Container, printing device, and printing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique capable of opening the device-side valve element of the liquid introduction part through the container valve element. The container includes a liquid storage part and a liquid supply part having a container-side valve mechanism. The container-side valve mechanism has: a container-side valve seat formed with a container-side valve hole; a container-side valve element that closes the container-side valve hole and has a front end surface on the supply opening side; and a container-side biasing member that biases the container-side valve element in a direction toward the container-side valve seat. The container-side valve element has a convex portion that protrudes from the front end surface and presses the device-side valve element to open it.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to technologies related to containers, printing devices, and printing systems. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, the following technology has been known. That is, in an ink container installed in a printing device, there is an ink supply valve that can open and close an ink supply flow path for supplying ink (Patent Document 1). The ink supply valve includes a valve seat portion, a valve element, and a biasing portion that biases the valve element toward the valve seat portion. By inserting a supply tube of the printing device into the ink supply flow path of the ink container, the valve element is pressed upward against the acting force by the supply tube, and the valve element separates from the valve seat portion. Thus, the ink supply valve opens. In addition, the valve element has a rupture portion that protrudes toward the ink chamber side of the ink container. By pressing the valve element upward, the rupture portion ruptures a film portion that blocks the ink supply flow path. Thus, ink can be supplied from the ink container to the printer side.

[0003] [Prior Art Documents]

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-254734

[0006] In the prior art, the supply flow path on the ink container side is opened and closed by the ink supply valve, but the opening and closing of the supply tube that receives ink on the printing device side are not considered. Such a problem is common not only in ink containers but also in containers that can be detachably installed in a printing device and contain a liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container that can be detachably installed in a container mounting portion of a printing device. The container mounting portion of the printing device has: a liquid introduction portion that receives a liquid; and a device-side valve element that opens and closes an introduction portion flow path that is a flow path of the liquid introduction portion. The container includes: a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid; and a liquid supply portion that has a supply opening at its tip, is connected to the liquid storage portion and the liquid introduction portion, and the liquid supply portion has a container-side valve mechanism that opens and closes a supply portion flow path that is a flow path of the liquid supply portion. The container-side valve mechanism includes: a container-side valve seat that is formed with a container-side valve hole; a container-side valve element that blocks the container-side valve hole and has a front end surface on the supply opening side; and a container-side biasing member that biases the container-side valve element in a direction toward the container-side valve seat. The container-side valve element has a convex portion that protrudes from the front end surface and presses the device-side valve element to open it.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a printing apparatus for mounting a container is provided. The container includes: a liquid supply unit; and a container-side valve element for opening and closing a supply unit flow path that is a flow path of the liquid supply unit, and having a convex portion protruding from a front end surface. Further, the printing apparatus includes: a print head that ejects a liquid; and a container mounting portion for mounting the container, and having a liquid introduction portion that is connected to the liquid supply unit to receive the liquid. The liquid introduction portion includes: an introduction portion opening formed at a front end; an introduction portion flow path that is a flow path; and a device-side valve element for opening and closing the introduction portion flow path, and the device-side valve element is disposed at a position where it is pressed by the convex portion to open the valve.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes: the container according to the above aspect; and the printing apparatus according to the above aspect. When the container moves downward, the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply unit are connected, and during the supply unit connection process in which the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply unit are connected, the device-side valve element opens earlier than the container-side valve element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 FIG. is a view of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0012] Figure 3 FIG. is along Figure 2 a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3.

[0013] Figure 4 FIG. is Figure 3 an enlarged view of region R4 of

[0014] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic view of a region including the liquid supply unit and the liquid introduction portion partially cut away.

[0015] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a region including the liquid supply unit and the liquid introduction portion when the terminal connection process is completed.

[0016] Figure 7 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a region including the liquid supply unit and the liquid introduction portion when the supply unit connection process is completed.

[0017] Figure 8 FIG. is a view of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Y direction side.

[0018] Figure 9 FIG. is a view of the container mounted on the container mounting portion.

[0019] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the container installation part.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a view of the container installation part observed from the +Z direction side.

[0021] Figure 12 It is a partially enlarged view of the container installation part.

[0022] Figure 13 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device-side terminal part.

[0023] Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the first type of container.

[0024] Figure 15 It is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container.

[0025] Figure 16 It is the first figure showing a part of the first type of container.

[0026] Figure 17 It is the second figure showing a part of the first type of container.

[0027] Figure 18 It is the first side view of the first type of container.

[0028] Figure 19 It is the second side view of the first type of container.

[0029] Figure 20 It is the front view of the first type of container.

[0030] Figure 21 It is the rear view of the first type of container.

[0031] Figure 22 It is the top view of the first type of container.

[0032] Figure 23 It is a perspective view of the second type of container.

[0033] Figure 24 It is the front view of the second type of container.

[0034] Figure 25 It is the rear view of the second type of container.

[0035] Figure 26 It is the first figure explaining the installation process.

[0036] Figure 27 It is the second figure explaining the installation process.

[0037] Figure 28 It is Figure 27 a cross-sectional view of

[0038] Figure 29It is the third figure illustrating the installation process.

[0039] Figure 30 It is Figure 29 a cross-sectional view of.

[0040] [Explanation of reference numerals]

[0041] 1: Printing system; 2: Printing paper; 4, 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K: Containers; 6: Container mounting part; 8: Cover member; 10: Printing device; 13: Replacement cover; 15: Operation button; 20: Bracket; 22: Nozzle head; 24: Tube; 30: Drive mechanism; 31: Control unit; 32: Timing belt; 34: Drive motor; 41: Main body; 42: Front wall; 43: Upper wall; 44: Bottom wall; 45: First side wall; 46: Second side wall; 47: Rear wall; 50: Circuit board; 50fa: Surface; 61: Accommodation chamber; 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K: Slots; 62: Second device wall; 63: Device upper wall; 64: Device bottom wall; 65: First device side wall; 66: Second device side wall; 67: First device wall; 70: Device side terminal part; 73: Holding mechanism; 89: Corner part; 90: Recess; 401, 401B: Liquid containers; 402: Adapter; 402e: End; 430: Container side identification part; 431: Container bottom wall; 432: Inflow opening; 441: Slit; 442: Liquid supply part; 446: Insertion opening; 447: Container guide part; 447a: First container guide part; 447b: Second container guide part; 448: Supply part positioning part; 450: Liquid accommodation part; 461: Supply part arrangement chamber; 480: Flow path main body; 481: Container side valve mechanism; 482: Supply part flow path; 483: Container side biasing member; 485: Container side valve core; 486: Front end face; 487: Container side valve seat; 488: Protrusion; 489: Container side valve hole; 497: Container engaging part; 521: Container side terminal; 525: Storage device; 602: Device guide part; 602a: First device guide part; 602b: Second device guide part; 610: Support member; 611: First support side wall; 612: Second support side wall; 613: Main wall; 614: Opening; 625: Biasing member; 630: Device side identification part; 642: Liquid introduction part; 642a: Base end; 642b: Front end; 644: Device side supply part positioning part; 644a: One end part; 644b: The other end part; 645: Introduction part opening; 674: Plugging opening; 677: Engaging formation body; 680: Introduction part main body; 681: Device side valve mechanism; 682: Introduction part flow path; 683: Device side biasing member; 684: Base; 685: Device side valve core; 685b: Front end; 686: Arrangement part; 687: Device side valve seat; 688: Sealing member; 689: Device side valve hole; 697: Mounting engaging part; 698: Rotation fulcrum; 699: Liquid storage part; 721: Device side terminal; 722: Terminal contact; 739: Connector; 750: Terminal holding part; 750fa: Holding part surface; 750ft: First holding part side wall; 750fw: Second holding part side wall; 756: Device side terminal positioning part; 756t: First device side terminal positioning part;756w: Second device-side terminal positioning portion; 780: Biasing member; 782: Mounting member; 902: Concave portion side wall; 902t: First concave portion side wall; 902w: Second concave portion side wall; 906: Terminal positioning portion; 906t: First terminal positioning portion; 906w: Second terminal positioning portion; 916: End wall; 982: Front wall of concave portion; 988: Bottom wall of concave portion; 442e1: Supply opening; 442e2: Supply base end portion; CA1: Central axis; CA2: Central axis; D1: Insertion direction; D2: Connection direction; D3: Connection release direction; Fa: External force; Fs1: First acting force; Fs2: Second acting force; Ft1: External force; MP: Central portion; Rp: Terminal rotation fulcrum; Detailed implementation mode

[0042] A. Implementation mode:

[0043] A-1. Structure of printing system:

[0044] Figure 1 FIG. is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, are depicted. The directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point respectively show the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively set as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction. The directions opposite to the directions in which the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis point are the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis respectively. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively set as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction. The cases where the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are regardless of positive or negative are respectively referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. Regarding this, the same applies to the figures and explanations shown hereafter.

[0045] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 and a container 4 that supplies ink as a liquid to the printing device 10.

[0046] The printing device 10 in the present embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects ink as a liquid from a nozzle head 22. The printing device 10 is a large printer that prints on large-format paper such as posters (A2 to A0, etc.). The printing device 10 includes a container mounting portion 6, a control portion 31, a carriage 20, a nozzle head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. In addition, the printing device 10 includes an operation button 15 for a user to operate the actions of the printing device 10.

