DESCRIPTION
Title of Invention: LIQUID EJECTING APPARATUS
Technical Field
[00011
The present invention relates to a liquid ejecting
apparatus which ejects a liquid onto a recording medium from
a liquid ejecting head mounted on a carriage.
Background Art
[00021
An ink jet printer has been widely known as a liquid
ejecting apparatus which ejects a liquid onto a recording
>
medium from a liquid ejecting head.
The ink jet printer includes a carriage and a recording
head mounted on the carriage. The ink j,et printer performs
printing on a recording sheet by ejecting an ink (liquid)
from a nozzle formed on the recording head while moving the
carriage to perform scanning with respect to the recording
sheet (recording medium) .
[00031
The ink jet printer includes one in which an ink
cartridge supplying the ink to the recording head is mounted
on the carriage (on-carriage type). The ink cartridge is
detachably attached to the carriage.
In the on-carriage type ink jet printer, there is a
limit on the capacity of the ink in the ink cartridge.
Frequent replacement of the ink cartridge is required when
attempting to perform a relatively large volume of printing,
which causes increased running cost.
[0004]
An apparatus has been proposed in which a large size
ink tank is arranged outside the ink jet printer and the ink
is supplied from the ink tank toward the carriage. In place
of the ink cartridge, an attachment is mounted on the
carriage. The ink is supplied from the ink tank to the
attachment via a tube. This .enables a large volume of
printing (refer to Patent Literature 1).
Citation List
Patent Literature
[00051
PTL 1: Chinese Examined Utility Model Registration
Application Publication No. 2825289
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0006]
In the technology disclosed in PTL 1, a large size ink
tank is arranged laterally outside of an ink jet printer
main body for all available colors. A tube is laid across a
carriage from a side portion of the ink jet printer main
body.
In a case of arranging the ink tank outside the ink jet
printer main body, it is necessary for the ink jet printer
main body to secure a route for the tube by performing an
additional process. Therefore, there is a problem in that
defects are likely to occur in the ink jet printer main body.
In addition, when arranging all the colors outside the main
body, there is a problem in that it is necessary for a user
who rarely performs color printing to have a large space
outside the main body as well.
[0008]
The invention, when additionally arranging the ink tank
for the ink jet printer main body, aims to optimize a tube
arrangement route arranged between the ink tank and the
carriage as a first object, and when a large size ink tank
is prepared for black color only, further aims to optimize
the tube arrangement route for the user who rarely performs
the color printing as a second object.
Solution to Problem
[0009]
A liquid ejecting apparatus according to the invention
includes a liquid ejecting apparatus main body ejecting a
liquid onto a recording medium from a liquid ejecting head
/
mounted on a carriage; and a liquid supply tube that
introduces the liquid supplied from a liquid containing body
which contains the liquid to the liquid ejecting head,
having a transformable moving unit which is transformed
following the movement of the liquid ejecting head, in which
an inner space is provided which is formed from a discharge
port including a region where the recording medium is
discharged, and the liquid containing body is arranged in
the inner space.
[00101
The discharge port is configured to have a sheet
discharge region and a space other than the sheet discharge
region
[OOll]
The liquid containing body is arranged in a region
overlapped with a transport route of the recording medium.
[00121
The liquid ejecting apparatus further includes a tube
fixing member laid along a scanning direction of the liquid
ejecting head, in which a portion of the liquid supply tube
is fixed to the tube fixing member, and the liquid supply
tube is laid across the tube fixing member and the carriage.
[00131
The tube fixing member is a member with a flat plate
shape.
The liquid ejecting apparatus further includes an ink
mounting table having a flat plate section arranged above
the transport route of the recording medium, in which the
liquid containing body is placed on the flat plate section.
[00151
The ink mounting table has leg portions supporting the
flat plate section at both end sides in the scanning
direction of the carriage, and the ink mounting table is
arranged across the sheet discharge region from the region
other than the sheet discharge region.
[0016]
The inner space is exposed from an upper surface
opening of an apparatus housing which covers the liquid
ejecting apparatus main body, at both end sides in the
scanning direction of the carriage, the ink mounting table
has a suspending section that suspends the flat plate
section from the upper surface opening to the inner space,
and the ink mounting table is arranged by suspending the
sheet discharge region fr,:~rn the region other than the sheet
discharge region.
