Container and printing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a container mounted on a container mounting section of a printing apparatus, the container mounting section having a liquid inlet section for receiving liquid, the container comprising: a liquid receiving section for receiving liquid; a bottom wall having a liquid supply section disposed thereon connected to the liquid inlet section and supplying liquid; and ribs formed thereon on the bottom wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container and a printing system. Background Technology

[0002] Printing systems having a container with a liquid supply port and a printing device that can be detachably installed in the container have been known for a long time (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Document 1]: International Publication No. 2019 / 098287

[0006] If the liquid supply port is damaged due to external impact or other factors during container handling, unexpected ink leakage may occur. Furthermore, even in a structure that involves two consecutive actions—horizontally inserting the container into the container holder of the printing apparatus and then rotating it in the direction of gravity to install it into the container holder—if the container's position deviates from its intended position during each action, misinstallation of the container may occur, potentially leading to unexpected ink leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0007] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided for mounting on a container mounting portion of a printing apparatus, the container mounting portion having a liquid inlet portion for receiving liquid. The container comprises: a liquid receiving portion for receiving liquid; a bottom wall having a liquid supply portion disposed thereon connected to the liquid inlet portion and supplying liquid; and ribs formed thereon on the bottom wall.

[0008] (2) According to a second aspect of the present invention, a printing system is provided. The printing system comprises: a container of the above-described manner; and a printing apparatus having the container mounting portion. Attached Figure Description

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

[0010] Figure 2 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process of the container into the container mounting section.

[0011] Figure 3 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process.

[0012] Figure 4 This diagram shows the installation status of the container after the installation of the container into the container mounting section is complete.

[0013] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the container mounting section viewed from the +Z direction.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view VI-VI.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region R7.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the first type of container.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the first type of container.

[0018] Figure 10 It is an enlarged view showing a portion of the bottom wall in the direction opposite to the insertion direction.

[0019] Figure 11 This is an enlarged diagram used to illustrate the ribs.

[0020] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the protruding dimensions of the ribs.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the state of the container configured on the desktop.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a horizontal sectional view used to illustrate the installation of the container.

[0023] Figure 15 This is a horizontal sectional view used to illustrate the installation of the container.

[0024] Figure 16 This is a sectional view taken during the vertical installation of the container to illustrate its assembly.

[0025] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the positional relationship between the locking lever and the locking lever engaging part.

[0026] Figure 18 This is a 3D view of the locking rod.

[0027] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0028] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0029] Figure 21 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0030] Figure 22This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the locking rod portion and the locking rod engaging portion in other embodiments 1.

[0031] [Label Explanation]

[0032] 1: Printing system; 2: Printing paper; 4, 4C, 4K, 4M, 4Y: Containers; 4A: First type of container; 4B: Second type of container; 6: Container mounting part; 8: Cover component; 10: Printing device; 13: Replacement cover; 15: Operation button; 20: Bracket; 22: Nozzle; 24: Tube; 30: Drive mechanism; 31: Control unit; 32: Synchronous belt; 34: Drive motor; 41: Container body; 42: Front wall; 43: Upper wall; 44: Bottom wall; 45: First side wall; 46: Second side wall; 47: Rear wall; 50: Circuit board; 54: First mounting part; 55: Second mounting part; 61: Reception chamber; 61C: Slot; 67: First device wall; 70: Device side terminal portion; 73: Holding mechanism; 82: Adapter front wall; 84: Adapter bottom wall; 85: First adapter side wall; 86: Second adapter side wall; 87: Adapter rear wall; 89: Corner portion; 90: Terminal arrangement portion; 401: Liquid container; 402: Adapter; 430: Container side identification component; 431: Container bottom wall; 442: Liquid supply portion; 442a: Supply portion top portion; 446: Opening portion; 447: Container guide portion; 447a: First container guide portion; 447b: Second container guide portion; 448: Supply portion positioning portion; 450: Liquid container portion; 497: Container clip 500: Rib; 510: Cuboid part; 520: Triangular prism part; 521: Container side terminal; 522: Protrusion; 524: Inclined surface; 602: Device guide part; 602a: First device guide part; 602b: Second device guide part; 610: Support member; 613: Main wall; 625: Force application member; 630: Device side identification member; 642: Liquid inlet part; 642a: Base end; 642b: Top end; 644: Device side supply part positioning part; 644a: One end; 644b: The other end; 674: Insertion / removal opening; 677: Engaging body; 697: Mounting engagement part; 698: Rotation fulcrum; 699: Liquid storage section; 700: Mounting element; 721: Device side terminal; 739: Connector; 750: Terminal holding section; 780: Force application component; 782: Mounting component; 831: Supply section configuration section; 900, 900A: Locking rod section; 901: Plate-shaped component; 902: Rotating pin; 910, 910A: Locking rod engaging section; CA1, CA2, CE, CEA: Central axis; D1: Insertion direction; D2: Connection direction; D3: Connection release direction; DE: Table; Eg: End; Fa, Ft1: External force; Ju: Restriction protrusion; Ju10: Engaging section end; R7: Area; Rp: Terminal rotation fulcrum. Detailed Implementation

[0033] A. Implementation method:

[0034] A-1. Structure of the printing system:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The diagram depicts three spatial axes, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, which are orthogonal to each other. The arrows pointing along the X, Y, and Z axes indicate the positive directions along these axes, respectively. These positive directions are designated as +X, +Y, and +Z. The directions opposite to the arrows along the X, Y, and Z axes are designated as the negative directions, respectively. These negative directions are designated as -X, -Y, and -Z. The directions along the X, Y, and Z axes, regardless of their polarity, are referred to as the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction, respectively. The same applies to the diagrams and explanations shown thereafter.

[0036] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 and a container 4 for supplying ink, which is a liquid, to the printing device 10.

[0037] The printing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid ink from the printhead 22. This printing apparatus 10 is a large-format printer for printing on large sheets of paper (A2 to A0, etc.) such as posters. The printing apparatus 10 includes a container mounting section 6, a control section 31, a bracket 20, a printhead 22, and a drive mechanism 30. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 10 includes operation buttons 15 for the user to operate the printing apparatus 10.

[0038] The container mounting section 6 has a first device wall 67 located on the +Y direction side. The first device wall 67 has a plug-in opening 674 that serves as the inlet and outlet of the container 4 relative to the receiving chamber 61. The container 4 is received in the receiving chamber 61 of the container mounting section 6 or removed from the receiving chamber 61 via the plug-in opening 674. Multiple containers 4 are detachably mounted on the container mounting section 6. In this embodiment, four containers 4, corresponding to the four colors of ink (black, yellow, magenta, and cyan), are mounted on the container mounting section 6 one by one, i.e., a total of four containers 4. The container 4 containing black ink is referred to as container 4K, the container 4 containing yellow ink is referred to as container 4Y, the container 4 containing magenta ink is referred to as container 4M, and the container 4 containing cyan ink is 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 referred to as first type container 4A, and containers 4C, 4M, and 4Y are referred to as second type container 4B.

