JP7665945B2 - Image Recording Device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image recording device.

Conventionally, there are image recording devices equipped with ink tanks that can be filled and refilled with ink. FIG. 1(A) shows an example of an image recording device 300. As shown in FIG. 1(A), the image recording device 300, which is an example of an inkjet recording device, has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The image recording device 300 has a scanner unit at its upper part that reads an image recorded on an original such as paper using an image sensor (not shown) to obtain image data. The image recording device 300 also has a printer unit at its lower part that records an image on a sheet. This printer unit has an inkjet recording type recording head as an example of a liquid consumption unit.

In the following description, the up-down direction is defined based on the position in which the image recording device 300 with the ink tank 303 installed is placed on a horizontal surface so that it can be used (the position in Figure 1, which may be referred to as the "usage position"). The front-rear direction is defined with the side where the opening and closing cover 307 is provided as the near side (front), and the left-right direction is defined when the image recording device 300 is viewed from the near side (front). In this embodiment, in the usage position, the up-down direction corresponds to the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction and the left-right direction correspond to the horizontal direction.

In the image recording device 300 of FIG. 1A, the openable/closable cover 307 is in the open position. In this image recording device 300, three ink tanks 303, each containing one of the three colors of ink, CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), are arranged on the front left side of the device. Of these three ink tanks 303, the cap 304 of the leftmost ink tank 303 is in the open position, and the caps 304 of the other two ink tanks 303 are in the closed position. On the other hand, an ink tank 303 containing BK (Black) ink is arranged on the front right side of the image recording device 300. The cap 304 of this ink tank 303 for BK ink is in the closed position. When the openable/closable cover 307 is in the open position, the user can access these ink tanks 303, i.e., refill or replenish ink. FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the front part 302 of the three ink tanks 303 arranged on the front left side.

The schematic structure of the ink tank 303 mounted on the image recording device 300 will be described below with reference to Figs. 2 to 4. Fig. 2 is a side view of the ink tank 303 as seen from the left side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing only the link mechanism 200 used in the ink tank 303. Fig. 4(A) is a schematic view showing the ink tank 303 with the cap 304 in the open position and the valve sealed, and Fig. 4(B) is a schematic view showing the ink tank 303 with the cap 304 in the closed position and the valve open. However, Fig. 4 does not show the second ink chamber 401 provided below the first ink chamber 301.

In this ink tank 303, a cap 304 capable of sealing the injection tube 305 is rotatably attached to the ink tank body 306. This cap 304 is constantly biased from the closed position toward the open position by an elastic body (not shown) (for example, a rubber O-ring), and when the engagement that holds the cap 304 in the closed position is released, the cap 304 rotates by itself from the closed position where it sealed the injection tube to the open position. Furthermore, the cap 304 has a protrusion 201 that extends downward when in the closed position. When the cap 304 is in the open position, this protrusion 201 is separated from a slider member 202, which will be described later, but when the cap 304 is in the closed position, this protrusion 201 presses the slider member 202 downward.

Next, the link mechanism 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The link mechanism 200 is a mechanism that connects the cap 304 and the valve body 207 to link the operation of the cap 304 with the operation of the valve body 207, which will be described later.

The link mechanism 200 is composed of a slider member 202, a second lever arm 203, a first lever arm 206, a compression spring 204, and multiple rubber O-rings.

The slider member 202, the second lever arm 203, and the compression spring 204 are disposed outside the ink tank 303, i.e., on the right side wall of the ink tank 303. On the other hand, the rotation shaft 205 of the first lever arm 206 penetrates a through hole 205A provided in the right side wall forming the first ink chamber 301 from inside the first ink chamber 301 to the outside of the ink tank 303. An O-ring or the like (not shown) is provided in the through hole 205A to prevent ink in the first ink chamber 301 from leaking from the through hole 205A. The first lever arm 206 can rotate in the first ink chamber 301 with the rotation shaft 205 as the center of rotation in conjunction with the rotation of the second lever arm 203 disposed on the right side wall of the ink tank 303.

The valve body 207 is provided with a seal member 209 that seals the communication passage 220 that connects the first ink chamber 301 and the second ink chamber 401, and is rotatably connected to the first lever arm 206. The valve body 207 moves up and down in accordance with the movement of the slider member 202 accompanying the opening and closing operation of the cap 304, the rotation of the second lever arm 203, and further the rotation of the first lever arm 206, and as a result, the seal member 209 seats on and separates from the valve seat 210, thereby opening and closing the communication passage 220 that connects the first ink chamber 301 and the second ink chamber 401.

