JP2022010170A - Liquid consuming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid consuming device which can reduce possibility that a semi-permeable membrane gets wet by contacting with a liquid.

SOLUTION: A multi-function peripheral 10 includes: an ink cartridge 30 which has an ink storage chamber 32 opened to an atmosphere; a tank 103 which has a storage chamber 121 for storing the ink flowing from the storage chamber 32 of the connected ink cartridge 30, and an atmosphere communication part 124 for communicating the storage chamber 121 to the atmosphere; and a recording head 21 which has a nozzle 29 for discharging the ink supplied from the storage chamber 121. The atmosphere communication part 124 includes a semi-permeable membrane 118 which blocks distribution of the ink and allows communication of the atmosphere. The semi-permeable membrane 118 is positioned in an upper part than a position P1 as a position of a liquid level of the ink cartridge 30 for storing the ink of a maximum amount which is allowed to be stored in the storage chamber 32.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid consuming device comprising a tank to which liquid is supplied from a cartridge.

As an example of the liquid consuming device as described above, the device main body having a tank capable of storing ink and a head to which ink is supplied from the tank, and the device main body can be attached to and detached from the device main body, and the stored ink can be supplied to the tank. An inkjet recording device including a cartridge is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to supply ink from the cartridge to the tank by the head difference, the cartridge and the tank each have an atmosphere opening for opening the ink chamber in which the ink is stored to the atmosphere. I have.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-21126

In the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent the ink in the ink chamber of the tank from leaking from the air opening of the tank, in the flow path between the ink chamber of the tank and the air opening of the tank. It is conceivable to arrange a semipermeable membrane that blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere.

However, depending on the position of the semipermeable membrane, the semipermeable membrane may get wet when the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane. When the semipermeable membrane gets wet, the air permeability of the semipermeable membrane decreases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a means capable of reducing the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with a liquid and becomes wet.

(1) In the liquid consuming device according to the present invention, the cartridge can be connected to a cartridge having a first storage chamber for storing liquid and a first air communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber with the atmosphere. A tank having a second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing from the first storage chamber of the connected cartridge and a second air communication portion for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere, and the second tank of the tank. A head having a nozzle for discharging the liquid supplied from the storage chamber is provided. The second air communication portion covers the communication port formed on the wall partitioning the second storage chamber and the semipermeable membrane that blocks the flow of liquid and allows air communication. , Equipped with. The cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank, and the liquid is supplied from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber by the head difference. The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same height.

In this configuration, when a cartridge (for example, a new cartridge) containing the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is connected to the tank, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber is headed. It is supplied to the second storage chamber by the difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber.
Then, according to this configuration, when the supply is finished (when the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber). ), The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(2) The semipermeable membrane is stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored in the first storage chamber is connected to the tank. Located above the surface of the maximum amount of liquid.

When a new cartridge (a cartridge containing the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber) is connected to a tank in which the liquid is sufficiently stored in the second storage chamber, the second storage is caused by the head difference. The liquid level of the liquid stored in the chamber rises. The rise occurs every time the new cartridge is connected to the tank as described above. In this case, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is the liquid level of the liquid in a state where the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored in the first storage chamber. It will converge. According to this configuration, the semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(3) For example, the semipermeable membrane is located below the upper end of the cartridge.

(4) For example, the first atmospheric communication unit is located above the first storage chamber. At least a part of the semipermeable membrane is located at the same height as the first atmospheric communication portion.

(5) The cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank in which the liquid is not stored in the second storage chamber, and the first storage chamber is connected. In a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same height due to the supply of the liquid from the water head to the second storage chamber, the semipermeable membrane is transferred to the first storage chamber. Located above the liquid level of the stored liquid

In this configuration, a cartridge (for example, a new cartridge) in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored in a tank (for example, a new tank) in which liquid is not stored in the second storage chamber is provided. When connected, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber is supplied to the second storage chamber by the head difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Then, according to this configuration, when the supply is finished (when the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber). ), The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(6) The tank is located at the inlet where the liquid flowing out of the first storage chamber flows into the second storage chamber and below the inlet, and the liquid flows out from the second storage chamber. It is equipped with an outlet. The maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored in the tank in which the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber is located between the inlet and the outlet. In a state where the cartridges are connected and the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same level due to the supply of liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the head difference. The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber.

Normally, when the amount of liquid stored in the second storage chamber of the tank is reduced and the liquid level of the liquid is located below the inlet, the cartridge is replaced with a new one. When a new cartridge that has been replaced (a cartridge that stores the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber) is connected to the tank, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber is second due to the head difference. It is supplied to the storage room. According to this configuration, when the supply is completed (when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber), it is half. The permeable membrane is located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(7) The wall extends in the vertical direction.

According to this configuration, since the wall extends in the vertical direction, the horizontal length of the tank can be shortened.

(8) The semipermeable membrane is located on the first surface side of the wall facing the second storage chamber.

According to this configuration, since the semipermeable membrane is located on the first surface side of the wall facing the second storage chamber, the semipermeable membrane is less likely to be acted on from the outside. Therefore, the possibility that the semipermeable membrane is damaged can be reduced.

(9) For example, the tank is provided with a first rib formed on the first surface so as to surround the communication port. The semipermeable membrane is attached to the first rib.

(10) The tank is provided with a second rib below the first rib, which is in contact with the lower end of the semipermeable membrane.

If there is no second rib, the semipermeable membrane may be located lower than expected due to the mounting error of the semipermeable membrane. If a liquid adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane, the liquid may spread along the semipermeable membrane throughout the semipermeable membrane. According to this configuration, the lower end of the semipermeable membrane can be positioned by the second rib. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane is located below the assumption due to the mounting error as described above. As a result, the possibility that the liquid adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane can be reduced.

(11) The second air communication portion includes a labyrinth-shaped labyrinth flow path formed on the second surface of the wall facing opposite to the second storage chamber, and an air opening port communicating with the outside of the tank. To prepare for. One end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the communication port. The other end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the atmosphere opening.

According to this configuration, a labyrinth flow path can be formed behind the communication port. Thereby, the area required for forming the communication port and the labyrinth flow path can be made smaller than that the communication port and the labyrinth flow path are formed on the same surface (for example, the first surface). As a result, the formation position of the communication port can be flexibly determined, so that the communication port and the semipermeable membrane covering the communication port can be easily arranged above.

(12) The atmosphere opening is formed on the wall.

According to this configuration, the atmosphere opening, the labyrinth flow path, and the communication port are all formed on the same wall. Therefore, it is easier to simplify the structure of the tank and downsize the tank than the structure in which the air opening, the labyrinth flow path, and the communication port are formed on different walls.

(13) For example, a film is attached to the tank at a position facing the wall. The film partitions the second storage chamber.

(14) In the liquid consuming device according to the present invention, the cartridge can be connected to a cartridge having a first storage chamber for storing liquid and a first air communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber with the atmosphere. A tank having a second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing from the first storage chamber of the connected cartridge and a second air communication portion for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere, and the second tank of the tank. A head having a nozzle for discharging the liquid supplied from the storage chamber and a purge mechanism for sucking the liquid from the head are provided. The second air communication portion covers the communication port formed on the wall partitioning the second storage chamber of the tank and the communication port, and blocks the flow of liquid and allows air communication. It has a permeable membrane. The cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank, and the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber by the purge mechanism. After the initial purging process of being sucked into the head is executed, the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are supplied by the liquid supply due to the head difference from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber. At the same height, the semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber.

Normally, when the liquid consuming device is used by the user for the first time, the tank in which the liquid is not stored in the second storage chamber (for example, a new tank) stores the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber. A new cartridge (for example, a new cartridge) is connected, and then suction of the liquid by the purge mechanism (initial purge process) is performed. As a result, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is supplied to the head. According to this configuration, after the execution of the initial purge treatment, the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber become the same height due to the supply of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the head difference. In, the semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

According to the present invention, the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet can be reduced.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the multifunction device 10. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the open position. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 22 and the platen 26. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the tank 103. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the tank 103. FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view showing a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101 and connected to the tank 103. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing an ink cartridge 30, a cartridge case 101, a tank 103, a recording unit 24, and a purge mechanism 60. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101 and connected to the tank 103.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. It is needless to say that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the posture in which the multifunction device 10 is installed on a horizontal plane so that it can be used (the posture in FIG. 1 and may be referred to as "use posture"), and the multifunction device 10 is defined. The front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface provided with the opening 13 as the front surface, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction device 10 is viewed from the front surface. In the present embodiment, in the usage posture, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the horizontal direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-back direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

[Overall configuration of multifunction device 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 10 (an example of a liquid consuming device) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction device 10 includes a printer unit 11 at the bottom, which records an image on paper 12 (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method. The printer unit 11 includes a housing 14 having an opening 13 formed in the front surface 14A.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 14, a feed roller 23, a feed tray 15, a discharge tray 16, a transport roller pair 25, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller pair 27, and so on. A platen 26 and a cartridge case 101 (see FIG. 1B) are arranged. The multifunction device 10 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function. The state shown in FIG. 1 is the posture in which the multifunction device 10 is used.

[Feeding tray 15, discharge tray 16, feeding roller 23]
As shown in FIG. 1, the feed tray 15 is inserted and removed from the multifunction device 10 by the user along the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13. The opening 13 is located at the center of the front surface 14A of the housing 14 in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the feed tray 15 can support a plurality of stacked sheets 12.

The discharge tray 16 is located above the feed tray 15. The discharge tray 16 supports the paper 12 discharged by the discharge roller pair 27.

The feeding roller 23 feeds the paper 12 supported by the feeding tray 15 to the transport path 17. The feeding roller 23 is driven by a feeding motor (not shown).

[Transport path 17]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 17 refers to a space in which a part thereof is formed by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other at predetermined intervals inside the printer unit 11. The transport path 17 is a path extending rearward from the rear end portion of the feed tray 15. The transport path 17 is a path that extends upward in the rear part of the printer unit 11 and makes a U-turn forward, passes through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 26, and reaches the discharge tray 16. The transport path 17 between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 is provided in the substantially central portion of the multifunction device 10 in the left-right direction 9, and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The transport direction of the paper 12 in the transport path 17 is indicated by an arrow of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

[Conveying roller vs. 25]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller pair 25 is arranged in the transport path 17. The transfer roller pair 25 has a transfer roller 25A and a pinch roller 25B facing each other. The transfer roller 25A is driven by a transfer motor (not shown). The pinch roller 25B rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 25A. The paper 12 is sandwiched between the transport roller 25A and the pinch roller 25B that rotate forward due to the normal rotation of the transport motor, and is transported in the transport direction (forward).

[Discharge roller vs. 27]
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge roller pair 27 is arranged downstream of the transport roller pair 25 in the transport path 17 in the transport direction. The discharge roller pair 27 has a discharge roller 27A and a spur 27B facing each other. The discharge roller 27A is driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 27B rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 27A. The paper 12 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 27A and the spur 27B, which rotate in the forward direction due to the normal rotation of the transport motor, and is transported in the transport direction (forward).

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is located between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport path 17. The recording unit 24 is arranged so as to face the platen 26 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 17 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 is located above the transport path 17, and the platen 26 is located below the transport path 17. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 22 and a recording head 21.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 22 is supported by guide rails 82 and 83 extending in the left-right direction 9 at positions separated from each other in the front-rear direction 8. The guide rails 82 and 83 are supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The carriage 22 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 83. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage drive motor (not shown). The carriage 22 connected to the belt mechanism reciprocates along the left-right direction 9 by being driven by the carriage driving motor. The moving region of the carriage 22 extends from the carrier path 17 to the right and to the left, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

An ink tube 20 and a flexible flat cable 84 extend from the carriage 22.

