JP2020168822A - Liquid discharge device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a liquid discharge device by which a lid member can be opened without contacting a nozzle tip end of a liquid replenishing container with the lid member in replenishing a liquid from the liquid replenishing container to a liquid storage container.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device includes a liquid discharge part, a liquid storage container, and a liquid replenishing container. The liquid storage container includes a liquid storage chamber, a nozzle insertion hole for inserting a nozzle of the liquid replenishing container, a liquid injection port positioned on a bottom part of the nozzle insertion hole, an opening/closing member which closes and opens the injection port, an opening/closing mechanism connected to the opening/closing member, and a first fitting part. The liquid replenishing container includes a replenishing container main body which stores a liquid, the nozzle having a spout for spouting the liquid, and a second fitting part. When the first fitting part and the second fitting part do not fit to each other, the nozzle does not abut on the opening/closing mechanism, and the injection port is closed. The first fitting part and the second fitting part fit to each other, a side part of the nozzle abuts on the opening/closing mechanism and the opening/closing member moves to open the injection port without abutment of the liquid spout on the opening/closing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a liquid ejection device such as an inkjet recording device.

An inkjet recording device is known as a liquid discharging device that discharges and records a liquid. In this inkjet recording device, ink is ejected from a recording head as a liquid ejection unit to record on a recording medium. The ink is supplied to the recording head from an ink tank as a liquid storage container provided in the inkjet recording device.

In the inkjet recording apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, when replenishing ink to an ink tank, ink is injected from an ink replenishment container, that is, a liquid replenishment container into a liquid injection port provided in the ink tank. The liquid injection port is provided with a lid member (opening / closing member) that can be opened / closed in order to prevent ink from leaking from the ink tank. When injecting ink into the ink tank, the lid member is pushed open by the tip of a nozzle provided in the liquid supply container.

JP-A-2017-205895

However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the lid member is pushed open by the nozzle tip of the liquid replenishment container, the ink adhering to the nozzle tip of the liquid replenishment container may adhere to the outer surface of the lid member. is there. As a result, the ink may be scattered to the outside of the inkjet recording device, and the ink may stick to the lid member and affect the opening / closing operation of the lid member.

An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid discharge device capable of opening a lid member without contacting the nozzle tip of the liquid supply container with the lid member when replenishing the liquid from the liquid supply container to the liquid storage container. ..

According to one aspect of the invention
A liquid discharge device including a liquid discharge unit for discharging a liquid, a liquid storage container for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge unit, and a liquid replenishment container for replenishing the liquid storage container. ,
The liquid storage container is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber for storing the liquid, the nozzle insertion hole for inserting the nozzle of the liquid replenishment container, and the nozzle insertion hole, and the liquid injection communicating with the liquid storage chamber. It has an inlet, an opening / closing member for closing and opening the liquid injection port, an opening / closing mechanism connected to the opening / closing member, and a first fitting portion.
The liquid replenishment container includes a replenishment container main body for storing a liquid, a nozzle having a liquid injection port for pouring out the liquid, and a second fitting portion that can be fitted to the first fitting portion. Have and
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion do not fit, the liquid injection port is closed without the nozzle contacting the opening / closing mechanism.
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the opening / closing member moves by abutting the side portion of the nozzle with the opening / closing mechanism, and the liquid injection port opens / closes. Provided is a liquid discharge device that opens the liquid injection port without contacting a member.

According to another aspect of the invention
It is a liquid discharge device that includes a liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid and a liquid storage container that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge unit, and can supply the liquid from the liquid replenishment container to the liquid storage container. hand,
The liquid storage container is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber for storing the liquid, the nozzle insertion hole for inserting the nozzle of the liquid replenishment container, and the nozzle insertion hole, and the liquid injection communicating with the liquid storage chamber. It has an inlet, an opening / closing member for closing and opening the liquid injection port, an opening / closing mechanism connected to the opening / closing member, and a first fitting portion.
The liquid replenishment container includes a replenishment container main body for storing a liquid, a nozzle having a liquid injection port for pouring out the liquid, and a second fitting portion that can be fitted to the first fitting portion. Have and
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion do not fit, the liquid injection port is closed without the nozzle contacting the opening / closing mechanism.
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the opening / closing member moves by abutting the side portion of the nozzle with the opening / closing mechanism, and the liquid injection port opens / closes. Provided is a liquid discharge device that opens the liquid injection port without contacting a member.

