined remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory44, for example. In the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply request to the liquid supply device2when a decrease amount of the main remaining amount of one of the plurality of main tanks17has become equal to or greater than a predetermined decrease amount. In this case, the predetermined decrease amount is stored in advance in the flash memory44, for example. In the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply request to the liquid supply device2when the user operates the operation portion186shown inFIG.11and inputs, to the printer1, the supply command for performing the inter supply device-printer supply operation.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply start conditions on the basis of the supply command. In this case, in the liquid supply device2, the user operates the operation portion57shown inFIG.12, and inputs the supply command to the liquid supply device2. When the CPU51acquires the supply command via the operation portion57shown inFIG.12, the CPU51determines that the supply start conditions are established.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply start conditions on the basis of the main remaining amount. In this case, in the printer1, the CPU41may sequentially transmit the main remaining amount to the liquid supply device2on the basis of the signal from the main sensor185shown inFIG.11. The CPU51may be electrically connected to the main sensor185shown inFIG.11. In this case, the CPU51may acquire the main remaining amount on the basis of the signal from the main sensor185shown inFIG.11.

The CPU51may determine that the supply start conditions are established when the main remaining amount acquired from the printer1or the main sensor185has become equal to or less than the first predetermined remaining amount. In this case, the first predetermined remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example. The CPU51may determine that the supply start conditions are established when, on the basis of the main remaining amount acquired from the printer1or the main sensor185, the decrease amount of the main remaining amount has become equal to or greater than the predetermined decrease amount. In this case, the predetermined decrease amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example.

When the supply start conditions are not established for any of each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1(no at step S11), the CPU51shifts the processing to processing at step S15. When the supply start conditions are established for any one of each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1(yes at step S11), the CPU51starts the inter supply device-printer supply operation for the flow path corresponding to the main tank17for which the supply start conditions are established (step S12). The CPU51shifts the processing to the processing at step S15.

As an example of the inter supply device-printer supply operation, a case will be described, with reference toFIG.10, in which the liquid supply device2supplies the white ink from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A. When the supply start conditions are established for the main tank17W of the printer1A, the CPU51performs control to supply the white ink from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A.

In this case, the CPU51controls the solenoid221and causes the supply valve22to be in the open state. In this state, the CPU51controls the pump motor201and drives the supply pump20. In this way, the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17of the printer1A via the tubes81and82(refer to the arrows A1).

As shown inFIG.13, on the basis of the signal from the server sensor71shown inFIG.12, the CPU51determines whether or not the server remaining amount of the server tank6that is the target of performing the inter supply device-printer supply operation by the processing at step S12is a notification remaining amount (step S13). The notification remaining amount is not limited to a particular amount, and is greater than zero liters, and less than the maximum capacity of the ink or the pretreatment agent that can be stored by the server tank6, for example. The notification remaining amount is preferably greater than a lower limit of a suctionable remaining amount in a state in which the server tank6is in the tilted posture, for example. The suctionable remaining amount is the server remaining amount when the ink or the pretreatment agent can be sucked up by the tube81. The lower limit of the suctionable remaining amount is the server remaining amount when, in the state in which the server tank6is in the tilted posture, for example, the liquid surface of the ink or the pretreatment agent is positioned at the position of the first end811A of the tube811in the up-down direction. The notification remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example.

When the server remaining amount is greater than the notification remaining amount (no at step S13), the CPU51shifts the processing to the processing at step S15. When the inter supply device-printer supply operation is performed by the processing at step S12, the server remaining amount decreases. When the server remaining amount has become the notification remaining amount (yes at step S13), the CPU51performs remaining amount decrease notification (step S14). The CPU51shifts the processing to the processing at step S15.

The remaining amount decrease notification indicates that the server remaining amount of the server tank6W has become the notification remaining amount. For example, the CPU51may cause the warning light58shown inFIG.12to emit light, in a light emission mode indicating that the server remaining amount of the server tank6W has become the notification remaining amount. The CPU51may cause the speaker59shown inFIG.12to output a notification sound indicating that the server remaining amount of the server tank6W has become the notification remaining amount. The CPU51may cause a display indicating that the server remaining amount of the server tank6W has become the notification remaining amount to be displayed on the display56shown inFIG.12. The CPU51may communicate with some or all of the plurality of printers1, and cause each of the CPUs41to perform the remaining amount decrease notification. The CPU51may communicate with an external device and cause a CPU of the external device to perform the remaining amount decrease notification. The external device is a personal computer (PC), smartphone, or the like.

For each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1, the CPU51determines whether or not supply stop conditions for stopping the inter supply device-printer supply operation are established (step S15). For example, the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply stop conditions on the basis of a supply stop request, a supply stop command, the main remaining amount, and the like.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply stop conditions on the basis of the supply stop request. In this case, when the CPU51acquires the supply stop request from the printer1for stopping the inter supply device-printer supply operation, the CPU51determines that the supply stop conditions are established.

