JP6158536B2 - Bottle - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a bottle that is provided in an ink jet printer including a recording head that discharges ink and stores ink supplied to the recording head.

  Conventionally, an ink container of an ink cartridge is known as a bottle for storing ink supplied to a recording head of an ink jet printer (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). The ink container is formed with an ink replenishing hole for replenishing ink from a nozzle of an ink replenishing container filled with ink. The ink cartridge can be held with the ink replenishing hole facing upward, and the ink cartridge is held by the cartridge holder that can hold the ink replenishing container in a state where the nozzle of the ink replenishing container is inserted into the ink replenishing hole. By holding the ink replenishing container, the ink is replenished from the nozzle of the ink replenishing container to the ink storage portion of the ink cartridge through the ink replenishing hole.

  Since the ink storage units described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a small capacity, when a large amount of printing is performed, it is necessary to replenish the ink storage unit with ink frequently. In recent years, a large-capacity main tank that stores ink supplied to a sub-tank that stores ink supplied to a recording head is known as a bottle that stores ink supplied to the recording head of an inkjet printer (Patent Document). 3).

JP-A-9-109407 JP 9-164699 A JP 2013-1102 A

  When the bottle for storing ink has a large capacity of, for example, 2000 cc, the bottle is large and the weight of the bottle filled with ink is large, so that the cartridge holder described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is used. In addition, providing a dedicated device for holding the bottle in order to replenish the ink to the bottle means that the bottle is moved to or from this dedicated device in view of the installation space of this dedicated device. It is difficult from the viewpoint of the burden on the operator.

  Therefore, when the bottle has a large capacity, as a method for refilling the bottle with ink, a method using a container that automatically drops ink onto the bottle, such as the ink refill container described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, is used. Alternatively, a method may be considered in which an operator pours ink into a bottle while manually adjusting the injection amount from a container in which ink is stored.

  Here, as a method in which the operator manually pours the ink into the bottle while adjusting the injection amount from the container in which the ink is stored, the operator manually operates from the container 90 in which the ink 91 is stored as shown in FIG. The method in which the ink 91 is directly poured into the ink storage portion 80a of the bottle 80 while adjusting the injection amount by the operation, and the operator manually adjusts the injection amount from the container 90 in which the ink 91 is stored as shown in FIG. However, a method of pouring the ink 91 into the funnel 81 installed in the bottle 80 can be considered.

  However, in the method shown in FIG. 10, the new ink 91 from the container 90 falls directly on the ink 91 already stored in the ink storage portion 80 a, so that the ink 91 stored in the ink storage portion 80 a. Are vigorously stirred, so that a large amount of minute bubbles 91 a are generated in the ink 91 stored in the bottle 80. For example, when the ink 91 is a water-based ink containing a surfactant that adjusts the surface tension in order to improve the fixing property to the recording medium, that is, the permeability to the surface of the recording medium, this surfactant Bubbles 91a are particularly likely to be generated by the agent. When a large amount of bubbles 91a are generated in the ink 91 stored in the bottle 80, if the specified amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 is stored in the bottle 80, the bubbles 91a overflow from the bottle 80. There is a problem that 80 of the specified amount of ink 91 cannot be stored in the bottle 80.

  In addition, since the bubbles 91a are generally smaller and less likely to disappear for a long time, in the method shown in FIG. 10, there is a state in which a specified amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 cannot be stored in the bottle 80. Continue for a long time, such as 2 minutes. Therefore, there is also a problem that a work load is heavy for an operator who desires to store a predetermined amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 in the bottle 80. In particular, keeping a heavy container 90 storing a large amount of ink 91 is a heavy burden on the operator.

  Further, in the method shown in FIG. 11, new ink 91 from the container 90 is directly collected on the ink 91 temporarily accumulated in the conical main body portion 81a of the funnel 81, and thus accumulated in the main body portion 81a. Since the ink 91 is agitated vigorously, a large amount of minute bubbles 91a are generated in the ink 91 accumulated in the main body portion 81a. As a result, the ink 91 containing a large amount of minute bubbles 91a becomes the tube portion of the funnel 81. It flows into the bottle 80 via 81b. When a large amount of air bubbles 91 a are present in the ink 91 stored in the bottle 80, the air bubbles 91 a overflow from the bottle 80 when the specified amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 is stored in the bottle 80. There is a problem that 80 of the specified amount of ink 91 cannot be stored in the bottle 80.

  Moreover, in the method shown in FIG. 11, since the size of the bubble 91a is very small as in the method shown in FIG. 10, there is a state in which a specified amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 cannot be stored in the bottle 80 for a long time. continue. Therefore, there is also a problem that a work load is heavy for an operator who desires to store a predetermined amount of ink 91 in the bottle 80 in the bottle 80. In particular, keeping a heavy container 90 storing a large amount of ink 91 is a heavy burden on the operator.

  Further, in the method shown in FIG. 11, since the funnel 81 is necessary in addition to the bottle 80, the preparation of the funnel 81 when performing the operation of pouring the ink 91 into the bottle 80 and the operation of pouring the ink 91 into the bottle 80. There is also a problem that it is necessary to store the funnel 81 when it is not executed.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a bottle that can suppress the occurrence of bubbles in ink when the ink is replenished with a simple configuration.

  The bottle of the present invention is a bottle that is provided in an ink jet printer including a recording head that discharges ink and stores ink supplied to the recording head, and an ink storage unit that stores ink, and an upper portion in the direction of gravity. An injection port for injecting ink from the outside, and a falling ink collision wall portion formed at a position facing the injection port and collided with the ink injected from the injection port and falling, An ink flow-down wall portion that transmits ink that has collided with the falling ink collision wall portion and flows down to the ink storage portion, and extends from the bottom surface to the lower side in the gravity direction from the injection port. And the injection port is formed at a position shifted from the center of the bottle in the horizontal direction, and the falling ink collision wall is Characterized in that it is formed in a portion closer to the inlet of the side wall.

