Containers and printing systems

Abstract

The present invention provides a technique for suppressing a decrease in the amount of liquid held in a container. The container comprises a liquid holding portion and a liquid supply portion. The liquid supply portion is connected to a liquid introduction portion by rotating the rear wall of the container downward about a rotation fulcrum located on the insertion direction side of a container mounting portion. In the insertion direction, a first distance between the liquid inlet and the inner surface of the rear wall, which is the inner surface of the rear wall of the container, is shorter than a second distance between the liquid inlet and the inner surface of the front wall, which is the inner surface of the front wall of the container.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Conventionally, a container detachably mounted on a printing device includes a liquid storage chamber and a liquid supply port (Patent Document 1). In the prior art, portions on both sides of the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber, which are located adjacent to the liquid supply port, are inclined toward the liquid supply port.

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-84694

[0006] While tilted sides allow for smooth liquid flow to the liquid supply port, the volume of the liquid holding chamber may be reduced, resulting in a reduced liquid storage capacity. Furthermore, containers are typically stored in single boxes during shipment. When the bottom sides are tilted, a gap may form between the container and the inner wall of the single box, potentially reducing the proportion of the container occupying the volume of the single box, effectively reducing the volumetric efficiency of the single box. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided that can be detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of a printing device, the container mounting portion of the printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The container includes: a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid and includes a storage portion front wall located on the insertion direction side of the container into the container mounting portion, a storage portion rear wall opposite the storage portion front wall, and a storage portion bottom wall intersecting the storage portion front wall and the storage portion rear wall; a liquid inlet formed in the storage portion bottom wall; and a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid of the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, wherein the liquid supply portion is connected to the liquid introduction portion by rotating the storage portion rear wall side of the container downward about a rotation fulcrum located on the insertion direction side of the container mounting portion, wherein a first distance between the liquid inlet and the rear wall inner surface, which is the inner surface of the storage portion rear wall, is shorter than a second distance between the liquid inlet and the front wall inner surface, which is the inner surface of the storage portion front wall, in the insertion direction.

[0008] (2) 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. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the configuration of a printing system as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0011] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of line 3-3.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Magnified view of region R4.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Y direction side.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a container mounted on the container mounting portion.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the container mounting portion.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a diagram of the container mounting portion as viewed from the +Z direction side.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a partial enlarged view of the container installation part.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the terminal portion on the device side.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the first type of container.

[0020] Figure 12 It is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a first diagram showing a portion of a first type of container.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a second diagram showing a portion of the first container.

[0023] Figure 15 It is a first side view of the first container.

[0024] Figure 16 It is a second side view of the first container.

[0025] Figure 17 This is the main view of the first type of container.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a rear view of the first type of container.

[0027] Figure 19 This is a top view of the first type of container.

[0028] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view of the first type of container.

[0029] Figure 21 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the second container.

[0030] Figure 22 This is the main view of the second container.

[0031] Figure 23 This is a rear view of the second type of container.

[0032] Figure 24 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process.

[0033] Figure 25 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process.

[0034] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 sectional view of .

[0035] Figure 27 The third figure illustrates the installation process.

[0036] Figure 28 yes Figure 27 sectional view of .

[0037] Figure 29 It is a schematic diagram showing a single box containing the containers of the first reference example.

[0038] Figure 30 It is a schematic diagram showing a single box containing the container of the second reference example.

[0039] Figure 31 It is a schematic diagram showing a single box containing containers.

[0040] [Description of labels]

[0041] 1: Printing system; 2: Printing paper; 4, 4C, 4M, 4K, 4T, 4V: 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: Mounting Bottom wall; 65: 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, 402V: adapter; 402e: end portion; 422: first bottom wall inner surface; 423: first step surface; 424: first end inner surface; 425: rear wall side inner surface; 426: second bottom wall inner surface; 427: second step surface; 428: second end inner surface; 429, 429T: front wall side inner surface; 430: container side identification component; 431: container bottom wall; 432: container front wall; 433: container upper wall; 435: first container side wall; 436: second Storage section side wall; 437: Storage section rear wall; 442: Liquid supply section; 443: Liquid inlet; 446: Insertion opening; 447: Container guide; 447a: First container guide; 447b: Second container guide; 448: Supply section positioning section; 449: Internal flow path; 450: Liquid storage section; 461: Supply section configuration chamber; 481: Bottom wall inner surface; 482: Front wall inner surface; 487: Rear wall inner surface; 497: Container engaging section; 521: Container side terminal; 525: Storage device; 602: Device guide; 602a: First device guide; 602b: Second device guide; 610: Support member; 611: First support side wall; 612: Second support side wall; 613: Second support side wall; 3: Main wall; 614: Opening; 625: Device force-applying member; 630: Device-side identification member; 642: Liquid inlet; 642a: Base end; 642b: Tip end; 644: Supply unit positioning portion; 644a: One end; 644b: Other end; 674: Insertion / removal opening; 677: Engagement forming body; 697: Mounting engagement portion; 698: Rotational 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; 830: Single case; 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; 442e2: Supply base; CA1: Center axis; CA2: Center axis; D1: Insertion direction; D2: Connection direction; D3: Disconnection direction; DS: Dead space; Dt1: First distance; Dt2: Second distance; Fa: External force; Ft1: External force; LF: Liquid level; MP: Center; OD1: Opposing direction; Rp: Terminal rotation fulcrum. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] A. Implementation method:

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

[0044] 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.