According to the present invention, there is provided a liquid discharge device capable of opening a lid member without contacting the nozzle tip of the liquid supply container with the lid member when replenishing the liquid from the liquid supply container to the liquid storage container.

It is a perspective view which shows the mechanical part of the inkjet recording apparatus in embodiment. It is a vertical sectional side view which shows typically the structure of the main part of the recording apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the state of replenishing ink to an ink tank in the recording apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state that the lid member was pushed open by the nozzle tip of the ink replenishment container according to the prior art. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the peripheral structure of the liquid injection port of the ink tank and the peripheral structure of the ink injection port of an ink replenishment container in the first embodiment. It is a top view which shows the fitting part of the ink tank and the ink supply container which are different for each liquid type. It is a top view which shows the fitting part of the ink tank and the ink supply container in the 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the peripheral structure of the liquid injection port of the ink tank and the peripheral structure of the ink injection port of an ink replenishment container in the second embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the peripheral structure of the ink spout of the ink tank and the peripheral structure of the ink spout of an ink replenishment container in 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows typically the peripheral structure of the ink spout of the ink tank and the peripheral structure of the ink spout of an ink supply container in 4th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a mechanical portion of the inkjet recording device 1000 (hereinafter, also referred to as “recording device”) according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional side view schematically showing a main part configuration of the recording device 1000. Is. In the present specification, the term "ink" is used as a general term for liquids such as recording liquids, fixing treatment liquids, and resists.

The mechanical unit is mainly composed of a first feeding unit 1, a second feeding unit 2, a recording unit 3, and a liquid supply unit 4. The first feeding unit 1 separates the recording media one by one from the bundle of recording media by using the feeding roller 10 and supplies the recording media to the second feeding unit 2. The second feeding unit 2 is provided on the downstream side of the first feeding unit 1 in the transporting direction, and transports the recording medium fed from the feeding roller 10 by using the transport roller 11, the paper ejection roller 12, and the like. Further, the platen 13 for holding the recording medium is provided between the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 12. The recording medium conveyed by the second feeding unit is supported by the platen 13 from vertically below.

The recording unit 3 includes a carriage 14 that reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording medium in FIG. 2, and a recording head (liquid discharge head) 15 as a liquid discharge unit mounted on the carriage 14. The recording head 15 has an ink ejection unit in which a plurality of ejection ports for ejecting ink are arranged. Discharge energy generating elements are provided in each of the plurality of ejection ports constituting the ink ejection unit, and by driving the ejection energy generating elements based on the recorded data, ink is ejected from the ejection ports to the platen 13. The image is recorded on a supported recording medium.

The liquid supply unit 4 includes an ink tank 160 as a liquid storage container, an ink flow path 101 that guides ink from the ink tank 160 to the recording head 15, and flexible ink that connects the ink flow path 101 and the recording head 15. It is composed of a supply tube 107 and the like. When ink is ejected from the ejection port of the recording head 15 and the recording operation is performed, the negative pressure in the recording head 15 increases.

Due to this increase in negative pressure, the ink contained in the ink storage chamber 100 of the ink tank 160 is supplied to the recording head 15 via the ink flow path 101 and the ink supply tube 107. At this time, the same amount of air as the ink supplied to the recording head 15 flows into the ink tank 160 from the atmospheric communication port 102 provided vertically above the ink tank 160.

The recording device 1000 is a color printer that ejects a plurality of types of inks of different colors and records a color image on a recording medium. For this reason, the recording head 15 is provided with a plurality of ink ejection portions corresponding to each of the plurality of types of inks. In the present embodiment, four ink ejection portions for ejecting four colors of ink of yellow, cyan, magenta, and black are provided, and each ink ejection portion contains four types of ink for storing each of the four types of ink. A tank 160 is provided. In the following description, 160 is used as a generic reference code when the four ink tanks are comprehensively referred to, and the following different reference codes are used when the four ink tanks are individually referred to. .. That is, the ink tank containing cyan ink is described as 160C, the ink tank containing magenta ink tank is 160M, the ink tank containing yellow ink is 160Ye, and the ink tank containing black ink is 160Bk. When the remaining amount of ink in the ink tanks 160C, 160M, 160Ye, and 160Bk is less than a predetermined amount, that fact is displayed on the display unit 1001 of the recording device, and the remaining amount is insufficient for the user. Encourages the ink tank 160 to be replenished with ink.