  With this configuration, when the ink is replenished, the bottle of the present invention causes the new ink, which is injected from the injection port, to collide with the falling ink collision wall and then travels along the ink falling wall. Since it flows down to the storage part, it can suppress that the new ink poured into the bottle falls directly on the ink stored in the ink storage part, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink. Further, since the bottle of the present invention has a falling ink collision wall part and an ink spilling wall part, when the ink is replenished, a dedicated device such as a funnel is required in addition to the bottle. Absent. Therefore, the bottle of the present invention can suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink when the ink is replenished with a simple configuration. The bottle of the present invention is a new bottle that is injected into the bottle even if new ink injected from the injection port flows down to the ink reservoir through the wall for ink flow and flows down to the ink reservoir. Compared with the configuration in which the ink is directly dropped onto the ink stored in the ink storage unit, the new ink injected from the injection port is generated because the momentum for stirring the ink stored in the ink storage unit is weak The bubble size is large and the bubble is likely to disappear in a short time. Therefore, the bottle of the present invention can reduce the work of replenishing ink as compared with a configuration in which new ink injected from the injection port falls directly onto the ink stored in the ink storage unit.

  In the bottle of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall portion may be disposed close to the injection port.

  With this configuration, the bottle of the present invention has a small impact received when new ink injected from the injection port is collided with the falling ink collision wall, so that the new ink injected from the injection port It is possible to suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the ink by being caused to collide with the falling ink collision wall.

  In the bottle of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall portion may be disposed close to the injection port by being disposed above the half of the depth of the bottle in the direction of gravity. .

  With this configuration, the bottle of the present invention has a new ink injected from the injection port as compared with the configuration in which the falling ink collision wall is disposed below the half depth of the bottle in the direction of gravity. When the ink is caused to collide with the falling ink collision wall, the impact received by the ink is small, so that new ink injected from the injection port is caused to collide with the falling ink collision wall to generate bubbles in the ink. That can be suppressed.

  Further, in the bottle of the present invention, the ink flow wall portion may be disposed at a position in the gravity direction below the wall portion for the falling ink collision and may face upward in the gravity direction.

  Due to this configuration, the bottle of the present invention has a tendency that new ink injected from the injection port flows down to the ink storage portion through the ink falling wall portion as compared with the configuration in which the ink flowing wall portion is vertical. Since it is weak, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink.

  In the bottle of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall portion and the ink falling wall portion are formed on a continuous slope, and the falling ink collision wall portion has a position in the gravitational direction as described above. You may arrange | position above the wall part for ink flow.

  With this configuration, the bottle of the present invention is formed on the inclined surface where the falling ink collision wall portion and the ink falling wall portion are continuous, so that new ink injected from the injection port is released from the falling ink collision wall portion. The ink flows smoothly through the wall for ink flow to the ink reservoir. Therefore, the bottle of the present invention can suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink.

  Further, the bottle of the present invention includes a bottle main body in which the ink storage portion is formed, and a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward from the bottle main body at a predetermined angle. You may form in the said cylinder part.

  With this configuration, the bottle of the present invention has a capacity of the ink storage portion while suppressing the enlargement of the entire bottle as compared with the configuration in which the falling ink collision wall portion and the ink falling wall portion are provided in the bottle body. It can be secured greatly.

  The ink storage device of the present invention is an ink storage device that is provided in an ink jet printer including a recording head that discharges ink and stores ink supplied to the recording head, and includes a bottle that stores ink. The bottle includes an ink storage unit that stores ink, a falling ink collision wall unit that collides with ink that is poured while the injection amount is adjusted by an operator's manual operation and falls in the air, and the drop An ink flow-down wall section for transferring ink colliding with the ink collision wall section to flow down to the ink storage section, and the falling ink collision wall section is directed downward toward the ink flow-down wall section. It may be formed by an inclined surface.

  With this configuration, when the ink is replenished by manually pouring the ink into the bottle by the operator's manual operation, the new ink poured into the bottle collides with the falling ink collision wall. Then, the ink flows down to the ink storage part through the ink flowing wall part, so that it is possible to prevent the new ink poured into the bottle from dropping directly onto the ink stored in the ink storage part. The occurrence of bubbles in the ink in the bottle can be suppressed. In addition, since the bottle itself includes the falling ink collision wall portion and the ink falling wall portion in the ink storage device of the present invention, when the ink is replenished to the bottle, a dedicated funnel or the like is used in addition to the bottle. No equipment is needed. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the ink in the bottle when the ink is replenished with a simple configuration. The ink storage device of the present invention is poured into the bottle even if bubbles are generated in the ink in the bottle due to the new ink that is poured into the bottle flowing down to the ink storage section through the ink flow wall. As compared with the configuration in which new ink falls directly on the ink stored in the ink storage part, the new ink poured into the bottle is generated because the momentum for stirring the ink stored in the ink storage part is weak The bubble size is large and the bubble is likely to disappear in a short time. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can reduce the work of replenishing ink as compared with a configuration in which new ink poured into the bottle falls directly on the ink stored in the ink storage unit.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall portion may be provided on a side of the ink storage portion.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention can ensure a large capacity of the ink storage portion as compared with the configuration in which the ink storage portion is provided with the falling ink collision wall portion.

  Further, in the ink storage device of the present invention, the ink flow wall part may be provided on a side of the ink storage part.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention can ensure a large capacity of the ink storage portion as compared with the configuration in which the ink storage portion is provided with the ink falling wall portion.