The ink tube 20 connects the tank 103 (see FIG. 5) and the recording head 21. The ink tube 20 transfers ink (an example of a liquid) stored in each ink cartridge 30 (an example of a cartridge, see FIG. 4) mounted on the cartridge case 101 to a recording head 21 via a tank 103 (see FIG. 5). Supply. Four ink tubes 20 through which inks of each color (black, magenta, cyan, yellow) are distributed are provided corresponding to each ink cartridge 30, and are connected to the carriage 22 in a bundled state. ..

The flexible flat cable 84 electrically connects the control unit (not shown) and the recording head 21. The control unit controls the operation of the multifunction device 10. The control unit includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like mounted on a board (not shown) arranged inside the housing 14. The flexible flat cable 84 transmits a control signal output from the control unit to the recording head 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 22 is equipped with a recording head 21 (an example of a consumption unit and a head). A plurality of nozzles 29 are formed on the lower surface of the recording head 21 (the surface facing the platen 26). Ink is supplied to the recording head 21 from the ink cartridge 30 (see FIG. 4). The recording head 21 ejects ink from the nozzle 29 as minute ink droplets. When the carriage 22 is reciprocating in the left-right direction 9, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 29 toward the platen 26. As a result, the ink droplets land on the paper 12 which is transported to the transport roller pair 25 and is supported by the platen 26, and the image is recorded on the paper 12.

[Platen 26]
As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 26 is arranged between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport path 17. The platen 26 is arranged so as to face the recording unit 24 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 17 interposed therebetween. The platen 26 supports the paper 12 conveyed by the transfer roller pair 25 from below.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed in the right portion of the front surface 14A of the housing 14. Behind the opening 85, a storage space 86 capable of accommodating the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103 is formed. A cover 87 is attached to the housing 14 so as to cover the opening 85. The cover 87 has a left-right direction 9 between the closed position (position shown in FIG. 1 (A)) for closing the opening 85 and the open position (position shown in FIG. 1 (B)) for opening the opening 85. It is rotatable around the rotation axis 87A (rotation center) extending to.

[Cartridge case 101]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge case 101 has a box shape having an internal space. The cartridge case 101 has a top surface that determines the top of the internal space, a bottom surface that determines the bottom of the internal space, a rear surface that connects the top and the bottom, and faces the rear surface and the front-rear direction 8. It has an opening 112 provided at a position to be used. The opening 112 may be exposed to the front surface 14A (see FIG. 1) of the housing 14, which is the surface facing the user when using the multifunction device 10.

The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the cartridge case 101 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 (see FIG. 1) and the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the front-rear direction 8 by inserting the lower end portion of the ink cartridge 30 into the guide groove 109 provided on the bottom surface of the cartridge case 101.

The cartridge case 101 is provided with three plates 104 that divide the internal space into four long spaces in the vertical direction 7. The ink cartridge 30 is housed in each of the spaces partitioned by the plate 104. In the present embodiment, the space located on the far right of the four spaces is longer in the left-right direction 9 than the other three spaces. The ink cartridge 30 in which black ink is stored is housed in the space located on the far right. Each of the other three spaces houses an ink cartridge 30 in which magenta ink is stored, an ink cartridge 30 in which cyan ink is stored, and an ink cartridge 30 in which yellow ink is stored. The size of each space, the size of the ink cartridge 30 housed in each space, and the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 housed in each space are not limited to the above-mentioned size and color.

[Rock shaft 145]
As shown in FIG. 4, the lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right direction 9 of the cartridge case 101 near the top surface of the cartridge case 101 and near the opening 112. The lock shaft 145 is a rod-shaped member extending along the left-right direction 9. The lock shaft 145 is, for example, a metal cylinder. Both ends of the lock shaft 145 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a wall in which both ends of the cartridge case 101 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed. The lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right direction 9 over four spaces in which the four ink cartridges 30 can be stored.

The lock shaft 145 is for holding the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge case 101 at the mounting position. As shown in FIG. 9, the ink cartridge 30 is engaged with the lock shaft 145 in a state of being mounted on the cartridge case 101. As a result, the lock shaft 145 holds the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge case 101 against the force of the coil spring 78 of the ink cartridge 30 pushing the ink cartridge 30 forward.

[Ink cartridge 30]
The ink cartridge 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 is a container in which ink is stored. The posture of the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 is a usage posture.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ink cartridge 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 31. The housing 31 includes a rear wall 40, a front wall 41, an upper wall 39, a lower wall 42, a right wall 37, and a left wall 38.

As a whole, the housing 31 has a flat shape in which the dimensions along the left-right direction 9 are thin and the dimensions along the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 are larger than the dimensions along the left-right direction 9. In the housing 31, at least the front wall 41 has a translucency so that the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 32 and the storage chamber 33 (see FIG. 9) can be visually recognized from the outside.

The housing 31 is located above the lower wall 42 and has a sub-lower wall 48 that extends forward continuously with the lower end of the rear wall 40. In the present embodiment, the rear end of the sub lower wall 48 is located behind the rear end of the ink supply unit 34, and the front end of the sub lower wall 48 is located in front of the rear end of the ink supply unit 34. The lower wall 42 and the sub lower wall 48 are continuous by the stepped surface 49. The ink supply unit 34 extends rearward from the step surface 49 below the sub lower wall 48 and above the lower wall 42.

A convex portion 43 projecting upward is provided on the outer surface of the upper wall 39. The convex portion 43 extends along the front-rear direction 8. The surface of the convex portion 43 facing forward is the lock surface 181. The lock surface 181 is located above the upper wall 39. The lock surface 181 is a surface that can come into contact with the lock shaft 145 in the forward direction when the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101. As shown in FIG. 9, when the lock surface 181 comes into contact with the lock shaft 145 toward the front, the ink cartridge 30 is held by the cartridge case 101 against the urging force of the coil spring 78.

As shown in FIG. 6, an inclined surface 185 is formed behind the lock surface 181 in the convex portion 43. In the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge case 101, the lock shaft 145 is guided along the inclined surface 185. As a result, the lock shaft 145 is guided to a position where it comes into contact with the lock surface 181.

An operation unit 90 is formed in front of the lock surface 181 on the upper wall 39. When the operation surface 92 of the operation unit 90 is pushed downward while the cartridge case 101 is mounted on the ink cartridge 30, the ink cartridge 30 rotates and the lock surface 181 moves downward. As a result, the lock surface 181 is located below the lock shaft 145. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 can be removed from the cartridge case 101.

As shown in FIG. 9, a storage chamber 32, a storage chamber 33, an ink valve chamber 35, and an air flow path 36 are formed inside the housing 31. The storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 store ink. The storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink bulb chamber 35 are examples of the first storage chamber. The air flow path 36 communicates the storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 with the atmosphere. The atmospheric flow path 36 is an example of the first atmospheric communication unit. The storage chamber 32 and the storage chamber 33 communicate with each other through a through hole (not shown). The storage chamber 32 and the air flow path 36 communicate with each other by a through hole 46. The storage chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 communicate with each other by a through hole 99 formed at the lower end of the storage chamber 33.

The atmospheric air flow path 36 communicates with the outside by an atmospheric communication port 96 formed in the convex portion 43. That is, the storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 communicate with the outside via the air flow path 36. The through hole 46 in the air flow path 36 and the air communication port 96 are sealed by a semipermeable membrane 97. The semipermeable membrane 97 blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the ink supply unit 34 projects rearward from the stepped surface 49. The ink supply unit 34 has a tubular outer shape. The internal space of the ink supply unit 34 is the ink valve chamber 35. The rear end of the ink supply unit 34 is opened to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 by the ink supply port 71. As a result, the ink valve chamber 35 communicates with the outside of the ink cartridge 30. A seal member 76 is located at the rear end of the ink supply unit 34. As described above, the front end of the ink bulb chamber 35 communicates with the lower end of the storage chamber 33 by the through hole 99.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ink bulb chamber 35 houses the bulb 77 and the coil spring 78. The valve 77 moves along the front-rear direction 8 to open and close the ink supply port 71 penetrating the center of the seal member 76. The coil spring 78 urges the valve 77 rearward. Therefore, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the seal member 76 in a state where no external force is applied.

The seal member 76 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole formed in the center. The sealing member 76 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The center of the seal member 76 is penetrated in the front-rear direction 8 to form a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and the ink supply port 71 is formed by the inner peripheral surface. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 71 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102.

[Tank 103]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tank 103 includes a main body 151 and films 152A and 152B. The main body 151 has a box shape and includes a storage chamber 121 (an example of a second storage chamber) in which ink is stored. The film 152A is welded to the rear surface of the main body 151. The film 152B is welded to the front surface of the main body 151.

The main body 151 is provided with an opening 161 at the lower right end portion and the left lower end portion thereof. On the other hand, the cartridge case 101 is provided with threaded holes (not shown) at the lower right end and the lower left end of the rear surface. As shown in FIG. 5, the screw 162 penetrates the opening 161 from the rear and is screwed into the hole. As a result, the tank 103 is fixed to the cartridge case 101. The tank 103 fixed to the cartridge case 101 is located behind the cartridge case 101 and the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge case 101.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 151 includes an upper wall 153, a lower wall 154, a right wall 155, a left wall 156, a front wall 157 (an example of a wall), and three inner walls 158. To prepare for. The upper wall 153 extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9, and partitions the top surface of the storage chamber 121. The lower wall 154 extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 to partition the bottom surface of the storage chamber 121. The right wall 155 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the right surface of the storage chamber 121. The left wall 156 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the left surface of the storage chamber 121. The front wall 157 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9 to partition the front surface of the storage chamber 121. The main body 151 partitions other than the rear surface of the storage chamber 121.

As shown in FIG. 7, the three inner walls 158 divide the storage chamber 121 into four. Each of the four storage chambers 121 is provided corresponding to each of the four spaces of the cartridge case 101.

The film 152A shown in FIG. 7 is welded to the rear surface of the main body 151, that is, a position facing the front wall 157 in the front-rear direction 8. The film 152A welded to the rear surface of the main body 151 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the rear surface of the storage chamber 121.

The film 152B shown in FIG. 8 is welded to the protruding end face of the rib 111 formed on the front wall 157.

Hereinafter, the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication unit 124 provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121 will be described. Here, the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication portion 124 corresponding to each storage chamber 121 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, the configurations of the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication unit 124 corresponding to the storage chamber 121 located on the leftmost side of the four storage chambers 121 will be described. On the other hand, the description of the configuration of the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication unit 124 corresponding to the other three storage chambers 121 will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the main body 151 includes four ink flow paths 126. Each of the four ink flow paths 126 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121. The ink flow path 126 includes a first flow path 191 and a second flow path 192.

As shown in FIG. 9, one end of the first flow path 191 communicates with the storage chamber 121 via the outlet 122. The outlet 122 is formed at the lower end and the front end of the storage chamber 121. The other end of the first flow path 191 communicates with the second flow path 192 by a communication port 193 (see FIG. 7). The communication port 193 is formed at the lower end and the rear end of the storage chamber 121. That is, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, the first flow path 191 extends substantially in the front-rear direction 8 from the outlet 122 toward the communication port 193.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second flow path 192 is formed by four grooves formed in the rear end portion of the main body 151 and a film 152A welded to the rear surface of the main body 151. One end of the second flow path 192 communicates with the communication port 193. The second flow path 192 extends upward from the communication port 193 and bends to the left at the upper part of the main body 151. The other end of the second flow path 192 is continuous with the ink outflow port 127 at the left end of the main body 151. An ink tube 20 is connected to the ink outflow port 127. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flows out from the outlet 122 and is supplied to the recording head 21 through the ink flow path 126 and the ink tube 20.

