Liquid refill mechanism

Abstract

A liquid refilling mechanism includes a liquid container having an inlet, and a liquid refill container having a container body and a nozzle portion, for injecting liquid from the container body into the liquid container through the inlet. The nozzle portion includes a front end portion protruding outward from the centerline of the nozzle portion, and a nozzle protrusion portion positioned closer to the container body than the front end protrusion portion and protruding outward from the outer wall surface of the nozzle portion. The inlet includes an insertion groove portion, a circumferential groove portion, and an assembly groove portion extending from the circumferential groove portion and enabling assembly of the liquid container and the nozzle protrusion portion. The circumferential groove portion extends from the insertion groove portion, allowing the nozzle protrusion portion to rotate into a position for liquid filling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid refill mechanism for refilling a liquid ejection device with liquid. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid (such as ink) includes a liquid container that holds the liquid. Some liquid containers have a large capacity and are refillable with liquid. Such a liquid ejection device is provided with a liquid refill container for refilling the liquid container with liquid when appropriate.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-189455 discusses a liquid refilling container for refilling a liquid container with liquid. The liquid container is refilled with liquid by inserting the end of the liquid refilling container into the inlet of the liquid container.

[0004] When refilling the liquid container with liquid, the user inserts the distal end of the liquid refill container into the inlet of the liquid container while the liquid refill container is tilted. In other words, the liquid container and the liquid refill container constitute a liquid refilling mechanism. With this configuration, if the liquid refill container is removed from the inlet after refilling the liquid container with liquid, and the nozzle is tilted downward when the liquid refill container is pulled out, there is a possibility that liquid will drip from the inside of the nozzle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure is directed to providing a liquid refilling mechanism capable of preventing liquid from dripping from a nozzle of a liquid refilling container when the liquid refilling container is pulled out after the liquid container is refilled with liquid.

[0006] 18. The liquid dispensing container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the container is arranged to contain liquid of the liquid dispensing device and to have a check valve in the container for containing the liquid. The container is arranged to have a check valve in the container for containing the liquid dispensing device and to have a check valve in the container for containing the liquid dispensing device. The center line of the mouth portion protrudes outward, and wherein the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion is positioned closer to the container body than the front end protrusion portion and protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the nozzle portion, and wherein the inlet includes an insertion groove portion, a circumferential groove portion and an assembly groove portion, wherein the insertion groove portion is configured to receive the insertion of the front end protrusion portion and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion, wherein the circumferential groove portion extends from the insertion groove portion in the circumferential direction of the inlet so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion can be rotated in a posture for filling with liquid, and wherein the assembly groove portion extends from the circumferential groove portion and realizes the assembly of the liquid container and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion.

[0007] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the mechanism unit of the liquid ejection device.

[0009] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid ejection device.

[0010] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device being refilled with liquid from the liquid refill container.

[0011] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a liquid container of the liquid ejecting device.

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a liquid refill container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6A is a main portion sectional view showing the configuration of a liquid refill container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid refill container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7A is a perspective view illustrating a liquid inlet of a liquid container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid inlet of a liquid container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 8A to 8F 2 is a main portion sectional view illustrating the sequence of a liquid refilling method according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 is a perspective view illustrating a liquid refill container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 10 is a main portion sectional view showing a liquid refill container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 11A to 11F 2 is a main portion sectional view illustrating the sequence of a liquid refilling method according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 : is a perspective view showing a mechanism unit of a liquid ejection apparatus 200 to which the present exemplary embodiment is applicable. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a liquid ejection device 200. The liquid ejection device 200 includes a feed unit 1, a conveying unit 2, an ejection unit 3, a supply unit 4, and a display unit 5. The feed unit 1 separates print media one by one from a stack of print media using a feed roller 10 and supplies the print media to the conveying unit 2. The conveying unit 2 is arranged downstream of the feed unit 1 in the conveying direction and has a platen 13 provided between the conveying roller 11 and the paper ejection roller 12 to hold the print media. The conveying unit 2 conveys the print media fed by the feed roller 10 using the conveying roller 11, the paper ejection roller 12, and the like.

[0021] The ejection unit 3 ejects liquid from a liquid ejection head 15 mounted on a carriage 14 onto a print medium. The print medium transported by the transport unit 2 is supported vertically below by the platen 13. Liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head 15, positioned vertically above, forms an image based on image information. The liquid container 16 is capable of containing liquid. The supply unit 4 is configured to supply liquid from a storage chamber 100 (holding chamber) of the liquid container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15 via a flow channel 101 and a flexible supply tube 17. In this exemplary embodiment, the liquid is ink. More specifically, four supply tubes 17, through which ink of corresponding colors (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) flow, extend from the liquid container 16 and are connected to the liquid ejection head 15 in a bundled state. When the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 15 is ejected from the ejection orifice of the liquid ejection head 15, an amount of liquid equal to the amount of ejected liquid is supplied from the liquid container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15. Then, the same volume of air as the volume of the liquid supplied to the liquid ejection head 15 flows from the atmosphere communication opening 102 arranged vertically above the liquid container 16 to the liquid container 16. The display unit 5 is used to inform the user of the status of the liquid ejection device 200 during operation or to perform a display when the user selects an operation.

[0022] Figure 3 2 is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device 200 being refilled with liquid from the liquid refill container 201. Figure 3 As shown, in the liquid ejection device 200 according to the present exemplary embodiment, when supplying liquid, the user opens the container lid 7 and supplies liquid from the liquid refill container 201 to the interior of the storage chamber 100 through the inlet 106 arranged in the liquid container 16. The inlet 106 is provided with a plug member 105 that can be removed from the inlet 106. When refilling is performed using the liquid refill container 201, the user removes the plug member 105 of the inlet 106 and supplies liquid. In the case where liquid can be supplied from the liquid container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15, the configuration of the liquid container 16 is not limited to the configuration in which the liquid container 16 is incorporated in the main body of the liquid ejection device 200 as in the present exemplary embodiment, but may be a configuration in which the liquid container 16 is arranged outside the main body of the liquid ejection device 200.

[0023] Figure 41 is a perspective view showing a liquid container 16 of a liquid ejection device 200 to which this exemplary embodiment can be applied. The liquid container 16 according to this exemplary embodiment is formed of a synthetic resin (such as polypropylene) and has an outer form that is approximately rectangular. The liquid container 16 has a front wall 1010, a right wall 1020, a left wall 1030, an upper wall 1040, and a lower wall 1050. The front wall 1010 is composed of an upright wall 1010A extending from the lower wall 1050 in an approximately vertical direction, and an inclined wall 1010B (an example of an outer wall) connected to the upper end of the upright wall 1010A and inclined relative to the vertical direction and the front-to-back direction. The inclined wall 1010B is inclined toward the rear side relative to the upright wall 1010A, and the inlet 106 is formed in the inclined wall 1010B.

[0024] Meanwhile, the rear surface of liquid container 16 is open. Film 1060 is welded to the rear end portions of right wall 1020, left wall 1030, intermediate color walls 1021 to 1023, upper wall 1040, and lower wall 1050, thereby sealing liquid container 16 and forming a rear wall serving as the rear surface. In other words, the rear wall of liquid container 16 is formed by film 1060. In this way, liquid chamber 1110 is formed.

[0025] Figure 5 20 is a perspective view showing a liquid refill container 201 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. When refilling with liquid is performed, a user removes the cap 204.

[0026] Figure 6A and Figure 6B 2 are cross-sectional views each showing a liquid refill container 201 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A 2 is a cross-sectional view showing components of a liquid refill container 201. The liquid refill container 201 in the present disclosure is composed of a container body 203, a cap 202, and a lid 204. The container body 203 is composed of an opening 203A for discharging ink, a cap receiving portion 203B, a threaded portion 203C, and a storage chamber 203D for storing liquid.

[0027] Cap 202 includes a nozzle portion 202A, a threaded portion 202D, and an outer circumferential protrusion 202G. A first flow passage 202B, through which air flows, and a second flow passage 202C, through which liquid flows, are formed within nozzle portion 202A. Furthermore, a front end protrusion 202E and a nozzle outer wall protrusion 202F are formed within nozzle portion 202A.

[0028] The front end protrusion 202E protrudes outward from the center line 401 of the nozzle portion 202A (having a length L1 from the front end to the rear end). An angle (front end protrusion inclination angle) θ1 is formed between the center line 401 and the center of mass line 402 between the first flow channel 202B and the second flow channel 202C within the front end protrusion 202E, and is approximately 90 degrees in this example.

[0029] The nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is positioned on the container body side when viewed from the front end protrusion 202E, and protrudes outward from the nozzle outer wall surface from the center line 401 of the nozzle portion 202A in the same direction as the protrusion direction of the front end protrusion 202E (having a length L2 from the front end to the rear end). The front end protrusion 202E and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F are formed so as to have a relationship of L1 ≈ L2. The distance from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F to the upper surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 202G is a distance L3.

[0030] The screw portion 202D is rotatably mounted while covering the opening 203A of the container body. The outer circumferential convex portion 202G is formed to engage with the lid 204.

[0031] The cap 204 prevents liquid from leaking from the liquid refill container 201 , and a covering portion 204A that covers the front end of the nozzle portion 202A is formed on an inner surface of an upper portion of the cap 204 .

[0032] Figure 6B 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a liquid refill container 201. Ink 300 is contained as liquid in a container body 203. The container body 203 and the cap 202 are rotatably mounted. A cover 204 is press-fitted to the front end of the cap 202.

[0033] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Each shows an inlet 106 arranged in a liquid container 16 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A is a perspective view showing the inlet 106 in a state where the plug member 105 is removed. Figure 7B When viewed in the direction of arrow B Figure 7A The inlet 106 has an outer shape D and an inner diameter d. The insertion groove portion 106A (in the Figure 7A and Figure 7B106A is positioned on the upper side in the direction of gravity when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the open surface of the inlet 106, and extends through the inlet 106 in the direction perpendicular to the open surface. Furthermore, a circumferential groove portion 106B extending from the insertion groove portion 106A in the circumferential direction of the inlet 106 is arranged so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F can be rotated with the liquid refill container 201 inserted into the inlet 106. A fitting groove portion 106C is provided that extends downward from the circumferential groove portion 106B in the direction of gravity, and into which the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F can be fitted when the liquid refill container 201 is in a posture in which the liquid container 16 is refilled with liquid. The fitting groove portion 106C is arranged to fix the liquid refill container 201, and is a groove having a depth L12 from the open surface of the inlet 106 to the bottom surface of the fitting groove portion 106C to an extent that does not penetrate the inside of the inlet 106. The insertion groove portion 106A, the circumferential groove portion 106B, and the fitting groove portion 106C each have a depth L11.

[0034] Dimensional references to the liquid refill container 201 and the inlet 106 relative to each other Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 7A and Figure 7B Description. The length L1 of the front end protrusion 202E of the liquid refill container 201 ( Figure 6A ), the inner diameter d of the inlet 106 and the depth L11 of the insertion groove portion 106A ( Figure 7A ) has the relationship of d<L1≤d+L11. The length L2 of the protruding portion 202F on the outer wall surface of the nozzle of the liquid refill container 201 has a similar relationship of d<L2≤d+L11. The distance L3 from the upper surface of the protruding portion 202F on the outer wall surface of the nozzle of the liquid refill container 201 to the upper surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 202G and the depth L12 ( Figure 7B ) has the relationship L3≥L12.

[0035] The liquid container 16 including the inlet 106 provided with the insertion groove portion 106A, the circumferential groove portion 106B and the fitting groove portion 106C and the liquid refill container 201 including the front end protrusion portion 202E and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F mentioned above constitute the liquid refill mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment. Now referring to Figures 8A to 8F A liquid refilling method using a liquid refilling mechanism is described. Figures 8A to 8F are cross-sectional views each showing a main portion of a liquid refilling mechanism, and Figures 8A to 8FThe sequence shows the process for refilling with liquid.

[0036] like Figure 8A As shown, the cap 202 of the liquid refill container 201 containing the ink 300 is removed, and the liquid refill container 201 is brought close to the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16. At this time, the liquid refill container 201 is brought close to the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16 and inserted into the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16 so that the position of the front end protrusion portion 202E of the liquid refill container 201 and the position of the insertion groove portion 106A of the inlet 106 match each other and the front end protrusion portion 202E passes through the insertion groove portion 106A.

[0037] Then, if Figure 8B As shown, the front end protrusion 202E of the liquid refill container 201 is further advanced. At this time, similar to the front end protrusion 202E, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is also passed through the insertion groove portion 106A and further advanced. The nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is advanced until the position of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F of the liquid refill container 201 matches the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B extending from the insertion groove portion 106A, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F enters a rotatable state. At this time, since the front end protrusion 202E is positioned lower than the liquid surface of the ink 300 contained in the liquid refill container 201 in the direction of gravity, the ink 300 flows through the first flow channel 202B and the second flow channel 202C inside the nozzle portion 202A and flows to the front end.

[0038] Then, if Figure 8CAs shown, after the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is advanced until its position matches the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B extending from the insertion groove portion 106A of the inlet 106, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F enters a rotatable state, the liquid refill container 201 is rotated. The rotation direction is a direction in which the circumferential groove portion 106B extending from the insertion groove portion 106A is arranged in the circumferential direction of the inlet 106, and is counterclockwise as viewed from the front of the inlet 106. That is, the liquid refill container 201 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, causing the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F to pass through the circumferential groove portion 106B. As the liquid refill container 201 rotates, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F passes through the circumferential groove portion 106B and thereafter reaches a dead end on the wall surface on the side of the fitting groove portion 106C of the inlet 106. When the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F reaches the dead end, the liquid refill container 201 is further advanced, whereupon the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F fits into the fitting recess 106C. This operation secures the liquid refill container 201 in a position for refilling the liquid container 16 with liquid. With the front end protrusion 202E facing downward in a position for refilling the liquid container 16 with liquid, liquid is discharged from the first flow channel 202B of the liquid refill container 201, while air simultaneously flows from the second flow channel 202C. Through this gas-liquid exchange action, the liquid container 16 included in the liquid ejection device 200 is refilled with the ink 300 in the liquid refill container 201.

[0039] Then, if Figure 8D As shown, if the liquid refill container 201 is held in the position for refilling the liquid container 16 with liquid, ink 300 is added to the interior of the liquid container 16 until the liquid refill container 201 becomes empty of ink 300. As a result of refilling, the ink 300 adheres to the first flow channel 202B, which serves as a discharge channel for the ink 300, due to the action of surface tension. Furthermore, gravity also acts on the ink 300, causing a force to drip downward. After refilling is complete, the liquid refill container 201 is pulled outward, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is removed from the fitting groove portion 106C and moved until the position of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F matches the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F enters a rotatable state.

[0040] Then, if Figure 8EAs shown, after the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F moves until the position of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F and the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B match each other and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F enters a rotatable state, the liquid refill container 201 is rotated. The rotation direction is the same as the above-mentioned direction ( Figure 8C ) is the direction opposite to the direction in which the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F moves from the fitting groove portion 106C side to the insertion groove portion 106A side via the circumferential groove portion 106B, and is a clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the inlet 106. That is, as the liquid refill container 201 rotates clockwise, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F passes the circumferential groove portion 106B. As the liquid refill container 201 rotates, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F passes the circumferential groove portion 106B and then reaches a dead end on the wall surface of the inlet 106 on the insertion groove portion 106A side. At this time, the front end protrusion 202E faces upward, which is opposite to the direction of gravity acting on the ink 300 inside the first flow channel 202B. Due to the front end protrusion, the inner wall of the first flow channel 202B is in a state where the ink 300 is retained inside the nozzle portion 202A. This prevents the adhered ink 300 from dripping from the inside to the outside of the nozzle portion 202A.

[0041] Then, if Figure 8F As shown, after the liquid refill container 201 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the liquid refill container 201 is pulled out from the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16 so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F and the front end protrusion portion 202E pass through the insertion groove portion 106A.

[0042] The longer the length L1 of the front end protrusion 202E of the liquid refill container 201 is (refer to Figure 6A This is because after the liquid container 16 is refilled with liquid, the liquid refill container 201 is rotated and the front end protrusion 202E faces upward (refer to Figure 8E ), a larger amount of ink 300 can be retained in the nozzle portion 202A.

[0043] The shorter the distance L3 from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F to the upper surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 202G of the liquid refill container 201 (refer to Figure 6A ), it is more preferable in terms of the posture of fixing the liquid refill container 201. In the posture of the liquid refill container 16 for refilling the container 201 with liquid (refer to Figure 8C and Figure 8D), the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F of the liquid refill container 201 serves as a support point for supporting the above-mentioned posture. At this time, the center of gravity of the liquid refill container 201 is located on the container body 203 side. Therefore, as the distance L3 from the upper surface of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F to the upper surface of the outer circumferential convex portion 202G becomes shorter, the support point and the center of gravity of the liquid refill container 201 become closer to each other, thereby making the liquid refill container 201 more stably fixed.

[0044] The front end protrusion 202E has an inclination angle θ1 (refer to Figure 6A ) is not limited to about 90°, the inclination angle θ11 (reference Figures 8A to 8F ) preferably satisfies the relationship of 90°-θ11≤θ1≤180°-θ11. In a state where the liquid refill container 201 is rotated after the liquid container 16 is refilled with liquid and the front end protrusion 202E faces upward (refer to Figure 8E ), the front end protrusion 202E faces the horizontal direction when θ1 is 90°-θ11. At this time, a force starts to act in the direction of preventing the ink 300 inside the first flow channel 202B from dripping from the inside of the nozzle part 202A to the outside. In a similar state (refer to Figure 8E ), when θ1 is 180°-θ11, the front end protrusion 202E faces the vertical direction. At this time, the force that prevents the ink 300 inside the first flow channel 202B from dripping from the inside of the nozzle part 202A to the outside, that is, the downward force in the direction of gravity reaches a maximum. When the relationship of θ1>180°-θ11 holds, the effect of preventing the ink 300 from dripping to the outside becomes weaker again than when θ1 is 180°-θ11. On the contrary, in the posture of the liquid refilling container 201 for refilling the liquid container 16 with liquid (reference Figure 8D ), when θ1 is 90°-θ11, that is, when the inclination angle θ1 of the front protrusion is small, the ink 300 easily escapes from the liquid refill container 201, and refilling is performed smoothly. Therefore, when it is desired to smoothly perform refilling with ink while minimizing the effect of ink dripping prevention, the inclination angle θ1 of the front protrusion is reduced to approximately 90°-θ11. When the effect of ink dripping prevention is maximized, the inclination angle θ1 of the front protrusion is increased to approximately 180°-θ11.

[0045] According to the liquid refill mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment described above, the liquid refill container 201 is pulled out from the liquid container 16 in a state where the ink 300 adhering to the inside of the first flow channel 202B in the nozzle portion 202A remains in the front end protruding portion 202E at the time of refilling. This prevents the liquid from dripping from the inside of the nozzle when the user pulls out the liquid refill container after performing refilling with liquid.

[0046] Hereinafter, a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, similar components to those in the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0047] Figure 9 2 is a perspective view showing a liquid refill container 221 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The container body 223 is partially bent. When refilling with liquid is performed, similarly to the first exemplary embodiment, the user removes the lid 204.

[0048] Figure 10 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the main parts of liquid refill container 221. A curved portion 223E is formed in container body 223. Curved portion 223E is curved in such a shape that, when viewed from centerline 401 of nozzle portion 202A, a portion of the curved portion extending in the same direction as the protrusion of front end protrusion 202E and nozzle outer wall protrusion 202F is longest in cross section, and a portion of the curved portion extending in the opposite direction of the protrusion is shortest in cross section. In other words, container body 223 is curved on the side opposite to the side where nozzle portion 202A is formed.

[0049] The liquid container 16 including the inlet 106 provided with the insertion groove portion 106A, the circumferential groove portion 106B and the fitting groove portion 106C and the liquid refill container 221 including the front end protrusion portion 202E and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F mentioned above constitute the liquid refill mechanism according to the present exemplary embodiment. Now referring to Figures 11A to 11F A liquid refilling method using a liquid refilling mechanism is described. Figures 11A to 11F are cross-sectional views each showing a main portion of a liquid refilling mechanism, and Figures 11A to 11F The sequence shows the process for refilling with liquid.

[0050] like Figure 11A As shown, the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8A ) Similarly, the liquid refill container 221 is inserted so that the front end protrusion portion 202E passes through the insertion groove portion 106A.

[0051] Then, if Figure 11BAs shown, the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8B ) Similarly, the liquid refill container 221 is further advanced so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F passes through the insertion groove portion 106A.

[0052] Then, if Figure 11C As shown, the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8C ) Similarly, the liquid refill container 221 is rotated and further advanced, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion 202F is fitted into the fitting groove portion 106C, and the liquid refill container 221 is fixed in a posture for refilling the liquid container 16 with liquid. Then, the gas-liquid exchange action takes effect, and the liquid container 16 included in the liquid ejection device 200 is refilled with the ink 300 in the liquid refill container 221.

[0053] Then, if Figure 11D As shown, refilling is stopped in a state where the ink 300 remains in the liquid refill container 221, and thereafter, as in the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8D ) Similarly, the liquid refill container 221 is pulled outward, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F is removed from the fitting groove portion 106C. The nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F moves until the position of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F matches the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F enters a rotatable state.

[0054] Then, if Figure 11E As shown, the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8E ) Similarly, the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F moves until the position of the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F and the position of the circumferential groove portion 106B match each other, and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F enters a rotatable state. Thereafter, the liquid refill container 221 rotates in the clockwise direction so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion 202F passes the circumferential groove portion 106B. When the liquid refill container 221 rotates, the remaining ink 300 remains in the nozzle portion 202A and the container body 223 because the refilling is stopped midway, as shown in FIG. Figure 11D As shown. After rotation, the liquid refill container 221 has a volume portion positioned lower than the horizontal straight line 451 passing through the front end of the first flow channel 202B due to the formation of the curved portion 223E in the container body 223. The presence of this volume portion prevents the ink 300 from gushing out from the inside of the nozzle portion 202A to the outside, even if the remaining amount of ink 300 after refilling is greater than in the case of the first exemplary embodiment. This prevents the adhered ink or the dripping of the remaining ink.

[0055] Then, if Figure 11F As shown, the first exemplary embodiment ( Figure 8E ) Similarly, the liquid refill container 201 is pulled out from the inlet 106 of the liquid container 16 after being rotated in the clockwise direction.

[0056] According to the liquid refill mechanism of the present exemplary embodiment described above, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the liquid refill container 221 is pulled out of the liquid container 16 during refilling while the ink 300 adhering to the interior of the first flow channel 202B in the nozzle portion 202A remains in the front end protrusion 202E. Furthermore, the formation of the curved portion 223E in the container body 223 of the liquid refill container 221 prevents the ink 300 from gushing out from the interior of the nozzle portion 202A, even if the remaining amount of ink 300 after refilling is large. In this way, it is possible to prevent the liquid from dripping from the interior of the nozzle when the user pulls out the liquid refill container after refilling with liquid.

[0057] The present disclosure can provide a liquid refilling mechanism capable of preventing liquid from dripping from a nozzle of a liquid refilling container when the liquid refilling container is pulled out after the liquid container is refilled with liquid.

[0058] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present disclosure 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 refilling mechanism, comprising: a liquid container configured to contain a liquid; as well as a liquid refill container configured to refill the liquid container with the liquid, wherein the liquid container comprises an inlet configured to receive an infusion of liquid from the liquid refill container, wherein the liquid refill container comprises a container body and a nozzle portion, wherein the container body is configured to contain liquid for refilling the liquid container, and wherein the nozzle portion is configured to inject the liquid in the container body into the liquid container, wherein the nozzle portion includes a front end protruding portion and a nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion, wherein the front end protruding portion protrudes outward from a center line of the nozzle portion, an opening for discharging liquid that communicates with the interior of the container body is formed in the front end protruding portion, and wherein the nozzle outer wall surface protruding portion is positioned closer to the container body than the front end protruding portion and protrudes outward from the outer wall surface of the nozzle portion, and The inlet includes an insertion groove portion, a circumferential groove portion and an assembly groove portion, wherein the insertion groove portion is configured to receive the insertion of the front end protrusion portion and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion, wherein the circumferential groove portion extends from the insertion groove portion in the circumferential direction of the inlet so that the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion can be rotated to be in a posture for filling with liquid and in a posture for retaining liquid inside the nozzle portion, and wherein the assembly groove portion extends from the circumferential groove portion and realizes the assembly of the liquid container and the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion. 2 . The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle outer wall surface protrusion portion protrudes in the same direction as a direction in which the front end protrusion portion protrudes outward from a center line of the nozzle portion. 3 . The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein an angle formed between a direction in which the front end protruding portion protrudes and a center line of the nozzle portion is 90°.

4. The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the nozzle portion includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel, in, The first flow channel connects the opening with the container body.

5. The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the following relationship is satisfied: 90°-θ11≤θ1≤180°-θ11, Wherein θ1 is an angle formed between the center line of the nozzle portion and the direction in which the front end protruding portion protrudes, and θ11 is an inclination angle of the outer wall surface of the liquid container. 6 . The liquid refilling mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the container body is bent on a side opposite to a side on which the nozzle portion is formed.

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