  Further, the ink storage device of the present invention includes a support member that supports the bottle in a state where the ink stored in the bottle can be supplied to the recording head, and the falling ink collision wall portion includes: You may arrange | position in the position which can be exposed in the state in which the said bottle is supported by the said supporting member.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention can expose the falling ink collision wall in a state where the ink stored in the bottle can be supplied to the recording head. Ink can be poured into the bottle that can be supplied to the bottle, and as a result, the workability of ink replenishment can be improved.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the shape of the falling ink collision wall and the ink flow wall may be such that the ink that has collided with the falling ink collision wall is temporarily applied to the falling ink collision wall. The shape which prevents that it accumulates in may be sufficient.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device according to the present invention does not temporarily store the ink colliding with the falling ink collision wall portion in the falling ink collision wall portion. It is possible to prevent the ink from directly falling on the ink accumulated in the portion, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink in the bottle.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the bottle includes a cylindrical portion, and the ink flowing wall portion is formed by at least a part of the inner wall of the cylindrical portion. In the inner space, the area of the surface perpendicular to the ink flow direction is the most in the position where the falling ink collision wall portion side is within the range where the ink falling wall portion is formed. It may be small.

  The cylindrical portion of the bottle in which at least a part of the inner wall is an ink flow-down wall portion has an area of a surface perpendicular to the ink flow direction in the inner space forming the ink flow-down wall portion. In the range, when there is a position smaller than the position closest to the falling ink collision wall, the ink colliding with the falling ink collision wall is temporarily accumulated at this position in the ink falling wall, and as a result, It temporarily accumulates on the falling ink collision wall. However, in the ink storage device of the present invention, the falling ink is the most in the area where the area perpendicular to the ink flow direction in the space inside the cylindrical portion forms the ink flowing wall. Since it is the smallest at the position on the collision wall side, it is possible to prevent the ink colliding with the falling ink collision wall from being temporarily accumulated at a position in the middle of the ink falling wall, and as a result, the falling ink It is possible to prevent temporary accumulation on the collision wall.

  Further, in the ink storage device of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall portion is formed by at least a part of the inner wall of the cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion is a portion of ink in the inner space. The area of the surface orthogonal to the flow direction may be the smallest at the position of the falling ink collision wall in the range where the falling ink collision wall and the ink flow wall are formed.

  The cylindrical portion of the bottle, in which at least part of the inner wall is the falling ink collision wall and the ink falling wall, the area of the inner space that is perpendicular to the direction of ink flow has a falling ink collision. In the range where the wall for ink and the wall for ink drop are formed, if there is a position on the wall for ink drop that is smaller than the position for the wall for falling ink collision, In this case, the ink is temporarily accumulated at this position on the ink falling wall, and as a result, is temporarily accumulated on the falling ink collision wall. However, in the ink storage device of the present invention, the area of the surface perpendicular to the ink flow direction in the space inside the cylindrical portion forms the falling ink collision wall portion and the ink flowing wall portion. In this range, the ink that has collided with the falling ink collision wall portion can be prevented from temporarily collecting at the position of the ink falling wall portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ink from temporarily collecting on the falling ink collision wall.

  In addition, the ink storage device of the present invention provides an ink amount notification that is notified when a specific amount or more of ink is stored in the ink storage unit in order to prevent the ink poured into the bottle from overflowing from the bottle. Means may be provided.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention has the ink accumulated up to the falling ink collision wall, and the new ink poured into the bottle falls directly onto the ink accumulated in the falling ink collision wall. Even if air bubbles are generated in the ink in the bottle, if the worker who refills the bottle receives the notification from the ink amount notification means and finishes refilling the ink in the bottle, the ink in the bottle It is possible to prevent bubbles from being generated. In addition, the ink storage device of the present invention has the ink accumulated up to the falling ink collision wall, and the new ink poured into the bottle falls directly on the ink accumulated in the falling ink collision wall, so that Even if air bubbles are generated in the ink, if the worker who refills the bottle with ink receives notification from the ink amount notifying means and weakens the momentum of refilling the ink in the bottle, a new one is poured into the bottle. It is possible to prevent the ink from dropping to the ink collected on the falling ink collision wall portion, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink in the bottle.

  In the ink storage device of the present invention, the falling ink collision wall may be arranged at a position higher than the ink level when the specific amount of ink is stored in the ink storage. .

  With this configuration, the ink storage device according to the present invention allows the falling ink collision wall to be provided when an operator who refills the bottle with ink receives notification from the ink amount notifying means and finishes refilling the bottle with ink. Since it is possible to prevent ink from collecting, it is possible to prevent new ink poured into the bottle from directly falling onto the ink collected on the falling ink collision wall, and as a result, the ink in the bottle Generation of bubbles can be suppressed. In addition, the ink storage device of the present invention can be applied to the falling ink collision wall section when an operator who refills the bottle with ink receives a notification from the ink amount notifying means and weakens the replenishment of ink to the bottle. Even if the ink is accumulated, it is possible to prevent new ink poured into the bottle from dropping down into the ink accumulated on the falling ink collision wall portion, and as a result, bubbles are generated in the ink in the bottle. That can be suppressed.

  In addition, the ink storage device of the present invention includes a stirring unit that stirs the ink stored in the ink storage unit in order to suppress precipitation of ink components, and the stirring unit feeds ink from the bottle. It may be driven when the liquid pump is operating.

  With this configuration, the ink storage device of the present invention has a shorter drive time of the agitation unit than the configuration in which the agitation unit is always driven, and thus bubbles are generated in the ink in the bottle by the agitation by the agitation unit. Can be suppressed. Therefore, the ink storage device of the present invention can not only suppress the precipitation of the ink components stored in the ink storage part but also suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink in the bottle.

  The bottle of the present invention can suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink when the ink is replenished with a simple configuration.

