Liquid storage container and liquid ejecting device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a liquid holding container and a liquid ejecting device. The liquid holding container includes: a container body including a holding chamber for holding a liquid therein and a supply port for supplying the liquid to the holding chamber; and a plug member that can be attached to and removed from the container body and seals the supply port, the plug member including: a cover portion for covering the supply port from the outside of the container body in a state where the plug member is mounted to the container body; and a protrusion protruding from the cover portion to the inside of the supply port. The protrusion includes a liquid holding portion that is disposed at a position including a distal end surface of the protrusion and is capable of holding the liquid by capillary force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid containing container capable of containing liquid therein and a liquid ejecting device including the liquid containing container. Background Art

[0002] Recent liquid ejecting apparatuses generally include a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid (eg, liquid) and a liquid containing container for storing liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head. The liquid in the liquid containing container is supplied to the liquid ejecting head through a tube or a liquid flow path.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-20497 discloses a liquid ejecting device which is different from the above-mentioned liquid ejecting device for supplying liquid from a liquid storage container to a liquid ejecting head through a tube or a liquid flow path, and which is for injecting liquid from an injection port provided in a large-capacity liquid storage container to a liquid ejecting head.

[0004] The liquid holding container disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-20497 includes an injection port for injecting liquid and a plug member for preventing liquid from leaking from the injection port. The plug member is configured to be attachable to and detachable from the injection port. When injecting liquid, the plug member is detached from the injection port, and in other cases, the plug member is attached to the injection port to prevent liquid from leaking to the outside.

[0005] When liquid is injected into the liquid storage container, the liquid may adhere to the vicinity of the injection port included in the liquid storage container. If the plug member is mounted to the injection port in a state where the liquid adheres to the vicinity of the injection port, the plug member may be contaminated and damaged by the liquid adhered to the vicinity of the injection port. When the liquid ejecting device is moved in a state where the liquid is stored in the liquid storage container, the liquid in the liquid storage container may adhere to the plug member due to the shaking of the liquid.

[0006] The plug member is press-fitted and mounted to the injection port of the liquid holding container. In order to remove the plug member, a force is applied to the plug member to overcome the friction force acting on a portion of the press-fit plug member. Therefore, when the plug member is removed from the injection port, the liquid attached to the plug member may be scattered to the outside due to the impact. After opening, the liquid attached to the plug member may adhere to the user's hand. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid containing container including a plug member, which can reduce the possibility of liquid scattering and contamination of human hands during opening of the plug member.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid holding container, comprising: a container body, the container body comprising a holding chamber for holding liquid therein and a supply port for supplying the liquid to the holding chamber; a plug member, which can be attached to the container body and can be removed from the container body and seals the supply port, the plug member comprising: a cover portion, which is used to cover the supply port from the outside of the container body when the plug member is installed to the container body; a protrusion, which protrudes from the cover portion to the inside of the supply port, wherein the protrusion includes a liquid retaining portion, which is arranged at a position including a distal surface of the protrusion and is capable of retaining the liquid by capillary force.

[0009] Furthermore, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including a liquid ejecting head for ejecting liquid and the liquid containing container as described above.

[0010] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a mechanical portion of a liquid ejecting device according to a first embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a cross section of a liquid ejecting device according to a first embodiment;

[0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device replenishing the liquid in the first embodiment;

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a liquid containing container in the liquid ejecting device according to the first embodiment;

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a plug member in a comparative example;

[0016] Fig. 6A is a sectional view showing an example of a plug member according to the first embodiment, Figure 6B is a top view showing an example of a plug member according to the first embodiment;

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a plug member according to the first embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E is a plan view showing another example of the plug member according to the first embodiment;

[0019] Fig. 9A is a sectional view showing another example of the plug member according to the first embodiment, Fig. 9Bis a top view showing another example of the plug member according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Fig.10 is a sectional view showing another example of the plug member according to the first embodiment;

[0021] Fig.11A is a sectional view showing an example of a plug member according to a second embodiment, Fig. 11B is a top view showing an example of a plug member according to a second embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12C is a cross-sectional view showing a plug member according to a modification example, Fig. 12B is a top view showing a plug member according to a modification; and

[0023] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view showing another plug member according to a modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The preferred embodiments of the disclosed technology are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The size, material, shape and relative arrangement of the components described below are appropriately changed according to the configuration and various conditions of the device to which the present invention is applied. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following description. Well-known or well-known techniques in the technical field can be applied to configurations and steps that are not specifically shown or described. Sometimes repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0025] First embodiment

[0026] Referring to the drawings, a first embodiment of the present invention is described below. Figure 1 : is a perspective view showing a mechanical portion of a liquid ejecting device 200 to which this embodiment can be applied. Figure 2 is shown along Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid ejection device 200 taken along line AA. Figure 2 In the drawings, the size of each component is changed or the component is omitted for description.

[0027] The liquid ejecting device 200 includes a supply unit 1, a conveying unit 2, an ejecting unit 3, a supply portion 4, and a display unit 5. The supply unit 1 separates printing media one by one from a stack of sheet-like printing media using a supply roller 10 and supplies the printing media to the conveying unit 2. The conveying unit 2 is disposed on the downstream side of the supply unit 1 in the conveying direction, and includes a plate 13 for holding the printing media between a conveying roller 11 and a discharge roller 12. The conveying unit 2 conveys the printing media supplied from the supply roller 10 by using the conveying roller 11 and the discharge roller 12.

[0028] The ejection unit 3 ejects liquid to the printing medium through the liquid ejection head 15 mounted on the carriage 14. The printing medium transported by the transport unit 2 is supported by the plate 13 from the lower side in the vertical direction. By ejecting liquid from the liquid ejection head 15 located at the upper side in the vertical direction, an image based on image information is formed. The liquid holding container 16 is capable of storing liquid therein, and the supply section 4 is configured to supply liquid from the storage chamber (storage chamber) 100 in the container body 111 to the liquid ejection head 15 through the flow path 101 and the flexible supply tube 17.

[0029] In this embodiment, the liquid is ink. Specifically, four supply tubes 17 extend from a liquid holding container 16, and inks of different colors (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) circulate through the four supply tubes 17. The four supply tubes 17 are connected to the liquid ejection head 15 in a bundled state.

[0030] When the liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head 15 is ejected from the ejection port of the liquid ejecting head 15, the same amount of liquid as the ejected amount of liquid is supplied from the liquid holding container 16 to the liquid ejecting head 15. In the liquid holding container 16, the same amount of air as the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid ejecting head 15 flows from the atmosphere communication port 102 provided at the upper part in the vertical direction of the container body 111. The display unit 5 is used to inform the user of the state of the device in operation and to display information for the user to select an operation.

[0031] Figure 3 2 is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device 200 when the liquid is replenished from the liquid replenishing container 201. Figure 3 As shown, in the liquid ejecting device 200 of the present embodiment, in order to supply liquid, the user opens the container cover 7 to supply liquid from the liquid replenishing container 201 to the storage chamber 100 through the supply port 106 included in the liquid holding container 16. The supply port 106 is provided with a plug member 105 which is detachably attached to the container body 111 and seals the supply port 106, and when the liquid is replenished through the liquid replenishing container 201, the user removes the plug member 105 of the supply port 106. Note that the liquid holding container 16 is not limited to a state in which it is incorporated in the device body of the liquid ejecting device 200 as in the present embodiment. The liquid holding container 16 may be provided outside the body of the liquid ejecting device 200 as long as the liquid can be supplied from the liquid holding container 16 to the liquid ejecting head 15. The plug portion 105 corresponds to a protrusion which protrudes from the cover portion of the plug member to the inner side of the supply port.

[0032] Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a liquid holding container 16 in a liquid ejecting device 200. The liquid holding container 16 of the present embodiment is composed of a container body 111 including a holding chamber 100 and a supply port 106, and a plug member 105. The container body 111 is molded of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The container body 111 has a front wall 1010, a right wall 1020, a left wall 1030, a top wall 1040, and a bottom wall 1050. The front wall 1010 is composed of a vertical wall 1010A extending from the bottom wall 1050 substantially along the up-down direction and an inclined wall 1010B (an example of an outer wall), and the inclined wall 1010B is connected to the upper end of the vertical wall 1010A and is inclined relative to the up-down direction and the front-back direction. The inclined wall 1010B is inclined to the rear side relative to the vertical wall 1010A, and a supply port 106 for liquid is formed in the inclined wall 1010B.

[0033] On the other hand, the back side of the container body 111 is open. The film 1060 is welded to the rear end portions of the right wall 1020, the left wall 1030, the color separation walls 1021, 1022 and 1023, the top wall 1040 and the bottom wall 1050, so that the container body 111 is sealed to form a rear wall serving as the back side. In other words, the rear wall of the container body 111 is formed by the film 1060. By the above structure, the storage chamber 100 for storing liquid therein is formed.

[0034] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a cross section of a plug member 905 in a comparative example, Fig. 6A is a diagram showing a cross section of the plug member 105 in this embodiment. Note that Fig. 6A is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the plug member 105 taken along the line V-V' in FIG. Figure 5 Shows the corresponding Fig. 6A The cross section of the plug member 905 is shown in the cross section view in FIG. Fig. 9A , Fig.10 , Fig.11A , Fig. 12A , Fig. 12C and Fig.13 Shows the corresponding Fig. 6A A cross section of the plug member in the cross-sectional view. Figure 5 and Fig. 6A The up-down direction on the drawing in FIG. 1 coincides with the up-down direction of the plug member in the liquid storage container 16 along the gravity direction when the plug member is removed from the supply port 106. In the diagrams showing the plug member of the embodiment described later, the directions are similarly matched.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, the plug member 905 includes a main body portion 905C located outside the accommodating chamber 100 and the supply port 106 when installed to the supply port 106, and a plug portion 905D to be inserted into the supply port 106 to close the supply port 106. The plug member 905 is elastically deformed in a manner of clamping the supply port 106 from the top and bottom directions while being installed. The main body portion 905C of the plug member 905 includes a cover portion 905B covering the opening surface of the supply port 106 and a protrusion 905A protruding from the upper surface 904 of the cover portion 905B. The protrusion 905A is a pull-tab portion for the user to hold when removing the plug member 905 from the supply port 106. The user pulls the protrusion 905A to pull the plug member 905 out of the supply port 106 to open it. Please note that in the following description, the protrusion is sometimes referred to as a "pull-tab portion." As Figure 5 As shown, in a state where the plug member is mounted on the supply port, the pull-tab portion 905A is formed so as to protrude from the upper surface 904 of the cover portion 905B along the opening surface of the supply port 106 .

[0036] In the plug member 905 of the comparative example, in the case where the back surface 907 is a surface substantially flush with the opening surface of the supply port 106, if the ink 108 adheres to the back surface 907, the ink 108 is likely to drip when the user pulls the plug member 905 out of the supply port 106. Therefore, there is a concern that the dripped ink 108 adheres to the user's fingers.

[0037] In view of the above, the plug member 105 for sealing the supply port 106 in the present embodiment includes: a main body portion 105C including a pull-tab portion 105A and a cover portion 105B; and a plug portion 105D to be inserted into the supply port 106 to close the supply port 106. The pull-tab portion 105A is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface 104 of the cover portion 105B of the plug member. It is to be noted that, in a state where the plug member 105 is mounted to the supply port 106, the upper surface 104 is along the opening surface of the outer opening 106D of the supply port 106. The pull-tab portion 105A is provided in a manner protruding from the upper surface 104 in the vertical direction at a position through which the axis 105CP passing through the center of the plug member 105 in the posture of the liquid holding container 16 when the plug member 105 is removed from the supply port 106 passes. Note that the state in which the pull-tab portion 105A “protrudes” refers to a state in which the pull-tab portion 105A protrudes from the upper surface 104 to an extent that a user can grasp the pull-tab portion 105A or apply force to the pull-tab portion 105A.

[0038] When viewed from the opening surface of the supply port 106, the axis 105CP of the plug member 105 passes through the center of a plug portion 105E described later. Fig. 6AAs shown, the supply port 106 has a generally tubular protrusion 106A protruding from the outer surface of the container body 111. The supply port 106 also has: an outer opening 106D that opens to the outside of the container body 111 at the distal end of the protrusion 106A; an inner opening 106E that opens in the storage chamber 100; and an inner peripheral surface 106C that connects the outer opening 106D and the inner opening 106E. Note that the opening surface of the outer opening 106D serving as the supply port 106 and the opening surface of the inner opening 106E serving as the inner opening are examples of the opening surfaces of the supply port that are orthogonal to the axis 105CP.

[0039] Reference Fig. 6A and Figure 7 , further describing the plug member 105. In the installed state where the plug member 105 is installed to the container body 111 to seal the supply port 106, the plug member 105 includes a main body portion 105C, which is composed of a pull-tab portion 105A and a cover portion 105B located on the outer side of the storage chamber 100 and the supply port 106 of the container body 111. In the installed state, the plug member 105 includes a plug portion 105D to be inserted into the supply port 106. Figure 7 As shown, the plug portion 105D is a substantially columnar member. The plug portion 105D is a member protruding from the cover portion 105B to be press-fitted to the supply port 106. In a state where the plug portion 105D is mounted on the supply portion 106, the plug portion 105D has a press-fit portion 105E to be press-fitted to the inner peripheral surface 106C of the supply port 106 and a distal end portion 105F exposed to the accommodation chamber 100 at the distal end side of the press-fit portion 105E.

[0040] When the plug member 105 is mounted on the supply port 106, the distal end portion 105F of the plug portion 105D protrudes below the outer opening 106E of the supply port 106 (on the storage chamber 100 side). The liquid stored in the storage chamber 100 may adhere to the distal end portion 105F. If the plug portion 505D does not have a structure that actively removes the attached liquid to prevent the attached liquid from scattering like the plug member 505 in the comparative example, the liquid attached to the plug member 505 may scatter to the outside or drip when the plug member 505 is removed.

[0041] In view of the above, the plug portion 105D of the plug member 105 of the present embodiment is provided with a liquid retaining groove 107 capable of retaining the attached liquid by capillary force. The liquid retaining groove 107 is provided so as to extend in a direction parallel to the axis 105CP of the plug member 105 in the posture of the liquid holding container 16 when the plug member 105 is removed from the supply port 106. Note that the liquid retaining groove 107 corresponds to a liquid retaining portion capable of retaining liquid by capillary force.

[0042] Reference Figure 6B The liquid retaining tank 107 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 6B 105D is a top view of the plug member 105 as viewed from the plug portion 105D side. Note that the position of the liquid holding groove 107 varies depending on the viewing direction, so Figure 6B One example of the liquid retaining tank 107 is shown.

[0043] In this embodiment, the plug portion 105D has a tubular shape. Figure 6B As shown, in the top view, the liquid retaining groove 107 is a plurality of linear grooves connected to the circular periphery of the plug part 105D, and these grooves are arranged in parallel with each other. Therefore, the liquid retaining groove 107 is arranged as a groove arranged on the distal end surface and the peripheral surface of the distal end portion 105F of the plug part 105D.

[0044] The depth d of the liquid retaining groove 107 along the axis 105CP direction is set to a depth that does not reach the inner opening 106E of the supply port 106 when the supply port 106 is installed in the plug portion 105, so as to ensure the sealing performance of the plug portion 105D to the inner peripheral surface 106C of the supply port 106. The smaller the width w of the liquid retaining groove 107, the greater the capillary force of the liquid. Considering the ease of forming the liquid retaining groove 107, the width w is preferably about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

[0045] When liquid adheres to the plug portion 105D, the adhered liquid is held by the liquid holding groove 107 due to the capillary force of the liquid holding groove 107. Thus, when the plug member 105D is removed from the supply port 106, the liquid adhered to the plug portion 105D can be prevented from scattering to the outside and dripping.

[0046] It should be noted that the preferred depth d and width w of the liquid retaining groove 107 that utilizes capillary force to retain liquid vary depending on the material of the plug portion 105D, the surface tension of the attached liquid, the liquid density, and the contact angle between the liquid and the plug portion 105D, so the depth d and width w can be set appropriately.

[0047] The shape of the liquid holding tank 107 is not limited to Figure 6B For example, even if the liquid retaining groove 107 is a groove formed in the distal end surface or the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 105F, liquid can be retained. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E An example of a shape used for the liquid retaining tank 107 is shown. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E is corresponding to Figure 6B FIG. 1 is a top view of the plug member 105. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E As shown, the shape of the liquid retaining groove 107 can be a shape obtained by freely combining straight lines and / or curved lines.

[0048] like Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the more the number of liquid retaining grooves 107 is, the larger the amount of liquid that can be retained by the liquid retaining grooves 107 is, and the scattering and dripping of the liquid attached to the plug portion 105D can be further suppressed. However, as the number of liquid retaining grooves 107 increases, the molding of the plug portion 105D becomes more complicated. Therefore, considering that the molding of the plug portion 105D is easy, as shown in FIG. FIG. 8C to FIG. 8E As shown, in the top view of the plug portion 105D, the liquid retaining groove 107 may be provided as a groove having a radially extending shape, a circular shape, and / or a cross shape.

[0049] In order to obtain the effect of retaining the liquid by capillary force, the groove shape is adapted to the shape of the liquid retaining groove 107. However, the shape of the liquid retaining groove 107 is not limited to the groove shape. Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B As shown in FIG. 1 , even if a hole 108 extending parallel to the axis 105CP is provided in place of the liquid retaining groove 107, the hole 108 can obtain the effect of retaining the liquid. Note that in the case where the hole 108 is provided, if the liquid retained by the hole 108 closes the hole 108, the capillary force caused by the hole 108 cannot be obtained in some cases. Therefore, when the hole 108 is provided in the distal end portion 105F, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A As shown, a communicating hole 109 is preferably provided, which communicates with the hole 108 in the distal end portion 105F.

[0050] The various liquid retaining tanks 107 described above can be formed by injection molding. Fig. 9A and 9B In the case of the plug member 105 illustrated in FIG, after the hole 108 is formed by injection molding, the communication hole 109 can be formed by further processing. Note that the plug member 105 can be formed by appropriately combining the above-mentioned liquid holding groove 107, hole 108, and communication hole 109.

[0051] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown in the figure, in the state where the plug member 105 is attached to the supply port 106, instead of providing the liquid holding groove 107 at the distal end portion 105F of the supply port 106, the distal end portion 105F may be formed of a porous material 110. In this way, the liquid attached to the distal end portion 105F passes through the porous material 110, so that it is possible to suppress the scattering and dripping of the liquid when the plug member 105 is removed from the supply port 106. As the porous material 110, for example, a member that facilitates liquid penetration, such as a polyurethane sponge and a fiber component, can be used.

[0052] Note that the position where the plug member 105 is removed from the supply port 106 when the storage chamber 100 is replenished with liquid can also be set in the container body 111 or the liquid ejection device 200. In addition, a liquid absorption member that contacts the distal end portion 105F of the plug member 105 can be set at the position where the plug member 105 is located. For the liquid absorption member, the same member as the above-mentioned porous material 110 can be used. In this way, the liquid retained by the liquid retention groove 107 and the porous material 110 at the distal end portion 105F is absorbed by the liquid absorption member, so the liquid retention performance of the liquid retention groove 107 and the porous material 110 can be maintained for a longer time.

[0053] Second embodiment

[0054] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as in the first or second embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B : is a diagram showing an example of the plug member 205 in this embodiment. Fig.11A The state where the plug member 205 is attached to the supply port 106 is shown. Fig. 11B This is a top view of the plug member 205 as viewed from the protrusion 205G described later. Fig. 11B Corresponds to Figure 6B , FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E and Fig. 9B Top view of the .

[0055] In a state where plug member 205 is mounted to supply portion 106, plug member 205 is press-fitted to inner peripheral surface 106C of supply port 106. Therefore, in order to ensure sealing between plug member 205 and supply port 106 to prevent liquid leakage, plug member 205 is formed of a flexible member such as rubber.

[0056] The main body 105C includes a pull-tab portion 105A, a cover portion 105B, and a sealing portion 205F covering the outer peripheral surface 106G of the supply port 106. The sealing portion 205F is a generally tubular member that is arranged to protrude from the outer periphery of the cover portion 105B and is fitted on the outer peripheral surface 106G of the protrusion 106A of the supply port 106. The main body 105C has a protrusion 205G that is press-fitted onto the inner peripheral surface 106C of the supply port 106. The protrusion 205G protrudes from the cover portion 105B and is inserted into the supply port 106 from the outer opening 106 of the supply port 106. Fig.11A In the cross-sectional view of , the sealing portion 205F protrudes relative to the protrusion 205G in the direction of the axis 205CP of the plug member 205. When the plug member 205 is mounted to the supply port 106, the distal end surface 205H of the sealing portion 205F contacts the inclined surface 111A of the container body 111.

[0057] The protrusion 205G to be inserted into the supply port 106 protrudes from the cover portion 105B in the same direction as the sealing portion 205F. The protruding length of the sealing portion 205F is longer than the protruding length of the protrusion 205G. Therefore, the sealing portion 205F protrudes relative to the protrusion 205G in the direction in which the plug member 205 is inserted into the supply port 106. The protrusion 205G is provided with a liquid retaining groove 207 having a depth d' so that the liquid retaining groove 207 does not reach the upper surface 104 of the main body portion 105C.

[0058] When the plug member 205 is installed in the supply port 106, the protrusion 205G does not protrude toward the storage chamber 100 side relative to the inner opening 106E of the supply port 106. Therefore, compared with the plug member 505 in the comparative example, the possibility of the liquid in the storage chamber 100 adhering to the plug member 205 (protrusion 205G) is reduced. Even in the case where the protrusion 205G is attached with liquid, the liquid can be retained by the capillary force of the liquid retaining groove 207, and the phenomenon of liquid scattering or dripping when the plug member 205 is removed from the supply port 106 can be suppressed. The protruding length of the protrusion 205G is shorter than the protruding length of the sealing portion 205F, so compared with the plug member 505 in the comparative example, the protrusion 205G, which is a part where liquid may adhere, is less likely to contact another member or the user's finger after the plug member 205 is removed from the supply port 106. In this way, through the plug member 205 in this embodiment, the effect of preventing the liquid attached to the plug member 205 from contaminating the user's hand can also be expected.

[0059] Although the embodiments according to the disclosed technology have been described above, the description of the above embodiments is illustrative and is used to describe the disclosed technology. In addition to the following modifications, the disclosed technology can be implemented by appropriately changing or combining the embodiments without departing from the gist of the present invention. The modifications of the above embodiments are described below. Note that in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to mark the same structures as the above embodiments and their detailed description is omitted.

[0060] First Modification

[0061] Reference FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C , a variation is described. Fig. 12A 3 is a cross-sectional view of a plug member 305 and a container body 111 according to the present modification. Fig. 12B 305D is a top view of the plug member 305 as viewed from the plug portion 305D. Note that the position of the liquid holding groove 307 changes depending on the viewing direction, so Fig. 12B An example of the liquid retaining tank 307 is shown.

[0062] like Fig. 12AAs shown, the plug member 305 includes a main body portion 105C composed of a pull-tab portion 105A and a cover portion 105B and a plug portion 305D to be inserted into the supply port 106. The plug portion 305D is provided with a liquid retaining groove 307 corresponding to the liquid retaining groove 107 when the plug member 305 is installed in the supply port 106.

[0063] When viewed from the opening surface of the supply port 106, the axis 305CP of the plug member 305 passes through the center of the plug portion 305D. The depth d" of the liquid retaining groove 307 along the axis 305CP direction is set to a depth that exceeds the outer opening 106D of the supply port 106 and reaches the inner side of the cover portion 105B and does not reach the upper surface 104 when the plug member 305 is installed on the supply port 106. Therefore, the depth d" of the liquid retaining groove 307 is longer than the depths d and d' of the liquid retaining grooves 107 and 207 in the above-mentioned embodiments. In this way, the amount of liquid that the liquid retaining groove 307 can retain is greater than the amount of liquid that the liquid retaining grooves 107 and 207 can retain, so that when the plug member 305 is removed from the supply port 106, the scattering and dripping of the liquid attached to the plug portion 305D can be suppressed to a greater extent. Note that the width w of the liquid retaining groove 307 can be the same as the width w of the liquid retaining grooves 107 and 207.

[0064] like Fig. 12C As shown in FIG. 1 , when the user pulls the pull-tab portion 105A in the direction of arrow 310 to pull the plug member 305 out of the supply port 106 and thereby remove the plug member 305 from the supply port 106, the main body portion 105A and the plug portion 305D are deformed inwardly (axis 305CP). In this case, the liquid holding groove 307 is deformed relative to the cover portion 105B and the plug portion 305D so that the groove overcomes the friction generated between the plug portion 305D and the supply port 106 and is closed. Since the plug member 305 is configured in this manner, it can also be expected that the friction between the plug portion 305D and the inner peripheral surface 106C of the supply port 106 becomes small, thereby obtaining an effect of easy removal of the plug member 305.

[0065] In addition, if Fig. 12B As shown, in the top view of the plug member 305, the liquid retaining groove 307 is formed so as not to communicate with the outer periphery 305E of the plug portion 305D. Figure 6BIf the plug portion 305D is connected to the outer periphery 305E, the liquid may leak to the outside of the liquid storage container 16 through the gap between the liquid holding groove 307, the plug portion 305D, and the main body portion 105C and the supply port 106. Therefore, the sealing performance of the plug portion 305D with respect to the supply port 106 may be impaired. However, in the present modification, the liquid holding groove 307 has a groove shape that is not connected to the outer periphery 305E of the plug portion 305D, so that the sealing performance of the plug portion 305D with respect to the supply port 106 can be ensured.

[0066] Therefore, the present modification example can also realize a liquid storage container and a liquid ejecting device including the liquid storage container, which can prevent liquid from leaking out of the liquid storage container and prevent liquid from scattering and dirtying a person's hands when the plug member is removed from the supply port.

[0067] Second Modification

[0068] Next, refer to Fig.13 Another modification example will be described. Fig.13 4 is a cross-sectional view of a plug member 405 and a container body 111 according to the present modification.

[0069] The plug member 405 is provided with a hydrophilic layer 306 obtained by subjecting the surfaces of the protrusion 205G and the liquid retaining groove 207 to a hydrophilic treatment. Note that in this modification, it is assumed that the hydrophilic treatment used to form the hydrophilic layer 306 is a surface modification performed by atmospheric plasma. However, as long as the hydrophilic layer 306 can be formed, a method of providing hydrophilicity to the surfaces of the protrusion 205G and the liquid retaining groove 207 using an appropriate chemical solution can be adopted. The material of the plug member 305 can be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. In this way, due to the hydrophilicity of the plug member 305 itself, the effect of retaining the liquid by the liquid retaining groove 207 is obtained, and similar to the above-mentioned plug member, it is possible to suppress the scattering and dripping of the liquid when the plug member 405 is removed from the supply port 106.

[0070] According to the disclosed technology, it is possible to provide a liquid container and a liquid ejecting device including the liquid container, which can suppress the possibility of liquid scattering from the liquid container and the possibility of liquid on the plug member adhering to a person's hand.

[0071] Other embodiments

[0072] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments.The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejecting head, the liquid container comprising: a container body, the container body comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a liquid therein; and a supply port for supplying liquid to the receiving chamber; and a plug member that can be attached to and detached from the container body and seals the supply port, the plug member comprising: a cover portion for covering the supply port from the outside of the container body when the plug member is mounted to the container body; and a protrusion that protrudes from the cover portion toward the inside of the supply port, The protrusion includes a groove, which is provided at a position including a distal end surface of the protrusion and can retain liquid by capillary force.

2. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusion includes a press-fit portion press-fitted to the supply port and a distal end portion exposed to the accommodation chamber on a distal end side of the press-fit portion, and The distal portion includes the groove.

3. The liquid storage container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plug member includes a plurality of grooves disposed in the distal end surface of the boss, The plurality of grooves are capable of retaining liquid by capillary forces, The groove has a depth reaching the inner side of the cover portion, and When the plug member in the mounted state is pulled out of the supply port, the cover portion and the projection are deformed by a frictional force generated between the projection and the supply port to close the plurality of grooves.

4. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The supply port is formed by: a tubular protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the container body; an outer opening, the outer opening opening toward the outside of the container body at the distal end of the protrusion; an inner opening, the inner opening opening being open in the receiving chamber; and an inner peripheral surface, the inner peripheral surface connecting the outer opening and the inner opening, In a state where the plug member is mounted on the container body, the cover portion covers the outer opening from the outside of the container body. The protrusion protrudes from the cover portion and is inserted into the supply port from the outer opening, and The plug member includes a tubular sealing portion that protrudes from the cover portion and is fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion.

5. The liquid storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The sealing portion protrudes further than the convex portion in a direction in which the plug member is inserted into the supply port.

6. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein: The groove is provided in an outer peripheral surface of the boss.

7. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein: A hole is provided in the distal surface of the boss.

8. The liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5, wherein: The distal end surface of the protrusion is subjected to a hydrophilic treatment.

9. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The width of the groove is 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

10. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The groove is provided in an outer peripheral surface of the boss.

11. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The groove extends on the face of the distal surface of the projection.

12. A liquid injection device, comprising: a liquid ejection head for ejecting liquid; and A liquid storage container according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 and 5. 13 . The liquid ejecting device according to claim 12 , comprising a device body in which the liquid containing container is combined.

14. The liquid ejecting device according to claim 13, wherein: In a state where the liquid storage container is coupled to the device main body, the plug member is detached from the supply port, so that the liquid can be supplied from the supply port to the storage chamber.

15. A liquid containing container configured to supply liquid to a liquid ejecting head, the liquid containing container comprising: a container body, the container body comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a liquid therein; and a supply port for supplying liquid to the receiving chamber; and a plug member that can be attached to and detached from the container body and seals the supply port, the plug member comprising: a cover portion for covering the supply port from the outside of the container body when the plug member is mounted to the container body; and a protrusion that protrudes from the cover portion toward the inside of the supply port, The protrusion includes a liquid retaining portion formed of a porous material, the liquid retaining portion is provided at a position including a distal end surface of the protrusion and is capable of retaining liquid by capillary force.

16. A liquid containing container configured to supply liquid to a liquid ejecting head, the liquid containing container comprising: a container body, the container body comprising a receiving chamber for receiving a liquid therein; and a supply port for supplying liquid to the receiving chamber; and a plug member that can be attached to and detached from the container body and seals the supply port, the plug member comprising: a cover portion for covering the supply port from the outside of the container body when the plug member is mounted to the container body; and a protrusion that protrudes from the cover portion toward the inside of the supply port, wherein the protrusion includes a liquid retaining portion, the liquid retaining portion includes a distal end surface of the protrusion and is capable of retaining liquid by capillary force, and Wherein, the distal end surface of the protrusion is subjected to hydrophilic treatment.

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