A plurality of the liquid containing bodies is provided,
and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is arranged
along the scanning direction of the carriage
A plurality of the liquid containing bodies provided,
and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is arranged
along the transport direction.
[00191
A plurality of the liquid containing bodies is provided,
and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is arranged
along a vertical direction.
[00201
A plurality of the liquid containing bodies is provided,
a portion of a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
arranged in the inner spaze, and remaining portion of the .,
liquid containing bodies is arranged outside the liquid
ejecting apparatus main body.
[00211
The liquid ejecting apparatus further includes an
operation unit having a tilting mechanism on a front surface
at the discharge port side of the liquid ejecting apparatus
main body, in which the operation unit is fixed in a tilted
state.
[00221
The liquid ejecting apparatus further includes an
operation unit on a front surface at the discharge port side
of the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, in which the
operation unit is provided with a cover body arranged above
the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
[00231
An image reader reading out an image of the recording
medium is arranged to be zlosely mountable above the liquid
ejecting apparatus main body, and the inner space is formed
on a region overlapped with the image reader.
[00241
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a carriage
reciprocating, being provided with a liquid ejecting head
ejecting a liquid onto a recording medium; a liquid ejecting
apparatus main body containing the carriage; and a liquid
containing body containing the liquid supplied to the liquid
ejecting head, communicating with the liquid ejecting head
via a liquid tube, in which the carriage includes an adapter
to which an opposite side of the liquid tube to the liquid
containing body is connected and which communicates with the
liquid ejecting head, and a liquid container storing the
liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejecting head.
[00251
The liquid containing body is mounted on the inner
space inside the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
[0026]
The liquid containing body is mounted on the outside of
the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0027]
[Fig. 11 Fig. 1 is an external perspective view
illustrating a multi-function printer 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[Fig. 21 Fig. 2 is a p.erspective view illustrating the
multi-function printer 1 when a scanner unit 3 is in an open
state.
[Fig. 3'1 Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a side
view, illustrating an internal structure of a printer unit 2
and an arrangement route for a tube 120.
[Fig. 41 Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating the internal structure of the printer unit 2
and the arrangement route for the tube 120.
[Fig. 51 Fig. 5 is a top view illustrating the
internal structure of the printer unit 2 and the arrangement
route for the tube 120.
[Fig. 61 Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a modification
example for arranging ink containers 110.
[Fig. 71 Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view
illustrating the internal structure of a multi-function
printer 201 according to a second embodiment and the
arrangement route for the tube 120.
[Fig. 81 Fig. 8 is a view illustrating a modification
example for arranging the ink container 110.
[Fig. 91 Fig. 9 is a view illustrating an ink mounting
table 220.
[Fig. 101 Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state where
an operation unit 63 is tilted forward.
[Fig. 111 Fig. 11 is a view illustrating an operation
unit 66 arranged on the scanner unit 3.
[Fig. 121 Fig. 12 is a top view of the printer unit 2
and an ink container 300.
Description of Embodiments
[0028]
First Embodiment
A multi-function printer 1 according to a first
embodiment of the invention will be described.
Hereinafter, in each drawing, a transport direction
(sub-scanning) of a recording sheet P represents an X
direction, a scanning direction (horizontal direction) of a
carriage 81 represents a Y direction and a vertical
direction represents a Z direction.
For convenience, a downstream side (+ X direction) in
the transport direction of the recording sheet P (recording
medium) is referred to as forward and an upstream side ( - X
direction) is referred to as rearward. In the Y direction,
the + Y direction is referred to as a left side and the - Y
direction is referred to as a right side. In the Z
direction, the + Z direction is referred to as upward and
the -Z direction is referred to as downward.
[00291
Fig. 1 is a perspective appearance view illustrating
the multi-function printer 1 according to the first
embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view
illustrating the multi-function printer when a scanner unit
3 is in an open state.
The multi-function printer (liquid ejecting apparatus)
1 integrally includes a printer unit 2 which is an apparatus
main body, and a scanner unit 3 which is an upper unit
arranged above the printer unit 2.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, the multi-function printer 1
includes an ink container (liquid containing body) 110
inside (front inside space S) the printer unit 2.