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

[0046] 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, such as A2 to A0 sizes, for 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The printing device 10 has a replacement cap 13 on the front side, in the +Y direction. When the replacement cap 13 is tilted from its +Z direction side toward the front side (i.e., the +Y direction side), the opening of the container mount 6 appears, allowing the container 4 to be loaded and unloaded. When the container 4 is mounted on the container mount 6, ink from the container 4 is supplied to the ejection head 22 mounted on the carriage 20 via a tube 24, which serves as a flow tube. In other words, the tube 24 connects the ejection head 22 with the container 4. In this embodiment, liquid from the container 4 is supplied to the ejection head 22 by utilizing a water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the ejection head 22 by utilizing the water level difference between the ink level within the liquid reservoir of the container mount 6 (described later) and the liquid level formed at the nozzle opening of the ejection head 22. Alternatively, in other embodiments, a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing device 10 can be used to pump ink from the container 4, thereby supplying ink to the ejection head 22. Tubes 24 are provided for each type of ink. Furthermore, a state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6 and ink as liquid can be supplied to the printing device 10 is also referred to as a “mounted state”.

[0049] 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, thereby printing 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] An area called an initial position is provided at a position outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction. A maintenance mechanism is mounted at the initial position, which performs maintenance for ensuring normal execution of 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 which the nozzle is formed on the bottom side of the ejection head 22, and forms a closed space in a manner surrounding the nozzle. The lifting mechanism lifts and lowers 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.

[0053] 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.

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

[0055] 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 2In 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.

[0056] like Figure 3 As 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 of the container mounting portion 6 forms bubbles, circulates through the liquid introduction section 642 and the liquid supply section 442, and is introduced 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.

[0057] When liquid is supplied from the liquid reservoir 699 to the ejection head 22 via the tube 24, gas-liquid exchange is performed via the liquid inlet 642, and liquid is replenished from the container 4 to the liquid reservoir 699. This maintains a constant height of the liquid level LF in contact with the atmosphere of the liquid reservoir 699. As a result, the water level difference, which is the height difference between the liquid level LF and the liquid level of the nozzle hole in contact with the atmosphere of the ejection head 22, is maintained constant. Therefore, the water level difference can be used as a driving force to stably supply liquid to the ejection head.

[0058] 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.

[0059] like Figure 4 As 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.

[0060] 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. 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 direction of elastic deformation is along the Y direction and the Z direction. The terminal holding portion 750 holds the multiple device-side terminals 721. The connector 739 is electrically connected to the multiple device-side terminals 721. In addition, 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 D1 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 D1. 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 D1.

[0063] 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 insertion direction D1 (-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 3 As 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 wall 47 of the container 4 is rotated in the connection direction D2 indicated by the arrow, using the rotation fulcrum 698 of the support member 610 as a fulcrum, thereby connecting the liquid inlet 642 and the liquid supply unit 442. The rotation fulcrum 698 is located on the second device wall 62 side of the container mounting portion 6, which is the insertion direction D1 side. The rotation angle of the container 4 during the connection between the liquid supply unit 442 and the liquid inlet 642 is denoted as rotation angle θ1. In this embodiment, rotation angle θ1 is set to 5°. In other words, when the container 4 is mounted with the liquid supply unit 442 connected to the liquid inlet 642, the rear wall 47 of the container 4 is rotated downward by only 5°.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, during the connection of the supply unit, 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 intersecting 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 the other 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] A-3. Detailed structure of the container mounting portion 6:

[0068] 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 8 This 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 10For 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the container mounting portion 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 that form the storage chamber 61. In the present invention, the concept of "wall" includes not only a single wall but also a wall composed of multiple walls. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion and removal opening 674 for the container 4 to pass through when inserting or removing it relative to the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 forms a wall on the -Y direction side of the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 is opposite to the first device wall 67 in the Y direction. The second device wall 62 is a wall that is substantially vertical when the printing device 10 is in use.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 8As 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] Figure 7 The 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 .

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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 .

[0081] like Figure 9 As 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 further insertion of the container 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.

[0082] like Figure 9As 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] like Figure 8 As 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] A-4. Detailed structure of container 4:

[0088] 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 19 This 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.

[0089] like Figure 12 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.

[0090] like Figure 11As shown, the first type container 4A has a substantially 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 liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 described above.