For example, in the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply stop request to the liquid supply device2when the main remaining amount of one of the plurality of main tanks17has become equal to or greater than a second predetermined remaining amount. In this case, the second predetermined remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory44, for example. The second predetermined remaining amount is equal to or greater than the first predetermined remaining amount, for example.

In the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply stop request to the liquid supply device2when an increase amount of the main remaining amount of one of the plurality of main tanks17has become equal to or greater than a predetermined increase amount. In this case, the predetermined increase amount is stored in advance in the flash memory44, for example. The predetermined increase amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined decrease amount, for example.

In the printer1, the CPU41may transmit the supply stop request to the liquid supply device2when the user operates the operation portion186shown inFIG.11and inputs, to the printer1, the supply stop command for stopping the inter supply device-printer supply operation.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply stop conditions on the basis of the supply stop command. In this case, in the liquid supply device2, the user operates the operation portion57shown inFIG.12, and inputs the supply stop command to the liquid supply device2. When the CPU51acquires the supply stop command via the operation portion57, the CPU51determines that the supply stop conditions are established.

A case will be described in which the CPU51determines the establishment of the supply stop conditions on the basis of the main remaining amount. In this case, in the printer1, the CPU41may sequentially transmit the main remaining amount to the liquid supply device2on the basis of the signal from the main sensor185shown inFIG.12. The CPU51may be electrically connected to the main sensor185shown inFIG.12. In this case, the CPU51may acquire the main remaining amount on the basis of the signal from the main sensor185shown inFIG.12.

The CPU51may determine that the supply stop conditions are established when the main remaining amount acquired from the printer1or the main sensor185has become equal to or greater than the second predetermined remaining amount. In this case, the second predetermined remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example.

The CPU51may determine that the supply stop conditions are established when, on the basis of the main remaining amount acquired from the printer1or the main sensor185, the increase amount of the main remaining amount has become equal to or greater than the predetermined increase amount. In this case, the predetermined increase amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example.

When the supply stop conditions are not established for any of each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1(no at step S15), the CPU51shifts the processing to processing at step S21. When the supply stop conditions are established for any one of each of the main tanks17of each of the printers1(yes at step S15), the CPU51stops the inter supply device-printer supply operation for the flow path corresponding to the main tank17for which the supply stop conditions are established (step S16). The CPU51shifts the processing to the processing at step S21.

As an example of the stopping of the inter supply device-printer supply operation, a case will be described, with reference toFIG.10, in which the liquid supply device2stops the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the white ink from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A. In this case, the CPU51stops the driving of the pump motor201, and stops the driving of the supply pump20. The CPU51controls the solenoid221and causes the supply valve22to be in the closed state. In this way, the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the white ink from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A is stopped.

As shown inFIG.13, according to the above-described processing, when the inter supply device-printer supply operation has been started by the processing at step S12, the CPU51performs the following processing in a state in which the inter supply device-printer supply operation is performed, until the inter supply device-printer supply operation is stopped by the processing at step S16. When the inter supply device-printer supply operation has not been started by the processing at step S12, the CPU51performs the following processing in a state in which the inter supply device-printer supply operation is not performed. In other words, regardless of whether or not the inter supply device-printer supply operation is being performed, the CPU51performs the following processing. In particular, the CPU51perform the following processing regardless of whether or not the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the white ink is being performed.

On the basis of the signal from the open/closed sensor38shown inFIG.2, the CPU51determines whether or not the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) (step S21). When the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is not positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) (no at step S21), on the basis of the signal from the server sensor71shown inFIG.12, the CPU51determines whether or not the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount (step S22).

The predetermined remaining amount is not limited to a particular amount, and is greater than zero liters, and less than the maximum capacity of the white ink that can be stored by the server tank6W, for example. The predetermined remaining amount is preferably greater than the lower limit of the suctionable remaining amount. The predetermined remaining amount is preferably less than the notification remaining amount. The predetermined remaining amount is stored in advance in the flash memory54, for example.

When the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10is greater than the predetermined remaining amount (no at step S22), on the basis of a state of an agitation flag, the CPU51determines whether or not intermittent driving of the agitation operation is being performed (step S23). The agitation flag is stored in the RAM53. The agitation flag is “ON” when the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is being performed, and is “OFF” when the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is stopped. When, in the processing at step S23, the agitation flag is “ON”, the CPU51determines that the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is being performed (yes at step S23). In this case, the CPU51returns the processing to the processing at step S11.