[0039] The printing apparatus 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front side of the +Y direction. If the +Z direction side of the replacement cover 13 is tilted towards the front side, which is the +Y direction side, the opening of the container mounting section 6 is revealed, allowing the container 4 to be loaded and unloaded. If the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting section 6, ink can be supplied to the nozzle 22 provided on the bracket 20 via the pipe 24, which serves as a liquid flow pipe. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the container 4 to the nozzle 22 using a water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the nozzle 22 using the water level difference between the ink level in the container 4 and the nozzle 22. Furthermore, in other embodiments, ink can be supplied to the nozzle 22 by drawing ink from the container 4 using a pump mechanism (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10. The pipe 24 is provided according to the type of ink. Here, the state in which the container 4 is mounted on the container mounting section 6 and liquid ink can be supplied to the printing apparatus 10 is referred to as the "mounted state".

[0040] The printhead 22 is equipped with nozzles according to the type of ink. The printhead 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2 to print text, images, and other data. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 10 is a printer where the container mounting section 6 is not linked to the movement of the carriage 20, and is referred to as a "carriageless type" printer. The technology of this invention can also be applied to printers where the carriage 20 is equipped with a container mounting section 6, and the container mounting section 6 moves together with the carriage 20, and is referred to as a "carriage-mounted type" printer.

[0041] The control unit 31 controls each part of the printing apparatus 10 and sends and receives signals with the container 4. The bracket 20 moves the print head 22 relative to the printing paper 2.

[0042] The drive mechanism 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 based on a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive mechanism 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. By transmitting power from the drive motor 34 to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, the carriage 20 reciprocates in the main scanning direction, which is along the X direction. Additionally, the printing apparatus 10 includes a transport mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, which is the +Y direction. During printing, the printing paper 2 is moved in the sub-scanning direction using the transport mechanism, and the printed paper 2 is output onto the front cover 11 after printing.

[0043] Additionally, a region called a starting position is provided outside the printing area where the carriage 20 moves in the main scanning direction. A maintenance mechanism for performing maintenance to ensure proper printing is installed at the starting position. The maintenance mechanism includes components such as: a cover member 8, which is pressed against the surface on the bottom side of the printhead 22 where a nozzle is formed, and forms a closed space surrounding the nozzle; a lifting mechanism (not shown) that raises and lowers the cover member 8 to press it against the nozzle surface of the printhead 22; and a suction pump (not shown) that introduces negative pressure into the closed space formed by the cover member 8 pressing against the nozzle surface of the printhead 22.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction of transporting the printing paper 2 is designated as the Y-axis, the axis along the gravity direction is designated as the Z-axis, and the axis along the moving direction of the carrier 20 is designated as the X-axis. Here, "the printing system 1 in use" refers to the state in which the printing system 1 is set on a horizontal plane. In addition, in this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is designated as the +Y direction, its opposite direction is designated as the -Y direction, the gravity direction is designated as the -Z direction, and the anti-gravity direction is designated as the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are directions along the horizontal direction. In addition, when viewing the printing system 1 from the front side, the direction from right to left is designated as the +X direction, and its opposite direction is designated as the -X direction. In addition, in this embodiment, the insertion direction of the container 4 into the container mounting part 6 for installation is the -Y direction, and the direction of removing the container 4 from the container mounting part 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side of the container mounting part 6 is also referred to as the inner side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the front side. In addition, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the plurality of containers 4 is designated as the X direction.

[0045] A-2. Description of the container installation process and installation status:

[0046] Figure 2 This is the first diagram illustrating the installation process of container 4 to container mounting section 6. Figure 3 This is the second diagram illustrating the installation process. Figure 4 This diagram shows the installation state of container 4 after the container mounting section 6 has been installed.

[0047] The installation process consists of a terminal connection process and a supply unit connection process that follows the terminal connection process. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the terminal connection process is as follows: The container 4 is moved in the insertion direction D1 (as the -Y direction) through the insertion opening 674 of the first device wall 67 and inserted into the receiving chamber 61 of the container mounting part 6, thereby making contact and electrical connection between the device-side terminal of the container mounting part 6 (described later) and the container-side terminal of the container 4 (described later). The insertion direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the supply unit connection process is as follows: while maintaining the electrical connection between the device-side terminal and the container-side terminal, the liquid inlet section (described later) of the container mounting section 6 and the liquid supply section (described later) of the container 4 are connected. Specifically, during the supply unit connection process, the rear wall 47 side of the container 4 is rotated and moved about the rotation pivot 698 of the container mounting section 6 in the connection direction D2 indicated by the arrow, thereby connecting the liquid inlet section and the liquid supply section. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the installation state shown, the container 4 is held in the installation state by engaging with the engaging forming body 677 provided on the side of the first device wall 67 of the container mounting part 6.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, when container 4 is removed from container mounting part 6, the user lifts the rear wall 47 side of container 4, causing the rear wall 47 side to rotate about the rotation pivot 698 in the connection release direction D3, which is opposite to the connection direction D2. During this rotational movement, the engagement performed by the engaging forming body 677 is released. As container 4 rotates in the connection release direction D3, container 4 becomes... Figure 3 After reaching the state shown, container 4 is removed from container mounting section 6 by moving container 4 in the +Y direction, which is the disassembly direction.

[0049] A-3. Detailed description of the container's installation status:

[0050] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the container mounting section 6 viewed from the +Z direction side. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view VI-VI. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of region R7. Figure 5 In the middle, container 4K is installed in container mounting section 6. Use Figures 5-7 The installation status of container 4 will be described below. Furthermore, the installation status is the same for containers 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K.

[0051] like Figure 6As shown, the container mounting section 6 has a support member 610 that forms the bottom wall of the receiving chamber 61. The support member 610 supports the container 4 from below. When the container 4 is inserted into the receiving chamber 61 of the container mounting section 6, the container 4 is supported by the support member 610 from the -Z direction side. In addition, when the container 4 is installed in the receiving chamber 61 of the container mounting section 6, the liquid supply section 442 of the container 4 is connected to the liquid inlet section 642 of the container mounting section 6. As a result, the liquid contained in the liquid receiving section 450 of the container 4 is supplied to the liquid inlet section 642 via the liquid supply section 442. In addition, in this embodiment, while liquid is supplied from the liquid supply section 442 to the liquid inlet section 642, air contained in the liquid storage section 699 of the container mounting section 6 becomes bubbles and flows through the liquid inlet section 642 and the liquid supply section 442 before flowing into the liquid receiving section 450. As a result, gas-liquid exchange occurs in the liquid receiving section 450. In other embodiments, the container 4 may have an atmospheric communication path that connects the liquid receiving portion 450 to the outside, through which gas-liquid exchange occurs. This atmospheric communication path is located at a different position than the liquid supply portion 442, for example, formed on the wall forming the liquid receiving portion 450.