As shown in FIG. 8, four protrusions 200 projecting forward are formed in the lower portion of the front wall 157 of the main body 151. As shown in FIG. 9, a hollow ink needle 102 is attached to each protrusion 200. That is, four ink needles 102 are formed. Each of the four ink needles 102 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121. The internal space of the ink needle 102 communicates with the storage chamber 121 via the inflow port 123 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 9, the inflow port 123 is formed on the front wall 157 of the main body 151. The inflow port 123 is located above the inflow port 122.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ink needle 102 projects forward from the front wall 157. A through hole 105 is formed on the rear surface of the cartridge case 101. The ink needle 102 penetrates the through hole 105 and projects into the internal space of the cartridge case 101.

The valve 114 and the coil spring 115 are housed in the internal space 117 of the ink needle 102. The valve 114 moves along the front-rear direction 8 to open and close the opening 116 formed at the tip of the ink needle 102. The coil spring 115 urges the valve 114 forward. Therefore, the valve 114 closes the opening 116 in a state where no external force is applied (a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge case 101). Further, in a state where no external force is applied, the front end portion of the valve 114 urged by the coil spring 115 projects forward from the opening 116.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 151 includes four atmospheric communication units 124 (an example of a second atmospheric communication unit). Each of the four atmospheric communication units 124 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121. The atmospheric communication unit 124 communicates the storage chamber 121 with the atmosphere.

The atmospheric communication unit 124 includes a communication port 119, a first rib 171 and a semipermeable membrane 118 (see FIGS. 5 and 9), a second rib 172, a labyrinth flow path 120, and an atmospheric opening port 129. ..

The communication port 119 is formed on the front wall 157. The communication port 119 penetrates the front wall 157 in the front-rear direction 8. The communication port 119 is located above the storage chamber 121.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first rib 171 projects rearward from the rear surface 157A (an example of the first surface) of the front wall 157. The rear surface 157A is a rear facing surface of the front wall 157. That is, the rear surface 157A is the surface of the front wall 157 facing the storage chamber 121. When the tank 103 is viewed from the rear, the first rib 171 is formed so as to surround the communication port 119.

The semipermeable membrane 118 blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the rear surface (protruding end surface) of the first rib 171. As a result, the semipermeable membrane 118 covers the communication port 119 from the rear. The semipermeable membrane 118 is located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second rib 172 projects rearward from the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157. The second rib 172 is located below the first rib 171. Two second ribs 172 are provided for one first rib 171. Specifically, the second rib 172 is formed below the right portion and below the left portion of the first rib 171. The second rib 172 extends in the vertical direction 7. The semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the first rib 171 so that the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 abuts on the upper end of the second rib 172. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is positioned in the vertical direction 7 by the second rib 172. The position and number of the second rib 172 is not limited to the above-mentioned position and number.

As shown in FIG. 8, the labyrinth flow path 120 includes a front surface 157B (an example of a second surface) of the front wall 157, a rib 111 formed on the front surface 157B, and a film 152B welded to the protruding end surface of the rib 111. It is partitioned by and. The front surface 157B is a surface on the back side of the rear surface 157A and is a surface facing forward on the front wall 157. That is, the front surface 157B is a surface of the front wall 157 facing opposite to the storage chamber 121. The labyrinth flow path 120 is formed in and around the region where the semipermeable membrane 118, the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 are formed on the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157.

The labyrinth flow path 120 has a labyrinth shape and extends from one end to the other while bending. One end of the labyrinth flow path 120 communicates with the communication port 119. The other end of the labyrinth flow path 120 communicates with the atmosphere opening port 129. Specifically, the labyrinth flow path 120 leads to the buffer space 177 (see FIG. 7) formed in the anterior wall 157 via a through hole 176 formed in the right portion of the anterior wall 157. A through hole is formed in a portion of the front wall 157 that partitions the buffer space 177. This through hole is the atmosphere opening 129. The atmosphere opening port 129 communicates with the outside of the tank 103. From the above, the storage chamber 121 is open to the atmosphere via the atmospheric communication unit 124.

[Ink supply]
Hereinafter, the supply of ink from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 and the recording head 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

When the ink cartridge 30 is attached to the cartridge case 101 while the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 and the valve 114 closes the opening 116 of the ink needle 102, the ink needle 102 is attached to the ink supply port 71. Enters. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the tank 103. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface defining the ink supply port 71 while elastically deforming the seal member 76. When the tip of the ink needle 102 passes through the seal member 76 and enters the ink valve chamber 35, it comes into contact with the valve 77. Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge case 101, the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 backward against the urging force of the coil spring 78. As a result, the ink supply port 71 is opened.

Further, while the tip of the ink needle 102 abuts on the bulb 77, the bulb 77 abuts on the bulb 114 from the front and pushes it. Then, the valve 114 moves backward against the urging force of the coil spring 115. This opens the opening 116. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 flows into the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 from the inflow port 123 through the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply unit 34 and the internal space 117 of the ink needle 102. Is possible.

Here, the storage chambers 32 and 33 of the ink cartridge 30 are opened to the atmosphere by the atmospheric air flow path 36. Further, the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 is opened to the atmosphere by the atmospheric communication unit 124. Therefore, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 through the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply unit 34, the internal space of the ink needle 102, and the inflow port 123 due to the head difference. Is supplied to. The storage chamber 121 stores the ink that has flowed in from the storage chambers 32 and 33. The ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flows out to the ink tube 20 via the ink flow path 126 and is supplied to the recording head 21.

The ink supply due to the water head difference described above is the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 of the ink cartridge 30 and the ink valve chamber 35, and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103. And are executed until they reach the same position in the vertical direction 7.

[Position of Semipermeable Membrane 118]
An ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103, and the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121. In a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same level due to the supply of ink due to the difference in water head to the ink. , The semi-permeable film 118 is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink when the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the ink cartridge 30. The liquid level of the ink stored in the valve chamber 35 is the position P1. The liquid level of the ink does not rise above the position P1 depending on the supply of the ink due to the head difference. Then, in the present embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the position P1. That is, in a state where the ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103, the semitransparent film 118 is in the storage chambers 32 and 33. And, it is located above the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid stored in the ink valve chamber 35 (the liquid level at position P1).

[Action and effect of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, an ink cartridge 30 (for example, a new ink cartridge 30) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103. The ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Then, according to the present embodiment, when the supply is finished (the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121). When it becomes equal to the height), the semi-permeable film 118 is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Further, a new ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the tank 103 in which the ink is sufficiently stored in the storage chamber 121). Is connected, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 rises due to the water head difference. The rise occurs every time the connection of the new ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 as described above is repeated. In this case, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 is the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. It converges on the liquid level (position P1) of the ink in the state where the ink is applied. According to the present embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the liquid level (position P1) of the maximum amount of ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the front wall 157 extends along the vertical direction 7, the length of the tank 103 in the front-rear direction 8 can be shortened.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the semipermeable membrane 118 is located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157 facing the storage chamber 121, the semipermeable membrane 118 is less likely to be acted on from the outside. Therefore, the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 is damaged can be reduced.

Further, if the second rib 172 is not provided, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be located lower than expected due to an attachment error of the semipermeable membrane 118. If ink adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118, the ink may spread over the entire semipermeable membrane 118 along the semipermeable membrane 118. According to this embodiment, the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 can be positioned by the second rib 172. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 is located lower than expected due to the mounting error as described above. As a result, the possibility of ink adhering to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the labyrinth flow path 120 can be formed behind the communication port 119. As a result, the area required for forming the communication port 119 and the labyrinth flow path 120 can be made smaller than that the communication port 119 and the labyrinth flow path 120 are formed on the same surface. As a result, since the formation position of the communication port 119 can be flexibly determined, the semipermeable membrane 118 covering the communication port 119 and the communication port 119 can be easily arranged above.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the atmosphere opening port 129, the labyrinth flow path 120, and the communication port 119 are all formed on the same wall (front wall 157). Therefore, it is easier to simplify the structure of the tank 103 and downsize the tank 103 than the configuration in which the atmosphere opening port 129, the labyrinth flow path 120, and the communication port 119 are formed on different walls.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the position P1. However, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be in a position as described below.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 is stored in the tank 103 (for example, the storage chamber 121) located between the inlet 123 and the outlet 122 in the vertical direction 7. The ink cartridge 30 (the liquid level of the stored ink is stored in the tank 103) in which the liquid level of the ink is the position P2, and the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored. The ink cartridge 30) at position P1 is connected, and the ink is stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 by supplying ink from the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 due to the water head difference. In a state where the liquid level of the ink and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the semitransparent film 118 is the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. It may be located above the liquid level.

Here, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 in this state is at the position P3 lower than the position P1. The volume of the portion lower than the position P1 and higher than the position P3 in the storage chamber 32 is equal to the volume of the portion lower than the position P3 and higher than the position P2 in the storage chamber 121. The semipermeable membrane 118 may be located above the position P3. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is not limited to the position above the position P1, but may be arranged at a position lower than the position P1 and higher than the position P3.

Normally, when the amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 decreases and the liquid level of the ink is located below the inflow port 123, the position of the liquid level of the ink is a sensor (not shown). Etc. are detected. The control unit of the multifunction device 10 that receives the detection signal from the sensor notifies the user through display on the panel 199, voice, or the like so as to replace the ink cartridge 30 with a new one. Further, after the detection, when a predetermined amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 is consumed by executing the image recording on the paper 12, the control unit positions the liquid level below the outlet 122. In order to prevent the air in the storage chamber 121 from entering the recording head 21, the execution of the image recording is stopped.

The ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one by the user, and the replaced new ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored). Is connected to the tank 103, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. According to this modification, when the supply is finished (the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 become equal to each other). When), the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the liquid level (position P3) stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Note that the first modification is an example in which the position P3 is located above the liquid level (positions P4, P5) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the modifications 2 and 3 described later. That is, the position P3 in the modified example 1 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. Therefore, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P3, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

In normal use, after connecting a new ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 of the multifunction device 10 after shipment from the factory, the ink that can be supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 runs out, and the ink is replaced with a new one. When the notification is given, the ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one. Therefore, for example, after the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the tank 103, the ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one even though the ink in the ink cartridge 30 is hardly consumed. Not included in.

[Modification 2]
The multifunction device 10 may include a purge mechanism 60 as shown in FIG. The purge mechanism 60 is a mechanism for sucking ink from the recording head 21. A known configuration is adopted for the purge mechanism 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the purge mechanism 60 includes a cap 146, a pump 150, a waste liquid tank 149, and a tube 147.

The cap 146 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The cap 146 is located facing the carriage 22 (carriage 22 shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3) located to the right of the transport path 17 or to the left of the transport path 17. The cap 146 has a cap position in close contact with the recording head 21 (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 10) and an uncap position (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 10) at a position below the cap position and away from the recording head 21. It is configured to be movable between the position and the position.

The waste liquid tank 149 stores the ink sucked from the recording head 21. One end of the tube 147 is connected to the cap 146. The other end of the tube 147 is located directly above the waste liquid tank 149.

The pump 150 is, for example, a rotary type tube pump. The pump 150 handles the tube 147 by driving a pump driving motor (not shown). This forms a flow of ink in the tube 147 from the cap 146 to the waste liquid tank 149.

From the above, in a state where the cap 146 is located at the cap position and is in close contact with the recording head 21, the pump drive motor is driven to store the ink in the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121. The ink is sucked into the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20. Further, the ink sucked to the recording head 21 is sucked to the tube 147 via the cap 146 and flows out to the waste liquid tank 149. This ink suction process is a purge process.