1 is a perspective view of an ink jet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink storage device shown in FIG. 1. It is side surface sectional drawing of the ink storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1, Comprising: It is a figure of the vicinity of a bottle. FIG. 2 is a front view of the ink storage device shown in FIG. 1 and is a view in the vicinity of a bottle. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the ink storage device shown in FIG. 1. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the control part shown in FIG. 5 in the case of controlling the drive of a motor. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method in which an operator pours ink from a container in which ink is stored toward a falling ink collision wall portion of the bottle illustrated in FIG. 3 while manually adjusting an injection amount. (A) It is a modification of the bottle shown in FIG. 3, Comprising: It is a top view of the structure by which the ink storage wall part is provided in the ink storage part. (B) It is side surface sectional drawing of the bottle shown to Fig.8 (a). (A) It is a modification of the bottle shown in FIG. 3, Comprising: It is a top view of the structure by which the wall part for falling ink collision is provided in the ink storage part. (B) It is side surface sectional drawing of the bottle shown to Fig.9 (a). It is a figure which shows the method in which an operator pours ink directly into the ink storage part of a bottle, adjusting an injection amount by manual work from the container in which the ink was stored. It is a figure which shows the method in which an operator pours ink from the container in which the ink was stored to the funnel installed in the bottle, adjusting the injection amount by manual work.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the ink jet printer according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inkjet printer 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the inkjet printer 10 includes a printer main body 20 and an ink storage device 30 that stores ink supplied to the printer main body 20.

  The printer main body 20 is mounted on the carriage 22, a guide rail 21 extending in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 20 a, a carriage 22 supported by the guide rail 21 movably in the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 20 a, and the carriage 22. A plurality of recording heads 23 that discharge ink, a plurality of sub tanks 24 that are mounted on the carriage 22 and store ink supplied to the recording head 23, and an arrow 20b that is orthogonal to the main scanning direction indicated by an arrow 20a. And a transport device 25 that transports a recording medium 70 such as a sheet in the sub-scanning direction.

  The ink storage device 30 is a storage device main body 31, a plurality of bottles 32 that are mounted on the storage device main body 31 and store the ink supplied to the sub tank 24, and for supplying ink from the bottle 32 to the inkjet printer 10. A storage device main body 31 and a pipe 33 for connecting the inkjet printer 10 are provided through a plurality of hoses (not shown).

  The inkjet printer 10 includes a recording head 23, a sub tank 24, and a bottle 32 for at least each type of ink. The ink type varies depending on the color type, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, light magenta, and white.

  The inkjet printer 10 moves the recording head 23 in the main scanning direction by the carriage 22 with respect to the recording medium 70 that does not move in the main scanning direction indicated by the arrow 20 a, and directs ink from the nozzles of the recording head 23 toward the recording medium 70. It is an apparatus that executes printing in the main scanning direction by the recording head 23 by discharging. Further, the inkjet printer 10 transports the recording medium 70 in the sub-scanning direction by the transport device 25 to the recording head 23 that does not move in the sub-scanning direction indicated by the arrow 20b, so that the sub-scan of the recording head 23 with respect to the recording medium 70 is performed. This is a device that changes the position in the direction every time printing in the main scanning direction ends.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the ink storage device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the storage apparatus main body 31 can carry eight bottles 32. In FIG. 2, four bottles 32 are drawn on the near side and one on the far side, but actually, four bottles 32 are also present on the far side symmetrically with the near side. In other words, the ink storage device 30 includes two rows in which the four bottles 32 are arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow 30a in the direction indicated by the arrow 30b perpendicular to the direction indicated by the arrow 30a. The storage device main body 31 supports the bottle 32 in a state where ink stored in the bottle 32 can be supplied to the recording head 23, and constitutes a support member of the present invention.

  The storage device main body 31 has a window 31 a formed in the upper part of the portion where the bottle 32 is mounted.

  FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the ink storage device 30 and is a view in the vicinity of the bottle 32.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the storage device main body 31 supports a bottle 32 that is rotatably supported by a shaft 31 b that extends in a direction indicated by an arrow 30 a (see FIG. 2) and a shaft 31 b. A bottle support portion 31c. That is, the bottle 32 can rotate around the shaft 31b.

  The bottle 32 includes a substantially cylindrical ink storage portion 32a for storing ink, and a falling ink collision wall portion 32b for colliding with ink that is poured while the injection amount is adjusted by an operator's manual operation and falls in the air. The ink colliding wall 32b is caused to flow to the ink reservoir 32a by flowing the ink colliding with the falling ink colliding wall 32b, and is formed above the gravity direction and falls to the falling ink colliding wall 32b. And an ink pouring port 32d through which ink is poured.

  The bottle 32 includes a removable lid 32e that covers the ink inlet 32d.

  Further, the bottle 32 includes a bottom surface 32f and a side wall 32g that extends downward from the ink inlet 32d in the direction of gravity and reaches the bottom surface 32f.

  The bottle 32 includes a bottle main body 32h in which an ink storage portion 32a is formed, and a cylindrical portion 32i that protrudes outward from the bottle main body 32h at a predetermined angle.

  The ink reservoir 32a has a large capacity of, for example, 2000 cc.

  The falling ink collision wall portion 32b is a cylindrical portion extending obliquely upward from the lower portion on the side of the ink storage portion 32a, that is, the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 32i. Further, the ink drop wall portion 32c is a lower portion of the cylindrical portion 32i than the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. That is, the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are formed by continuous slopes 32j inclined downward toward the ink falling wall portion 32c and the ink storage portion 32a, respectively. The falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are provided on the side of the ink storage portion 32a.

  Of the bottle 32, the cylindrical portion 32i in which a part of the inner wall is the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c has a surface area perpendicular to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the inner space. In the range in which the ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are formed, the position of the falling ink collision wall portion 32b is the smallest. That is, the shape of the ink drop wall portion 32c is a shape that prevents the ink colliding with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b from temporarily collecting on the falling ink collision wall portion 32b.

  The ink inlet 32d is formed immediately above the falling ink collision wall 32b. That is, the falling ink collision wall 32b is formed at a position facing the ink inlet 32d. The ink injection port 32d constitutes the injection port of the present invention for injecting ink from the outside.

