JP2006224529A - Attachment, liquid supply device, and method for supplying liquid - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an attachment at low cost which is easy to use and allows a user to readily and immediately finish working for attaching it to a liquid jet device, a liquid supply device and a method for supplying a liquid. <P>SOLUTION: This attachment 19 is attached to a cartridge holder of a printer to be replaceable with an ink cartridge. An ink lead member 60 having a relay fluid channel 61 is detachably attached to an attachment body 49 of the attachment 19. Ink is supplied to the ink lead member 60 from outside through an ink supply tube 62. When the attachment 19 is attached to the cartridge holder, the downstream end of the ink lead member 60 is connected to an ink supply needle at the side of the printer to be aligned. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an attachment suitable for use in a liquid ejecting apparatus, a liquid supply apparatus, and a liquid supply method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Inkjet printers (hereinafter referred to as “printers”) are widely known as liquid ejecting apparatuses that eject liquid onto a target. In this printer, a recording head (liquid ejecting head) is mounted on a reciprocating carriage, and ink (liquid) supplied to the recording head is ejected from nozzles formed on the recording head to be used as a target recording medium. It is designed to print. Further, when ink is supplied to the recording head in such a printer, the ink cartridge (liquid container) is detachably attached to a cartridge holder (liquid container attachment part) provided at a predetermined position of the printer, and the ink cartridge In general, a method of supplying ink sent from the printer to a recording head is used.

  However, since the ink cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder on a printer that is limited in space, the ink capacity that can be accommodated in the ink cartridge is generally small. Therefore, when a relatively large amount of printing is to be performed, the ink cartridge needs to be frequently replaced, which is troublesome and increases the running cost. In particular, in the case of a printer that is reduced in size and thickness, the space for the cartridge holder is reduced, and the ink capacity of the ink cartridge is reduced accordingly, and thus such a problem is remarkable.

Therefore, recently, as described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a relatively large amount of printing is performed, an attachment similar to that in the case of an ink cartridge is attached to the cartridge holder. Ink supply systems that can supply ink from a large-capacity external ink tank to the recording head via the printer have been proposed. That is, in this ink supply system, an attachment having a hollow sub-tank formed therein is attached to the cartridge holder. When the attachment is attached, the ink pumped up from the external ink tank based on the driving of the pump attached to the attachment is stored in the sub tank of the attachment until it reaches a predetermined water level, and then the stored ink Is led out from the liquid outlet formed in the lower part of the attachment to the liquid inlet on the recording head side.
JP 2003-326732 A

  However, in the case of the attachment of Patent Document 1, when the attachment is attached to the cartridge holder, the pump is driven to make the inside of the sub-tank of the attachment negative pressure, and the ink is pumped up from the external ink tank into the sub-tank to obtain a predetermined water level. There was a problem that it was necessary to store until it was, and it took time to complete the mounting. In addition, in order to pump ink from the external ink tank, it is necessary to attach a pump to the attachment, which causes a problem that the attachment is expensive. Therefore, in this respect, the attachment of Patent Document 1 is not always easy to use because it takes a lot of time and costs when it is attached to the cartridge holder in exchange for an ink cartridge.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-use attachment, a liquid supply device, and a liquid that can complete the mounting operation with respect to the liquid ejecting device easily and quickly. It is to provide a supply method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the attachment according to the present invention is attached to a liquid container mounting portion of a liquid ejecting apparatus in which a liquid container that stores liquid is detachably mounted, in an exchangeable manner with the liquid container. An attachment main body, and a liquid relay section provided with a relay flow path in the attachment main body, and a liquid introduction provided in the liquid container mounting section when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting section. A liquid that supplies liquid from the outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus to the upstream end of the relay flow path in the liquid relay section at a position where the downstream end of the relay flow path is aligned and connected to the section The downstream end of the supply path was connected.

  According to this configuration, after removing the liquid container from the liquid container mounting part of the liquid ejecting apparatus, if the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting part, the liquid relay part of the attachment main body is attached along with the mounting. The downstream end of the relay flow path provided is connected in alignment with the liquid introduction part provided in the liquid container mounting part. Then, when the downstream end of the liquid supply path is connected to the upstream end of the liquid relay section, and the liquid is supplied from the outside through the liquid supply path, the liquid passes through the relay flow path of the liquid relay section and is liquid. Immediately flows into the introduction section. Therefore, if the liquid is supplied from the external liquid container having a larger capacity than the liquid container through the liquid supply path, the complicated replacement of the liquid container which increases the running cost even when a large amount of printing is performed. The work can be made unnecessary, and the attachment work for the liquid ejecting apparatus can be completed easily and quickly at a low cost, which is very easy to use.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid relay portion includes a cylindrical liquid discharge member, and the liquid discharge member is detachably attached to the attachment body.

  According to this configuration, when a failure occurs in the liquid relay part, for example, when the relay flow path is clogged, the cylindrical liquid outlet member constituting the liquid relay part is removed from the attachment body. Since the trouble can be maintained, the usability is further improved.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the attachment main body is mounted in a mounting manner similar to the liquid container on a liquid container mounting portion that is provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus so as not to move.

  According to this configuration, since the attachment main body does not move in the mounting state in the liquid container mounting portion, the liquid supply path having the downstream end connected to the liquid relay portion of the attachment main body may be pulled. In addition, there is no problem in the smooth supply of liquid through the liquid supply path.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid supply path may be formed of a flexible tube, and the attachment main body may be spaced apart from the position where the liquid relay portion is provided than the downstream end of the tube. A tube support portion that supports at least a part of the upstream side is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the liquid supply path is configured by a flexible tube, the degree of freedom in designing the liquid supply path is improved, while the tube constituting the liquid supply path is attached to the attachment body. On the other hand, since it is favorably supported via the liquid relay portion and the tube support portion, the usability is further improved.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a pressurized air outlet that is connected to a pressurized air inlet provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. And the liquid contained in the liquid container is ejected from the pressurized air outlet through the pressurized air introduction port to the air introduction chamber of the liquid container. The attachment main body is configured to be capable of being supplied to the head, and when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the attachment main body is aligned with the pressurized air outlet port on the liquid ejecting apparatus side. Thus, a closed portion for closing the pressurized air outlet is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the attachment body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the closing portion of the attachment body closes the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus side. Therefore, when the amount of pressurized air derived from the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus exceeds a certain amount of air (for example, the volume of the air introduction chamber of the liquid container), a pressure error (for example, Even when a control configuration for detecting that an air leak has occurred is provided, it is possible to prevent the possibility of detection of such a pressurization error due to the attachment / detachment exchange between the liquid container and the attachment.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a pressurized air outlet that is connected to a pressurized air inlet provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. And the liquid contained in the liquid container is ejected from the pressurized air outlet through the pressurized air introduction port to the air introduction chamber of the liquid container. The attachment main body is configured to be capable of being supplied to the head, and when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the attachment main body is aligned with the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus side. A pressurized air introduction port, and an air introduction chamber into which pressurized air is introduced from the pressurized air outlet port through the pressurized air introduction port, and the air introduction chamber is formed in the liquid container. Smaller than the air introduction chamber It is formed to be a product.