[0052] The liquid inlet 642 receives liquid supplied from the container 4. The liquid inlet 642 is a cylindrical component with an internal flow path for liquid circulation. The liquid inlet 642 has a base end 642a and a top end 642b. An opening is formed at the top end 642b that communicates with the inlet flow path, which is the internal flow path, through which ink from the liquid supply unit 442 flows into the inlet flow path. The base end 642a is connected to the liquid storage unit 699, allowing ink flowing in the inlet flow path to flow into the liquid storage unit 699. The liquid storage unit 699 is located on the -Z direction side of the receiving chamber 61. The liquid storage unit 699 is constructed by means of… Figure 1 The tube 24 shown is connected to the nozzle 22. As described above, the liquid inlet 642 is connected to the nozzle 22 via the liquid storage section 699 and the tube 24. The central axis CA1 of the liquid inlet 642 is parallel to the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply section 442 in the installed state, and is inclined relative to the Z direction. That is, the direction of the central axis CA1, which extends as the liquid inlet 642, intersects the insertion direction of the container 4. The central axis CA2 of the liquid supply section 442 is the direction along the extension of the liquid supply section 442.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, in the installed state of container 4, the circuit board 50 of container 4 is electrically connected to the device-side terminal portion 70 of container mounting part 6 through contact. The device-side terminal portion 70 is held by a holding mechanism 73. The device-side terminal portion 70 has a plurality of device-side terminals 721, a terminal holding portion 750, and a connector 739.

[0054] Nine device-side terminals 721 are provided in this embodiment. Each device-side terminal 721 is a plate component made of conductive metal. Each device-side terminal 721 has a terminal rotation fulcrum Rp, and the portion of the terminal that contacts the container-side terminal 521 of the circuit board 50, which is an end point, with the terminal rotation fulcrum Rp as the fulcrum can be elastically deformed. The direction of elastic deformation is along the Y and Z directions. A terminal holding portion 750 holds the multiple device-side terminals 721. A 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 apparatus 10 via wiring (not shown). Thus, the circuit board 50 and the control unit 31 can perform data communication.

[0055] The retaining mechanism 73 has a force-applying member 780 and a mounting member 782. The force-applying member 780 is made of a coil spring. The force-applying member 780 is disposed inside the mounting member 782. In addition, a device-side terminal portion 70 is mounted on the mounting member 782. The force-applying member 780 is compressed when the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting portion 6. As a result, the force-applying member 780 applies an external force Fa to the device-side terminal portion 70 in the direction of disassembly of the container 4, which is the first device wall 67 side, by means of the mounting member 782. Due to the external force Fa, the device-side terminal portion 70 is pressed against the circuit board 50, thus maintaining good contact between the device-side terminal 721 and the container-side terminal 521.

[0056] As described above, the retaining mechanism 73 retains the device-side terminal portion 70 in such a way that it can be displaced in the direction along the insertion direction of the container 4. Furthermore, one end of the force-applying member 780 on the device-side terminal portion 70 side is configured to be able to move slightly in the X and Z directions intersecting the insertion direction. Thus, the device-side terminal portion 70 is retained by the retaining mechanism 73 in such a way that it can move slightly in the X and Z directions intersecting the insertion direction.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, during the connection process of the supply section, the device-side supply section positioning part 644, which is a protrusion of the container mounting part 6, enters the concave-shaped supply section positioning part 448 of the container 4, thereby restricting the movement of the liquid supply section 442 intersecting with the central axis CA2 of the liquid supply section 442. This allows for the positioning of the liquid supply section 442 relative to the liquid inlet part 642. The device-side supply section positioning part 644 is approximately cuboid in shape. It has one end 644a and another end 644b. One end 644a is located on the side of the liquid storage part 699. One end 644a is located closer to the receiving chamber 61 than the other end 644b.

[0058] With container 4 installed, the main wall 613 forming the bottom of support member 610 is inclined relative to the Y direction. Specifically, the main wall 613 of support member 610 is inclined such that it is located on the -Z direction side, which is the lower side, as it faces the +Y axis direction. This main wall 613 is parallel to the Y direction in the initial configuration state of container mounting part 6 without container 4 installed.

[0059] The container mounting section 6 has a force-applying member 625 that applies an external force Ft1 to the support member 610 so that the support member 610 returns to its initial configuration position when the container 4 is in the mounted state. The force-applying member 625 is a helical spring provided between the support member 610 and the liquid storage section 699, and is in a compressed state when mounted. An external force Ft1 with a +Z direction component is applied to the support member 610 using the compressed state. On the other hand, when the container 4 is in the mounted state, the container engaging portion 497 of the container 4 engages with the mounting engaging portion 697 of the container mounting section 6, thereby maintaining the mounted state. The mounting engaging portion 697 is formed in an engaging forming body 677 located on the first device wall 67 side of the container mounting section 6.

[0060] As mentioned above, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the support member 610 is pressed down in the connection direction D2 with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center, the liquid supply part 442 is pressed down and connected to the liquid inlet part 642. Furthermore, when the support member 610 is pushed upward in the connection release direction D3 with the rotation fulcrum 698 as the center, the liquid supply part 442 is pushed upward and separated from the liquid inlet part 642, thereby releasing the connection between the liquid supply part 442 and the liquid inlet part 642.

[0061] A-4. Detailed structure of container 4:

[0062] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the first type of container, 4A. Figure 9 This is a 3D view of the first type of container, 4A. The first type of container, 4A, and... Figure 1 The difference in the second type of container 4B shown lies in the volume of the liquid-containing section 450. Specifically, the width of the liquid-containing body 401 of the first type of container 4A (discussed later) is larger than the width of the liquid-containing body 401 of the second type of container 4B, thus the volume of the liquid-containing section 450 is different. Other structures, such as the adapter 402 which serves as the mounting part, are the same in both the first type of container 4A and the second type of container 4B; therefore, the detailed structure of container 4 will be described below using the first type of container 4A. Furthermore, the first type of container 4A will also be referred to simply as container 4 from now on. In the figures showing container 4, the X, Y, and Z directions represent the state after container 4 has been inserted into the container mounting section 6. Figure 3The terminal connection process shown is taken as the baseline. That is, for the diagram showing container 4, the state before the supply section connection process that causes the support member 610 to rotate and move is taken as the baseline.

[0063] like Figure 9 As shown, the container 4 is approximately rectangular in shape. In the container 4, the length direction is along the -Y direction, which is the insertion direction into the container mounting part 6; the width direction is the X direction; and the height direction is the Z direction. In the container 4, the length direction has the largest dimension, and the width direction has the smallest dimension.

[0064] Container 4 includes a container body 41 and components mounted on the container body 41. Figure 7 The circuit board 50 is shown. In this embodiment, the container body 41 is as follows: Figure 8 The container body 41 consists of two parts. Specifically, the container body 41 includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402, which is fitted onto the liquid container 401. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the container body 41 may be a single piece.