[00301
The scanner unit 3 is pivotally supported by the
printer unit 2 through an opening/closing unit 4 at a rear
end portion, and covers an upper section of the printer unit
2 to be capable of opening/closing.
As illustrated in Fig. 2, if the scanner unit 3 is
raised in a pivoting direction, an upper surface opening 10
of the printer unit 2 is exposed. This exposes the inside
of the printer unit 2 from the upper surface opening 10.
On the other hand, if the scanner unit 3 is pulled down
in the pivoting direction and mounted on the printer unit 2,
the scanner unit 3 closes the upper surface opening 10.
In this manner, if the scanner unit 3 is raised and the
upper surface opening 10 is exposed, a paper jam and the
like may be resolved.
[00311
The scanner unit 3 includes an upper frame 11 made of
resins, an image reader (not illustrated) contained in the
upper frame 11 and an upper cover 13 pivotally supported by
an upper portion of the upper frame 11.
Configuring members of the scanner unit 3 side of the
opening/closing unit 4 are disposed at a rear end portion of
the upper frame 11.
[00321
The upper frame 11 includes a box type lower case 16
containing the image reader (not illustrated), and an upper
case 17 covering a top side of the lower case 16.
A manuscript mounting plate made of glass is widely
arranged on the upper case 17 (not illustrated). A reading
medium whose reading surface faces downward is mounted on
the manuscript mounting plate.
[00331
The image reader (not illustrated) contained in the
lower case 16 includes a line sensor type sensor unit (not
illustrated). The sensor unit has an image sensor (sensor
portion) which is a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) type line
sensor extending in the X direction, and reciprocates in the
Y direction. This enables the image of the reading medium
(manuscript) to be read on the manuscript mounting plate.
As the image sensor, a Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor (CMOS) type line sensor may be used.
The printer unit (liquid ejecting apparatus main body)
2 includes a transport unit 61 transporting a sheet of the
recording sheet P along a transport' route R, a printing unit
62 arranged above the transport route R, performing a
printing process on the recording sheet P by way of an ink
jet method, a panel type operation unit 63 arranged on a
front surface, an apparatus frame 64 on which the transport
unit 61, the printing unit 62 and the operation unit 63 are
mounted, and an apparatus housing 65 covering these.
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view in a side view,
illustrating an internal structure of the printer unit 2 and
an arrangement route for a tube 120.
The printing unit 62 includes a guide frame 71 made of
sheet metal, supporting the apparatus frame 64 and fully
extending to a width in the Y direction, a carriage unit 72
supported by the guide frame 71 to freely reciprocate, and a
carriage moving mechanism 73 (refer to Fig. 2) allowing the
carriage unit 72 to reciprocate along the guide frame 71.
[0036]
The carriage unit 72 includes a box shaped carriage 81
supported by the guide frame 71 to freely reciprocate
through an engagement slider portion 81a, an ink jet head 83
integrally incorporated on a lower surface of the carriage
81, and four ink cartridges (ink cartridge 85 with one ink
cartridge adapter 84 and three liquid containers) contained
in the carriage 81 to be attachable and detachable.
[00371
The ink ,jet head (liquid ejecting head) 83 has four
nozzle rows (not illustrated) ejecting four colors of ink
drops. Four cartridges (ink cartridge adapter 84 and ink
cartridge 85) storing the four colors of ink are mounted on
the carriage 81. Four cartridges (ink cartridge adapter 84
and ink cartridge 85) are directly connected to an upper
surface side of the ink jet head 83.
The ink'cartridge adapter 84 is supplied with a black
ink from an ink container 110 (to be described later).
Three ink cartridges 85 store cyan, magenta and yellow ink.
[0038]
The transport unit 61 includes a movable type sheet
tray 91 setting the recording sheet in a right alignment
manner, a separation roller 92 which sends separated
recording sheets P one by one by separating the recording
sheets P from the sheet tray 91, a feed roller 93 located
downstream from the separation roller 92 and sending the
recording sheet P to the printing unit 62 along the
transport route R, a medium regulating member 95 located
downstream from the feed roller 93 and opposing the ink jet
head 83, a serrated guide roller 97 located downstream from
the medium regulating member 95, and a sheet discharge
roller 96 located downstream from the guide roller 97 and
sending the recording sheet P from a discharge port 100
(refer to Fig. 2) .