  According to this configuration, when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the pressurized air inlet of the attachment main body is aligned with the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus side. Then, through the pressurized air outlet and the pressurized air introduction port, the air introduction of the attachment main body formed so that the pressurized air has a smaller volume than the air introduction chamber of the liquid container from the liquid ejecting apparatus side. Introduced into the room. For this reason, a control that causes a pressurization error when the amount of pressurized air derived from the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus exceeds a certain amount of air (for example, the volume of the air introduction chamber of the liquid container). Even when the configuration is provided, it is possible to prevent the possibility of detection of such a pressurization error (for example, air leak) due to the attachment / detachment exchange between the liquid container and the attachment. In this case, the pressure is increased when the amount of pressurized air derived from the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus side does not reach a certain amount of air (for example, the volume of the air introduction chamber of the attachment body). If a control system for error is provided, such a pressurization error (for example, pressurization failure due to blockage of the pressurization path) can be detected well.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus may include a movable member that is pushed by a contact portion provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. When the movable member is pushed by the contact portion, the liquid flow path between the liquid ejecting head and the liquid introducing portion is brought into a communication state, whereby the liquid contained in the liquid container is supplied to the liquid ejecting head. When the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the attachment main body abuts on the movable member on the liquid ejecting apparatus side, and the movable member is in contact with the liquid flow. A contact portion is formed that pushes in a direction in which the road is in a communicating state.

  According to this configuration, when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the contact portion of the attachment main body pushes the movable member on the liquid ejecting apparatus side, so that the liquid ejecting head is based on the operation of the movable member. And the liquid flow path between the liquid inlet and the liquid inlet is in communication. Therefore, even when the liquid container and the attachment are attached and detached, it is not necessary to change the device structure including the movable member in the liquid ejecting apparatus, so that it can be used as a highly versatile attachment.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid ejecting apparatus is discharged from the liquid ejecting apparatus side via a waste liquid introducing unit provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting part. The attachment main body is configured to be able to collect the waste liquid, and the attachment main body can introduce the waste liquid derived from the liquid ejecting apparatus side when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. A waste liquid flow path extending from an external waste liquid recovery body provided at a position spaced from the attachment main body is connected to the waste liquid introduction part.

  According to this configuration, the attachment main body can be mounted on the liquid container mounting portion in a state where the waste liquid recovery function is secured in the same manner even when the liquid container having the waste liquid recovery function is attached or detached.

  In the attachment according to the aspect of the invention, the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus may be mounted in a state where the plurality of liquid containers are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of liquid container mounting portions correspond to the liquid outlet portions included in each liquid container. The liquid introduction section is arranged in parallel, and the attachment main body has a form corresponding to a case where the plurality of liquid containers are integrated in a parallel state and corresponds to each liquid introduction section. Thus, a plurality of the liquid relay portions are arranged side by side, and are mounted on the liquid container mounting portion in the same mounting manner as when the plurality of liquid containers are mounted in parallel.

  According to this configuration, after removing each of the plurality of liquid containers from the liquid container mounting part, the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting part less than the number of times required to remove each of the liquid containers. Can be completed.

  The liquid supply device of the present invention includes an attachment having the above-described configuration, an external liquid container that is disposed at a position spaced apart from the attachment, and that can store a larger volume of liquid than the liquid container, the attachment, and the external liquid A liquid supply path that connects the container and can supply the liquid stored in the external liquid container toward the attachment side is provided.

  According to this configuration, the attachment mounted on the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus and the external liquid container disposed at a position separated from the attachment are connected by the liquid supply path. The layout of the external liquid container is facilitated.

  In the liquid supply apparatus of the present invention, the external liquid container is disposed at a position higher than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the attachment is mounted, and the liquid supply path from the external liquid container due to a water head difference. The liquid is supplied to the attachment side via the.

  According to this configuration, the liquid supply from the external liquid container can be performed by utilizing the water head difference simply by adopting a simple arrangement configuration in which the external liquid container is disposed at a position higher than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus. The liquid can be forcibly supplied to the attachment side through the path. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress occurrence of insufficient liquid supply to the liquid ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

  In the liquid supply apparatus of the present invention, pressurized air is fed into an air introduction chamber of the external liquid container, and the attachment side is connected from the external liquid container via the liquid supply path based on the pressure of the pressurized air. The liquid is supplied to the apparatus.

  According to this configuration, by adopting a simple configuration in which pressurized air is fed into a fixed volume of air introduction material formed in the external liquid container, liquid is removed from the external liquid container by using the pressurized air. The liquid can be forcibly supplied to the attachment side through the supply path. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress occurrence of insufficient liquid supply to the liquid ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

  In the liquid supply apparatus of the present invention, in the middle of the liquid supply path connecting the attachment and the external liquid container, the liquid is sucked from the external liquid container side on the upstream side to the attachment side on the downstream side. A pump for discharging the liquid is disposed, and the liquid is supplied from the external liquid container to the attachment side via the liquid supply path based on the driving of the pump.

  According to this configuration, the pump disposed in the middle of the liquid supply path that connects the attachment and the external liquid container sucks the liquid from the external liquid container side that is the upstream side of the liquid supply path, and the downstream side. Since the liquid is forcibly supplied to the attachment side, it is possible to suppress a shortage of liquid supply to the liquid ejecting head in the liquid ejecting apparatus.

  In the liquid supply apparatus of the present invention, the external waste liquid collection body is disposed at a position spaced from the attachment and at a position lower than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the attachment is mounted. A waste liquid flow path is connected to the external waste liquid recovery body, and waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting apparatus to the attachment side is transferred from the attachment to the external waste liquid recovery body side via the waste liquid flow path due to a water head difference. It was set as the structure discharged | emitted.

  According to this configuration, the waste liquid led out from the liquid ejecting apparatus to the attachment side can be obtained only by adopting a simple arrangement configuration in which the external waste liquid collecting body is disposed at a position lower than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus. By using the water head difference, it can be discharged well from the attachment to the external waste liquid collector via the waste liquid flow path.

  Further, the liquid supply method of the present invention is similar to the liquid container in the liquid container mounting part with respect to the liquid container mounting part of the liquid ejecting apparatus in which the liquid container that stores the liquid is detachably mounted. An attachment that is mounted in a mounting manner and has a liquid relay portion provided with a relay flow path is provided at the downstream end of the relay flow path of the liquid relay portion and the liquid container mounting portion of the attachment. The liquid supply unit is mounted so as to be connected to the liquid introduction unit in an aligned state, and liquid is supplied from the outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus to the upstream end of the relay flow path of the liquid relay unit in the attachment The downstream end of the path is connected, and the liquid supplied via the liquid supply path is supplied to the liquid introduction part on the liquid ejecting head side through the relay flow path of the liquid relay part.

  According to this structure, the same effect as the case of the attachment and liquid supply apparatus of the said structure can be acquired.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as “printer”) 10 as a liquid ejecting apparatus in the present embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped main body case 11. A pair of frames 12a and 12b are arranged on the left and right sides of the main body case 11 so as to face each other, and a rod-shaped guide shaft 13 is installed between the frames 12a and 12b. A carriage 14 is movably inserted and supported on the guide shaft 13. The carriage 14 is in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the guide shaft 13 based on the driving force of a carriage motor (not shown) provided in the printer 10 (main scanning direction shown in FIG. 2). X) is reciprocated.