[0065] The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are respectively formed by, for example, injection molding of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be formed from the same material or from different materials.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the container body 41 has a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45 as a side wall, a second side wall 46 as a side wall, and a corner 89. Each wall 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 is also referred to as a surface 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are opposite each other in the Y direction along the insertion direction. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 are opposite each other in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to the central axis CA2 extending along the direction of the liquid supply section 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 are opposite each other in the X direction.

[0067] The front wall 42 is located on the insertion direction D1 side where the container 4 is inserted into the mounting part 6. That is, the front wall 42 forms an insertion tip surface on the -Y direction side, which is the insertion direction D1 side. The rear wall 47 forms a surface on the +Y direction side, which is the disassembly direction. The upper wall 43 is located on the +Z direction side and intersects with the front wall 42 and the rear wall 47. The bottom wall 44, in the installed state, is located on the -Z direction side, which is the gravity direction side, and forms... Figure 3The connection top surface is shown in the connection direction D2. 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 opening 446 is formed in the bottom wall 44 for the liquid inlet 642 to be inserted and pass through. When viewing the container 4 from the bottom wall 44 side, the opening 446 and the liquid supply part 442 are in an overlapping position. In this embodiment, the liquid supply part 442 is arranged with its central axis CA2 passing through the opening 446. Figure 9 As shown, the bottom wall 44 is opposite the top end 442a of the liquid supply section 442 in the Z direction.

[0068] The first sidewall 45 is located on the -X direction side, and the second sidewall 46 is located on the +X direction side. The first sidewall 45 and the second sidewall 46 intersect with the front wall 42, the rear wall 47, the upper wall 43, and the bottom wall 44, respectively. The first sidewall 45 and the second sidewall 46 extend along the insertion direction D1, 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 a concave terminal arrangement portion 90 that is recessed inward. Figure 7 The circuit board 50 shown is mounted on the terminal configuration section 90.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, the liquid container 401 has a liquid receiving section 450 for containing liquid and a liquid supply section 442. The liquid supply section 442 is a cylindrical member protruding from the bottom wall 431 of the liquid container 401, which is opposite to the upper wall 43. In the installed state, the liquid supply section 442 is connected to the liquid inlet section 642, and the liquid in the liquid receiving section 450 is supplied to the nozzle 22 of the printing apparatus 10 via the liquid inlet section 642. Figure 9 As shown, the liquid supply section 442 has a supply section top section 442a as the top section, which forms an opening for discharging liquid to the outside.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the adapter 402, which serves as a configuration unit, includes an adapter front wall 82 as the front wall of the configuration unit, an adapter rear wall 87 as the rear wall of the configuration unit, an adapter bottom wall 84 as the bottom wall of the configuration unit, a first adapter side wall 85 as the side wall of the first configuration unit, and a second adapter side wall 86 as the side wall of the second configuration unit. The adapter front wall 82 forms part of the front wall 42 and has an insertion tip surface on the -Y direction side as the insertion direction. The adapter rear wall 87 forms part of the rear wall 47 and is opposite to the adapter front wall 82 in the Y direction. The adapter bottom wall 84 forms the bottom wall 44. The adapter bottom wall 84 intersects with the adapter front wall 82 and the adapter rear wall 87.

[0071] The first adapter sidewall 85 intersects with the adapter bottom wall 84 and extends in the Y direction, which is the length direction of the adapter 402. The first adapter sidewall 85 is a plate-like wall that rises from the adapter bottom wall 84 toward the liquid container 401. The second adapter sidewall 86 is opposite to the first adapter sidewall 85 in the X direction, which is the lateral width direction of the adapter 402. The second adapter sidewall 86 intersects with the adapter bottom wall 84 and extends in the Y direction, which is the length direction of the adapter 402. The second adapter sidewall 86 is a plate-like wall that rises from the adapter bottom wall 84 toward the liquid container 401.

[0072] The adapter 402 has a concave shape with its bottom wall 84 as the base. An opening on the side of the adapter 402 opposite to the bottom wall 84 allows the liquid supply section 442 to be disposed inside the adapter 402. This portion of the adapter 402 where the liquid supply section 442 is disposed is also referred to as the supply section placement section 831. Figure 9 As shown, the bottom wall 84 of the adapter has an opening 446 at a position opposite to the top end 442a of the supply section, through which the liquid inlet section 642 is inserted and passes.

[0073] like Figure 9 As shown, the adapter 402, which serves as the configuration unit, also includes a mounting element 700. This mounting element 700 cooperates with the container mounting section 6 during at least one of the following processes: the installation process of mounting the container 4 to the container mounting section 6 of the printing apparatus 10, and the installation state of mounting the container 4 onto the container mounting section 6. The mounting element 700 cooperates mechanically, for example, by contacting, engaging, or inserting into and passing through the container mounting section 6. The mounting element 700 includes a container-side identification member 430, a container guide 447, a supply section positioning section 448, a container engaging section 497, and... Figure 7 The circuit board 50 shown.

[0074] Figure 9 The container-side identification component 430 shown is located at the end of the bottom wall 44 on the side of the front wall 42. The container-side identification component 430 is composed of protrusions. The pattern shape of the container-side identification component 430 is determined by the number and position of the protrusions. The pattern shape varies depending on the type of container 4, i.e., the color of the liquid it contains. During the installation of the container 4, if the correct type of container 4 is inserted into the corresponding slots 61C to 61K, the container-side identification component 430 can pass between the device-side identification components 630 without colliding with them.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, the container guide 447 extends along the insertion direction D1. For ease of understanding, in Figure 9In the diagram, the container guide portion 447 is marked with a unidirectional shaded line. The container guide portion 447 extends along the insertion direction D1 from the portion where the corner 89 is located to the portion where the opening 446 is located. That is, in the width direction of the container 4, the first container guide portion 447a is located on one side relative to the opening 446, and the second container guide portion 447b is located on the other side relative to the opening 446. 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 sidewall 45 and the second sidewall 46, respectively; more specifically, it is formed on the first adapter sidewall 85 and the second adapter sidewall 86, respectively.

[0076] The container guide portion 447 is formed on the first adapter sidewall 85 and the second adapter sidewall 86 using steps. That is, for the width of the container 4, a portion including the bottom wall 44 is smaller than other portions, and these other portions are those further away from the bottom wall 44 than the first portion. Thus, steps are formed to create the container guide portion 447. The container guide portion 447 is a surface facing the -Z direction. The container guide portion 447 formed on the first adapter sidewall 85 is also referred to as the first container guide portion 447a.

[0077] When container 4 is inserted into container mounting part 6, the +Z direction side surface of device guide part 602 contacts container guide part 447, thereby guiding the movement of container 4 in the insertion direction D1 while maintaining the posture of container 4. During the insertion of container 4 into receiving chamber 61, the +Z direction side surface of first device guide part 602a contacts first container guide part 447a, and the +Z direction side surface of second device guide part 602b contacts second container guide part (not shown).

