Liquid recovery device and liquid recovery container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid recovery device and a liquid recovery container. The liquid collection device (80) is configured so as to be able to collect liquid remaining in a liquid storage container (18), and the liquid storage container (18) has an injection port (53) and a supply port (52) capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection unit. The liquid storage container (18) has a discharge port part (73) used in the collection of the liquid. A liquid collection device (80) is provided with a liquid collection storage unit (81), a collection force generation unit (82), and a collection port (83). The liquid collection and storage unit (81) is configured so as to be able to store the liquid collected from the liquid storage container (18). The recovery force generation unit (82) generates a recovery force for moving the liquid in a direction from the liquid storage container (18) toward the liquid recovery storage unit (81) by means of a force other than gravitational force. The recovery port (83) is configured so as to be connectable to the discharge port (73). The liquid remaining in the liquid storage container (18) is collected to the liquid collection and storage part (81) by means of the collection force and by connecting the discharge port part (73) and the collection port part (83).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid remaining in a liquid storage container and a liquid recovery container. The liquid storage container can store liquid for supplying to a liquid ejection portion. Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet printing device as an example of a liquid ejecting device. The inkjet printing device includes a liquid ejecting unit that ejects liquid such as ink onto a medium such as paper.

[0003] This type of liquid ejection device includes a liquid storage container for storing liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection unit. Liquid storage containers include, in addition to replaceable cartridges (e.g., ink cartridges), liquid refillable liquid tanks (e.g., ink tanks) having an inlet through which a user can refill the liquid. When the liquid in a liquid refillable liquid storage container (liquid tank) decreases, the user connects a liquid bottle, such as an ink bottle, to the inlet to refill the liquid storage container.

[0004] However, when the liquid ejecting device is discarded, the cartridge is often collected for recycling. Even if the liquid ejecting device of each cartridge is discarded, there is little concern that the liquid will leak from the cartridge because the cartridge does not have an injection port.

[0005] In contrast, liquid-replenishing liquid storage containers are fixed to the frame or carriage of the liquid ejecting device. Therefore, the liquid ejecting device is often discarded while the liquid storage container is still fixed. However, if liquid such as ink remains in the liquid storage container, and the liquid ejecting device tilts during disposal, the liquid in the liquid storage container may leak out of the inlet if the lid becomes loose or detached. This overflowing liquid is not processed, and can sometimes cause environmental pollution. Therefore, when discarding a liquid ejecting device with a can-type liquid storage container, it is preferable for the user to recycle the liquid in the liquid storage container before discarding the device. Furthermore, even if a liquid-replenishing liquid storage container is removed from the liquid ejecting device, if liquid remains when the removed liquid storage container is discarded, the same problem arises.

[0006] However, existing liquid refillable liquid storage containers do not include a mechanism for draining or recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container when the liquid ejection device is discarded. Therefore, for example, the liquid must be extracted from an inlet or supply port. Because the inlet is not designed for liquid extraction, there is a risk of liquid overflow or ink or other liquids adhering to fingers during the extraction process, staining them.

[0007] For example, it is necessary to efficiently drain or recover substantially all of the liquid in a liquid storage container. For example, when utilizing a head difference for recovery, the height at which the liquid storage container is held is limited so that the inlet or supply port is located higher than the mouth of the container or bottle to be recovered.

[0008] Furthermore, when utilizing a head difference to discharge liquid, recovery efficiency is sometimes low when, for example, the injection or supply port is narrow. As the head difference decreases, the liquid recovery efficiency further decreases. Therefore, when recovering liquid from a liquid storage container, it is desirable to maintain the container at a height that is not easily restricted and allows for efficient liquid recovery. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that facilitates the discharge or recovery of liquid remaining in a liquid storage container when a liquid ejection device is discarded.

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-69717 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The liquid recovery device for solving the above-mentioned problem is constructed to be able to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container, and the liquid storage container has: an injection port, which is capable of injecting liquid; a supply port, which is capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid, and the liquid storage container has a discharge port used in recovering the liquid, and the liquid recovery device has: a liquid recovery storage portion, which is capable of storing the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating portion, which generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid in a direction from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage portion; a recovery port, which can be connected to the discharge port portion, and uses the recovery force and recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery storage portion through the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

[0011] The liquid recovery container for solving the above-mentioned problems is constructed to be able to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container, and has: an injection port, which is able to inject liquid; a supply port, which is able to supply liquid to the liquid ejection portion that ejects the liquid, and the liquid storage container has a discharge port used in the recovery of the liquid, and the liquid recovery container has: a liquid recovery storage portion, which has a recovery chamber that can store the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating portion, which generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid in the direction from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage portion; a recovery port, which can be connected to the discharge port portion, and uses the recovery force and recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery storage portion through the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device when the liquid storage container is replenished with liquid.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the liquid ejecting device.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the liquid storage container and the liquid discharge portion.

[0016] Figure 5 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the liquid storage container and the liquid discharge portion when the liquid storage container is replenished with liquid.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing a state where a liquid storage container is taken out from a storage portion.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the liquid recovery device of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 A schematic side sectional view of a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic side sectional view showing the liquid recovery device before starting to recover the liquid in the liquid storage container in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 A schematic side sectional view of a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container.

[0022] Figure 11 It is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container in a third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 12 It is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container in a fourth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 13 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the liquid ejecting device in the fifth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 14 It is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid discharge unit equipped with a liquid storage container.

[0026] Figure 15 A schematic side sectional view of a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container.

[0027] Figure 16 It is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery device for recovering liquid in a liquid storage container in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] First embodiment

[0029] The following describes a liquid recovery system according to a first embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The liquid recovery system recovers liquid remaining in a liquid container that constitutes a liquid ejection device. The liquid ejection device of this embodiment ejects liquid such as ink onto a medium such as paper, thereby printing text or images on the medium.

[0030] Structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0031] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The liquid ejecting device 11 will be described.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink as an example of liquid.

[0033] exist Figure 1In the figure, the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the three mutually orthogonal directions are designated as the X, Y, and Z directions. The Z direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity, is designated as the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, two mutually orthogonal directions along the horizontal surface, namely the X and Y directions, are designated as the width direction X and the conveyance direction Y, respectively. Since the X direction is the width direction of the liquid ejection device 11, it is designated as the width direction X. The Y direction is parallel to the depth direction of the liquid ejection device 11. In the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment, since the direction in which the medium M is conveyed at the printing position is parallel to the Y direction, it is designated as the conveyance direction Y. Furthermore, one end of the conveyance direction Y of the liquid ejection device 11 is also referred to as the front side, and the other end opposite to the one end is also referred to as the rear side. One end of the width direction X, viewed from the front, is also referred to as the right side, and the other end is also referred to as the left side. The actual conveyance direction of the medium M varies depending on the position of the medium M along the conveyance path. In addition, in this embodiment, when explaining gravity, the Z direction is also referred to as the gravity direction Z.

[0034] The liquid ejecting device 11 may be a multifunction peripheral. The liquid ejecting device 11 as a multifunction peripheral may include a device body 12 and an image reading device 13 provided above the device body 12. The liquid ejecting device 11 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0035] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid storage container 18 for storing liquid and a liquid ejection unit 23 for ejecting the liquid. The liquid ejection device 11 ejects a liquid such as ink supplied from the liquid storage container 18 toward a medium M through the liquid ejection unit 23, thereby printing text or an image on the medium M. The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment is, for example, a serial printer in which the liquid ejection unit 23 prints while moving in the width direction X. Alternatively, the liquid ejection device 11 may be a line printer. A line printer prints by having the liquid ejection unit 23, which extends in the width direction X to a length greater than the width of the medium M, eject liquid such as ink toward the medium M being transported at a constant speed.

[0036] The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment is a so-called non-carriage-mounted liquid ejection device in which a liquid storage container 18 is fixed in a position separated from a liquid ejection unit 23 within the device body 12. The liquid storage container 18 and the liquid ejection unit 23 are connected by a supply channel 24. The liquid ejection unit 23 ejects liquid supplied from the liquid storage container 18 through the supply channel 24. The supply channel 24 is, for example, a tube.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a frame 20. The frame 20 accommodates the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid ejection unit 23. The frame 20 is composed of, for example, a frame body and a cover. The frame body is in the shape of a bottomed box having an opening that is open upward. The cover covers the opening of the frame body. In the liquid ejection device 11 as a multifunction machine, the bottom of the image reading device 13 also serves as the cover. The frame 20 includes, for example, a metal frame structure and an exterior component made of synthetic resin. The exterior component covers the frame structure from the outside.

[0038] An operation panel 17 is provided on the front surface of the liquid ejecting device 11. The operation panel 17 includes an operation unit 15 and a display unit 16. The operation unit 15 includes buttons for performing various operations. The display unit 16 displays various information such as menus and the operating status of the liquid ejecting device 11.

[0039] A storage portion 19 is provided at the front end portion of the liquid ejecting device 11. The storage portion 19 may be arranged, for example, on the right side of the operation panel 17. At least one liquid storage container 18 is stored in the storage portion 19. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (five in the present embodiment) liquid storage containers 18 are stored in the storage portion 19. The storage portion 19 constitutes a part of the frame 20. In other words, the frame 20 includes a storage portion 19 for storing a plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The liquid storage container 18 is a liquid replenishing type liquid storage container configured in a manner capable of replenishing liquid such as ink. In other words, the liquid storage container 18 is a liquid replenishing type liquid tank. The liquid tank is, for example, an ink tank capable of storing ink as an example of a liquid.

[0040] The storage portion 19 includes a generally box-shaped storage portion body 19A and a cover 32, wherein the storage portion body 19A has an opening that is open upward. The cover 32 covers the opening of the storage portion body 19A in an openable and closable manner. The storage portion body 19A has at least one (in this embodiment, five) visual confirmation window 21 at the front. In other words, the frame 20 has a visual confirmation window 21 at the front of the storage portion 19. The user can visually confirm the amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the visual confirmation window 21.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are arranged in a row in the storage portion 19 along the width direction X. Figure 1In the example shown, the multiple liquid storage containers 18 are five liquid storage containers, including one liquid storage container 18A and four liquid storage containers 18B. Liquid storage container 18A has a larger capacity than liquid storage container 18B. Liquid storage container 18A stores black ink, for example. The four liquid storage containers 18B store different colored inks, for example. The multiple liquid storage containers 18 store cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, for example. The inks can be either pigment inks or dye inks. Furthermore, the liquids used in printing are not limited to inks; coating liquids, etc., can also be used.

[0042] The two liquid storage containers 18A and 18B have the same basic structure except for the width dimensions due to the different capacities. Therefore, when not specifically distinguishing between the two liquid storage containers 18A and 18B, they are simply referred to as "liquid storage container 18".

[0043] The liquid ejection unit 23 includes an ejection head 25 and a carriage 26. The carriage 26 holds the ejection head 25 and is capable of reciprocating movement along the width direction X (scanning direction). The liquid ejection unit 23 prints on the medium M by ejecting liquid from the ejection head 25 while moving along the width direction X.

[0044] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a scanning mechanism 27 within a housing 20 for moving (scanning) the liquid ejection unit 23. The scanning mechanism 27 includes a guide shaft 28 that guides the carriage 26 so that it can move in the width direction X, a carriage motor 29 serving as a drive source, a pair of pulleys 30, and an endless timing belt 31 wound around the pair of pulleys 30. One of the pair of pulleys 30 is fixed to the output shaft of the carriage motor 29. When the carriage motor 29 is driven in the forward direction, the liquid ejection unit 23 moves forward in the +X direction. When the carriage motor 29 is driven in the reverse direction, the liquid ejection unit 23 moves backward in the -X direction.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the image reading device 13 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the device body 12 via a rotation mechanism 13A such as a hinge. The image reading device 13 has a function as a cover. Figure 1 The closed position shown is the same as Figure 2 When the image reading device 13 is in the open position, the cover 32 can be opened and closed. When the cover 32 is opened, it is installed in the liquid storage container 18 (refer to Figure 1 ) can be opened and closed by the cover rod 33. When the liquid such as ink is supplied to the liquid storage container 18, as shown in FIG. Figure 2As shown, the image reading device 13 has its cover 32 and lid lever 33 in the open position. The supply port of the liquid bottle 34 is connected to the inlet of the liquid storage container 18 in an inverted position with the supply port facing downward. Alternatively, the cover 32 can be independently opened and closed even when the image reading device 13 is closed.