The medium regulating member 95 is equivalent to a socalled
platen.
[00391
The recording sheet P sent from the sheet tray 91 by
the separation roller 92 is intermittently fed toward the
sheet discharge roller 96 in the X direction over the medium
regulating member 95 by the feed roller 93 (sub-scanning).
In synchronization with this intermittent feeding, the
carriage unit 72, reciprocating in the X direction,
selectively ejects the ink (main scanning) to perform
desired printing.
A leading edge of the recording sheet P reaching the
guide roller 97 over the medium regulating member 95 is
subjected to correction of a dished state using the guide
roller 97 so as to be sent to the sheet discharge roller 96.
In this manner, the printing completed recording sheet
P is sent forward from the discharge port 100 by the sheet
discharge roller 96.
[00401
Fig. 4 is an exploded. perspective view i1lustratin.g the
internal structure of the printer unit 2 and the arrangement
route for the tube 120.
Fig. 5 is a top view illustrating the internal
structure of the printer unit 2 and the arrangement route
for the tube 120.
The apparatus frame 64 is a frame supporting each
portion of the printer unit 2, and is configured to have
integrally molded resins.
The apparatus frame 64 includes a base frame portion
64a, a symmetrical pair of side frame portions 64b, a
symmetrical pair of front frame portions 64c and symmetrical
pair of rear frame portions 64d.
A symmetrical pair of the side frame portions 64b is
erected at the base frame portion 64a and supports each
configuring member of the transport unit 61 and the guide
frame 71 at both sides.
A symmetrical pair of the front frame portions 64c
supports a front portion of the scanner unit 3 in a front
portion of the base frame portion 64a, and supports the
operation unit 63.
A symmetrical pair of the rear frame portions 64d
supports the printer unit 2 to be capable of opening/closing
through the opening/closing unit 4, in a rear portion of the
base frame portion 64a.
A pair of the rear frame portions 64d is erected up to
the outside of the apparatus housing 65 via a rear portion
opening which is open at a rear portion of the apparatus
housing 65. A pair of the rear frame portions 64d is formed
from configuring members of the opening/closing unit 4 at
the printer unit 2 side.
[0042]
A sheet discharge frame 101 supporting a guide roller
97 and an auxiliary roller 99 is arranged at a front portion
of the side frame portions 64b. The auxiliary roller
(roller) 99 is arranged opposing the sheet discharge roller
96.
The sheet discharge frame (frame member) 101 is
arranged forward (+ X direction) from and below ( - Z
direction) the carriage 81. The sheet discharge frame 101
is horizontally laid along the scanning direction (Y
direction) of the carriage 81 between a pair of the side
frame portions 64b.
[00431
A relatively wide space (front inner space S) is formed
between the sheet discharke frame 101 and the discharge port
100.
The ink container 110 storing the black ink is arranged
in the front inner space S (refer to Fig. 2). An ink '.
containing amount of the ink container 110 is equal to or
more than the ink containhg amount of the ink cartridge
adapter 84 and the ink cartridge 85.
The ink container 110 is arranged at a left end of the
front inner space S. Within the front inner space St a left .
end region is a region which is not overlapped with the
transport route R of the recording sheet P. Therefore, even
though the ink container 110 is arranged at the left end
region of the front inner space St there is no interference
between the ink container 110 and the recording sheet P.
The ink container 110, even though.it is arranged at a
right end, has the same result.
The tubes 120 are arranged (tube-laid) for supplying
the ink contained in the ink container 110 toward the ink
cartridge adapter 84 between the ink container 110 and the
ink cartridge adapter 84. The tubes (liquid supply tube)
120 are formed from one tube 121 supplying the black ink.
LOO451
The tube 120 is fixed to a tube fixing member 170
attached to the apparatus housing 65 so as to be laid across
the upper surface opening 10 between the ink container 110
and the ink cartridge adapter 84. Within the tube 120; a
region between the tube fixing member 170 and the ink
cartridge adapter 84 becomes a movable region 120F which is
subjected to flexion deformity in association with a
scanning movement of the carriage 81.
[0046]
The tube fixing member 170 is a long flat plate shaped
member extending in a left and right direction (refer to Fig.