[0078] During installation, the supply section positioning section 448 receives the device-side supply section positioning section 644 to position the liquid supply section 442 relative to the liquid inlet section 642. Specifically, during the supply section connection process during installation, the supply section positioning section 448 receives the device-side supply section positioning section 644 and restricts the movement of the supply section positioning section 448 in the direction intersecting the connection direction D2, thereby positioning the liquid supply section 442 relative to the liquid inlet section 642. The supply section positioning section 448 is formed in the bottom wall 44 and is a recessed portion formed from the outer surface of the bottom wall 44. The supply section positioning section 448 is located in the bottom wall 44 between the opening 446 and the end connected to the adapter rear wall 87. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the supply section positioning section 448 may be a hole penetrating the bottom wall 44.

[0079] A container engaging portion 497 is provided on the rear wall 47, more specifically, on the adapter rear wall 87. The container engaging portion 497 is a recess formed from the outer surface of the adapter rear wall 87. The container engaging portion 497 is formed in the adapter rear wall 87 near the end where it intersects with the adapter bottom wall 84. Figure 6 As shown, in the installed state, the mounting engagement part 697 enters the container engagement part 497, thereby engaging the container engagement part 497 with the mounting engagement part 697. This engagement maintains the installed state of the container 4 relative to the container mounting part 6.

[0080] Circuit board 50 is disposed on adapter 402 Figure 8 and Figure 9 The terminal configuration section 90 is shown. The circuit board 50 has a terminal configuration section 90 that connects to the circuit board in the mounted state. Figure 7 The device-side terminal 721 shown contacts the container-side terminal 521.

[0081] like Figure 9 As shown, container 4 also includes a first mounting portion 54 and a second mounting portion 55. The first mounting portion 54 and the second mounting portion 55 are respectively the portions for attaching a film (not shown) to the bottom wall 84 of the adapter in a peelable manner using heat welding, adhesive, or the like. The first mounting portion 54 and the second mounting portion 55 are respectively protrusions provided on the bottom wall 84 of the adapter. The first mounting portion 54 is formed to surround the opening 446. The second mounting portion 55 is formed to surround the portion of the supply section positioning portion 448 excluding the side with the opening 446. Furthermore, the first mounting portion 54 and the second mounting portion 55 deform or disappear when the film (not shown) is heat-welded, losing their protruding shape.

[0082] Figure 10 This is an enlarged view showing a portion of the bottom wall 44 in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D1. For example... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the container 4 also includes a rib 500. The rib 500 is a protrusion formed on the bottom wall 84 of the adapter. The rib 500 is located on the opposite side of the insertion direction D1 relative to the top end portion 442a of the supply section. The rib 500 protrudes further in the -Z direction on the supply direction side than the opening 446 of the liquid supply port of the liquid supply section 442.

[0083] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view used to illustrate rib 500. For example... Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, rib 500 has a cuboid portion 510 and a triangular prism-shaped portion 520. The cuboid portion 510 is a cuboid-shaped protrusion. The cuboid portion 510 pushes against the handle formed in the container mounting portion 6 in the insertion direction D1. In this embodiment, the handle is the locking lever portion 900, which will be discussed later. The cuboid portion 510 pushes against the locking lever portion 900 to release the restriction between the locking lever portion 900 and the locking lever engagement portion 910. Details will be discussed later. The cuboid portion 510 is formed in the rib 500 on the insertion direction D1 side.

[0084] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the protruding dimensions of the rib 500. In this embodiment, the protruding dimension of the cuboid portion 510 in the supply direction is 3 mm from the opening 446 of the top end portion 442a of the supply portion. Furthermore, the length of the cuboid portion 510 in the insertion direction D1 is 4.6 mm. Moreover, the length in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the cuboid portion 510, is 2.5 mm. It is not limited to the cuboid portion 510 being 3 mm from the opening 446 of the top end portion 442a of the supply portion in the supply direction; it could also be 3.5 mm. The protruding dimension of the cuboid portion 510 in the supply direction can be 0.5 mm or more. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, the protrusion dimension of the rib 500 towards the supply direction should be 4mm or less. If the protrusion dimension of the cuboid portion 510 towards the supply direction is less than 0.5mm, there is a possibility that the cuboid portion 510 may not hook onto the end Eg in the opposite direction of the supply direction of the locking rod portion 900, which will be discussed later, and thus fail to be pushed. Furthermore, the length of the cuboid portion 510 in the insertion direction and the length in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the cuboid portion 510, are not limited to 4.6mm and 2.5mm, respectively; any size that can be formed is acceptable.

[0085] like Figure 11As shown, the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 contacts the cuboid portion 510 on the opposite side of the insertion direction. The triangular prism-shaped portion 520 is a prism-shaped portion having a triangular shape when viewed along the X-axis. The triangular prism-shaped portion 520 is formed with dimensions larger than those of the cuboid portion 510 in both the supply direction and width direction. The triangular prism-shaped portion 520 protects against deformation of the cuboid portion 510. The triangular prism-shaped portion 520 protrudes further in the -Z direction, which is the liquid supply direction, than the cuboid portion 510. This protruding portion is also referred to as the protrusion 522. Furthermore, the width of the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 in the X-axis direction is wider than the width of the cuboid portion 510 in the X-axis direction. The cuboid portion 510 is located at the center of this width. The triangular prism-shaped portion 520 is a convex portion with an inclined surface 524. The inclined surface 524 is a continuous inclined surface from the top end of the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 in the supply direction to the end of the +Y direction side of the bottom wall 84 of the adapter, which is the opposite direction of the insertion direction. By forming this inclined surface 524, when the container 4 is installed vertically, the mounting engagement portion 697 can slide upward along the inclined surface 524, reducing the load and suppressing the shaking sensation during installation.

[0086] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the state of container 4 configured on table DE. Even if an external impact is applied, container 4 will... Figure 13 As shown, the container falls onto the table DE, and the protrusion 522 of the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 also contacts the table DE. Therefore, damage to the opening 446 from contact with the table DE can be prevented, thus avoiding unexpected ink leakage. Furthermore, as described above, the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 is formed with a dimension larger than that of the cuboid portion 510 in both the supply direction and width direction. Therefore, the cuboid portion 510 is protected, preventing deformation. By preventing deformation of the cuboid portion 510 in this way, the cuboid portion 510 can reliably press against the locking lever portion 900 when the container 4 is horizontally inserted. Details will be discussed later.

[0087] A-5. Installation process of the container and instructions for the locking rod:

[0088] Figure 14 This is a horizontal sectional view used to illustrate the installation of container 4. Figure 15 This is a horizontal sectional view used to illustrate the installation of container 4. Figure 16 This is a sectional view taken during the vertical installation of container 4 to illustrate its installation. (For example...) Figures 14-16 and Figure 6 As shown, with Figure 14 , Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 6The container 4 is installed in the following sequence. The liquid supply unit 442 extends downwards when the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting unit 6. The container mounting unit 6 has a locking lever 900 and a locking lever engaging part 910.