The purge process is executed at various timings. For example, the ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the liquid level of the stored ink is the position P1) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is the tank 103. When connected to, the purge process is executed. This purge process is the initial purge process.

Then, in the second modification, after the initial purge process is executed, the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 due to the water head difference, so that the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 are supplied. The semi-permeable film 118 is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 in a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height. It is located above the liquid level of the ink.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, an ink cartridge in which the tank 103 in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121 contains the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the liquid level of the stored ink is the position P1) is connected, and the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 due to the water head difference, so that the storage chamber 32 33, and when the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the ink is stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. The liquid level of the ink is at position P4.

However, the ink cartridge 30 (the liquid of the stored ink) contains the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 in the tank 103 in which the ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121. After the ink cartridge 30) whose surface is the position P1 is connected and the initial purge process is executed, the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 by the water head difference, so that the ink cartridge 30) is supplied to the storage chamber. When the liquid level of the ink stored in the 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 have the same height. The liquid level of the stored ink is lower than the position P4 because the ink is sucked from the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 to the recording head 21 by the initial purge process (FIG. FIG. 11).

Normally, when the multifunction device 10 is used by a user for the first time, the tank 103 (for example, a new tank 103) in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121 is allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. An ink cartridge 30 (for example, an ink cartridge 30 for initial introduction) in which the maximum amount of ink is stored is connected. At this time, the head difference is supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103, and the ink is sucked (initial purge process) by the purge mechanism 60. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 is supplied to the recording head 21. According to this modification, the initial purge process is performed while the water head difference is supplied, and after the initial purge process is executed, further ink due to the water head difference from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 is further charged. In a state where the liquid levels of the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 are at the same level due to the supply, the semitransparent film 118 is the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. It is located above the liquid level (position P5). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet. Therefore, in the case of the configuration in which the initial purge treatment is performed while the head difference supply is performed, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be arranged at a position higher than the position P5. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is not limited to a position higher than the position P4, and may be arranged at a position lower than the position P4 and higher than the position P5.

Note that the second modification is an example in which the position P5 is located above the liquid level (position P3) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the first modification. That is, the position P5 in the modified example 2 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. For example, when the ink cartridge 30 used only for the initial introduction has a larger capacity than the ink cartridge 30 used at the time of cartridge replacement as in the first modification, the position P5 is higher than the position P3. To position. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P5, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

[Modification 3]
In the second modification, the liquid level of the ink when the head difference supply was completed was at the position P5, and the semipermeable membrane 118 was arranged above the position P5. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be arranged at the position P4 above the position P5. As described above, the ink cartridge 30 (reserved) in which the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the tank 103 in which the ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121. The ink cartridge 30) whose ink liquid level is at position P1 is connected, and the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference, so that the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve are supplied. When the liquid level of the ink stored in the chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the liquid of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 The surface is at position P4.

Here, in the above-mentioned modification 2, the initial purge process was performed while supplying the head difference from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103, but in the modification 3, after the liquid levels are matched by the head difference supply, the liquid levels are matched. It is assumed that the initial purge process will be performed. That is, after the liquid level reaches P4, the liquid level may be lowered to the position P5 by the initial introduction.

Therefore, in this modification 3, the tank 103 (for example, a new tank 103) in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121 is filled with the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. When the stored ink cartridge 30 (for example, the ink cartridge 30 for initial introduction) is connected, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Then, according to this modification 3, when the supply is finished (the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121). The semi-permeable film 118 is located above the liquid level (position P4) of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

The modified example 3 is an example in which the position P4 is located above the liquid level (position P3) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the modified example 1. That is, the position P4 in the modified example 3 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. For example, when the ink cartridge 30 used only for initial introduction has a larger capacity than the ink cartridge 30 used at the time of cartridge replacement as in the first modification, the position P4 is positioned above the position P3. do. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P4, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

[Other variants]
The shape of the ink cartridge 30 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6, and the shape of the tank 103 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, the ink cartridge 30 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape without having a sub lower wall 48 or a stepped surface 49. Further, for example, the wall constituting the outer shape of the tank 103 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9.

In the above embodiment, the first rib 171 is formed on the front wall 157, and the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the first rib 171. However, the first rib 171 may not be formed on the front wall 157. In this case, the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157.

In the above embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157, but may be located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157. For example, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be welded to the front surface 157B of the front wall 157. Further, for example, when the communication port 119 is formed on a wall other than the front wall 157 (upper wall 153, right wall 155, left wall 156, inner wall 158), the semipermeable membrane 118 is other than these front walls 157. It may be welded to the wall.

In the above embodiment, the second rib 172 is formed on the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157, but the presence or absence of the second rib 172 is arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, the atmospheric communication unit 124 includes a communication port 119, a first rib 171 and a semipermeable membrane 118, a second rib 172, a labyrinth flow path 120, and an atmospheric opening port 129. However, the atmospheric communication unit 124 may include at least a communication port 119 and a semipermeable membrane 118. In this case, the communication port 119 may communicate with the storage chamber 121 and the outside of the tank 103, and the semipermeable membrane 118 may be welded to the communication port 119.

In the above embodiment, the atmosphere opening 129 was formed on the front wall 157. However, the atmosphere opening 129 may be formed on, for example, an upper wall 153, a right wall 155, a left wall 156, or an inner wall 158, other than the front wall 157.

In the above embodiment, the tank 103 includes a main body 151 and films 152A and 152B. The rear surface of the storage chamber 121 and a part of the ink flow path 126 were partitioned by the film 152A. Further, a part of the labyrinth flow path 120 was partitioned by the film 152B. However, the configuration of the tank 103 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the tank 103 may be composed of a main body 151 and a single film. Then, one of the surfaces for partitioning the storage chamber 121 (for example, the rear surface), a part of the ink flow path 126, and a part of the labyrinth flow path 120 are all partitioned by the single film. It is also good. Further, for example, each of two (for example, a right surface and a left surface) of the surfaces for partitioning the storage chamber 121 may be partitioned by a film.

In the above embodiment, the films 152A and 152B and the semipermeable membrane 118 are attached to the main body 151 by welding. However, the films 152A, 152B, and the semipermeable membrane 118 may be attached to the main body 151 by, for example, an adhesive, other than welding.

In the above embodiment, the number of ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the multifunction device 10 is four, but the number of ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the multifunction device 10 may be other than four. In this case, the multifunction device 10 is configured so that the number of internal spaces of the cartridge case 101 partitioned by the plate 104, the number of storage chambers 121 of the tank 103, and the like are the same as the number of mountable ink cartridges 30. Needless to say, it will be done.

In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the ink, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the ink during printing, or water that is sprayed in the vicinity of the nozzle 29 of the recording head 21 to prevent the nozzle 29 of the recording head 21 from drying out. , May be an example of a liquid.

10 ... Multifunction device (liquid consuming device)
21 ... Recording head (head)
29 ... Nozzle 30 ... Ink cartridge (cartridge)
32 ... Storage room (1st storage room)
33 ... Storage room (1st storage room)
35 ... Ink bulb chamber (first storage chamber)
36 ... Atmospheric flow path (first atmospheric communication part)
103 ... Tank 118 ... Semipermeable membrane 119 ... Communication port 121 ... Storage chamber (second storage chamber)
124 ... Atmospheric communication section (second atmospheric communication section)
157 ... Front wall (wall)

The present invention relates to a liquid consuming device.

As an example of the liquid consuming device as described above, the device main body having a tank capable of storing ink and a head to which ink is supplied from the tank, and the device main body can be attached to and detached from the device main body, and the stored ink can be supplied to the tank. An inkjet recording device including a cartridge is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to supply ink from the cartridge to the tank by the head difference, the cartridge and the tank each have an atmosphere opening for opening the ink chamber in which the ink is stored to the atmosphere. I have.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-21126

In the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent the ink in the ink chamber of the tank from leaking from the air opening of the tank, in the flow path between the ink chamber of the tank and the air opening of the tank. It is conceivable to arrange a semipermeable membrane that blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere.

However, depending on the position of the semipermeable membrane, the semipermeable membrane may get wet when the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane. When the semipermeable membrane gets wet, the air permeability of the semipermeable membrane decreases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a means capable of reducing the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with a liquid and becomes wet.

(1) The liquid consuming device according to the present invention has a first storage chamber for storing liquid, a first air communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber to the outside of the first storage chamber, and the first storage chamber. The second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing in from the above, the inflow port where the liquid flowing out of the first storage chamber flows into the second storage chamber, and the second storage chamber located below the inflow port. It is provided with an outlet for liquid to flow out from the chamber, a second atmospheric communication section for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere, and a consumption section for consuming the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber. The two atmospheric communication portions include a communication port formed on the wall partitioning the second storage chamber and a semi-permeable film that covers the communication port and blocks the flow of liquid and allows air communication. The first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, in which the maximum amount of liquid allowed for the second storage chamber in which the liquid level of the liquid is located between the inlet and the outlet, is stored. In a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same height due to the supply of the liquid to the storage chamber due to the difference in water head, the semi-permeable membrane is the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. It is located above the liquid level of.

In this configuration, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is supplied to the second storage chamber by the head difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber.
Then, according to this configuration, when the supply is finished (the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber).
When the height of the liquid becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber), the semipermeable membrane is
It is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, the semipermeable membrane is a liquid.
It is possible to reduce the possibility of getting wet in contact with.

(2) The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid in the first storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored.

When the liquid flows into the second storage chamber in which the liquid is sufficiently stored from the first storage chamber, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber rises due to the head difference. In this case, the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is the liquid level of the liquid in a state where the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored in the first storage chamber. It will converge. According to this configuration, the semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(3) For example, the semipermeable membrane is located below the upper end of the cartridge.

(4) For example, the first atmospheric communication unit is located above the first storage chamber. At least a part of the semipermeable membrane is located at the same height as the first atmospheric communication portion.

(5) Supply of liquid by head difference from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored in a state where the liquid is not stored in the second storage chamber. The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same height .

In this configuration, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored is stored in the second storage chamber in which the liquid is not stored is supplied to the second storage chamber by the head difference. Will be done. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Then, according to this configuration, when the supply is finished (when the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber). ), The semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(6) An inflow port where the liquid flowing out of the first storage chamber flows into the second storage chamber, an outlet located below the inflow port, and an outflow port where the liquid flows out from the second storage chamber. To prepare for. The maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored in the tank in which the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber is located between the inlet and the outlet. The semipermeable membrane is in a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same level due to the supply of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the difference in head. It is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber.

The liquid stored in the first storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is supplied to the second storage chamber by the head difference. According to this configuration, when the supply is completed (when the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber becomes equal to the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber), it is half. The permeable membrane is located above the liquid level stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

(7) The wall extends in the vertical direction.

According to this configuration, since the wall extends in the vertical direction, the horizontal length of the liquid storage chamber can be shortened.

(8) The semipermeable membrane is located on the first surface side of the wall facing the second storage chamber.

According to this configuration, the semipermeable membrane is located on the first surface side of the wall facing the second storage chamber.
The semipermeable membrane is not easily affected from the outside. Therefore, the possibility that the semipermeable membrane is damaged can be reduced.

(9) For example, the first surface is provided with a first rib formed so as to surround the communication port. The semipermeable membrane is attached to the first rib.

(10) A second rib that abuts on the lower end of the semipermeable membrane is provided below the first rib.

If there is no second rib, the semipermeable membrane may be located lower than expected due to the mounting error of the semipermeable membrane. If a liquid adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane, the liquid may spread along the semipermeable membrane throughout the semipermeable membrane. According to this configuration, the lower end of the semipermeable membrane can be positioned by the second rib. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane is located below the assumption due to the mounting error as described above. As a result, the possibility that the liquid adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane can be reduced.