When the agitation flag is “OFF”, the CPU51determines that the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is not being performed (no at step S23). In this case, the CPU51starts the intermittent driving of the agitation operation by the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6(step S24). In this way, the intermittent driving of the agitation operation by the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6is performed regardless of whether or not the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the white ink is being performed.

For example, the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6repeatedly drives and stops the agitation motor963shown inFIG.12in accordance with a predetermined drive pattern. The drive pattern indicates a length of a drive time period and a length of a stop time period of the agitation motor963shown inFIG.12. The length of the drive time period and the length of the stop time period of the agitation motor963may be the same as each other, or may be different from each other. The CPU51sets the agitation flag in the RAM53to “ON” (step S25). The CPU51returns the processing to the processing at step S11.

When, in the processing at step S21, when the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) (yes at step S21), or when, in the processing at step S22, the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount (yes at step S22), the CPU51prohibits the performing of the agitation operation by the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6, by performing the following processing. In the present embodiment, “prohibits the performing of an operation” refers to stopping the operation being performed if the operation is being performed, or not performing the operation if the operation is not being performed. When prohibiting the performing of the agitation operation, the CPU51determines whether or not the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is being performed, on the basis of the state of the agitation flag (step S31).

When the agitation flag is “OFF”, the CPU51determines that the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is not being performed (no at step S31). In this case, the CPU51returns the processing to the processing at step S11. When the agitation flag is “ON”, the CPU51determines that the intermittent driving of the agitation operation is being performed (yes at step S31). In this case, the CPU51stops the intermittent driving of the agitation operation by the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6(step S32). In this way, the intermittent driving of the agitation operation by the agitation mechanism96shown inFIG.6is stopped. The CPU51sets the agitation flag in the RAM53to “OFF” (step S33). The CPU51returns the processing to the processing at step S11.

As described above, when the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) (yes at step S21), or when the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10has become equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount (yes at step S22), the CPU51returns the processing to step S11in the state in which the agitation operation is stopped. Furthermore, when the state in which the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) is maintained (yes at step S21), or when the state of the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10being equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount is maintained (yes at step S22), the CPU51maintains the state in which the agitation operation is stopped. In other words, the main processing is configured such that the CPU51does not perform the processing at step S24when the movable plate35shown inFIG.2is positioned at the open position (refer to the sub-unit3B shown inFIG.2) (yes at step S21), or when the server remaining amount of the server tank6W shown inFIG.10has become equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount (yes at step S22). In this way, the performing of the agitation operation is prohibited.

Effects of Embodiment

Hereinafter, when the white flow path W0is referred to, it refers to the first white flow path W1, and reference to the second white flow path W2will be simplified or omitted. Note that, with respect to items referring to the first white flow path W1, for the second white flow path W2, the items can be said to be the same as for the first white flow path W1.

The liquid supply device2supplies the white ink to each of the printers1A and1B. The liquid supply device2is provided with the tubes82and83, and the agitation mechanism96. The tubes82and83configure the first white flow path W1. The tubes82and83are connected to the server tank6W via the tube81, and supply the white ink from the server tank6W toward each of the printers1A and1B. The server tank6W is provided further upstream than each of the printers1A and1B in the first white flow path W1. The white ink is stored in the server tank6W. The agitation mechanism96is provided with the propeller962, and performs the agitation operation by driving the propeller962. The propeller962agitates the white ink inside the server tank6W.

According to the above, as a result of the agitation mechanism96performing the agitation operation, the propeller962agitates the white ink inside the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress a state of the white ink inside the server tank6W from becoming non-uniform. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress a deterioration in print quality resulting from the state of the white ink becoming non-uniform. Note that the “state of the white ink” refers, for example, to a concentration distribution of colored components, such as titanium oxide and the like, in the white ink.

The liquid supply device2is provided with the cap93and the support plate94. The cap93is mounted to the server tank6W. The support plate94supports the cap93. The propeller962is supported by the support plate94. The propeller962is disposed inside the server tank6W in a state in which the cap93is mounted to the server tank6W. In the state in which the cap93is mounted to the server tank6W, the cap93presses the support plate94against the server tank6W.

According to the above, when the agitation mechanism96and the cap93are mounted to the server tank6W, the support plate94is pressed against the server tank6W by the cap93. In this way, the liquid supply device2can fix a position of the propeller962with respect to the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress a positional displacement of the propeller962with respect to the server tank6W. For example, by fixing the position of the propeller962with respect to the server tank6W in the left-right direction or in the front-rear direction, the liquid supply device2can suppress the propeller962from colliding with the inner walls of the server tank6W. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress the agitation mechanism96and the server tank6W from being damaged. For example, by fixing the position of the propeller962with respect to the server tank6W in the up-down direction, the liquid supply device2can suppress the propeller962from being insufficiently inserted into the server tank6W. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress the state of the white ink inside the server tank6W from becoming non-uniform.