[0089] The locking lever 900 is positioned by an upward force applied by a force-applying component such as a spring (not shown). Figure 19 The position shown. Installed horizontally via container 4, as indicated. Figure 20 As shown, the locking lever 900 rotates and moves in the YZ direction. Due to the vertical installation and removal of the container 4, the locking lever 900 can move vertically in the Z-axis direction. Figure 21 As shown, the locking rod 900 moves downward as the container 4 moves downward in the supply direction.

[0090] Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the locking lever portion 900 and the locking lever engagement portion 910. Figure 18 This is a 3D view of the locking lever section at 900 degrees. (See image below.) Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the locking lever portion 900 has: a thin plate-like component 901; and a rotating pin 902, which is inserted into a through hole in the thickness direction formed in the component. Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, viewed in the X-axis direction, the plate-like member has a general shape with its length direction being approximately parallel to the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, at the end near the -Z direction end, it has a limiting protrusion Ju that protrudes more significantly in the -Y direction and a smaller protrusion in the +Y direction. The locking lever portion 900 in this embodiment is formed of polypropylene. However, the locking lever portion 900 is not limited to polypropylene and may also be formed of other plastics.

[0091] Figure 19 yes Figure 14 A magnified view of a portion of the image. For example... Figure 19 As shown, the locking lever 900 is positioned where it is pressed against the cuboid portion 510 during insertion of the container 4 in the insertion direction. The end Eg of the locking lever 900, in the direction opposite to the supply direction, is pressed against the cuboid portion 510. The locking lever 900 serves to prevent the container 4 from shifting position during horizontal and vertical installation. Details will be discussed later.

[0092] Figure 20 yes Figure 15 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 21 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 17 and Figures 19-21 The locking lever engagement portion 910 shown is a plate-shaped component with a generally rectangular top view shape along the X-axis as its length direction. For example... Figure 17 left side and Figure 19 As shown, the locking lever engagement portion 910 is positioned to restrain the locking lever portion 900. Specifically, when the locking lever portion 900 is in a position... Figure 17 left side and Figure 19 In the shown posture, the locking lever engagement portion 910, at its engagement end Ju10 on the +Y direction side, can be restricted in the Z-axis direction (supply direction and its opposite direction) to the limiting protrusion Ju at the top end of the locking lever portion 900 in the -Y direction. That is, the movement of the limiting protrusion Ju in the -Z-axis direction (supply direction) is restricted.

[0093] The end Eg of the locking lever 900, in the direction opposite to the supply direction (+Z direction), is pushed by the cuboid portion 510 towards the insertion direction (-Y direction), thereby... Figure 17 The right side and Figure 20 As shown, the restriction between the locking lever portion 900 and the locking lever engagement portion 910 is released. Specifically, when the locking lever portion 900 is in the position... Figure 17 The right side and Figure 20 In the shown posture, the locking lever engagement portion 910, at its engagement end Ju10 on the +Y direction side, releases its restriction on the limiting protrusion Ju at the top end of the locking lever portion 900 in the -Y direction in the Z-axis direction. With the restriction between the locking lever portion 910 and the locking lever engagement portion 910 released, the movement restriction in the supply direction, i.e., the downward movement restriction, is lifted. The state where the restriction is lifted is as follows: The container 4 is pushed in the insertion direction (-Y direction), such as... Figure 20 As shown, it is impossible to push further in the insertion direction. In other words, the container 4 is fully pushed into the insertion direction as much as possible. Furthermore, as the container 4 is pushed in the insertion direction (-Y direction) in this way, the supply section positioning section 448 slides in the insertion direction (-Y direction), as... Figure 20 As shown, the position of the supply section positioning part 448 is aligned with the position of the device-side supply section positioning part 644 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, if the container 4 is inserted as far as possible in the insertion direction (-Y direction) and pushed to the maximum extent, the downward restriction of the locking rod part 900 is released. Thus, the container 4 can move downwards while pressing down the locking rod part 900. Furthermore, the position of the device-side supply section positioning part 644 is aligned with the position of the supply section positioning part 448 in the Z-axis direction, thus enabling engagement. More specifically, if the container 4 moves downwards in the supply direction due to its vertical installation, as it moves downwards, ... Figure 21 As shown, the locking lever 900 moves downward. Meanwhile, the mounting engagement part 697 moves upward along the inclined surface 524 and engages with the container engagement part 497. This prevents the container 4 from shifting position, and simultaneously completes the normal installation of the container 4.

[0094] In this embodiment, "opening 446" corresponds to "liquid supply port" in the claims. Furthermore, in this embodiment, "cubic prism 510" corresponds to "first protrusion" in the claims. Also, in this embodiment, "triangular prism 520" corresponds to "second protrusion" in the claims. Additionally, in this embodiment, "locking lever 900" corresponds to "handle" in the claims, and "locking lever engaging portion 910" corresponds to "handle engaging portion" in the claims.

[0095] According to the above embodiment, a rib 500 protruding towards the supply direction is formed in the bottom wall 84 of the adapter, thereby suppressing damage near the opening 446 due to external impacts when operating the container 4, such as when the container 4 is placed on a table. As a result, unexpected ink leakage can be prevented.

[0096] Furthermore, the rib 500 is located on the opposite side of the insertion direction D1 relative to the liquid supply section 442, and protrudes further in the supply direction than the opening 446, which is the liquid supply port of the liquid supply section 442. Therefore, by clearly indicating the position and protruding direction of the rib 500, the effect of the rib 500 in suppressing damage near the opening 446 in the liquid supply section 442 can be made more significant.

[0097] Furthermore, the protrusion of the cuboid portion 510 toward the supply direction is 3 mm from the opening 446 of the top end portion 442a of the supply portion. Therefore, the cuboid portion 510 can hook onto the end Eg of the locking bar portion 900 on the side opposite to the supply direction and push the end Eg.

[0098] Furthermore, a container guide 447 is formed in the adapter 402. The container guide 447 extends along the insertion direction D1 and is guided by the container mounting portion 6 in the insertion direction D1. Therefore, the container guide 447 can be disposed in the adapter 402.

[0099] Furthermore, the rib 500 has a cuboid portion 510 and a triangular prism portion 520, which contacts the cuboid portion 510 on the side opposite to the insertion direction D1, thus concretizing the shape of the rib 500.

[0100] Furthermore, since the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 protrudes in both the supply direction and width direction relative to the cuboid portion 510, even if an external impact causes the container 4 to fall downwards onto the table DE, the protrusion 522 of the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 will still contact the table DE. Therefore, damage to the opening 446 from contact with the table can be prevented, and consequently, unexpected ink leakage can be avoided.

[0101] Furthermore, the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 also has a continuous inclined surface 524 from the top end in the supply direction to the end in the opposite direction of the bottom wall 84 of the adapter. Therefore, when the container 4 is installed vertically, the mounting engagement portion 697 slides upward along the inclined surface 524, reducing the load and suppressing the shaking sensation during installation.