  A recording head 15 as a liquid ejecting head is provided on the lower surface side of the carriage 14, and a plurality of ejecting nozzles (not shown) for ejecting ink as liquid are formed on the recording head 15. On the other hand, a valve unit 16 for supplying pressure-adjusted ink to the recording head 15 is provided on the upper surface side of the carriage 14. In the present embodiment, three valve units 16 are provided on the carriage 14, and six color inks (black, yellow, magenta, cyan, light magenta, and light cyan) are respectively adjusted by adjusting the pressure of the two colors of ink. The recording head 15 can be supplied.

  A platen (not shown) constituting the paper feeding means is arranged parallel to the guide shaft 13 at a position below the space where the carriage 14 moves between the left and right frames 12a and 12b of the main body case 11. The platen feeds the recording paper PA as a target in the sub-scanning direction Y (see FIG. 2) orthogonal to the main scanning direction X. Then, the recording head 15 ejects ink droplets from the ejection nozzles onto the recording paper PA fed along the sub-scanning direction Y, whereby printing is performed in the printer 10 of the present embodiment. Yes.

  Further, a cartridge holder 17 as a liquid container mounting portion is fixed (that is, fixedly arranged so as not to move) above the space area in which the carriage 14 moves between the left and right frames 12a, 12b of the main body case 11. . An ink cartridge (hereinafter referred to as “cartridge”) 18 as a liquid container shown in FIG. 4 and an attachment 19 shown in FIG. 5 are attached to the cartridge holder 17 in a replaceable manner. FIG. 1 illustrates the printer 10 in a state where six attachments 19 are attached to the cartridge holder 17.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a pressure pump 20 is disposed on the rear side of the main body case 11. In the main body case 11, a band-shaped focusing channel 21 made of a flexible material is connected between the valve unit 16 and the cartridge holder 17 so as to pass through the vicinity of the position where the pressurizing pump 20 is disposed. (See FIG. 2). The converging channel 21 is formed by converging six ink channels (not shown) constituting the liquid channel and one air channel (not shown) constituting the gas channel. Each path is adapted to supply ink from the cartridge 18 (or attachment 19) mounted on the cartridge holder 17 to the corresponding valve unit 16. The air flow path supplies pressurized air discharged from the pressurizing pump 20 to the cartridge 18 (or attachment 19) mounted on the cartridge holder 17.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge holder 17 is covered with an outer case by a box-shaped holder case 17a, and a plurality of cartridge holders (or attachments 19) can be inserted into the holder case 17a ( In this embodiment, six) insertion portions 22 are provided. FIG. 3 shows two insertion portions 22 (a front insertion portion 22a in which the cartridge 18 and the like are not attached and a rear insertion portion 22b in which the cartridge 18 and the like are attached). Yes. The cartridge 18 (or attachment 19) is inserted into the insertion portion 22 with the direction of the arrow L shown in FIG. The direction of the arrow R shown is the drawing direction, and the drawing portion 22 is drawn out.

  In the insertion portion 22, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped slider 23 having a lateral width corresponding to substantially the entire lateral width of the insertion portion 22 is disposed. A pair of positioning projections 24a and 24b protrude from positions on both sides of the front surface of the slider 23 (the surface on the arrow R direction shown in FIG. 3), and the slider 23 is moved back and forth between the positioning projections 24a and 24b. An insertion hole 25 having a rectangular cross section penetrating in the direction is formed. A pressurized air outlet 26 having a circular cross section that penetrates the slider 23 in the front-rear direction is formed between the insertion hole 25 and one (left in FIG. 3) positioning protrusion 24a. Further, a terminal portion 27 having a plurality of contacts (not shown) projects forward from the other end portion (right end portion in FIG. 3) of the front surface of the slider 23.

  On the other hand, a pair of rails 28a and 28b are provided so as to protrude rearward from the positions near the left and right ends of the rear surface of the slider 23 (the surface on the arrow L direction shown in FIG. 3). Is supported so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction by support guides 29 a and 29 b fixed to the bottom surface of the insertion portion 22. Further, on the rear surface of the slider 23, a rod-shaped shaft 30 is provided so as to extend rearward from between the insertion hole 25 and the other rail 28 b (right side in FIG. 3).

  A coil spring 31 is mounted on the shaft 30 in a loosely fitted state. One end (rear end) of the coil spring 31 is fixed to a locking projection 32 fixed to the bottom surface of the insertion portion 22, and the other end (front end) is in contact with the rear surface of the slider 23. Accordingly, the slider 23 is slidably guided by the support guides 29a and 29b while the slider 23 is always urged in the pulling direction (the direction of the arrow R shown in FIG. 3) by the urging force of the coil spring 31. By this, it is possible to reciprocate in the front-rear direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a support base 33 is provided at a position on the rear side of the reciprocating movement range of the slider 23 at the approximate center of the insertion portion 22 in the left-right direction. From the front surface of the support base 33, an ink supply needle 34 as a liquid introducing portion in the printer 10 is provided so as to extend forward. The ink supply needle 34 is composed of a pipe having a liquid flow path (not shown) formed therein, and an introduction hole 34a for introducing ink into the ink supply needle 34 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end portion. Yes. When the slider 23 moves backward against the urging force of the coil spring 31 as in the insertion portion 22b on the back side shown in FIG. 3, the ink supply needle 34 moves the insertion hole 25 of the slider 23 to the rear side. The front end portion in which the introduction hole 34 a is formed is projected forward from the front surface of the slider 23.

  On the other hand, a connecting pipe 35 extends rearward from the rear surface of the support base 33. The connection pipe 35 communicates with the ink supply needle 34 to form a liquid flow path, and the connection flow path is disposed so that the rear end (that is, the downstream end) extends over substantially the entire width of the holder case 17a. 36. The connection flow path 36 is a collection of six ink flow paths (not shown) constituting the liquid flow path of each insertion portion 22 and one air flow path (not shown) constituting the gas flow path. Each ink channel is connected to a corresponding ink channel formed in the focusing channel 21 described above.

  Further, a flexible pressurized air supply tube 37 is extended from the air flow path in the connection flow path 36, and the tip thereof is connected to the pressurized air outlet 26 of the slider 23 from the rear side. That is, when pressurized air is discharged from the pressure pump 20, the pressurized air is introduced into the pressurized air supply tube 37 through the air flow path of the focusing flow path 21 and the connection flow path 36. Thereafter, the air is led forward from the pressurized air outlet 26 of the slider 23.

  Further, an engaging lever 38 constituting a fixing means is provided on the bottom surface of the insertion portion 22 so as to extend in the front-rear direction below the slider 23, and a protrusion 38 a projects from the front end of the engaging lever 38. It is installed. That is, the engaging lever 38 has a front end protruding from the front surface of the slider 23 when the cartridge 18 (or attachment 19) is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22 and the slider 23 is retracted. Is also arranged at the front side. In this case, a protrusion 38 a protruding from the front end of the engagement lever 38 is an engagement portion 47 (see FIG. 4A) formed on the cartridge 18 or an engagement portion 56 formed on the attachment 19. (See FIG. 5), and the cartridge 18 and the like are locked and held in the insertion portion 22 so as not to move.