(11) The second air communication portion includes a labyrinth-shaped labyrinth flow path formed on the second surface of the wall facing opposite to the second storage chamber, and an air opening port communicating with the outside of the tank. To prepare for. One end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the communication port. The other end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the atmosphere opening.

According to this configuration, a labyrinth flow path can be formed behind the communication port. This will result in
The area required to form the communication port and the labyrinth flow path can be made smaller than that the communication port and the labyrinth flow path are formed on the same surface (for example, the first surface). As a result, the formation position of the communication port can be flexibly determined, so that the communication port and the semipermeable membrane covering the communication port can be easily arranged above.

(12) The atmosphere opening is formed on the wall.

According to this configuration, the atmosphere opening, the labyrinth flow path, and the communication port are all formed on the same wall. Therefore, it is easier to simplify the structure of the tank and downsize the tank than the structure in which the air opening, the labyrinth flow path, and the communication port are formed on different walls.

(13) For example, a film is attached at a position facing the wall. The film partitions the second storage chamber.

(14) The liquid consuming device according to the present invention has a first storage chamber for storing liquid, a first air communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber to the outside of the first storage chamber, and the first storage. A second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing in from the chamber , a second air communication unit for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere, and a head having a nozzle for discharging the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber. A purge mechanism for sucking liquid from the head is provided, and the second atmospheric communication portion covers the communication port formed on the wall for partitioning the second storage chamber and the communication port, and the liquid is provided. A semi-permeable membrane that blocks the flow of liquid and allows air to communicate with the liquid, and is stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber in which the maximum amount of liquid allowed is stored by the purge mechanism. After the initial purging process in which the liquid is sucked into the head is executed, the liquid is supplied from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber by the difference in head water, so that the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are supplied. The semi-permeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the liquid levels of the above are at the same height.

Liquid suction (initial purging process) is performed by the purging mechanism. As a result, the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber is supplied to the head. According to this configuration, after the execution of the initial purge treatment, the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber become the same height due to the supply of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the head difference. In, the semipermeable membrane is located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet.

According to the present invention, the possibility that the semipermeable membrane comes into contact with the liquid and gets wet can be reduced.

1A and 1B are external perspective views of the multifunction device 10. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the closed position, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the cover 87 is in the open position. FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing the internal structure of the printer unit 11. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the carriage 22 and the platen 26. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103. FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103. FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the ink cartridge 30. FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the tank 103. FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the tank 103. FIG. 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge case 101 and connected to the tank 103. FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view schematically showing an ink cartridge 30, a cartridge case 101, a tank 103, a recording unit 24, and a purge mechanism 60. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101 and connected to the tank 103.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. It is needless to say that the embodiments described below are merely examples of the present invention, and the embodiments of the present invention can be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention. Further, the vertical direction 7 is defined based on the posture in which the multifunction device 10 is installed on a horizontal plane so that it can be used (the posture in FIG. 1 and may be referred to as "use posture"), and the multifunction device 10 is defined. The front-rear direction 8 is defined with the surface provided with the opening 13 as the front surface, and the left-right direction 9 is defined when the multifunction device 10 is viewed from the front surface. In the present embodiment, in the usage posture, the vertical direction 7 corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction 8 and the horizontal direction 9 correspond to the horizontal direction. The front-back direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 are orthogonal to each other.

[Overall configuration of multifunction device 10]
As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 10 (an example of a liquid consuming device) has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The multifunction device 10 includes a printer unit 11 at the bottom, which records an image on paper 12 (see FIG. 2) by an inkjet recording method. The printer unit 11 includes a housing 14 having an opening 13 formed in the front surface 14A.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the housing 14, a feeding roller 23, a feeding tray 15, and a feeding tray 15 are provided.
A discharge tray 16, a transport roller pair 25, a recording unit 24, a discharge roller pair 27, a platen 26, and a cartridge case 101 (see FIG. 1B) are arranged. Multifunction device 1
0 has various functions such as a facsimile function and a print function. The state shown in FIG. 1 is the posture in which the multifunction device 10 is used.

[Feeding tray 15, discharge tray 16, feeding roller 23]
As shown in FIG. 1, the feed tray 15 is inserted and removed from the multifunction device 10 by the user along the front-rear direction 8 through the opening 13. The opening 13 is located at the center of the front surface 14A of the housing 14 in the left-right direction 9. As shown in FIG. 2, the feed tray 15 can support a plurality of stacked sheets 12.

The discharge tray 16 is located above the feed tray 15. The discharge tray 16 supports the paper 12 discharged by the discharge roller pair 27.

The feeding roller 23 feeds the paper 12 supported by the feeding tray 15 to the transport path 17. The feeding roller 23 is driven by a feeding motor (not shown).

[Transport path 17]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 17 refers to a space in which a part thereof is formed by the outer guide member 18 and the inner guide member 19 facing each other at predetermined intervals inside the printer unit 11. The transport path 17 is a path extending rearward from the rear end portion of the feed tray 15. Transport path 17
Is a path that makes a U-turn forward while extending upward at the rear portion of the printer unit 11 and reaches the discharge tray 16 through the space between the recording unit 24 and the platen 26. The transport path 17 between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 is provided in the substantially central portion of the multifunction device 10 in the left-right direction 9, and extends in the front-rear direction 8. The transport direction of the paper 12 in the transport path 17 is indicated by an arrow of the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

[Conveying roller vs. 25]
As shown in FIG. 2, the transport roller pair 25 is arranged in the transport path 17. The transfer roller pair 25 has a transfer roller 25A and a pinch roller 25B facing each other. The transfer roller 25A is driven by a transfer motor (not shown). The pinch roller 25B rotates with the rotation of the transport roller 25A. The paper 12 is sandwiched between the transport roller 25A and the pinch roller 25B that rotate forward due to the normal rotation of the transport motor, and is transported in the transport direction (forward).

[Discharge roller vs. 27]
As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge roller pair 27 is arranged downstream of the transport roller pair 25 in the transport path 17 in the transport direction. The discharge roller pair 27 is a discharge roller 2 facing each other.
It has 7A and spurs 27B. The discharge roller 27A is driven by a transport motor (not shown). The spur 27B rotates with the rotation of the discharge roller 27A. The paper 12 is sandwiched between the discharge roller 27A and the spur 27B, which rotate in the forward direction due to the normal rotation of the transport motor, and is transported in the transport direction (forward).

[Recording unit 24]
As shown in FIG. 2, the recording unit 24 is located between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport path 17. The recording unit 24 is arranged so as to face the platen 26 in the vertical direction 7 with the transport path 17 interposed therebetween. The recording unit 24 is located above the transport path 17, and the platen 26
Is located below the transport path 17. The recording unit 24 includes a carriage 22 and a recording head 21.
And have.

As shown in FIG. 3, the carriage 22 is supported by guide rails 82 and 83 extending in the left-right direction 9 at positions separated from each other in the front-rear direction 8. Guide rail 82,
The 83 is supported by a frame (not shown) of the printer unit 11. The carriage 22 is connected to a known belt mechanism provided on the guide rail 83. The belt mechanism is driven by a carriage drive motor (not shown). Carriage 2 connected to the belt mechanism
2 reciprocates along the left-right direction 9 by driving the carriage drive motor. The moving region of the carriage 22 extends from the carrier path 17 to the right and to the left, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

An ink tube 20 and a flexible flat cable 84 extend from the carriage 22.

The ink tube 20 connects the tank 103 (see FIG. 5) and the recording head 21. The ink tube 20 transfers ink (an example of a liquid) stored in each ink cartridge 30 (an example of a cartridge, see FIG. 4) mounted on the cartridge case 101 to a recording head 21 via a tank 103 (see FIG. 5). Supply. Each color (black, magenta,
Four ink tubes 20 through which inks (cyan and yellow) are distributed are provided corresponding to each ink cartridge 30, and are connected to the carriage 22 in a bundled state.

The flexible flat cable 84 electrically connects the control unit (not shown) and the recording head 21. The control unit controls the operation of the multifunction device 10. The control unit includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, and the like mounted on a board (not shown) arranged inside the housing 14. The flexible flat cable 84 transmits a control signal output from the control unit to the recording head 21.

As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage 22 is equipped with a recording head 21 (an example of a consumption unit and a head). A plurality of nozzles 29 are formed on the lower surface of the recording head 21 (the surface facing the platen 26). The recording head 21 has an ink cartridge 30 (see FIG. 4).
Ink is supplied from. The recording head 21 ejects ink from the nozzle 29 as minute ink droplets. When the carriage 22 is reciprocating in the left-right direction 9, ink droplets are ejected from the nozzle 29 toward the platen 26. As a result, the ink droplets land on the paper 12 which is transported to the transport roller pair 25 and is supported by the platen 26, and the image is recorded on the paper 12.

[Platen 26]
As shown in FIG. 2, the platen 26 is arranged between the transport roller pair 25 and the discharge roller pair 27 in the transport path 17. The platen 26 has a recording unit 24 sandwiching the transport path 17.
And are arranged to face each other in the vertical direction 7. The platen 26 supports the paper 12 conveyed by the transfer roller pair 25 from below.

[Cover 87]
As shown in FIG. 1, an opening 85 is formed in the right portion of the front surface 14A of the housing 14.
Behind the opening 85, a storage space 86 capable of accommodating the cartridge case 101 and the tank 103 is formed. A cover 87 is attached to the housing 14 so as to cover the opening 85. The cover 87 has a left-right direction 9 between the closed position (position shown in FIG. 1 (A)) for closing the opening 85 and the open position (position shown in FIG. 1 (B)) for opening the opening 85.
It is rotatable around the rotation axis 87A (rotation center) extending to.

[Cartridge case 101]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the cartridge case 101 has a box shape having an internal space. The cartridge case 101 has a top surface that determines the top of the internal space, a bottom surface that determines the bottom of the internal space, a rear surface that connects the top and the bottom, and a rear surface and a front-rear direction 8.
It has an opening 112 provided at a position facing the. The opening 112 allows the user to use the multifunction device 10.
Can be exposed on the front surface 14A (see FIG. 1) of the housing 14, which is the facing surface when using.

The ink cartridge 30 is inserted into and removed from the cartridge case 101 through the opening 85 of the housing 14 (see FIG. 1) and the opening 112 of the cartridge case 101. As shown in FIG. 4, the ink cartridge 30 is guided in the front-rear direction 8 by inserting the lower end portion of the ink cartridge 30 into the guide groove 109 provided on the bottom surface of the cartridge case 101.

The cartridge case 101 is provided with three plates 104 that divide the internal space into four long spaces in the vertical direction 7. The ink cartridge 30 is housed in each of the spaces partitioned by the plate 104. In the present embodiment, the space located on the far right of the four spaces is longer in the left-right direction 9 than the other three spaces. The ink cartridge 30 in which black ink is stored is housed in the space located on the far right. Each of the other three spaces houses an ink cartridge 30 in which magenta ink is stored, an ink cartridge 30 in which cyan ink is stored, and an ink cartridge 30 in which yellow ink is stored. The size of each space, the size of the ink cartridge 30 housed in each space, and the color of the ink stored in the ink cartridge 30 housed in each space are not limited to the above-mentioned size and color.

[Rock shaft 145]
As shown in FIG. 4, the lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right direction 9 of the cartridge case 101 near the top surface of the cartridge case 101 and near the opening 112. The lock shaft 145 is a rod-shaped member extending along the left-right direction 9. The lock shaft 145 is, for example, a metal cylinder. Both ends of the lock shaft 145 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed to a wall in which both ends of the cartridge case 101 in the left-right direction 9 are fixed. The lock shaft 145 extends in the left-right direction 9 over four spaces in which the four ink cartridges 30 can be stored.