The agitation mechanism96is provided with the agitation motor963. The agitation motor963drives the propeller962. The agitation mechanism96intermittently performs the agitation operation by repeatedly driving and stopping the agitation motor963.

According to the above, even if foaming of the white ink occurs inside the server tank6W as a result of the performing of the agitation operation, for example, the foaming decreases when the agitation operation is stopped. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress the foaming of the white ink inside the server tank6W caused by the agitation operation. Furthermore, the liquid supply device2can suppress shortening of the life of the agitation motor963, compared to a case in which the agitation operation is continuously performed.

The liquid supply device2is provided with the supply pumps20and21. For example, the supply pumps20and21are provided in the tubes82and83. The supply pumps20and21are, respectively, in a supply state as a result of being driven and are in a supply stopped state as a result of the driving being stopped. When the supply pumps20and21are each in the supply state, the white ink is supplied from the server tank6W to the printers1A and1B, via the tubes82and83. When the supply pumps20and21are each in the supply stopped state, the supply of the white ink from the server tank6W to the printers1A and1B, via the tubes82and83is stopped. The agitation mechanism96performs the agitation operation regardless of whether the supply pumps20and21are respectively in the supply state or the supply stopped state.

According to the above, the liquid supply device2can cause the supply pumps20and21to be in the supply state while the agitation mechanism96performs the agitation operation. Thus, even if a time period in which the supply pumps20and21are in the supply state (a driving time period) becomes long, for example, the liquid supply device2can suppress the white ink from settling. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress the white ink in the non-uniform state from being supplied from the server tank6W toward each of the printers1A and1B via the tubes82and83.

The server sensor71detects the remaining amount of the white ink inside the server tank6W as the server remaining amount. The agitation mechanism96stops the agitation operation when, on the basis of the signal from the server sensor71, the server remaining amount has become equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount.

For example, when the remaining amount of the white ink inside the server tank6W is small, the foaming of the white ink inside the server tank6W by the agitation operation is more likely to occur, compared to when the amount of white ink inside the server tank6W is large. By stopping the agitation operation when the amount of white ink inside the server tank6W has become equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount, the liquid supply device2can suppress the foaming of the white ink inside the server tank6W.

The agitation mechanism96is provided with the connectors97. The connectors97support the propeller962. The connector97includes the second connector972and the first connector971. The opening972A of the second connector972and the opening971A of the first connector are connected to each other. The tubes812are connected to the second connectors972. The tubes812extend from the second connectors972, branch into the tubes82and83at the point P1, and respectively extend toward the printers1A and1B. The tubes811are connected to the first connectors971. In the state in which the agitation mechanism96is mounted to the server tank6W, the tubes811extend from the first connectors971toward the inside of the server tank6W.

According to the above, when the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W, the tubes811and812are also removed from the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can reduce manhours at a time of tank replacement.

The opening62is provided in the upper surface of the server tank6W. The agitation mechanism96can be attached to and removed from the server tank6W in the up-down direction, via the opening62. The liquid supply device2is provided with the movable plate35and the open/closed sensor38. The movable plate35moves between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position, the movable plate35is positioned above the opening62. In the open position, the movable plate35is positioned so as to be separated to the rear of the opening62. The open/closed sensor38detects the position of the movable plate35. When the open/closed sensor38detects that the movable plate35is positioned at the open position, the agitation mechanism96prohibits the performing of the agitation operation.

According to the above, the liquid supply device2can suppress the agitation mechanism96from performing the agitation operation in a state in which the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W.

The liquid supply device2is provided with the support portion39. The support portion39supports the agitation mechanism96in the state in which the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W. In the state in which the support portion39supports the agitation mechanism96, the support portion39is provided at a position at which the agitation mechanism96is disposed on the movement path of the movable plate35.

According to the above, after the user has removed the agitation mechanism96from the server tank6W, for example, the user causes the agitation mechanism96to be supported by the support portion39. When the support portion39supports the agitation mechanism96, the agitation mechanism96is disposed on the movement path of the movable plate35. Thus, in the state in which the support portion39supports the agitation mechanism96, it is difficult for the movable plate35to move from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the liquid supply device2can further suppress the agitation mechanism96from performing the agitation operation in the state in which the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W.

The liquid supply device2is provided with the placement plate73and the support portion39. The server tank6W is placed on the placement plate73. The support portion39supports the agitation mechanism96in the state in which the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W. The support portion39is positioned above the placement plate73and overlaps with the placement plate73in the up-down direction.

According to the above, when the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6W, the agitation mechanism96is supported by the support portion39. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress foreign matter, such as dust or the like, from attaching to the agitation mechanism96.