[0046] Internal structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 3 The internal structure of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the ejection head 25 includes a nozzle forming surface 25A where the nozzles 25N are opened. Figure 3 In the example shown, a plurality of nozzles 25N are opened on the nozzle forming surface 25A. The ejection head 25 is configured to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles 25N. For example, a plurality of nozzles 25N may be provided for each type (eg, color) of the ejected liquid.

[0048] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a maintenance device 35 for maintaining the ejection head 25 and a liquid supply device 36 for supplying liquid from the liquid container 18 to the ejection head 25. The maintenance device 35 includes a liftable cover 37 and a discharge pipe 38 connected to the cover 37. The cover 37 is configured to be removable when it is separated from the ejection head 25. Figure 3 The cap 37 moves between the retreat position shown and a capping position (not shown) in which the cap 37 contacts the nozzle forming surface 25A of the ejection head 25 when in the standby position. The cap 37 can store liquid ejected or discharged from the nozzle 25N for maintenance.

[0049] When the capping position is in place, the cap 37 forms a closed space between the cap and the nozzle-forming surface 25A, communicating with the nozzles 25N. The maintenance device 35 includes a suction pump 39 located midway along the discharge pipe 38. While the discharge head 25 is capped, the maintenance device 35 drives the suction pump 39 to reduce the pressure in the closed space formed by the cap 37 and the nozzle-forming surface 25A. This reduced pressure allows foreign matter such as bubbles to be sucked out of the nozzles 25N of the discharge head 25 along with the liquid. The liquid discharged from the nozzles 25N during this cleaning process is recovered in the waste liquid storage unit 40 via the cap 37 and the discharge pipe 38.

[0050] Although Figure 3 Although only one liquid supply device 36 is shown in FIG, a plurality of liquid supply devices 36 are provided corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The plurality of liquid supply devices 36 have basically the same structure.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the liquid supply device 36 includes a liquid storage container 18 and a supply flow channel 24 for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 to the ejection head 25. The supply flow channel 24 may be, for example, a tube that can be flexibly deformed. However, as long as the slide 26 can move within the range of movement, the supply flow channel 24 may also include components other than tubes. A portion of the supply flow channel 24 may be a tube made of a hard resin material, or a flow channel component formed by attaching a film to a flow channel forming component having a groove formed therein.

[0052] If the liquid storage container 18 is set as the first liquid storage container 18, a second liquid storage container 60 different from the first liquid storage container 18 is mounted on the slide 26. The first liquid storage container 18 is a main tank, and the second liquid storage container 60 is a sub-tank. The amount of liquid that can be stored in the second liquid storage container 60 is smaller than the amount of liquid that can be stored in the first liquid storage container 18. The second liquid storage container 60 temporarily stores the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container 18 through the supply channel 24 on the slide 26. The second liquid storage container 60 has a locking portion 61 that can be locked relative to the slide 26. The second liquid storage container 60 is fixed relative to the slide 26 by being locked via the locking portion 61.

[0053] The upstream end (one end) of the supply channel 24 is connected to the first liquid storage container 18. The downstream end (the other end) of the supply channel 24 is connected to the second liquid storage container 60. The second liquid storage container 60 is connected to the upstream end of the channel 41 of the slide 26. The downstream end of the channel 41 is connected to the ejection head 25. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the ejection head 25 through the supply channel 24, the second liquid storage container 60, and the channel 41. In addition, hereinafter, when the second liquid storage container 60 is not specifically distinguished, the first liquid storage container 18 is simply referred to as the "liquid storage container 18."

[0054] The liquid storage container 18 includes a container body 50. The container body 50 is constructed using an outer shell made of synthetic resin. The outer shell may also be a transparent or translucent resin shell. In addition, the container body 50 may also be a structure in which a film is fixed to one surface of a storage shell having a storage chamber recessed on one surface, thereby surrounding a liquid storage chamber 55 using the film and the storage chamber recess. The storage shell may also be a transparent or translucent resin shell. The visual confirmation surface 22 of the liquid storage container 18 on the front surface is exposed in the visual confirmation window 21. The user can visually confirm the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 from the outside through the visual confirmation surface 22. In other words, the user can visually confirm the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18.

[0055] The liquid storage container 18 is secured to the bottom 20A of the frame 20 via a coupling portion. The coupling portion 42 is a fixing structure secured by screws. The coupling portion 42 can secure multiple liquid storage containers 18 to the frame 20 individually or collectively. The specific structure of the coupling portion 42 will be described later.

[0056] The liquid storage container 18 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the bottom 20A of the frame 20 via the position restriction portion 43. The position restriction portion 43 restricts the position of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the bottom 20A. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the bottom 20A within the storage portion 19 via the coupling portion 42.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid storage container 18 includes a liquid storage portion 51, a supply port 52, and an injection port 53. The liquid storage portion 51 is configured to store liquid. The injection port 53 is the portion for injecting liquid into the liquid storage portion 51. The supply port 52 is the portion for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion 23. The supply port 52 is connected to one end portion of the upstream side of the supply flow channel 24.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the ejection head 25 is located above the liquid level LP in the liquid storage container 18 in the vertical direction Z. Specifically, the opening of the nozzle 25N is located above the liquid level LP at the maximum height in the liquid storage container 18. Therefore, the liquid in the nozzle 25N is subjected to a negative pressure as a back pressure. As a result, the liquid does not drip from the nozzle 25N, and a meniscus is formed on the liquid in the nozzle 25N. The liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the nozzle head 25 by the head difference between the liquid level and the meniscus in the nozzle 25N, thereby replenishing the amount of liquid consumed by the nozzle 25N.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 includes a control unit 200 that controls the overall operation of the device. The control unit 200 controls the carriage motor 29 that reciprocates the carriage 26, the transport unit (not shown) that transports the medium M, the ejection operation of the ejection head 25, and the cleaning operation of the maintenance device 35.

[0060] Structure of the liquid storage container 18

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 5The structure of the liquid storage container 18 will now be described. The two liquid storage containers 18A and 18B, while having different widths due to their different capacities, have the same basic structure. Therefore, in the following description, unless otherwise specifically distinguished between the two, they will be referred to as the liquid storage container 18.

[0062] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the liquid storage container 18 includes an inlet 53 and a supply port 52. The inlet 53 is configured to be able to inject liquid from the liquid bottle 34. The supply port 52 supplies liquid to a liquid discharge portion that discharges liquid.

[0063] The liquid storage container 18 includes a container body 50. The container body 50 includes a liquid storage portion 51 and a protruding portion 56. The protruding portion 56 is a portion that is protruded from the upper side of the liquid storage portion 51. The liquid storage portion 51 includes a liquid storage chamber 55 that stores the liquid 1L. The liquid storage chamber 55 can also be divided into a plurality of mutually connected compartments by a plurality of ribs not shown. Thus, for example, when the liquid ejecting device 11 is transported, shaking of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 can be suppressed. In addition, mixing of air (bubbles) into the liquid caused by foaming due to shaking can be suppressed.

[0064] The container body 50 includes a supply port 52, an injection port 53, and an atmosphere communication portion 54. These components may also be tubular and protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the container body 50. The supply port 52, the injection port 53, and the atmosphere communication portion 54 communicate with the liquid storage chamber 55. The injection port 53 and the atmosphere communication portion 54 are located, for example, above the highest position of the liquid level LP. The supply port 52 communicates with the liquid storage chamber 55 at a position capable of supplying the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 to the end.

[0065] The injection port 53 is used to inject liquid such as ink into the liquid storage chamber 55. The injection port 53 and the liquid storage chamber 55 are connected via a liquid flow channel 57 and an air flow channel 58. The liquid flow channel 57 and the air flow channel 58 extend along the vertical direction Z. The lower ends of the liquid flow channel 57 and the air flow channel 58 are located at Figure 4 The highest position of the liquid level LP is shown.

[0066] The atmosphere communication portion 54 communicates with the atmosphere in an air region above the liquid level LP within the liquid storage chamber 55. The container body 50 includes a partition wall 51C that internally divides the liquid storage chamber 51 and the protruding portion 56. The communication passage connecting the liquid storage chamber 55 and the atmosphere communication portion 54 includes a serpentine pore in part. Therefore, moisture in the liquid IL stored in the liquid storage chamber 55 is less likely to evaporate.

[0067] The liquid storage container 18 includes a flow channel forming wall 51D extending downward from the partition wall 51C. The flow channel forming wall 51D divides the liquid storage chamber 55 into an area storing liquid and a flow channel area that guides the liquid toward the supply port 52. The height of the liquid level LP in the liquid storage area changes as the liquid IL is consumed and replenished. Even if the height of the liquid level LP changes, the flow channel area remains filled with liquid IL.

[0068] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, the opening of the nozzle 25N is located above the highest position of the liquid level LP. The liquid IL in the liquid storage chamber 55 is supplied to the discharge head 25 by the hydraulic head pressure generated by the height difference (hydraulic head difference) between the liquid level LP and the meniscus of the liquid in the nozzle 25N. Alternatively, a pump may be provided to transport the liquid IL in the liquid storage chamber 55 to the discharge head 25.

[0069] The liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the frame 20 via the coupling portion 42. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the frame 20 via the position limiting portion 43. The liquid storage container 18 has a fixing portion 71 and a positioning portion 72. The fixing portion 71 and the positioning portion 72 may also be arranged on the bottom surface 51A. The frame 20 has a fixed portion 76 and a positioned portion 77 on the upper surface side of the bottom portion 20A. The coupling portion 42 is composed of a screw 44, a fixing portion 71, and a fixed portion 76. The position limiting portion 43 is composed of a positioning portion 72 and a positioned portion 77.

[0070] The fixing portion 71 may also be a rib having a screw insertion hole. The fixed portion 76 may also be a rib having a threaded hole. By screwing the screw 44 inserted into the screw insertion hole of the fixing portion 71 into the threaded hole of the fixed portion 76, the liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the frame 20 via the coupling portion 42. The positioning portion 72 may also be an L-shaped rib. The positioned portion 77 may also be an L-shaped rib. By engaging the positioning portion 72 with the positioned portion 77, the liquid storage container 18 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the frame 20. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the bottom 20A of the frame 20 and positioned by the position limiting portion 43 via the coupling portion 42.

[0071] Furthermore, the structure for securing the liquid container 18 to the frame 20 is not limited to the coupling portion 42 and may also be a latching structure. For example, the latching structure may be a snap fitting. Furthermore, the attachment point on the frame 20 side may be a resin component constituting the exterior or a metal frame.

[0072] like Figure 4As shown, the liquid storage container 18 has a discharge port 73 used for liquid recovery. The discharge port 73 is capable of discharging liquid. The discharge port 73 is used to recover the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18. In other words, the discharge port 73 is a portion that discharges the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 to the outside when the liquid ejection device 11 is discarded. The discharge port 73 can also be provided at a position on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid storage container 18 that can discharge almost all of the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55.