The lock shaft 145 is for holding the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge case 101 at the mounting position. As shown in FIG. 9, the ink cartridge 30 is engaged with the lock shaft 145 in a state of being mounted on the cartridge case 101. As a result, the lock shaft 145 becomes the coil spring 7 of the ink cartridge 30.
8 holds the ink cartridge 30 in the cartridge case 101 against the force of pushing the ink cartridge 30 forward.

[Ink cartridge 30]
The ink cartridge 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 is a container in which ink is stored. The posture of the ink cartridge 30 shown in FIGS. 6 and 9 is a usage posture.

As shown in FIG. 6, the ink cartridge 30 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 31. The housing 31 includes a rear wall 40, a front wall 41, an upper wall 39, a lower wall 42, a right wall 37, and a left wall 3.
It is equipped with 8.

As a whole, the housing 31 has small dimensions along the left-right direction 9, and is 7 in the vertical direction and 8 in the front-rear direction.
The dimension along each is a flat shape larger than the dimension along the left-right direction 9. Housing 3
In No. 1, at least the front wall 41 has a translucency so that the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 32 and the storage chamber 33 (see FIG. 9) can be visually recognized from the outside.

The housing 31 is located above the lower wall 42 and has a sub-lower wall 48 that extends forward continuously with the lower end of the rear wall 40. In the present embodiment, the rear end of the sub lower wall 48 is the ink supply unit 34.
It is located rearward of the rear end, and the front end of the sub-lower wall 48 is located in front of the rear end of the ink supply unit 34. The lower wall 42 and the sub lower wall 48 are continuous by the stepped surface 49. The ink supply unit 34 extends rearward from the step surface 49 below the sub lower wall 48 and above the lower wall 42.

A convex portion 43 projecting upward is provided on the outer surface of the upper wall 39. The convex portion 43 extends along the front-rear direction 8. The surface of the convex portion 43 facing forward is the lock surface 181. The lock surface 181 is located above the upper wall 39. The lock surface 181 has a lock shaft 145 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101.
It is a surface that can come into contact with the front. As shown in FIG. 9, when the lock surface 181 comes into contact with the lock shaft 145 toward the front, the ink cartridge 30 is held by the cartridge case 101 against the urging force of the coil spring 78.

As shown in FIG. 6, an inclined surface 185 is formed behind the lock surface 181 in the convex portion 43. In the process of mounting the ink cartridge 30 on the cartridge case 101, the lock shaft 145 is guided along the inclined surface 185. As a result, the lock shaft 145 is guided to a position where it comes into contact with the lock surface 181.

An operation unit 90 is formed in front of the lock surface 181 on the upper wall 39. When the operation surface 92 of the operation unit 90 is pushed downward while the cartridge case 101 is mounted on the ink cartridge 30, the ink cartridge 30 rotates and the lock surface 181 moves downward. As a result, the lock surface 181 is located below the lock shaft 145. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 can be removed from the cartridge case 101.

As shown in FIG. 9, a storage chamber 32, a storage chamber 33, an ink valve chamber 35, and an air flow path 36 are formed inside the housing 31. Storage chamber 32, storage chamber 33, ink bulb chamber 3
5 stores ink. The storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink bulb chamber 35 are examples of the first storage chamber. The air flow path 36 communicates the storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 with the atmosphere. The atmospheric flow path 36 is an example of the first atmospheric communication unit. The storage chamber 32 and the storage chamber 33 communicate with each other through a through hole (not shown). The storage chamber 32 and the air flow path 36 have a through hole 46.
Communicate with. The storage chamber 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 communicate with each other by a through hole 99 formed at the lower end of the storage chamber 33.

The atmospheric air flow path 36 communicates with the outside by an atmospheric communication port 96 formed in the convex portion 43.
That is, the storage chamber 32, the storage chamber 33, and the ink valve chamber 35 communicate with the outside via the air flow path 36. A semipermeable membrane 97 is located between the through hole 46 in the air flow path 36 and the air communication port 96.
It is sealed by. The semipermeable membrane 97 blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the ink supply unit 34 projects rearward from the stepped surface 49. The ink supply unit 34 has a tubular outer shape. The internal space of the ink supply unit 34 is the ink valve chamber 35. The rear end of the ink supply unit 34 is opened to the outside of the ink cartridge 30 by the ink supply port 71. As a result, the ink valve chamber 35 communicates with the outside of the ink cartridge 30. A seal member 76 is located at the rear end of the ink supply unit 34. As described above, the front end of the ink bulb chamber 35 communicates with the lower end of the storage chamber 33 by the through hole 99.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ink bulb chamber 35 houses the bulb 77 and the coil spring 78. The valve 77 moves along the front-rear direction 8 to form a seal member 76.
The ink supply port 71 penetrated in the center of the is opened and closed. The coil spring 78 urges the valve 77 rearward. Therefore, the valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71 of the seal member 76 in a state where no external force is applied.

The seal member 76 is a disk-shaped member having a through hole formed in the center. Seal member 76
Is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The center of the seal member 76 is penetrated in the front-rear direction 8 to form a cylindrical inner peripheral surface, and the inner peripheral surface thereof forms an ink supply port 7.
1 is formed. The inner diameter of the ink supply port 71 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ink needle 102.

[Tank 103]
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tank 103 includes the main body 151 and the film 152A.
It is equipped with 152B. The main body 151 has a box shape and is a storage chamber 1 in which ink is stored.
21 (an example of a second storage chamber) is provided. The film 152A is welded to the rear surface of the main body 151. The film 152B is welded to the front surface of the main body 151.

The main body 151 is provided with an opening 161 at the lower right end portion and the left lower end portion thereof. On the other hand, in the cartridge case 101, threaded holes (not shown) are formed in the lower right end portion and the lower left end portion of the rear surface.
It is equipped with. As shown in FIG. 5, the screw 162 penetrates the opening 161 from the rear and
It is screwed into the hole. As a result, the tank 103 is fixed to the cartridge case 101. The tank 103 fixed to the cartridge case 101 is the cartridge case 10.
It is located behind the ink cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge case 101 and the cartridge case 101.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 151 includes an upper wall 153, a lower wall 154, and a right wall 1.
It includes 55, a left wall 156, a front wall 157 (an example of a wall), and three inner walls 158. The upper wall 153 extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9, and partitions the top surface of the storage chamber 121. The lower wall 154 extends in the front-rear direction 8 and the left-right direction 9 to partition the bottom surface of the storage chamber 121. The right wall 155 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the right surface of the storage chamber 121. The left wall 156 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the left surface of the storage chamber 121. The front wall 157 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the horizontal direction 9, and the storage chamber 1
The front surface of 21 is partitioned. The main body 151 partitions other than the rear surface of the storage chamber 121.

As shown in FIG. 7, the three inner walls 158 divide the storage chamber 121 into four. Each of the four storage chambers 121 is provided corresponding to each of the four spaces of the cartridge case 101.

The film 152A shown in FIG. 7 is welded to the rear surface of the main body 151, that is, a position facing the front wall 157 in the front-rear direction 8. The film 152A welded to the rear surface of the main body 151 extends in the vertical direction 7 and the front-rear direction 8 to partition the rear surface of the storage chamber 121.

The film 152B shown in FIG. 8 is welded to the protruding end face of the rib 111 formed on the front wall 157.

Hereinafter, the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication unit 124 provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121 will be described. Here, the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication portion 124 corresponding to each storage chamber 121 have substantially the same configuration. Therefore, in the following, the configurations of the ink flow path 126, the ink needle 102, and the atmospheric communication unit 124 corresponding to the storage chamber 121 located on the leftmost side of the four storage chambers 121 will be described. On the other hand, the ink flow path 126 and the ink needle 102 corresponding to the other three storage chambers 121
, And the description of the configuration of the atmospheric communication unit 124 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the main body 151 includes four ink flow paths 126. 4
Each of the three ink flow paths 126 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121.
The ink flow path 126 includes a first flow path 191 and a second flow path 192.

As shown in FIG. 9, one end of the first flow path 191 is a storage chamber 121 via an outlet 122.
Communicate with. The outlet 122 is formed at the lower end and the front end of the storage chamber 121.
The other end of the first flow path 191 communicates with the second flow path 192 by a communication port 193 (see FIG. 7). The communication port 193 is formed at the lower end and the rear end of the storage chamber 121. That is, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, the first flow path 191 extends substantially in the front-rear direction 8 from the outlet 122 toward the communication port 193.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second flow path 192 is formed by four grooves formed in the rear end portion of the main body 151 and a film 152A welded to the rear surface of the main body 151. One end of the second flow path 192 communicates with the communication port 193. The second flow path 192 extends upward from the communication port 193 and bends to the left at the upper part of the main body 151. The other end of the second flow path 192 is
At the left end of the main body 151, it is continuous with the ink outflow port 127. An ink tube 20 is connected to the ink outflow port 127. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flows out from the outlet 122, and the ink flow path 126 and the ink tube 20
It is supplied to the recording head 21 through.

As shown in FIG. 8, four protrusions 200 projecting forward are formed in the lower portion of the front wall 157 of the main body 151. As shown in FIG. 9, a hollow ink needle 102 is attached to each protrusion 200. That is, four ink needles 102 are formed. Each of the four ink needles 102 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121. The internal space of the ink needle 102 communicates with the storage chamber 121 via the inflow port 123 (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 9, the inflow port 123 is formed on the front wall 157 of the main body 151. The inflow port 123 is located above the inflow port 122.

As shown in FIG. 9, the ink needle 102 projects forward from the front wall 157. A through hole 105 is formed on the rear surface of the cartridge case 101. The ink needle 102 penetrates the through hole 105 and projects into the internal space of the cartridge case 101.

The valve 114 and the coil spring 115 are housed in the internal space 117 of the ink needle 102. The valve 114 moves along the front-rear direction 8 to open and close the opening 116 formed at the tip of the ink needle 102. The coil spring 115 is a valve 114
Is urging forward. Therefore, the valve 114 closes the opening 116 in a state where no external force is applied (a state in which the ink cartridge 30 is not attached to the cartridge case 101). In addition, the coil spring 115 is in a state where no external force is applied.
The front end of the valve 114 urged to protrudes forward from the opening 116.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the main body 151 includes four atmospheric communication units 124 (an example of a second atmospheric communication unit). Each of the four atmospheric communication units 124 is provided corresponding to each of the four storage chambers 121. The atmospheric communication unit 124 communicates the storage chamber 121 with the atmosphere.

The atmospheric communication unit 124 includes a communication port 119, a first rib 171 and a semipermeable membrane 118 (see FIGS. 5 and 9), a second rib 172, a labyrinth flow path 120, and an atmospheric opening port 129. ..

The communication port 119 is formed on the front wall 157. The communication port 119 penetrates the front wall 157 in the front-rear direction 8. The communication port 119 is located above the storage chamber 121.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first rib 171 projects rearward from the rear surface 157A (an example of the first surface) of the front wall 157. The rear surface 157A is a rear facing surface of the front wall 157.
That is, the rear surface 157A is the surface of the front wall 157 facing the storage chamber 121. Tank 10
When 3 is viewed from the rear, the first rib 171 is formed so as to surround the communication port 119.

The semipermeable membrane 118 blocks the flow of liquid and allows communication with the atmosphere. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the rear surface (protruding end surface) of the first rib 171. As a result, the semipermeable membrane 118 covers the communication port 119 from the rear. The semipermeable membrane 118 is a front wall 157.
It is located on the rear surface 157A side of the above.