MODIFIED EXAMPLES

While the invention 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. The modified examples to be described below may be combined as appropriate, insofar as no contradictions arise. The liquid supply device2may change each of the white flow path W0and the color/pretreatment agent flow paths S0as appropriate. Hereinafter, an example will be described of a modified mode of the first white flow path W1. The changes to the first white flow path W1may also be applied to the second white flow path W2. The changes to the first white flow path W1and the second white flow path W2may also be applied to the first color/pretreatment agent flow path S1and the second color/pretreatment agent flow path S2, respectively.

Hereinafter, as modified examples of the white flow path W0, a white flow path W10shown inFIG.14, a white flow path W20shown inFIG.15, and a white flow path W30shown inFIG.16will be described. In each of the white flow paths W10, W20, and W30, the same reference signs will be assigned to members having the same function as that of the above-described embodiment, and points that differ from the white flow path W0will be mainly described.

As shown inFIG.14, in the white flow path W10, in the first white flow path W1, for example, the tubes84and85need not necessarily be respectively joined to the tubes82and83at the points P2and P3. Each of the tubes84and85may extend from the point P4to the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B, and may be connected to the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B.

As shown inFIG.15, in the white flow path W20, the first white flow path W1may be provided, for example, with the tubes81,82, and83, and need not necessarily be provided with the tubes84,85, and86. In this case, the circulation pumps26and27may be provided in the tubes82and83, respectively. The circulation pumps26and27may be provided further downstream in the supply flow path than the supply pumps20and21, respectively, or may be provided further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply pumps20and21. The circulation pumps26and27may be provided further upstream in the supply flow path than the supply valves22and23, respectively, or may be provided further upstream in the supply flow path than the filters24and25, respectively.

According to the above-described configuration, in the first white flow path W1, by the driving of the pump motors261and271, the circulation pumps26and27respectively suck up the white ink from the main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B via the tubes82and83(refer to the arrows B1and B2). By the driving of the pump motors261and271, the circulation pumps26and27respectively send the sucked up white ink toward the server tank6W via the tube81(refer to the arrows B1and B2).

Note that the liquid supply device2may omit some or all of the circulation pumps26and27, and some or all of the supply valves22and23. When the circulation pumps26and27and the supply valves22and23are all omitted, the liquid supply device2need not necessarily return the white ink toward the server tank6W from the printers1A and1B via the tubes82and83, respectively.

As shown inFIG.16, in the white flow path W30, in the first white flow path W1, for example, the tubes82and83need not necessarily be respectively connected to the tube81at the point P1. Each of the tubes82and83may extend from the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B to the server tank6W, and may be connected to the server tank6W.

For example, in the first white flow path W1, the tubes84and85need not necessarily be respectively connected to the tube86at the point P4. The tubes84and85may extend from the point P2and P3, respectively, to the server tank6W, and may be connected to the server tank6W.

Although not shown in the drawings, in addition to being connected to the tube82and the tube83of the first white flow path W1at the point P1of the first white flow path W1, the tube81of the first white flow path W1may also be connected to one or both of the tube81and the tube82of the second white flow path W2. In addition to the tube84and the tube85of the first white flow path W1, one or both of the tube84and the tube85of the second white flow path W2may also be connected to the tube86of the first white flow path W1at the point P4of the first white flow path W1. In the first white flow path W1, the tube81may extend directly to the server tank6W from the point P1, without passing through the connector97.

For example, in the first white flow path W1, the liquid supply device2may omit one or both of the supply pumps20and21. For example, when both the supply pumps20and21are omitted, the CPU51controls one or both of the supply valves22and23to be in the open state and the closed state. In this way, the CPU51may control the supply of the white ink to the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D from the server tank6W using the liquid head difference between the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B and the server tank6W.

For example, in the first white flow path W1, the liquid supply device2may omit one or both of the circulation pumps26and27. For example, when both the circulation pumps26and27are omitted, the CPU51controls one or both of the circulation valves28and29to be in the open state and the closed state. In this way, the CPU51may control the return of the white ink from the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B to the server tank6W using the liquid head difference between the respective main tanks17W of the printers1A and1B and the server tank6W.

For example, in the first white flow path W1, the liquid supply device2may omit one or both of the supply valves22and23. In the first white flow path W1, the liquid supply device2may omit one or both of the circulation valves28and29. In the first white flow path W1, the liquid supply device2may omit one or both of the filters24and25.

In the tube82, for example, the liquid supply device2may change an upstream or downstream positional relationship in the supply flow path of the supply pump20, the supply valve22, and the filter24, as appropriate. Similarly, in the tube83, for example, the liquid supply device2may change an upstream or downstream positional relationship in the supply flow path of the supply pump21, the supply valve23, and the filter25, as appropriate.