[0073] In particular, the outlet portion 73 may be provided at a position where the liquid can be discharged by utilizing the water head pressure. The outlet portion 73 may also be provided on the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. In this case, the outlet portion 73 is provided at a position that does not interfere with the fixing portion 71 and the positioning portion 72. Figure 4 In the examples shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the discharge port 73 is located on the bottom surface 51A. However, the discharge port 73 may be located at the lower portion of the side surface 51B of the liquid storage portion 51. In short, the discharge port 73 may be located in any position as long as it can discharge the liquid in the liquid storage container 18. Even when the liquid is recovered in the same position as when the liquid storage container 18 is installed in the liquid ejection device 11, the liquid can be discharged using the water head pressure.

[0074] The discharge port 73 is a structure dedicated to recovery that is provided separately from the supply port 52. For example, if the liquid storage container 18 is tilted, the supply port 52 can also serve as the discharge port. However, usually, when the liquid storage container 18 is tilted, the liquid may leak from other ports such as the injection port 53 or the atmosphere communication portion 54. Therefore, the discharge port 73 is, for example, arranged at a position suitable for recovering the liquid 1L even if the liquid storage container 18 is not tilted from the posture when it is used. The liquid 1L can be recovered from the liquid storage container 18 in the same posture as when the liquid storage container 18 is used in the liquid ejection device 11. Therefore, when recovering the liquid, there is no need to worry about the liquid leaking from ports such as the supply port 52.

[0075] The outlet portion 73 may be, for example, a tubular shape protruding from the bottom surface 51A or the lower portion of the side surface 51B of the liquid storage container 18. A sealing member 74 such as a cap may be detachably attached to the outlet portion 73 to seal the outlet.

[0076] On the other hand, the second liquid storage container 60 includes a locking portion 61, a liquid storage portion 62, a supply port 63, and a supplied port 64. The downstream end of the supply flow path 24, whose upstream end is connected to the supply port 52, is connected to the supplied port 64. The liquid IL in the first liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the second liquid storage container 60 through the supply flow path 24.

[0077] The liquid storage section 62 stores the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container 18. The supply port 63 is connected to the connection port 25B provided on the carriage 26. The liquid in the liquid storage section 62 is supplied to the ejection head 25 via the connection between the supply port 63 and the connection port 25B. The connection port 25B is connected to the ejection head 25 via the flow channel 41 (see Figure 3 ) and communicates with a liquid chamber (not shown) in the discharge head 25. The nozzle 25N communicates with the liquid chamber. The discharge head 25 discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid storage portion 62 from the nozzle 25N.

[0078] The second liquid storage container 60 is mounted on the carriage 26. Figure 4 In the illustrated state, the carriage 26 is secured to the carriage 26 by the engagement of the locking portion 61 with the locked portion 26A. The locking portion 61 is, for example, a snap fitting and has a locking protrusion 61A. The carriage 26 has the locked portion 26A that can engage with the locking protrusion 61A of the locking portion 61. The locked portion 26A is, for example, a locking recess.

[0079] About fluid supplementation

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, when injecting liquid into the liquid storage container 18, the liquid bottle 34 is positioned in the reverse direction, and the supply portion 34A is connected to the injection port 53. At this point, the interior of the liquid bottle 34 communicates with the liquid storage chamber 55 via both the liquid flow channel 57 and the air flow channel 58. While the liquid in the liquid bottle 34 is being injected into the liquid storage container 18 via the liquid flow channel 57, the air in the liquid storage chamber 55 is being drawn into the liquid bottle 34 via the air flow channel 58. This gas-liquid exchange continuously allows liquid to be injected from the liquid bottle 34 into the liquid storage chamber 55. Then, when the liquid level LP reaches the lower opening of the air flow channel 58, the gas-liquid exchange ceases. As a result, the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 34 into the liquid storage chamber 55 ceases. This prevents liquid from overflowing when the user injects liquid from the injection port 53 of the liquid storage container 18.

[0081] Regarding the removal of the liquid storage container 18

[0082] Next, refer to Figure 6 An example of a method of removing the liquid storage container 18 from the frame 20 will be described. Figure 6As shown, the storage portion 19 may also have a door 19B at its front portion. The door 19B is configured to be removable relative to a pair of side plates 19C and 19D fixed to the bottom 20A of the frame 20. Figure 6 As shown, the door 19B can also be removed by sliding along the rails 46. The door 19B is configured to be movable relative to the frame 20 between a shielding position covering the front sides of the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 and an open position exposing the front sides. The door 19B has a visual confirmation window 21.

[0083] By sliding or removing the door 19B, the coupling portion 42 is exposed from the frame 20 when the door 19B is in the open position. In other words, the screw 44 of the coupling portion 42 is exposed from the frame 20. The user loosens the screw 44 using a tool such as a screwdriver to release the fixation with the coupling portion 42. After the fixation is released, the user moves the liquid storage container 18 slightly inward and then upward to release the position restriction portion 43 ( Figure 4 After the restriction is lifted, the user can take out the liquid storage container 18 from the frame 20.

[0084] In addition, the connection between the supply channel 24 and the liquid storage container 18 can be either detached or not detached. In the case of a detachable structure, a valve can also be provided at the upstream end of the supply channel 24. The valve closes when the upstream end of the supply channel 24 is in a non-connected state. On the other hand, the valve opens when the upstream end of the supply channel 24 is connected to the supply port 52. The valve switches between opening and closing depending on whether the supply port 52 is connected to the supply channel 24. When the connection with the supply channel 24 is released from the liquid storage container 18, the valve at its upstream end closes. In this way, leakage of liquid from the connection port of the separated supply channel 24 can be suppressed.

[0085] Structure of the liquid recovery device 80

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The structure of the liquid recovery device 80 will be described below. In the drawings related to the liquid recovery device 80, the direction corresponding to the width direction parallel to the width of the liquid storage container 18 is referred to as direction A, and the longitudinal direction (depth direction) of the liquid storage container 18 is referred to as direction B. Direction A corresponds to the width direction X of the liquid storage container 18 when fixed to the frame 20. Direction B corresponds to the transport direction Y parallel to the depth direction of the liquid storage container 18 when fixed to the frame 20. Figure 7 A schematic side sectional view of the liquid recovery device 80 cut along a plane intersecting the direction A is shown. Figure 8A schematic side sectional view showing the liquid recovery device 80 with the liquid storage container 18 installed thereon is shown, cut along a plane intersecting the direction A.

[0087] When the user recovers the liquid in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid recovery device 80 can be obtained. For example, the liquid recovery device 80 can be purchased as a package when the liquid ejection device 11 is purchased. In addition, when the user discards the liquid ejection device 11, the liquid recovery device 80 can be obtained from the manufacturer or sales store for a fee or free of charge. Moreover, it is also possible to have a structure in which the liquid recovery device 80 is accommodated in a recess provided on the frame 20 of the liquid ejection device 11. The opening of the recess can also be covered with a cover. When the liquid ejection device 11 is discarded, the user can also remove the cover and take out the liquid recovery device 80 from the recess for use.

[0088] The first embodiment is directed to a non-carriage-mounted liquid ejecting apparatus 11 . In the non-carriage-mounted liquid ejecting apparatus 11 , a liquid container 18 is fixed to a housing 20 . Figure 7 The liquid recovery device 80 shown is used to recover the liquid such as ink remaining in the liquid storage container 18 when the user discards the liquid ejection device 11. Figure 8 As shown, the user places the liquid storage container 18 removed from the frame 20 on the liquid recovery device 80. When placing, the discharge port portion 73 of the liquid storage container 18 is connected to the recovery port portion 83 of the liquid recovery device 80. The liquid recovery device 80 recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18. In addition, placement refers to the liquid storage container 18 being arranged at a predetermined position relative to the liquid recovery device 80 in a state where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83 are connected. In this embodiment, the predetermined position is set as an example to a position that is higher than the recovery chamber 86 described later of the liquid recovery device 80. For example, the liquid storage container 18 is placed at the predetermined position by being arranged at the upper side of the liquid recovery device 80 that is higher than the recovery chamber 86.

[0089] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery container 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally including the liquid recovery container 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82.

[0090] The liquid recovery storage section 81 is configured to store the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The liquid recovery storage section 81 includes a recovery port 83 connectable to the discharge port 73. The liquid recovery storage section 81 includes a liquid recovery section 84 and a guide section 85.

[0091] The recovery port 83 is shaped so as to be connectable to the tubular discharge port 73. The recovery port 83 may also be tubular or hole-shaped. The recovery port 83 may also be, for example, a tubular shape protruding from the upper portion 84A of the liquid recovery portion 84. The recovery port 83 may also have, for example, a tubular needle portion 83A with a sharp tip. Figure 8 As shown, the recovery port portion 83 may also be a structure in which the needle portion 83A is configured in the flow channel of the discharge port portion 73 and the valve body 78 is pressed to open the valve by overcoming the acting force. The needle portion 83A has a hole opening at the top end, and a flow channel connected to the hole and extending axially inside. The liquid IL is introduced from the hole of the needle portion 83A to the internal flow channel. The discharge port portion 73 has an elastic component such as a gasket (not shown) at a position closer to the discharge port side than the valve body 78. The needle portion 83A presses the valve body 78 while being pressed in by the elastic component. Therefore, even if the flow channel of the discharge port portion 73 is opened, the liquid IL will not leak out from the connection between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83.

[0092] The liquid recovery part 84 is a part that recovers the liquid. The liquid recovery part 84 includes a recovery chamber 86. The recovery chamber 86 stores the recovered liquid 1L. The recovery chamber 86 is divided inside the liquid recovery part 84. A liquid holding component 87 may also be stored in the recovery chamber 86. The liquid holding component 87 absorbs and holds the liquid 1L. The liquid holding component 87 may also be an absorption component. Examples of the absorption component include non-woven fabrics and porous resin components.

[0093] The liquid recovery part 84 includes an atmosphere communication portion 88 that connects the recovery chamber 86 to the outside. The atmosphere communication portion 88 is provided at a position corresponding to the recovery chamber 86 in the upper portion 84A of the liquid recovery part 84 .

[0094] The guide portion 85 guides the liquid storage container 18 when it is placed. The liquid recovery device 80 may also have a storage recess 85A surrounded by the guide portion 85. The storage recess 85A is a recess for storing the liquid storage container 18 when it is placed. The guide portion 85 guides the liquid storage container 18 in the process of being stored in the storage recess 85A to a position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83 can be connected. Therefore, when the liquid storage container 18 is placed in the storage recess 85A of the liquid recovery device 80, the discharge port portion 73 is connected to the recovery port portion 83. In addition, the liquid recovery device 80 of this embodiment also has a positioning function of guiding the liquid storage container 18 to the position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83 are connected.

[0095] The recovery force generating unit 82 generates a recovery force that utilizes a force other than gravity to move the liquid from the liquid storage container 18 toward the liquid recovery device 80. The recovery force causes the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 to move toward the liquid recovery device 80 through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83. The recovery force generating unit 82 includes a pump 89 that generates the recovery force.

[0096] The recovery port 83 and the recovery chamber 86 are connected by a recovery flow path 90. A pump 89 is provided midway in the recovery flow path 90.

[0097] The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a motor 91 as a driving source. The motor 91 is a driving source for the pump 89. The motor 91 drives the pump 89. The pump 89 ejects the liquid 1L sucked from the recovery port 83 side to the recovery chamber 86 side. The pump 89 sucks the liquid 1L from the recovery port 83 side, thereby generating a negative pressure that is intended to cause the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 to be sucked to the recovery chamber 86 side through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83. In other words, the pump 89 generates a negative pressure that is intended to draw the liquid 1L in the liquid storage chamber 55 to the recovery chamber 86 side. Through this negative pressure, the force that is intended to cause the liquid 1L in the liquid storage chamber 55 to be sucked to the recovery chamber 86 side becomes a recovery force. In this regard, the recovery force generating portion 82 of this embodiment is a negative pressure generating portion 92 that generates negative pressure.