  Next, the cartridge 18 and the attachment 19 that are replaceably attached to the insertion portions 22 of the cartridge holder 17 will be described. First, the cartridge 18 will be described with reference to FIG. 4, and then the attachment 19 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cartridge 18 includes a case 39 formed of a synthetic resin material in a box shape, and the case 39 is fixed by an annular partition wall 40. A volume storage chamber (air introduction chamber) 41 is formed. In the storage chamber 41, an ink pack 42 made of a flexible bag body, in which ink is sealed, is stored. At one end (the left end in FIG. 4B) of the ink pack 42, an ink lead-out member 43 for leading out the ink sealed inside is provided as a liquid lead-out portion. Although not shown, a valve mechanism (not shown) having a check valve function is provided inside the ink lead-out member 43. The case 39 has a bottomed box shape with an upper opening, and the opening is closed by a lid member (not shown).

  A support port 44 that functions as a liquid outlet port is formed through the front surface of the case 39 (surface that is the front side in the insertion direction when being inserted (attached) into the insertion portion 22) 39a. . The support port 44 corresponds to the insertion hole 25 formed through the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22. When the cartridge 18 is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22, the insertion hole 25 and the alignment state. The ink outlet member 43 of the ink pack 42 accommodated in the case 39 is inserted into and supported by the support port 44. Therefore, when the cartridge 18 is inserted (attached) into the insertion portion 22, the support port 44 of the case 39 is aligned with the insertion hole 25 of the slider 23, thereby protruding forward from the insertion hole 25. The front end of the ink supply needle 34 is aligned with and connected to the ink outlet member 43 of the ink pack 42.

  A pair of positioning recesses 45a and 45b are formed at positions near the left and right ends of the front surface 39a of the case 39. These positioning recesses 45a and 45b correspond to the positioning protrusions 24a and 24b protruding from the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22, and when the cartridge 18 is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22. Are aligned with the corresponding positioning protrusions 24a and 24b. In the alignment state, the corresponding positioning protrusions 24a and 24b are fitted into the positioning recesses 45a and 45b, so that the cartridge 18 is positioned with the restriction of movement in the direction intersecting the insertion direction. It has become.

  Further, on the front surface 39 a of the case 39, a pressurized air introduction port communicating with the inside of the storage chamber 41 in which the ink pack 42 is accommodated between the support port 44 and one of the positioning recesses 45 a (downward in FIG. 4A). 46 is formed through. The pressurized air inlet 46 corresponds to the pressurized air outlet 26 formed through the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22, and the cartridge 18 is inserted (attached) into the insertion portion 22. Is in a state of alignment with the pressurized air outlet 26. In the alignment state, the pressurized air supplied from the pressurized pump 20 via the pressurized air supply tube 37 and the like is accommodated in the storage chamber 41 via the pressurized air outlet 26 and the pressurized air inlet 46. As a result of being deformed so that the ink pack 42 is crushed by the applied pressure, the ink in the ink pack 42 is led out from the ink lead-out member 43.

  Further, at the position near the other end (upward in FIG. 4A) of the front surface 39a of the case 39, an engagement portion 47 having an engagement relationship with the engagement lever 38 provided in the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17 is provided. However, a recess is formed along the bottom surface of the case 39 (the left surface in FIG. 4A). In addition, a circuit board 48 having a connection relationship with the terminal portion 27 protruding from the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22 is attached to a position near the front surface 39a on the side surface on the other side (upward in FIG. 4A) of the case 39. It is worn. The engaging portion 47 and the circuit board 48 are engaged with the engaging lever 38 and the terminal portion 27 on the insertion portion 22 side when the cartridge 18 is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22, respectively.・ It is connected.

Next, the attachment 19 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, the attachment 19 includes an attachment main body 49 having a bottomed box shape, and a lid member 50 that can close an upper opening portion of the attachment main body 49. The attachment main body 49 and the lid member 50 are respectively formed with a locking recess 51 and a locking claw 52 at a plurality of locations corresponding to each other, and the locking recess 51 and the locking claw 52 are elastically locked. Thus, the lid member 50 is locked and held by the attachment main body 49.

  The attachment main body 49 has substantially the same form as the case 39 of the cartridge 18 shown in FIGS. That is, a partition wall 53 having an annular shape similar to the partition wall 40 formed inside the case 39 of the cartridge 18 is formed inside the attachment main body 49. Further, on the front surface 49 a of the attachment main body 49, a support port 54 and a pair of positioning recesses 55 a and 55 b having the same form as the support port 44 and the pair of positioning recesses 45 a and 45 b formed in the case 39 of the cartridge 18 are provided on the cartridge 18. It is formed at the same position as the support port 44 and the positioning recesses 45 a and 45 b on the front surface 39 a of the case 39. Further, the attachment main body 49 includes an engaging portion 56 and a circuit board 57 that are identical to the engaging portion 47 and the circuit board 48 formed in the case 39 of the cartridge 18, respectively. And the circuit board 48 at the same position.

  On the other hand, on the front surface 49a of the attachment main body 49, a closed portion 58 having a circular pedestal shape is formed at a position corresponding to the air inlet 46 formed on the front surface 39a of the case 39 of the cartridge 18. The attachment body 49 is different from the case 39 of the cartridge 18 in configuration. Further, in the case of the attachment main body 49, a cutout portion 59 as a tube support portion is formed in a part of the peripheral wall 49b and the partition wall 53 (portion on the rear wall side). 39 and there are structural differences.

  In the case of the case 39 of the cartridge 18, the ink pack 42 is stored in the storage chamber 41. However, in the case of the attachment main body 49, the case functions as a liquid relay portion and a liquid outlet member. An ink outlet member 60 is detachably attached. The ink lead-out member 60 has a flow path structure that allows ink to pass through, that is, a relay flow path 61. A distal end (downstream end) 62a of a flexible ink supply tube (liquid supply path) 62 is connected to a base end 60a of the ink lead-out member 60 that is an upstream end of the relay flow path 61.

  Further, a support portion 65 including a pair of ribs 63a and 63b and a support base 64 is formed in the vicinity of the support port 54 formed in the front surface 49a of the attachment main body 49 inside the partition wall 53 of the attachment main body 49. Yes. The ink lead-out member 60 is attached to the attachment main body 49 in a state in which the tip 60 b serving as the downstream end of the relay flow path 61 is inserted into and supported by the support port 54 and positioned by the support portion 65. In this case, the ink supply tube 62 is supported by a notch 59 formed in the peripheral wall 49b and the partition wall 53 of the attachment body 49 at a part of the base end side (upstream side) of the tip end (downstream end) 62a. Is done.

  In addition, a coil spring 66, a plug 67 capable of closing the relay flow path 61, and a plug receiving seat (not shown) are formed in the relay flow path 61 on the tip 60b side of the ink outlet member 60. The packing 68 is assembled. That is, the coil spring 66 urges the plug body 67 toward the packing 68, so that the relay flow path 61 is always closed by the plug body 67. Then, the attachment main body 49 is inserted (attached) into the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17 so that the front end of the ink supply needle 34 is inserted into the support port 54, and the plug 67 is biased by the coil spring 66. When the relay channel 61 is pushed into the relay channel 61 against the above, the plug channel 67 is released from the plugged state and the ink is led out.

  In the attachment 19 configured as described above, the attachment main body 49 has the same form as the case 39 of the cartridge 18. In the attachment main body 49, the support port 54, the positioning recesses 55a and 55b, the engaging portion 56, and the circuit board 57 are provided in the case 39 of the cartridge 18 with the support port 44, the positioning recesses 45a and 45b, and the engaging portion 47. And at the same position as the circuit board 48. Therefore, the attachment 19 is mounted in the same mounting manner so as to be replaceable with the cartridge 18 with respect to the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17.

