Liquid replenishment container, liquid replenishment system and liquid storage container

Abstract

This application relates to a liquid replenishment container, a liquid replenishment system, and a liquid storage container. One liquid replenishment container is configured to replenish recording liquid into a liquid storage container having a receiving portion for recording liquid. The liquid replenishment container includes: a holding portion for holding the recording liquid to be replenished into the liquid storage container; and an injection portion having an opening for discharging the recording liquid from the holding portion and being inserted into the receiving portion of the liquid storage container; wherein the opening is open facing the inner wall of the receiving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to liquid replenishment containers, liquid replenishment systems, and liquid storage containers. Background Technology

[0002] When using a liquid replenishment container to add recording liquid (ink) to a liquid storage container, the added recording liquid may splash onto the surface of the liquid in the liquid storage container and contaminate the surrounding environment.

[0003] An ink replenishment aid device according to Japanese Patent Application Publication 2018-161743 includes: a connecting part capable of being liquid-tightly connected to an ink inlet member having an axial channel; and an ink inlet part allowing ink to flow into the connecting part. The ink replenishment aid device replenishes ink via these components, thereby controlling contamination caused by splashing from the ink surface.

[0004] If a component for refilling ink is included in the configuration, ink adhering to the component may splatter and contaminate the surrounding environment when the component is connected to or removed from the ink refilling device. An increased number of components also leads to increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a liquid replenishment container that can control contamination caused by the recording liquid when it is replenished into the liquid storage container.

[0006] According to the present invention, a liquid replenishment container is configured to replenish recording liquid into a liquid storage container having a receiving portion for recording liquid. The liquid replenishment container includes: a holding portion for holding the recording liquid to be replenished into the liquid storage container; and an injection portion having an opening for discharging the recording liquid from the holding portion and being inserted into the receiving portion of the liquid storage container; wherein the opening is opened in a manner facing the inner wall of the receiving portion.

[0007] Other features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the control of splashing when replenishing recording liquid in a liquid replenishment system;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the head end of a liquid replenishment container;

[0010] Figures 3A to 3F This is a diagram illustrating splashing when controlling the replenishment of recording liquid in Example 2;

[0011] Figure 4A and Figure 4BThis is a diagram showing the location of the recess and step difference formed on the receiving part;

[0012] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the positioning of the liquid storage container and the liquid replenishment container;

[0013] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of replenishing recorded liquid from a liquid replenishment container to a liquid storage container; and

[0014] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the liquid splashing recorded when replenishing the liquid. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of the components described in the embodiments should be appropriately varied depending on the configuration and various conditions under which the invention is applied, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the following embodiments.

[0016] Example 1

[0017] A liquid replenishment system is a system that replenishes liquid (recording liquid) from a liquid replenishment container to a liquid storage container. The liquid replenishment container is the container that replenishes the recording liquid to the liquid storage container. Multiple liquid storage containers are installed in a liquid discharge device, which uses a recording head to discharge liquid (recording liquid) for recording. According to Embodiment 1, the liquid replenishment container and liquid storage container control contamination caused by the recording liquid when replenishing it. First, refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The description of the comparative example records the contamination caused by the liquid.

[0018] Figure 6 This figure illustrates an example of replenishing recording liquid from a liquid replenishment container 601 to a liquid storage container 603 according to a comparative example. The liquid replenishment container 601 includes an injection section 602 for replenishing recording liquid to the liquid storage container 603. The liquid storage container 603 includes a receiving port 604 into which the injection section 602 is inserted to inject recording liquid from the liquid replenishment container 601.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the recorded liquid splash that occurs when replenishing liquid. Figure 7 An enlarged view is shown of the receiving port 604 of the liquid storage container 603 and the vicinity of the injection section 602 of the liquid replenishment container 601 according to the comparative example.

[0020] exist Figure 7In this process, the recording liquid to be replenished is dripped directly from the injection section 602 of the liquid replenishment container 601 onto the liquid surface 605 of the recording liquid stored in the liquid storage container 603. The dripped recording liquid contacts the liquid surface 605 at point E (E1). When the recording liquid contacts the liquid surface 605, the recording liquid splashes from the liquid surface 605 (E2, E3), and in some cases, the recording liquid splashes out from the receiving port 604 of the liquid storage container 603 and contaminates the surrounding environment (E3).

[0021] The control of splashing in the liquid replenishment system 100 during liquid replenishment will refer to Figure 1 The liquid replenishment system 100 includes a liquid storage container 101 and a liquid replenishment container 201.

[0022] According to Embodiment 1, the liquid storage container 101 includes a receiving section 102 for injecting recording liquid and a storage section 105 for storing the recording liquid injected through the receiving section 102. The receiving section 102 includes a receiving port 103 into which the injection section 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201 is inserted. Recording liquid is injected into the receiving section 102 through the opening of the injection section 202. The inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 has a region facing the opening of the injection section 202. Recording liquid is replenished into the storage section 105 through the region facing the opening of the injection section 202.

[0023] The liquid replenishment container 201 includes an injection section 202 for discharging recording liquid in a horizontal direction and a holding section 203 for holding the recording liquid to be replenished to the liquid storage container 101. The injection section 202 has an opening for discharging the recording liquid in the holding section 203. The opening opens to face the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102. The injection section 202 is inserted into the receiving section 102 via the receiving port 103 of the liquid storage container 101. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the area surrounding the receiving section 102 of the liquid storage container 101 and the injection section 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201, in order to schematically show the flow when the recording liquid is discharged and drips onto the liquid surface 106.

[0024] When recording liquid is injected with the opening of the injection section 202 facing the inner wall 104 of the liquid storage container 101, the recording liquid discharged from the injection section 202 contacts the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 at point A. The recording liquid that contacts at point A decelerates to point B (the corner formed in the inner wall 104) and drips (B1).

[0025] The recording liquid, after slowing down, drips from point B and contacts the liquid surface 106 at point C (C1). Compared to the case where it drips directly from the injection section 202, the recording liquid drips from point B, which is below the injection section 202, to the liquid surface 106 at a slower rate. Therefore, splashing of the recording liquid discharged from the opening of the injection section 202 to the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 is controlled. Furthermore, the splashing of the recording liquid discharged to the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 from the receiving port 103 is controlled.

[0026] In cases where the recording fluid to be replenished is prone to foaming, foaming is controlled by reducing the rate at which the recording fluid drips down the inner wall 104, thus reducing the amount of air trapped in the liquid surface 106. By controlling foaming, environmental pollution caused by foamed recording fluid overflowing from the receiving port 103 is suppressed. Furthermore, the waiting time for defoaming of the foamed recording fluid during replenishment can be reduced.

[0027] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the head end shape of the injection section 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201. For example, the head end of the injection section 202 may be hook-shaped, sloped + base-shaped, side-cut, L-shaped, or L-shaped. The head end shape of the injection section 202 can be any shape, as long as the recorded liquid can be discharged to contact the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 of the liquid storage container 101, and is not limited to any particular shape. Figure 2 The shape illustrated in .

[0028] Hook-shaped, ramp-plus-base-shaped, and side-cut-out-shaped openings are examples of the head end side openings facing the inner wall of the receiving portion 102 of the liquid storage container 101 when the injection portion 202 is inserted into the receiving portion 102. In the injection portion 202, the head end side is constructed as a bottomed cylindrical shape, including a recording liquid channel extending in the insertion direction, and an opening is formed in a portion of the cylindrical part of the injection portion 202.

[0029] The hook shape is one in which an approximately hemispherical bottom is arranged on the head end side of the injection section 202, and a cut (opening) is formed on the side of the head end side. The ramp + base shape is one in which the cut (opening) of the injection section 202 is formed such that the circumferential width increases in the direction toward the head end of the injection section 202. Compared to the hook shape, the ramp + base shape with a flat bottom makes it easier to determine the discharge direction of the recording liquid.

[0030] The two-sided cut shape is a shape in which a pair of cuts (openings) are formed on each side of the injection section 202 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. The openings are not limited to being arranged on each side facing each other, but can also be arranged in three or more locations, or multiple openings can be formed on one side.

[0031] When the injection section 202 has a cut (opening) at its head end, such as a hook shape, a slope + base shape, or a side cut shape, there is no protrusion at the head end, making it easy to cover the injection section 202. Furthermore, when the injection section 202 has an opening at its head end, the receiving section 102 can be installed smoothly because the head end does not cause much interference to the receiving port 103.

[0032] The L-shaped bend is a shape in which the tip of the injection section 202 is bent in an L-shape. The injection section 202 has a bent tip that bends and protrudes from its insertion end toward the inner wall of the receiving section 102. The opening of the injection section 202 opens in the direction in which the bent tip protrudes. The tip of the injection section 202 is not limited to... Figure 2 The shape can be L-shaped as shown, or it can be curved into a gentle arc, as long as the opening for discharging the recording liquid faces the inner wall 104 of the receiving part 102.

[0033] An L-shape is a shape in which the tip of the injection section 202 is L-shaped. The injection section 202 has a tip that protrudes in a direction toward the inner wall of the receiving section 102 (i.e., in a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the injection section 202). The opening of the injection section 202 opens at the tip along the direction in which the tip protrudes. The shape of the tip is not limited to an L-shape, but can be a shape that is bent at a predetermined angle according to the shape of the receiving section 102 of the liquid storage container 101.

[0034] When the head end shape of the injection section 202 is hook-shaped, ramp-plus-base shape, or side-cut shape, the opening area can be wider than in the L-shaped or L-shaped cases. Compared to the L-shaped or L-shaped cases used for the injection section 202, the filling rate of the recording liquid is slower when the pressure of the supplemental recording liquid is the same, provided that the pressure of the recording liquid is the same. By reducing the speed of the recording liquid, further splash control effects can be expected.

[0035] When the recording liquid is discharged at a reduced rate, it is preferable to position the opening of the injection section 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201 close to the inner wall 104 of the liquid storage container 101 so that the recording liquid can contact the inner wall 104.

[0036] In particular, compared to the hook-shaped or ramp + base-shaped cases, the recording liquid is replenished at a slower rate when the head end of the injection section 202 is shaped with two side cuts. In this case, preferably, the injection section 202 is arranged such that the opening is positioned closer to the inner wall 104 of the liquid storage container 101.

[0037] On the other hand, compared to the hook-shaped or ramp + base-shaped cases, the opening area is narrower when the head end shape of the injection section 202 is L-shaped or L-shaped, and the flow of the recorded liquid is faster and more linear. Therefore, compared to the head end shape of the hook-shaped or ramp + base-shaped cases, the opening of the injection section 202 can be further away from the inner wall 104.

[0038] Example 2

[0039] Compared to Example 1, in Example 2, the shape of the receiving part 102 is changed, thereby reducing the speed of recording liquid and further controlling the splashing of the recording liquid. Figures 3A to 3F This is a diagram illustrating the control of recording liquid splashing during recording liquid replenishment according to Example 2.

[0040] The liquid storage container 101 and liquid replenishment container 201 of Embodiment 2 have the same structure as those of Embodiment 1, but the shape of the receiving part 102 of the liquid storage container 101 is different. Figure 1 The example shown. The shape of the receiving part 102 according to Embodiment 2 includes: an inclined shape in which the inner wall to be contacted by the recording liquid replenished via the injection part 202 is inclined; and a shape in which a recess or step difference is formed on the inner wall 104. With the shape of the receiving part 102 of Embodiment 2, the liquid storage container 101 and the liquid replenishment container 201 can also control contamination caused by the recording liquid when replenishing the recording liquid.

[0041] Figure 3A An example is shown where the inner wall 104a of the receiving section 102a includes an inclined surface in the region facing the opening of the injection section 202. The inclined surface is inclined such that recording liquid discharged toward the inner wall 104a of the receiving section 102a contacts the inner wall 104a and then moves toward the storage section 105. The inclined surface is inclined such that it moves away from the receiving port 103 in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the injection section 202 as the distance from the receiving port 103 increases. Figure 3A In the middle, the injection section 202 is inserted vertically downward into the receiving section 102a.

[0042] When the recording liquid to be replenished is discharged from the opening of the injection section 202, the recording liquid contacts the inner wall 104a at point A (point A is the position facing the opening) and propagates along the inclined surface of the inner wall 104a to point B. Since the inner wall 104a is inclined, the recording liquid drips from point B, which is away from the receiving port 103, onto point C on the liquid surface 106. Therefore, the state of the recording liquid splashing out from the receiving port 103 at the contact point C on the liquid surface 106 can be controlled.

[0043] Figure 3B In the examples shown, such as Figure 3AAs shown, the inner wall 104b of the receiving portion 102b includes an inclined surface, and a recess is also formed on the inclined surface. Figure 3B In the middle, the injection section 202 is inserted vertically downward into the receiving section 102b.

[0044] The receiving portion 102b includes a first wall surface facing the injection portion 202, located on the inner wall 104b closer to the receiving port 103. The receiving portion 102b also includes a second wall surface (the bottom surface of the recess), which is further away from the injection portion 202 than the first wall surface, located on the inner wall 104b further away from the receiving port 103 than the first wall surface, and facing the opening. The receiving portion 102b has a protrusion on its outer surface at a position corresponding to the second wall surface.

[0045] like Figure 3A As shown in the receiving section 102a, the receiving section 102b has an inclined surface, thereby allowing control over the state of the recording liquid splashing out from the receiving port 103.

[0046] The recess is formed on the inner wall 104b. Therefore, even if the recording liquid comes into contact with the inner wall 104b at point A and splashes towards the receiving port 103, the state of the recording liquid splashing out of the receiving port 103 can be controlled due to the step difference D on the receiving port 103 side.

[0047] On the inner wall 104b, the receiving part 102b includes a protrusion (step difference B) that protrudes outward relative to the area facing the opening on a side further away from the receiving part 102b than the area facing the opening. The step difference B further reduces the velocity of the recording liquid dripping onto the liquid surface 106, thus controlling the splashing of the recording liquid dripping onto the liquid surface 106 at point C.

[0048] exist Figure 3B In the example, the inner wall 104b has a recess formed by the step difference B on the liquid surface 106 side and the step difference D on the receiving port 103 side, but the step difference may be formed only on one of the liquid surface 106 side and the receiving port 103 side.

[0049] Figure 3C In the example shown, the inner wall 104c of the receiving section 102c has a step difference D on the side closer to the receiving port 103 than the point A that the recording liquid discharged from the injection section 202 contacts. Figure 3C In the middle, the injection part 202 is inserted vertically downward into the receiving part 102c.

[0050] The receiving part 102c includes a first wall facing the injection part 202, located on the side of the inner wall 104c near the receiving port 103. The receiving part 102c also includes a second wall (including the area at point A), which is further away from the injection part 202 than the first wall, located on the side of the inner wall 104c further away from the receiving port 103 than the first wall, and facing the opening.

[0051] The receiving section 102c has a step difference D on the receiving port 103 side, so the recording liquid in contact with the inner wall 104c drips from point B, which is away from the receiving port 103, to point C on the liquid surface 106. Therefore, the state of the recording liquid in contact with the liquid surface 106 at point C splashing out of the receiving port 103 can be controlled. Furthermore, even if the recording liquid in contact with the inner wall 104c at point A splashes towards the receiving port 103, the state of the recording liquid splashing out of the receiving port 103 can also be controlled due to the step difference D.

[0052] Figure 3D In the example shown, the inner wall 104d of the receiving section 102d has a step difference D and a step difference D' on the side closer to the receiving port 103 than the point A where the recorded liquid contacts the liquid discharged from the injection section 202. Figure 3D In the middle, the injection section 202 is inserted vertically downward into the receiving section 102d.

[0053] On the inner wall 104d, where step differences D and D' are formed, the area facing the injection section 202 on the side near the receiving port 103 corresponds to the "first wall surface". On the side of the inner wall 104d that is further away from the receiving port 103 than the first wall surface, and further away from the injection section 202 than the first wall surface, the surface facing the opening corresponds to the "second wall surface".

[0054] When the head end of the injection section 202 is slit-shaped on both sides, step difference D and step difference D' can be formed according to the opening direction of the injection section 202. By using the injection section 202 with slit-shaped sides, the area of ​​the opening for the recording liquid to be discharged is widened. Therefore, the speed of recording liquid is further reduced, and splashing of recording liquid is controlled.

[0055] In the case where the injection section 202 has an opening in one direction at its tip, as in the hook-shaped case, the injection section 202 can be inserted into the receiving port 103 such that the opening points towards the step difference D or step difference D'. By aligning the opening of the injection section 202 with the step difference D or step difference D', splashing of the recording liquid is controlled.

[0056] Figure 3EIn the example shown, the receiving portion 102e includes an inclined surface on the inner wall 104e in the region facing the opening of the injection portion 202, and the injection portion 202 is inserted into the receiving portion 102e obliquely downward relative to the vertical direction. Because the receiving portion 102e has an inclined surface, it can be... Figure 3A The receiving unit 102a shown controls the recording of the state of liquid splashing out of the receiving port 103.

[0057] The injection unit 202 is inserted obliquely downward relative to the vertical direction. Therefore, when replenishing the recording liquid, the liquid replenishment container 201 can be inserted into the receiving port 103 without being in a vertical position and with its opening not facing horizontally. Compared to the case where the injection unit 202 is inserted into the receiving port 103 in a vertical position, in... Figure 3E The example allows for better control of the liquid dripping from the injection unit 202.

[0058] Figure 3F In the example shown, the receiving portion 102f includes an inclined surface on the inner wall 104f in the region facing the opening of the injection portion 202, and a recess is formed on the inner wall 104f. Furthermore, the injection portion 202 is inserted into the receiving portion 102f at an angle downwards relative to the vertical direction.

[0059] On the inner wall 104f where the recess is formed, the area facing the injection portion 202 on the side near the receiving port 103 corresponds to the "first wall surface". On the side of the inner wall 104f that is further away from the receiving port 103 than the first wall surface, and further away from the injection portion 202 than the first wall surface, the area facing the opening corresponds to the "second wall surface".

[0060] like Figure 3E In this way, the receiving part 102f includes an inclined surface on the inner wall 104f of the receiving part 102f, and the injection part 202 is inserted into the receiving part 102f at an angle downward relative to the vertical direction, so that the same effect as the receiving part 102e can be achieved.

[0061] Furthermore, the receiving portion 102f includes an inclined surface on its inner wall 104f, and a recess is formed on the inner wall 104f, thus enabling the receiving portion 102f to achieve [interaction / reception]. Figure 3B The receiving unit 102b has the same effect.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] In Embodiment 3, the location where the recess or step difference is formed in the receiving portion 102 of the liquid storage container 101 in Embodiment 2 is restricted. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This is a diagram showing the location of the recess or step difference formed in the liquid storage container 101 according to Embodiment 3.

[0064] when Figure 3B or Figure 3F The depressions illustrated in Figure 3C or Figure 3D The step difference illustrated in the example is formed in, for example... Figure 4A When the liquid storage container 101 is positioned at location 107a on its side, the recess or step difference will contact the adjacent liquid storage container 101. Furthermore, the installation width of the liquid storage container 101 increases.

[0065] In the liquid storage container 101 according to Embodiment 3, the recess or step difference in the receiving portion 102 is formed at position 107b (top surface side of the liquid storage container 101) or position 107c (front side) on the side where no other liquid storage containers are arranged, such as Figure 4B As shown. By forming a recess or step difference in the longitudinal direction of the liquid storage container 101 on the inner wall 104 of the receiving part 102 at a position where no other liquid storage container is arranged, the recess or step difference can be limited to the width range of the liquid storage container 101.

[0066] Among the recesses and step differences formed on the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102, the area facing the opening of the injection section 202 corresponds to the "second wall surface". On the inner wall 104 where the recesses are formed, the step difference that protrudes outward relative to the area facing the opening on the side further away from the receiving port 103 than the area facing the opening corresponds to the "protrusion".

[0067] The liquid storage container 101 has a protrusion on the outer surface of the receiving part 102 at a position corresponding to the second wall surface. In the case where the liquid replenishment system 100 includes a plurality of liquid storage containers, the plurality of liquid storage containers are arranged adjacent to each other such that each receiving part 102 faces the same direction.

[0068] Figure 4A In the example shown, each protrusion is formed on one side (position 107a) of the outer surface of the receiving part 102 in the direction in which the plurality of liquid storage containers are adjacent to each other. Figure 4B In the example shown, each protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the receiver 102 at a location away from the region facing the adjacent receiver 102. This is achieved through... Figure 4B As shown, each protrusion is arranged on the outer surface of the receiving part 102 at a position away from the area facing the adjacent receiving part 102, which can prevent the protrusion from contacting the adjacent liquid storage container 101.

[0069] Example 4

[0070] In embodiment 4, the liquid storage container 101 and the liquid replenishment container 201 have a receiving portion and a joining portion, respectively, to adjust their positions relative to each other when the receiving portion 102 is inserted into the injection portion 202. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the positioning between the liquid storage container 101 and the liquid replenishment container 201.

[0071] Figure 5A This is a diagram illustrating a liquid replenishment container 201 according to Embodiment 4. The liquid replenishment container 201 includes a joint 501 for positioning an injection portion 202 relative to a receiving portion 502 such that the opening of the injection portion 202 faces a predetermined direction relative to the inner wall of the receiving portion 502. In the case where an inclined surface, a recess, or a step difference is formed on the inner wall of the receiving portion 502, the predetermined direction may be the direction in which the inclined surface, recess, or step difference is formed.

[0072] Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating a liquid storage container 101 according to Embodiment 4. The liquid storage container 101 includes a engaged portion 503 that can engage with a joint 501 of a liquid replenishment container 201. The engaged portion 503 positions the injection portion 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201 relative to the receiving portion 502 such that the opening of the injection portion 202 is located at a position facing a predetermined direction relative to the inner wall of the receiving portion 502.

[0073] When replenishing the recording liquid to the liquid storage container 101, if the inner wall 104 of the liquid storage container 101 faces the opening of the injection section 202 of the liquid replenishment container 201, splashing of the recording liquid can be controlled. In particular, if a recess or step difference is formed on the inner wall 104 of the receiving section 102 as described in Embodiment 2, it is preferable to insert the injection section 202 in the direction where the opening faces the recess or step difference.

[0074] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the example shown, the injection portion 202 is inserted into the receiving portion 502, such that the engaging portion 501 is aligned with the engaged portion 503. The injection portion 202 is inserted into... Figure 5A The position of the OO cross section is specified, and the size of the OO cross section is the same as the receiving port of the receiving part 502. By engaging the joining part 501 and the joined part 503 with each other, the orientation and position of the liquid storage container 101 and the liquid replenishment container 201 can be determined, such that the opening of the injection part 202 faces an appropriate position facing the inner wall 104.

[0075] The shapes of the joint 501 of the liquid replenishment container 201 and the jointed portion 503 of the liquid storage container 101 are not limited to... Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe illustrated shapes are acceptable as long as at least one of their orientation and position relative to each other can be determined. The joint 501 and the corresponding joined part 503 can be arranged at multiple locations and can be arranged in any direction.

[0076] The cross-sectional shapes of the joint 501 and the joined part 503 can be, for example, triangular or square, as long as the relative positions of the liquid replenishment container 201 and the liquid storage container 101 can be determined therefrom.

[0077] In a liquid replenishment system 100 having multiple liquid storage containers 101, the shape of the joined portion 503 may be such that it can be joined with the joined portion 501 of the corresponding liquid replenishment container 201 but cannot be joined with the joined portion of the liquid replenishment container corresponding to other liquid storage containers.

[0078] In the liquid storage containers 101 included in the liquid discharge device, if the shapes of the joint portions 503 of adjacent liquid storage containers 101 are different, the possibility of mistakenly replenishing each liquid storage container 101 with a different type of recording liquid can be reduced. Furthermore, if the shapes of the joint portions 503 of the multiple liquid storage containers 101 included in the liquid discharge device are different from each other, the state of mistakenly replenishing each liquid storage container 101 with a different type of recording liquid can be prevented.

[0079] According to the present invention, contamination caused by the recording liquid when the recording liquid is added to the liquid storage container can be controlled.

[0080] Although the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A liquid replenishment bottle configured to replenish a recording liquid into a liquid discharge device, wherein, A liquid discharge apparatus includes a recording head and a liquid storage container for supplying a recording liquid to the recording head, wherein the liquid storage container includes a liquid storage portion for containing the recording liquid replenished from a liquid replenishment bottle, and a receiving portion provided on an upper side of the liquid storage portion, the liquid replenishment bottle includes: a holding portion that holds the recording liquid to be replenished into the liquid discharge apparatus; and an injection portion for being inserted into the receiving portion in an insertion direction having a component in a gravitational direction; wherein the injection portion includes an opening for discharging the recording liquid in the holding portion, and an engaging portion engageable with an engaged portion of the receiving portion; wherein the opening is opened in a direction intersecting the insertion direction; wherein the engaging portion positions the injection portion with respect to the receiving portion such that the opening faces a predetermined direction with respect to an inner wall of the receiving portion.

2. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 1, wherein the injection portion includes a head end portion that protrudes at a tip end of the injection portion in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and toward the inner wall of the receiving portion, and wherein the opening is opened in the head end portion in a direction in which the head end portion protrudes.

3. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 1, wherein the injection portion includes a curved head end portion that protrudes at a tip end of the injection portion from the insertion direction toward the inner wall of the receiving portion in a curved manner, and wherein the opening is opened in the curved head end portion in a direction in which the curved head end portion protrudes.

4. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 1, wherein the injection portion is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape on a head end side, and includes a recording liquid passage extending in the insertion direction, the opening is formed in a part of a cylindrical portion of the injection portion.

5. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 4, wherein the injection portion has a semispherical bottom portion on the head end side.

6. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 4, wherein a circumferential width of the opening increases in a direction toward the tip end of the injection portion.

7. The liquid replenishment bottle according to claim 4, wherein the opening is arranged to constitute a pair on both sides in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction.

8. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the opening faces a direction intersecting the insertion direction.

9. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the insertion direction is vertical in the gravitational direction.

10. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the insertion direction is obliquely downward with respect to a direction vertical in the gravitational direction.

11. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the receiving portion is provided on an end portion side of the liquid storage portion and protrudes from the liquid storage portion.

12. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, when the injection portion is inserted into the receiving portion, there is a gap between a part of an outer wall of the injection portion and an inner wall of the receiving portion.

13. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the predetermined direction is a direction in which the recording liquid discharged from the opening comes into contact with the inner wall of the receiving portion.

14. The liquid supplement bottle of claim 1, wherein, the opening is opened in a direction in which the engaging portion is provided.

15. A liquid replenishment system including: the liquid replenishment bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 14; wherein the receiving portion of the liquid storage container includes a receiving opening into which the injection portion is inserted, and the recording liquid is injected into the receiving portion via the opening of the injection portion inserted into the receiving opening, and a region on an inner wall facing the opening.

16. The liquid replenishment system according to claim 15, wherein the receiving portion includes an inclined surface in the region on the inner wall facing the opening, The inclined surface is inclined so that the recording liquid discharged from the opening toward the inner wall of the receiving portion contacts the inner wall of the receiving portion and then moves toward the direction of the storage portion that stores the recording liquid.

17. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 16, wherein The inclined surface is inclined so that the recording liquid discharged from the opening toward the inner wall of the receiving portion contacts the inner wall of the receiving portion and then moves toward the direction of the storage portion that stores the recording liquid.

18. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 15, wherein The receiving portion includes: a first wall surface that faces the injection portion on the side of the inner wall close to the receiving port; and a second wall surface that faces the opening farther from the injection portion than the first wall surface on the side of the inner wall farther from the receiving port than the first wall surface.

19. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 18, wherein The liquid storage container includes a protrusion on the outer surface of the receiving portion at a position corresponding to the second wall surface.

20. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 19, wherein A plurality of liquid storage containers are provided, wherein The plurality of liquid storage containers are arranged adjacent to each other so that the respective receiving portions of the plurality of liquid storage containers face the same direction, and Each of the respective protrusions of the plurality of liquid storage containers is provided on the outer surface of the receiving portion on the side of the direction in which the plurality of liquid storage containers are adjacent to each other.

21. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 19, wherein A plurality of liquid storage containers are provided, wherein The plurality of liquid storage containers are arranged adjacent to each other so that the respective receiving portions of the plurality of liquid storage containers face the same direction, and Each of the respective protrusions of the plurality of liquid storage containers is arranged on the outer surface of the receiving portion at a position away from the area faced by the other adjacent receiving portion.

22. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 15, wherein The injection portion is inserted into the receiving portion downward in the vertical direction.

23. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 15, wherein The injection portion is inserted into the receiving portion obliquely downward with respect to the vertical direction.

24. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 23, wherein The receiving portion includes a region inclined in the direction of insertion of the injection portion in the area of the inner wall facing the opening.

25. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 15, wherein The receiving portion includes a protrusion that protrudes with respect to the area facing the opening on the side of the inner wall farther from the receiving port than the area facing the opening.

26. The liquid supplementing system according to claim 15, wherein, The liquid discharging device includes a plurality of liquid storage containers, and wherein the shape of the engaging portion is capable of engaging with the engaging portion of a corresponding liquid supplementing bottle and incapable of engaging with the engaging portion of a liquid supplementing bottle corresponding to a liquid storage container other than the corresponding liquid supplementing bottle.

27. A liquid storage container, comprising: a receiving portion having a receiving port into which an injection portion of a liquid supplementing bottle according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is inserted, and into which a recording liquid is injected via an opening of the injection portion inserted into the receiving port; and a storage portion that stores the recording liquid injected via the receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion includes an area of the inner wall facing the opening. ​

Images