  The ink injection port 32d is formed at a position shifted from the center of the bottle 32 in the horizontal direction. The falling ink collision wall portion 32b is formed in a portion of the side wall 32g close to the ink injection port 32d.

  The falling ink collision wall 32b is disposed close to the ink injection port 32d. For example, the falling ink collision wall portion 32b may be disposed close to the ink injection port 32d by being disposed above the half of the depth of the bottle 32 in the gravity direction.

  The ink flow wall portion 32c is disposed below the falling ink collision wall portion 32b in the gravity direction, and faces upward in the gravity direction.

  The lid 32 e is disposed at a position where the bottle 32 is exposed in a state where the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31. Accordingly, the ink inlet 32d and the falling ink collision wall 32b are arranged at positions where the bottle 32 is exposed when the lid 32e is removed while the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31. That is, the ink inlet 32 d and the falling ink collision wall 32 b are arranged at positions where the bottle 32 can be exposed in a state where the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31.

  The ink storage device 30 includes a bottle inclination detection device 34 for detecting the inclination of the bottle 32 with respect to the storage device body 31, an ink supply pipe 35 for supplying the ink stored in the ink storage portion 32a to the outside, As an agitation means of the present invention for agitating the ink stored in the ink reservoir 32a in order to suppress precipitation of ink components, and the ink introduction tube 36 for introducing the ink supplied from the outside into the ink reservoir 32a. The ink of the present invention that notifies when the ink storage unit 32a stores more than a specific amount, such as 1800 cc, in order to prevent the ink poured into the bottle 32 from overflowing from the bottle 32. An ink amount notification device 38 as an amount notification means is provided.

  The bottle inclination detecting device 34 extends in a direction indicated by an arrow 30a (see FIG. 2) and is rotatably supported by the storage device main body 31, and is fixed to the shaft 34a and is attached to the bottle 32. A diagram of a bottle contact member 34b that contacts, a spring 34c having one end fixed to the storage device body 31 and the other end fixed to the bottle contact member 34b, and a bottle contact member 34b for detecting the presence or absence of the bottle 32 A bottle presence / absence sensor 34d that is a photoelectric sensor for detecting the presence / absence of a detected portion that is not shown, and a bottle contact for detecting that a predetermined amount of ink, for example, 700 cc, is stored in the ink storage portion 32a. An ink remaining amount sensor 34e, which is a photoelectric sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a detected portion (not shown) of the member 34b, is provided. The bottle contact member 34b is used when the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31 in a rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction urged by the spring 34c among the rotation directions about the shaft 34a. It can be rotated by contact with. The bottle presence / absence sensor 34d detects a detected portion (not shown) of the bottle contact member 34b when the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31. The remaining ink sensor 34e detects the bottle contact member 34b (not shown) when the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31 and the ink storage section 32a stores more than a predetermined amount of ink. Parts are detected.

  The ink supply pipe 35 is inserted into the ink storage part 32a.

  The ink introduction tube 36 is inserted into the ink storage portion 32a. The ink introduction pipe 36 is for suppressing the precipitation of ink components by the circulation of ink in which the ink supplied to the outside from the ink storage section 32a by the ink supply pipe 35 is returned to the ink storage section 32a again. The ink introduction pipe 36 may not be provided for the bottles 32 other than the bottle 32 that stores ink such as white ink that easily precipitates components.

  The agitator 37 includes a propeller 37a for agitating the ink stored in the ink reservoir 32a and a motor 37b for rotating the propeller 37a. The propeller 37a is inserted in the ink reservoir 32a. It should be noted that the stirring device 37 may not be provided for the bottles 32 other than the bottle 32 that stores the ink in which the components easily precipitate.

  FIG. 4 is a front view of the ink storage device 30 and is a view in the vicinity of the bottle 32.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the ink amount notification device 38 extends in the direction indicated by the arrow 30b and is rotatably supported by the storage device main body 31, and is fixed to the shaft 38a. A float 38b, and a display board 38c fixed to the shaft 38a and used for executing display on the outside through the window 31a.

  The float 38b is inserted in the ink storage part 32a. The float 38b is a case where ink is not stored in the ink storage portion 32a so that the float 38b always rotates in one direction around the shaft 38a when it starts to float by the ink stored in the ink storage portion 32a. Also, it is slightly tilted in the direction about the shaft 38a with respect to a position just below the shaft 38a by a stopper or the like not shown.

  In the display board 38c, for example, when ink is not stored in the ink storage portion 32a, a portion displayed outside through the window 31a is drawn in yellow, and the ink storage portion 32a has a specific ink such as 1800cc. The part displayed outside through the window 31a when more than the amount is stored is drawn in red. Therefore, when the color displayed outside through the window 31a is red, the worker can recognize that a certain amount or more of ink has been stored in the ink storage portion 32a.

  The falling ink collision wall 32b of the bottle 32 is disposed at a position higher than the ink level when a specific amount of ink notified by the ink amount notification device 38 is stored in the ink storage 32a. May be.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the ink storage device 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the ink storage device 30 includes the above-described bottle presence sensor 34 d provided for each installation position of the bottle 32 (see FIG. 1) and the above-described ink provided for each installation position of the bottle 32. The remaining amount sensor 34e, the above-described motor 37b provided for each installation position of the bottle 32 for storing the ink required for the stirring device 37 (see FIG. 3), and the bottle 32 provided for each bottle 32. A liquid feed pump 39 for sending ink to the recording head 23 (see FIG. 1) side, and a communication unit 40 as a communication device for communicating with the printer main body 20 (see FIG. 1) via a cable (not shown). EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) that stores various data A storage unit 41 that is a storage device and a control unit 42 that controls the entire ink storage device 30 are provided.

  The control unit 42 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and various data in advance, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is used as a work area of the CPU. ing. The CPU is configured to execute a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 41.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 42 will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation of the control unit 42 when controlling the driving of the motor 37b.