In the tube84, for example, the liquid supply device2may change an upstream or downstream positional relationship in the circulation flow path of the circulation pump26and the circulation valve28, as appropriate. Similarly, in the tube85, for example, the liquid supply device2may change an upstream or downstream positional relationship in the circulation flow path of the circulation pump27and the circulation valve29, as appropriate.

The single printer1may be connected to the single liquid supply device2using the tubes8. The liquid supply device2may be provided with only the single server tank6, such as the server tank6W, for example. The mount mechanism9C may be provided with the agitation mechanism96. In this case, in the processing at step S22, the CPU51may determine whether or not the server remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount for each of the plurality of server tanks6. When there is the server tank6for which the server remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount, the CPU51may stop the intermittent driving of the agitation operation for the server tank6for which the server remaining amount is equal to or less than the predetermined remaining amount. In other words, the CPU51need not necessarily stop the intermittent driving of the agitation operation for the server tank6for which the server remaining amount is greater than the predetermined remaining amount.

The CPU51may intermittently drive the agitation operation regardless of the server remaining amount. The CPU51may intermittently drive the agitation operation regardless of whether or not the movable plate35is positioned at the open position. The CPU51may continuously drive the agitation operation instead of intermittently driving the agitation operation. The agitation mechanism96may perform the agitation operation without relying on the control of the CPU51. In other words, the agitation mechanism96may start the agitation operation when a power supply of the agitation mechanism96is turned on by the user, and may stop the agitation operation when the power supply of the agitation mechanism96is turned off by the user. The CPU51may stop the intermittent driving of the agitation operation during the driving of one of the supply pumps20and21in the first white flow path W1, or the supply pumps20and21in the second white flow path W2(during the performing of the inter supply device-printer supply operation of the white ink to one of the printers1A,1B,1C, and1D).

The propeller962may include the single vane. Instead of rotating, or in addition to rotating, the rotation shaft961may oscillate in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, or may extend and contract in the up-down direction. It is sufficient that the agitation mechanism96be able to agitate the liquid inside the server tank6, and the agitation mechanism96may be a magnetic stirrer, for example. The magnetic stirrer is provided with a controller and a stirring bar. The server tank6is placed on the controller. The stirring bar is disposed inside the server tank6. The magnetic stirrer agitates the liquid inside the server tank6by moving the stirring bar inside the server tank6under the control of the controller.

The liquid supply device2may be provided with the mount mechanism9W in place of some or all of the plurality of mount mechanisms9C. For example, when the liquid supply device2is provided with the mount mechanism9W in place of some or all of the plurality of mount mechanisms9C, by the plurality of agitation mechanisms96performing the agitation operation, respectively, each of the propellers962agitates the white ink, the color inks, or the pretreatment agent inside the server tanks6W,6M,6C,6Y,6K, and6CS.

Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress the state of the white ink, the color inks, or the pretreatment agent from becoming non-uniform inside the server tanks6W,6M,6C,6Y,6K, and6CS. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress the print quality from deteriorating as a result of the state of the white ink, the color inks, or the pretreatment agent becoming non-uniform. Note that “the state of the pretreatment agent” refers, for example, to a concentration distribution of the cationic polymer, the multivalent metal salts and the like, in the pretreatment agent. The “state of the color ink” refers to a concentration distribution of colored components in the color ink, for example.

The liquid supply device2may supply the ink or the pretreatment agent from the server tank6W to the head14without passing through the main tank17. The printer1may apply the pretreatment agent to the print medium using a mechanism other than the head14. For example, in place of the head14, the printer1may be provided with a spray for spraying the pretreatment agent. In this case, the printer1may supply the pretreatment agent from the main tank17to the spray.

As the liquid, the liquid supply system100may supply a post-treatment agent, for example, from the liquid supply device2to each of the plurality of printers1. The post-treatment agent is an aqueous solution containing a resin emulsion, for example, or an aqueous solution containing a crosslinking agent. The post-treatment agent is, for example, a coating material, and is applied onto the print image after the printing on the print medium. The post-treatment agent protects the print image, or improves glossiness of the print image.

In this case, the post-treatment agent may be stored, for example, in the server tank6W. The tube82may be connected to the main tank17W of the printer1A. The tube83may be connected to the main tank17W of the printer1B. In this way, the post-treatment agent is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1A via the tubes81and82. The post-treatment agent is supplied from the server tank6W to the main tank17W of the printer1B via the tubes81and83. The printer1supplies the post-treatment agent from the main tank17W to the head14, of the plurality of heads14, for ejecting the post-treatment agent via a sub-pouch, or without passing through the sub-pouch. In place of the head14, the printer1may supply the post-treatment agent to a spray or the like.