[0047] A plurality of containers 4 are respectively detachably mounted on the container mounting portion 6. In the present embodiment, corresponding to the inks of four colors, black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, one container 4 of each of the four types, that is, a total of four containers 4 are mounted on the container mounting portion 6. The container 4 that houses the black ink is also referred to as the container 4K, the container 4 that houses the yellow ink is also referred to as the container 4Y, the container 4 that houses the magenta ink is also referred to as the container 4M, and the container 4 that houses the cyan ink is also referred to as the container 4C. In the present embodiment, the container 4K is configured to be able to hold more liquid than the containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Accordingly, the container 4K is also referred to as the first type of container 4A, and the containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y are also referred to as the second type of container 4B.

[0048] The printing apparatus 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front side in the +Y direction. When the +Z direction side of the replacement cover 13 is tilted toward the front side as the +Y direction side, the opening of the container mounting portion 6 appears and the container 4 can be loaded and unloaded. When the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the print head 22 provided on the carriage 20 via the tube 24 that serves as a liquid flow pipe. In the present embodiment, ink is supplied from the container 4 to the print head 22 using the water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the print head 22 by the water level difference between the liquid level of the ink in the liquid storage portion 699 and the water level of the print head 22. In addition, in other embodiments, the ink in the container 4 can be sucked by a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10 to supply the ink to the print head 22. In addition, the tube 24 is provided corresponding to each type of ink. In addition, the state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 and the ink as a liquid can be supplied to the printing apparatus 10 is also referred to as the "mounted state".

[0049] Nozzles are provided on the print head 22 corresponding to each type of ink. The print head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2 to print data such as characters or images. In addition, the state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 and the detailed structures of the container 4 and the container mounting portion 6 are described later. In the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 is a so-called "non-carriage loading type" printer in which the container mounting portion 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called "carriage loading type" printer in which the container mounting portion 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and the container mounting portion 6 moves together with the carriage 20.

[0050] The control unit 31 controls each part of the printing apparatus 10 and transmits and receives signals to and from the container 4. The carriage 20 relatively moves the print head 22 with respect to the printing paper 2.

[0051] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage according to a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting the power of the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, which is a direction along the X direction. In addition, the printing apparatus 10 includes a conveyance mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. During printing, the conveyance mechanism moves the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, and outputs the printed paper 2 after printing on the front cover 11.

[0052] In addition, an area called the initial position is provided at a position outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction, and a maintenance mechanism is mounted at the initial position. The maintenance mechanism performs maintenance for normal printing execution. The maintenance mechanism includes a cover member 8, a lifting mechanism (not shown), a suction pump (not shown), etc. The cover member 8 is pressed against the surface where the nozzles are formed on the bottom surface side of the print head 22, and forms a closed space so as to surround the nozzles. The lifting mechanism raises and lowers the cover member 8 to press it against the nozzle surface of the print head 22, and the suction pump introduces negative pressure into the closed space formed by pressing the cover member 8 against the nozzle surface of the print head 22.

[0053] In the present embodiment, in the usage state of the printing system 1, the axis along the sub-scanning direction in which the printing paper 2 is conveyed is defined as the Y axis, the axis along the gravity direction is defined as the Z axis, and the axis along the moving direction of the carriage 20 is defined as the X axis. Here, the "usage state of the printing system 1" refers to the state where the printing system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. In addition, in the present embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is defined as the +Y direction, the opposite direction is defined as the -Y direction, the gravity direction is defined as the -Z direction, and the anti-gravity direction is defined as the +Z direction. The X direction and the Y direction are directions along the horizontal direction. In addition, when observing the printing system 1 from the front side, the direction from the right side to the left side is defined as the +X direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the -X direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the insertion direction for inserting the container 4 into the container mounting portion 6 for installation is the -Y direction, and the direction for removing the container 4 from the container mounting portion 6 is the +Y direction. Thus, the -Y direction side in the container mounting portion 6 is also referred to as the back side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the front side. In addition, in the present embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of containers 4 is the X direction.

[0054] A-2. Schematic structure of the installation state of the container 4:

[0055] Figure 2 It is a view of the container mounting portion 6 observed from the +Z direction side. Figure 3 is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3. Figure 4 is Figure 3 An enlarged view of the area R4. InFigure 2 In this case, a container 4K is installed in the container installation section 6. By using Figures 2 to 4 This describes the installation process of the container 4 and the schematic structure of the installation state. Additionally, regarding the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K, the installation process and installation state are the same.

[0056] As Figure 3 shown, the container 4 is inserted along the insertion direction and is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 of the container installation section 6 through the insertion and extraction opening 674 provided in the first device wall 67 of the container installation section 6. Thus, the accommodation chamber 61 accommodates the container 4. The insertion and extraction opening 674 is the entrance and exit of the container 4 to the accommodation chamber 61. In the state where the container 4 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 of the container installation section 6, the container 4 is supported by the support member 610 of the container installation section 6 from the -Z direction side. Additionally, in the installation state where the container 4 is installed in the accommodation chamber 61 of the container installation section 6, the liquid supply section 442 of the container 4 is connected to the liquid introduction section 642 of the container installation section 6. Thus, the ink accommodated in the liquid accommodation section 450 of the container 4 is supplied to the liquid introduction section 642. Additionally, in the present embodiment, ink is supplied from the liquid supply section 442 to the liquid introduction section 642. On the other hand, the air accommodated in the liquid storage section 699 becomes bubbles and circulates through the liquid introduction section 642, the liquid supply section 442, and reaches the liquid accommodation section 450. Thus, gas-liquid exchange in the liquid accommodation section 450 is performed. Additionally, in other embodiments, the container 4 may have an atmospheric communication path that connects the liquid accommodation section 450 to the outside, and gas-liquid exchange may be performed via this atmospheric communication path. The atmospheric communication path is arranged at a position different from the liquid supply section 442. For example, it is formed in the wall that forms the liquid accommodation section 450.

[0057] The liquid introduction section 642 receives the liquid supplied from the container 4. The liquid introduction section 642 is a cylindrical member and has an internal flow path for the liquid to flow through inside. The liquid introduction section 642 has a base end 642a and a tip end 642b. An opening that communicates with the introduction section flow path, which is the internal flow path, is formed at the tip end 642b. Through this opening, the ink in the liquid supply section 442 flows into the introduction section flow path. The base end 642a is connected to the liquid storage section 699 to allow the ink flowing through the introduction section flow path to flow into the liquid storage section 699. The liquid storage section 699 is located on the -Z direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The liquid storage section 699 is connected via Figure 1The shown tube 24 communicates with the ejection head 22. As described above, the liquid introduction part 642 communicates with the ejection head 22 via the liquid storage part 699 and the tube 24. The central axis CA1 of the liquid introduction part 642 is parallel to the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply part 442 in the mounted state and is inclined with respect to the Z direction. That is, the direction of the central axis CA1 along the extending direction of the liquid introduction part 642 intersects the insertion direction of the container 4. The central axis CA2 of the liquid supply part 442 is the direction along the extending direction of the liquid supply part 442.

[0058] As Figure 4 shown, in the mounted state of the container 4, it is electrically connected by the circuit board 50 of the container 4 contacting the device side terminal part 70 of the container mounting part 6. The device side terminal part 70 is held by the holding mechanism 73. The device side terminal part 70 has a plurality of device side terminals 721, a terminal holding part 750, and a connector 739.

[0059] Nine device side terminals 721 are provided in this embodiment. The plurality of device side terminals 721 are each plate members made of conductive metal. The device side terminal 721 has a terminal rotation fulcrum Rp, and the portion that contacts the container side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 as an end can elastically deform with the terminal rotation fulcrum Rp as a fulcrum. The direction of elastic deformation is along the directions of the Y direction and the Z direction. The terminal holding part 750 holds the plurality of device side terminals 721. The connector 739 is electrically connected to the plurality of device side terminals 721. In addition, the connector 739 is electrically connected to the control part 31 of the printing device 10 through a wiring (not shown). Thus, data communication can be performed between the circuit board 50 and the control part 31.

[0060] The holding mechanism 73 has a biasing member 780 and a mounting member 782. The biasing member 780 is constituted by a coil spring. The mounting member 782 disposes the biasing member 780 inside. In addition, the device side terminal part 70 is mounted on the mounting member 782. The biasing member 780 is compressed in the state where the insertion of the container 4 into the container mounting part 6 is completed. Thus, the biasing member 780 applies an external force Fa in the direction of the dismounting direction of the container 4 toward the first device wall 67 side to the device side terminal part 70 via the mounting member 782. Due to the external force Fa, the device side terminal part 70 is pressed against the circuit board 50, so that the contact between the device side terminal 721 and the container side terminal 521 is maintained well.

[0061] As described above, the holding mechanism 73 holds the device-side terminal portion 70 so as to be displaceable in the direction along the insertion direction of the container 4. In addition, one end portion on the device-side terminal portion 70 side of the biasing member 780 is configured to be slightly movable in the X direction and the Z direction that intersect the insertion direction. Accordingly, the device-side terminal portion 70 is held by the holding mechanism 73 so as to be slightly movable in the X direction and the Z direction that intersect the insertion direction.

[0062] The process of mounting the container 4 to the container mounting portion 6 consists of a terminal connection process and a supply unit connection process that is performed after the terminal connection process. The terminal connection process is a process in which the container 4 is moved in the -Y direction and inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6 through the insertion and removal opening portion 674 of the first device wall 67 shown in the figure, so that the device-side terminal 721 comes into contact with the container-side terminal 521 and is electrically connected. The supply unit connection process is a process in which, while maintaining the electrical connection between the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521, the rear surface 47 side of the container 4 is rotationally moved in the connection direction D2 shown by the arrow with the rotation fulcrum 698, which is a displacement mechanism of the support member 610, as a fulcrum, so as to connect the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442. The rotation fulcrum 698 is provided on the second device wall 62 side of the container mounting portion 6. Figure 3 In the supply unit connection process, the movement of the liquid supply portion 442 that intersects the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 is restricted by the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644, which is a protrusion of the container mounting portion 6, entering the concave-shaped supply unit positioning portion 448 of the container 4. Thereby, positioning of the liquid supply portion 442 with respect to the liquid introduction portion 642 is performed. The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 has one end portion 644a and the other end portion 644b. The one end portion 644a is located on the liquid storage portion 699 side. The one end portion 644a is located closer to the accommodation chamber 61 side than the other end portion 644b.

[0063] In the mounted state of the container 4, the main wall 613 forming the bottom of the support member 610 is inclined with respect to the Y direction. Specifically, the main wall 613 of the support member 610 is inclined so as to be located on the -Z direction side, which is the lower side, as it faces the +Y axis direction. In the initial configuration state of the container mounting portion 6 where the container 4 is not mounted, the main wall 613 is parallel to the Y direction.

[0064]

[0065] ​The container mounting portion 6 has a biasing member 625 which applies an external force Ft1 to the support member 610 in order to return the support member 610 to the position in the initial configuration state in the mounted state of the container 4. The biasing member 625 is a coil spring provided between the support member 610 and the liquid storage portion 699 and is in a compressed state in the mounted state. An external force Ft1 having a +Z direction component is applied to the support member 610 through the compressed state. On the other hand, in the mounted state of the container 4, the mounted state is maintained by the engagement of the container engaging portion 497 of the container 4 with the mounting engaging portion 697 of the container mounting portion 6. The mounting engaging portion 697 is formed on the engaging formation body 677 of the container mounting portion 6.

[0066] A-3. Detailed structure of the liquid supply portion and the liquid introduction portion:

[0067] Figure 5 It is a schematic view of a region including the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 in the mounted state, which is partially cut away. Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a region including the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 when the terminal connection process is completed. Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of a region including the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 when the supply portion connection process is completed.

[0068] As Figure 7 shown, the liquid supply portion 442 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 642 to allow the liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 to flow to the liquid introduction portion 642 as the outside. The liquid supply portion 442 communicates with the liquid storage portion 450. Also as Figure 6 shown, the liquid supply portion 442 has a central axis CA2. At the end of the terminal connection process in which the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting portion 6, the direction along the central axis CA2 is the Z direction. The direction along the central axis CA2 which is the extending direction of the liquid supply portion 442 intersects the -Y direction which is the insertion direction D1. The liquid supply portion 442 has a supply opening 442e1 formed at the tip and a supply base end portion 442e2 formed at the base end. The supply base end portion 442e2 is located inside the liquid storage portion 450. The supply opening 442e1 opens toward the outside.

[0069] The liquid supply portion 442 includes a flow path main body 480 and a container side valve mechanism 481. The flow path main body 480 is inserted through and passes through the inflow opening portion 432 which is formed in the housing bottom wall 431 which is the bottom wall of the liquid storage portion 450. A supply portion flow path 482 is formed inside the flow path main body 480. As Figure 5As shown, in the side wall of the flow path main body 480, in the part between the inflow opening 432 in the liquid storage part 450 and the supply base end part 442e2 side, a plurality of slits 441 are formed at intervals in the circumferential direction. The liquid in the liquid storage part 450 flows into the supply part flow path 482 through the slits 441. In addition, the part of the side wall of the flow path main body 480 between the inflow opening 432 and the supply opening 442e1 does not have a slit and forms a cylindrical member.

[0070] As Figure 6 shown, the container side valve mechanism 481 is arranged in the supply part flow path 482 to open and close the supply part flow path 482. The container side valve mechanism 481 has a container side valve seat 487, a container side valve core 485, and a container side biasing member 483. In the direction along the central axis CA2, the container side valve seat 487, the container side valve core 485, and the container side biasing member 483 are arranged in order from the side closer to the supply opening 442e1.

[0071] The container side valve seat 487 is arranged near the supply opening 442e1. The container side valve seat 487 is an annular member. The container side valve seat 487 is formed of an elastic member such as synthetic rubber or an elastomer. The outer peripheral surface of the container side valve seat 487 is airtightly installed with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the flow path main body 480. In the container side valve seat 487, a container side valve hole 489 penetrating in the direction along the central axis CA2 is formed.

[0072] In a state where the liquid introduction part 642 is not connected to the liquid supply part 442, the tip side part of the container side valve core 485 abuts against the container side valve seat 487 to block the container side valve hole 489. On the other hand, in the mounted state of the container 4 where the liquid introduction part 642 is connected to the liquid supply part 442, the container side valve core 485 is opened by separating from the container side valve seat 487. That is, the container side valve core 485 opens and closes the supply part flow path 482 by displacing in the direction along the central axis CA2. The container side valve core 485 is a rod-shaped member extending in the direction along the central axis CA2.

[0073] The container side valve core 485 has a front end surface 486 on the supply opening 442e1 side. The front end surface 486 faces the supply opening 442e1. In addition, the container side valve core 485 has a convex part 488 protruding from the front end surface 486 toward the supply opening 442e1 side. The convex part 488 is cylindrical. In addition, in other embodiments, the convex part 488 may also be a prismatic shape with a cross section formed of a polygon such as a quadrilateral or a pentagon. The convex part 488 is arranged at a position passing through the central axis CA2. When the container side valve mechanism 481 is in the closed state, the convex part 488 is located in the container side valve hole 489 of the container side valve seat 487. As Figure 7As shown, during the connection of the supply unit, the convex portion 488 of the container-side valve element 485 presses the device-side valve element 685 disposed within the liquid introduction unit 642 to open the valve.

[0074] As Figure 6 shown, the container-side biasing member 483 biases the container-side valve element 485 in the direction toward the container-side valve seat 487. The container-side biasing member 483 is, for example, a compression coil spring. In the container-side biasing member 483, one end abuts against the container-side valve element 485 and the other end abuts against the flow path main body 480. In the pre-connection state before the connection between the liquid introduction unit 642 and the liquid supply unit 442 starts, that is, when the container-side valve mechanism 481 is in the closed state, the acting force of the container-side biasing member 483 on the container-side valve element 485 is the first acting force Fs1.

[0075] In the installed state of the container 4, the liquid introduction unit 642 is connected to the liquid supply unit 442 to receive the liquid from the liquid supply unit 442. The liquid introduction unit 642 has an introduction unit flow path 682 through which the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit 442 flows. In addition, the liquid introduction unit 642 has a central axis CA1. The central axis CA1 is inclined with respect to the direction of gravity. In the present embodiment, the central axis CA1 is inclined 5° with respect to the direction of gravity.

[0076] The liquid introduction unit 642 includes an introduction unit main body 680 having an annular cross-sectional shape and a device-side valve mechanism 681. The introduction unit flow path 682 is formed inside the introduction unit main body 680. The introduction unit main body 680 forms the tip 642b of the liquid introduction unit 642. In the flow direction of the liquid from the liquid supply unit 442 to the liquid introduction unit 642, the tip 642b forms the upstream end of the introduction unit flow path 682. The tip 642b has an introduction unit opening 645 that forms the upstream end of the introduction unit flow path 682.

[0077] As Figure 6 shown, the device-side valve mechanism 681 is disposed within the introduction unit flow path 682 and opens and closes the introduction unit flow path 682. The device-side valve mechanism 681 has a device-side valve seat 687 formed by the introduction unit main body 680, a device-side valve element 685, and a device-side biasing member 683.

[0078] The device-side valve seat 687 is a portion of the introduction section main body 680 that is inclined with respect to the central axis CA1. In the present embodiment, the device-side valve seat 687 is a portion of the introduction section main body 680 where the inner diameter increases from the tip 642b side toward the base end 642a side. The device-side valve seat 687 has a device-side valve hole 689 that is part of the introduction section flow path 682. Additionally, in other embodiments, without being limited to the above structure, it is also possible that the introduction section main body 680 has a diameter-expanded portion that extends in a direction orthogonal to the central axis CA1, and the device-side valve seat 687 is formed by this diameter-expanded portion.

[0079] The device-side valve element 685 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the direction along the central axis CA1. The device-side valve element 685 is located within the introduction section flow path 682 and opens and closes the introduction section flow path 682. The device-side valve element 685 is disposed at a position where it is pressed by the convex portion 488 of the container-side valve element 485 to open the valve. Specifically, the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685 pressed by the convex portion 488 is located on the trajectory of the movement of the convex portion 488 during the supply unit connection process. In the present embodiment, the tip 685b is disposed at a position passing through the central axis CA1. In this way, by disposing the device-side valve element 685 at a position where it is pressed by the convex portion 488 to open the valve, the device-side valve element 685 can be easily opened using the convex portion 488.

[0080] Regardless of whether it is in the open valve state or the closed valve state, the device-side valve element 685 does not protrude from the introduction section opening 645 and is located within the introduction section flow path 682. In the present embodiment, in the closed valve state, the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685 is located at the same height position as the introduction section opening 645. Additionally, in the open valve state, the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685 is located on the base end 642a side, which is deeper than the introduction section opening 645. Thereby, the possibility of the liquid adhering to the device-side valve element 685 leaking to the outside can be reduced. Further, since the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685 does not protrude from the introduction section opening 645, the possibility of the following situation occurring can be reduced, that is, in a state where the container 4 is not installed, other objects collide with the device-side valve element 685, etc., and the device-side valve element 685 is accidentally opened. Further, since the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685 does not protrude from the introduction section opening 645, the possibility of the following situation occurring can be reduced, that is, the possibility of colliding with a portion other than the container-side valve element 485 in the container 4 during the installation of the container 4 can be reduced.

[0081] The device-side valve core 685 has a configuration portion 686 and a sealing member 688 which is an annular elastic member. The configuration portion 686 is a portion of the main body of the device-side valve core 685 that is larger in size in a direction orthogonal to the central axis CA1 than other portions. The configuration portion 686 faces the device-side valve seat 687. The sealing member 688 is formed of an elastomer or rubber. The sealing member 688 is mounted on the configuration portion 686 of the device-side valve core 685 and is interlocked with the main body of the device-side valve core 685. In a state where the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 are not connected, the device-side valve core 685 closes the device-side valve hole 689 of the device-side valve seat 687 by the sealing member 688 being in airtight contact with the device-side valve seat 687. Thereby, the device-side valve core 685 is in a closed valve state. On the other hand, in a state where the container 4 is installed with the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 connected, the device-side valve core 685 moves away from the device-side valve seat 687 of the introduction portion main body 680, thereby being in an open valve state. Specifically, as Figure 7 shown, the device-side valve core 685 is displaced in a direction away from the device-side valve seat 687 by being pressed by the convex portion 488 of the container-side valve core 485, thereby opening the valve. That is, the device-side valve core 685 opens and closes the introduction portion flow path 682 by being displaced in a direction along the central axis CA1.

[0082] The device-side biasing member 683 biases the device-side valve core 685 in a direction toward the device-side valve seat 687. The device-side biasing member 683 is, for example, a compression coil spring. In the device-side biasing member 683, one end abuts against the configuration portion 686 and the other end abuts against the pedestal 684. The pedestal 684 is a member that forms the base end 642a of the liquid introduction portion 642 and is mounted on the introduction portion main body 680. In a pre-connection state before the connection between the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 starts, that is, when the device-side valve mechanism 681 is in a closed state, the acting force of the device-side biasing member 683 on the device-side valve core 685 is the second acting force Fs2.

[0083] From Figure 6 the state where the terminal connection process shown ends, as Figure 3 shown, by rotating and moving the rear surface 47 of the container 4 in the connection direction D2, the rear surface 47 side of the container 4 moves downward. Thereby, as the liquid supply portion 442 moves downward along a rotation locus centered on the rotation fulcrum 698, the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 are connected as Figure 7 shown. From Figure 6 the state where the terminal connection process shown ends until it becomes Figure 7Until the connection of the liquid supply unit 442 and the liquid introduction unit 642 shown in the figure is completed, during the connection process of the supply unit, the container-side valve mechanism 481 and the device-side valve mechanism 681 have the following first opening and closing relationship. That is, during the connection process of the supply unit where the liquid introduction unit 642 is connected to the liquid supply unit 442, the device-side valve element 685 opens earlier than the container-side valve element 485. In the present embodiment, by setting the first acting force Fs1 to be greater than the second acting force Fs2, the above first opening and closing relationship is achieved. The magnitude of the acting force can be set by the material of the compression coil spring, the degree of compression, etc. In the present embodiment, by making the coil diameter of the container-side biasing member 483, which is a compression coil spring, larger than the coil diameter of the device-side biasing member 683, which is also a compression coil spring, the first acting force Fs1 is set to be greater than the second acting force Fs2.

[0084] As described above, by setting the magnitude relationship between the first acting force Fs1 and the second acting force Fs2, it is possible to easily set the device-side valve element 685 to open earlier than the container-side valve element 485.

[0085] During the connection process of the supply unit, the convex portion 488 of the container-side valve element 485 contacts the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685. Moreover, as the container 4 rotates and moves in the connection direction D2, the liquid supply unit 442 moves downward along the rotation trajectory. As a result, the convex portion 488 presses the device-side valve element 685 toward the base end 642a side, which is the direction away from the device-side valve seat 687, against the acting force of the device-side biasing member 683. By pressing the device-side valve element 685, the sealing member 688 of the device-side valve element 685 separates from the device-side valve seat 687, causing the device-side valve element 685 to open. When the device-side valve element 685 opens, the introduction unit flow path 682 becomes a state where it can communicate. As the connection process of the supply unit further proceeds and the container 4 further rotates and moves in the connection direction D2, the reaction force from the device-side valve element 685 presses the container-side valve element 485 against the acting force of the container-side biasing member 483. As a result, when the container-side valve element 485 separates from the container-side valve seat 487, the container-side valve element 485 opens. When the container-side valve element 485 opens, the supply unit flow path 482 becomes a state where it can communicate.

[0086] As described above, during the connection of the supply unit, the device-side valve element 685 of the liquid introduction unit 642 can be easily opened by the convex portion 488 of the container-side valve element 485. In addition, since the convex portion 488 has a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape, the convex portion 488 can be formed in a simple shape. Further, even when liquid adheres to the convex portion 488, by bringing the convex portion 488 into contact with the tip 685b of the device-side valve element 685, the adhered liquid can be moved toward the device-side valve element 685. Thereby, the possibility of liquid leaking from the liquid supply unit 442 to the outside after removing the container 4 from the container mounting portion 6 can be reduced. In addition, during the connection of the supply unit, since the device-side valve element 685 opens earlier than the container-side valve element 485, the introduction unit flow path 682 becomes a state in which it can communicate, so the possibility of air staying between the device-side valve element 685 and the container-side valve element 485 can be reduced. Thereby, since the air staying during the connection of the supply unit can be suppressed from being compressed, the external force applied to the container 4 for connecting the liquid supply unit 442 and the liquid introduction unit 642 can be suppressed from becoming excessive. Thereby, the user can smoothly mount the container 4 on the container mounting portion 6.

[0087] In addition, during the disconnection process in which the connection between the liquid introduction unit 642 and the liquid supply unit 442 is disconnected, as Figure 3 shown, by lifting the rear wall 47 side of the container 4, the container 4 rotates and moves in the disconnection direction D3, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction D2. Thereby, the liquid supply unit 442 separates from the liquid introduction unit 642 and the connection is disconnected. During the disconnection process, the container-side valve mechanism 481 and the device-side valve mechanism 681 have the following second opening / closing relationship. That is, during the disconnection process, the container-side valve element 485 closes earlier than the device-side valve element 685. That is, during the disconnection process, as the liquid supply unit 442 of the container 4 separates from the liquid introduction unit 642, the container-side valve element 485 moves in a direction approaching the container-side valve seat 487, and the container-side valve element 485 abuts against the container-side valve seat 487. On the other hand, until the container-side valve element 485 abuts against the container-side valve seat 487, the device-side valve element 685 does not abut against the device-side valve seat 687 and separates from the device-side valve seat 687. When the disconnection process further proceeds, the device-side valve element 685 moves in a direction approaching the device-side valve seat 687, and the device-side valve element 685 abuts against the device-side valve seat 687.

[0088] As described above, during the disconnection process, since the container-side valve element 485 closes earlier than the device-side valve element 685, the liquid remaining in the liquid supply unit 442 can flow into the liquid introduction unit 642 in which the device-side valve element 685 is open. Thereby, the possibility of liquid leaking from the liquid supply unit 442 to the outside during the disconnection process can be reduced.

[0089] A-4. Detailed structure of the container mounting portion 6:

[0090] Figure 8 This is a view of the container mounting portion 6 observed from the +Y direction side. Figure 9 This is a view in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the container mounting portion 6. Figure 11 This is a view of the container mounting portion 6 observed from the +Z direction side. Figure 12 This is a partially enlarged view of the container mounting portion 6. Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device-side terminal portion 70. In Figures 9 to 13 In order to facilitate understanding, the illustration of a part of the structure of the container mounting portion 6 is omitted. Regarding the container mounting portion 6, the X direction is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction as the depth direction, and the Z direction as the height direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, each element will be described on the premise of the container mounting portion 6 in the initial configuration state where the container 4 is not mounted on the container mounting portion 6.

[0091] As Figures 8 to 10 shown, the container mounting portion 6 forms a receiving chamber 61 for receiving the container 4. The receiving chamber 61 is generally rectangular parallelepiped in shape. In the receiving chamber 61, the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K for receiving the respective containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K generally correspond to the outer shapes of the respective containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. In the present embodiment, in order to increase the amount of liquid to be received, the container 4K has a larger size in the X direction than the other containers 4C, 4M, 4Y. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the width of the slot 61K is larger than the widths of the other slots 61C, 61M, 61Y.

[0092] As Figure 10 shown, the container mounting portion 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67 that form the receiving chamber 61. In the present invention, the "wall" includes, in addition to a single wall, the concept of a wall composed of a plurality of walls. The second device wall 62 forms the wall on the -Y direction side of the receiving chamber 61. The second device wall 62 is a wall that is substantially vertical in the use state of the printing device 10.

[0093] The first device wall 67 is opposed to the second device wall 62 in the Y direction. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion / removal opening 674 through which the container 4 is inserted or removed with respect to the receiving chamber 61.

[0094] The upper wall 63 of the device forms the wall on the +Z direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The bottom wall 64 of the device faces the upper wall 63 of the device in the Z direction and forms the wall on the -Z direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The bottom wall 64 of the device is formed by the support member 610. The bottom wall 64 of the device has a plurality of openings 614. In the present embodiment, four openings 614 are formed corresponding to the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The upper wall 63 of the device and the bottom wall 64 of the device intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In the present invention, "intersect" and "cross" mean (i) a state where two elements cross each other and actually intersect, (ii) a state where one element intersects the other element when the one element is extended, and (iii) a state where the elements intersect each other when the elements are extended separately from each other.

[0095] The first device side wall 65 forms the wall on the +X direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The second device side wall 66 faces the first device side wall 65 in the X direction and forms the wall on the -X direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The first device side wall 65 and the second device side wall 66 intersect with the second device wall 62, the first device wall 67, the upper wall 63 of the device, and the bottom wall 64 of the device.

[0096] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the container mounting portion 6 further has a support member 610, a liquid introduction portion 642, a supply portion positioning portion 644, a device guide portion 602, and an engagement formation body 677. A plurality of support members 610 are provided corresponding to the number of the mounted containers 4. In the present embodiment, four support members 610 are provided. The support member 610 forms the bottom wall 64 of the device on the gravity direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. The support member 610 supports the container 4 from the -Z direction side which is the gravity direction side. The support member 610 is a member extending along the Y direction. The support member 610 is in a concave shape. The support member 610 has a main wall 613 forming the bottom wall 64 of the device, a first support side wall 611, and a second support side wall 612.

[0097] The main wall 613 forms a concave bottom located on the gravity direction side. An opening 614 is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the side of the first device wall 67. The opening 614 penetrates the main wall 613 in the thickness direction of the main wall 613.

[0098] As Figure 10 shown, the first support side wall 611 stands up from the +X direction side end of the main wall 613 toward the +Z direction which is the anti-gravity direction. The second support side wall 612 stands up from the -X axis direction side end of the main wall 613 toward the +Z direction. The first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612 are opposed to each other in the X direction.

[0099] The device guiding portion 602 guides the container 4 in the insertion direction and the removal direction. The device guiding portion 602 is provided corresponding to each supporting member 610. The device guiding portion 602 is respectively provided on the first supporting side wall 611 and the second supporting side wall 612. The device guiding portion 602 is a protrusion provided on the first supporting side wall 611 and the second supporting side wall 612. As Figure 11 shown, the first device guiding portion 602a provided on the first supporting side wall 611 is a protrusion protruding from the first supporting side wall 611 toward the second supporting side wall 612. The first device guiding portion 602a extends along the Y direction. In addition, a plurality of the first device guiding portions 602a are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The second device guiding portion 602b provided on the second supporting side wall 612 is a protrusion protruding from the second supporting side wall 612 toward the first supporting side wall 611. The second device guiding portion 602b extends along the Y direction. In addition, a plurality of the second device guiding portions 602b are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0100] As Figure 10 and Figure 11 shown, the liquid introduction portion 642 receives the liquid of the container 4. In the initial configuration state of the container mounting portion 6, the liquid introduction portion 642 is not located in the accommodation chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. That is, the liquid introduction portion 642 is located on the opposite side of the accommodation chamber 61 with respect to the supporting member 610. Thus, when the container 4 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, it is possible to prevent the container 4 from colliding with the liquid introduction portion 642. As described above, as Figure 3 shown, by rotating and moving the supporting member 610 around the rotation fulcrum 698 in the connection direction D2 to press down the opening portion 614, the tip 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is arranged in the accommodation chamber 61. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 as the displacement mechanism displaces the opening portion 614 toward the gravity direction by rotating and moving the supporting member 610, so that the tip 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is arranged in the accommodation chamber 61 via the opening portion 614.

[0101] As Figure 10As shown, the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 is received by the supplied part positioning part 448, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction part 642. Thereby, the liquid supply unit 442 is positioned. In the initial configuration state of the container mounting part 6, the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 is not located within the accommodation chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side of the accommodation chamber 61. That is, the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 is located on the opposite side of the accommodation chamber 61 with respect to the support member 610 interposed therebetween. Thereby, when the container 4 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 of the container mounting part 6, it is possible to prevent the container 4 from colliding with the device-side supply unit positioning part 644. By rotating the support member 610 about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the connection direction D2 to press down the opening part 614, the other end part 644b of the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 is arranged within the accommodation chamber 61. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 displaces the opening part 614 by rotating the support member 610, thereby arranging the other end part 644b of the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 within the accommodation chamber 61 via the opening part 614.

[0102] As Figure 11 shown, the container mounting part 6 further has a device-side terminal part 70 and a device-side identification member 630. As Figure 12 shown, the terminal holding part 750 of the device-side terminal part 70 includes: a holding part surface 750fa where the device-side terminal 721 is exposed, a first holding part side wall 750ft, and a second holding part side wall 750fw. The first holding part side wall 750ft forms the side wall of the terminal holding part 750 on the -X direction side. The second holding part side wall 750fw forms the side wall of the terminal holding part 750 on the +X direction side.

[0103] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the device-side identification member 630 is used to identify whether the correct type of container 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K is inserted into each of the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K of the accommodation chamber 61. The device-side identification member 630 forms different pattern shapes corresponding to the colors of the liquids accommodated in the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. In Figure 11 , in each of the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K, the device-side identification member 630 is set to the same pattern shape for convenience, but is actually different pattern shapes. The device-side identification member 630 is provided on the main wall 613 of the support member 610.

[0104] As Figure 12As shown, the device-side identification component 630 is formed by at least one rib or more. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. On the container 4, a container-side identification component formed by ribs is also provided. The container-side identification component forms different pattern shapes corresponding to the type of the container 4, that is, the color of the liquid contained therein. Moreover, when the container 4 of the correct type is inserted into the corresponding slots 61C to 61K, the device-side identification component 630 is engaged with the container-side identification component without collision. On the other hand, when the container 4 of the wrong type is inserted into the slots 61C to 61K, the device-side identification component 630 collides with the container-side identification component, thereby hindering the further insertion of the container 4. Thus, the possibility that the container 4 of the wrong type is installed in each of the slots 61C to 61K of the container mounting portion 6 can be reduced.

[0105] As Figure 12 shown, in addition to the above-described plurality of device-side terminals 721, the terminal holding portion 750, and the connector 739, the device-side terminal portion 70 further includes a device-side terminal positioning portion 756. During the insertion of the container 4 into the accommodation chamber 61, the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion of the container 4, thereby restricting the movement in the X direction and the Y direction, which are directions crossing the insertion direction. Thus, positioning in the direction crossing the insertion direction of the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521 is performed.

[0106] Two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 are provided corresponding to each of the slots 61C to 61K. One of the two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 is also referred to as a first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t, and the other is also referred to as a second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t and the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w are columnar members extending along the Y direction respectively. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is provided on the first holding portion side wall 750ft. The second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is provided on the second holding portion side wall 750fw.

[0107] As Figure 13 shown, the holding portion surface 750fa of the terminal holding portion 750 is inclined with respect to the Y direction and the Z direction toward the direction including a +Y direction component and a +Z direction component. The terminal contact 722 of the device-side terminal 721 that contacts the circuit board 50 protrudes from the holding portion surface 750fa. The terminal contact 722 is in a state where it can be elastically deformed in the direction of the arrow YR1. The +Y direction side end portion of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is located on the +Y direction side compared with the terminal contact 722.

[0108] As Figure 12As shown, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are respectively provided on the support member 610. In the Y direction, which is the extending direction of the support member 610, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are located on the side opposite to the first device wall 67 with the liquid introduction portion 642 and the opening portion 614 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are provided near the second device wall 62. In addition, the device-side terminal portion 70 is located on the side of the second device wall 62, which is the -Y direction side, compared with the device-side identification member 630. Thus, during the insertion of the container 4, after the fitting of the container-side identification member and the device-side identification member 630 starts, the contact between the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521 starts. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the container-side terminal 521 of the wrong type of container 4 from coming into contact with the device-side terminal 721, and the situation where the storage device and the control unit 31 of the circuit board 50 are electrically connected in a state where the wrong type of container 4 is installed.

[0109] As Figure 10 shown, the engaging formation body 677 is formed on the +Y direction side of the support member 610. In addition, the engaging formation body 677 is located on the -Z direction side of the insertion and removal opening portion 674. On the engaging formation body 677, corresponding to each of the slots 61C to 61K, four Figure 3 shown mounting engaging portions 697 are arranged.

[0110] A-5. Detailed structure of the container 4:

[0111] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 16 is the first figure showing a part of the first type of container 4A. Figure 17 is the second figure showing a part of the first type of container 4A. Figure 18 is the first side view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 19 is the second side view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 20 is the front view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 21 is the rear view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 22It is a top view of the first container 4A. Regarding the container 4, the Y direction is the depth direction, the Z direction is the height direction, and the X direction is the width direction. The container 4 accommodates a large volume of liquid and is a relatively large-sized container. Regarding the outer shape of the container 4, the dimension in the Y direction is the largest, and it decreases in the order of the dimension in the Z direction and the dimension in the X direction. Regarding the drawing showing the container 4, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are based on the end state of the terminal connection process, and the end state of the terminal connection process is the state where the insertion of the container 4 into the container mounting portion 6 is completed. That is, regarding the drawing showing the container 4, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are based on the state before the supply portion connection process that rotates and moves the support member 610.

[0112] As Figure 14 shown, the first container 4A includes a liquid container 401 that forms the upper wall 43 and an adapter 402 that forms the bottom wall 44. The adapter 402 is installed by being fitted with the liquid container 401. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are formed of synthetic resin. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 may be formed of the same material or different materials. Additionally, the member forming the liquid container 401 may be lighter than the member forming the adapter 402. In this way, the operability of the container 4 is improved.

[0113] The outer shape of the first container 4A is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The first container 4A includes a main body 41 that forms the outer shell and a circuit board 50 mounted on the main body 41. The main body 41 is formed by the above-mentioned liquid container 401 and adapter 402. The main body 41 of the first container 4A has a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, a second side wall 46, and a corner 89. Each of the walls 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 is also referred to as each of the faces 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are opposed to each other in the Y direction along the insertion direction. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 are opposed to each other in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to the central axis CA2 along the extending direction of the liquid supply portion 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 are opposed to each other in the X direction. The X direction is a direction orthogonal to the Y direction and the Z direction.

[0114] As Figure 18 shown, the front wall 42 is located on the insertion direction side of inserting the container 4 into the mounting portion 6. That is, the front wall 42 forms the insertion front end surface on the -Y direction side as the insertion direction side. The rear wall 47 forms the surface on the +Y direction side as the disassembly direction. The upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side and intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. As Figure 14 shown, the bottom wall 44 is located on the -Z direction side as the gravity direction side in the mounted state and forms Figure 3The connecting end face in the connecting direction D2 shown. That is, the bottom wall 44 is located on the connecting direction D2 side. The bottom wall 44 intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. An insertion opening 446 is formed in the bottom wall 44. A liquid supply part 442 is arranged in the insertion opening 446. The liquid supply part 442 is arranged such that the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply part 442 passes through the insertion opening 446. During the installation of the container 4, the liquid introduction part 642 of the container installation part 6 is inserted through the insertion opening 446. In the insertion direction, the insertion opening 446 and the liquid supply part 442 are located in the region RY between the central part MP of the container 4 and the end part on the rear wall 47 side.

[0115] As Figure 20 shown, the first side wall 45 is located on the -X direction side, and the second side wall 46 is located on the +X direction side. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 respectively intersect with the front wall 42, the rear wall 47, the upper wall 43, and the bottom wall 44. A corner part 89 is provided at the corner where the front wall 42 intersects with the bottom wall 44. The corner part 89 has a recessed part 90 that is recessed inward.

[0116] The first type of container 4A further includes: Figure 14 the liquid storage part 450 for storing liquid, the liquid supply part 442, the container-side identification member 430, the supply part positioning part 448, the circuit board 50, the container guide part 447, and Figure 21 the container engaging part 497 shown.

[0117] The liquid supply part 442 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the storage body bottom wall 431, which is the bottom wall of the liquid storage body 401, toward the adapter 402 side. The liquid supply part 442 is arranged in the concave-shaped supply part arrangement chamber 461 of the adapter 402. At the concave-shaped bottom of the supply part arrangement chamber 461, there is formed Figure 14 the insertion opening 446 shown. In the liquid supply part 442, the above-mentioned container-side valve mechanism 481 is arranged.

[0118] Figure 14 The container-side identification member 430 shown is used to identify whether the container 4 is inserted into the correct slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K of the container installation part 6. The container-side identification member 430 is a rib arranged on the side of the bottom wall 44 close to the front wall 42 and adjacent to the corner part 89 in this embodiment. The container-side identification member 430 forms different pattern shapes corresponding to the colors of the liquids stored in the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs.

[0119] The supply unit positioning portion 448 receives the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 to position the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. Specifically, during the connection process of the supply unit, the supply unit positioning portion 448 restricts the movement of the supply unit positioning portion 448 in the direction intersecting the connection direction D2 through the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644, thereby positioning the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed on the bottom wall 44 and is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the bottom wall 44. In addition, in other embodiments, the supply unit positioning portion 448 may also be a hole penetrating the bottom wall 44. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the opening area of the entrance portion on the outer surface side of the bottom wall 44 is larger than the opening area of the bottom side of the recessed portion deeper than the entrance portion. Thus, during the connection process of the supply unit, the supply unit positioning portion 448 can easily receive the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644. In the insertion direction, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is located on the side opposite to the container-side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 with the liquid supply unit 442 and the insertion opening portion 446 interposed therebetween. In the present embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed near the rear wall 47 in the bottom wall 44.

[0120] As Figure 21 shown, the container engaging portion 497 is provided on the rear wall 47. The container engaging portion 497 is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the rear wall 47.

[0121] As Figure 16 shown, the circuit board 50 is disposed at the corner portion 89. The circuit board 50 has a plurality of container-side terminals 521 disposed on the surface 50fa and a storage device 525 disposed on the inner surface. The plurality of container-side terminals 521 capable of being electrically connected by contacting the device-side terminals 721 are electrically connected to the storage device 525 via wirings. Nine container-side terminals 521 are provided in the present embodiment. The surface 50fa on which the plurality of container-side terminals 521 are disposed is inclined with respect to the insertion direction. Specifically, the surface 50fa faces a direction including a -Z direction component and a -Y direction component and is inclined with respect to the insertion direction. In the storage device 525, information related to the container 4, such as the manufacturing date and the liquid remaining amount, is stored. In the installed state, the plurality of container-side terminals 521 are electrically connected by contacting the corresponding device-side terminals 721. Thus, the control unit 31 of the printing device 10 and the storage device 525 are electrically connected and can perform data communication.

[0122] As Figure 17 shown, the circuit board 50 is disposed in the recess 90 at the corner portion 89. As Figure 14 shown, the recess 90 is provided extending over the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44. As Figure 17As shown, the recess 90 has: a recess front wall 982 forming an inlet opening portion on the side of the front wall 42; a recess bottom wall 988 forming the bottom of the recess 90; and a pair of recess side walls 902t, 902w.

[0123] The recess bottom wall 988 has a portion inclined with respect to the Y direction. In the present embodiment, the inclined portion is inclined toward the +Z direction side as it faces the recess front wall 982 in the Y direction. The circuit board 50 is disposed on the inclined portion.

[0124] The pair of recess side walls 902t, 902w are walls connected to the recess bottom wall 988. The pair of recess side walls 902t, 902w are opposed to each other in the X direction. The first recess side wall 902t is connected to the -X direction side end portion of the recess bottom wall 988. The second recess side wall 902w is connected to the +X direction side end portion of the recess bottom wall 988. When the first recess side wall 902t and the second recess side wall 902w are not distinguished, they are referred to as the recess side wall 902. The inlet opening portion formed as the opening in the recess front wall 982 serves as an inlet when the device side terminal portion 70 is inserted into the recess 90.

[0125] A pair of terminal positioning portions 906t, 906w are respectively provided on the pair of recess side walls 902t, 902w. The pair of terminal positioning portions 906t, 906w are provided to face each other in the X-axis direction. When the pair of terminal positioning portions 906t, 906w are distinguished, they are also referred to as the first terminal positioning portion 906t and the second terminal positioning portion 906w, and when they are not distinguished, they are also referred to as the terminal positioning portion 906. The terminal positioning portion 906 is a groove formed in the recess side wall 902. The first terminal positioning portion 906t is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the first recess side wall 902t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the second recess side wall 902w.

[0126] The first terminal positioning portion 906t receives Figure 12 the first device side terminal positioning portion 756t shown. That is, the first device side terminal positioning portion 756t is inserted into the first terminal positioning portion 906t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w receives Figure 12 the second device side terminal positioning portion 756w shown. That is, the second device side terminal positioning portion 756w is inserted into the second terminal positioning portion 906t. The insertion of the device side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 is performed after the fitting of the container side identification member 430 and the device side identification member 630 starts. In addition, the insertion of the device side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 starts before the contact between the device side terminal 721 and the container side terminal 521 starts.

[0127] The device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion 906, so that the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 contacts the terminal positioning portion 906. Thus, the movement in the Z direction and the X direction, which are directions crossing the insertion direction of the container-side terminal 521 relative to the device-side terminal 721, is restricted. By restricting the movement, positioning in the Z direction and the X direction, which are directions crossing the insertion direction of the container-side terminal 521 relative to the device-side terminal 721, is performed. The terminal positioning portion 906 has an end wall 916 on the +Y direction side. From the abutting position where the tip of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 contacts the end wall 916, the container 4 is further pressed in the insertion direction side, and thus the terminal connection process ends. By further advancing the container 4 from the abutting position in the insertion direction side, the holding mechanism 73 is pressed into the insertion direction side. Thus, the device-side terminal portion 70 moves in the insertion direction side following the movement of the container 4. In the state where the terminal connection process ends, it becomes Figure 7 the state compressed by the biasing member 780 shown. In addition, in the state where the terminal connection process ends, the device-side terminal 721 contacts the container-side terminal 521.

[0128] As Figure 14 well as Figure 22 shown, the container guide portion 447 extends along the -Y direction, which is the insertion direction. The container guide portion 447 is guided in the insertion direction by the device guide portion 602 of the container mounting portion 6. The container guide portions 447 are respectively formed on the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46. In Figure 14 , the single hatched line is marked on the container guide portion 447 formed on the first side wall 45. The container guide portions 447 are respectively formed on the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 by steps. That is, regarding the width of the container 4, the width including a part of the bottom wall 44 is smaller than the width of the other parts located at a part away from the bottom wall 44 compared with the bottom wall side part. Thus, the steps for forming the container guide portions 447 are formed. The container guide portion 447 is a surface facing the -Z direction. The container guide portion 447 formed on the first side wall 45 is also referred to as the first container guide portion 447a, and the container guide portion 447 formed on the second side wall 46 is also referred to as the second container guide portion 447b.

[0129] When the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting portion 6, the container 4 is guided in the insertion direction while maintaining the posture of the container 4 by the contact between the +Z direction side surface of the device guide portion 602 and the container guide portion 447. The +Z direction side surface of the first device guide portion 602a contacts the first container guide portion 447a, and the +Z direction side surface of the second device guide portion 602b contacts the second container guide portion 447b.

[0130] As Figure 14 well as Figure 15As shown, the adapter 402 has: a corner 89 having a terminal positioning portion 906 and a container-side terminal 521; a container-side identification member 430; an insertion opening portion 446; a supply portion positioning portion 448; a container guide portion 447; and a supply portion arrangement chamber 461.

[0131] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the second container 4B. Figure 24 is a front view of the second container 4B. Figure 25 is a rear view of the second container 4B. The difference between the second container 4B and the first container 4A is that the width of the liquid container 401B is smaller than Figure 14 the width of the liquid container 401 shown. Thus, the amount of liquid that can be accommodated in the liquid accommodation portion 450 formed in the liquid container 401B is smaller than the amount of liquid that can be accommodated in the liquid accommodation portion 450 formed in the liquid container 401. Regarding other structures of the second container 4B, since they are the same as those of the first container 4A, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same structures and the description is omitted.

[0132] The adapter 402 of the second container 4B and the adapter 402 of the first container 4A have the same structure except for the pattern shape formed by the container-side identification member 430. Thus, the adapter 402 can be commonly used for containers 4A and 4B with different capacities.

[0133] A-6. Installation process of the container to the container mounting portion:

[0134] Figure 26 is the first figure for explaining the installation process. Figure 27 is the second figure for explaining the installation process. Figure 28 is Figure 27 a cross-sectional view, which is a view corresponding to the cross-section along the 3-3 line of Figure 2 ... Figure 29 is the third figure for explaining the installation process. Figure 30 is Figure 29 a cross-sectional view, which is a view corresponding to the cross-section along the 3-3 line of Figure 2 ... Figures 26 to 28 shows the terminal connection process, Figure 29 , Figure 30 shows the supply portion connection process.

[0135] As Figure 26 shown, when installing the container 4 to the container mounting portion 6, first insert the container 4 into the accommodation chamber 61 from the insertion / removal opening portion 674 of the container mounting portion 6. The insertion direction D1 of the container 4 into the container mounting portion 6 is the -Y direction, which is parallel to the extending direction of the container guide portion 447.

[0136] When from Figure 26When the container 4 is further pushed in the insertion direction D1 from the state shown, as Figure 27 shown, the terminal connection process ends. In Figure 27 the end state of the terminal connection process shown, the end 402e on the +Y direction side of the adapter 402 is located on the insertion direction side with respect to the engagement formation body 677. Further, as Figure 28 shown, in the end state of the terminal connection process, the container-side terminal 521 contacts the device-side terminal 721. Further, in the end state of the terminal connection process, the biasing member 780 is compressed, and the device-side terminal portion 70 receives an external force Fa from the biasing member 780. The user presses the container 4 in the insertion direction side and rotates and moves the container 4 in the connection direction D2 with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum, thereby performing the supply unit connection process.

[0137] When the container 4 rotates and moves in the connection direction D2, before the connection between the liquid introduction unit 642 and the liquid supply unit 442 starts, the reception of the device-side supply unit positioning unit 644 by the supply unit positioning unit 448 starts, and then the positioning of the liquid supply unit 442 with respect to the liquid introduction unit 642 starts. That is, the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 that intersects the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply unit 442 is restricted. During the supply unit connection process, when the device-side supply unit positioning unit 644 is inserted into the liquid introduction unit 642, the container 4 may slightly move in the Y direction. In this case, the biasing member 780 expands and contracts, and the device-side terminal portion 70 moves in a manner following the movement of the container-side terminal 521. Thereby, the contact between the container-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 can be maintained well.

[0138] As Figure 30 shown, in the installed state of the container 4 where the supply unit connection process ends, the container-side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 contacts the device-side terminal 721 of the device-side terminal portion 70, and the liquid supply unit 442 is connected to the liquid introduction unit 642. In the installed state, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 intersects the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends. Further, in the installed state, the container 4 is installed in the container installation portion 6 such that the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends becomes a direction including a component in the gravity direction. Thereby, the liquid in the liquid supply unit 442 can flow smoothly. Therefore, the amount of liquid remaining unconsumed in the liquid storage portion 450 can be reduced.

[0139] In addition, in the installed state, the container 4 is maintained in the installed state by engaging the installation engaging portion 697 with the container engaging portion 497. During the disengagement process in which the connection between the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 is released, the user lifts the rear wall 47 side of the container 4, causing it to rotate and move in the disconnection direction D3, which is the direction opposite to the connection direction D2, with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the fulcrum. As a result, the installation engaging portion 697 is displaced by being pressed by the main body of the container 4, and the engagement between the installation engaging portion 697 and the container engaging portion 497 is released.

[0140] According to the above-described embodiment, as Figure 30 shown, the container 4 is provided with the liquid supply portion 442 on the bottom wall 44 that intersects the front wall 42 on the insertion direction side. Thus, in the installed state, the bottom wall 44 is located on the gravity direction side, so that the liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 can smoothly flow to the liquid supply portion 442. As a result, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion 450 without being consumed can be reduced. In addition, as Figure 26 shown, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 and the removal direction, which is the direction opposite to the insertion direction D1, are in the Y direction and are directions along the horizontal direction. Thus, when inserting or removing the container 4 with respect to the container mounting portion 6, it is only necessary to move the container 4 in the horizontal direction, so that the operability of the container 4 can be improved. In particular, as in this embodiment, with respect to the container mounting portion 6, the relatively large-sized container 4 that stores a large amount of liquid can be inserted or removed along the horizontal direction, so that the operability of the container 4 can be further improved. As described above, in the installed state of the container 4, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 intersects the extending direction of the liquid supply portion 442, so that the insertion direction D1 can be set as the horizontal direction and the extending direction can be set as a direction including a component in the gravity direction. Therefore, the operability of the container 4 can be improved, and the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion 450 without being consumed can be reduced.

[0141] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, as Figure 14 and Figure 22 shown, the container 4 is provided with the container guide portion 447 so that it can move smoothly in the insertion direction D1. In particular, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the container 4 is the largest in the insertion direction D1. Thus, by the container 4 having the container guide portion 447 that is guided in the insertion direction, the container 4 can move more smoothly in the insertion direction D1. In addition, as Figure 22As shown, the container guide portion 447 has a first container guide portion 447a formed on the first side wall 45 and a second container guide portion 447b formed on the second side wall 46 corresponding to the first side wall 45. Thus, since the container guide portion 447 can be provided on both sides in the width direction of the container 4, when the container 4 is moved relative to the container mounting portion 6 in the insertion direction, the insertion attitude of the container 4 can be stabilized.

[0142] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, as Figure 14 shown, the circuit board 50 having the container-side terminal 521 is disposed at the corner 89 where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect. Thus, by moving the container 4 relative to the accommodation chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6 in the insertion direction, the contact between the container-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 can be easily performed. In particular, in the present embodiment, as Figure 17 shown, the container 4 has a terminal positioning portion 906 at the corner 89, so that the contact between the container-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 can be reliably performed during the installation process.

[0143] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, since the container 4 has the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402, the degree of freedom in design can be improved. For example, for a plurality of liquid containers 401, 401B having different capacities of the liquid storage portion 450, a common adapter 402 can be used. In addition, since the container 4 has the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402, after the liquid is consumed, the liquid container 401 can be detached from the adapter 402, and a new liquid container 401 can be installed in the adapter 402. Thus, the reusability of the container 4 is improved.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, on the adapter 402 that can be commonly used for different types of liquid containers 401, 401B, there are provided a terminal positioning portion 906, a supply portion positioning portion 448, a container-side identification member 430, a container engaging portion 497, and a container guide portion 447 as elements that cooperate with the container mounting portion 6. Thus, even if the types of the liquid containers 401 are different, the same type of adapter 402 can be used, so that the manufacturing cost of the container 4 can be reduced. In addition, thereby, the structures of the liquid containers 401, 401B can be simplified.

[0145] In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, as Figures 27 to 30As shown, after the container 4 is inserted into the accommodation chamber 61 through the insertion and removal opening 674, the leading end 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is disposed in the accommodation chamber 61 by displacing the opening portion 614 toward the gravity direction side with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center, so that the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442 can be connected. Thus, during the process of inserting the container 4 into the accommodation chamber 61 in the horizontal direction, it is possible to prevent the container 4 from colliding with the liquid introduction portion 642 formed in the direction intersecting the insertion direction D1.

[0146] B. Other embodiments:

[0147] B-1. First other embodiment:

[0148] In the above embodiment, as Figure 26 shown, the insertion direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction, but it is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, as long as the insertion direction D1 has a horizontal direction component, it may be inclined with respect to the insertion direction. For example, the insertion direction D1 may be inclined within a range greater than 0° and less than or equal to 15° with respect to the horizontal direction. In addition, in the above embodiment, in the mounted state of the container 4, the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 is inclined with respect to the gravity direction, but it may also be in the direction along the gravity direction.

[0149] B-2. Second other embodiment:

[0150] In the above embodiment, as Figures 28 to 30 shown, the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 are connected by the container 4 rotating and moving in the connection direction D2 with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the entire support member 610 may be moved in the -Z direction to move the container 4 in the -Z direction, so as to connect the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642. That is, in the terminal connection process, the support member 610 may also be moved in the -Z direction as the gravity direction, so that the opening portion 614 is displaced in the -Z direction as the gravity direction, and the leading end 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is disposed in the accommodation chamber 61 through the opening portion 614. In addition, it may also be that the position of the support member 610 is fixed, and the liquid introduction portion 642 is moved to be connected to the liquid supply portion 442.

[0151] B-3. Third other embodiment:

[0152] In the above embodiment, as Figure 15 shown, the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are separate, but they may also be integrated.

[0153] B-4. Fourth other embodiment:

[0154] The present invention is not limited to inkjet printers and their ink containers, and can also be applied to any printing device that ejects liquids other than ink and its containers. For example, it can be applied to the following various printing devices and their containers.

[0155] (1) Image recording devices such as fax machines;

[0156] (2) A printing device that ejects color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays;

[0157] (3) A printing device that ejects electrode materials used in the formation of electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (Field Emission Display, FED), etc.;

[0158] (4) A printing device that ejects a liquid containing biological organic substances used in the manufacture of biochips;

[0159] (5) A sample printing device as a precision pipette;

[0160] (6) A printing device for lubricating oil;

[0161] (7) A printing device for resin liquid;

[0162] (8) A printing device that precisely ejects lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras;

[0163] (9) A printing device that ejects a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate in order to form a micro hemispherical lens (optical lens), etc. used in optical communication components, etc.;

[0164] (10) A printing device that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching solution in order to etch a substrate, etc.;

[0165] (11) Other printing devices equipped with a liquid ejection head that ejects any minute amount of droplets.

[0166] In addition, a "droplet" refers to the state of a liquid ejected from a printing device, including granular, teardrop-shaped, and trailing filamentous states. Further, the "liquid" referred to herein may be any material that the printing device can eject. For example, the "liquid" may be any material in a liquid phase state. Materials in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, as well as liquid state materials such as sols, gels, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals are also included in the "liquid". Additionally, not limited to liquids as a state of matter, substances formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing particles of functional materials formed from solid substances such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent are also included in the "liquid". Further, as representative examples of the liquid, inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments are listed. Here, the ink includes various liquid compositions such as general aqueous inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot melt inks.

[0167] C. Other methods:

[0168] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its gist. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above problems, or in order to achieve part or all of the above effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each of the following-described methods can be appropriately replaced and combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0169] (1) According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container that can be detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of a printing device. The container mounting portion of the printing device has: a liquid introduction portion that receives a liquid; and a device-side valve element that opens and closes an introduction portion flow path that is a flow path of the liquid introduction portion. The container includes: a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid; and a liquid supply portion that has a supply opening at its tip, is connected to the liquid storage portion, and is connected to the liquid introduction portion. The liquid supply portion has a container-side valve mechanism that opens and closes a supply portion flow path that is a flow path of the liquid supply portion. The container-side valve mechanism includes: a container-side valve seat formed with a container-side valve hole; a container-side valve element that closes the container-side valve hole and has a front end face on the supply opening side; and a container-side biasing member that biases the container-side valve element in a direction toward the container-side valve seat. The container-side valve element has a convex portion that protrudes from the front end face and presses the device-side valve element to open the valve. According to this aspect, the device-side valve element of the liquid introduction portion can be easily opened by the convex portion of the container-side valve element.

[0170] (2) In the above-described manner, the convex portion may be either a cylindrical shape or a prismatic shape. According to this manner, the convex portion can be formed with a simple shape.

[0171] (3) According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for mounting a container. The container includes: a liquid supply unit; and a container-side valve element that opens and closes a supply unit flow path serving as a flow path of the liquid supply unit and has a convex portion protruding from a front end surface. The printing apparatus includes: a nozzle head that ejects a liquid; and a container mounting unit for mounting the container and having a liquid introduction unit connected to the liquid supply unit to receive the liquid. The liquid introduction unit includes: an introduction unit opening formed at the front end; an introduction unit flow path serving as a flow path; and a device-side valve element that opens and closes the introduction unit flow path. The device-side valve element is disposed at a position where it is pressed by the convex portion to open the valve. According to this manner, the device-side valve element can be easily opened using the convex portion.

[0172] (4) In the above-described manner, the device-side valve element may not protrude from the introduction unit opening and may be located within the introduction unit flow path. According to this manner, the possibility of liquid adhering to the device-side valve element leaking to the outside can be reduced.

[0173] (5) According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system. The printing system includes: the container according to the above-described manner; and the printing apparatus according to the above-described manner. By moving the container downward, the liquid introduction unit and the liquid supply unit are connected. During the supply unit connection process in which the liquid introduction unit and the liquid supply unit are connected, the device-side valve element opens earlier than the container-side valve element. According to this manner, during the supply unit connection process, by having the device-side valve element open earlier than the container-side valve element, the possibility of air staying between the device-side valve element and the container-side valve element can be reduced. Thus, since it is possible to suppress the air staying during the supply unit connection process from being compressed, it is possible to suppress the external force applied to the container for connecting the liquid supply unit and the liquid introduction unit from becoming excessive.

[0174] (6)In the above-described manner, it may also be that the liquid introduction portion further includes: a device-side valve seat located within the introduction portion flow path and having a device-side valve hole; and a device-side biasing member located within the introduction portion flow path and biasing the device-side valve element in a direction toward the device-side valve seat. In a pre-connection state before the connection between the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion starts, by setting a first acting force, which is the acting force of the container-side biasing member on the container-side valve element, to be greater than a second acting force, which is the acting force of the device-side biasing member on the device-side valve element, the device-side valve element is opened earlier than the container-side valve element during the process of connecting the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion. According to this manner, by setting the magnitude relationship between the first acting force and the second acting force, it is possible to easily set the device-side valve element to open earlier than the container-side valve element.

[0175] (7)In the above-described manner, it may also be that during the disconnection process in which the connection between the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion is released, the container-side valve element closes earlier than the device-side valve element. According to this manner, during the disconnection process, when the device-side valve element is in an open state, it is possible to allow the liquid in the liquid supply portion to flow into the liquid introduction portion. Thereby, the possibility of liquid leaking from the liquid supply portion 442 to the outside during the disconnection process can be reduced.

[0176] In addition to the above-described manner, the present invention can also be implemented by means such as a method for manufacturing a container, a container-side valve mechanism, and a device-side valve mechanism.

Claims

1. A container removably mounted on a container mounting portion of a printing apparatus, the container mounting portion of the printing apparatus having: a liquid introduction portion for receiving a liquid; and a device-side valve element for opening and closing an introduction portion flow path serving as a flow path of the liquid introduction portion, the container comprising: a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid; and a liquid supply portion having a supply opening at its tip, communicating with the liquid storage portion and connected to the liquid introduction portion, and the liquid supply portion having a container-side valve mechanism for opening and closing a supply portion flow path serving as a flow path of the liquid supply portion, the container-side valve mechanism having: a container-side valve seat formed with a container-side valve hole; a container-side valve element for closing the container-side valve hole and having a front end face on the supply opening side; and a container-side biasing member for biasing the container-side valve element in a direction toward the container-side valve seat, the container-side valve element having a convex portion protruding from the front end face and pressing the device-side valve element to open the valve, the liquid supply portion having a flow path body inserted through and passing through an inflow opening portion formed in a bottom wall of the container body serving as the bottom wall of the liquid storage portion, the supply portion flow path being formed inside the flow path body, and a slit through which the liquid in the liquid storage portion flows into the supply portion flow path being formed in a side wall of the flow path body.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is either cylindrical or prismatic.

3. A printing system comprising: the container according to claim 1 or claim 2; and a printing apparatus for mounting the container, the printing apparatus comprising: a print head for ejecting a liquid; and a container mounting portion for mounting the container and having a liquid introduction portion connected to the liquid supply portion to receive the liquid, the liquid introduction portion having: an introduction portion opening formed at its tip; an introduction portion flow path serving as a flow path; and a device-side valve element for opening and closing the introduction portion flow path, the device-side valve element being disposed at a position pressed by the convex portion to open the valve, the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion being connected by downward movement of the container, and during a supply portion connection process in which the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion are connected, the device-side valve element opens before the container-side valve element.

4. The printing system according to claim 3, wherein the liquid introduction portion further has: a device-side valve seat located in the introduction portion flow path and having a device-side valve hole; and a device-side biasing member located in the introduction portion flow path and biasing the device-side valve element in a direction toward the device-side valve seat, and in a pre-connection state before the start of connection between the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion, by setting a first acting force, which is the acting force of the container-side biasing member on the container-side valve element, to be greater than a second acting force, which is the acting force of the device-side biasing member on the device-side valve element, the device-side valve element opens before the container-side valve element during the connection process in which the liquid introduction portion and the liquid supply portion are connected.

5. The printing system according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that during the release process in which the connection between the liquid introduction part and the liquid supply part is released, the container-side valve element closes before the device-side valve element.

Images