4). The tube fixing member 170 is attached to the apparatus
housing 65 so as to horizontally cross over the upper
surface opening 10 along the scanning direction (Y
direction). The tube fixing member 170 is attached to the
apparatus housing 65 so as to be laid across the left side
and the right side of the apparatus housing 65 by pinching
the upper surface opening 10. Both ends of the tube fixing
member 170 are fixed to the apparatus housing 65 using an
adhesive or adhesive tape.
The tube 120 formed from the tube 121 is fixed to the
center of the tube fixing member 170 in the left and right
direction.
[00471 '.
The arrangement route (tube laying route) of the tubes
120 will be described .along a direction (ink flowing
direction) from the ink container 110 toward the ink
cartridge adapter 84 (to be described in order of Figs. 2
and 5).
[0048]
First, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the tubes 120 are laid
across from the ink container 110 toward the center of the
tube fixing member 170 in the left and right directiom. The
tubes 120 are fastened and fixed to the center of the tube
fixing member 170 in the left and right direction using a
fastening band and the like.
[00491
Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the tubes 120
are once arranged toward the + Y direction after being fixed
to the tube fixing member 170. Then, the tube 120 is folded
back in a U shape and is inverted from the + Y direction to
the - Y direction. The tubes 120 are vertically folded back
in the U shape.
[00501
The tubes 120, after being inverted in the - Y
direction, are fixed on the upper surface of four ink
cartridge adapters 84 contained in the carriage 81. The
tubes 120 are fixed on the upper surface of the ink
cartridge adapters 84 using the fastening band and the like.
Then, the tubes 120 are connected to the respective ink
cartridge adapters 84.
[00511
Within the tubes 120, a region bent in the U shape
becomes the movable region 120F which is subjected to
flexion deformity in association with the scanning movement
of the carriage 81. A length of the movable region 120F is
adjusted so as not to interfere with the scanning movement
of the carriage 81.
[00521
Modification Example for Arranging Ink Containers 110
Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a modification example
for arranging ink containers 110.
In the front inner space S, the ink containers 110 (ink
container 111 to 114) storing the black, cyan, magenta and
yellow ink may be arranged partially or entirely.
[00531
Four ink cartridge adapters 84 are contained in the
carriage 81 to be attachable and detachable. The tubes 120
(four tubes 121 to 124) are arranged (tube-laid) between the
four ink cartridge adapters 84 and the ink containers 110
(four ink containers 111 to 114) .
[00541
In the ink containers 110, the ink container 111 is
arranged at a left end of the front inner space S. The ink
container 112 is arranged'at a right end of the front inner
space S. The ink containers 113 and 114 are arranged on a
front side which is an outside region of the printer unit 2.
A combination of the ink containers 110 contained ,in
the front inner space S with the ink containers 110 arranged
outside the printer unit 2 can be modified. All the ink
containers 110 may be contained in the front inner space S.
[00551
The tubes 121 and 121 connected to the ink containers
111 and 112 are respectively laid across toward the center
of the tube fixing member 170 in the left and right
direction. The tubes 123 and 124 connected to the ink
containers 113 and 114 are respectively laid across toward
the center of the tube fixing member 170 in the left and
right direction after passing through the discharge port 100.
The tubes 120 formed from the four tubes 121 to 124 are
fixed to the center of the tube fixing member 170 in the
left and right direction.
[0056]
As described above, in the multi-function printer 1
according to the first embodiment, the front inner space S
of the printer unit 2 contains the ink containers 110. Thus,
it is hardly necessary to perform additional processing on
the printer unit 2. Since a distance is short between the
ink containers 110 and the carriage 81, it is possible to
easily secure the arrangement route of the tubes 120,
whereby optimizing the arrangement route of the tubes 120.
[00571
Without arranging the ink container inside the
apparatus housing 65, the ink container may be arranged
outside the printer unit 2 only. Fig. 12 is a top view of
the printer unit 2 and an ink container 300. The ink
container 300 containing the black ink is arranged outside
the printer unit 2. The ink containing amount of the ink
container 300 is equal to or greater than the ink containing
amount of the ink cartridge adapter 84 and the ink cartridge
The tubes 120 are fixed to the fixing member 170
between the ink container 300 and the ink cartridge adapter
84. Within the tubes 120, a region between the tube fixing
member 170 and the ink cartridge adapter 84 becomes the
movable region 120F which is subjected to flexion
deformation in association with the scanning movement of the
carriage 81.