The ink replenishment to the ink tank 160 is performed by the user using the ink replenishment container 200 as a liquid replenishment container containing the ink. Therefore, the number of ink replenishment containers 200 is prepared according to the number of colors of the ink to be used (4 colors in this example). Then, in the replenishment work, the ink replenishment container 200 is selected at the user's discretion based on the color information displayed on the ink tank 160 and the ink replenishment container 200, and the ink is replenished to the ink tank 160. At that time, as shown in FIG. 3, the tank cover 1002 provided on the front surface of the recording device 1000 is opened forward, the cap 26 provided on the ink tank 160 is removed, and the ink replenishment container 200 is placed in the ink tank. Insert and attach to 160 for replenishment.

At this time, according to the prior art, as shown in FIG. 4, the user needs to push open the opening / closing member 31 of the ink tank 160 with the liquid injection port 230 (nozzle tip) of the ink supply container 200. Therefore, as described above, ink may be scattered or stuck. In order to avoid such a phenomenon, in this embodiment, the following ink tank 160 and ink replenishment container 200 are used.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the ink tank 160 in the state where the nozzle is not inserted in the first embodiment of the present invention. The ink tank 160 has an ink storage chamber (liquid storage chamber) 100 and a nozzle insertion hole 167. The nozzle insertion hole is a hole for inserting the nozzle of the ink replenishment container, and is a liquid injection port (a liquid injection port) for injecting a liquid into the bottom portion (lower bottom surface in the upright state) on the inner side of the ink tank of the nozzle insertion hole 167. 166 (sometimes referred to simply as "inlet port") is formed. The inlet 166 communicates with the ink storage chamber 100. The wall forming the nozzle insertion hole 167 is tubular, particularly substantially cylindrical, and forms the mouth portion 164 of the ink tank. The mouth portion 164 projects from the outer surface of the ink tank 160 to the outer side of the ink tank (upward on the paper surface in FIG. 5).

The ink tank 160 has a lid member 168 as an opening / closing member for closing and opening the injection port 166. The lid member 168 can prevent ink from leaking into the ink tank 160. The lid member 168 may be a plate having a circular shape, for example, as long as the injection port 166 can be closed.

Further, the ink tank 160 has an opening / closing mechanism 171 connected to the lid member 168 on the side surface of the nozzle insertion hole 167. The opening / closing mechanism 171 has a contact member 169 that comes into contact with the side portion of the nozzle 222 when replenishing ink, and a spring 170 installed behind the contact member 169 (in a direction away from the nozzle insertion hole 167). When the spring 170 urges the contact member 169 toward the nozzle insertion hole 167, the contact member 169 is positioned at the closed position, the lid member 168 is closed, and the ink tank 160 is sealed. The lid member 168 and the contact member 169 are connected to each other and are integrated.

Inside the mouth portion 164, a gap portion 178 communicating with the nozzle insertion hole 167 is provided. The gap portion 177 is, for example, a tubular hole extending from the nozzle insertion hole 167 (the end opposite to the nozzle insertion hole 167 is closed) in a direction away from the nozzle insertion hole 167. The spring 170 is arranged inside the gap 178. The contact member 169 of the opening / closing mechanism 171 projects from the gap 178 into the nozzle insertion hole 167 when the nozzle is not inserted. When inserting the nozzle, the contact member 169 moves substantially linearly toward the side of the nozzle insertion hole so as to be separated from the nozzle insertion hole 167. At this time, at least a part of the contact member 169 can be housed in the gap portion 178. One end of the spring 170 is fixed to the abutting member 169, and the other end is fixed to the closed end of the gap 178.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the ink replenishment container 200 has a replenishment container main body 221 for storing a liquid, and a liquid spout for pouring out the liquid (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “pouring port”). Has a nozzle 222 in which 230 is formed. The nozzle 222 has a connecting portion 223 with the replenishment container main body 221 and a nozzle portion 224 protruding from the connecting portion. The connecting portion 223 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the nozzle portion 224 has a substantially truncated cone shape thinner than the connecting portion 223.