As shown in FIG. 7, the second rib 172 projects rearward from the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157. The second rib 172 is located below the first rib 171. Two second ribs 172 are provided for one first rib 171. Specifically, the second rib 172 is formed below the right portion and below the left portion of the first rib 171. The second rib 172 extends in the vertical direction 7. The semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the first rib 171 so that the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 abuts on the upper end of the second rib 172. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is positioned in the vertical direction 7 by the second rib 172. The position and number of the second rib 172 is not limited to the above-mentioned position and number.

As shown in FIG. 8, the labyrinth flow path 120 includes a front surface 157B (an example of a second surface) of the front wall 157, a rib 111 formed on the front surface 157B, and a film 152B welded to the protruding end surface of the rib 111. It is partitioned by and. The front surface 157B is a surface on the back side of the rear surface 157A and is a surface facing forward on the front wall 157. That is, the front wall 157B is the front wall 15.
It is a surface facing opposite to the storage chamber 121 in 7. The labyrinth flow path 120 is formed in and around the region where the semipermeable membrane 118, the first rib 171 and the second rib 172 are formed on the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157.

The labyrinth flow path 120 has a labyrinth shape and extends from one end to the other while bending. One end of the labyrinth flow path 120 communicates with the communication port 119. The other end of the labyrinth flow path 120 communicates with the atmosphere opening port 129. Specifically, the labyrinth flow path 120
Leads to the buffer space 177 (see FIG. 7) formed in the anterior wall 157 via a through hole 176 formed in the right portion of the anterior wall 157. A through hole is formed in a portion of the front wall 157 that partitions the buffer space 177. This through hole is the atmosphere opening 129. Atmosphere opening 1
29 communicates with the outside of the tank 103. From the above, the storage chamber 121 is the atmospheric communication unit 1.
It is open to the atmosphere via 24.

[Ink supply]
Hereinafter, the supply of ink from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 and the recording head 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

The valve 77 closes the ink supply port 71, and the valve 114 is the ink needle 10.
When the ink cartridge 30 is mounted on the cartridge case 101 with the opening 116 of 2 closed, the ink needle 102 enters the ink supply port 71. As a result, the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the tank 103. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the ink needle 102 is in liquid-tight contact with the inner peripheral surface defining the ink supply port 71 while elastically deforming the seal member 76. When the tip of the ink needle 102 passes through the seal member 76 and enters the ink valve chamber 35, it comes into contact with the valve 77. Further, when the ink cartridge 30 is inserted into the cartridge case 101, the ink needle 102 moves the valve 77 backward against the urging force of the coil spring 78. As a result, the ink supply port 71 is opened.

Further, while the tip of the ink needle 102 abuts on the bulb 77, the bulb 77 abuts on the bulb 114 from the front and pushes it. Then, the valve 114 moves backward against the urging force of the coil spring 115. This opens the opening 116. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 passes from the inflow port 123 to the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 via the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply unit 34 and the internal space 117 of the ink needle 102.
It becomes possible to flow into.

Here, the storage chambers 32 and 33 of the ink cartridge 30 are opened to the atmosphere by the atmospheric air flow path 36. Further, the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 is opened to the atmosphere by the atmospheric communication unit 124. Therefore, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 of the ink cartridge 30 is stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 through the ink valve chamber 35 of the ink supply unit 34, the internal space of the ink needle 102, and the inflow port 123 due to the head difference. Is supplied to. The storage chamber 121 stores the ink that has flowed in from the storage chambers 32 and 33. The ink stored in the storage chamber 121 flows out to the ink tube 20 via the ink flow path 126 and is supplied to the recording head 21.

In addition, the ink supply due to the above-mentioned head difference is supplied by the storage chamber 32 of the ink cartridge 30.
The liquid level of the ink stored in 33 and the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103.
This is executed until the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink is at the same position in the vertical direction 7.

[Position of Semipermeable Membrane 118]
An ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103, and the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121. Due to the supply of ink due to the head difference to the storage chamber 32,
In a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the semitransparent film 118 is the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink. It is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the valve chamber 35.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the storage chamber 32 when the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the ink cartridge 30.
33 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 is the position P1. and,
The liquid level of the ink does not rise above the position P1 depending on the supply of the ink due to the head difference. Then, in the present embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the position P1. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is connected to the tank 103 in a state where the ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103.
Is located above the liquid level of the maximum amount of liquid stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 (the liquid level at position P1).

[Action and effect of this embodiment]
According to the present embodiment, an ink cartridge 30 (for example, a new ink cartridge 30) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the tank 103. The ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. The supply is the storage chamber 121.
The height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 is continued until the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chambers 35. Then, according to the present embodiment, when the supply is finished (the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121). When it becomes equal to the height), the semi-permeable film 118 is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Further, a new ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the tank 103 in which the ink is sufficiently stored in the storage chamber 121). When connected, the storage chamber 121 due to the head difference
The liquid level of the ink stored in the ink rises. The rise occurs every time the connection of the new ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 as described above is repeated. In this case, the storage chamber 3
The liquid level of the ink stored in 2, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the storage chamber 121 is in a state where the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. It converges on the liquid level (position P1) of the ink. According to this embodiment
The semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the liquid level (position P1) of the maximum amount of ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the front wall 157 extends along the vertical direction 7, the length of the tank 103 in the front-rear direction 8 can be shortened.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the semipermeable membrane 118 is located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157 facing the storage chamber 121, the semipermeable membrane 118 is less likely to be acted on from the outside. for that reason,
The possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 is damaged can be reduced.

Further, if the second rib 172 is not provided, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be located lower than expected due to an attachment error of the semipermeable membrane 118. If ink adheres to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118, the ink may spread over the entire semipermeable membrane 118 along the semipermeable membrane 118. According to this embodiment, the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 can be positioned by the second rib 172. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 is located lower than expected due to the mounting error as described above. As a result, the possibility of ink adhering to the lower end of the semipermeable membrane 118 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the labyrinth flow path 120 can be formed behind the communication port 119. As a result, the area required for forming the communication port 119 and the labyrinth flow path 120 can be made smaller than that the communication port 119 and the labyrinth flow path 120 are formed on the same surface. As a result, since the formation position of the communication port 119 can be flexibly determined, the semipermeable membrane 118 covering the communication port 119 and the communication port 119 can be easily arranged above.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the atmosphere opening port 129, the labyrinth flow path 120, and the communication port 1
All 19 are formed on the same wall (front wall 157). Therefore, the atmosphere opening 129,
The structure of the tank 103 and the miniaturization of the tank 103 are easier than the configuration in which the labyrinth flow path 120 and the communication port 119 are formed on different walls.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located above the position P1. However, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be in a position as described below.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 is 7 in the vertical direction.
In a tank 103 (eg, a storage chamber 12) located between the inlet 123 and the outlet 122.
Ink cartridge 30 (reserved) in which the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the tank 103) where the liquid level of the ink stored in 1 is the position P2. The ink cartridge 30) whose ink liquid level is at position P1 is connected, and the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference, so that the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve are supplied. The liquid level of the ink stored in the chamber 35 and
The semipermeable membrane 11 is in a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 is at the same level.
Reference numeral 8 may be located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35.

Here, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 in this state is at the position P3 lower than the position P1. The volume of the portion lower than the position P1 and higher than the position P3 in the storage chamber 32 is lower than the position P3 and the position P in the storage chamber 121.
Equal to the volume of the portion higher than 2. The semipermeable membrane 118 may be located above the position P3. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is not limited to the position above the position P1, but may be arranged at a position lower than the position P1 and higher than the position P3.

Normally, when the amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 decreases and the liquid level of the ink is located below the inflow port 123, the position of the liquid level of the ink is a sensor (usually).
(Not shown), etc. The control unit of the multifunction device 10 that receives the detection signal from the sensor notifies the user through display on the panel 199, voice, or the like so as to replace the ink cartridge 30 with a new one. Further, after the detection, when a predetermined amount of ink stored in the storage chamber 121 of the tank 103 is consumed by executing the image recording on the paper 12, the control unit positions the liquid level below the outlet 122. In order to prevent the air in the storage chamber 121 from entering the recording head 21, the execution of the image recording is stopped.

The ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one by the user, and the replaced new ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored). Is connected to the tank 103
The ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. According to this modification, when the supply is finished (storage chambers 32, 33).
And when the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121), the semipermeable membrane 118 has the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve. It is located above the liquid level (position P3) stored in the chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

Note that the first modification is an example in which the position P3 is located above the liquid level (positions P4, P5) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the modifications 2 and 3 described later. That is, the position P3 in the modified example 1 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. Therefore, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P3, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

In normal use, after connecting a new ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 of the multifunction device 10 after shipment from the factory, the ink that can be supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103 runs out, and the ink is replaced with a new one. When the notification is given, the ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one. Therefore, for example, after the ink cartridge 30 is connected to the tank 103, the ink cartridge 30 is replaced with a new one even though the ink in the ink cartridge 30 is hardly consumed. Not included in.

[Modification 2]
The multifunction device 10 may include a purge mechanism 60 as shown in FIG. The purge mechanism 60 is a mechanism for sucking ink from the recording head 21. A known configuration is adopted for the purge mechanism 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the purge mechanism 60 has a cap 14.
6. The pump 150, the waste liquid tank 149, and the tube 147 are provided.

The cap 146 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or elastomer. The cap 146 is located facing the carriage 22 (carriage 22 shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 3) located to the right of the transport path 17 or to the left of the transport path 17. The cap 146 has a cap position in close contact with the recording head 21 (position shown by a solid line in FIG. 10) and an uncap position (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 10) at a position below the cap position and away from the recording head 21. It is configured to be movable between the position and the position.

The waste liquid tank 149 stores the ink sucked from the recording head 21. Tube 14
One end of 7 is connected to the cap 146. The other end of the tube 147 is the waste liquid tank 1
It is located directly above 49.

The pump 150 is, for example, a rotary type tube pump. The pump 150 handles the tube 147 by driving a pump driving motor (not shown). This forms a flow of ink in the tube 147 from the cap 146 to the waste liquid tank 149.

From the above, in a state where the cap 146 is located at the cap position and is in close contact with the recording head 21, the pump drive motor is driven to store the ink in the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121. The ink is sucked into the recording head 21 via the ink tube 20. Further, the ink sucked to the recording head 21 is sucked to the tube 147 via the cap 146 and flows out to the waste liquid tank 149. This ink suction process is a purge process.

The purge process is executed at various timings. For example, the ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 (
When the ink cartridge 30) whose liquid level of the stored ink is at the position P1 is connected to the tank 103, the purge process is executed. This purge process is the initial purge process.

Then, in the second modification, after the initial purge process is executed, the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 due to the head difference, so that the storage chamber 32,
In a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the semitransparent film 118 is the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink. It is located above the liquid level of the ink stored in the valve chamber 35.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the tank 1 in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121.
An ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the liquid level of the stored ink is at position P1) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is connected to 03. From the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 1
The storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 are supplied by the water head difference to the 21.
When the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is ,
It becomes the position P4.

However, in the tank 103 in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121, the storage chambers 32 and 33
Ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30 in which the liquid level of the stored ink is position P1) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored is stored is connected to the ink valve chamber 35, and the initial purge process is executed. After that, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 and the storage chamber 121 due to the supply of ink from the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 due to the water head difference. In a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink is at the same level as the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33, the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is filled with ink by the initial purge process. Since the ink is sucked from the ink valve chamber 35 and the storage chamber 121 to the recording head 21, the position P5 lower than the position P4 (
(See FIG. 11).

Normally, when the multifunction device 10 is used by a user for the first time, the tank 103 (for example, a new tank 103) in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121 is allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. An ink cartridge 30 (for example, an ink cartridge 30 for initial introduction) in which the maximum amount of ink is stored is connected. At this time, the head difference is supplied from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103, and the ink is sucked (initial purge process) by the purge mechanism 60. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 is supplied to the recording head 21. According to this modification, the initial purge process is performed while the water head difference is supplied, and after the initial purge process is executed, further ink due to the water head difference from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 is further charged. In a state where the liquid levels of the storage chambers 32, 33, the ink valve chamber 35, and the storage chamber 121 are at the same level due to the supply, the semitransparent film 118 is the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. It is located above the liquid level (position P5). Therefore, the semipermeable membrane 1
It is possible to reduce the possibility that the 18 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet. Therefore, in the case of the configuration in which the initial purge treatment is performed while the head difference supply is performed, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be arranged at a position higher than the position P5. That is, the semipermeable membrane 118 is not limited to a position higher than the position P4,
It may be arranged at a position lower than the position P4 and higher than the position P5.

Note that the second modification is an example in which the position P5 is located above the liquid level (position P3) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the first modification. That is, the position P5 in the modified example 2 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. for example,
When the ink cartridge 30 used only for the initial introduction has a larger capacity than the ink cartridge 30 used at the time of cartridge replacement as in the modification 1, the position P5 is located above the position P3. .. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P5, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

[Modification 3]
In the second modification, the liquid level of the ink when the head difference supply is completed is the position P5, and the semipermeable membrane 1
18 was located above position P5. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be arranged at the position P4 above the position P5. As mentioned above
Ink cartridge 30 (ink cartridge 30) in which the maximum amount of ink allowed to be stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored in the tank 103 in which the ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121.
The ink cartridge 30) whose liquid level of the stored ink is the position P1 is connected, and the ink is supplied from the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 to the storage chamber 121 by the water head difference, so that the storage chambers 32 and 33 are supplied. In a state where the liquid level of the ink stored in the ink valve chamber 35 and the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 are at the same height, the ink is stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. The liquid level of the ink is at position P4.

Here, in the above-mentioned modification 2, the initial purge process was performed while supplying the head difference from the ink cartridge 30 to the tank 103, but in the modification 3, after the liquid levels are matched by the head difference supply, the liquid levels are matched. It is assumed that the initial purge process will be performed. That is, the liquid level is P
After becoming 4, it is conceivable that the liquid level drops to the position P5 due to the initial introduction.

Therefore, in this modification 3, the tank 103 (in which ink is not stored in the storage chamber 121) (
For example, when an ink cartridge 30 (for example, an ink cartridge 30 for initial introduction) in which the maximum amount of ink that can be stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is stored is connected to the new tank 103). , The ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is supplied to the storage chamber 121 by the head difference. The supply is continued until the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121 becomes equal to the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32, 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Then, according to this modification 3, when the supply is finished (the height of the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35 is the liquid level of the ink stored in the storage chamber 121). The semi-permeable film 118 is located above the liquid level (position P4) of the ink stored in the storage chambers 32 and 33 and the ink valve chamber 35. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the semipermeable membrane 118 comes into contact with the ink and gets wet.

The modified example 3 is an example in which the position P4 is located above the liquid level (position P3) of the ink when the head difference supply is completed in the modified example 1. That is, the position P4 in the modified example 3 is a position where the liquid level of the storage chamber 121 is the maximum position in normal use. for example,
When the ink cartridge 30 used only for the initial introduction has a larger capacity than the ink cartridge 30 used at the time of cartridge replacement as in the modification 1, the position P4
Is located above the position P3. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, if the semipermeable membrane 118 is arranged above the position P4, the possibility that the ink comes into contact with the semipermeable membrane 118 and gets wet can be reduced.

[Other variants]
The shape of the ink cartridge 30 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 6, and the shape of the tank 103 is not limited to the shape shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. For example, the ink cartridge 30 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape without having a sub lower wall 48 or a stepped surface 49. Also, for example, tank 1
The wall constituting the outer shape of 03 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction 7, the front-rear direction 8, and the left-right direction 9.

In the above embodiment, the first rib 171 is formed on the front wall 157, and the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the first rib 171. However, the first rib 171 may not be formed on the front wall 157. In this case, the semipermeable membrane 118 is welded to the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157.

In the above embodiment, the semipermeable membrane 118 is located on the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157.
It may be located on a side other than the rear surface 157A side of the front wall 157. For example, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be welded to the front surface 157B of the front wall 157. Further, for example, the communication port 119 is the front wall 15.
When formed on a wall other than the upper wall 153, the right wall 155, the left wall 156, and the inner wall 158, the semipermeable membrane 118 may be welded to the wall other than the front wall 157.

In the above embodiment, the second rib 172 is formed on the rear surface 157A of the front wall 157.
The presence or absence of the second rib 172 is arbitrary.

In the above embodiment, the atmospheric communication unit 124 includes a communication port 119, a first rib 171 and a semipermeable membrane 118, a second rib 172, a labyrinth flow path 120, and an atmospheric opening port 129. However, the atmospheric communication unit 124 may include at least a communication port 119 and a semipermeable membrane 118. In this case, the communication port 119 may communicate with the storage chamber 121 and the outside of the tank 103, and the semipermeable membrane 118 may be welded to the communication port 119.

In the above embodiment, the atmosphere opening 129 was formed on the front wall 157. However, the atmosphere opening 129 is not limited to the front wall 157, for example, the upper wall 153, the right wall 155, the left wall 156, and the inner wall 1.
It may be formed in 58.

In the above embodiment, the tank 103 includes a main body 151 and films 152A and 152B. The rear surface of the storage chamber 121 and a part of the ink flow path 126 are formed by the film 15.
It was partitioned by 2A. Further, a part of the labyrinth flow path 120 is a film 152B.
Was partitioned by. However, the configuration of the tank 103 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the tank 103 may be composed of a main body 151 and a single film. Then, one of the surfaces for partitioning the storage chamber 121 (for example, the rear surface), a part of the ink flow path 126, and a part of the labyrinth flow path 120 are all partitioned by the single film. It is also good. Further, for example, two of the surfaces for partitioning the storage chamber 121 (for example, the right surface and the left surface).
Each of them may be partitioned by a film.

In the above embodiment, the films 152A and 152B and the semipermeable membrane 118 are attached to the main body 151 by welding. However, the films 152A, 152B, and the semipermeable membrane 1
18 may be attached to the main body 151 by, for example, an adhesive other than welding.

In the above embodiment, the number of ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the multifunction device 10 is four, but the number of ink cartridges 30 that can be mounted on the multifunction device 10 may be other than four.
In this case, the number of internal spaces of the cartridge case 101 partitioned by the plate 104, the number of storage chambers 121 of the tank 103, and the like can be attached to the ink cartridge 30.
Needless to say, the multifunction device 10 is configured so as to have the same number as the number of the above.

In the above embodiment, ink has been described as an example of a liquid, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the ink, a pretreatment liquid that is ejected onto the paper prior to the ink during printing, or water that is sprayed in the vicinity of the nozzle 29 of the recording head 21 to prevent the nozzle 29 of the recording head 21 from drying out. , May be an example of a liquid.

10 ... Multifunction device (liquid consuming device)
21 ... Recording head (head)
29 ... Nozzle 30 ... Ink cartridge (cartridge)
32 ... Storage room (1st storage room)
33 ... Storage room (1st storage room)
35 ... Ink bulb chamber (first storage chamber)
36 ... Atmospheric flow path (first atmospheric communication part)
103 ... Tank 118 ... Semipermeable membrane 119 ... Communication port 121 ... Storage chamber (second storage chamber)
124 ... Atmospheric communication section (second atmospheric communication section)
157 ... Front wall (wall)

Claims (13)

A cartridge having a first storage chamber for storing liquid and a first atmospheric communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber with the atmosphere.
A tank to which the cartridge can be connected and has a second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing from the first storage chamber of the connected cartridge and a second atmospheric communication portion for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere. When,
A consumption unit that consumes the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber of the tank is provided.
The second atmospheric communication part is
The communication port formed on the wall that partitions the second storage chamber,
It is provided with a semipermeable membrane that covers the communication port, blocks the flow of liquid, and allows communication with the atmosphere.
The above tank is
The inflow port where the liquid flowing out of the first storage chamber flows into the second storage chamber, and
It is located below the inlet and has an outlet from which the liquid flows out from the second storage chamber.
The maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored in the tank in which the liquid level of the liquid stored in the second storage chamber is located between the inlet and the outlet. In a state where the cartridges are connected and the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same level due to the supply of liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the head difference. The semipermeable membrane is a liquid consuming device located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber. A cartridge having a first storage chamber for storing liquid and a first atmospheric communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber with the atmosphere.
A tank to which the cartridge can be connected and has a second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing from the first storage chamber of the connected cartridge and a second atmospheric communication portion for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere. When,
A consumption unit that consumes the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber of the tank is provided.
The second atmospheric communication part is
The communication port formed on the wall that partitions the second storage chamber,
It is provided with a semipermeable membrane that covers the communication port, blocks the flow of liquid, and allows communication with the atmosphere.
The cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank, and the liquid is supplied from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber by the head difference. In a state where the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are at the same height, the semipermeable membrane is above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber, and is described above. A liquid consuming device located on the first surface side of the wall facing the second storage chamber. The tank is provided with a first rib formed on the first surface so as to surround the communication port.
The liquid consuming device according to claim 2, wherein the semipermeable membrane is attached to the first rib. The liquid consuming device according to claim 3, wherein the tank is provided with a second rib below the first rib, which is in contact with the lower end of the semipermeable membrane. In a state where the cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank, the semipermeable membrane is the maximum amount stored in the first storage chamber. The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is located above the liquid level of the liquid. The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the semipermeable membrane is located below the upper end of the cartridge. The first atmospheric communication part is located above the first storage chamber, and is located above the first storage chamber.
The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least a part of the semipermeable membrane is located at the same height as the first atmospheric communication portion. The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wall extends in the vertical direction. The second atmospheric communication part is
A labyrinth-shaped labyrinth flow path formed on the second surface of the wall facing opposite to the second storage chamber,
Equipped with an air opening that communicates with the outside of the above tank,
One end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the communication port.
The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the other end of the labyrinth flow path communicates with the atmosphere opening. The liquid consuming device according to claim 9, wherein the air opening is formed on the wall. A film is attached to the tank at a position facing the wall.
The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the film is a partition of the second storage chamber. The liquid consuming device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the consuming unit is a head having a nozzle for discharging the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber of the tank. A cartridge having a first storage chamber for storing liquid and a first atmospheric communication unit for communicating the first storage chamber with the atmosphere.
A tank to which the cartridge can be connected and has a second storage chamber for storing the liquid flowing from the first storage chamber of the connected cartridge and a second atmospheric communication portion for communicating the second storage chamber with the atmosphere. When,
A head having a nozzle for discharging the liquid supplied from the second storage chamber of the tank, and
Equipped with a purge mechanism that sucks liquid from the head,
The second atmospheric communication part is
A communication port formed in the wall partitioning the second storage chamber of the tank, and
It is provided with a semipermeable membrane that covers the communication port, blocks the flow of liquid, and allows communication with the atmosphere.
The cartridge in which the maximum amount of liquid that can be stored in the first storage chamber is stored is connected to the tank, and the liquid stored in the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber by the purge mechanism. After the initial purging process of being sucked into the head is executed, the liquid levels of the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber are supplied by the supply of the liquid from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber due to the head difference. The semipermeable membrane is a liquid consuming device located above the liquid level of the liquid stored in the first storage chamber in a state where the liquids are at the same height.

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