[00591
Second Embodiment
A multi-function printer 201 according to a second
embodiment of the invention will be described. The same
reference numerals are given to the same configurations.and
members as those of the multi-function printer according to
the first embodiment, and the description thereof will not
be repeated.
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
internal structure of the multi-function printer 201 and the
arrangement route for the tubes 120 according to the second
embodiment of the invention.
[0061]
In the front inner space S, an ink mounting table 210
is arranged where four of the ink containers 110 (ink
containers 111 to 114) are mounted.
The ink mounting table 210 has a long flat plate
section 211 extending in the left and right direction and
two leg portions 212 arranged across both ends of the flat
plate section 211 in the left and right direction, and is
formed using a bending process of sheet metal or the like.
A longitudinal direction of the flat plate section 211
is substantially coincident with a length of the front inner
space S in the left and right direction. The length
(height) of the two leg portions 212 is approximately 5 mm
to 10 mm, for example.
The ink mounting table 210 is arranged such that the
flat plate section 211 horizontally crosses the front inner
space S along the scanning direction (Y direction) and the
two leg portions 212 faces downward.
A space between a bottom surface of the front inner
space S and the flat plate section 211 is the transport
route R of the recording sheet P. The ink mounting table
210 is arranged across the transport route R of the
recording sheet P.
The four ink containers 110 are mounted on an upper
surface of the flat plate section 211. The four ink
containers 110 are arranged at a region overlapped with the
transport route R of the recording sheet P when viewed from
the top (viewed from the + Z direction) .
[00631
The four ink cartridge adapters 84 are contained in the
carriage 81 to be attachable and detachable. The tubes 120
(four tubes 121 to 124) are arranged (tube-laid) between the
four ink cartridge adapters 84 and the ink containers 110
(four ink containers 111 to 114).
[0064]
The four ink containers 111 to 114 are arranged in
parallel so as to be overlapped with one another toward the
left and right direction, on the upper surface of the flat
plate section 211. The four ink containers 111 to 114 are
overlapped with one another in a thickness direction thereof.
The f'our ink containers 111 to 114 are fastened using the
fastening band and the like.
[0065]
The tubes 120 (tubes 121 to 124) connected to the four
ink containers 111 to 114 are respectively and directly laid
across toward the ink cartridge adapters 84 of tke carriage
81. The tubes 120 are fixed on the ink cartridge adapters
84 using the fastening band. Then, the tubes ,120 are
respectively connected to the ink cartridge adapters 84.
[0066]
All regions of the tubes 120 become the movable region
120F which is subjected to flexion deformation in
association with the scanning movement of the carriage 81.
The length of the movable region 120F is adjusted so as not
to interfere with the scanning movement of the carriage 81.
[0067]
Modification Example for Arranging Ink Containers 110
Fig. 8 is a view ill~~.stratinag modification example *,
for arranging the ink containers 110. (a) is a view
illustrating a case where the ink containers 110 are
arranged by being vertically overlapped. (b) is a view
illustrating a case where the ink containers 110 are
arranged by being overlapped in the front/rear direction.
(c) is a view illustrating a case where the ink containers
110 are arranged by being overlapped (in parallel) toward
the left and right direction in a direction different from
the thickness direction.
[0068]
The ink containers 110 (four ink containers 111 to 114)
can be arranged in paralldl so as to be overlapped with one
another, vertically, toward the front/rear direction or
toward the left and right direction, on the upper surface of
the flat plate section 211. Depending on the volume of the
four ink containers 111 to 114, the arrangement direction
and the overlapped direction may be appropriately set.
[0069]
Modification Example of Ink Mounting Table
Fig. 9 is a view illustrating an ink mounting table 220.
The ink mounting table 220 is a modification example of
the ink mounting table 210. In place of the ink mounting
table 210, the ink mounting table 220 may be used.
[00701
The ink mounting table 220 has a flat plate section 221
which has the same shape as the flat plate section 211 of
the ink mounting table 210.