Next, the ink supply system in the present embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the printer 10 of this embodiment is used in a state where it is placed on a rack 69 having a multi-stage configuration. The rack 69 includes a lower stage mounting part 69a, a middle stage mounting part 69b, and an upper stage mounting part 69c, and the printer 10 is placed on the middle stage mounting part 69b. In addition, a waste liquid tank 70 as an external waste liquid recovery body is placed on the lower stage mounting portion 69a. The waste liquid tank 70 and the printer 10 are connected by a waste liquid recovery tube 71 that constitutes a waste liquid flow path. The upstream end of the waste liquid collection tube 71 is connected to a waste liquid collection container (not shown) provided in the printer 10. Accordingly, the waste ink (waste liquid) discharged from the printer 10 side is collected in the large-capacity waste liquid tank 70 located below via the waste liquid collection tube 71.

  On the other hand, an external ink tank (external liquid container) 72 that stores a larger amount of ink than the ink pack 42 in the cartridge 18 is placed on the upper stage mounting portion 69 c of the rack 69. The upstream end of the ink supply tube 62 connected to the ink outlet member 60 of the attachment 19 is inserted into the storage chamber 72a in which ink is stored in the external ink tank 72. As a result, the ink stored in the storage chamber 72 a of the external ink tank 72 is supplied to the attachment 19 by the water head difference through the ink supply tube 62. In this embodiment, the attachment 19, the external ink tank 72, and the ink supply tube 62 constitute a liquid supply device 73 that supplies ink (liquid) to the printer 10.

Next, the operation of the attachment 19 and the liquid supply device 73 in the printer 10 configured as described above will be described.
When a large amount of printing is to be performed when the cartridge 18 is mounted on the cartridge holder 17, the cartridge 18 is removed from the cartridge holder 17. As an exchange, the attachment 19 is attached to the cartridge holder 17. At the time of this replacement mounting, the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22 is moved from the position in the insertion portion 22a on the left front side shown in FIG. 3 (position when not attached) to the position in the insertion portion 22b on the right rear side in FIG. The position 19 is pushed by the attachment 19 and moves. In this case, the attachment 19 inserted (attached) into the insertion portion 22 has an insertion hole in which the support port 54 and the like formed in the front surface 49a of the attachment body 49 are formed in the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22. 25 and so on.

  That is, the positioning projections 24 a and 24 b on the slider 23 side are fitted into the positioning recesses 55 a and 55 b of the attachment main body 49 in an aligned state, and the engaging lever 38 on the insertion portion 22 side is engaged with the engaging portion of the attachment main body 49. 56, the attachment 19 is locked and held so as not to move. Further, the terminal portion 27 on the slider 23 side is connected to the circuit board 57 of the attachment body 49 so that the ink consumption and other information are transmitted between the attachment 19 and the control unit (not shown) of the printer 10. Become. Further, the closing portion 58 of the attachment main body 49 is aligned with the pressurized air outlet 26 on the slider 23 side, and the pressurized air outlet 26 is closed.

  Further, the front end of the ink supply needle 34 on the insertion portion 22 is inserted into the support port 54 (and the tip 60b of the ink outlet member 60) of the attachment main body 49 in an aligned state, and the relay flow path 61 is closed. The stopper 67 is pushed against the urging force of the coil spring 66 toward the inner side of the relay flow path 61. Then, the closed state of the relay flow path 61 by the plug 67 is canceled, and the ink that has reached the ink outlet member 60 of the attachment 19 from the external ink tank 72 via the ink supply tube 62 due to the water head difference is in the relay flow path 61. And immediately flows into the introduction hole 34a of the ink supply needle 34. Then, the ink is supplied from the ink supply needle 34 to the valve unit 16 on the recording head 15 side via the connection pipe 35, the connection flow path 36, and the ink flow path of the focusing flow path 21.

According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the attachment 19 is attached to the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17, the support port 54 of the attachment body 49 (with respect to the insertion hole 25 (ink supply needle 34) provided on the insertion portion 22 side ( The ink lead-out member 60) is in an aligned state, and is in a connected state in which ink can be supplied when it is mounted. That is, the ink supply state from the external ink tank 72 to the recording head 15 of the printer 10 can be formed by only a single operation of inserting (attaching) the attachment main body 49 to the insertion portion 22. Therefore, the attachment work of the attachment 19 can be completed easily and quickly at a low cost with respect to the printer 10, which is very convenient.

  (2) Since the ink lead-out member 60 in which the relay flow path 61 is formed is detachable from the attachment body 49, when the clogging occurs in the relay flow path 61 or when the movement of the plug body 67 is poor. In this case, the ink lead-out member 60 can be removed from the attachment main body 49 to perform maintenance of trouble, and the usability is further improved.

  (3) The cartridge holder 17 to which the attachment 19 is attached is fixedly disposed so as not to move on the main body case 11 instead of on the carriage 14 that reciprocates during printing. Therefore, the ink supply tube 62 extending from the external ink tank 72 is not pulled as the carriage 14 reciprocates. Therefore, a smooth ink supply state from the external ink tank 72 to the attachment 19 via the ink supply tube 62 can be ensured.

  (4) Since the ink supply tube 62 is flexible, the drawn state tends to be unstable, but the portion upstream of the tip (downstream end) 62a connected to the ink lead-out member 60 is the attachment body. It is favorably supported by 49 notches 59. For this reason, the attachment 19 connected to the ink supply tube 62 can be used more and more easily without being unstable.

  (5) In the liquid supply device 73, the external ink tank 72 is placed on the upper stage mounting portion 69 c of the rack 69, and the printer 10 to which the attachment 19 is attached is placed on the middle stage mounting portion 69 b of the rack 69. Therefore, the ink can be forcibly supplied from the external ink tank 72 to the attachment 19 via the ink supply tube 62 due to a water head difference. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the possibility of insufficient ink supply to the recording head 15 in the printer 10.

  (6) The printer 10 is placed on the middle stage mounting part 69b of the rack 69, and the waste liquid tank 70 is placed on the lower stage mounting part 69a below the middle stage mounting part 69b. 10 is connected by a waste liquid collection tube 71. Therefore, waste ink (waste liquid) discharged from the printer 10 side can be favorably collected in the waste liquid tank 70 by utilizing the water head difference.

  (7) When the attachment 19 is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17, the closing portion 58 provided on the front surface 49 a of the attachment body 49 is provided on the slider 23 of the insertion portion 22. The pressurized air outlet 26 is closed. For this reason, in the case where a detection mechanism is provided in which a pressure error (for example, air leak) is provided when the amount of pressurized air discharged from the pressure pump 20 on the printer 10 side exceeds a certain amount, the cartridge 18 is provided. In this case, it is possible to prevent a case where an unintentional error is detected by replacing the attachment 19 with the attachment 19.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
When compared with the attachment 19 in the first embodiment, the attachment 74 in the second embodiment includes a pressurized air introduction port 75 and an air introduction chamber 76 instead of the blocking portion 58 in the attachment 19 in the first embodiment. The configuration is different only in that point, and the other configuration is the same as the attachment 19 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, in the second embodiment, common parts (members) with the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and redundant description will be omitted, and mainly the differences from the first embodiment. The part will be explained.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), the attachment 74 of the second embodiment has a pressurized air introduction port 75 formed through the front surface 49 a of the attachment body 49. A pressurized air introduction chamber 76 is defined in the attachment main body 49 so as to correspond to the pressurized air introduction port 75 in a positional manner. The pressurized air introduction chamber 76 is formed in a smaller volume than the storage chamber 41 as a pressurized air introduction chamber formed in the case 39 of the cartridge 18.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, when the attachment 74 is inserted (attached) to the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17, the pressurized air introduction port 75 on the front surface 49 a of the attachment body 49 is the slider of the insertion portion 22. 23 is in alignment with and connected to the pressurized air outlet 26. Then, the pressurized air discharged from the pressurizing pump 20 is introduced into the air introduction chamber 76 from the pressurized air outlet 26 through the pressurized air inlet 75.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects (1) to (6) in the first embodiment.