The ink tank 303 is provided with an ink outlet 360 for supplying ink to a recording head (not shown), and an air vent 370 for connecting the inside of the second ink chamber 401 to the outside of the ink tank 303. The ink outlet 360 is provided in the second ink chamber 401. Meanwhile, the air vent 370 is provided in the top of the ink tank 303, and an air vent passage 371 for connecting the air vent 370 to the inside of the second ink chamber 401 extends to the second ink chamber 401.

The ink tank 303 also has a visual confirmation section 350 on the front side of the ink tank body 306. The ink tank body 306 is formed from a light-transmitting or translucent resin, so the user can check the remaining amount of ink in the ink tank 303 just by looking at this visual confirmation section 350. This visual confirmation section 350 is provided with an upper limit indicator 351 and a lower limit indicator 352. The upper limit indicator 351 indicates the liquid level of the maximum volume of ink that can be stored in the ink tank 303. Meanwhile, the lower limit indicator 352 indicates the liquid level that prompts the user to pour ink into the ink tank 303.

PCT Patent Publication No. 2019-078898

However, in the conventional ink tanks described above, the valves provided in the communication passages between the first and second ink chambers in the ink tank are opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cap for each ink tank, which requires a complex link mechanism with a large number of parts for each ink tank. This results in problems such as poor assembly and high costs.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the image recording device of the present invention is an image recording device comprising a housing with an opening/closing cover movable between an open position and a closed position, a tank arranged within the housing for storing liquid, and a liquid consumption section for consuming the liquid in the tank, the tank comprising a first liquid storage chamber for storing liquid, a second liquid storage chamber provided below the first liquid storage chamber and connected to the first liquid storage chamber by a communication passage and having a liquid outlet for supplying liquid to the liquid consumption section, a liquid inlet communicating with the first liquid storage chamber, a cap that can be opened and closed relative to the liquid inlet, and a valve member that can be moved between a closed position and an open position relative to the communication passage, and a link mechanism that links the opening and closing of the opening/closing cover with the opening and closing of the valve member.

According to the present invention, an image recording device with a simple configuration and fewer parts can be provided by opening and closing a valve provided in a communication passage between a first ink chamber and a second ink chamber in at least one ink tank in conjunction with the opening and closing operation of an opening and closing cover.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image recording device, in which (A) shows a perspective view of the image recording device 300 with an opening/closing cover 307 open, and (B) shows a partially enlarged view of the image recording device 300. FIG. 2 is a left side view of a conventional ink tank 303 with a cap 304 in a closed position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating only the link mechanism 200 used in this ink tank 303. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram showing the operation of a conventional cap 304 and link mechanism, in which (A) shows a schematic diagram of a state in which the cap 304 is separated from the link mechanism (the valve member is sealed), and (B) shows a schematic diagram of a state in which the link mechanism is operated by the cap 304 in the closed position (the valve member is opened). FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure of the ink tank and the valve mechanism of this embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing in a simplified manner the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of this embodiment, where (A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve in the open position, and (B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve in the sealed position. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing in a simplified manner the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of the second embodiment, where (A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve in the open position, and (B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve in the sealed position. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing in a simplified manner the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of the third embodiment, where (A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve in the open position, and (B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve in the sealed position.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The ink tank 500 described below is used in an inkjet recording device, which is an example of an image recording device, and this inkjet recording device is equipped with an inkjet recording head, which is an example of a liquid consumption section.

The ink tank 500 of this embodiment has a structure that opens and closes a valve provided in the ink tank 500 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover of the image recording device. The structure of the ink tank 500 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the ink tank 500 and the valve structure of this embodiment. The structure of the rubber cap 508, which is part of the link mechanism, is also shown in simplified form.

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of this embodiment in a simplified manner. Figure 6(A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve open, and Figure 6(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve sealed.

This ink tank 500 is composed of an ink tank body 509 made of a transparent or light-transmitting resin with one side open, and a film. A film is welded to the open side of the ink tank body 509. As mentioned above, Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the ink tank 500, particularly a schematic cross-sectional view of the approximate center, so the film is not shown.