[0102] Furthermore, when the container 4 is inserted into the insertion direction D1, the rib 500 pushes against the locking bar portion 900 formed in the container mounting portion 6 in the insertion direction D1, thus functioning as the rib 500 of the container 4 when it is installed into the container mounting portion 6.

[0103] Furthermore, by pushing the locking rod portion 900 in the insertion direction D1, the restriction between it and the locking rod engaging portion 910 is released. This locking rod engaging portion 910 is formed in the container mounting portion 6 and is positioned to restrict the locking rod portion 900. Therefore, the change in the restriction between the locking rod portion 900 and the locking rod engaging portion 910 when the locking rod portion 900 is pushed in the insertion direction D1 is made concrete.

[0104] In addition, a printing system is available, which includes: a container 4; and a printing device 10 having a container mounting section 6.

[0105] Furthermore, since the insertion direction D1 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the direction in which the liquid supply section 442 extends is downward when the container 4 is inserted into the container mounting section 6, the operability of the container 4 is improved, and the amount of unconsumed liquid remaining in the liquid container 450 can be reduced.

[0106] Furthermore, when the container 4 is inserted in the insertion direction D1, the container mounting part 6 has a locking rod part 900 at the position where it is pushed by the rib 500. Therefore, when the container 4 is inserted in the insertion direction D1, the locking rod part 900 is pushed by the rib 500 more reliably.

[0107] Furthermore, the container mounting section 6 also has a locking rod engaging section 910, which is positioned to restrain the locking rod section 900. While restrained by the locking rod section 900, the locking rod section 900 is restricted from moving downwards. The locking rod section 900 is pushed by the rib 500 in the insertion direction D1, thereby releasing the restriction between itself and the locking rod engaging section 910, and moves downwards along with the container 4. With the locking rod section 900 released from the restriction by being pushed by the cuboid section 510 in the insertion direction D1, the device-side supply section positioning section 644 and the supply section positioning section 448 can engage in the Z-axis direction. Conversely, without releasing the restriction between the locking rod section 900 and the locking rod engaging section 910, the locking rod section 900 cannot move downwards, therefore, the container 4 cannot move downwards. Furthermore, without releasing the restriction between the locking lever 900 and the locking lever engaging part 910, the positions of the device-side supply unit positioning part 644 and the supply unit positioning part 448 are not aligned in the Z-axis direction, preventing them from engaging. Therefore, as long as the container 4 is not inserted into the predetermined position in the horizontal direction, the user is prevented from pressing the container 4 downwards. Thus, misalignment of the container 4, i.e., incorrect installation of the container, can be suppressed, thus preventing unexpected ink leakage.

[0108] B. Other implementation methods:

[0109] B-1. Other implementation methods 1:

[0110] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 17 As shown, the locking bar 900 can rotate about the central axis CE of its own length direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the locking lever portion 900A and the locking lever engaging portion 910A in another embodiment 1. (As shown...) Figure 22 As shown, the locking lever 900A can also rotate around the central axis CEA of its end in the -Z direction, which is its length direction. In this case, as... Figure 22 As shown, the shape of the locking bar portion 900A and its positional relationship with the locking bar engaging portion 910A make it possible to... Figure 17 The structure shown is formed by flipping the locking bar portion 900 and the locking bar engaging portion 910 by 180 degrees. Additionally, Figure 22 The length ratio of the longest portion to the end in the supply direction in the locking rod portion 900A in the insertion direction is... Figure 17 The length shown is long, and it can be any length as long as the locking lever portion 900A can rotate to release the restriction between it and the locking lever engagement portion 910A. Even as described above, it achieves the same effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0111] B-2. Other implementation methods 2:

[0112] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, rib 500 is formed at the end of the adapter bottom wall 84 on the opposite side of the insertion direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The locking lever portion 900 is released from the restriction between itself and the locking lever engaging portion 910 by being pushed in the insertion direction by the cuboid portion 510. As long as the device-side supply portion positioning portion 644 and the supply portion positioning portion 448 are located in a position where they can engage in the Z-axis direction, rib 500 may not need to be formed at the end of the adapter bottom wall 84 on the opposite side of the insertion direction. For example, rib 500 may also be formed in the portion of the adapter bottom wall 84 between the end on the opposite side of the insertion direction and the supply portion positioning portion 448.

[0113] B-3. ​​Other implementation methods 3:

[0114] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 11 As shown, rib 500 has a cuboid portion 510 and a triangular prism portion 520, but is not limited to this. Rib 500 may also have only the cuboid portion 510. Conversely, it is also possible to omit the cuboid portion 510 and have a structure with only the triangular prism portion 520, so that the triangular prism portion 520 has the function of the cuboid portion 510. In this structure, it is moved such that the end face of the triangular prism portion 520 in the -Y direction is aligned with... Figure 11 The positions of the end faces in the -Y direction of the cuboid portion 510 shown are the same.

[0115] B-4. Other implementation methods 4:

[0116] In the above embodiments, such as Figures 19-21 As shown, the locking lever 900 is pushed by the cuboid portion 510 in the insertion direction, thereby releasing the restriction between it and the locking lever engaging portion 910. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rib 500 may also be a mechanism in which the mechanical switch is pressed upon entering the container mounting portion 6, thereby releasing the restriction between the locking lever 900 and the locking lever engaging portion 910.

[0117] B-5. Other implementation methods 5:

[0118] In the above embodiment, the cuboid portion 510 is cuboid in shape, but it can also be a convex portion of any shape. Furthermore, the triangular prism portion 520 is a prism that has a triangular shape when viewed along the X-axis, but it can also be a convex portion of any shape.

[0119] B-6. Other implementation methods 6:

[0120] In the above embodiment, the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 has an inclined surface 524 that extends continuously from the top end of the triangular prism-shaped portion 520 in the supply direction to the end end of the adapter bottom wall 84 in the +Y direction, which is the opposite direction of the insertion direction. However, it may not have this inclined surface.

[0121] B-7. Other implementation methods 7:

[0122] This invention is not limited to inkjet printers and their ink cartridges, but can also be applied to containers of any printing apparatus that use liquids other than inkjet ink. For example, it can be applied to various printing apparatuses and their containers.

[0123] (1) Image recording devices such as fax machines

[0124] (2) Printing equipment for color materials used in the manufacture of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays.

[0125] (3) Printing apparatus for electrode materials used in electrode formation for organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FEDs), etc.

[0126] (4) A printing device that sprays liquid containing organic matter from organisms used in biochip manufacturing.

[0127] (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette

[0128] (6) Printing device for lubricating oil

[0129] (7) Resin liquid printing device

[0130] (8) A printing device for precisely spraying lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as clocks and cameras.

[0131] (9) A liquid spraying device for spraying a transparent resin liquid, such as an ultraviolet-curing resin liquid, onto a substrate in order to form a miniature hemispherical lens (optical lens) or the like used in optical communication components.

[0132] (10) A printing apparatus that sprays acidic or alkaline etching solutions to etch substrates, etc.