In contrast, unlike the ink mounting table 210, there
are provided two suspending sections 222 which are bent
upward at both ends of the flat plate section 211 in the
left and right direction. The two suspending sections 222
have a shape hooked by edges of the upper surface opening 10
which exposes the front inner space S.
The ink mounting table 220 is arranged such that the
flat plate section 221 horizontally crosses the front inner
space S along the scanning direction (Y direction) and the
two suspending sections 222 face upward. Since the two
suspending sections 222 are hooked by the edges of the upper
surface opening 10, the transport route R of the recording
sheet P is secured betweea the flat plate section 221 and
the bottom surface of the front inner space S.
The four ink containers 110 are mounted on the upper
surface of the flat plate section 221. The four ink
containers 110 are arranged at the region overlapped with
the transport route R of the recording sheet P, when viewed
from the top (viewed from the + Z direction).
I .
[00711
As described above, in the multi-function printer 201
according to the second embodiment as well, the same
advantageous effects as the multi-function printer 1
according to the first embodiment may be achieved. That is,
the front inner space S of the printer unit 2 contains the
ink containers 110. Thus, it is not necessary to perform
additional processing on the printer unit 2. Since the
distance is short between the ink containers 110 and the
carriage 81, it is possible to easily secure the arrangement
route of the tubes 120, whereby optimizing the arrangement
route of the tubes 120.
Various shapes or combinations of the respective
configuring members illustrated in the embodiments described
above are merely an example, and various modifications can
be made, based on design requirements within the range
without departing from the gist of the invention.
Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a state where an
operation unit 63 is tilted forward.
The multi-function printers 1 and 201 enable the
operation unit 63 to be tilted forward. A tilting mechanism
(not illustrated) for tilting the operation unit 63 forward
is disposed at a rear surface side (rearward) of the
operation unit 63. The operatian unit 63 and the tilting
mechanism are disposed above the discharge port 100.
Accordingly, in a case where the operation unit 63 is tilted
forward, the front inner space S becomes wider compared to a
case where the operation unit 63 is in a vertical state.
Therefore, in the multi-function printers 1 and 201,
the operation unit 63 is fixed by being tilted forward. The
largest tilting angle of the operation unit 63 is ensured by
causing the tilting mechanism not to be operable.
This allows the front inner space S to be wider, and
thereby enables more ink containers 110 to be disposed.
[00741
Fig. 11 is a view illustrating an operation unit 66
arranged on the scanner unit 3.
The multi-function printers 1 and 201 may be provided
with an operation unit 66 arranged on the scanner unit 3 in
place of the operation unit 63 arranged to be capable of
tilting with respect to the printer unit 2.
The operation unit 66 arranged on the scanner unit 3
cannot be tilted with respect to the scanner unit 3. When
the scanner unit 3 is closed, the operation unit 63 is in
the vertical state.
When the operation unit 66 is used, it is not necessary
to have the tilting mechanism for tilting the operation unit
66 forward. Therefore, as compared to when using the
operation unit 63, the front inner space S becomes wider.
This allows the front inner space S to be wider, and
thereby enables more ink containers 110 to be disposed.
[00751
The number of the ink containers 110 is not limited to
four and the number of the tubes 120 is not limited to four.
The number of the ink containers 110 may be six and the
number of the tubes 120 may be six.
[0076]
The carriage 81 may not allow the ink cartridge adapter
84 to be mounted thereon, and may be configured such that
the ink is directly supplied from the ink containers 110 via
the tubes 120.
[00771
The apparatus having the ink containers 110 is not
limited to the liquid ejecting apparatus, and may be an
apparatus consuming the liquid.
[0078]
By way of an example as the liquid ejecting apparatus,
the liquid ejecting apparatus ejecting the liquid such as
the ink has been described, but may be applied to the liquid
ejecting apparatus ejecting or discharging other liquid
except for the ink. The liquid which the liquid ejecting
appasatus can eject includes a liquid body where functional
material particles are dispersed or dissolved, and a liquid,
body in a gel.
The liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting apparatus
is not limited to the ink only, but is also applicable to
the liquid corresponding to particular uses.