[0098] Effects of the First Embodiment

[0099] Next, the operation of the liquid recovery device 80 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, the user places the liquid container 18, which has been removed from the housing 20 of the liquid ejection device 11, on the liquid recovery device 80. In this placed state, the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 are connected. In this connected state, the needle 83A is in an open valve state, with the valve body 78 pressed in.

[0101] In this state, when the user operates the switch (not shown), the motor 91 is driven. Then, the pump 89 is driven by the power of the motor 91 to suck the liquid 1L from the recovery port 83 side and eject it to the recovery chamber 86 side. The negative pressure generated when the pump 89 sucks the liquid 1L from the recovery port 83 side generates a force in the discharge port 73 that is intended to suck the liquid 1L in the liquid receiving chamber 55. This force becomes a recovery force that moves the liquid 1L in the liquid receiving chamber 55 in the direction toward the discharge port 73. Therefore, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is discharged with a strong force by the recovery force that is intended to be sucked toward the discharge port 73. Therefore, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is efficiently recovered in the recovery chamber 86.

[0102] At this time, a head pressure also acts on the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18. That is, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is located on the upper side compared to the recovery chamber 86. The liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is acted upon by a head pressure formed by the position (height) difference in the gravity direction Z between its liquid surface LP and the liquid surface in the recovery chamber 86, that is, the head difference. Therefore, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is more efficiently recovered into the liquid recovery device 80 by both the recovery force and the head pressure. In this way, the liquid recovery device 80 recovers almost all of the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid IL recovered into the recovery chamber 86 is retained by the liquid retaining component 87.

[0103] Effects of the First Embodiment

[0104] According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0105] (1-1) The liquid recovery device 80 is configured to be able to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18, and the liquid storage container 18 has: an injection port 53, which is capable of injecting liquid; and a supply port 52, which is capable of supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion 23 that ejects liquid. The liquid storage container 18 has a discharge port 73 used for recovering the liquid. The liquid recovery device 80 has a liquid recovery storage portion 81, a recovery force generating portion 82 and a recovery port 83. The liquid recovery storage portion 81 is configured to be able to store the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The recovery force generating portion 82 generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid IL in a direction from the liquid storage container 18 toward the liquid recovery storage portion 81. The recovery port 83 is configured to be connected to the discharge port 73. The liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery storage section 81 by utilizing the recovery force and connecting the discharge port section 73 with the recovery port section 83. According to this structure, the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered into the liquid recovery storage section 81 by utilizing the recovery force. In addition, for example, the options for the configuration location of the liquid storage container 18 when recovering the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 are expanded. For example, in the case of recovering the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery storage section 81 by utilizing the head pressure (gravity), it is necessary to configure the liquid recovery storage section 81 at a lower position than the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18. In this case, the configuration position of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the liquid recovery storage section 81 will be limited to the upper side. However, since the liquid 1L can be moved by utilizing the recovery force other than the gravity generated by the recovery force generating section 82, the freedom of choice of the positional relationship between the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery storage section 81 during liquid recovery is expanded.

[0106] (1-2) The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a pump 89 that generates the recovery force. According to this structure, since the recovery force is generated by the pump 89, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be easily recovered. In the case of a structure that utilizes a head difference to recover the liquid, in order to make the dead weight of the liquid serve as the recovery force, there are restrictions on height or position, such as the need to arrange the liquid recovery storage portion 81 at a position lower than the liquid storage container 18. In contrast, since the recovery force can be obtained by the pump 89 even without utilizing the dead weight of the liquid, it is not easily restricted by height or position.

[0107] (1-3) The recovery force generating portion 82 is a negative pressure generating portion 92 that generates a negative pressure in the liquid recovery storage portion 81. According to this structure, since the negative pressure generated in the liquid recovery storage portion 81 by the negative pressure generating portion 92 generates a recovery force, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be easily recovered.

[0108] (1-4) The recovery force generating unit 82 includes the motor 91 as a driving source. According to this configuration, since the recovery force is generated by the power of the motor 91, the liquid remaining in the liquid container 18 can be recovered more easily than when a manual pump is used.

[0109] (1-5) When the liquid storage container 18 is arranged on the upper side of the gravity direction Z relative to the liquid recovery storage part 81, the discharge port part 73 is connected to the recovery port part 83, and the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery storage part 81 by the connection between the discharge port part 73 and the recovery port part 83 and by utilizing the recovery force and the water head pressure. According to this structure, the liquid 1L can be recovered by using both the recovery force acting on the liquid 1L other than the gravity and the water head pressure formed based on the gravity acting on the liquid 1L. Therefore, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered. Therefore, compared with the case where the liquid 1L is recovered only by the recovery force, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered.

[0110] (1-6) The liquid recovery container 80A recovers liquid from the liquid storage container 18 having the injection port 53 and the supply port 52. The liquid storage container 18 has a discharge port 73 used for recovering the liquid. The liquid recovery container 80A includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81, a recovery force generating portion 82, and a recovery port 83. The liquid recovery storage portion 81 includes a recovery chamber 86 capable of storing the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The recovery force generating portion 82 generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid 1L in a direction from the liquid storage container 18 toward the liquid recovery storage portion 81. The recovery port 83 is configured to be connectable to the discharge port 73. The liquid recovery container 80A recovers the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery storage portion 81 by using the recovery force and through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83. According to this configuration, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered in the liquid recovery storage portion 81 using both the recovery force and the hydraulic head pressure.

[0111] Second embodiment

[0112] Next, refer to Figure 9 、 Figure 10Next, the liquid recovery device 80 of the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the recovery force generating portion 82 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, the structure of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same symbols are marked for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The following description will focus on the structures that are particularly different from the liquid recovery device 80.

[0113] The liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. In the present embodiment, the recovery force generating portion 82 is disposed inside the liquid recovery storage portion 81. In other words, the liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally including the liquid recovery storage portion 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82. The recovery force generating portion 82 of the present embodiment is a negative pressure generating portion 95 that generates negative pressure.

[0114] The liquid recovery container 81 includes a recovery port 83, a liquid recovery portion 84, and a guide portion 85, similarly to the first embodiment. The structures of the recovery port 83 and the guide portion 85 are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0115] The liquid recovery section 84 accommodates the negative pressure generating section 95. The negative pressure generating section 95 may also be accommodated in the accommodation chamber 84B, which is formed in the liquid recovery section 84. The negative pressure generating section 95 includes a recovery chamber 98. The negative pressure generating section 95 is configured to generate a negative pressure in the recovery chamber 98. The negative pressure generating section 95 includes a chamber forming member 96, an elastic member 97, and a retaining portion 99.

[0116] The chamber forming part 96 has a recovery chamber 98 with a variable volume. The chamber forming part 96 can also be a retractable part that surrounds and forms the recovery chamber 98. The chamber forming part 96 can also be a hollow, deformable deformable part. A deformable part refers to a part that is deformed in a manner that can change the volume of the recovery chamber 98. The chamber forming part 96 is, for example, a deformable part having a corrugated portion that can be expanded and contracted in one direction. For example, it is a cubic or cylindrical shape, and has a corrugated portion on its side circumference that can be expanded and contracted along the axial direction. The chamber forming part 96 is constructed so that the volume of the recovery chamber 98 changes by expanding and contracting in one direction.

[0117] The elastic member 97 urges the chamber forming member 96 in a direction to expand the volume of the recovery chamber 98. Figure 9 In the example shown, a compression spring is used. The elastic member 97 formed of the compression spring is housed in the recovery chamber 98 of the chamber forming member 96 .

[0118] The holding portion 99 holds the chamber forming member 96 in a compressed state. The holding portion 99 is configured to be able to release the compressed state.

[0119] The holding portion 99 holds the recovery chamber 98 and the elastic member 97 of the chamber forming member 96 in a compressed state. The holding portion 99 holds the chamber forming member 96 in a compressed state by limiting the displacement of the chamber forming member 96 in the extension direction caused by the force of the elastic member 97 formed by the compression spring. The holding portion 99 may be, for example, a locking lever or a locking pin that a user can use to release the hold (lock). As long as the user can operate it, the holding portion 99 may also be an operating lever or a button. The holding portion 99 limits the displacement of the chamber forming member 96 in the extension direction by abutting against the upper surface 96A of the chamber forming member 96 in the compressed state. The chamber forming member 96 is held in a compressed state by the restriction of the holding portion 99.

[0120] The holding portion 99 is configured to be able to Figure 9 The limit position shown is the same as Figure 10 The chamber forming part 96 moves between the recovery positions shown. The limiting position is a position that limits the displacement of the chamber forming part 96 in the compressed state in the extension direction. The recovery position is a position that allows the displacement of the chamber forming part 96 in the compression state in the extension direction. In the case of a locking rod or a locking pin, the retaining part 99 is constructed to be able to be pulled out and inserted from the outside relative to the opening 84C formed on the outer wall of the liquid recovery storage part 81. When the retaining part 99 that protrudes a portion to the outside of the liquid recovery storage part 81 is pulled out, the chamber forming part 96 will be stretched in the direction of expanding the volume of the recovery chamber 98 due to the force of the elastic part 97. By expanding the chamber forming part 96, a negative pressure is generated in the recovery chamber 98. Through this negative pressure, a suction force is generated in the recovery flow channel 90 connected to the recovery chamber 98. This suction force acts on the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the recovery flow channel 90. This suction force becomes a recovery force that moves the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 in the recovery direction.

[0121] Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0122] like Figure 9 As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 is in a state where the holding portion 99 is inserted into the liquid recovery portion 84. Therefore, the chamber forming member 96 in the liquid recovery portion 84 is locked in a contracted state with its upper surface pressed by the holding portion 99.

[0123] The user places the liquid storage container 18 on the liquid recovery device 80. The liquid storage container 18 is guided by the guide portion 85 and is thus placed at a predetermined position. The discharge port portion 73 is connected to the recovery port portion 83. During this connection, the needle portion 83A of the recovery port portion 83 is pressed into the valve body 78, thereby opening the flow path in the discharge port portion 73. The interior of the liquid storage chamber 55 and the recovery chamber 98 are connected through the connection between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83.

[0124] Next, the user pulls the holding portion 99 out of the liquid recovery portion 84. That is, the user releases the lock on the chamber forming member 96. As a result, the chamber forming member 96 is released from the elastic member 97 housed therein. Figure 9 The contracted state shown is Figure 10 The chamber forming member 96 deforms in a direction of increasing its volume from the bulging state shown in FIG. By increasing the volume of the chamber forming member 96, a suction force is generated that draws the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 into the chamber forming member 96 through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83. This suction force becomes the recovery force.

[0125] In this manner, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the recovery chamber 98 in the chamber-forming member 96 via the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 and the recovery flow path 90. The difference between the volume of the recovery chamber 98 when locked and the maximum volume is, for example, the same as or larger than the maximum liquid volume in the liquid storage container 18. Therefore, all of the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered toward the liquid recovery device 80.

[0126] When the user confirms that all the liquid has been recovered, they remove the liquid storage container 18 from the liquid recovery device 80. At this point, the valve body 78 in the discharge port 73 on the liquid storage container 18 side is forced to move to the closed position. As a result, the flow path of the discharge port 73 is sealed. Alternatively, the user can install a cover member (not shown) on the recovery port 83 of the liquid recovery device 80.

[0127] Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0128] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1), (1-5), and (1-6) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0129] (2-1) The recovery force generating unit 82 is a negative pressure generating unit 95 that generates a negative pressure within the liquid recovery container 81. With this configuration, the negative pressure generated within the liquid recovery container 81 by the negative pressure generating unit 95 provides a recovery force. Therefore, compared to a configuration that relies solely on the force of gravity acting on the liquid to recover the liquid, the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered more efficiently.