The ink tank body 509 is provided with a supply port 503, an opening 511, a first ink chamber 601, a second ink chamber 701, and an air communication passage (not shown).

The supply port 503 is an opening through which the user replenishes (supplies) ink, and is provided through the top surface of the ink tank body 509.

The opening 511 is an opening through which the rubber cap 508, which is part of the link mechanism described below, is attached to the ink tank body 509, and is provided by penetrating the bottom wall 510 of the ink tank body 509.

The first ink chamber 601 is connected to the supply port 503 and stores the ink supplied from this supply port 503. Furthermore, this first ink chamber 601 is a sealed space except for the supply port 503 and the communication passage 531 described below. Therefore, when the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500 in the usage position is sealed with the cap 503A, the space filled with air above the liquid surface of the ink stored in the first ink chamber 601 is sealed.

The second ink chamber 701 is provided below the first ink chamber 601 and has an ink outlet (not shown) for supplying ink from the first ink chamber 601 to a recording head (not shown). Furthermore, the second ink chamber 701 is connected to an air communication passage (not shown) having an air communication port (not shown) at its end for taking in air outside the ink tank 500.

The first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are separated by a partition wall 530 in the ink tank body 509. This partition wall 530 is provided with a communication passage 531 that connects the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701. This communication passage 531 is opened and closed by a valve, which will be described later. Furthermore, as described above, an opening 511 is provided in the bottom wall of this second ink chamber 701, i.e., the bottom wall 510 of the ink tank body 509.

Next, the valve of this embodiment will be described. This valve (one example of a valve member) is composed of a valve body 507 and a seal member 512. The seal member 512 is an O-ring made of rubber or the like. The vertical cross section of the valve body 507 is approximately "I" shaped. The valve body 507 is inserted into a communication passage 531 that communicates the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 so that it can move up and down. The valve body 507 is provided with a fixing portion 507B for fixing the seal member 512 on the upper end side. As shown in FIG. 5, when the valve body 507 is lifted upward by a rubber cap 508 described later, the seal member 512 opens the communication passage 531. That is, the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are communicated through the communication passage 531. In addition, a flange portion 507A that is fixed to a first fixing portion 508C of the rubber cap 508 described later is provided on the lower end side of the valve body 507. The valve can be moved vertically between an open position shown in FIG. 6(A) and a closed position shown in FIG. 6(B).

Next, we will explain the link mechanism of this embodiment.

This link mechanism connects the opening/closing cover 501 and the valve body 507 to link the operation of the opening/closing cover 501 and the valve body 507.

The link mechanism of this embodiment is composed of a slider member 502, a connecting member 506, and a rubber cap 508.

The slider member 502 is a roughly L-shaped flat plate member extending horizontally, and has two inclined long holes 502A and one long hole 502B in the flat plate portion. The inclined long hole 502A is an opening that is inclined in the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. The long hole 502B is an opening that extends in the up-down direction. The slider member 502 is slidable horizontally between a rear position shown in FIG. 6(A) and a front position in which it slides forward from the rear position as shown in FIG. 6(B).

The connecting member (an example of a state-changing member) 506 is a substantially cylindrical member with a flange portion 506B on the upper end side and two convex portions 506A (an example of a second cam structure) on the lower end side. The two convex portions 506A are inserted into two oblique long holes 502A of the slider member 502, respectively. That is, the oblique long hole 502A is configured to function as a cam, and the two convex portions 506A are configured to function as cam followers. The flange portion 506B is fixed to a second fixing portion 508D (see FIG. 5) of a rubber cap 508, which will be described later. The connecting member 506 is movable in the vertical direction between a raised position shown in FIG. 6(A) and a lowered position shown in FIG. 6(B).

The rubber cap (an example of a sealing member) 508 is a member having a generally truncated cone shape made of elastic rubber such as rubber or elastomer. The lower end of the rubber cap 508 is provided with a mounting portion 508A. The mounting portion 508A is mounted so as to sandwich the circular opening 511 of the ink tank 500 from above and below, thereby sealing the opening 511. The upper end of the rubber cap 508 is provided with a first fixing portion 508C for fixing the flange portion 507A of the valve body 507, and a second fixing portion 508D for fixing the flange portion 506B of the connecting member 506. The first fixing portion 508C and the second fixing portion 508D are formed independently on the outer surface and the inner surface of the rubber cap 508, respectively, so that no ink communication or leakage occurs. The rubber cap 508 in a steady state is in a vertically contracted state as shown in FIG. 6B. On the other hand, the rubber cap 508 in the stretched state is stretched by being pressed upward from below by the connecting member 506, as shown in FIG. 6(A).