[0091] 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, and 47 is also referred to as each surface 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are opposed in the Y direction along the insertion direction. 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. In other words, the opposing direction OD1 of the first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 is along the insertion direction D1.

[0092] like Figure 15 As shown, the front wall 42 is located on the insertion direction D1 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 of the insertion direction D1 side. The rear wall 47 forms the surface on the +Y direction side of 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 3 The 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] The first container 4A also has: Figure 11The 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.

[0095] like Figure 12 As shown, the liquid container 450 includes a container front wall 432, a container rear wall 437, a container top wall 433, a container bottom wall 431, a first container side wall 435, and a second container side wall 436. These walls 431 to 436 form the outer shell of the liquid container 450.

[0096] The accommodating portion front wall 432 is a portion of the front wall 42. The accommodating portion front wall 432 is located on the insertion direction D1 side. In other words, the accommodating portion front wall 432 forms the leading end surface on the insertion direction D1 side. The accommodating portion rear wall 437 is a portion of the rear wall 47. The accommodating portion rear wall 437 opposes the accommodating portion front wall 432. The opposing direction OD1 between the accommodating portion rear wall 437 and the accommodating portion front wall 432 is perpendicular to the central axis CA2 and is along the insertion direction D1.

[0097] The container bottom wall 431 intersects with the container front wall 432 and the container rear wall 437. The container bottom wall 431 forms the bottom surface of the liquid container 450 on the -Z direction side. The liquid supply unit 442 is disposed on the container bottom wall 431. The container top wall 433 is identical to the top wall 43. The container top wall 433 faces the container bottom wall 431. The container top wall 433 intersects with the container front wall 432 and the container rear wall 437.

[0098] The first receiving portion side wall 435 is a portion of the first side wall 45. The second receiving portion side wall 436 is a portion of the second side wall 46. The first receiving portion side wall 435 and the second receiving portion side wall 436 intersect the receiving portion front wall 432, the receiving portion rear wall 437, the receiving portion upper wall 433, and the receiving portion bottom wall 431.

[0099] Figure 12The liquid supply portion 442 shown is connected to the liquid storage portion 450 and has a center axis CA2. The direction along the center axis CA2 is the Z direction. The direction along the center axis CA2, which is the extension direction of the liquid supply portion 442, intersects with the -Y direction, which is the insertion direction D1. In this embodiment, the center axis CA2 is orthogonal to the insertion direction D1. That is, the liquid supply portion 442 extends in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, in this embodiment, in the Z direction. The liquid supply portion 442 is a tubular component that protrudes from the storage portion bottom wall 431 of the liquid storage portion 450 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 concave bottom of the supply portion arrangement chamber 461, there is formed Figure 11 Insertion opening 446 is shown.

[0100] like Figure 12 As shown, the liquid supply section 442 has an internal flow path 449 that supplies liquid from the liquid storage section 450 to the liquid inlet section 642, which serves as the exterior. The supply base 442e2, serving as the base end of the liquid supply section 442, is located within the liquid storage section 450. The supply tip 442e1, serving as 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 supply tip 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. The liquid supply portion 442 also includes a liquid inlet 443 between the supply base end 442e2 and the supply tip 442e1. The liquid inlet 443 is a circular opening formed in the container bottom wall 431. Liquid in the liquid container 450 flows into the liquid inlet 443 through an opening formed in the side wall of the valve core. The liquid inlet 443 is part of the internal flow path 449.

[0101] 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 and is located on 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.

[0102] The supply unit positioning portion 448 positions the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid inlet portion 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 portion 642. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed on the bottom wall 44 and is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the bottom wall 44. In addition, in other embodiments, the supply unit positioning portion 448 can also be a hole that passes through the bottom wall 44. The supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion with 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 D1, 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.

[0103] like Figure 18 As 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.

[0104] 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 inclined relative to the insertion direction D1. Specifically, the surface 50fa is inclined 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.

[0105] 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 14As 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 .

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] A pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are respectively provided on a pair of recessed side walls 902t and 902w. The pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are arranged facing 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 recessed side wall 902. The first terminal positioning portion 906t is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the first recessed side wall 902t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the second recessed side wall 902w.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 D1 side, thereby completing the terminal connection process. By further pushing the container 4 toward the insertion direction D1 side from the abutment position, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 The holding mechanism 73 shown is pressed into the insertion direction D1 side. As a result, the terminal portion 70 on the device side moves to the insertion direction D1 side following the movement of the container 4. As a result, when the terminal connection process is completed, the terminal portion 70 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.

[0111] like Figure 11 as well as Figure 19 As shown, the container guide portion 447 extends along the insertion direction D1. The container guide portion 447 is guided in the insertion direction D1 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 respectively. Figure 11 In the figure, for ease of understanding, a single hatching is indicated 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. 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.