  The control unit 42 starts the operation shown in FIG. 6 every time the operation state of the liquid feed pump 39 is changed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 42 determines whether or not the liquid feed pump 39 is operating (S101).

  When determining in S101 that the liquid feed pump 39 is operating, the control unit 42 starts driving the motor 37b (S102) and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when determining in S101 that the liquid feed pump 39 is not operating, the control unit 42 ends the driving of the motor 37b (S103) and ends the operation shown in FIG.

  Next, a method for replenishing the bottle 32 with ink will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method of pouring the ink 91 from the container 90 in which the ink 91 is stored toward the falling ink collision wall portion 32b of the bottle 32 while adjusting the injection amount by hand.

  When the operator refills the bottle 32 with ink from the container 90, after removing the lid 32 e (see FIG. 3) of the bottle 32, the ink is poured into the bottle 32 while adjusting the injection amount manually from the container 90. Ink 91 is poured through the port 32d toward the falling ink collision wall 32b.

  When an operator receives a notification from the ink amount notification device 38 and recognizes that the ink has been stored in the ink storage portion 32a by a specific amount or more, the worker may weaken the replenishment of the ink 91 from the container 90 to the bottle 32. it can. Then, the operator determines whether or not to finish the replenishment of the ink 91 from the container 90 to the bottle 32 while confirming the change in the liquid level of the ink 91 in the bottle 32 through the ink injection port 32d. be able to.

  The operator receives a notification from the ink amount notification device 38 that the ink storage unit 32a has stored a specific amount or more of ink, for example, from the start of the replenishment of the ink 91 from the container 90 to the bottle 32. The ink 91 may be replenished from the container 90 to the bottle 32 while confirming the change in the liquid level of the ink 91 in the bottle 32 through the ink injection port 32d.

  Further, when the worker receives the notification by the ink amount notification device 38 and recognizes that the ink is stored in the ink storage portion 32a by a specific amount or more, the replenishment of the ink 91 from the container 90 to the bottle 32 is finished. You can also

  After completing the replenishment of the ink 91 from the container 90 to the bottle 32, the operator attaches the lid 32e of the bottle 32 again, and completes a series of operations.

  As described above, when the ink 91 is replenished, the bottle 32 has an ink drop after the new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d is collided with the falling ink collision wall 32b. Since it flows down to the ink storage part 32a through the wall part 32c, it can suppress that the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 falls directly on the ink 91 stored in the ink storage part 32a. Generation of bubbles in the ink 91 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the bottle 32 includes the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c, the bottle 32 itself has a funnel 81 (see FIG. 11) in addition to the bottle 32 when the ink 91 is replenished. )) Is not necessary. Therefore, the bottle 32 can suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the ink 91 when the ink 91 is replenished with a simple configuration.

  Note that the bottle 32 has a bottle 32 even if bubbles are generated in the ink 91 due to the new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d flowing down to the ink storage portion 32a through the ink flowing wall 32c. Compared to the configuration in which new ink 91 injected into the ink 91 directly drops onto the ink 91 stored in the ink storage portion 32a, new ink 91 injected from the ink inlet 32d is stored in the ink storage portion 32a. Since the moment of stirring the ink 91 is weak, the size of the generated bubbles is large and the bubbles are likely to disappear in a short time. Therefore, the bottle 32 reduces the burden of replenishing the ink 91 as compared with the configuration in which the new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d is dropped directly onto the ink 91 stored in the ink storage portion 32a. can do.

  The falling ink collision wall 32b is disposed close to the ink injection port 32d. With this configuration, the bottle 32 is less affected by the ink 91 when new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d is caused to collide with the falling ink collision wall 32b. It is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 by causing the new ink 91 injected from the ink to collide with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b.

  Note that the falling ink collision wall 32b may be disposed close to the ink inlet 32d by being disposed above the half of the depth of the bottle 32 in the gravity direction. With this configuration, the bottle 32 is injected from the ink injection port 32d as compared with the configuration in which the falling ink collision wall portion 32b is disposed below the half of the depth of the bottle 32 in the direction of gravity. When the new ink 91 is caused to collide with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, the impact received by the ink 91 is small. Therefore, the new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d is applied to the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. It is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 due to the collision.

  The ink flow wall portion 32c is disposed below the falling ink collision wall portion 32b in the gravity direction, and faces upward in the gravity direction. With this configuration, in the bottle 32, as compared with a configuration in which the ink flowing wall portion 32c is vertical, new ink 91 injected from the ink pouring port 32d is transmitted through the ink flowing wall portion 32c and the ink storing portion. Since the momentum flowing down to 32a is weak, the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 can be suppressed.

  The ink falling wall portion 32c may be vertical as long as it can transfer the ink 91 colliding with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and flow down to the ink storage portion 32a. May be suitable.

  Since the bottle 32 is formed on the inclined surface 32j where the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are continuous, the new ink 91 injected from the ink injection port 32d receives the falling ink collision wall portion. The ink flows smoothly from the ink flowing wall 32c to the ink reservoir 32a. Therefore, the bottle 32 can suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91.

  The bottle 32 includes a bottle main body 32h in which an ink storage portion 32a is formed, and a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward from the bottle main body 32h at a predetermined angle. It may be formed.

  With this configuration, the bottle 32 includes a cylindrical portion 32j in which the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink flowing wall portion 32c are not the bottle main body 32h but protrude outward from the bottle main body 32h at a predetermined angle. Since it is provided on the inclined surface j, the ink storage portion is suppressed while suppressing the enlargement of the entire bottle 32 as compared with the configuration in which the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are provided in the bottle body 32h. A large capacity of 32a can be secured.