[0130] (2-2) The negative pressure generating portion 95 includes: a chamber forming part 96 having a recovery chamber 98 with a variable volume; an elastic part 97 that applies force to the chamber forming part 96 in a direction to expand the volume of the recovery chamber 98; and a holding part 99 that holds the chamber forming part 96 in a compressed state. The holding part 99 is configured to be able to release the hold of the compressed state. According to this structure, when the hold of the holding part 99 is released, the chamber forming part 96 is expanded from the compressed state to the expanded state by utilizing the restoring force of the elastic part 97, thereby generating a suction force formed by negative pressure. The liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered using this suction force as a recovery force. Therefore, compared with a structure that recovers the liquid only by relying on the gravity acting on the liquid, the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered.

[0131] Third embodiment

[0132] Next, refer to Figure 11 Next, the liquid recovery device 80 of the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the recovery force generating portion 82 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, the structure of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same symbols are marked for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The following description will focus on the structures that are particularly different from the liquid recovery device 80.

[0133] like Figure 11As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 is constructed as a liquid recovery container 80A that integrally includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. The recovery force generating portion 82 is a capillary force generating portion 100 that exists at the connection portion between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83 and generates capillary force as a recovery force. The capillary force generating portion 100 is composed of a material that can generate capillary force. The capillary force generating portion 100 has a shaft component 101. Examples of the shaft component 101 include an absorption component, a porous structure, a fiber group structure, and the like. Examples of the absorption component include fiber materials such as felt, non-woven fabric, and fabric. Examples of the porous structure include continuous porous structure materials or multi-tubular structure materials. Examples of the continuous porous structure material include foamed resin materials such as sponge. Examples of the multi-tubular structure material include bundles of thin tubes formed by bundling thin tubes. In addition, examples of the fiber group structure include fiber bundles such as resin fibers and glass fibers. Other materials that can induce capillary action can be used as appropriate, for example, a material having a plurality of fine grooves or a plurality of folds that can generate capillary force can also be used.

[0134] Figure 11 The shaft member 101 shown is held in a state of being inserted into the recovery port 83 of the liquid recovery device 80. Figure 11 In the example shown, the shaft member 101 is held with a gap between it and the inner peripheral surface of the flow path of the recovery port 83. The top end of the shaft member 101 protrudes from the recovery port 83 by a predetermined length. Figure 11 As shown, in the state where the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 are connected, the distal end portion of the shaft member 101 is inserted into the discharge port 73 .

[0135] The liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is sucked by the capillary force of the shaft member 101. The liquid IL sucked from the top end of the shaft member 101 by the capillary force is transferred along the axial direction of the shaft member 101 and seeps out from the lower end of the shaft member 101. Figure 7 In the example shown, the lower end of the shaft member 101 is in contact with the liquid retaining member 87 contained in the recovery chamber 86. The liquid IL that reaches the lower end of the shaft member 101 can also be sucked out to the liquid retaining member 87 by capillary force. In addition, the liquid IL that seeps out from the lower end of the shaft member 101 may fall due to its own weight without contacting the liquid retaining member 87. In addition, in the flow channel formed at the connection between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 passes through the gap on the outer peripheral side of the shaft member 101 due to the water head pressure and flows downward. In this way, Figure 7In the example shown, the liquid IL is recovered by the negative pressure force that causes the liquid IL to be sucked in by the capillary force through the shaft member 101. In this regard, the capillary force generating unit 100 is also a negative pressure generating unit. Figure 7 In the illustrated example, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery storage portion 81 also by the water head pressure due to the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 .

[0136] The tip of the shaft member 101 may also have hardness. By having hardness, the tip of the shaft member 101 can be reliably inserted into the discharge port 73. In addition, a Figure 8 、 Figure 9 The valve body 78 shown. In this case, the shaft member 101 may also have a hardness that allows it to overcome the force and be pressed into the valve body 78 to open the valve.

[0137] Effects of the Third Embodiment

[0138] According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1), (1-5), and (1-6) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also obtained.

[0139] (3-1) The recovery force generating portion 82 is located at the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 and generates capillary force as a recovery force. With this structure, since the capillary force is generated as the recovery force, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be easily recovered.

[0140] (3-2) The discharge port 73 is connected to the recovery port 83 in a state where the liquid storage container 18 is arranged on the upper side relative to the liquid recovery storage portion 81 in the gravity direction Z. The liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery storage portion 81 by using the recovery force and the water head pressure through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83. According to this structure, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered more efficiently than when the liquid is recovered using only the recovery force (capillary force) generated by the recovery force generating portion 82 (capillary force generating portion 100).

[0141] Fourth embodiment

[0142] Next, refer to Figure 12Next, the liquid recovery device 80 of the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the recovery force generating portion 82 is different from that of the first embodiment. In addition, the structure of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same symbols are marked for the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The following description will focus on the structures that are particularly different from the liquid recovery device 80.

[0143] The liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81, a recovery force generating portion 82, and a recovery port portion 83. The liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally provided with the liquid recovery storage portion 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery storage portion 81 is configured to be able to store liquid recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The recovery force generating portion 82 generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid in a direction from the liquid storage container 18 toward the liquid recovery storage portion 81.

[0144] The recovery force generating portion 82 of the present embodiment is a pressurizing portion 102 that pressurizes the liquid level LP in the liquid recovery storage portion 81. The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a pump 103 that generates a pressurizing force as a recovery force. The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a motor 104 as a driving source. That is, the pressurizing portion 102 pressurizes the liquid level LP by the power of the motor 104. In the present embodiment, the pressurizing portion 102 drives the pump 103 by the power of the motor 104.

[0145] exist Figure 12 In the example shown, the pressurizing portion 102 (recovery force generating portion 82) is supported by the guide portion 85. The guide portion 85 may also extend upward to near the upper end of the liquid storage container 18 placed in the storage recess 85A of the liquid recovery container 80A. The pressurizing portion 102 fixed to the guide portion 85 may also be located near the injection port 53. The liquid recovery device 80 has a sealing component 106 capable of sealing the injection port 53 of the liquid storage container 18 placed in the storage recess 85A. The sealing component 106 is, for example, a cover component embedded in the tubular injection port 53. The sealing component 106 is, for example, fixed at the top end of an arm 108, which is provided on the guide portion 85 in a manner capable of rotating around a rotation axis 107.

[0146] The user rotates the arm 108 so that the sealing member 106 can be Figure 12The injection port 53 is moved within a range between the sealing position shown and the open position represented by the double-dotted line in the figure. The user can open and close the injection port 53 by moving the sealing component 106. The other end of the tube 105, one end of which is connected to the pump 103, is connected to the sealing component 106. The other end of the tube 105 is connected to, for example, a tube portion (not shown) that passes through the sealing component 106. When the sealing component 106 is in the sealing position, the ejection port of the pump 103 is communicated with the liquid storage chamber 55 through the tube 105 and the tube portion of the sealing component 106.

[0147] The user can also seal the supply port 52 by inserting the sealing component 109 into the supply port 52. As a result, the liquid storage chamber 55 becomes a nearly closed space that is connected to the outside air only through the pores of the atmosphere communication portion 54. By driving the pressurizing portion 102 in this state, when the liquid level LP in the liquid storage chamber 55 is pressurized, a recovery force that pushes the liquid IL in the gravity direction Z acts on the liquid IL. Thus, the liquid recovery device 80 utilizes the recovery force and recovers the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery storage portion 81 through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83.

[0148] like Figure 12 As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 has a structure in which the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83 are connected in a state in which the liquid storage container 18 is arranged on the upper side of the liquid recovery storage portion 81. By connecting the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 83, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery storage portion 81 by utilizing the head pressure and the recovery force. In other words, the liquid recovery device 80 can recover the liquid IL by utilizing both the recovery force generated by pressurizing the liquid level LP in the liquid storage container 18 by the pressurizing portion 102 and the head pressure formed based on the position difference (head difference) in the gravity direction Z between the liquid level LP in the liquid storage chamber 55 and the liquid level in the recovery chamber 86.

[0149] Effects of the Fourth Embodiment

[0150] The user places the liquid container 18 removed from the housing 20 of the liquid ejection device 11 on the liquid recovery device 80. Figure 12 When the user places the liquid storage container 18, the sealing member 106 is moved from the open position to the open position. Figure 12, the sealing position indicated by the solid line in the figure is moved to seal the injection port 53. In addition, the user can also seal the supply port 52 by installing a sealing component 109 on the supply port 52. In the installed state, the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 are in a connected state. In this connected state, the needle 83A is in an open valve state in which the valve body 78 is pressed in. The liquid storage chamber 55 and the recovery chamber 86 are in a state of communication through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the discharge port 73.

[0151] In this state, when the user operates the switch (not shown), the motor 104 is driven. Then, the pump 103 is powered by the motor 104 to send air into the liquid storage chamber 55. The liquid level LP in the liquid storage chamber 55 is pressurized by the air pressure that has risen due to the air being sent in from the pump 103. In other words, the pump 103 pressurizes the liquid level LP in the liquid storage container 18. As a result of the pressurization of the liquid level LP, a recovery force is generated that attempts to push the liquid IL toward the discharge port 73. This recovery force is a force that presses the liquid IL toward the lower side of the gravity direction Z. This recovery force is a force that attempts to push the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 toward the discharge port 73. Therefore, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is discharged from the discharge port 73 at a higher pressure achieved by the pressurization. Therefore, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is efficiently recovered in the recovery chamber 86.

[0152] At this time, the head pressure also acts on the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18. That is, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is located on the upper side compared to the recovery chamber 86. The liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is acted upon by a head pressure formed by a head difference which is the position (height) difference in the gravity direction Z between its liquid surface LP and the liquid surface in the recovery chamber 86. Therefore, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered more efficiently in the liquid recovery device 80. In this way, the liquid recovery device 80 recovers almost all of the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid IL recovered in the recovery chamber 86 is retained by the liquid retaining component 87.

[0153] Effects of the Fourth Embodiment

[0154] According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1), (1-5), and (1-6) of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0155] (4-1) The recovery force generating portion 82 is a pressurizing portion 102 that pressurizes the liquid level within the liquid recovery container 81. According to this structure, since the pressurizing portion 102 pressurizes the liquid level LP, a force that pushes the liquid IL out of the liquid storage container 18 is generated as a recovery force, thereby easily recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18.

[0156] (4-2) The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a pump 103 that generates a recovery force. That is, the pressurizing portion 102 includes a pump 103 that pressurizes the liquid level LP in the liquid storage container 18. According to this structure, since the recovery force is generated by the pump 103, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered. In the case of a structure that recovers the liquid using only the head pressure, there are restrictions on the height or position, such as the need to configure the liquid recovery storage portion 81 at a lower position than the liquid storage container 18 so that the dead weight (gravity) of the liquid becomes the recovery force. In contrast, since the recovery force is obtained by the pump 89 even if the dead weight of the liquid is not used, the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery storage portion 81 are not easily restricted by the height or position.

[0157] (4-3) The recovery force generating unit 82 includes the motor 91 as a driving source. That is, the pressurizing unit 102 includes the motor 104 as a driving source. With this configuration, since the recovery force is generated using the power of the motor 91, the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered more easily than when a manual pump is used.

[0158] Fifth embodiment

[0159] Next, refer to Figures 13 to 15 The fifth embodiment of the liquid recovery device 80 will be described. This embodiment is an example of an application to a non-slide-mounted liquid ejection device 11. The basic structure of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. It differs from the first embodiment in that the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 110 mounted on the slide 26 is recovered instead of the liquid storage container 18. Therefore, the same reference numerals are attached to the same components as the first embodiment, and their detailed description is omitted. The description will focus on the particularly different structure.