[0133] (11) A printing device having a liquid jet head that ejects any number of tiny droplets.

[0134] Furthermore, "droplet" refers to the state of liquid ejected from the printing device, including granular, teardrop-shaped, and trailing filamentous states. Additionally, the term "liquid" here simply means that the printing device can eject such a material. For example, "liquid" can refer to any material in a liquid phase, including materials in a liquid state with high or low viscosity, as well as liquid-state materials such as sols, gels, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. Furthermore, "liquid" is not limited to liquids as a state of matter; it also includes substances formed by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing functional material particles such as pigments and metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. The term "ink" includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks, oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks.

[0135] C. Other methods:

[0136] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various structures without departing from its spirit. For example, in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as an essential technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0137] (1) According to a first aspect of the present invention, a container is provided for mounting on a container mounting section of a printing apparatus, the container mounting section having a liquid inlet section for receiving liquid. The container includes: a liquid receiving section for receiving the liquid; a bottom wall having a liquid supply section connected to the liquid inlet section and supplying the liquid thereto; and ribs formed on the bottom wall. According to this method, the ribs formed on the bottom wall prevent damage near the opening in the liquid supply section due to external impacts during container operation, such as when the container is placed on a table. This prevents unexpected ink leakage.

[0138] (2) In the above-described manner, the rib may be located on the opposite side of the insertion direction of the liquid supply section to the container mounting section, and protrude further in the supply direction than the liquid supply port of the liquid supply section. According to this method, by clearly indicating the position and protruding direction of the rib, the effect of the rib in suppressing damage near the opening in the liquid supply section can be made more significant.

[0139] (3) In the above-described manner, the protrusion dimension of the rib towards the supply direction side may be 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less from the liquid supply port. This method clarifies the specific protrusion dimension from the liquid supply port.

[0140] (4) In the above-described manner, a container guide may also be formed, which extends along the insertion direction and is guided by the container mounting portion in the insertion direction. According to this method, the container guide can be configured.

[0141] (5) In the above manner, the rib may also have: a first protrusion; and a second protrusion that contacts the first protrusion on the opposite side relative to the first protrusion. This manner embodies the shape of the rib.

[0142] (6) In the above-described manner, the second protrusion may protrude further in the direction intersecting the insertion direction than the first protrusion. According to this method, even if an impact is applied from the outside and the container falls downward toward a table or the like, the protruding part of the second protrusion will still contact the table or the like. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid supply port from contacting the table or the like and causing damage, thereby avoiding unexpected ink leakage.

[0143] (7) In the above-described manner, the second protrusion may also have a continuous inclined surface extending from the top end in the supply direction to the end on the opposite side of the bottom wall. According to this method, during container installation, the mounting engagement portion of the container mounting part slides upward along the inclined surface, reducing the load and suppressing any shaking during installation.

[0144] (8) In the above-described manner, the rib may also push the handle formed in the container mounting part in the insertion direction when inserted toward the container mounting part. According to this method, the rib of the container functions as it is installed in the container mounting part.

[0145] (9) In the above method, the restriction between the handle and the handle engaging portion can also be released by pushing the handle in the insertion direction. The handle engaging portion is formed in the container mounting portion and is positioned to restrict the handle. According to this method, the change in the restriction between the handle and the handle engaging portion when the handle is pushed in the insertion direction is made concrete.

[0146] (10) According to a second aspect of the present invention, a printing system is provided. This printing system includes a container of the above-described manner and a printing apparatus having the container mounting portion. According to this aspect, a printing system comprising: a container of the first manner; and a printing apparatus having a container mounting portion can be implemented.

[0147] (11) In the above-described manner, the insertion direction of the container mounting part may be parallel to the horizontal direction, and the direction in which the liquid supply part extends is downward when the container is inserted into the container mounting part. According to this method, since the insertion direction is parallel to the horizontal direction and the direction in which the liquid supply part extends is downward when the container is inserted into the container mounting part, the operability of the container is improved, and the amount of unused liquid remaining in the liquid container can be reduced.

[0148] (12) In the above-described manner, the container mounting portion may also have a handle at a position where it is pressed by the rib when the container is inserted in the insertion direction. This method specifies the position of the handle and clarifies the situation where the handle is pressed by the rib when the container is inserted in the insertion direction.

[0149] (13) In the above-described manner, the container mounting part may also include a handle engaging portion, which is positioned to restrict the movement of the handle downwards while being restricted by the handle. The handle releases the restriction from the handle engaging portion by pushing it from the rib toward the insertion direction, and moves downwards as the container moves downwards. According to this method, the handle can move downwards when the restriction between the handle engaging portion and the rib is released by pushing it from the rib toward the insertion direction. Conversely, when the restriction between the handle and the handle engaging portion is not released, the handle cannot move downwards, and therefore the container cannot move downwards. Therefore, container positional deviation, i.e., misinstallation of the container, can be suppressed, thus preventing unexpected ink leakage.

[0150] In addition to the methods described above, the present invention can also be implemented by means of container manufacturing methods, etc.

Claims

1. A container mounted on a container mounting section of a printing apparatus, the container mounting section having a liquid inlet for receiving liquid, wherein, The container has: A liquid container that contains the liquid; The bottom wall is provided with a liquid supply section connected to and supplying the liquid to the liquid inlet; and Ribs, which are formed in the bottom wall, The rib is located on the opposite side of the insertion direction of the liquid supply section to the container mounting section, and protrudes further in the supply direction than the liquid supply port of the liquid supply section. The rib has: a first protrusion; and a second protrusion that contacts the first protrusion on the opposite side. The second protrusion protrudes further in the direction intersecting the insertion direction than the first protrusion. The second protrusion also has a continuous inclined surface from the top end in the supply direction to the end on the opposite side in the bottom wall.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion dimension of the rib towards the supply direction is more than 0.5 mm and less than 4 mm from the liquid supply port.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A container guide portion is formed, which extends along the insertion direction and is guided by the container mounting portion in the insertion direction.

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that, When inserted in the insertion direction toward the container mounting portion, the rib pushes against the handle formed in the container mounting portion in the insertion direction.

5. The container according to claim 4, characterized in that, The restriction between the handle and the handle engagement portion is released by pushing the handle in the insertion direction. The handle engagement portion is formed in the container mounting portion and is positioned to restrict the handle.

6. A printing system comprising: The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a printing apparatus having the container mounting portion.

7. The printing system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The insertion direction into the container mounting part is parallel to the horizontal direction. The liquid supply section extends downwards when the container is inserted into the container mounting section.

8. The printing system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the container is inserted in the insertion direction, the container mounting part has a handle at a position where it is pushed by the rib.

9. The printing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The container mounting part also has a handle engaging part, which is configured to restrain the handle, thereby restricting the downward movement of the handle when restrained by the handle. The handle is released from the restriction between itself and the handle engagement portion by being pushed from the rib toward the insertion direction, and moves downward as the container moves downward.

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