The opening/closing cover 501 is a member having a substantially flat plate shape, and is provided rotatably at the front of the image recording device. The opening/closing cover 501 can rotate around a rotation axis 501A as the center of rotation between a closed position in which the cover covers the front side of the image recording device and does not expose the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500, and an open position in which the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500 is exposed. The opening/closing cover 501 also has a convex portion 501B, which is inserted into an elongated hole 502B of the slider member 502 and positioned therein. In other words, the elongated hole 502B is configured to function as a cam, and the convex portion 501B is configured to function as a cam follower. The opening/closing cover 501 can rotate between a closed position shown in FIG. 6(A) and an open position shown in FIG. 6(B).

Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, we will explain the interlocking operation between the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover of the image recording device of this embodiment and the opening and closing of the valve inside the ink tank 500.

As shown in FIG. 6A, when the opening/closing cover 501 is in the closed position, the slider member 502 is in the rear position. In this case, the two protrusions 506A of the connecting member 506 are located at the top of the inclined long hole 502A of the slider member 502, so the connecting member 506 is in the raised position. Then, the rubber cap 508 is in an extended state because it is pressed upward from below by the connecting member 506, but the opening 511 of the ink tank 500 remains sealed. The valve body 507 is also pressed upward from below by the connecting member 506, so the valve is in the open position. In other words, the seal member 512 opens the communication passage 531, so the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are in a communication state via the communication passage 531.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the opening/closing cover 501 is in the open position, the slider member 502 is in the forward position. In this case, the two convex parts 506A of the connecting member 506 are located below the inclined long hole 502A of the slider member 502, so the connecting member 506 is in the lowered position. Then, since the pressing force from the connecting member 506 is almost eliminated, the rubber cap 508 tries to return from the extended state to the normal state. At this time, the rubber cap 508 pulls the valve body 507 downward, so that the seal member 512 seals the communication passage 531. Since the seal member 512 seals the communication passage 531, the communication passage 531 between the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 is blocked. In this case, the opening 511 of the ink tank 500 remains sealed.

As is clear from the above explanation, the image recording device of this embodiment is equipped with a structure that opens and closes a valve provided in the ink tank 500 in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover 501.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, the slider member 502 is moved horizontally by opening and closing the opening cover 501, but in the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the ink tank 500 itself is moved horizontally by opening and closing the opening cover 801. The link mechanism of the second embodiment is different from the link mechanism of the image forming apparatus shown in Fig. 6. However, the connecting member 506 and the rubber cap 508 have the same structure as in the first embodiment.

The structure of the image forming apparatus of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of the second embodiment in a simplified manner. FIG. 7(A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve in the open state, and FIG. 7(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve in the sealed state.

The link mechanism of the second embodiment is composed of a slider member 802, a fixed cam member 803, a connecting member 506, and a rubber cap 508.

The slider member 802 is a flat plate member having a generally L-shape and is provided with a long hole 802B. One end of the slider member 802 is fixed to the ink tank 500 and is configured to be slidable together with the ink tank 500.

The fixed cam member 803 is a flat plate member extending horizontally, and has two inclined long holes (an example of a first cam structure) 803A in the flat plate portion. The inclined long holes 803A are openings that are inclined in the up-down and front-rear directions. This fixed cam member 803 is fixedly arranged within the image forming apparatus, and cannot be moved to any other location than where it is arranged. The two convex portions 506A of the connecting member 506 are arranged by being inserted into the two inclined long holes 803A of the fixed cam member 803, respectively. In other words, it is configured so that the inclined long holes 803A act as a cam, and the two convex portions 506A act as cam followers.

The opening/closing cover 801 is a member having a substantially flat plate shape, and is provided rotatably at the front of the image recording device. The opening/closing cover 801 can rotate around a rotation axis 801A as the center of rotation between a closed position in which the cover covers the front side of the image recording device and does not expose the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500, and an open position in which the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500 is exposed. The opening/closing cover 801 also has a convex portion 801B, which is inserted into an elongated hole 802B of the slider member 802 and positioned therein. In other words, the elongated hole 802B is configured to function as a cam, and the convex portion 801B is configured to function as a cam follower. The opening/closing cover 801 can rotate between a closed position shown in FIG. 7(A) and an open position shown in FIG. 7(B).

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the opening/closing cover 801 is in the closed position, the slider member 802 is in the rear position. In this case, the two protrusions 506A of the connecting member 506 are located above the inclined long hole 803A of the fixed cam member 803, so the connecting member 506 is in the raised position. Then, the rubber cap 508 is in an extended state because it is pressed upward from below by the connecting member 506, but the opening 511 of the ink tank 500 remains sealed. The valve body 507 is also pressed upward from below by the connecting member 506, so the valve is in the open position. In other words, the seal member 512 opens the communication passage 531, so the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are in a communication state via the communication passage 531.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the opening/closing cover 801 is in the open position, the slider member 802 is in the forward position. In this case, the two convex parts 506A of the connecting member 506 are located below the inclined long hole 803A of the fixed cam member 803, so the connecting member 506 is in the lowered position. Then, the rubber cap 508 is in a stationary state because the pressing force from the connecting member 506 is weakened. In this case, the opening 511 of the ink tank 500 is still kept sealed. The valve is also in a sealed position because the pressing force from the connecting member 506 on the valve body 507 is weakened. In other words, the seal member 512 is in a state where it seals the communication passage 531, so the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are blocked from each other.

[Third embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the valve is opened and closed by opening and closing the opening cover 501 to move the slider member 502 in the horizontal direction and further by moving the connecting member 506 up and down, but in the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the valve is opened and closed by opening and closing the opening cover 901 to move the slider member 902 in the horizontal direction and by rotating the rotating member 903. The rubber cap 908 also has a slightly different structure from the rubber cap 508 of the first embodiment.

The structure of the image forming apparatus of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the structure and operation of the ink tank and the opening/closing cover of the third embodiment in a simplified manner. FIG. 8(A) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the closed position and the valve in the open state, and FIG. 8(B) shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the opening/closing cover in the open position and the valve in the sealed state.

The link mechanism of the third embodiment is composed of a slider member 902, a rotating member (an example of a state-changing member) 903, and a rubber cap 908. Compared to the rubber cap 508 of the first embodiment, the rubber cap 908 does not have a structure equivalent to the second fixing portion 508D.

The slider member 902 is a roughly L-shaped flat plate member that extends horizontally and has a long hole 902B. It also has a protrusion 902A on the flat plate.

The rotating member 903 is a flat member having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and can rotate around a rotating shaft 903A. A long hole 903B is provided in the approximate center of the rotating member 903. The convex portion 902A of the slider member 902 is inserted into the long hole 903B of the rotating member 903. In other words, the long hole 903B is configured to function as a cam, and the convex portion 902A is configured to function as a cam follower. The rotating tip of the rotating member 903, which is furthest from the rotating shaft 903A, is disposed below the valve body 507 via a rubber cap 908.

The opening/closing cover 901 is a member having a substantially flat plate shape, and is provided rotatably at the front of the image recording device. The opening/closing cover 901 can rotate around a rotation axis 901A as the center of rotation between a closed position in which the cover covers the front side of the image recording device and does not expose the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500, and an open position in which the cap 503A or the supply port 503 of the ink tank 500 is exposed. The opening/closing cover 901 also has a convex portion 901B, which is inserted into an elongated hole 902B of the slider member 902 and positioned therein. In other words, the elongated hole 902B is configured to function as a cam, and the convex portion 901B is configured to function as a cam follower. The opening/closing cover 901 can rotate between a closed position shown in FIG. 8(A) and an open position shown in FIG. 8(B).

As shown in FIG. 8A, when the opening/closing cover 901 is in the closed position, the slider member 902 is in the rear position. In this case, the convex portion 902A of the slider member 902 is located at the rear of the long hole 903B of the rotating member 903, so the rotating member 903 is in the raised position. Then, the rubber cap 908 is in an extended state because it is pressed upward from below by the rotating tip of the rotating member 903. The valve body 507 is also pressed upward from below by the rotating member 903, so the valve is in an open position. In other words, the seal member 512 opens the communication passage 531, so the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are in communication via the communication passage 531.