[0112] 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 container 4 in the insertion direction D1 while maintaining the posture of the container 4. During the insertion of the container 4 into the storage chamber 61, 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view of the first container 4A. Figure 20 In FIG, the valve mechanism disposed in the liquid supply portion 442 is omitted. Figure 20 The detailed structure of the liquid container 450 will be described below. Here, the inner surface of the container front wall 432 is referred to as the front wall inner surface 482, the inner surface of the container rear wall 437 is referred to as the rear wall inner surface 487, and the inner surface of the container bottom wall 431 is referred to as the bottom wall inner surface 481.

[0115] With respect to the insertion direction D1, the first distance Dt1, which is the distance between the liquid inlet 443 and the rear wall inner surface 487, is shorter than the second distance Dt2, which is the distance between the liquid inlet 443 and the front wall inner surface 482. In this embodiment, the first distance Dt1 is less than half the second distance Dt2. In this embodiment, the reference position of the liquid inlet 443 within the first distance Dt1 or the second distance Dt2 is the central axis CA2.

[0116] In the insertion direction D1 , the bottom wall inner surface 481 includes a rear wall inner surface 425 located between the liquid inlet 443 and the container rear wall 437 , and a front wall inner surface 429 located between the liquid inlet 443 and the container front wall 432 .

[0117] The rear wall inner surface 425 includes a first bottom wall inner surface 422, a first step surface 423, and a first end inner surface 424. The first bottom wall inner surface 422 is connected to the liquid inlet 443. In terms of the insertion direction D1, the first step surface 423 is located between the first bottom wall inner surface 422 and the first end inner surface 424, connecting the first bottom wall inner surface 422 and the first end inner surface 424. One end of the first step surface 423 is connected to the first bottom wall inner surface 422, and the other end of the first step surface 423 is connected to the first end inner surface 424. In terms of the insertion direction D1, the first end inner surface 424 is located on the opposite side of the first bottom wall inner surface 422 across the first step surface 423. The first end inner surface 424 is connected to the rear wall inner surface 487.

[0118] The rear wall inner surface 425 is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1 so as to be located outward of the liquid container 450 as it approaches the liquid inlet 443, that is, on the side in which the liquid supply portion 442 projects. Specifically, the first bottom wall inner surface 422, the first stepped surface 423, and the first end inner surface 424 that constitute the rear wall inner surface 425 are each inclined relative to the insertion direction D1 so as to be located outward of the liquid container 450 as they approach the liquid inlet 443. In other words, the rear wall inner surface 425 is inclined so as to be located on the -Z direction side, which is the direction from the container upper wall 433 toward the container bottom wall 431, as it approaches the liquid inlet 443.

[0119] This tilted relationship is the same as when the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting portion 6. Specifically, when the container 4 is mounted, the first bottom wall inner surface 422, the first stepped surface 423, and the first end inner surface 424, which constitute the rear wall inner surface 425, are tilted relative to the insertion direction D1 so as to be positioned outward of the liquid storage portion 450 as they approach the liquid inlet 443. To achieve this tilted relationship, the tilt angle formed between the insertion direction D1 or the opposing direction OD1 along the insertion direction D1 and the rear wall inner surface 425 is set to be greater than the rotation angle θ1 when the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid inlet portion 642 are connected. For example, the tilt angle θ2 formed between the first bottom wall inner surface 422 or the first end inner surface 424 and the insertion direction D1 is set to 8°. Thus, when the container 4 is mounted, the first bottom wall inner surface 422 or the first end inner surface 424 is tilted 3° relative to the horizontal, so that it is positioned downward as it approaches the liquid inlet 443.

[0120] The front wall inner surface 429 includes a second bottom wall inner surface 426, a second stepped surface 427, and a second end inner surface 428. The second bottom wall inner surface 426 is connected to the liquid inlet 443. With respect to the insertion direction D1, the second stepped surface 427 is located between the second bottom wall inner surface 426 and the second end inner surface 428, and connects the second bottom wall inner surface 426 and the second end inner surface 428. One end of the second stepped surface 427 is connected to the second bottom wall inner surface 426, and the other end of the second stepped surface 427 is connected to the second end inner surface 428. With respect to the insertion direction D1, the second end inner surface 428 is located on the opposite side of the second bottom wall inner surface 426 across the second stepped surface 427. The second end inner surface 428 is connected to the front wall inner surface 482.

[0121] The second bottom wall inner surface 426 and the second end inner surface 428 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA2. The second stepped surface 427 extends in a direction along the central axis CA2. When the liquid supply portion 442 is connected to the liquid inlet portion 642, as described above, the rear wall 47 is rotated downward. Thus, when the container 4 is installed, the second bottom wall inner surface 426 and the second end inner surface 428 are each inclined relative to the horizontal direction so as to be positioned downward as they approach the liquid inlet 443.

[0122] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the second type of container 4B. Figure 22 It is a front view of the second type of container 4B. Figure 23 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] A-5. Installation process of the container to the container installation unit:

[0125] Figure 24 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process. Figure 25 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process. Figure 26 yes Figure 25 The cross-sectional view is equivalent to the Figure 2 Figure 3-3 line cross section. Figure 27 The third figure illustrates the installation process. Figure 28 yes Figure 27 The cross-sectional view is equivalent to the Figure 2 Figure 3-3 cross-section of the line. Figures 24 to 26 Indicates the terminal connection process, Figure 27 、 Figure 28 Indicates the supply unit connection process.

[0126] like Figure 24As 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.

[0127] When from Figure 24 When the container 4 is pushed further in the insertion direction D1, as shown in FIG. Figure 25 The terminal connection process is completed. Figure 25 In the terminal connection process shown in FIG, the end portion 402e of the adapter 402 on the +Y direction side is located closer to the insertion direction D1 side than the engagement forming body 677. Figure 26 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 D1 and rotates the container 4 in the connection direction D2, which is the rotation direction around the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby executing the supply unit connection process.

[0128] 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.

[0129] like Figure 28As shown, in the mounted state of the container 4 after the supply unit connection process is complete, the container-side terminals 521 of the circuit board 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 mounted state, the insertion direction D1 of the container 4 intersects the direction in which the liquid supply unit 442 extends. Furthermore, in the mounted state, the container 4 is mounted in 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 for smooth flow of liquid within the liquid supply unit 442. Consequently, the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion 450 can be reduced. In this embodiment, in the mounted state, the central axis CA2, which extends along the liquid supply unit 442, is tilted at a 5° angle relative to the direction of gravity. This angle is not limited to the above value, as long as it is smaller than the inclination angle θ2 formed by the first bottom wall inner surface 422 or the first end inner surface 424 with the insertion direction D1, and may be smaller than 5°.

[0130] In addition, if Figure 28 As shown, when the container 4 is mounted, the mounting engaging portion 697 engages with the container engaging portion 497, thereby maintaining the mounted state of the container 4. Furthermore, when the container 4 is mounted, the rear wall inner surface 425 or the front wall inner surface 429 is inclined so as to be positioned downward as it approaches the liquid inlet 443. This allows the liquid in the liquid storage portion 450 to flow smoothly toward the liquid inlet 443, thereby reducing the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion 450.

[0131] To remove the container 4 from the container mounting portion 6, the user lifts the rear wall 47 of the container 4, causing it to rotate about the rotation fulcrum 698 in the disconnection direction D3, which is opposite to the connection direction D2. This causes the mounting engaging portion 697 to be pressed by the main body of the container 4, displacing the mounting engaging portion 697 and disengaging the mounting engaging portion 697 from the container engaging portion 497. After disengaging the mounting engaging portion 697 from the container engaging portion 497, the user removes the container 4 from the container mounting portion 6 by moving the container 4 in the removal direction.

[0132] Figure 29This is a schematic diagram of a single box 830 containing a container 4T according to the first reference example. Container 4T differs from container 4 in that the front wall inner surface 429T is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1. Because the front wall inner surface 429T is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1, the outer surface of the bottom wall 44 also has a portion inclined relative to the insertion direction D1. Consequently, when container 4T is housed in single box 830, which is a rectangular parallelepiped made of, for example, corrugated cardboard, a gap, or dead space DS, is created between container 4 and single box 830. Consequently, the volumetric efficiency of single box 830 is reduced.

[0133] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram showing a single case 830 housing a container 4V according to the second reference example. Container 4V differs from container 4 in that its front wall inner surface 429T is inclined similarly to container 4T, and in the shape of adapter 402V. In order to improve the volumetric efficiency of single case 830, the outer surface of bottom wall 44 of container 4V is shaped to conform to insertion direction D1. This requires excessively increasing the thickness of adapter 402V. For example, in region Rg, as shown in the figure, the thickness is excessively increased.

[0134] Figure 31 Schematic diagram showing a single box 830 containing a container 4. Figure 31 As shown, since the second end inner surface 428 or the second bottom wall inner surface 426 is oriented along the insertion direction D1, the outer surface of the container bottom wall 431 corresponding to the rear wall inner surface 425 or the second bottom wall inner surface 426 can be configured to be shaped along the insertion direction D1 without excessively increasing the thickness of the container bottom wall 431. Consequently, the adapter 402 disposed on the side of the container bottom wall 431 can be configured to be shaped along the insertion direction D1 without excessively increasing its thickness. In other words, the area of ​​the adapter 402 constituting the bottom wall 44 of the container 4 that can be configured to be shaped along the insertion direction D1 can be increased without excessively increasing its thickness. Consequently, when the container 4 is housed in a single container 830, the gap between the container 4 and the single container 830 can be reduced, thereby improving the volumetric efficiency of the single container 830.