[0160] Structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0161] First, refer to Figure 13 、 Figure 14 The structure of the non-slide-mounted liquid ejection device 11 will be described. Figure 13As shown, in the non-carriage-mounted liquid ejecting device 11, the liquid container 110 is mounted on the carriage 26. The carriage 26 has a storage recess 26B capable of storing the liquid container 110. The liquid container 110 is stored in the storage recess 26B of the carriage 26.

[0162] The liquid storage container 110 includes a liquid storage portion 111. The liquid storage portion 111 includes a supply port 112, an injection port 113, and an atmosphere communication portion 114. The liquid storage portion 111 includes a liquid storage chamber 116 therein. The supply port 112, the injection port 113, and the atmosphere communication portion 114 communicate with the liquid storage chamber 116.

[0163] The injection port 113 is sealed by a cover rod 117 that can be opened and closed. The injection port 113 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 116 through the liquid flow path 57 and the air flow path 58. The user opens the liquid bottle 34 ( Figure 2 The liquid storage container 110 is connected to the injection port 113 to replenish the liquid from the liquid bottle 34. The replenished liquid is stored in the liquid storage chamber 116.

[0164] The supply port 112 discharges liquid to be supplied to the ejection head 25. The carriage 26 has a supplied port 26D at the bottom of the storage recess 26B, which is connectable to the supply port 112. By connecting the supply port 112 and the supplied port 26D, the liquid storage chamber 116 in the liquid storage container 110 communicates with a flow channel 26E formed in the carriage 26 through the supply port 112. Liquid in the liquid storage container 110 is supplied to the ejection head 25 through the flow channel 26E.

[0165] The liquid storage container 110 is positioned relative to the slide 26 by engaging the supply port 112 with the supplied port 26D. The liquid storage container 110 has a locking portion 115 for fixing when it is mounted on the slide 26. The liquid storage container 110 has a locking portion 115, for example, on the upper side of the liquid storage portion 111. The locking portion 115 may also be a snap fitting, for example. The liquid storage container 110 is stored in the storage recess 26B of the slide 26. In this stored state, the locking portion 115 is locked to the locked portion 26C on the slide 26 side (see Figure 13 ) on the carriage 26, so that the liquid storage container 110 is mounted in a state of being fixed on the carriage 26.

[0166] like Figure 14 As shown, a plurality of liquid storage containers 110 are mounted on the carriage 26. The plurality of liquid storage containers 110 are stored in a plurality of storage recesses 26B. The plurality of liquid storage containers 110 are locked to the carriage 26 by a plurality of locking portions 115.

[0167] The cover lever 117 includes a cover portion 117A and a lever portion 117B. The base end of the lever portion 117B is rotatably supported relative to a shaft portion 117C, which is mounted on the upper surface of the liquid storage container 110. The cover lever 117 can be opened and closed between a sealing position, in which the inlet portion 113 is sealed, and an open position, in which the inlet portion 113 is opened.

[0168] Liquids of various colors supplied from multiple liquid storage containers 18 are ejected from the ejection head 25. The carriage 26 is driven forward and reverse by a carriage motor 29, causing a timing belt 31 wound around a pulley 30 to rotate forward and reverse. This causes the carriage 26 to reciprocate in the scanning direction X. Printing is performed by ejecting liquids of various colors from the ejection head 25 as the carriage 26 moves in the scanning direction X.

[0169] Structure of the liquid recovery device 80

[0170] Next, refer to Figure 15 The structure of the liquid recovery device 80 in the fifth embodiment will be described. The basic structure of the liquid recovery device 80 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the structures common to the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0171] like Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 110 is placed in the storage recess 85A relative to the liquid recovery device 80. The liquid recovery device 80 utilizes the locking portion 115, the positioning portion 118, and the supply port 112 of the liquid storage container 110. The recovery port 83 is connected to the supply port 112 of the liquid storage container 110.

[0172] The locking portion 115 secures the liquid container 110 placed in the receiving recess 85A by locking with the locking recess 85B formed on the guide portion 85. The locking portion 115 may be, for example, a snap fitting. The locking portion 115 may also include a locking protrusion 115A and a rod portion 115B.

[0173] The positioning portion 118 is capable of engaging with the positioned portion 84E formed on the hole portion 84, wherein the hole portion 84D is recessed in the upper portion 84A of the liquid recovery portion 84. The positioning portion 118 is guided by the positioned portion 84E of the other party to be engaged, thereby guiding (positioning) the supply port 52 to a position where it can be connected to the recovery port 83. For example, the positioning portion 118 is a plurality of protrusions protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the supply port 112. The positioned portion 84E is a plurality of recessed portions formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 84D that accommodates the supply port 112 in a manner that can engage with the plurality of protrusions constituting the positioning portion 118. By engaging the positioning portion 118 with the positioned portion 84E, the liquid storage container 18 guided by the guide portion 85 is further positioned at a position where the supply port 112 can be connected to the recovery port 83. The user can relatively easily place the liquid storage container 110 on the liquid recovery device 80 with the supply port 112 and the recovery port 83 connected.

[0174] like Figure 15 As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 has a structure that is substantially the same as the liquid recovery device 80 of the first embodiment. The shape of the liquid storage container 110 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the structure and shape of the periphery of the storage recess 85A are different due to the difference from the liquid storage container 18 of the first embodiment.

[0175] That is, the liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally provided with the liquid recovery storage portion 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery storage portion 81 is configured to be able to store the liquid 1L recovered from the liquid storage container 110. In detail, the liquid recovery storage portion 81 includes a liquid recovery portion 84 and a guide portion 85. The liquid recovery portion 84 has a recovery chamber 86 therein. The recovery chamber 86 is configured to be able to store the liquid 1L recovered from the liquid storage container 110. The guide portion 85 extends upward from the upper edge portion of the liquid recovery portion 84. The guide portion 85 guides the liquid storage container 110 in the process of being stored in the storage recess 85A. The liquid recovery storage portion 81 has a recovery port portion 83 that can be connected to the supply port portion 52 that functions as a discharge port portion.

[0176] The recovery port 83 is Figure 15 In the installation state shown, it is arranged at a position corresponding to the supply port 112 on the liquid storage container 110 side. Figure 13 、 Figure 14In the example shown, the recovery port 83 is a needle portion 83A that can be inserted into the tubular supply port 112. When the needle portion 83A of the recovery port 83 is inserted into the supply port 112, the valve body 119 in the supply port 112 is pressed in by utilizing the needle portion 83A to overcome its force, thereby opening the flow path of the supply port 112. The needle portion 83A of the recovery port 83 has a structure that is basically the same as the needle portion 83A of the recovery port 83 in the first embodiment. The needle portion 83A of the recovery port 83 has a flow path inside (not shown). Before the supply port 112 is connected to the recovery port 83, the valve body 119 is in the closed valve position. When the supply port 112 is connected to the recovery port 83, the valve body 119 is displaced toward the open valve position.

[0177] like Figure 15 As shown, the liquid storage container 110 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery device 80 at a position where the supply port 112 can connect with the recovery port 83 by guiding the positioning portion 118 toward the positioned portion 84E. Through this positioning, the supply port 112 of the liquid storage container 110 placed in the storage recess 85A is connected to the recovery port 83 on the liquid recovery device 80 side.

[0178] The user places the liquid storage container 110, which has been removed from the carriage 26, on the liquid recovery device 80. As a result of this placement, the supply port 112 is connected to the recovery port 83. When the user operates a switch (not shown), the pump 89 is driven. The liquid IL in the liquid storage container 110 is recovered into the recovery chamber 86 of the liquid recovery device 80 through the connection between the supply port 112 and the recovery port 83.

[0179] Effects of the Fifth Embodiment

[0180] According to the fifth embodiment, the liquid recovery device 80 recovers the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 110 of the non-carriage-mounted liquid ejection device 11, thereby achieving the same effects as those of (1-1) to (1-5) in the first embodiment. Specifically, similarly to the liquid storage container 18 fixed to the frame 20 in the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 110 mounted on the carriage 26 can also achieve the same effects as those of (1-1) to (1-5) in the first embodiment through the liquid recovery device 80. Furthermore, since the liquid recovery device 80 is the liquid recovery container 80A that recovers the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 110, the same effects as those of (1-6) in the first embodiment can be achieved.

[0181] Sixth embodiment

[0182] Next, refer to Figure 16The sixth embodiment of the liquid recovery device 80 will be described. The liquid ejection device 11 is of the same non-slide-mounted type as in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the structure of the recovery force generating portion 82 is different from that in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the first embodiment, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. The following description will focus on the particularly different structures of the liquid recovery device 80.

[0183] Figure 16 The liquid recovery device 80 of the sixth embodiment shown basically has the same structure as the liquid recovery device 80 of the first and fourth embodiments.

[0184] like Figure 16 As shown, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a carriage 26 for moving the liquid ejection unit 23, and a housing 20. The housing 20 houses the first liquid storage container 18, the second liquid storage container 60, the liquid ejection unit 23, and the carriage 26. The second liquid storage container 60 is connected to the first liquid storage container 18 via a supply channel 24. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the second liquid storage container 60 via the supply channel 24.

[0185] The second liquid storage container 60 includes a locking portion 61 that can be locked with the slide 26, and a supply port 63 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection portion 23. The supply port 63 also serves as a discharge port. The locking portion 61 is formed by, for example, a snap fitting. The locking portion 61 formed by the snap fitting is locked to the locked portion 26A (see FIG. 2 ) provided on the slide 26. Figure 4 ) on the carriage 26, thereby fixing the second liquid storage container 60 in a state of being mounted on the carriage 26.

[0186] A structure is employed in which the second liquid storage container 60 mounted on the carriage 26 is removed from the carriage 26 and placed on the liquid recovery device 80 .

[0187] When disposing of the liquid ejection device 11, for example, the user releases the locking portion 61 from the carriage 26 and removes the second liquid storage container 60 from the carriage 26. The user then removes the second liquid storage container 60 from the upper opening of the housing 20 while still connected to the supply channel 24. The second liquid storage container 60 is then placed on the liquid recovery device 80.

[0188] like Figure 16 As shown, the liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery container 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally including the liquid recovery container 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82.

[0189] The liquid recovery storage section 81 is configured to store the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The liquid recovery storage section 81 includes a recovery port 83 connectable to the discharge port 73. The liquid recovery storage section 81 includes a liquid recovery section 84 and a guide section 85.

[0190] The liquid recovery device 80 has a liquid recovery part 84 and a guide part 85. The liquid recovery part 84 has a recovery chamber 86 inside. The recovery chamber 86 can also accommodate a liquid holding component 87. A storage recess 85A is formed by the space surrounded by the upper surface of the liquid recovery part 84 and the guide part 85. The recovery port 83 and the atmosphere communication part 88 protrude upward from the upper part 84A of the liquid recovery part 84. The recovery port 83 and the atmosphere communication part 88 are connected to the recovery chamber 86. The recovery port 83 has a connection port 25B (see Figure 4 )Same structure.

[0191] The recovery port 83 is located on the liquid recovery device 80 when the liquid storage container 60 is installed. Figure 16 In the installed state shown, it is located at a position corresponding to the supply port 63. The recovery port 83 is configured to be connectable to the supply port 63 (discharge port) of the liquid storage container 60. The recovery port 83 may also include a needle (not shown) capable of pressing a valve body (not shown) in the supply port 63.

[0192] The liquid recovery device 80 includes a liquid recovery storage portion 81 and a recovery force generating portion 82. The liquid recovery device 80 is configured as a liquid recovery container 80A integrally including the liquid recovery storage portion 81 and the recovery force generating portion 82.

[0193] The recovery force generating unit 82 generates a recovery force that utilizes a force other than gravity to move the liquid in a recovery direction from the second liquid storage container 60 toward the liquid recovery device 80. The recovery force causes the liquid IL in the second liquid storage container 60 to move toward the liquid recovery device 80 through the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 83. The recovery force generating unit 82 includes a pump 89 that generates the recovery force. Specifically, the recovery force generating unit 82 includes the same pump 89 as that of the first embodiment.

[0194] The recovery port 83 and the recovery chamber 86 are connected by a recovery flow path 90. A pump 89 is provided midway in the recovery flow path 90.

[0195] The recovery force generating portion 82 includes a motor 91 as a driving source. The motor 91 is a driving source for the pump 89. The motor 91 drives the pump 89. The pump 89 ejects the liquid sucked from the recovery port 83 into the recovery chamber 86. The recovery force generating portion 82 of this embodiment is a negative pressure generating portion 92 that generates negative pressure. That is, the pump drive for ejecting the liquid sucked from the recovery port 83 into the recovery chamber 86 is implemented by the pump 89, so that a suction force that intends to suck the liquid 1L into the recovery chamber 86 is generated in the recovery port 83. Through this suction force, when the supply port 63 is connected to the recovery port 83, a negative pressure formed by the suction force is generated on the liquid 1L in the liquid storage chamber 55. That is, the force formed by the negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generating portion 92 becomes the recovery force.

[0196] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55 of the second liquid storage container 60 is located at a higher position than the highest position of the liquid level in the recovery chamber 86 of the liquid recovery device 80. In other words, the liquid recovery device 80 is configured to place the second liquid storage container 60 at a predetermined position where liquid can be recovered using water head pressure.

[0197] Effects of the Sixth Embodiment

[0198] The user places the second liquid storage container 60 removed from the slide 26 on the liquid recovery device 80. As a result of the placement, the supply port 63 is connected to the recovery port 83. When the user operates a switch (not shown), the pump 89 is driven. The liquid in the second liquid storage container 60 is recovered into the recovery chamber 86 of the liquid recovery device 80 through the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 83. Moreover, the second liquid storage container 60 is placed on the liquid recovery device 80 in a state connected to the first liquid storage container 18 through the supply flow channel 24. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery device 80 through the supply flow channel 24 and the second liquid storage container 60. In this way, the liquid 1L in the first liquid storage container 18 and the liquid 1L in the second liquid storage container 60 can be recovered into the liquid recovery device 80 while the first liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the frame 20. Therefore, it is not necessary to release the fixation of the first liquid storage container 18. Furthermore, there is no need to remove the first liquid storage container 18 from the housing 20 .

[0199] Furthermore, the second liquid storage container 60 remains connected to the supply channel 24 and is removed from the housing 20. In this case, there are sometimes limitations on the length of the supply channel 24 that can be removed from the housing 20. In this case, the liquid recovery device 80 must be placed on the same mounting surface as the liquid ejection device 11, or on a higher platform than the mounting surface. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned on the bottom 20A within the liquid ejection device 11. The positional difference in the direction of gravity Z between the liquid level within the second liquid storage container 60, which is positioned above the liquid recovery device 80, and the liquid level LP within the first liquid storage container 18 is relatively small. In other words, the head pressure when recovering the liquid 1L within the first liquid storage container 18 via the second liquid storage container 60 into the liquid recovery device 80 is reduced. However, the recovery force generated by the recovery force generating unit 82 allows the liquid 1L within the first liquid storage container 18 to be recovered into the liquid recovery device 80.

[0200] Effects of the Sixth Embodiment

[0201] According to the sixth embodiment, even in a configuration in which the second liquid storage container 60 is installed in the liquid recovery device 80, the same effects as those (1-1) to (1-5) of the first embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, since the liquid recovery device 80 is a liquid recovery container 80A that recovers the liquid IL within the liquid storage container 60, the same effects as those (1-6) of the first embodiment can be achieved. Furthermore, the following effects are also achieved.

[0202] (6-1) The second liquid storage container 60 is placed on the liquid recovery device 80 while being connected via the first liquid storage container 18 and the supply channel 24. Thus, the liquid 1L in the first liquid storage container 18 and the liquid 1L in the second liquid storage container 60 can be recovered in the liquid recovery device 80 while the first liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the frame 20.

[0203] Furthermore, the above embodiment can also be modified as in the following modified examples. Furthermore, a suitable combination of the above embodiment and the following modified examples can be used as a further modified example, and a suitable combination of the following modified examples can be used as a further modified example.

[0204] In the above-described embodiments, the liquid storage container 18, 60, 110 is not limited to being placed above the liquid recovery device 80, but may also be placed beside or below the liquid recovery device 80. Even in these configurations, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18, 60, 110 can be recovered in the liquid recovery device 80 by the recovery force.

[0205] In each of the above embodiments, the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18 and the recovery port 83 of the liquid recovery device 80 may be connected by a tube. For example, in the case of a structure in which the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83 of the liquid storage container 18 are connected by a tube, the degree of freedom in selecting the positional relationship between the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery device 80 can be increased.

[0206] In the first to fourth embodiments, the liquid storage container 18 may be retained in the frame 20 and the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 may be recovered in the liquid recovery device 80. In this case, a tube or other tubing connected to the recovery port 83 of the liquid recovery device 80 may be connected to the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18.

[0207] In the first to fourth embodiments, the discharge port 73 may be eliminated, and, for example, the injection port 53 or the supply port 52 may be used as the discharge port. For example, the recovery port 83 may be connected to the injection port 53 or the supply port 52, or the other end of a tube having one end connected to the recovery port 83 may be connected to the other end of the tube.

[0208] In each of the embodiments, the liquid recovery container 80A, which is an example of the liquid recovery device 80, may also be a structure in which the liquid recovery storage portion 81 is detachable relative to the recovery force generating portion 82. According to this structure, only the liquid recovery storage portion 81 can be used once, while the recovery force generating portion 82 can be reused. Therefore, the cost required for liquid recovery can be suppressed to a low level. The detachable liquid recovery storage portion 81 is not limited to a recovery box for storing the liquid retaining component 87, but may also be a recovery box or a recovery bag. In addition, for example, the liquid recovery storage portion 81, which is a consumable item, may be provided as a sales item, while the recovery force generating portion 82 may be provided as a rental item.

[0209] Although the liquid recovery storage section 81 and the recovery force generating section 82 are provided as an integral body in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, they may be provided as separate bodies. In other words, it may be a structure that separately includes the liquid recovery storage section 81 and the recovery force generating section 82. For example, the liquid recovery device 80 may also be a structure in which the liquid recovery storage section 81 and the recovery force generating section 82 are connected in a separate manner via a connecting member such as a tube. For example, since the pressurizing section 102 and the liquid recovery storage section 81 are connected at different positions relative to the liquid storage container 18, the separate one is easier for the user to handle, and the liquid recovery device 80 can also be miniaturized.

[0210] While the first, fourth, and sixth embodiments include electric pumps 89 and 103 driven by motors 91 and 104, pumps 89 and 103 may be manual. For example, they may be manual pumps driven by a user's manual operation, such as rotating a handle or reciprocating a lever.

[0211] The negative pressure generating unit 95 of the second embodiment is not limited to a structure that uses the elastic member 97 to change the chamber-forming member 96 from a compressed state to an expanded state, thereby increasing its volume. It can also be a structure in which the user manually generates negative pressure. For example, a syringe or a rubber bulb can be used as a manual negative pressure generating unit. In this case, the manual negative pressure generating unit 95 can be assembled into the liquid recovery container 80A or connected to the liquid recovery storage unit 81 by the user.

[0212] The elastic member 97 included in the negative pressure generating unit 95 in the second embodiment is not limited to a compression spring, but may be a foamed resin member such as sponge.

[0213] The elastic member 97 of the negative pressure generating portion 95 of the second embodiment may also use a tension spring instead of a compression spring. In this case, the elastic member 97 formed by the tension spring stretches the chamber forming member 96 from the outside. Due to the restoring force of the elastic member 97 formed by the tension spring, the chamber forming member 96 is urged in the direction of expanding the volume of the recovery chamber 98. For example, the chamber forming member 96 with a variable volume is locked by the retaining portion 99 in a contracted state. At this time, the elastic member 97 formed by the tension spring is in an extended state. When the user releases the retaining portion 99, the chamber forming member 96 expands from the compressed state in the direction of increasing the volume by utilizing the restoring force of the tension spring. Through this expansion, a suction force is generated to draw the liquid 1L in the liquid storage chamber 55 of the liquid storage container 18 toward the recovery chamber 98. This suction force becomes a recovery force, so that the liquid 1L in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the recovery chamber 98. Thus, the elastic member 97 can apply force in the direction of expanding the volume of the chamber forming member 96. In addition, the spring is not limited to a coil spring, and a leaf spring or a torsion spring can also be used. In addition, the elastic member 97 is not limited to a spring, and can also be rubber.

[0214] The liquid recovery device 80 may also include multiple recovery force generating units 82 of different types, each having different structures for generating the recovery force described in each of the above embodiments. For example, the liquid ejection device 11 may include negative pressure generating units 92 and 95 and a pressurizing unit 102 as the recovery force generating unit. Furthermore, the recovery force generating unit may be a combination of the capillary force generating unit 100 and the negative pressure generating units 92 and 95, or a combination of the capillary force generating unit 100 and the pressurizing unit 102.

[0215] In the case where the liquid recovery device 80 is electric, the motor of the liquid ejection device 11 can also be used as a driving source. For example, the following structure can be adopted, that is, when the liquid recovery device 80 is placed at a predetermined position on the outer side surface of the frame 20, the driven portion on the liquid recovery device 80 side is connected to the driving portion that outputs the power of the motor in the frame 20. The driving portion and the driven portion can also be, for example, a driving gear and a driven gear. In this case, although the motor of the driving source can also be a dedicated motor, it can also be a conveying motor that is the driving source of the conveying portion that conveys the medium M or a motor that is the driving source of the maintenance device 35.

[0216] The liquid recovery device 80 may also include a sealing member that is detachably mounted relative to the recovery port 83. The sealing member may also be a cover member that seals the recovery port 83. The sealing member can suppress leakage of liquid in the liquid recovery device 80.

[0217] The positional relationship between the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery device 80 when connected can be either a positional relationship in which the liquid can be discharged using the hydraulic head pressure or a positional relationship in which the liquid cannot be discharged using the hydraulic head pressure. Furthermore, the position of the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18 or the position of the recovery port 83 of the liquid recovery device 80 can be appropriately changed based on this positional relationship.

[0218] In each of the above embodiments, the discharge port 73 side may be formed into a shape in which a needle protrudes, and a valve body may be provided on the recovery port 83 side. In addition, the valve that connects the discharge port and the recovery port 83 when the two are connected is not limited to a valve structure that is opened and closed by a combination of a needle and a valve body. Other valves with known valve structures may also be used. In addition, the valve may be a manual on-off valve or an electric on-off valve. The manual on-off valve may also be a structure in which, after the user connects the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 83, the valve body is switched from a closed position to an open position by manual operation such as lever operation or button operation.

[0219] While the liquid ejection device 11 in the above embodiment includes multiple liquid storage containers 18, 110, it is also possible to use a liquid ejection device 11 that includes only a single liquid storage container 18, 110. For example, the single liquid storage container 18, 110 may contain black ink as the liquid. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer dedicated to monochrome printing.

[0220] The liquid retaining member 87 is not limited to nonwoven fabric or porous materials, and may be a super absorbent polymer (SAP). In other words, any material that can absorb and retain liquid may be used.

[0221] In the liquid ejection device 11, the location of the liquid storage container 18 is not limited to the front right side of the frame 20. For example, it may be located on the front left side of the frame 20. Furthermore, the liquid storage container 18 may be located on the side of the frame 20 or at the rear of the frame 20. Furthermore, the storage portion 19 of the liquid storage container 18 may be configured so that a portion of the frame 20 does not protrude outward (e.g., toward the front). Furthermore, a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 may be arranged separately on the left and right sides of the front of the frame 20.

[0222] The liquid ejecting device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer that prints on paper, but may also be a printing and dyeing device that prints on cloth.

[0223] The medium M from which the liquid is ejected by the liquid ejection device 11 may be a film made of synthetic resin, a laminated medium including a synthetic resin layer and a metal layer, or a foil made of metal (tin foil).

[0224] The liquid ejection device 11 may also be a liquid ejection device that ejects liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection device in the form of tiny droplets may include the state of granular, tear-like, or thread-like tails. The liquid mentioned here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid can be any material in the state of the substance in the liquid phase, and also includes fluid bodies such as liquid bodies with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals (metal melts). Liquid is not only a liquid as a state of matter, but also includes particles of functional materials composed of solids such as pigments or metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. As representative examples of liquids, inks or liquid crystals described in the above embodiments can be cited. Here, inks include general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot melt inks. As a specific example of a liquid ejection device, there is a device that ejects materials such as electrode materials or color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, EL (electroluminescent) displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters in a dispersed or dissolved form. The liquid ejection device can also be a device that ejects biological organic matter used in the manufacture of biochips, a device that ejects liquid used as a sample as a precision pipette, a printing and dyeing device, or a micro-dispenser. The liquid ejection device can also be a device that uses a needle tip to eject lubricating liquid to precision instruments such as clocks and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin on a substrate to form a tiny hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device can also be a device that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching liquid for etching a substrate. In such a liquid ejection device, the technology for recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 illustrated in the above-mentioned embodiments or modifications can also be applied.

[0225] Hereinafter, technical ideas and effects grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described together.

[0226] (A) A liquid recovery device, which is configured to recover liquid remaining in a liquid storage container, the liquid storage container having: an injection port portion, which is capable of injecting liquid; a supply port portion, which is capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid, the liquid storage container having a discharge port portion used in recovering the liquid, the liquid recovery device comprising: a liquid recovery storage portion, which is capable of storing liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating portion, which generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage portion; a recovery port portion, which can be connected to the discharge port portion, and uses the recovery force and recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery storage portion through the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

[0227] According to this structure, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be recovered into the liquid recovery storage part by the recovery force. Therefore, compared with the structure that uses the gravity acting on the liquid such as the head pressure to recover the liquid, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be efficiently recovered. In addition, since the structure does not rely on the gravity acting on the liquid such as the head pressure to recover the liquid, the freedom of choice of the positional relationship between the liquid storage container and the liquid recovery storage part can be expanded, for example. Therefore, for example, at least one of the more efficient recovery of the liquid and the greater freedom of position selection can be selected according to needs.

[0228] (B) In the liquid recovery device described in (A) above, it can also be configured that the recovery force generating portion includes a pump that generates the recovery force. According to this structure, since the recovery force is generated by the pump, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be easily recovered. Even if the head pressure (gravity) is not utilized, the recovery force can be obtained by the pump. Therefore, the freedom of choice of the positional relationship between the liquid storage container and the liquid recovery storage portion can be expanded.

[0229] (C) In the liquid recovery device described in (A) above, the recovery force generating unit may be a negative pressure generating unit that generates a negative pressure within the liquid recovery container. With this configuration, since the recovery force is generated by the negative pressure generating unit within the liquid recovery container, the liquid remaining in the liquid container can be efficiently recovered.

[0230] (D) In ​​the liquid recovery device described in (C) above, the negative pressure generating portion may include: a chamber forming member having a chamber with a variable volume; an elastic member applying force to the chamber forming member in a direction to expand the volume of the chamber; and a retaining portion that maintains the chamber forming member in a compressed state, the retaining portion being configured to release the compressed state.

[0231] According to this structure, when the retaining portion releases its hold, the chamber-forming member expands from a compressed state to an expanded state due to the restoring force of the elastic member. Therefore, as the chamber-forming member expands, a suction force drawn into the chamber-forming member generates a negative pressure. The suction force generated by this negative pressure serves as a recovery force, effectively recovering liquid remaining in the liquid storage container.

[0232] (E) In the liquid recovery device described in (A) above, the recovery force generating unit may be a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the liquid surface in the liquid recovery storage unit.

[0233] According to this structure, the pressurizing unit pressurizes the liquid surface in the liquid storage container, thereby generating a pressurizing force to push the liquid in the liquid storage container out. This pressurizing force is used as a recovery force, thereby efficiently recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container.

[0234] (F) In the liquid recovery devices described in (B), (C), and (E) above, the recovery force generating unit may include a motor as a driving source.

[0235] According to this structure, the recovery force is generated by the power of the motor. For example, compared with a structure that generates the recovery force by manual power, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be recovered more simply and efficiently.

[0236] (G) In the liquid recovery device described in (A) above, the recovery force generating portion may be a capillary force generating portion that exists at a connection portion between the discharge port and the recovery port and generates capillary force as the recovery force.

[0237] According to this structure, the capillary force generating portion is present at the connection portion between the discharge port and the recovery port and generates capillary force. By using the capillary force as the recovery force, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be efficiently recovered to the liquid recovery storage portion.

[0238] (H) In the liquid recovery device described in (A) above, the liquid recovery storage section may be configured such that the discharge port is connected to the recovery port when the liquid storage container is disposed above the liquid recovery storage section, and the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery storage section by connecting the discharge port and the recovery port and utilizing the water head pressure and the recovery force. According to this structure, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be recovered into the liquid recovery storage section more efficiently by utilizing both the recovery force and the water head pressure.

[0239] (I) A liquid recovery container, which is configured to recover liquid remaining in a liquid storage container and comprises: an injection port capable of injecting liquid; a supply port capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid, the liquid storage container having a discharge port used for liquid recovery, the liquid recovery container comprising: a liquid recovery storage portion having a recovery chamber capable of storing liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating portion that generates a recovery force that uses a force other than gravity to move the liquid from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage portion; and a recovery port capable of being connected to the discharge port portion, utilizing the recovery force and recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery storage portion through the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion. According to this structure, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be efficiently recovered into the liquid recovery container by the recovery force. In addition, for example, the degree of freedom in selecting the positional relationship between the liquid storage container and the liquid recovery storage portion during liquid recovery can be expanded.

[0240] Explanation of symbols

[0241] 11…Liquid ejecting device; 12…Device body; 13…Image reading device; 13A…Rotating mechanism; 15…Operating unit; 16…Display unit; 17…Operation panel; 18…Liquid storage container (first liquid storage container); 18A…Liquid storage container; 18B…Liquid storage container; 19…Storage unit; 19A…Storage unit body; 19B…Door; 19C…Side panel; 19D…Side panel; 20…Frame; 20A…Bottom; 21…Visual confirmation window; 22…Visual confirmation surface; 23…Liquid ejecting unit; 24…Supply flow path; 25…Ejection head; 25A…Nozzle forming surface; 25B…Connecting port; 25N…Nozzle; 26…Slide; 26A…Interlocked portion; 26B…Internal storage recess; 26C…Internal storage recess 26D…supply port; 26E…flow channel; 27…scanning mechanism; 28…guide shaft; 29…carriage motor; 30…pulley; 31…timing belt; 32…cover; 33…cover rod; 34…liquid bottle; 34A…supply port; 35…maintenance device; 36…liquid supply device; 37…cover; 38…discharge pipe; 39…suction pump; 40…waste liquid storage unit; 41…flow channel; 42…joining portion; 43…position regulating portion; 44…screw; 46…rail; 50…container body; 51…liquid storage unit; 51A…bottom surface; 51B…side surface; 51C…partition wall; 51D…flow channel forming wall; 52…supply port; 53…injection port; 54…atmosphere communicating portion; 55…liquid storage chamber; 56…protrusion shaped portion; 57…liquid flow path; 58…air flow path; 60…second liquid storage container (liquid storage container); 61…locking portion; 61A…locking protrusion; 62…liquid storage portion; 63…supply port; 64…supplied port; 71…fixing portion; 72…positioning portion; 73…discharge port; 74…sealing member; 76…fixed portion; 77…positioned portion; 78…valve body; 80…liquid recovery device; 80A…liquid recovery container; 81…liquid recovery storage portion; 82…recovery force generating portion; 83…recovery port; 83A…needle portion; 84…liquid recovery portion; 84A…upper portion; 84B…storage chamber; 84C…opening; 84D…hole; 84E…positioned portion; 85…guide portion; 85A…storage Recess; 85B…locking recess; 86…recovery chamber; 87…liquid holding member; 88…atmosphere communicating portion; 89…pump; 90…recovery flow path; 91…motor; 92…negative pressure generating portion; 95…negative pressure generating portion; 96…chamber forming member; 96A…upper surface; 97…elastic member; 98…recovery chamber; 99…holding portion; 100…capillary force generating portion; 101…shaft member; 102…pressurizing portion; 103…pump; 104…motor; 105…tube; 106…sealing member; 107…rotating shaft; 108…arm; 109…sealing member; 110…liquid storage container; 111…liquid storage portion; 112…supply port; 113…injection port; 114…atmosphere communicating portion; 115…locking portion;115A…Lock projection; 115B…Rod; 116…Liquid storage chamber; 117…Lid rod; 117A…Lid; 117B…Rod; 117C…Shaft; 118…Positioning portion; 119…Valve body; 200…Control unit; M…Medium; X…Width direction (scanning direction); Y…Transport direction; Z…Vertical direction (gravity direction); IL…Liquid; LP…Liquid level.

Claims

1. A liquid recovery device, characterized in that: It is configured to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container. The liquid storage container has: an injection port capable of injecting liquid; a supply port capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion for ejecting liquid, The liquid storage container has a discharge port used for recovering the liquid. The liquid recovery device comprises: a liquid recovery and storage portion capable of storing the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating unit for generating a recovery force for moving the liquid from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage unit by utilizing a force other than gravity; a recovery port, which can be connected to the discharge port, The liquid remaining in the liquid storage container is recovered in the liquid recovery storage portion by utilizing the recovery force and by connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

2. The liquid recovery device according to claim 1, wherein The recovery force generating unit includes a pump that generates the recovery force.

3. The liquid recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery force generating portion is a negative pressure generating portion that generates negative pressure in the liquid recovery storage portion.

4. The liquid recovery device according to claim 3, characterized in that The negative pressure generating unit includes: a chamber forming member having a chamber with a variable volume; an elastic member that urges the chamber-forming member in a direction to expand the volume of the chamber; a holding portion that holds the chamber forming member in a compressed state, The holding portion is configured to release the compressed state.

5. The liquid recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery force generating portion is a pressurizing portion that pressurizes the liquid surface in the liquid recovery storage portion.

6. The liquid recovery device according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 5, wherein: The recovery force generating unit includes a motor as a driving source.

7. The liquid recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The recovery force generating portion is a capillary force generating portion that exists at a connection portion between the discharge port and the recovery port and generates a capillary force as the recovery force.

8. The liquid recovery device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid recovery storage portion is a structure in which the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion are connected when the liquid storage container is arranged on the upper side of the liquid recovery storage portion. The liquid remaining in the liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery storage portion through the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion and by utilizing the water head pressure and the recovery force.

9. A liquid recovery container, characterized in that: It is configured to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container and has: an injection port capable of injecting liquid; a supply port capable of supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion for ejecting liquid, The liquid storage container has a discharge port used for recovering the liquid. The liquid recovery container comprises: a liquid recovery and storage portion having a recovery chamber capable of storing the liquid recovered from the liquid storage container; a recovery force generating unit for generating a recovery force for moving the liquid from the liquid storage container toward the liquid recovery storage unit by utilizing a force other than gravity; a recovery port, which can be connected to the discharge port, The liquid remaining in the liquid storage container is recovered in the liquid recovery storage portion by utilizing the recovery force and by connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

Images