Reference Signs List
[00791
1, 201: multi-function printer (liquid ejecting
apparatus)
2: printer unit (liquid ejecting apparatus main body)
3: scanner unit (cover body, image reader)
10: upper surface opening
63, 66: operation unit
81: carriage
83 : ink jet head (liquid ejecting head)
84: ink cartridge adapter
100: discharge port
110, 300: ink container (liquid containing body)
120: tube (liquid supply tube)
170: tube fixing member
210: ink mounting table
211: flat plate section
212 : leg portion
220: ink mounting table
221: flat plate section
222: suspending section
P: recording sheet (recording medium)
R: transport route
S: front inner space (inner space)
CLAIMS
[Claim 11
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising:
a liquid ejecting apparatus main body ejecting a liquid
onto a recording medium from a liquid ejecting head mounted
on a carriage; and
a liquid supply tube that introduces the liquid
supplied from a liquid containing body which contains the
liquid to the liquid ejecting head, having a transformable
moving unit which is transformed following the movement of
the liquid ejecting head,
wherein an inner space is provided which is formed from
a discharge port including a region where the recording
medium is discharged, and the liquid containing body is
arranged in the inner space
[Claim 21
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the discharge port is formed from a sheet
discharge region and a space other than the sheet discharge
region
[Claim 31
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the liquid containing body is arranged in a
region overlapped with a transport route of the recording
medium.
[Claim 41
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising:
a tube fixing member laid along a scanning direction of
the liquid ejecting head,
wherein a portion of the liquid supply tube is fixed to
the tube fixing member, and the liquid supply tube is laid
across between the tube fixing member and the carriage.
[Claim 51
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the tube fixing member is a member with a flat
plate shape.
[Claim 61
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising:
an ink mounting table having a flat plate section
arranged above the transport route of the recording medium
in the inner space,
wherein the liquid containing body is mounted on the
flat plate section.
[Claim .7]
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the ink mounting table has leg portions
suppor'ting the flat plate section at both end sides in the
scanning direction of the carriage, and
wherein the ink mounting table is arranged across the
sheet discharge region from the region other than the sheet
discharge region.
[Claim 81
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the inner space is exposed from an upper
surface opening of an apparatus housing which covers the
liquid ejecting apparatus main body,
wherein at both end sides in the scanning direction of
the carriage, the ink mounting table has a suspending
section that suspends the flat plate section from the upper
surface opening to the inner space, and
wherein the ink mounting table is arranged by
suspending the sheet discharge region from the region other
than the sheet discharge region.
[Claim 91
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
provided, and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
arranged along the scanning direction of the carriage.
[Claim 101
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
provided, and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
arranged along the transport direction of the recording
medium.
[Claim 111
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
provided, and a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
arranged along a vertical direction.
[Claim 121
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein a plurality of the liquid containing bodies is
provided,.a portion o£ a plurality of the liquid containing
bodies is arranged in the inner space, and remaining portion
of the liquid containing bodies is arranged outside the
liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
[Claim 131
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising:
an operation unit having a tilting mechanism on a front
surface at the discharge port side of the liquid ejecting
apparatus main body,
wherein the operation unit is fixed in a tilted state.
[Claim 141
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising:
an operation unit on a front surface at the discharge
port side of the liquid ejecting apparatus main body,
- 37 -
wherein the operation unit is disposed in a cover body
arranged above the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
[Claim 151
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein an image%reader reading out an image of the
recording medium is arranged to be closely mountable above
the liquid ejecting apparatus main body, and
wherein the inner space is formed on a region
overlapped with the image reader.
[Claim 161
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising:
a carriage reciprocating, being provided with a liquid
ejecting head ejecting a liquid onto a recording medium;
a liquid ejecting apparatus main body containing the
carriage ; and
a liquid containing body containing the liquid supplied
to the liquid ejecting head, communicating with the liquid
ejecting head via a liquid tube,
wherein the carriage includes an adapter to which an
opposite side of the liquid tube to the liquid containing
body is connected and which communicates with the liquid
ejecting head, and a liquid container storing the liquid to
be supplied to the liquid ejecting head.
[Claim 171
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 16,
wherein the liquid containing body is mounted on the
inner space inside the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
[Claim 181
The liquid ejecting apparatus according to claim 16,
wherein the liquid containing body is mounted on the
outside of the liquid ejecting apparatus main body.
Dated this
ROBIN MAR'K GROSE,R
of GROSER & GROSER
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANTS