Container, printing system and printing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique for reducing the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in a container. The container comprises: a liquid container portion for containing liquid; a front wall located on the side of the container mounting portion for insertion; and a bottom wall intersecting the front wall and having a liquid supply portion connected to the liquid inlet portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology related to a container, a printing system, and a printing device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, regarding a container that is detachably mounted on a printing device, there is known a technique in which a liquid supply portion is disposed on a front wall located on the side in the insertion direction of the container into the printing device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 105504

[0006] In the prior art, since the liquid supply unit is arranged on the front wall, the liquid contained in the container may not be smoothly supplied to the printing device via the liquid supply unit. In this case, there is a possibility that the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the container will increase. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided for attachment to a container mounting portion of a printing device, the container mounting portion having a liquid inlet portion for receiving liquid. The container comprises: a liquid storage portion for storing the liquid; a front wall positioned on the side in which the container is inserted into the container mounting portion; and a bottom wall intersecting the front wall and having a liquid supply portion connected to the liquid inlet portion.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing system comprising: a printing device having a container mounting portion for mounting a container; and the container according to the above aspect.

[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a printing device is provided. The printing device includes: a container mounting portion for mounting the container according to the above aspect, the container mounting portion having a storage chamber for receiving the container by inserting the container along an insertion direction; and a liquid introduction portion extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and connected to a liquid supply portion of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention.

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

[0012] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2Cross-sectional view of line 3-3.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of region R4.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Y direction side.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a container mounted on the container mounting portion.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the container mounting portion.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a partial enlarged view of the container installation part.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the terminal portion on the device side.

[0020] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the first type of container.

[0021] Figure 12 It is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a first diagram showing a portion of a first type of container.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a second diagram showing a portion of the first container.

[0024] Figure 15 It is a first side view of the first container.

[0025] Figure 16 It is a second side view of the first container 4A.

[0026] Figure 17 This is the main view of the first type of container.

[0027] Figure 18 This is a rear view of the first type of container.

[0028] Figure 19 This is a top view of the first type of container.

[0029] Figure 20 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the second container.

[0030] Figure 21 This is the main view of the second container.

[0031] Figure 22This is a rear view of the second type of container.

[0032] Figure 23 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process.

[0033] Figure 24 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process.

[0034] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 sectional view of .

[0035] Figure 26 The third figure illustrates the installation process.

[0036] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 sectional view of .

[0037] [Description of labels]

[0038] 1: Printing system; 2: Printing paper; 4, 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K: Container; 4A: First type of container; 4B: Second type of container; 6: Container mounting portion; 8: Cover member; 10: Printing device; 13: Replacement cover; 15: Operation button; 20: Bracket; 22: Dispenser head; 24: Pipe; 30: Drive mechanism; 31: Control unit; 32: Timing belt; 34: Drive motor; 41: Main body; 42: Front wall; 43: Upper wall; 44: Bottom wall; 45: First side wall; 46: Second side wall; 47: Rear wall; 50: Circuit board; 50fa: Surface; 61: Accommodation chamber; 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K: Slot; 62: Second device wall; 63: Device upper wall; 64: Device bottom wall; 65: Second device wall; 66: Second device wall; 67: Second device wall; 68: Second device wall; 69: Second device wall; 70: Second device wall; 71: Second device wall; 72: Second device wall; 73: Second device wall; 74: Second device wall; 75: Second device wall; 76: Second device wall; 77: Second device wall; 78: Second device wall; 79: Second device wall; 80: Second device wall; 81: Second device wall; 82: Second device wall; 83: Second device wall; 84: Second device wall; 85: Second device wall; 86: Second device wall; 87: Second device wall; 88: Second device wall; 89: Second device wall; 90: Second device wall; 91: Second device wall; 92: Second device wall; 93: Second device wall; 94: Second device wall; 9 5: First device side wall; 66: Second device side wall; 67: First device wall; 70: Device-side terminal portion; 73: Holding mechanism; 89: Corner portion; 90: Recessed portion; 401, 401B: Liquid container; 402: Adapter; 402e: End portion; 430: Container-side identification member; 431: Container bottom wall; 442: Liquid supply portion; 446: Insertion opening; 447: Container guide portion; 447a: First container guide portion; 447b: Second container guide portion; 448: Supply portion positioning portion; 449: Internal flow path; 450: Liquid container portion; 461: Supply portion configuration chamber; 497: Container engaging portion; 521: Container-side terminal; 525: Storage device; 602: Device guide portion; 602 a: First device guide portion; 602b: Second device guide portion; 610: Support member; 611: First support side wall; 612: Second support side wall; 613: Main wall; 614: Opening portion; 625: Device force member; 630: Device side identification member; 642: Liquid inlet portion; 642a: Base end portion; 642b: Tip end portion; 644: Device side supply portion positioning portion; 644a: One end portion; 644b: The other end portion; 674: Insertion and extraction opening portion; 677: Engagement forming body; 697: Mounting engagement portion; 698: Rotation fulcrum; 699: Liquid storage portion; 721: Device side terminal; 722: Terminal contact; 739: Connector; 750: Terminal holding portion; 750fa: Holding portion surface ;750ft: first holding portion side wall;750fw: second holding portion side wall;756: device-side terminal positioning portion;756t: first device-side terminal positioning portion;756w: second device-side terminal positioning portion;780: force-applying member;782: mounting member;902: recess side wall;902t: first recess side wall;902w: second recess side wall;906: terminal positioning portion;906t: first terminal positioning portion;906w: second terminal positioning portion;916: end wall;982: recess front wall;988: recess bottom wall;442e1: supply tip end;442e2: supply base end;CA1, CA2: center axis;D1: insertion direction;D2: connection direction;D3: connection release direction;Fa: external force; Ft1: external force; MP: center; Rp: terminal rotation fulcrum; RY: external force. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] A. Implementation method:

[0040] A-1. Structure of printing system:

[0041] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are depicted as three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. The directions of the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis respectively indicate the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction. The directions opposite to the directions of the arrows of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively designated as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction. The directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, are respectively referred to as the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction. The same applies to the figures and descriptions shown later.

[0042] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 and a container 4 that supplies ink as liquid to the printing device 10 .

[0043] The printing device 10 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects ink from an ejection head 22. This printing device 10 is a large-scale printer that prints on large-format paper (e.g., A2-A0) such as posters. The printing device 10 includes a container mounting unit 6, a control unit 31, a carriage 20, an ejection head 22, and a drive mechanism 30. The printing device 10 also includes operation buttons 15 for the user to operate the printing device 10.

[0044] Multiple containers 4 are detachably mounted on the container mounting portion 6. In this embodiment, four containers 4, one each corresponding to the four colors of ink (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan), are mounted on the container mounting portion 6. The container 4 holding black ink is also referred to as container 4K, the container 4 holding yellow ink is also referred to as container 4Y, the container 4 holding magenta ink is also referred to as container 4M, and the container 4 holding cyan ink is also referred to as container 4C. In this embodiment, container 4K is configured to hold more liquid than containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Therefore, container 4K is also referred to as first-type container 4A, and containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y are also referred to as second-type container 4B.

[0045] The printing device 10 has a replacement cap 13 on the front side, on the +Y direction side. When the replacement cap 13 is tilted from its +Z direction side toward the front side, which is the +Y direction side, the opening of the container mounting portion 6 appears, allowing the container 4 to be loaded and unloaded. When the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 mounted on the carriage 20 via a tube 24, which serves as a liquid circulation tube. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the container 4 to the ejection head 22 by utilizing a water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the ejection head 22 by utilizing the difference in water level between the ink level in the liquid reservoir 699 and the water level of the ejection head 22. Alternatively, in other embodiments, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 by sucking ink from the container 4 using a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing device 10. Tube 24 is provided for each type of ink. The state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 and liquid ink can be supplied to the printing device 10 is also referred to as the "mounted state."

[0046] The ejection head 22 is provided with nozzles corresponding to each type of ink. The ejection head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2 to print data such as text or images. The state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 and the detailed structures of the container 4 and the container mounting portion 6 are described later. In this embodiment, the printing device 10 is a so-called "non-carriage-mounted" printer, in which the container mounting portion 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20. The present invention is also applicable to so-called "carriage-mounted" printers, in which the container mounting portion 6 is provided on the carriage 20 and moves together with the carriage 20.

[0047] The control unit 31 controls each unit of the printing device 10 and transmits and receives signals to and from the container 4. The carriage 20 moves the ejection head 22 relative to the printing paper 2.

[0048] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 in response to a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. Power from the drive motor 34 is transmitted to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, causing the carriage 20 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction, which is along the X direction. Furthermore, the printing device 10 includes a conveying mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. During printing, the conveying mechanism moves the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, and the printed paper 2 is delivered to the front cover 11 after printing.

[0049] In addition, an area called the home position is provided outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction. A maintenance mechanism is mounted at the home position to perform maintenance to ensure normal printing. The maintenance mechanism comprises a cover member 8, a lifting mechanism (not shown), and a suction pump (not shown). The cover member 8 is pressed against the surface on the bottom side of the ejection head 22 where the nozzles are formed, forming a closed space around the nozzles. The lifting mechanism lifts the cover member 8 to press against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 22. The suction pump introduces negative pressure into the closed space formed by the cover member 8 pressing against the nozzle surface of the ejection head 22.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction for conveying the printing paper 2 is designated as the Y-axis, the axis along the direction of gravity is designated as the Z-axis, and the axis along the direction of movement of the carriage 20 is designated as the X-axis. Here, "the printing system 1 in use" refers to a state in which the printing system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is designated as the +Y direction, the opposite direction is designated as the -Y direction, the direction of gravity is designated as the -Z direction, and the direction of counter-gravity is designated as the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are horizontal. Furthermore, when viewing the printing system 1 from the front, the direction from right to left is designated as the +X direction, and the opposite direction is designated as the -X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction for inserting a container 4 into the container mount 6 for installation is the -Y direction, and the direction for removing a container 4 from the container mount 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side of the container mount 6 is also referred to as the rear side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the front side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple containers 4 is the X direction.

[0051] A-2. Schematic structure of the installed state of the container 4:

[0052] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion 6 as viewed from the +Z direction side. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of line 3-3. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of region R4. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the container 4K is mounted on the container mounting portion 6. Figures 2 to 4 The following describes the general structure of the installation process and the installation state of the container 4. Note that the installation process and the installation state are the same for the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K.

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, the container 4 is inserted along the insertion direction and inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6 through the insertion and extraction opening 674 provided in the first device wall 67 of the container mounting portion 6. Thus, the storage chamber 61 accommodates the container 4. The insertion and extraction opening 674 is the entrance and exit of the container 4 to the storage chamber 61. In the state where the container 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, the container 4 is supported from the -Z direction side by the support member 610 of the container mounting portion 6. In addition, in the mounted state where the container 4 is mounted in the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, the liquid supply portion 442 of the container 4 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 642 of the container mounting portion 6. Thus, the ink contained in the liquid storage portion 450 of the container 4 is supplied to the liquid introduction portion 642 via the liquid supply portion 442. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the liquid supply section 442 to the liquid introduction section 642. Meanwhile, air contained in the liquid reservoir 699 forms bubbles and circulates through the liquid introduction section 642 and the liquid supply section 442, ultimately flowing into the liquid storage section 450. This allows for gas-liquid exchange within the liquid storage section 450. In other embodiments, the container 4 may also include an atmospheric communication path connecting the liquid storage section 450 to the outside, allowing for gas-liquid exchange to occur via this atmospheric communication path. The atmospheric communication path may be located at a different location from the liquid supply section 442, for example, formed in a wall forming the liquid storage section 450.

[0054] The liquid inlet portion 642 receives the liquid supplied from the container 4. The liquid inlet portion 642 is a cylindrical component having an internal flow path for circulating the liquid. The liquid inlet portion 642 has a base end portion 642a and a tip end portion 642b. An opening communicating with the internal flow path is formed at the tip end portion 642b, and the ink of the liquid supply portion 442 circulates to the internal flow path through the opening. The base end portion 642a is connected to the liquid storage portion 699 so that the ink circulating in the internal flow path flows to the liquid storage portion 699. The liquid storage portion 699 is located on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The liquid storage portion 699 is connected to the liquid storage portion 699 via Figure 1 The tube 24 shown is connected to the ejection head 22. As described above, the liquid inlet portion 642 is connected to the ejection head 22 via the liquid reservoir 699 and the tube 24. The central axis CA1 of the liquid inlet portion 642 is parallel to the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 in the installed state and is inclined with respect to the Z direction. In other words, the direction along the central axis CA1, which is the direction in which the liquid inlet portion 642 extends, intersects the insertion direction of the container 4. The central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 is along the direction in which the liquid supply portion 442 extends.

[0055] like Figure 4As shown, when the container 4 is mounted, the circuit board 50 of the container 4 contacts the device-side terminal portion 70 of the container mounting portion 6, thereby electrically connecting the device. The device-side terminal portion 70 is held by a holding mechanism 73. The device-side terminal portion 70 includes a plurality of device-side terminals 721, a terminal holding portion 750, and a connector 739.

[0056] In this embodiment, nine device-side terminals 721 are provided. Each of the device-side terminals 721 is a conductive metal plate member. The device-side terminal 721 has a terminal rotation fulcrum Rp, and the portion of the device-side terminal 721 that contacts the container-side terminal 521 of the circuit substrate 50, which serves as an end portion, is elastically deformable with the terminal rotation fulcrum Rp as a fulcrum. The elastic deformation occurs in the Y and Z directions. The terminal retaining portion 750 retains the multiple device-side terminals 721. The connector 739 is electrically connected to the multiple device-side terminals 721. Furthermore, the connector 739 is electrically connected to the control unit 31 of the printing device 10 via wiring (not shown). This enables data communication between the circuit substrate 50 and the control unit 31.

[0057] The retaining mechanism 73 includes a biasing member 780 and a mounting member 782. The biasing member 780 is formed of a coil spring. The biasing member 780 is disposed inside the mounting member 782. Furthermore, the device-side terminal portion 70 is mounted on the mounting member 782. The biasing member 780 is compressed when the container 4 is completely inserted into the container mounting portion 6. As a result, the biasing member 780 applies an external force Fa to the device-side terminal portion 70 via the mounting member 782, in the direction of removal of the container 4, which is the first device wall 67. The external force Fa presses the device-side terminal portion 70 against the circuit board 50, thereby maintaining good contact between the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521.

[0058] As described above, the holding mechanism 73 holds the device-side terminal portion 70 so that it can be displaced in a direction along the insertion direction of the container 4. Furthermore, one end portion of the biasing member 780, which is located on the device-side terminal portion 70 side, is configured to be slightly movable in the X and Z directions intersecting the insertion direction. Thus, the device-side terminal portion 70 is held by the holding mechanism 73 so that it can be slightly movable in the X and Z directions intersecting the insertion direction.

[0059] The installation process of the container 4 to the container mounting portion 6 consists of a terminal connection process and a supply portion connection process performed after the terminal connection process. The terminal connection process is a process in which the container 4 is moved in the -Y direction through the insertion and removal opening 674 of the first device wall 67 and inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, thereby bringing the device-side terminals 721 into contact with the container-side terminals 521 and electrically connecting them. Figure 3As shown, the supply unit connection process is as follows: while maintaining electrical connection between the device-side terminals 721 and the container-side terminals 521, the rear surface 47 of the container 4 is rotated in the connection direction D2 indicated by the arrow using the rotation fulcrum 698 as a displacement mechanism provided by the support member 610 as a fulcrum, thereby connecting the liquid introduction portion 642 and the liquid supply portion 442. The rotation fulcrum 698 is provided on the second device wall 62 side of the container mounting portion 6.

[0060] During the supply unit connection process, the protruding device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 of the container mounting portion 6 enters the concave supply unit positioning portion 448 of the container 4, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 that intersects the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply unit 442. This positions the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is generally rectangular. The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 has one end 644a and another end 644b. The one end 644a is located on the liquid storage portion 699 side. The one end 644a is located closer to the storage chamber 61 than the other end 644b.

[0061] When the container 4 is mounted, the main wall 613 forming the bottom of the support member 610 is inclined relative to the Y-axis. Specifically, the main wall 613 of the support member 610 is inclined so that it is positioned downward in the -Z direction as it approaches the +Y-axis direction. In the initial configuration of the container mounting portion 6, where no container 4 is mounted, the main wall 613 is parallel to the Y-axis.

[0062] The container mounting portion 6 includes a device force-applying member 625 that applies an external force Ft1 to the support member 610 in order to return the support member 610 to its initial configuration position when the container 4 is mounted. The device force-applying member 625 is a coil spring disposed between the support member 610 and the liquid reservoir 699 and is compressed when mounted. This compressed state applies an external force Ft1 having a +Z-direction component to the support member 610. Meanwhile, when the container 4 is mounted, the mounting state is maintained by the engagement of the container engaging portion 497 of the container 4 with the mounting engaging portion 697 of the container mounting portion 6. The mounting engaging portion 697 is formed in the engaging formation 677 of the container mounting portion 6.

[0063] A-3. Detailed structure of the container mounting portion 6:

[0064] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion 6 as viewed from the +Y direction side. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a container 4 mounted on the container mounting portion 6 . Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the container mounting portion 6. Figure 8This is a diagram of the container mounting portion 6 as viewed from the +Z direction side. Figure 9 It is a partial enlarged view of the container mounting portion 6. Figure 10 : is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device-side terminal portion 70. Figures 6 to 10 For ease of understanding, the structure of a portion of the container mounting portion 6 is omitted from the illustration. Regarding the container mounting portion 6, the X direction is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction is referred to as the depth direction, and the Z direction is referred to as the height direction. Below, unless otherwise specified, the various elements of the container mounting portion 6 are described assuming that the container 4 is not mounted on the container mounting portion 6 in its initial configuration.

[0065] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the container mounting portion 6 forms a storage chamber 61 for accommodating the container 4. The storage chamber 61 is generally rectangular. Within the storage chamber 61, slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K, which serve as the sections for accommodating the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K, generally correspond to the outer shapes of the containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K. In this embodiment, to increase the amount of liquid it can accommodate, the container 4K has a larger dimension in the X direction than the other containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of the slot 61K is greater than that of the other slots 61C, 61M, and 61Y.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the container mounting portion 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 that form a storage chamber 61. In the present invention, the term "wall" encompasses not only a single wall but also a wall composed of multiple walls. The second device wall 62 forms the wall on the -Y side of the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 is a substantially vertical wall when the printing device 10 is in use.

[0067] The first device wall 67 is opposed to the second device wall 62 in the Y direction. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion and removal opening 674 through which the container 4 passes when being inserted into or removed from the storage chamber 61.

[0068] The device upper wall 63 forms a wall on the +Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is opposite to the device upper wall 63 in the Z direction and forms a wall on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is formed by a support member 610. The device bottom wall 64 has a plurality of openings 614. In the present embodiment, four openings 614 are formed corresponding to the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The device upper wall 63 and the device bottom wall 64 intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In the present invention, "intersect" and "intersect" refer to any of the following states: (i) a state in which two elements intersect with each other and actually intersect, (ii) a state in which an element on one side intersects with an element on the other side when the element on one side is extended, and (iii) a state in which elements intersect with each other when the elements are extended separately.

[0069] The first device side wall 65 forms a wall on the +X direction side of the storage chamber 61. The second device side wall 66 opposes the first device side wall 65 in the X direction and forms a wall on the -X direction side of the storage chamber 61. The first device side wall 65 and the second device side wall 66 intersect with the second device wall 62, the first device wall 67, the device top wall 63, and the device bottom wall 64.

[0070] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the container mounting portion 6 further includes a supporting member 610, a liquid inlet portion 642, a supply portion positioning portion 644, a device guide portion 602, and a snap-fit ​​forming body 677. A plurality of supporting members 610 are provided corresponding to the number of containers 4 installed. In the present embodiment, four supporting members 610 are provided. The supporting member 610 forms the device bottom wall 64 on the gravity direction side of the storage chamber 61. The supporting member 610 supports the container 4 from the -Z direction side, which is the gravity direction side. The supporting member 610 is a member extending along the Y direction. The supporting member 610 is concave. The supporting member 610 includes a main wall 613, a first supporting side wall 611, and a second supporting side wall 612, which form the device bottom wall 64.

[0071] The main wall 613 has a concave bottom located in the gravity direction. An opening 614 is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the first device wall 67 side. The opening 614 penetrates the main wall 613 in the thickness direction of the main wall 613.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the first supporting side wall 611 rises from the +X-axis end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction, which is the anti-gravity direction. The second supporting side wall 612 rises from the -X-axis end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction. The first supporting side wall 611 and the second supporting side wall 612 face each other in the X direction.

[0073] The device guide 602 guides the container 4 in the insertion direction and the removal direction. The device guide 602 is provided corresponding to each support member 610. The device guide 602 is provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612 respectively. The device guide 602 is a protrusion provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612. Figure 8 As shown, the first device guide portion 602a provided on the first supporting side wall 611 is a protrusion that protrudes from the first supporting side wall 611 toward the second supporting side wall 612. The first device guide portion 602a extends along the Y direction. Furthermore, a plurality of first device guide portions 602a are arranged at intervals in the Y direction. The second device guide portion 602b provided on the second supporting side wall 612 is a protrusion that protrudes from the second supporting side wall 612 toward the first supporting side wall 611. The second device guide portion 602b extends along the Y direction. Furthermore, a plurality of second device guide portions 602b are arranged at intervals in the Y direction.

[0074] like Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the liquid introduction portion 642 receives the liquid in the container 4. In the initial configuration state of the container mounting portion 6, the liquid introduction portion 642 is not located in the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. That is, the liquid introduction portion 642 is located on the opposite side of the storage chamber 61 across the support member 610. Thus, when the container 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, it is possible to prevent the container 4 from colliding with the liquid introduction portion 642. As described above, Figure 3 As shown, by rotating the support member 610 in the connection direction D2 about the rotation fulcrum 698, the opening 614 is pressed downward, thereby positioning the distal end 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 within the storage chamber 61. In other words, the rotation fulcrum 698, which serves as the displacement mechanism, rotates the support member 610 to displace the opening 614 toward the gravity direction, thereby positioning the distal end 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 within the storage chamber 61 via the opening 614.

[0075] Figure 7The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 shown is received by the supply unit positioning portion 448, thereby limiting the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid inlet portion 642. In this way, the liquid supply unit 442 is positioned. In the initial configuration state of the container mounting portion 6, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is not located in the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. That is, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is located on the opposite side of the storage chamber 61 across the support member 610. Thus, when the container 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, it is possible to prevent the container 4 from colliding with the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644. By rotating the support member 610 in the connection direction D2 around the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center, the opening portion 614 is pressed down, so that the other end portion 644b of the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is configured in the storage chamber 61. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 rotates the support member 610 to displace the opening 614 , thereby arranging the other end 644 b of the apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644 into the storage chamber 61 through the opening 614 .

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, the container mounting portion 6 further includes a device-side terminal portion 70 and a device-side identification component 630. Figure 9 As shown, the terminal holding portion 750 of the device-side terminal portion 70 includes a holding portion surface 750fa on which the device-side terminal 721 is exposed, a first holding portion side wall 750f1, and a second holding portion side wall 750fw. The first holding portion side wall 750f1 forms the side wall on the -X direction side of the terminal holding portion 750. The second holding portion side wall 750fw forms the side wall on the +X direction side of the terminal holding portion 750.

[0077] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the device side identification component 630 is used to identify whether the correct type of container 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K is inserted into each slot 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K of the storage chamber 61. The device side identification component 630 forms different patterns according to the color of the liquid contained in the container 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the device-side identification members 630 in the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K are formed in the same pattern for convenience, but in practice, they are formed in different patterns. The device-side identification members 630 are provided on the main wall 613 of the support member 610 .

[0078] like Figure 9As shown, the device-side identification component 630 is formed by at least one rib. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. A container-side identification component formed by ribs is also provided on the container 4. The container-side identification component forms a different pattern shape according to the type of container 4, that is, the color of the liquid contained therein. Moreover, when the correct type of container 4 is inserted into the corresponding slot 61C~61K, the device-side identification component 630 and the container-side identification component fit together without colliding. On the other hand, when the wrong type of container 4 is inserted into the slot 61C~61K, the device-side identification component 630 collides with the container-side identification component, thereby hindering the insertion of further containers 4. As a result, the possibility of the wrong type of container 4 being installed in each slot 61C~61K of the container mounting portion 6 can be reduced.

[0079] like Figure 9 As shown, the device-side terminal portion 70 includes, in addition to the aforementioned plurality of device-side terminals 721, the terminal retaining portion 750, and the connector 739, a device-side terminal positioning portion 756. During insertion of the container 4 into the storage chamber 61, the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion of the container 4, thereby restricting movement in the X and Y directions, which are directions intersecting the insertion direction. This allows positioning of the device-side terminals 721 and the container-side terminals 521 in a direction intersecting the insertion direction.

[0080] Two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 are provided, corresponding to each slot 61C-61K. One of the two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 is also referred to as the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t, and the other is also referred to as the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t and the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w are each a columnar member extending in the Y direction. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is provided on the first retaining portion side wall 750f1. The second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is provided on the second retaining portion side wall 750fw.

[0081] like Figure 10 As shown, the retaining portion surface 750fa of the terminal retaining portion 750 is inclined relative to the Y and Z directions, oriented in a direction including both a +Y component and a +Z component. The terminal contact 722 of the device-side terminal 721, which contacts the circuit board 50, protrudes from the retaining portion surface 750fa. The terminal contact 722 is elastically deformable in the direction of arrow YR1. The +Y end of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is located on the +Y side of the terminal contact 722.

[0082] like Figure 9As shown, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are each provided on the support member 610. In the Y direction, which is the direction in which the support member 610 extends, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are located on the opposite side of the first device wall 67 across the liquid inlet portion 642 and the opening 614. Specifically, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification member 630 are provided near the second device wall 62. Furthermore, the device-side terminal portion 70 is located on the -Y direction side of the second device wall 62 relative to the device-side identification member 630. Thus, during the insertion of the container 4, after the container-side identification member and the device-side identification member 630 begin mating, the device-side terminals 721 and the container-side terminals 521 begin contacting. This prevents the container-side terminals 521 of the wrong type of container 4 from contacting the device-side terminals 721, thereby preventing the storage device of the circuit board 50 and the control unit 31 from being electrically connected when the wrong type of container 4 is installed.

[0083] like Figure 7 As shown, the engagement forming body 677 is formed on the +Y direction side of the support member 610. In addition, the engagement forming body 677 is located on the -Z direction side of the insertion and removal opening 674. Four engagement forming bodies are arranged on the engagement forming body 677 corresponding to the respective slots 61C to 61K. Figure 3 The mounting snap-fit ​​portion 697 is shown.

[0084] A-4. Detailed structure of container 4:

[0085] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 12 It is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 13 This is a first diagram showing a portion of the first type container 4A. Figure 14 This is a second diagram showing a portion of the first type container 4A. Figure 15 It is a first side view of the first container 4A. Figure 16 It is a second side view of the first container 4A. Figure 17 It is a front view of the first type of container 4A. Figure 18 It is a rear view of the first container 4A. Figure 19This is a top view of the first type of container 4A. With respect to container 4, the Y direction is the depth direction, the Z direction is the height direction, and the X direction is the width direction. Container 4 holds a large volume of liquid and is a container with a relatively large external shape. With respect to the external shape of container 4, the dimension in the Y direction is the largest, and then decreases in the order of the dimension in the Z direction and the dimension in the X direction. With respect to the figure showing container 4, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are based on the state at the end of the terminal connection process, which is the state in which the insertion of container 4 into the container mounting portion 6 is completed. That is, with respect to the figure showing container 4, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are based on the state before the supply portion connection process in which the support member 610 is rotated and moved.

[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, the first type of container 4A includes a liquid container 401 forming an upper wall 43 and an adapter 402 forming a bottom wall 44. The adapter 402 is mounted by fitting into the liquid container 401. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are formed from a synthetic resin. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be formed from the same material or different materials. Furthermore, the components forming the liquid container 401 can be lighter than those forming the adapter 402. This improves the operability of the container 4.

[0087] The first type container 4A has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first type container 4A includes a main body 41 forming an outer shell and a circuit board 50 mounted on the main body 41. The main body 41 is formed by the aforementioned liquid container 401 and adapter 402. The main body 41 of the first type container 4A includes a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, a second side wall 46, and a corner portion 89. Each wall 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 is also referred to as each surface 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are opposed in the Y direction, which is the direction of insertion. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 are opposed in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to the central axis CA2 along the extension direction of the liquid supply portion 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 are opposed in the X direction. The X direction is perpendicular to the Y and Z directions.

[0088] like Figure 15 As shown, the front wall 42 is located on the insertion direction side of the container 4 into the container mounting portion 6. That is, the front wall 42 forms the insertion tip end surface on the -Y direction side as the insertion direction side. The rear wall 47 forms the surface on the +Y direction side as the removal direction. The upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side and intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. Figure 11 As shown, the bottom wall 44 is located on the -Z direction side, which is the gravity direction side, in the installed state, forming Figure 3The bottom wall 44 is a connection front end surface in the connection direction D2 shown. That is, the bottom wall 44 is located on the connection direction D2 side. The bottom wall 44 intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. An insertion opening 446 is formed on the bottom wall 44. A liquid supply portion 442 is arranged in the insertion opening 446. The liquid supply portion 442 is arranged in such a way that the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply portion 442 passes through the insertion opening 446. During the installation process of the container 4, the liquid inlet portion 642 of the container installation portion 6 is inserted into and passes through the insertion opening 446. In the insertion direction, the insertion opening 446 and the liquid supply portion 442 are located in the area RY between the central portion MP of the container 4 and the end portion on the rear wall 47 side.

[0089] like Figure 17 As shown, the first side wall 45 is located on the -X direction side, and the second side wall 46 is located on the +X direction side. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 intersect the front wall 42, the rear wall 47, the upper wall 43, and the bottom wall 44, respectively. A corner portion 89 is provided at the corner where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect. The corner portion 89 has an inwardly recessed recess 90.

[0090] The first container 4A also has: Figure 11 The liquid storage portion 450 for storing liquid, the liquid supply portion 442, the container side identification member 430, the supply portion positioning portion 448, the circuit board 50, the container guide portion 447 and Figure 18 The container engagement portion 497 is shown.

[0091] Figure 12 The liquid supply portion 442 shown is connected to the liquid container 450 and has a center axis CA2. The direction along the center axis CA2 is the Z direction. The direction along the center axis CA, which is the extension direction of the liquid supply portion 442, intersects with the -Y direction, which is the insertion direction. That is, the liquid supply portion 442 extends in the direction intersecting with the insertion direction, in the present embodiment, in the Z direction. The liquid supply portion 442 is a tubular component protruding from the container bottom wall 431, which is the bottom wall of the liquid container 401, toward the adapter 402 side. The liquid supply portion 442 is arranged in the concave supply portion arrangement chamber 461 of the adapter 402. At the bottom of the concave shape of the supply portion arrangement chamber 461, there is formed Figure 11 Insertion opening 446 is shown.

[0092] The liquid supply section 442 has an internal flow path 449 that allows liquid from the liquid container 450 to flow to the liquid inlet section 642, which serves as the exterior. The base end 442e2 of the liquid supply section 442 is connected to the bottom wall 431 of the liquid container 401. The tip end 442e1 of the liquid supply section 442 opens to the exterior. A valve mechanism (not shown) is located within the internal flow path 449 of the liquid supply section 442 to open and close the internal flow path 449. The valve mechanism comprises, in order from the tip end 442e1 side, a valve seat, a valve core, and a biasing member. The valve seat is an annular member formed of rubber or synthetic rubber. The valve core is a columnar member that blocks the valve hole formed in the valve seat. The biasing member is a coil spring that biases the valve core toward the valve seat. When the container 4 is installed, the liquid inlet section 642 presses the valve core away from the valve seat, thereby opening the valve mechanism.

[0093] Figure 11 The container-side identification member 430 shown is used to identify whether the container 4 is inserted into the correct slot 61C, 61M, 61Y, or 61K of the container mounting portion 6. The container-side identification member 430 is a rib disposed on the side of the bottom wall 44 near the front wall 42, adjacent to the corner 89 in this embodiment. The container-side identification member 430 forms a different pattern depending on the color of the liquid contained in the container 4C, 4M, 4Y, or 4K. The pattern is determined by the number and position of the ribs.

[0094] The supply unit positioning portion 448 positions the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid inlet unit 642 by receiving the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644. Specifically, during the supply unit connection process, the supply unit positioning portion 448 restricts the movement of the supply unit positioning portion 448 in a direction intersecting the connection direction D2 by receiving the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644, thereby positioning the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid inlet unit 642. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed on the bottom wall 44 and is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the bottom wall 44. In addition, in other embodiments, the supply unit positioning portion 448 can also be a hole that passes through the bottom wall 44. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the opening area of ​​the inlet portion formed on the outer surface side of the bottom wall 44 is larger than the opening area of ​​the bottom side of the recess closer to the inlet portion. Therefore, during the supply unit connection process, the supply unit positioning portion 448 can easily receive the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644. In the insertion direction, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is located opposite to the container-side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 across the liquid supply unit 442 and the insertion opening 446. In this embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed near the rear wall 47 of the bottom wall 44.

[0095] like Figure 18As shown, the container engaging portion 497 is provided on the rear wall 47. The container engaging portion 497 is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the rear wall 47.

[0096] like Figure 13 As shown, the circuit board 50 is positioned at corner 89. The circuit board 50 includes multiple container-side terminals 521 positioned on its surface 50fa and a storage device 525 positioned on its inner surface. The multiple container-side terminals 521, which enable electrical connection by contact with the device-side terminals, are electrically connected to the storage device 525 via wiring. In this embodiment, nine container-side terminals 521 are provided. The surface 50fa on which the multiple container-side terminals 521 are positioned is tilted relative to the insertion direction. Specifically, the surface 50fa is tilted relative to the insertion direction, oriented in a direction including a -Z component and a -Y component. The storage device 525 stores information related to the container 4, such as its date of manufacture or the remaining amount of liquid. In the installed state, the multiple container-side terminals 521 are electrically connected by contact with the corresponding device-side terminals 721. This electrically connects the control unit 31 of the printing device 10 and the storage device 525, enabling data communication.

[0097] like Figure 14 As shown, the circuit board 50 is arranged in the recess 90 of the corner 89. Figure 11 As shown, the recess 90 is provided throughout the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44. Figure 14 As shown, the recess 90 includes a recess front wall 982 forming an inlet opening on the front wall 42 side, a recess bottom wall 988 forming the bottom of the recess 90 , and a pair of recess side walls 902 t and 902 w .

[0098] The recess bottom wall 988 has a portion inclined relative to the Y direction. In this embodiment, the inclined portion is inclined in the Y direction so as to be located on the +Z direction side as it moves toward the recess front wall 982. The circuit board 50 is arranged on this inclined portion.

[0099] The pair of recess side walls 902t and 902w are connected to the recess bottom wall 988. The pair of recess side walls 902t and 902w face each other in the X direction. The first recess side wall 902t is connected to the -X end of the recess bottom wall 988. The second recess side wall 902w is connected to the +X end of the recess bottom wall 988. When not distinguishing between the first and second recess side walls 902t and 902w, they are referred to as the recess side wall 902. The entrance opening formed in the recess front wall 982 serves as the entrance for inserting the device-side terminal portion 70 into the recess 90.

[0100] A pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are respectively provided on the pair of recess side walls 902t and 902w. The pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction. When the pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are used separately, they are also referred to as the first terminal positioning portion 906t and the second terminal positioning portion 906w. When they are not used separately, they are also referred to as the terminal positioning portion 906. The terminal positioning portion 906 is a groove formed in the recess side wall 902. The first terminal positioning portion 906t is a groove in the shape of a recess from the surface of the first recess side wall 902t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w is a groove in the shape of a recess from the surface of the second recess side wall 902w.

[0101] The first terminal positioning portion 906t receives the terminal during the terminal connection process. Figure 9 The first terminal positioning portion 756t is shown. That is, the first terminal positioning portion 756t is inserted into the first terminal positioning portion 906t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w receives the terminal during the terminal connection process. Figure 9 The second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is shown. Specifically, the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is inserted into the second terminal positioning portion 906t. Insertion of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 occurs after the container-side identification member 430 and the device-side identification member 630 begin to engage. Furthermore, insertion of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 begins before contact between the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521 begins.

[0102] The device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion 906, so that the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 contacts the terminal positioning portion 906. As a result, the movement in the Z direction and the X direction, which are directions intersecting the insertion direction of the container-side terminal 521 relative to the device-side terminal 721, is restricted. By restricting the movement, positioning in the Z direction and the X direction, which are directions intersecting the insertion direction of the container-side terminal 521 relative to the device-side terminal 721, is performed. The terminal positioning portion 906 has an end wall 916 on the +Y direction side. From the abutment position where the tip end of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 contacts the end wall 916, the container 4 is further pushed toward the insertion direction side, thereby completing the terminal connection process. By further pushing the container 4 toward the insertion direction side from the abutment position, the retaining mechanism 73 is pressed into the insertion direction side. As a result, the device-side terminal portion 70 moves toward the insertion direction side following the movement of the container 4. In the state where the terminal connection process is completed, it becomes Figure 4 The urging member 780 is shown in a compressed state. In addition, when the terminal connection process is completed, the device-side terminal 721 is in contact with the container-side terminal 521.

[0103] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the container guide portion 447 extends along the -Y direction as the insertion direction. The container guide portion 447 is guided in the insertion direction by the device guide portion 602 of the container mounting portion 6. The container guide portion 447 is formed on the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46. Figure 11 In the figure, a single hatching is marked on the container guide 447 formed on the first side wall 45. The container guide 447 is formed by steps on the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46, respectively. That is, with respect to the width of the container 4, the width of a portion including the bottom wall 44 is smaller than the width of the other portion located away from the bottom wall 44 compared to the side portion of the bottom wall. Thus, a step is formed to form the container guide 447. The container guide 447 is a surface facing the -Z direction. The container guide 447 formed on the first side wall 45 is also referred to as the first container guide 447a, and the container guide 447 formed on the second side wall 46 is also referred to as the second container guide 447b.

[0104] When the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting portion 6, the surface on the +Z direction side of the device guide 602 contacts the container guide 447, thereby guiding the movement of the container 4 in the insertion direction while maintaining the posture of the container 4. The surface on the +Z direction side of the first device guide 602a contacts the first container guide 447a, and the surface on the +Z direction side of the second device guide 602b contacts the second container guide 447b.

[0105] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the adapter 402 has: a corner portion 89 having a terminal positioning portion 906 and a container-side terminal 521; a container-side identification member 430; an insertion opening 446; a supply portion positioning portion 448; a container guide portion 447; and a supply portion configuration chamber 461.

[0106] Figure 20 It is a perspective view of the second type of container 4B. Figure 21 It is a front view of the second type of container 4B. Figure 22 The second container 4B is different from the first container 4A in that the width of the liquid container 401B is larger than that of the first container 4A. Figure 11 The width of the liquid container 401 shown is small. Therefore, the amount of liquid that can be contained in the liquid container 450 formed in the liquid container 401B is smaller than the amount of liquid that can be contained in the liquid container 450 formed in the liquid container 401. Since the remaining structure of the second-type container 4B is the same as that of the first-type container 4A, the same reference numerals are used for the same components, and their description will be omitted.

[0107] The adapter 402 for the second type container 4B has the same structure as the adapter 402 for the first type container 4A, except for the pattern shape formed by the container-side identification member 430. Thus, the adapter 402 can be used in common for containers 4A and 4B having different capacities.

[0108] A-5. Installation process of the container to the container installation unit:

[0109] Figure 23 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process. Figure 24 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process. Figure 25 yes Figure 24 The cross-sectional view is equivalent to the Figure 2 Figure 3-3 line cross section. Figure 26 The third figure illustrates the installation process. Figure 27 yes Figure 26 The cross-sectional view is equivalent to the Figure 2 Figure 3-3 line cross section. Figures 23 to 25 Indicates the terminal connection process, Figure 26 、 Figure 27 Indicates the supply unit connection process.

[0110] like Figure 23 As shown, when the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6, the container 4 is first inserted into the storage chamber 61 from the insertion opening 674 of the container mounting portion 6. The insertion direction D1 of the container 4 into the container mounting portion 6 is the -Y direction, which is parallel to the direction in which the container guide portion 447 extends.

[0111] When from Figure 23 When the container 4 is pushed further in the insertion direction D1, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 The terminal connection process is completed. Figure 24 In the terminal connection process shown in FIG, the end portion 402e on the +Y direction side of the adapter 402 is located closer to the insertion direction side than the engagement forming body 677. Figure 25 As shown, at the end of the terminal connection process, the container-side terminal 521 is in contact with the device-side terminal 721. Furthermore, at the end of the terminal connection process, the force-applying member 780 is compressed, and the device-side terminal portion 70 is subjected to an external force Fa from the force-applying member 780. The user presses the container 4 toward the insertion direction and rotates the container 4 in the connection direction D2 about the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby executing the supply unit connection process.

[0112] When the container 4 rotates and moves in the connection direction D2, the supply unit positioning portion 448 begins to receive the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 before the liquid inlet portion 642 is connected to the liquid supply portion 442. Thereafter, the liquid supply portion 442 begins to be positioned relative to the liquid inlet portion 642. In other words, the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 that intersects the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply unit 442 is restricted. During the supply unit connection process, when the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is inserted into the liquid inlet portion 642, the container 4 may move slightly in the Y direction. In this case, the force-applying member 780 expands and contracts, causing the device-side terminal portion 70 to move in accordance with the movement of the container-side terminal 521. This ensures that good contact between the container-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 is maintained.

[0113] like Figure 27 As shown, in the installed state of the container 4 after the supply unit connection process is completed, the container-side terminals 521 of the circuit substrate 50 contact the device-side terminals 721 of the device-side terminal portion 70, and the liquid supply unit 442 is connected to the liquid inlet portion 642. In the installed state, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 intersects the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends. Furthermore, in the installed state, the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 such that the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends includes a component in the direction of gravity. This allows the liquid in the liquid supply unit 442 to flow smoothly. Consequently, the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the liquid storage unit 450 can be reduced. In this embodiment, in the installed state, the liquid supply unit 442 is tilted relative to the direction of gravity such that the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends forms an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 15° with the direction of gravity.

[0114] Furthermore, in the installed state, the installation engaging portion 697 is engaged with the container engaging portion 497, thereby maintaining the installed state of the container 4. The user lifts the rear wall 47 of the container 4, thereby rotating it about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the disconnection direction D3, which is opposite to the connection direction D2. As a result, the installation engaging portion 697 is pressed by the main body of the container 4, causing it to displace and disengage from the container engaging portion 497.

[0115] According to the above embodiment, Figure 27 As shown, the container 4 is provided with a liquid supply portion 442 on the bottom wall 44 intersecting the front wall 42 on the insertion direction side. As a result, the bottom wall 44 is located on the gravity direction side in the installed state, so that the liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 can flow smoothly to the liquid supply portion 442. As a result, the amount of liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 that remains unconsumed can be reduced. In addition, as Figure 23As shown, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 and the removal direction, which is the opposite direction to the insertion direction D1, are the Y direction and are along the horizontal direction. Therefore, when inserting or removing the container 4 relative to the container mounting portion 6, it is sufficient to move the container 4 in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the operability of the container 4. In particular, as described in this embodiment, a container 4 with a large outer shape that can accommodate a large volume of liquid can be inserted or removed in the horizontal direction relative to the container mounting portion 6, thereby further improving the operability of the container 4. As described above, in the installed state of the container 4, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 intersects with the direction in which the liquid supply portion 442 extends, so that the insertion direction D1 can be set to the horizontal direction, and the extension direction can be set to a direction including a vertical component, thereby improving the operability of the container 4 and reducing the amount of liquid that remains unconsumed in the liquid holding portion 450.

[0116] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figure 11 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the container 4 is provided with a container guide 447, so that it can be moved smoothly in the insertion direction D1. In particular, in this embodiment, the outer shape of the container 4 is the largest in the insertion direction D1. Therefore, by having the container guide 447 that is guided in the insertion direction, the container 4 can be moved more smoothly in the insertion direction D1. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown, the container guide 447 includes a first container guide 447a formed on the first side wall 45 and a second container guide 447b formed on the second side wall 46 corresponding to the first side wall 45. Thus, since the container guides 447 can be provided on both sides in the width direction of the container 4, the insertion posture of the container 4 can be stabilized when the container 4 is moved in the insertion direction relative to the container mounting portion 6.

[0117] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figure 11 As shown, the circuit board 50 having the container-side terminals 521 is arranged at the corner 89 where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect. Thus, by moving the container 4 in the insertion direction relative to the storage chamber 61 of the container mounting portion 6, the container-side terminals 521 and the device-side terminals 721 can be easily brought into contact. In particular, in this embodiment, as Figure 14 As shown, the container 4 has a terminal positioning portion 906 at the corner portion 89, so that the container-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 can be reliably contacted during the installation process.

[0118] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figure 12As shown, container 4 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402, thereby increasing design flexibility. For example, a common adapter 402 can be used for multiple liquid containers 401 and 401B having different capacities in the liquid container section 450. Furthermore, since container 4 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402, after the liquid is consumed, the liquid container 401 can be removed from the adapter 402 and a new liquid container 401 can be installed in the adapter 402. This improves the recyclability of container 4.

[0119] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adapter 402, which can be used commonly with different types of liquid containers 401 and 401B, is provided with the terminal positioning portion 906, the supply portion positioning portion 448, the container-side identification member 430, the container engaging portion 497, and the container guide portion 447, which are elements that cooperate with the container mounting portion 6. This allows the same type of adapter 402 to be used even when the liquid containers 401 are of different types, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the container 4. Furthermore, this simplifies the structure of the liquid containers 401 and 401B.

[0120] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figures 24 to 27 As shown, after the container 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 through the insertion and removal opening 674, the tip 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is positioned within the storage chamber 61 by displacing the opening 614 in the direction of gravity about the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby connecting the liquid introduction portion 642 to the liquid supply portion 442. Thus, during the horizontal insertion of the container 4 into the storage chamber 61, the container 4 is prevented from colliding with the liquid introduction portion 642 formed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1.

[0121] B. Other implementation methods:

[0122] B-1. Other Implementation Methods:

[0123] In the above embodiment, if Figure 23 As shown, insertion direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction, but this is not limited to this. In other embodiments, insertion direction D1 may be inclined relative to the insertion direction as long as it has a horizontal component. For example, insertion direction D1 may be inclined within a range greater than 0° and less than or equal to 15° relative to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when container 4 is installed, central axis CA2 of liquid supply portion 442 is inclined relative to the direction of gravity. However, it may also be inclined along the direction of gravity.

[0124] B-2. Other Implementation Methods II:

[0125] In the above embodiment, if Figures 25 to 27As shown, the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 are connected by rotating the container 4 in the connection direction D2 around the rotation fulcrum 698, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the support member 610 can be moved as a whole in the -Z direction to move the container 4 in the -Z direction, thereby connecting the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642. That is, the terminal connection process can also be carried out by moving the support member 610 in the -Z direction, which is the direction of gravity, so that the opening portion 614 is displaced in the -Z direction, which is the direction of gravity, and the tip portion 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is arranged in the storage chamber 61 through the opening portion 614. Alternatively, the position of the support member 610 can be fixed, and the liquid introduction portion 642 can be moved to connect to the liquid supply portion 442.

[0126] B-3. ​​Other implementation methods three:

[0127] In the above embodiment, if Figure 12 As shown, the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are separate bodies, but they can also be integrated.

[0128] B-4. Other Implementation Methods 4:

[0129] The present invention is not limited to inkjet printers and their ink containers, but is also applicable to any printing device that ejects liquids other than ink and their containers. For example, it is applicable to the following various printing devices and their containers.

[0130] (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile devices;

[0131] (2) A printing device for spraying color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays;

[0132] (3) A printing device for spraying electrode materials used in forming electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), etc.

[0133] (4) a printing device for ejecting liquid containing biological organic matter used in biochip manufacturing;

[0134] (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette;

[0135] (6) Lubricating oil printing device;

[0136] (7) a printing device for resin liquid;

[0137] (8) Printing devices that precisely spray lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras;

[0138] (9) A printing device for spraying a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curable resin liquid onto a substrate in order to form a microscopic hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements, etc.;

[0139] (10) A printing device for spraying an acidic or alkaline etching solution for etching a substrate, etc.;

[0140] (11) Other printing devices including a liquid ejecting head for ejecting arbitrarily small amounts of liquid droplets.

[0141] In addition, "droplets" refer to the state of liquid ejected from the printing device, including granular, tear-like, and tailing filamentous states. In addition, the "liquid" mentioned here can be any material that can be ejected by the printing device. For example, "liquid" can be any material in the state of the substance in the liquid phase, and high-viscosity or low-viscosity liquid state materials and liquid state materials such as sols, gels, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals are also included in "liquids". In addition, it is not limited to liquids as a state of matter. Materials formed by dissolving, dispersing or mixing particles of functional materials formed by solid substances such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent are also included in "liquids". In addition, as representative examples of liquids, inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments are listed. Here, inks include general aqueous inks, oil-based inks, and various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks.

[0142] C. Other methods:

[0143] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various modes described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical features are not stated as being necessary in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0144] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a container mounted on a container mounting portion of a printing device, wherein the container mounting portion of the printing device has a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The container comprises: a liquid holding portion for holding the liquid; a front wall located on the insertion direction side of the container mounting portion; and a bottom wall intersecting the front wall and provided with a liquid supply portion connected to the liquid introduction portion. According to this embodiment, since the liquid supply portion is provided on the bottom wall intersecting the front wall located on the insertion direction side, the liquid in the liquid holding portion can be smoothly circulated to the liquid supply portion. As a result, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid holding portion without being consumed can be reduced.

[0145] (2) In the above embodiment, the liquid supply portion may extend in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. According to this embodiment, the container is mounted on the container mounting portion so that the direction in which the liquid supply portion extends includes a component in the direction of gravity, thereby allowing the liquid in the liquid supply portion to flow smoothly. This can reduce the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion that is not consumed.

[0146] (3) In the above aspect, the container may further include a container guide portion extending along the insertion direction and guided in the insertion direction by the container mounting portion. According to this aspect, the container can be smoothly moved in the insertion direction by the container guide portion.

[0147] (4) In the above embodiment, the container may further include: a first side wall intersecting the front wall and the bottom wall; and a second side wall intersecting the front wall and the bottom wall and facing the first side wall, wherein the container guide includes: a first container guide formed on the first side wall; and a second container guide formed on the second side wall. According to this embodiment, since the first container guide is formed on the first side wall and the second container guide is formed on the second side wall corresponding to the first side wall, the insertion posture of the container can be stabilized when the container is moved in the insertion direction.

[0148] (5) In the above embodiment, the container may further include: a corner portion intersecting the front wall and the bottom wall; and a container-side terminal disposed at the corner portion and electrically connectable to the device-side terminal provided on the container mounting portion. This embodiment provides a container having the container-side terminal electrically connectable to the device-side terminal.

[0149] (6) In the above embodiment, the device may further include: a liquid container having the liquid container and the liquid supply portion; and an adapter attached to the liquid container and forming the bottom wall, the adapter having a supply portion arrangement chamber for arranging the liquid supply portion and an insertion opening through which the liquid introduction portion is inserted. According to this embodiment, the inclusion of the liquid container and the adapter increases the degree of design freedom. For example, a common adapter can be used for a plurality of liquid containers having different liquid container capacities.

[0150] (7) In the above aspect, the adapter may have the corner portion where the container-side terminal is placed. According to this aspect, the adapter has the corner portion, so that the container-side terminal can be placed on the adapter.

[0151] (8) In the above aspect, the adapter may include the container guide. According to this aspect, the container guide can be arranged on the adapter.

[0152] (9) According to a second aspect of the present invention, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises: a printing device having a container mounting portion for mounting a container and a liquid inlet portion for receiving liquid; and the container of the above aspect. According to this aspect, since the liquid supply portion of the container is disposed on a bottom wall intersecting with the front wall located in the insertion direction, liquid in the liquid storage portion can flow smoothly to the liquid supply portion. This can reduce the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion that is not consumed.

[0153] (10) In the above embodiment, the direction in which the container is inserted into the container mounting portion may intersect with the direction in which the liquid supply portion of the container extends. According to this embodiment, since the insertion direction intersects with the direction in which the liquid supply portion extends, the operability of the container is improved and the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion that is not consumed can be reduced.

[0154] (11) According to a third aspect of the present invention, a printing device is provided, comprising: a container mounting portion for mounting the container of the above aspect, the container mounting portion having a storage chamber for receiving the container by inserting the container along an insertion direction; and a liquid introduction portion extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and connected to the liquid supply portion of the container. According to this aspect, by mounting a container having a liquid supply portion disposed on a bottom wall intersecting a front wall located on the insertion direction side on the container mounting portion, liquid in the liquid storage portion can be smoothly circulated to the container mounting portion side via the liquid supply portion. Thus, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion that is not consumed can be reduced.

[0155] (12) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the container mounting portion may further include: a first device wall having an insertion and extraction opening serving as an entrance and exit of the storage chamber; a second device wall opposing the first device wall; and a support member forming a device bottom wall having an opening and supporting the container, wherein the device bottom wall intersects with the first device wall and the second device wall, and the liquid introduction portion is located on the opposite side of the storage chamber across the support member, and the container mounting portion may further include: a displacement mechanism for displacing the opening toward the gravity direction by moving the support member, thereby arranging the tip of the liquid introduction portion within the storage chamber via the opening. According to this embodiment, by inserting the container into the storage chamber via the insertion and extraction opening and then displacing the opening so that the tip of the liquid introduction portion is arranged within the storage chamber, the liquid introduction portion can be connected to the liquid supply portion. Thus, the operability when the container is mounted on the container mounting portion can be improved.

[0156] In addition to the above-described aspects, the present invention can also be implemented in aspects such as a method for manufacturing a container and a mechanism for attaching the container to a container attachment portion.

Claims

1. A printing device, wherein: have: A container mounting portion for mounting the container, The container mounting portion has: a receiving chamber for receiving the container by inserting the container along an insertion direction; and a liquid introduction portion extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and connected to the liquid supply portion of the container; The container has: a liquid receiving portion for receiving the liquid; a front wall located on an insertion direction side into the container mounting portion; and a bottom wall intersecting the front wall and provided with a liquid supply portion connected to the liquid introduction portion; The container mounting portion further comprises: a first device wall having an insertion and extraction opening serving as an entrance and exit of the accommodation chamber; a second device wall opposite to the first device wall; and a supporting member forming a device bottom wall having an opening and supporting the container, wherein the device bottom wall intersects with the first device wall and the second device wall; The liquid introduction portion is located on the opposite side to the storage chamber across the support member. The container mounting portion further includes a displacement mechanism that displaces the opening in the gravity direction by moving the support member, thereby arranging the distal end portion of the liquid introduction portion in the storage chamber through the opening.

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