As a result of the agitation mechanisms96performing the agitation operation, the propeller962agitates the post-treatment agent inside the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress a state of the post-treatment agent from becoming non-uniform inside the server tank6W. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress a deterioration in the print quality caused by the state of the post-treatment agent becoming non-uniform. Note that “the state of the post-treatment agent” refers, for example, to a concentration distribution of a cationic polymer, multivalent metal salts and the like, in the post-treatment agent.

As the liquid, the liquid supply system100may supply a cleaning solution, for example, from the liquid supply device2to each of the plurality of printers1. The cleaning solution is used to clean the nozzle surface of the head14.

In this case, the cleaning solution may be stored in the server tank6W, for example. The tube82may be connected to a cap19of the printer1A. The tube83may be connected to the cap19of the printer1B. In this way, the cleaning solution is supplied from the server tank6W to the cap19of the printer1A via the tubes81and82. The cleaning solution is supplied from the server tank6W to the cap19of the printer1B via the tubes81and83. In other words, the cleaning solution may be supplied to the cap19from the server tank6W without passing through the main tank17. Note that the cleaning solution may be supplied from the server tank6W to the cap19via the main tank17.

As a result of the cleaning solution being supplied to the cap19in a state in which the cap19is closely adhered to the nozzle surface of the head14, the nozzle surface of the head14is cleaned. As a result of the agitation mechanisms96performing the agitation operation, the propeller962agitates the cleaning solution inside the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress a state of the cleaning solution from becoming non-uniform inside the server tank6W. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress a deterioration in cleaning effectiveness of the nozzle surface of the head14caused by the state of the cleaning solution becoming non-uniform. Note that “the state of the cleaning solution” refers, for example, to a concentration distribution of cleaning components in the cleaning solution.

As the liquid, the liquid supply system100may supply water, for example, from the liquid supply device2to each of the plurality of printers1. The water may be used for humidifying an atmosphere inside the printer1. In this case, the plurality of printers1may each be provided with a humidifier. The humidifier is provided inside the printer1and humidifies the atmosphere inside the printer1.

The water may be stored in the server tank6W, for example. The tube82may be connected to the humidifier of the printer1A. The tube83may be connected to the humidifier of the printer1B. In this way, the water is supplied from the server tank6W to the humidifier of the printer1A via the tubes81and82. The water is supplied from the server tank6W to the humidifier of the printer1B via the tubes81and83. In other words, the water is supplied from the server tank6W to the humidifier without passing through the main tank17. Note that the water may be supplied to the humidifier from the server tank6W via the main tank17.

As a result of the agitation mechanisms96performing the agitation operation, the propeller962agitates the water inside the server tank6W. Thus, the liquid supply device2can suppress a state of the water from becoming non-uniform inside the server tank6W. As a result, the liquid supply device2can suppress a deterioration in humidification capacity by the humidifier caused by the state of the water becoming non-uniform. Note that “the state of the water” refers, for example, to a temperature distribution of the water.

The configuration of the printer1is not limited to that of the above-described embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the printer1may be a type different from the inkjet printer, and may be a laser printer, a tape printer, or the like. The plurality of heads14are not limited to the inkjet heads, and may be thermal heads, or the like. For example, the printer1need not necessarily use ink as the liquid, and it is sufficient that the printer1be provided with the humidifier. In this case, the liquid supply system100supplies the water from the liquid supply device2to the humidifier of the printer1. Some or all of the plurality of heads14may be a line head. A number of the heads14may be one.

The server sensor71may be an optical sensor or an electrode-type level sensor. In this case, the server sensor71may detect the server remaining amount by detecting a height of the liquid surface inside the server tank6. The server sensor71may be a pressure sensor. In this case, the server sensor71may detect the server remaining amount by detecting the pressure inside the server tank6.

The main sensor185may be a weight sensor. In this case, the main sensor185may detect the main remaining amount by detecting the weight of the main remaining amount. The main sensor185may be an optical sensor or an electrode-type level sensor. In this case the main sensor185may detect the main remaining amount by detecting a height of the liquid surface inside the main tank17.

The liquid supply device2may change the configuration of the placement base30as appropriate. For example, of the bottom plate31, the pair of pillars32, the top plate33, the fixed plate34, and the movable plate35, the placement base30may be provided with only the bottom plate31. The liquid supply device2may omit the placement base30. In this case, the server tank6may be placed on the ground.

The control box5may be provided in the sub-unit3B, in place of the main unit3A, or in addition to the main unit3A. The control box5may be provided in different positions in the main unit3A and the sub-unit3B.