[0135] According to the above embodiment, in the container 4, the second bottom wall inner surface 426 located between the liquid inlet 443 and the container front wall 432 in the bottom wall inner surface 481 of the container bottom wall 431 extends in a direction perpendicular to the central axis CA2, that is, in the insertion direction D1. Figure 26 as well as Figure 28As shown, when the liquid supply portion 442 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 642, the rear wall 437 of the container portion rotates downward with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center. As a result, the rear wall 437 of the container portion of the container 4 rotates downward, and the inner surface 426 of the second bottom wall is tilted so as to be located downward as it approaches the liquid inlet 443. Figure 26 As shown, by making the first distance Dt1 shorter than the second distance Dt2, the area of ​​the second bottom wall inner surface 426 can be increased. Even if the container 4 has a second bottom wall inner surface 426 shaped along the insertion direction D1, since the second bottom wall inner surface 426 can be tilted downward as it approaches the liquid inlet 443 when the container 4 is installed, the liquid in the liquid storage section 450 can flow smoothly to the liquid supply section 442. Furthermore, since the second bottom wall inner surface 426 can be shaped along the insertion direction D1, the volume of the liquid storage section 450 can be minimized compared to a case where the second bottom wall inner surface 426 is tilted relative to the insertion direction D1. Consequently, a reduction in the liquid storage capacity can be minimized. Furthermore, since the second bottom wall inner surface 426 can be shaped along the insertion direction D1, the area of ​​the bottom wall 44 of the container 4 that can be shaped along the insertion direction D1 can be increased. Thus, when the container 4 is housed in the single box 830 , the gap between the container 4 and the single box 830 can be reduced, thereby improving the volume efficiency of the single box 830 .

[0136] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the inclination angle θ2, which is the angle between the first bottom wall inner surface 422 or the first end inner surface 424 and the insertion direction D1, is greater than the rotation angle θ1 of the container 4 when the liquid supply portion 442 is connected to the liquid inlet portion 642. Consequently, when the container 4 is installed, the first end inner surface 424 and the first bottom wall inner surface 422 are each inclined relative to the insertion direction D1, positioning them downward as they approach the liquid inlet 443. In this embodiment, the liquid flow path on the rear wall inner surface 425 toward the liquid inlet 443 is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1, positioning them downward as they approach the liquid inlet 443. This allows the liquid on the first bottom wall inner surface 422 to flow smoothly toward the liquid inlet 443 due to gravity, thereby reducing the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the liquid storage portion 450.

[0137] In the first embodiment, the printing system 1 utilizes a water level difference to supply liquid from the container 4 to the ejection head 22. This eliminates the need for a pump to supply liquid from the container 4 to the ejection head 22, simplifying and miniaturizing the printing system 1.

[0138] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figures 24 to 28 As shown, after the container 4 is inserted into the storage chamber 61 through the insertion and removal opening 674, the opening 614 is displaced toward the gravity direction about the rotation fulcrum 698, and the tip 642b of the liquid introduction portion 642 is positioned within the storage chamber 61, thereby connecting the liquid introduction portion 642 to the liquid supply portion 442. This prevents the container 4 from colliding with the liquid introduction portion 642, which is formed in a direction intersecting the insertion direction D1, during the terminal connection process in which the container 4 is horizontally inserted into the storage chamber 61. This improves operability when attaching the container 4 to the container mounting portion 6.

[0139] In addition, according to the above embodiment, Figure 28 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 D1 side. Thus, in the installed state, since the bottom wall 44 provided with the liquid supply portion 442 is located on the gravity direction side, the liquid in the liquid container 450 can flow smoothly to the liquid supply portion 442. This can reduce the amount of liquid in the liquid container 450 that remains unconsumed. In addition, as Figure 24 As 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 directions along the horizontal direction. Thus, 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.

[0140] In addition, according to the above embodiment, if 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 19As 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.

[0141] In addition, according to the above embodiment, if 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.

[0142] In addition, according to the above embodiment, if Figure 12 As 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] In addition, according to the above embodiment, if Figure 11 As shown, in the -Y direction as the insertion direction D1, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is located on the opposite side of the container side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50 across the liquid supply unit 442. Figure 26As shown, the rotation fulcrum 698 is located on the side where the container terminal 521 is located. This allows the distance between the rotation fulcrum 698 and the supply unit positioning portion 448 to be increased when the container 4 is rotated about the rotation fulcrum 698 to connect the liquid supply unit 442 and the liquid inlet 642. Increasing the distance between the rotation fulcrum 698 and the supply unit positioning portion 448 reduces the bending, or curvature, of the movement path of the supply unit positioning portion 448 during the rotation of the container 4. In other words, the movement path of the supply unit positioning portion 448 can be made closer to a straight line. This allows the supply unit positioning portion 448 to easily receive the device-side terminal positioning portion 642. Furthermore, even if the protruding length of the device-side supply unit positioning portion 642 is further increased, it can still be smoothly received by the supply unit positioning portion 448. Therefore, since the protruding length of the device-side supply unit positioning portion 642 can be increased, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 642 can be received by the supply unit positioning portion 448 at an earlier stage in the supply unit connection process. This allows the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid introduction portion 642 to be positioned with greater precision.