At the time of ink replenishment, the nozzle 222 is inserted into the nozzle insertion hole 167 of the ink tank 160 with the ink replenishment container 200 turned upside down. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the ink tank 160 has a first fitting portion, and the ink replenishment container 200 has a second fitting portion, and these can be fitted to each other. The first fitting portion can be formed by recesses provided around the nozzle insertion hole 167. The second fitting portion can be formed by a convex portion protruding from the side surface of the nozzle 222 (particularly, the side surface of the connecting portion 223). For example, one convex portion (convex portion similar to the second convex portion 213 shown in FIG. 8) protruding laterally from the connecting portion 223 is provided and used as the second fitting portion, and can be fitted with this convex portion. A recess can be provided in the mouth portion 164 (the wall of the nozzle insertion hole 167) and used as the first fitting portion. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are provided so that the nozzle portion 224 is inserted at a predetermined position.

The nozzle portion 224 is provided at a position closer to the outer circumference than the center of the upper bottom surface (upper bottom surface in the upright position) of the connecting portion 223, particularly near the outer circumference on the side opposite to the opening / closing mechanism 171. Therefore, when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the spout 230 is located at a position farther from the opening / closing mechanism 171 than the central axis of the nozzle insertion hole 167. This is effective for shortening the moving distance when the lid member 168 opens and closes. The nozzle 222 is not inserted into the nozzle insertion hole 167 unless the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted. That is, when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion do not fit, the nozzle 222 does not abut on the opening / closing mechanism 171 and the tip (pouring port 230) of the nozzle portion 224 may come into contact with the lid member 168. Absent.

When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted to each other, the nozzle 222 is inserted into the nozzle insertion hole 167. When inserting the nozzle, the side portion of the nozzle 222 comes into contact with the contact member 169 of the opening / closing mechanism 171 and presses the contact member 169. As a result, the lid member 168 is opened. At this time, the spout 230 does not come into contact with the lid member 168. By providing the contact member 169 with a slope (a surface oblique to the nozzle insertion direction) and bringing at least a part of the slope into contact with the side portion of the nozzle 222, a smooth opening / closing operation is possible. The side portion of the nozzle 222 that abuts on the abutting member 169 may be a side surface of the nozzle 222 or a portion that protrudes from the side surface of the nozzle 222. In the present embodiment, as the nozzle side portion that abuts on the contact member 169, the side surface 240 of the connecting portion 223 of the nozzle 222, particularly the corner portion where the side surface 240 intersects the upper bottom surface (normally placed state) of the connecting portion 223 is used. There is.

It is not necessary that the entire injection port 166 is opened when the nozzle is inserted, and it is sufficient that the nozzle portion 224 is open so that the ink flowing out from the spout 230 can pass through. When the nozzle is inserted, the nozzle portion 224 passes through the opened injection port 166, and the injection port 230 is located on the inner side of the ink tank 160 with respect to the injection port 166, so that the ink adheres to the lid member 168. You can make it less likely. The dimensions and arrangement of the contact member 169 and the nozzle portion 224 can be determined so that the tip (pouring port 230) of the nozzle portion 224 does not come into contact with the lid member 168 when the nozzle is inserted.

When the nozzle of the ink replenishment container 200 is pulled out from the nozzle insertion port 167 of the ink tank 160, the opening / closing mechanism 171 returns to the closed position due to the urging of the spring 170, the lid member 168 closes, and the ink tank 160 is sealed. It will be stopped.

When the nozzle is inserted, the insertion of the nozzle 222 into the nozzle insertion hole 167 can be stopped by the shoulder portion of the replenishment container main body 221 connected to the connecting portion 223, particularly the replenishment container main body 221 being abutted against the mouth portion 164.

Although not shown in the figure, the contact member 169 (particularly, the neck portion connecting the head having a trapezoidal cross section to the lid member 168) passes through the lower bottom surface of the mouth portion 164 (lower bottom surface in the upright position). A slit or a cut for the passage can be provided in the portion to be used. By forming the portion where the slit or the cut is provided with rubber or the like, the airtightness of the slit or the cut can be enhanced.

The ink insertion hole 167 may also serve as the first fitting portion, and the nozzle 222, particularly the connecting portion 223, may also serve as the second fitting portion. In this case, the shapes of the nozzle 222 and the ink insertion hole 167 are adjusted so that the nozzle 222 can be inserted into the ink insertion hole 167 only in a specific direction, that is, the nozzle portion 224 is inserted at the opening position of the injection port 166. You can decide. In this case, the above-mentioned unevenness (the convex portion protruding from the connecting portion 223 and the concave portion provided in the mouth portion) can be omitted.

As described above, in the opening / closing operation of the lid member 168, the side surface 240 of the nozzle is brought into contact with the lid member 168 by the opening / closing mechanism 171, and the nearest portion of the ink injection port 230, that is, the tip of the nozzle portion 224 is not brought into contact. As a result, the possibility that the ink adhering to the tip of the nozzle portion 224 adheres to the opening / closing mechanism 171 and the lid member 168 is reduced, and problems such as opening / closing operation are less likely to occur.

If a member such as rubber is arranged around the lid member 168 or the injection port 166, the airtightness of the ink injection port 166 can be improved, and the cap for sealing the injection port 166 can be omitted. Is.

The other embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings, but in each diagram, the same or corresponding parts as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description common to the first embodiment is omitted.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, it is possible to more reliably prevent the ink of a color that does not match the ink tank 160 from being replenished and causing color mixing of the ink. For this purpose, an ink tank and an ink replenishment container having different fitting shapes (shapes of the first and second fitting portions) for each type (color) of ink are used. Only the second fitting portion of the ink replenishment container that stores the same type of ink as the ink contained in the ink tank is fitted with the first fitting portion of the ink tank. The first fitting portion has a shape determined according to the type of liquid contained in the ink tank, and the second fitting portion is defined according to the type of liquid stored in the ink replenishment container. Has a shape.

First, an example of a fitting shape different for each liquid type will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. (A) and (b) are plan views showing a first fitting portion and a second fitting portion that are different for each color, respectively. However, in the figure, the opening / closing mechanism, the nozzle portion (outlet), etc. are not shown. The mouth portion 164 of the ink tank 160 (particularly, the upper bottom surface in the upright position) has a first recess (first shape portion) 162 and a second recess (second shape portion) 163 as first fitting portions. Is provided. A first convex portion (third shape portion) 212 and a second convex portion (fourth shape portion) 213 are provided on the side surface of the connecting portion 223 of the ink tank 200 as a second fitting portion. The first concave portion 162 and the first convex portion 212 are provided at positions common to each color, and the positions of the second concave portion 163 and the second convex portion 213 differ depending on the color of the ink to be accommodated. The first convex portion 212 may fit with the first concave portion 162, but does not fit with the second concave portion 163. The second convex portion 213 can be fitted with the second concave portion 163, but does not fit with the first concave portion 162. In this way, different fitting shapes can be formed for each liquid type.

In the second embodiment, different fitting shapes are applied for each liquid type as described above. 7 (a) and 7 (b) show the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion according to the present embodiment, respectively. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the ink tank 160 (cross section AA of FIG. 7B), and in FIG. 8B, the nozzle 222 is inserted into the nozzle insertion hole 167. The state is schematically shown.

The ink replenishment container 200 has convex portions (first convex portion 212 and second convex portion 213) formed on the nozzle 222, and the ink tank 160 has recesses (first concave portion 162 and second concave portion 162) near the nozzle insertion hole 167. 163) is formed. Unless these convex portions are fitted into the concave portions, the opening / closing mechanism 171 does not operate and ink is not injected into the ink tank 160.

The first and second recesses 162 and 163 extend from the outer bottom surface of the mouth portion 164 (upper bottom surface in the upright position) toward the inside of the ink tank (downward on the paper surface in FIG. 8). At the same time, the first and second recesses 162 and 163 extend outward (to the left of the paper in FIG. 8) from the side surface of the nozzle insertion hole 167 in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle insertion direction, that is, in the radial direction of the nozzle insertion hole. Exists. The second recess 163 communicates with the side surface of the nozzle insertion hole 167, but does not reach the outer circumference of the mouth portion 164. The first recess 162 reaches from the side surface of the nozzle insertion hole 167 to the outer circumference of the mouth portion 164.

A first convex portion 212 and a second convex portion 213 are provided as second fitting portions on the side surface of the nozzle of the ink supply container 200, particularly the side surface 240 of the connecting portion 223. The first and second convex portions extend from the side surface 240 of the connecting portion 223 in a direction orthogonal to the nozzle insertion direction (the central axis direction of the connecting portion 223). The second convex portion 213 can be provided by providing four notches 215 in the connecting portion 223 and fitting and fixing a plate-shaped member in one of the notches, but the convex portion is integrated with the nozzle. It may be molded.

The first recess 162 is provided at two locations on the outer bottom surface of the mouth portion 164 on the same diameter, and the second recess 163 is provided at one location on the bottom surface. The first convex portion 212 is provided at two positions corresponding to the first concave portion 162, and the second convex portion 213 is provided at one position corresponding to the second concave portion 163. This point is different from FIG.

In the present embodiment, the opening / closing mechanism 171 is provided inside the second recess 163. When the ink is replenished using the ink replenishment container 200 in which the ink to be replenished is stored in the ink tank 160, the first and second convex portions 212 and 213 are fitted into the first and second concave portions 162 and 163, respectively. To do. At that time, as shown in FIG. 8B, the tip of the second convex portion 213 of the ink replenishment container comes into contact with the opening / closing mechanism 171 installed inside the first concave portion 163 and presses the contact member 169. .. As a result, the lid member 168 is opened. At the same time, the ink spout 230 formed at the tip of the nozzle portion 224 is located inside the ink tank 160, particularly on the inner side of the lid member 168. As a result, the ink in the ink replenishment container 200 can be replenished from the ink spout 230 into the ink tank 160.

On the other hand, when the ink replenishment container 200 storing ink that is not compatible with the ink tank 160 is used, the second convex portion 213 does not fit with the second concave portion 163. Therefore, the tip of the second convex portion 213 does not come into contact with the opening / closing mechanism 171, the lid member 168 remains closed, and ink is not replenished in the ink tank 160. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent different types of ink from being mixed in the ink tank 160.

When the first and second fitting portions do not fit, the second convex portion 213 does not contact the contact member 169, and when fitted, the tip of the second convex portion 213 contacts the contact member 169. The lengths of the nozzle portion 224 and the second convex portion 213 can be appropriately determined so that the lid member 168 opens.

The first convex portion 212 can be provided on the side surface 240 of the connecting portion 223, similarly to the second convex portion 213 shown in FIG. 8 (b). However, in the nozzle insertion direction, the distance d1 from the first convex portion 212 to the ink spout 230 can be made longer than the distance d2 from the second convex portion 213 to the ink spout 230. That is, the second protruding portion 213 can be provided at a position away from the ink injection port 230 from the first protruding portion 212. As a result, the fitting of the first convex portion 212 and the first concave portion 162 is started first, and the fitting of the second convex portion 213 and the second concave portion 163 (opening operation of the lid member) is started later. Can be done. This is effective to more reliably prevent the replenishment of incompatible ink.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the side surface of the connecting portion 223 of the nozzle 222, particularly the side surface, is connected as a member (side portion of the nozzle 222) to which the contact member 169 of the opening / closing mechanism 171 contacts when the lid member 168 is opened. A corner portion that intersects the upper bottom surface of the portion 223 is used. In the second embodiment, the second convex portion 213 provided on the connecting portion 223, particularly the side end portion thereof, is used. In the present embodiment, the side surface 241 of the nozzle portion 224 is brought into contact with the contact member 169 to open the lid member.

FIG. 9A schematically shows the ink tank 160 and the ink replenishment container 200 before ink replenishment and in FIG. 9B at the time of ink replenishment. The nozzle portion 224 has an inclined surface (flat surface) inclined with respect to the nozzle insertion direction at a position facing the opening / closing mechanism 171. This inclined surface is used as a side surface 241 for abutting the contact member 169. The nozzle portion 224 can have a shape obtained by cutting a cylindrical body by a plane oblique to its central axis.

The configuration of the ink tank 160 may be basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the following configuration is adopted so that the distance between the inclined surface 241 and the opening / closing mechanism 171 does not become long. That is, the mouth portion 164 is provided with a protruding portion 179 that protrudes in the direction toward the inclined surface 241 (to the right of the paper surface in FIG. 9) when the nozzle is inserted. Then, as compared with the first embodiment, the gap portion 178 and the contact member 169 are extended longer in this direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the upper bottom surface (upper bottom surface in the upright position) of the nozzle connecting portion 223 abuts on the protruding portion 179, so that the insertion of the nozzle 222 into the nozzle insertion hole 167 is stopped. Except for the above points, the present embodiment may be the same as the first embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the first to third embodiments, even when the lid member 168 is maintained in the closed state, when the user presses the ink replenishment container 200, the ink flowing out from the ink replenishment container is discharged from the ink tank. There is a risk of polluting 160. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a valve 220 as shown in FIG. 10 is built in the nozzle portion 224 as a means for avoiding the outflow of ink from the ink injection port 230. The valve 220 closes the spout 230 in order to prevent the liquid stored in the ink replenishment container 200 from flowing out, and opens the spout 230 by being pressed by the pressing member (pin 172).

The valve 220 is provided inside the nozzle portion 224 forming the ink spout 230, and the valve body 218 is provided so as to close and release the ink spout 230, and the valve body 218 is directed toward the ink spout 230. It is composed of an urging spring 219. As shown in FIG. 10A, when the valve body 218 is separated from the ink tank 160, the valve body 218 closes the spout 230 by the urging force of the spring 219. Therefore, even if the user presses the ink replenishment container 200, the ink inside the ink replenishment container 200 does not flow out.

The position of the nozzle portion 224 and the position of the pin 172 can be determined so that only the appropriate ink is replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 160. A structure (boss) fixed to the ink tank 160 can be used instead of the pin (typically a metal rod).

A case where the type of ink stored in the ink replenishment container 200 and the type of ink to be replenished in the ink tank 160 match will be described. At the time of ink replenishment, the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the nozzle portion 224 is inserted into the injection port 166 in the open state, and the ink injection port 230 is pushed into the ink tank 160. Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, the pin 172 fixed to the ink tank 160 presses the valve body 218 to separate it from the ink injection port 230. As a result, the ink in the ink replenishment container 200 is replenished into the ink tank 160 through the ink spout 230.

Next, when the type of ink to be stored in the ink tank 160 and the type of ink stored in the ink replenishment container 200 do not match, or when the nozzle 222 is not sufficiently inserted into the nozzle insertion hole 167. Will be described. At this time, the valve body 218 does not reach the contact position with the pin 172. As a result, the valve body 218 maintains the state in which the ink inlet 230 is closed, and the ink is not replenished from the ink replenishment container 200 to the ink tank 160.

In this embodiment, the valve 220 functions as a sealing material that closes the ink spout 230. Further, the pin 172 is provided inside the ink injection port 230 (inside the ink tank) and functions as a pressing member capable of pressing the sealing material. Although not shown, the ink spout 230 can be closed (when not in use) by using a film as a sealing material. In this case, the pin 172 penetrates the sealing material, that is, the film, and opens the ink injection port 230. Other configurations may be the same as in the first embodiment.

[Fifth Embodiment]
In a recording device that supplies ink to the recording head 15 by pressurizing the inside of the ink tank 160, it is necessary to pressurize the inside of the ink tank 160 when replenishing the ink. Therefore, the ink tank 160 is not provided with the air communication hole 102. .. In such a case, in order to replenish the ink more smoothly, a gap is provided between the nozzle insertion hole 167 and the nozzle 222, and the gap can promote air communication inside the ink tank 160. For example, a convex portion is provided on the side surface of the nozzle 222, a concave portion is provided on the mouth portion 164, and a gap is formed between the nozzle insertion hole 167 and the nozzle 222 when the convex portion fits into the concave portion and abuts. It is possible to adopt such a configuration.

In each of the above embodiments, a label indicating the type of ink may be attached to the bottom surface of the ink replenishment container 200. According to this, it is possible to make the user recognize in advance the type of ink to be replenished by the label attached to the bottom which is turned upward when replenishing the ink. Therefore, the time required for ink replenishment can be further reduced, and the possibility of erroneous injection of ink into the ink tank can be reduced.

As described above, according to the present invention, the lid member can be opened and closed by pressing the nozzle side portion against the lid member without contacting the tip of the nozzle provided with the spout with the lid member. .. As a result, it is possible to avoid ink splattering and opening / closing trouble of the lid member due to ink sticking.

15 Recording head (liquid discharge part)
160 Ink tank (liquid storage container)
162 1st recess 163 2nd recess 164 Mouth 166 Injection port 167 Nozzle insertion hole 168 Lid member (opening / closing member)
169 Contact member 170 Spring 171 Opening and closing mechanism 172 Pin 200 Ink replenishment container (liquid replenishment container)
212 1st convex part 213 2nd convex part 218 Valve body 219 Spring 220 Valve 221 Replenishment container body 222 Nozzle 223 Connecting part 224 Nozzle part 230 Liquid injection port 240 Side surface of connecting part 1000 Inkjet recording device

Claims (15)

A liquid discharge device including a liquid discharge unit for discharging a liquid, a liquid storage container for storing the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge unit, and a liquid replenishment container for replenishing the liquid storage container. ,
The liquid storage container is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber for storing the liquid, the nozzle insertion hole for inserting the nozzle of the liquid replenishment container, and the nozzle insertion hole, and the liquid injection communicating with the liquid storage chamber. It has an inlet, an opening / closing member for closing and opening the liquid injection port, an opening / closing mechanism connected to the opening / closing member, and a first fitting portion.
The liquid replenishment container includes a replenishment container main body for storing a liquid, a nozzle having a liquid injection port for pouring out the liquid, and a second fitting portion that can be fitted to the first fitting portion. Have and
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion do not fit, the liquid injection port is closed without the nozzle contacting the opening / closing mechanism.
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the opening / closing member moves by abutting the side portion of the nozzle with the opening / closing mechanism, and the liquid injection port opens / closes. A liquid discharge device that opens the liquid injection port without contacting a member. The opening / closing mechanism is a surface at which at least a part of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion abut on the side portion of the nozzle when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, and is inclined with respect to the insertion direction of the nozzle. The liquid discharge device according to claim 1, further comprising a contact member having a surface to be surfaced and a spring for urging the contact member in a direction toward the nozzle insertion hole. The first or two claim, wherein when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the liquid spout is located on the inner side of the liquid storage container from the liquid injection port. Liquid discharge device. The claim that the liquid injection port is located far from the opening / closing mechanism with respect to the central axis of the nozzle insertion hole when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted. The liquid discharge device according to any one of 1 to 3. Claims 1 to 1, wherein only the second fitting portion of the liquid replenishment container that stores the same type of liquid as the liquid contained in the liquid storage container fits with the first fitting portion of the liquid storage container. The liquid discharge device according to any one of 4. The first fitting portion has a shape determined according to the type of liquid contained in the liquid storage container.
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second fitting portion has a shape determined according to the type of liquid stored in the liquid supply container. The first fitting portion is formed by recesses provided around the nozzle insertion hole.
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second fitting portion is formed by a convex portion protruding from the side surface of the nozzle. The liquid discharge device according to claim 7, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is provided in the recess. The first fitting portion has a first shape portion and a second shape portion provided around the liquid injection port.
The second fitting portion includes a third shape portion provided on the side surface of the nozzle and fitted with the first shape portion, and a fourth shape portion provided on the side surface of the nozzle and fitted with the second shape portion. And have
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the distance between the fourth shape portion and the liquid spout is longer than the distance between the third shape portion and the liquid spout. The first and second shape portions are concave portions, and the third and fourth shape portions are convex portions.
The liquid discharge device according to claim 9, wherein the opening / closing mechanism is provided in the fourth shape portion. The liquid supply container has a sealing material that closes the liquid spout.
The liquid discharge device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the liquid storage container is provided with a pressing member capable of pressing the sealing material on the inner side of the liquid injection port. The liquid discharge device according to claim 11, wherein when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the pressing member presses the sealing material to open the liquid injection port. The sealing material is a valve that closes the liquid spout to prevent the liquid stored in the liquid replenishment container from flowing out and opens the liquid spout by being pressed by the pressing member. 12. The liquid discharge device according to claim 12. The liquid discharge device according to claim 11, wherein the pressing member penetrates the sealing material to open the liquid injection port when the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted. .. It is a liquid discharge device that includes a liquid discharge unit that discharges a liquid and a liquid storage container that stores the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge unit, and can supply the liquid from the liquid replenishment container to the liquid storage container. hand,
The liquid storage container is located at the bottom of the liquid storage chamber for storing the liquid, the nozzle insertion hole for inserting the nozzle of the liquid replenishment container, and the nozzle insertion hole, and the liquid injection communicating with the liquid storage chamber. It has an inlet, an opening / closing member for closing and opening the liquid injection port, an opening / closing mechanism connected to the opening / closing member, and a first fitting portion.
The liquid replenishment container includes a replenishment container main body for storing a liquid, a nozzle having a liquid injection port for pouring out the liquid, and a second fitting portion that can be fitted to the first fitting portion. Have and
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion do not fit, the liquid injection port is closed without the nozzle contacting the opening / closing mechanism.
When the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted, the opening / closing member moves by abutting the side portion of the nozzle with the opening / closing mechanism, and the liquid injection port opens / closes. A liquid discharge device that opens the liquid injection port without contacting a member.

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