The liquid supply device2may change the shape of the support portion39as appropriate. In the above-described embodiment, the support portion39protrudes to the front from the front surface of the control box5. In contrast to this, the support portion39may, for example, be recessed to the rear from the front surface of the control box5. It is sufficient that the support portion39be able to support the mount mechanism9in the state in which the mount mechanism9is removed from the server tank6. When the agitation mechanism96and the mount mechanism9W are separate from each other, it is sufficient that the support portion39be able to support the agitation mechanism96in the state in which the agitation mechanism96is removed from the server tank6.

The liquid supply device2may change the position of the support portion39as appropriate. For example, the support portion39may be positioned lower than the placement unit7, or may be positioned at a position displaced from the placement plate73in the left-right direction or the front-rear direction. The liquid supply device2may omit some or all of the plurality of support portions39.

The liquid supply device2may change a shape of the server tank6as appropriate. For example, the server tank6may have a bottomed circular cylindrical shape. The opening62may be provided in a side surface or the bottom surface of the server tank6. Each of the cabinet91, the handle92, the cap93, the support plate94, the washer95, the tube8, and the agitation mechanism96may be provided separately from the mount mechanism9. For example, when the agitation mechanism96is provided separately from the mount mechanism9W, a plurality of the openings62may be provided in the server tank6as the openings62for mounting the tubes81and82, and the opening62for mounting the agitation mechanism96.

For example, the mount mechanism9may be fixed to the server tank6, and may be non-removable or difficult to remove. In this case, it is sufficient that the opening62for replenishing the liquid be provided in the server tank6.

The movable plate35may move between the closed position and the open position by moving in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction, for example. The open/closed sensor38may detect whether or not the movable plate35is positioned at the closed position. The open/closed sensor38may detect whether the movable plate35is positioned at either one of the closed position or the open position. The open/closed sensor38may be an optical sensor, for example. The liquid supply device2may be provided with a motor for moving the movable plate35between the closed position and the open position. The motor may be provided with an encoder as the open/closed sensor38. In this case, the encoder detects whether the movable plate35is positioned at either of the closed position or the open position on the basis of a rotation position of the motor.

Parameters of the predetermined remaining amount, the notification remaining amount, and the like may be set by the user. For example, a plurality of the predetermined remaining amounts may be stored in the flash memory44. In this case, the user may select one of the plurality of predetermined remaining amounts, by operating the operation portion57. The CPU51may perform each of the processing on the basis of the selected predetermined remaining amount. The CPU51may decide the predetermined remaining amount on the basis of one or both of the lower limit of the suctionable remaining amount and the notification remaining amount, or on the basis of another parameter. The CPU51may perform each of the processing on the basis of the decided predetermined remaining amount.

The CPU41may perform the main processing. The CPU51may perform a part of the main processing, and the CPU41may perform another part of the main processing. For example, in the main processing, the CPU41may perform the processing at step S11, step S12, step S13, step S14, step S15, and step S16, and the CPU51may perform the other processing. A CPU of an external device may perform the main processing. The external device is a device other than the printer1and the liquid supply device2, and is a personal computer (PC), a smartphone, or the like.

In place of the CPU41or51, a microcomputer, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like may be used as a processor. The main processing may be performed as distributed processing by a plurality of the processors. It is sufficient that the non-transitory storage media, such as the ROM42or52, the flash memory44or54, and the like be a storage medium capable of storing information, regardless of a period of storing the information. The non-transitory storage medium need not necessarily include a transitory storage medium (a transmitted signal, for example). The control program may be downloaded from a server connected to a network (not shown in the drawings) (in other words, may be transmitted as transmission signals), and may be stored in the ROM42or52or the flash memory44or54. In this case, the control program may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium, such as an HDD provided in the server.

The liquid supply system100may be provided with a mount mechanism90W shown inFIG.17, in place of the mount mechanism9W shown inFIG.6. Of the mount mechanism90W, members having the same shape or function as those of the mount mechanism9W will be assigned the same reference signs as the mount mechanism9W, and a description thereof will be omitted or simplified.FIG.17does not show the tubes8shown inFIG.6. As shown inFIG.17, in the mount mechanism90W, a plate964is provided at the lower end of the rotation shaft961. The plate964is positioned lower than the propeller962. When the agitation mechanism96falls off from the server tank6W, the plate964protects the propeller962such that the propeller962does not come into contact with the ground or the like.

The shape of the plate964is not limited to a particular shape, and is a circular shape as seen from below. The outer diameter of the plate964is not limited to a particular size, and, in a radial direction of the rotation shaft961, is two times larger than a distance from the rotation shaft961to a leading end of the propeller962. A plurality of holes965are provided in the plate964. The plurality of holes965suppress the agitation of the ink by the rotation of the propeller962from being obstructed by the plate964. Note that the single hole965may be provided in the plate964, or the hole965need not necessarily be provided. The mount mechanism90W may omit the bottom plate947shown inFIG.6, or may be provided with the bottom plate947.