[0145] B. Other implementation methods:

[0146] B-1. Other Implementation Methods:

[0147] In the above embodiment, if Figure 24 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 horizontal 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.

[0148] B-2. Other Implementation Methods II:

[0149] 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.

[0150] B-3. ​​Other implementation methods three:

[0151] 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.

[0152] (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile devices;

[0153] (2) A printing device for spraying color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays;

[0154] (3) A printing device for spraying electrode materials used in forming electrodes for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), etc.

[0155] (4) a printing device for ejecting liquid containing biological organic matter used in biochip manufacturing;

[0156] (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette;

[0157] (6) Lubricating oil printing device;

[0158] (7) a printing device for resin liquid;

[0159] (8) Printing devices that precisely spray lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras;

[0160] (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.;

[0161] (10) A printing device for spraying an acidic or alkaline etching solution for etching a substrate, etc.;

[0162] (11) Other printing devices including a liquid ejecting head for ejecting arbitrarily small amounts of liquid droplets.

[0163] 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.

[0164] C. Other methods:

[0165] 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.

[0166] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided that can be detachably mounted on a container mounting portion of a printing device, the container mounting portion of the printing device having a liquid introduction portion for receiving liquid. The container includes: a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid and includes a storage portion front wall located on the insertion direction side of the container into the container mounting portion, a storage portion rear wall opposite the storage portion front wall, and a storage portion bottom wall intersecting the storage portion front wall and the storage portion rear wall; a liquid inlet formed in the storage portion bottom wall; and a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid of the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion, wherein the liquid supply portion is connected to the liquid introduction portion by rotating the storage portion rear wall side of the container downward about a rotation fulcrum located on the insertion direction side of the container mounting portion, wherein a first distance between the liquid inlet and the rear wall inner surface, which is the inner surface of the storage portion rear wall, is shorter than a second distance between the liquid inlet and the front wall inner surface, which is the inner surface of the storage portion front wall, in the insertion direction. Here, when the liquid supply unit is connected to the liquid inlet unit, the rear wall of the container unit rotates downward about the rotational fulcrum. Consequently, the inner surface of the second bottom wall, which is located between the liquid inlet and the front wall of the container unit, tilts downward as it approaches the liquid inlet when the container is mounted on the container mounting unit, even when the container extends along the horizontal insertion direction. According to this embodiment, the first distance is shorter than the second distance, thereby increasing the area of ​​the inner surface of the second bottom wall. Thus, even when the inner surface of the second bottom wall is oriented along the insertion direction, the second bottom wall can be tilted toward the liquid inlet when the container is mounted, thereby ensuring smooth flow of liquid from the liquid container unit to the liquid supply unit. Furthermore, since the inner surface of the second bottom wall can be shaped along the insertion direction, the volume of the liquid container unit can be prevented from decreasing, thereby preventing a decrease in the amount of liquid held. Furthermore, since the inner surface of the second bottom wall can be shaped along the insertion direction, the area of ​​the container bottom wall that can be shaped along the insertion direction can be increased. Thus, when the container is housed in the single box, the gap between the container and the single box can be reduced, thereby improving the volume efficiency of the single box.

[0167] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the bottom wall inner surface serving as the inner surface of the bottom wall of the container may include a first bottom wall inner surface, which is located between the liquid inlet and the container rear wall in the insertion direction and is connected to the liquid inlet. The first bottom wall inner surface is inclined relative to the insertion direction so as to be located outward of the liquid container as it approaches the liquid inlet, and the inclination angle of the first bottom wall inner surface is greater than the rotation angle of the container when the liquid supply portion and the liquid introduction portion are connected. According to this embodiment, when the container is rotated and set in the installed state, the first bottom wall inner surface can be inclined so as to be located downward as it approaches the liquid inlet. This can reduce the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid container.

[0168] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the bottom wall inner surface serving as the inner surface of the bottom wall of the storage portion may include a second bottom wall inner surface, and in terms of the insertion direction, the second bottom wall inner surface is located between the liquid inlet and the storage portion front wall, is connected to the liquid inlet, and extends along the insertion direction, and in the installed state of the container in which the liquid supply portion is connected to the liquid introduction portion, the second bottom wall inner surface is inclined relative to the insertion direction so as to be located on the lower side as it approaches the liquid inlet. According to this embodiment, since the second bottom wall inner surface can be formed into a shape along the insertion direction, the volume of the liquid storage portion can be suppressed from being reduced, and thus the amount of liquid that can be accommodated can be suppressed from being reduced. In addition, since the second bottom wall inner surface can be formed into a shape along the insertion direction, when the container is accommodated in a single box, the gap between the container and the single box can be reduced, thereby improving the volume efficiency of the single box.