As shown in FIG. 8B, when the opening/closing cover 901 is in the open position, the slider member 902 is in the forward position. In this case, the convex portion 902A of the slider member 902 is located at the front of the long hole 903B of the rotating member 903, so the rotating member 903 is in the lowered position. Then, the rotating tip of the rotating member 903 moves away from the rubber cap 908, so the rubber cap is in a stationary state. Therefore, the valve is also in a sealed position. In other words, the seal member 512 seals the communication passage 531, so the first ink chamber 601 and the second ink chamber 701 are blocked from each other.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the structure has been described in which the valve in one ink tank is opened and closed in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening and closing cover. However, the structure may be such that the valves in multiple ink tanks are opened and closed simultaneously in conjunction with the opening and closing of one opening and closing cover. In other words, it is sufficient that one opening and closing cover is connected to multiple link mechanisms, and each link mechanism opens and closes the valve in each ink tank by opening and closing one opening and closing cover. Generally, as described above, an image recording device capable of color printing is equipped with four ink tanks each containing four colors of ink, for example, CMY and BK. Therefore, it is sufficient that the structure, like the image recording device 300, opens and closes the valves in the four ink tanks simultaneously by opening and closing one opening and closing cover. In addition, in the case of an image recording device that has a first opening and closing cover covering the ink tank for CMY on the left and right sides of the device and a second opening and closing cover covering the ink tank for BK, it is sufficient that the structure opens and closes the valves in the ink tanks covered by each opening and closing cover by opening and closing each opening and closing cover.

303, 500... ink tank 306, 509... ink tank body 300... image recording device 301, 601... first ink chamber 401, 701... second ink chamber 301, 501... opening and closing cover 502, 902... slider member 506... connecting member 507... valve body 508, 908... rubber cap 512... sealing member

Claims (9)

A housing having an opening/closing cover that is movable between an open position and a closed position ;
a tank disposed within the housing and configured to store a liquid;
a liquid consumption unit that consumes the liquid in the tank,
The above tank is
a first liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid;
a second liquid storage chamber provided below the first liquid storage chamber and connected to the first liquid storage chamber through a communication passage, the second liquid storage chamber having a liquid outlet for supplying liquid to the liquid consuming section;
a liquid inlet communicating with the first liquid storage chamber;
a cap that can be opened and closed relative to the liquid inlet;
a valve member movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the communication passage;
the opening/closing cover covers the liquid inlet and the cap when in the closed position, and exposes the liquid inlet and the cap when in the open position;
a link mechanism for linking the opening and closing of the openable cover with the opening and closing of the valve member,
the link mechanism is made of an elastic body having a property of expanding and contracting between an expanded state and a steady state, and includes a sealing member that seals an opening penetrating a bottom wall of the second liquid storage chamber;
The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve member opens and closes the communication passage in response to a change in state between the expanded state and the steady state of the sealing member. 2. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the link mechanism links the valve member to be in a closed position when the opening/closing cover is in an open position, and links the valve member to be in an open position when the opening/closing cover is in a closed position. 3. The image recording device according to claim 1, wherein the valve member is connected to the sealing member, and the valve member opens the communication passage when the sealing member is in the extended state and seals the communication passage when the sealing member is in the steady state. The image recording device described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the link mechanism has a state-change member that is movable between an elevated position and a lowered position, and when the state-change member is in the elevated position, it pushes up the sealing member from below, thereby putting the sealing member into the extended state , and when the state -change member is in the lowered position, it puts the sealing member into the stationary state. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the state-changing member moves between the raised position and the lowered position by linear or rotational movement. the link mechanism includes a slider member that moves horizontally between a first position and a second position in conjunction with opening and closing of the openable cover,
6. The image recording apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the state change member moves between the raised position and the lowered position in conjunction with the horizontal movement of the slider member. a fixed member having a first cam structure;
the state-change member includes a second cam structure that cooperates with the first cam structure of the fixed member to move the state-change member between the raised position and the lowered position;
the link mechanism includes a slider member that moves in a horizontal direction between a third position and a fourth position in conjunction with opening and closing of the openable cover and is connected to the tank,
6. The image recording device according to claim 4, wherein the slider member slides between the third position and the fourth position in conjunction with the opening and closing of the opening/closing cover, thereby causing the state-changing member to move between the raised position and the lowered position. 8. An image recording device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve member is fixedly connected to the sealing member. The image recording device described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the opening /closing cover can be opened and closed around a rotation axis provided on the base end side of the rotation, and the tip of the opening / closing cover when in the closed position is above the position of the liquid injection port and the cap.

Images