  In addition, when the ink 91 is replenished when the ink 91 is poured into the bottle 32 by the operator's manual work, the ink storage device 30 causes the new ink 91 to be poured into the bottle 32 to fall into the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Then, the ink 91 flows down to the ink reservoir 32a through the ink flow wall 32c, so that the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 falls directly to the ink 91 stored in the ink reservoir 32a. As a result, generation of bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 can be suppressed.

  Further, since the ink storage device 30 includes the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink flowing wall portion 32c in the bottle 32 itself, when the ink 91 is replenished to the bottle 32, the funnel in addition to the bottle 32 is provided. A dedicated instrument such as 81 (see FIG. 11) is not required. Therefore, the ink storage device 30 can suppress the occurrence of bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 when the ink 91 is replenished with a simple configuration.

  Note that the ink storage device 30 is configured so that, even if new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 flows along the ink flow-down wall portion 32c and flows down to the ink storage portion 32a, bubbles are generated in the ink 91 in the bottle 32. Compared with the configuration in which new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 falls directly onto the ink 91 stored in the ink storage section 32a, the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 is stored in the ink storage section 32a. Since the moment of stirring the ink 91 is weak, the size of the generated bubbles is large and the bubbles are likely to disappear in a short time. Therefore, the ink storage device 30 reduces the burden of replenishing the ink 91 as compared with a configuration in which the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 falls directly on the ink 91 stored in the ink storage portion 32a. Can do.

  Since the ink storage device 30 is provided with the ink falling wall portion 32c on the side of the ink storage portion 32a, the ink storage device 30 has an ink compared with the configuration in which the ink storage wall portion 32c is provided in the ink storage portion 32a. A large capacity of the reservoir 32a can be secured.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the ink storage device 30 may have a configuration in which an ink storage wall 32c is provided in the ink storage portion 32a.

  Further, since the ink storage device 30 is provided with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b on the side of the ink storage portion 32a, it is compared with the configuration in which the ink storage portion 32a is provided with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Thus, it is possible to ensure a large capacity of the ink storing portion 32a.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the ink storage device 30 may have a configuration in which a falling ink collision wall portion 32 b is provided in the ink storage portion 32 a.

  In the ink storage device 30, the falling ink collision wall 32 b is in a state where the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device body 31, that is, in a state where the ink 91 stored in the bottle 32 can be supplied to the recording head 23. Since the ink 91 can be exposed, the ink 91 can be poured into the bottle 32 in a state where the stored ink 91 can be supplied to the recording head 23. As a result, the workability of replenishing the ink 91 can be improved. it can.

  The ink storage device 30 may not be able to expose the falling ink collision wall portion 32b in a state where the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device body 31. If the ink storage device 30 is not supported by the falling ink collision wall 32b while the bottle 32 is supported by the storage device main body 31, the ink 91 can be poured into the bottle 32 removed from the storage device main body 31. good.

  The ink storage device 30 indicates that the ink 91 whose shape of the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c collides with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b temporarily accumulates in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Since the ink 91 that has a shape to prevent and collides with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b does not temporarily accumulate in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 has a falling ink collision wall portion. It is possible to suppress the ink 91 that has accumulated in the ink 32b from dropping directly, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32.

  The cylindrical portion 32i, in which a part of the inner wall of the bottle 32 is the ink flowing wall portion 32c, has an area of a surface orthogonal to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the inner space to form the ink flowing wall portion 32c. If there is a position smaller than the position closest to the falling ink collision wall 32b, the ink that has collided with the falling ink collision wall 32b is temporarily at this position on the ink falling wall 32c. As a result, the ink is temporarily accumulated in the falling ink collision wall 32b. However, in the ink storage device 30, the area of the surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylinder portion 32i forms the ink falling wall portion 32c most in the range where the falling ink collision occurs. Since it is the smallest at the position on the wall portion 32b side, it is possible to prevent the ink 91 colliding with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b from temporarily collecting at a position in the middle of the ink flowing wall portion 32c. Further, it is possible to prevent the ink from temporarily collecting on the falling ink collision wall 32b.

  In the ink storage device 30, the area of the surface perpendicular to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylindrical portion 32i, in which a part of the inner wall of the bottle 32 is the ink flowing wall portion 32c, Even if there is a position smaller than the position on the side of the falling ink collision wall portion 32b in the range where the wall portion 32c is formed, the flow direction of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylindrical portion 32i at that position If the area of the surface orthogonal to the ink is sufficiently large, the ink 91 that collides with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b does not temporarily accumulate at a position in the middle of the ink falling wall portion 32c.

  Of the bottle 32, the cylindrical portion 32i in which a part of the inner wall is the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c has a surface area perpendicular to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the inner space. In the range where the ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink falling wall portion 32c are formed, if there is a position in the ink falling wall portion 32c that is smaller than the position of the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, the falling ink collision wall The ink that has collided with the portion 32b temporarily accumulates at this position in the ink flowing wall portion 32c, and as a result, temporarily accumulates in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. However, in the ink storage device 30, the area of the surface perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylinder portion 32i forms the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink flowing wall portion 32c. In this range, the ink 91 that collided with the falling ink collision wall 32b is prevented from temporarily collecting at the position of the ink falling wall 32c. As a result, it is possible to prevent the ink from temporarily collecting on the falling ink collision wall 32b.

  In addition, the ink storage device 30 is orthogonal to the flow direction of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylindrical portion 32i in which a part of the inner wall of the bottle 32 is the falling ink collision wall portion 32b and the ink flowing wall portion 32c. In the range where the area of the surface to be formed forms the falling ink collision wall 32b and the ink falling wall 32c, there is a position in the ink falling wall 32c that is smaller than the position of the falling ink collision wall 32b. However, if the area of the surface perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the ink 91 in the space inside the cylindrical portion 32i at that position is sufficiently large, the ink 91 that has collided with the falling ink collision wall portion 32b will be removed. There is no temporary accumulation at the position of the portion 32c.

  In the ink storage device 30, the falling ink collision wall portion 32 b is disposed at a position higher than the liquid level of the ink when a specific amount of ink notified by the ink amount notification device 38 is stored in the ink storage portion 32 a. When the operator who replenishes the ink 91 to the bottle 32 receives the notification from the ink amount notification device 38 and finishes replenishing the ink 91 to the bottle 32, the ink 91 reaches the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 from directly falling onto the ink 91 accumulated in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. It is possible to suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 inside.

  In the ink storage device 30, the ink 91 is accumulated up to the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, and the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 is directly dropped onto the ink 91 accumulated in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Even if air bubbles are generated in the ink 91 in the bottle 32, the worker who replenishes the ink 91 in the bottle 32 receives a notification from the ink amount notification device 38 and completes the replenishment of the ink 91 in the bottle 32. Then, it is possible to prevent bubbles from occurring in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 thereafter.

  Further, the ink storage device 30 has the falling ink collision wall portion 32b at a position higher than the ink level when the specific amount of ink notified by the ink amount notification device 38 is stored in the ink storage portion 32a. If the worker of the operation of replenishing the ink 91 to the bottle 32 receives the notification from the ink amount notification device 38 and weakens the replenishment moment of the ink 91 to the bottle 32, the falling ink collision wall portion is disposed. Even if the ink is collected in the bottle 32b, it is possible to prevent the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 from dropping down to the ink 91 collected in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. The generation of bubbles in the ink 91 can be suppressed.

  The ink storage device 30 drops to a position equal to or lower than the liquid level of the ink when a specific amount of ink notified by the ink amount notification device 38 is stored in the ink storage unit 32a. When the ink collision wall portion 32b is arranged, when the operator who replenishes the ink 91 to the bottle 32 receives a notification from the ink amount notification device 38, the ink 91 is at least as far as the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. Therefore, new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 is directly dropped onto the ink 91 accumulated in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, so that bubbles are generated in the ink 91 in the bottle 32. . However, in the ink storage device 30, it is assumed that bubbles are generated in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 because the new ink 91 poured into the bottle 32 falls directly on the ink 91 accumulated in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b. If the worker who replenishes the ink 91 to the bottle 32 receives the notification from the ink amount notification device 38 and weakens the momentum of replenishing the ink 91 to the bottle 32, new ink to be poured into the bottle 32 thereafter. It is possible to prevent the ink 91 from dropping vigorously on the ink 91 accumulated in the falling ink collision wall portion 32b, and as a result, the occurrence of bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 can be suppressed.

  In the ink storage device 30, since the stirring device 37 is driven (S <b> 102) when the liquid feed pump 39 is operating (YES in S <b> 101), the stirring is compared with the configuration in which the stirring device 37 is always driven. The drive time of the device 37 is short. When the driving time of the stirring device 37 is short, the ink storage device 30 can suppress the generation of bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 due to stirring by the stirring device 37. Therefore, the ink storage device 30 can not only suppress the precipitation of the components of the ink 91 stored in the ink storage portion 32a by the stirring device 37 but also generate bubbles in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 by the stirring device 37. That can be suppressed.

  The ink storage device 30 may be configured such that the stirring device 37 is always driven when bubbles are not generated in the ink 91 in the bottle 32 by the stirring of the stirring device 37.

  The falling ink collision wall portion 32b is formed on the inclined surface 32j of the cylindrical portion 32i in the present embodiment, but may be formed on a horizontal surface of the side wall 32g.

  In the present embodiment, the ink 91 is poured into the bottle 32 while the injection amount is adjusted by the operator's manual work. However, the ink 91 may be poured by other methods. For example, the bottle 32 uses a container that automatically drops the ink 91 onto the bottle 32 like the ink replenishment container described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 described above, and the ink 91 is poured into the bottle 32. Also good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Inkjet printer 23 Recording head 30 Ink storage apparatus 31 Storage apparatus main body (support member)
32 Bottle 32a Ink storage part 32b Falling ink collision wall part 32c Ink dropping wall part 32d Ink injection port (injection port)
32f Bottom surface 32g Side wall 32h Bottle body 32i Tube portion 32j Slope 37 Stirring device (stirring means)
38 Ink amount notification device (ink amount notification means)
91 Ink 91a Bubble

Claims (6)

A bottle that is provided in an ink jet printer including a recording head that discharges ink and stores ink supplied to the recording head,
An ink reservoir for storing ink;
An inlet for injecting ink from the outside formed above the gravitational direction;
With
The bottle
The bottom,
A side wall extending downward from the inlet in the direction of gravity and reaching the bottom surface;
With
The bottle includes a bottle body in which the ink storage portion is formed,
The side wall includes a continuous slope formed to protrude outward from the bottle body at a predetermined angle,
The slope is
A falling ink collision wall portion that is formed at a position facing the injection port and that collides with the ink that is injected from the injection port and falls;
An ink drop wall portion for transferring ink colliding with the falling ink collision wall portion and flowing down to the ink storage portion;
With
The inlet is formed at a position displaced from the center of the bottle in the horizontal direction,
The falling ink collision wall is formed in a portion of the side wall close to the injection port ,
The bottle main body includes an opening provided separately from the injection port above the gravity direction .   The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the falling ink collision wall portion is disposed in proximity to the injection port.   3. The falling ink collision wall portion is disposed in the vicinity of the injection port by being disposed above the position of half the depth of the bottle in the direction of gravity. Bottles.   4. The ink flow wall portion is disposed at a position in the gravity direction below the falling ink collision wall portion and faces upward in the gravity direction. 5. The bottle according to any one. The bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the falling ink collision wall portion is disposed at a position in the direction of gravity above the ink falling wall portion. Includes a cylindrical portion that protrudes outward at an angle from the previous SL bottle body,
The bottle according to claim 5, wherein the inclined surface is formed in the cylindrical portion.

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