[0169] (4) According to a second embodiment 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 the container described in the above embodiment. According to this embodiment, even if the inner surface of the second bottom wall is formed along the insertion direction, in the installed state of the container, since the inner surface of the second bottom wall can be tilted toward the liquid inlet, the liquid in the liquid holding portion can flow smoothly to the liquid supply portion. In addition, since the inner surface of the second bottom wall can be formed into a shape along the insertion direction, the volume of the liquid holding portion can be suppressed from being reduced, and thus the amount of liquid held can be suppressed from being reduced. In addition, since the inner surface of the second bottom wall can be formed into a shape along the insertion direction, the area in the bottom wall of the container that can be formed into a shape along the insertion direction can be increased. Therefore, when the container is housed in a single box, since the gap between the container and the single box can be reduced, the volume efficiency of the single box can be improved.

[0170] (5) In the above embodiment, the printing device may further include: a discharge head that supplies the liquid from the container using a water level difference and discharges the liquid; and a flow tube that connects the discharge head to the container. According to this embodiment, since a pump for supplying the liquid from the container to the discharge head is not required, the structure of the printing system can be simplified.

[0171] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the container mounting portion may also include: a storage chamber for accommodating the container by inserting the container along the insertion direction; a liquid introduction portion extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and connected to the liquid supply portion of the container; a first device wall having a plug-in opening portion serving as an entrance and exit of the storage chamber; a second device wall opposite to the first device wall; and a supporting member forming a device bottom wall having an opening portion and supporting the container, the device bottom wall intersecting the first device wall and the second device wall, the liquid introduction portion being located on the opposite side of the supporting member across the storage chamber, and the container mounting portion further including: a rotation fulcrum located on the second device wall side, and the opening portion being displaced toward the gravity direction side by rotating the supporting member, thereby disposing the tip end portion of the liquid introduction portion in the storage chamber via the opening portion. According to this embodiment, after the container is inserted into the storage chamber through the insertion and removal opening, the opening is displaced toward the gravity direction so that the tip of the liquid introduction portion is positioned within the storage chamber, thereby connecting the liquid introduction portion to the liquid supply portion. This improves operability when attaching the container to the container mounting portion.

[0172] 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 container that can be detachably 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, wherein: The container shown has: a liquid storage portion that stores the liquid and includes a storage portion front wall located on the side of an insertion direction of inserting the container into the container mounting portion, a storage portion rear wall opposite to the storage portion front wall, and a storage portion bottom wall intersecting the storage portion front wall and the storage portion rear wall; as well as a liquid supply portion that supplies the liquid in the liquid storage portion to the liquid introduction portion and has a liquid inlet formed on the bottom wall of the storage portion; The liquid supply portion is connected to the liquid introduction portion by rotating the rear wall of the container downward about a rotation fulcrum located on the insertion direction side of the container mounting portion. In the insertion direction, a first distance between the liquid inlet and the rear wall inner surface of the accommodating portion is shorter than a second distance between the liquid inlet and the front wall inner surface of the accommodating portion.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that The bottom wall inner surface serving as the inner surface of the bottom wall of the accommodating portion includes a first bottom wall inner surface, which is located between the liquid inlet and the rear wall of the accommodating portion in the insertion direction, is connected to the liquid inlet, and is inclined relative to the insertion direction so as to be located on the outer side of the liquid accommodating portion as it moves toward the liquid inlet. The inclination angle of the inner surface of the first bottom wall is larger than a rotation angle of the container when the liquid supply part and the liquid introduction part are connected.

3. The container according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that The bottom wall inner surface as the inner surface of the bottom wall of the accommodating portion has a second bottom wall inner surface, and in terms of the insertion direction, the second bottom wall inner surface is located between the liquid inlet and the front wall of the accommodating portion, is connected to the liquid inlet, and extends along the insertion direction, In the mounted state of the container with the liquid supply portion connected to the liquid introduction portion, the second bottom wall inner surface is inclined with respect to the insertion direction so as to be located downward toward the liquid inlet.

4. A printing system, wherein: have: a printing device having a container mounting portion for mounting a container; and The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein: The printing device further comprises: a spray head that supplies the liquid from the container using a water level difference and sprays the liquid; and A flow tube connects the ejection head with the container.

6. The printing system according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that: The container mounting portion comprises: a receiving chamber for receiving the container by inserting the container along an insertion direction; a liquid introduction portion extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction and connected to the liquid supply portion of the container; a first device wall having an insertion and extraction opening serving as an entrance and exit of the accommodation chamber; a second device wall, which is opposite to the first device wall; as well as 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 support member across the storage chamber. The container mounting portion further includes a rotation fulcrum located on the second device wall side, and the opening is displaced in the gravity direction by rotating the support member, thereby arranging the tip of the liquid introduction portion in the storage chamber through the opening.

Images