  (8) When the attachment 74 is inserted into (attached to) the insertion portion 22 of the cartridge holder 17, the pressurized air outlet 26 on the slider 23 side passes through the pressurized air inlet 75 on the attachment body 49 side. The allowable air amount of the pressurized air introduced into the air introduction chamber 76 is set very small. Therefore, when the amount of pressurized air discharged from the pressure pump 20 on the printer 10 side exceeds a certain amount (for example, the volume of the storage chamber 41 of the cartridge 18), a pressure error (for example, air leak) Even in the case where the detection mechanism is provided, it is possible to prevent the case where an unintentional error is detected as the attachment 19 is attached. This point is substantially the same as the effect (7) in the first embodiment.

  (9) In the case of the second embodiment, the amount of pressurized air discharged from the pressure pump 20 on the printer 10 side further reaches a certain amount (for example, the volume of the air introduction chamber 76 of the attachment 74). In the case where a control system is provided in which there is no pressurization error (for example, pressurization failure due to air path blockage or the like), there is a specific effect that such pressurization error can be detected well.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the attachment 77 in the third embodiment has the same number of attachments 19 in the first embodiment as the number of the insertion portions 22 of the cartridge holder 17 arranged in parallel (six in this embodiment). It is a large-sized one in a state of being integrated into a state. That is, this attachment 77 has an attachment main body 78 and a lid member 79 corresponding to the case where six attachment main bodies 49 and six lid members 50 of the attachment 19 in the first embodiment are arranged in parallel.

  Although not shown in the figure, in the attachment main body 78, six ink lead-out members 60 similar to the ink lead-out member 60 in the first embodiment are detachably provided at a fixed arrangement interval. Each ink lead-out member 60 is disposed so as to be aligned with each ink supply needle 34 provided in each of the six insertion portions 22 when the attachment 77 is attached to the cartridge holder 17. . Then, each ink supply tube 62 having the tip 62a connected to the base end 60a of each ink lead-out member 60 in the attachment 77 is pulled out from the notch 59 of the attachment main body 78, and the external ink tank 72 (see FIG. 6). Connected to.

  Therefore, in the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (6) in the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (10) In the case where the attachment 77 is replaced and mounted after removing a plurality (six) of the cartridges 18 from the cartridge holder 17, the removal of each cartridge 18 requires a plurality of (six) attachment / detachment operations. Thus, the attachment 77 can simultaneously connect the ink lead-out member 60 to the ink supply needle 34 of each insertion portion 22 by a single mounting operation. In other words, the attachment 77 in this case is a one-touch mounting type multi-color attachment 77 corresponding to the cartridges 18 for six colors. Therefore, the attachment work of the attachment 77 can be completed more quickly.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the attachment 80 according to the fourth embodiment includes an attachment body 81 having a horizontally long bottomed box shape, and a lid member 82 that can close an upper opening portion of the attachment body 81. Yes. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) lower support portions 83a are formed on the front surface 81a of the attachment main body 81 at regular intervals in the lateral direction, and the front edge of the lid member 82 A plurality of (six) upper support portions 83b are formed on the 82a so as to correspond to the lower support portions 83a on the attachment body 81 side. Each of the lower support portions 83a and the upper support portions 83b has semicircular mouth edges facing each other. When the lid member 82 is attached to the attachment main body 81, the lower support portions 83a and the upper support portions 83b are aligned with each other in the lateral direction. A plurality (six) of support ports 83 are formed in a parallel state with a constant interval (see FIG. 9).

  Support portions 84 each having a bowl-shaped groove are formed on the back side of each lower support portion 83a in the attachment main body 81, and the same ink lead-out member as in the case of the attachment 19 of the first embodiment is formed on each support portion 84. A (liquid relay portion) 60 is detachably supported. A leading end of an ink supply tube 62 as a liquid supply path extending from an external ink tank 72 (see FIG. 6) is provided at the base end 60a of the ink lead-out member 60 that is the upstream end of the relay flow path 61 in each ink lead-out member 60. The downstream end 62a is connected.

  Also, a pair of positioning recesses 85a and 85b are formed at the left and right ends of the front surface 81a of the attachment body 81. In addition, a waste ink introduction port (waste liquid introduction portion) 86 that enables introduction of waste ink (waste liquid) is formed on the left side of the positioning recess 85a on one end (right end in FIG. 9) on the front surface 81a of the attachment body 81. Has been. A bowl-shaped support groove 87 is formed on the back side of the waste ink introduction port 86, and a waste ink introduction member 88 having the same form as the ink lead-out member 60 is detachably supported by the support groove 87. A waste liquid collection tube 71 extending from the waste liquid tank 70 (see FIG. 6) is connected to the waste ink introduction member 88.

  On the other hand, the left side of the positioning recess 85b on the other end (left end in FIG. 9) side of the front surface 81a of the attachment main body 81 is a planar contact portion 89, and below this contact portion 89, the attachment main body 81 A circuit board housing portion 90 is recessed from the front surface 81a side. A circuit board (not shown) is installed in the circuit board storage unit 90. As described above, the attachment 80 according to the fourth embodiment is a multicolor-compatible attachment 80 as in the case of the attachment 77 according to the third embodiment, and is the same as the attachment 80 with respect to the cartridge holder 17. And a multi-color compatible cartridge (not shown) having ink packs for six colors inside. This cartridge has a waste liquid collecting function in which a waste liquid introduction portion (waste ink introduction port) is formed on the front surface thereof, and the front surface of the cartridge abuts on a valve opening / closing lever 99 which is described later. An abutting portion (not shown) that pushes is formed.

  Then, the cartridge holder 17 in which the above attachment 80 is replaceable with a cartridge having a multi-color compatible type and having a waste liquid recovery function will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the cartridge holder 17 according to the fourth embodiment is provided with a connection portion 91 having a horizontally long and substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, similarly to the attachment 80 (and the cartridge). In this connection portion 91, when the attachment 80 is mounted on the cartridge holder 17, the front surface 91 a that faces the front surface 81 a of the attachment main body 81 has positions corresponding to the positioning recesses 85 a and 85 b on the attachment 80 side. A pair of positioning protrusions 92a and 92b are provided to protrude from the position corresponding to the circuit board housing part 90 on the attachment 80 side.

  Therefore, when the attachment 80 is attached to the connection portion 91, the positioning protrusions 92a and 92b are fitted into the corresponding positioning recesses 85a and 85b, and intersect with the attachment direction of the attachment 80 (left-right direction in FIG. 11). Restrict movement to Further, the terminal portion 93 comes into contact with the circuit board installed in the circuit board housing portion 90 so that the ink consumption and other information are transmitted between the attachment 80 and the control portion (not shown) of the printer 10. Become. Although not shown, the attachment 80 cannot move relative to the connection portion 91 of the cartridge holder 17 by the engagement of the engagement portion provided on the attachment 80 side and the engagement lever provided on the connection portion 91 side. It is attached to.

  Further, on the front surface 91 a of the connection portion 91, a waste ink lead-out needle (waste liquid lead-out portion) 94 protrudes from a position corresponding to the waste ink introduction port 86 on the attachment 80 side, and a position corresponding to each support port 83. An ink supply needle (liquid introduction part) 95 is provided in a protruding manner. An introduction hole (not shown) is formed at the tip of each ink supply needle 95. The base end side of each ink supply needle 95 is communicated with an ink flow path (liquid flow path) 96 formed inside the connection portion 91 so as to individually correspond to each ink supply needle 95.

  Therefore, when the attachment 80 is attached to the connection portion 91, the waste ink lead-out needle 94 is inserted into the waste ink introduction port 86, and the waste ink discharged from the printer 10 side is recovered from the waste ink introduction member 88 as waste liquid. It is collected in the waste liquid tank 70 (see FIG. 6) via the tube 71. Ink supplied from the external ink tank 72 via the ink supply tube 62 flows from the corresponding ink supply needle 95 into the ink flow path 96 in the connection portion 91 through the relay flow path 61 of the ink outlet member 60. .

  Here, the ink that has flowed into the ink flow path 96 passes through a flow path valve 97 provided in the connection portion 91, and from the communication portion 98 protruding from the front surface 91 a side of the connection portion 91, the recording head 15 of the printer 10. Supplied to the side. In this case, the flow path valve 97 is in a closed state when the attachment 80 (or cartridge) is not attached to the connecting portion 91 for the purpose of preventing the backflow of the ink or the like. 96 is in a closed state. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, a valve opening / closing lever that operates to open the ink flow path 96 when the attachment 80 is mounted at a position corresponding to the contact portion 89 on the attachment 80 side in the connection portion 91. A (movable member) 99 is provided.

  The valve opening / closing lever 99 includes an operating piece 99a, a driven piece 99b, and a rotating shaft 99c serving as a rotating center of both the pieces 99a and 99b in a state where the operating piece 99a and the driven piece 99b are connected and fixed. The operating piece 99a is a plate-like body, and a projection 99d is projected from one corner on the front end side. The operating piece 99a (and the driven piece 99b) is always urged in the direction of the arrow (counterclockwise) shown in FIG. 11 by the urging force of an urging spring (not shown), and the front end edge of the operating piece 99a is attached to the attachment 80. It is held in a slightly tilted state with respect to the mounting direction.

  In this state, when the attachment 80 is mounted on the connection portion 91 of the cartridge holder 17, the contact portion 89 of the attachment 80 contacts the projection 99d of the operating piece 99a in the valve opening / closing lever 99 by the mounting operation, and the operating piece 99a rotates. It rotates clockwise about the moving shaft 99c. Then, following the rotation of the operating piece 99a, the driven piece 99b also rotates clockwise. As a result, the flow path valve 97 is moved from the closed state to the open state based on the rotation of the driven piece 99b, and the recording head 15 and the ink supply needle 95 of the printer 10 communicate with each other via the ink flow path 96. Thus, the ink can be supplied.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to substantially the same effects as the above (1) to (6) in the first embodiment.

  (11) When the attachment 80 is attached to the connection portion 91 of the cartridge holder 17, the contact portion 89 on the attachment 80 side pushes the valve opening / closing lever 99 on the connection portion 91 side in the direction in which the flow path valve 97 is opened. Therefore, the ink flow path 96 can be suitably communicated between the ink supply needle 95 and the recording head 15 as the attachment 80 is attached. Therefore, when the attachment 80 and the cartridge are exchanged and attached to the cartridge holder 17 having the flow path valve 97, the design of the printer 10 is not required to be changed while suppressing the backflow of ink, and the versatility is high. You can enjoy the attachment function.

  (12) In addition, when replacing with a cartridge having a waste liquid collection function, the waste liquid collection tube 71 can be disposed of well through the waste ink introduction port 86 and the waste ink introduction member 88 provided in the attachment 80 to the waste liquid tank 70. Ink recovery can be achieved.

In addition, you may change said each embodiment into another embodiment (another example) as follows.
As shown in FIG. 13, the space above the ink liquid surface in the storage chamber 72a of the external ink tank 72 is defined as an air introduction chamber, and pressurized air is supplied to the space based on the driving of the pressure pump P from outside. Pressurized air may be sent through the tube 100. According to this structure, ink can be forcibly supplied from the external ink tank 72 to the attachment 19 (74, 77, 80) side via the ink supply tube 62 by the pressure of the pressurized air. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of insufficient ink supply in the ten recording heads 15.

  The effect based on such forced ink supply is that, as shown in FIG. 14, a large-capacity ink pack 101 is accommodated in a storage chamber (air introduction chamber) 72a of an external ink tank 72, and the storage chamber 72a is loaded. Pressurized air may be sent from the pressure pump P through the pressurized air supply tube 100.

  As shown in FIG. 15, a large-capacity ink pack 101 is accommodated in the accommodating chamber 72a of the external ink tank 72, and the ink pack 101 and the attachment 19 (74, 77, 80) are connected. The suction pump P may be arranged in the middle of the ink supply tube 62. In this case, as the suction pump P is driven, ink is sucked from the upstream ink pack 101 and the sucked ink is forcibly supplied to the downstream attachment 19 (74, 77, 80). Is done.

  A waste ink introduction port (waste liquid introduction port) is formed in the attachment body 49, 78 of each attachment 19, 74, 77 of the first to third embodiments, a waste ink introduction member is attached, and the waste ink is introduced. A waste liquid collection tube (waste liquid flow path) may be connected to the member so that the waste ink is collected in the waste liquid tank.

  In the fourth embodiment, the movable member that opens and closes the ink flow path (liquid flow path) 96 by being pushed by the contact portion 89 on the attachment 80 side is a member configuration other than the valve opening / closing lever 99, for example, contact A member configuration that opens and closes the flow path valve 97 by being linearly moved by being pushed by the portion 89 may be adopted.

  -In 2nd Embodiment, if the volume of the pressurized air introduction chamber 76 provided in the attachment main body 49 becomes a volume smaller than the storage chamber 41 of the cartridge 18, the volume can be changed suitably.

-In each attachment main body 49, 78, 81, the tube support part may further form a tube support rib or groove in addition to the notch part 59.
The cartridge holder 17 may be provided on the carriage 14 in the printer 10.

The ink relay member 60 as the liquid relay part and the liquid lead-out member may be, for example, a simple pipe body as long as it has a cylindrical shape in which the relay flow path 61 is formed.
-The liquid relay part may be integrally formed with the attachment main bodies 49, 78, 81.

1 is a perspective view of a printer according to a first embodiment. The principal part perspective view of a printer similarly. The partially broken perspective view of a cartridge holder. It is the figure which similarly removed the cover member from the cartridge, (a) is a top view of a cartridge, (b) is a front view of a cartridge. The exploded perspective view of an attachment similarly. The side view which similarly shows the arrangement | positioning state of a liquid supply apparatus. It is the figure which removed the cover member from the attachment of 2nd Embodiment, (a) is a top view of an attachment, (b) is a front view of an attachment. The perspective view of the printer with which the attachment of 3rd Embodiment was mounted | worn. The perspective view of the attachment of 4th Embodiment. The exploded perspective view of an attachment similarly. The top view of the connection part of a cartridge holder similarly. The top view of the connection part of the state in which the attachment was similarly mounted | worn. The side view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the liquid supply apparatus of another example. The side view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the liquid supply apparatus of another example. The side view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the liquid supply apparatus of another example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printer (liquid ejecting apparatus), 15 ... Recording head (liquid ejecting head), 17 ... Cartridge holder (liquid container mounting part), 18 ... Ink cartridge (liquid container), 19, 74, 77, 80 ... Attachment , 26 ... pressurized air outlet, 34, 95 ... ink supply needle (liquid inlet), 42, 72a ... storage chamber (air inlet chamber), 44 ... support port (liquid outlet), 46, 75 ... pressure Air introduction port, 49, 78, 81... Attachment body, 58. Blocking portion, 59. Notch portion (tube support portion), 60. Ink lead-out member (liquid relay portion, liquid lead-out member), 61. ... Ink supply tube (liquid supply path), 70 ... Waste liquid tank (external waste liquid collection body), 71 ... Waste liquid collection tube (waste liquid flow path), 72 ... External ink tank (external liquid container), 73 ... Liquid supply , 76 ... pressurized air introduction chamber, 86 ... waste ink introduction port (waste liquid introduction part), 89 ... abutment part, 96 ... ink flow path (liquid flow path), 99 ... valve opening / closing lever (movable member), P …pump.

Claims (15)

An attachment main body is attached to the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the liquid container for storing the liquid is detachably mounted. The attachment main body is replaceable with the liquid main body. When the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the downstream end of the relay channel is aligned with the liquid introducing portion provided on the liquid container mounting portion when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. An attachment provided at a position to be connected in a state, wherein a downstream end of a liquid supply path for supplying liquid from the outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus is connected to an upstream end of the relay flow path in the liquid relay portion . The attachment according to claim 1,
The attachment is characterized in that the liquid relay portion is constituted by a liquid lead-out member having a cylindrical shape, and the liquid lead-out member is detachably attached to the attachment main body. The attachment according to claim 1 or 2,
The attachment main body is mounted in a mounting manner similar to that of the liquid container on a liquid container mounting part that is immovably provided on the liquid ejecting apparatus. In the attachment as described in any one of Claims 1-3,
The liquid supply path is composed of a flexible tube, and at least a part of the attachment main body on the upstream side of the downstream end of the tube at a position apart from the position where the liquid relay portion is provided. An attachment, characterized in that a tube support part is provided to support the frame. In the attachment as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The liquid ejecting apparatus has a pressurized air outlet that is connected to a pressurized air inlet provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. By sending pressurized air from the pressurized air outlet to the air introduction chamber of the liquid container through the pressurized air inlet, the liquid stored in the liquid container can be supplied to the liquid ejecting head. It is made up of
The attachment main body is closed when the attachment main body is attached to the liquid container mounting portion and is aligned with the pressurized air outlet on the liquid ejecting apparatus side to close the pressurized air outlet. Attachment characterized by having a part. In the attachment as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The liquid ejecting apparatus has a pressurized air outlet that is connected to a pressurized air inlet provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion. By sending pressurized air from the pressurized air outlet to the air introduction chamber of the liquid container through the pressurized air inlet, the liquid stored in the liquid container can be supplied to the liquid ejecting head. It is made up of
When the attachment body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the attachment body has a pressurized air introduction port that is aligned with the pressurized air outlet port on the liquid ejecting apparatus side, and the pressurization An air introduction chamber into which pressurized air is introduced from the pressurized air outlet through the air introduction port is formed, and the air introduction chamber is formed to have a smaller volume than the air introduction chamber of the liquid container. Attachment characterized by being. In the attachment as described in any one of Claims 1-4,
The liquid ejecting apparatus includes a movable member that is pushed by a contact portion provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting section, and the movable member is the contact member. The liquid flow path between the liquid ejecting head and the liquid introducing portion is pushed by the contact portion to be in a communication state, so that the liquid stored in the liquid container can be supplied to the liquid ejecting head. And
When the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion, the attachment main body abuts on a movable member on the liquid ejecting apparatus side, and moves the movable member in a direction in which the liquid flow path is in communication. An attachment characterized in that a pressing portion is formed. In the attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The liquid ejecting apparatus can recover waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting apparatus through a waste liquid introducing section provided in the liquid container when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid container mounting section. It is made up of
The attachment main body has a waste liquid introduction section that enables introduction of waste liquid led out from the liquid ejecting apparatus when the attachment main body is mounted on the liquid container mounting section. A waste liquid flow path extending from an external waste liquid recovery body provided at a position separated from the attachment main body is connected to the attachment. In the attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus can be mounted in parallel with a plurality of liquid containers, and a plurality of liquid introduction portions are arranged in parallel so as to correspond to the liquid outlet portions of the liquid containers. It is made the composition,
The attachment body has a configuration corresponding to a case where the plurality of liquid containers are integrated in a parallel state, and a plurality of the liquid relay portions are arranged in parallel so as to correspond to the liquid introduction portions, The attachment is mounted to the liquid container mounting portion in the same mounting manner as when the plurality of liquid containers are mounted in a parallel state. The attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
An external liquid container that is disposed at a position spaced from the attachment and can store a larger volume of liquid than the liquid container;
A liquid supply apparatus comprising: a liquid supply path that connects between the attachment and the external liquid container, and that can supply the liquid stored in the external liquid container toward the attachment side. . The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
The external liquid container is disposed at a position higher than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the attachment is mounted, and liquid is transferred from the external liquid container to the attachment side via the liquid supply path due to a water head difference. A liquid supply apparatus characterized by having a configuration for supplying liquid. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
The configuration is such that pressurized air is sent into an air introduction chamber of the external liquid container, and liquid is supplied from the external liquid container to the attachment side via the liquid supply path based on the pressure of the pressurized air. The liquid supply apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
A pump that sucks liquid from the upstream external liquid container side and discharges the liquid to the downstream attachment side is disposed in the middle of the liquid supply path that connects the attachment and the external liquid container. A liquid supply apparatus configured to supply liquid from the external liquid container to the attachment side through the liquid supply path based on driving of the pump. The liquid supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
The external waste liquid recovery body is disposed at a position separated from the attachment and at a position lower than the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the attachment is mounted, and between the attachment and the external waste liquid recovery body. The waste liquid discharged from the liquid ejecting apparatus to the attachment side is discharged from the attachment to the external waste liquid collecting body side through the waste liquid flow path due to a water head difference. Liquid supply device. An attachment that is mounted on the liquid container mounting portion of the liquid ejecting apparatus to which the liquid container that stores the liquid is detachably mounted in the same mounting manner as the liquid container. In addition, the attachment provided with the liquid relay part provided with the relay flow path is aligned with the downstream end of the relay flow path of the liquid relay part in the attachment and the liquid introduction part provided in the liquid container mounting part. And connecting the downstream end of the liquid supply path for supplying the liquid from the outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus to the upstream end of the relay flow path of the liquid relay portion in the attachment, A liquid supply method, wherein a liquid supplied via a supply path is supplied to a liquid introduction part on a liquid ejecting head side through a relay flow path of the liquid relay part.

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