Liquid recovery system and liquid recovery container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid collection system and a liquid collection container capable of appropriately and easily collecting liquid remaining in a liquid storage container. A liquid collection system (10) is provided with a liquid storage container (18) and a liquid collection container (80). The liquid storage container (18) is provided with a positioning part (73A) and a discharge port part (73). The liquid collection container (80) has a collection opening (85) and a portion to be positioned (86). The recovery port (85) can be connected to the discharge port (73). The positioning target part (86) can guide the positioning part (73A). The liquid storage container (18) is guided by the positioning section (86) via the positioning section (73A), and is positioned at a position at which the discharge port section (73) and the collection port section (85) can be connected with each other with respect to the liquid collection container (80). The liquid in the liquid storage container (18) is recovered to the liquid recovery container (80) by connecting the discharge port part (73) and the recovery port part (85) at the positioned position. The liquid in the liquid storage container (18) is recovered to the liquid recovery container (80) by means of the connection between the discharge port part (73) and the recovery port part (85).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid recovery system and a liquid recovery container including a liquid storage container for supplying liquid to a liquid ejection portion and a liquid recovery container for recovering liquid remaining in the liquid storage container. 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. Known liquid storage containers include replaceable cartridge-type and liquid-replenishing tank-type containers. Examples of cartridge-type containers include ink cartridges. Examples of liquid-replenishing tank-type containers include ink tanks with an inlet that allows the user to refill the liquid.

[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, since the cartridge does not have an injection port, there is less concern about liquid leakage from the cartridge.

[0005] In contrast, in the case of a can-shaped liquid storage container, since the liquid storage container is fixed to a frame or a carriage, liquid such as ink often remains within the liquid storage container, leading to the liquid ejection device being discarded. However, if the liquid ejection device tilts during disposal, the liquid within the liquid storage container may leak through the inlet where the lid has become loose or detached. The leaked liquid is not disposed of, and can sometimes cause environmental pollution. Therefore, when discarding a liquid ejection device with a can-shaped liquid storage container, it is preferable for the user to recycle the liquid within the liquid storage container before discarding the device. Furthermore, when temporarily removing the can-shaped liquid storage container from the liquid ejection device and discarding it, the same problem of liquid leakage arises when the removed liquid storage container is discarded.

[0006] However, conventionally, in liquid refill type (tank type) liquid storage containers, there has been no consideration of a structure for discharging or recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container when the liquid ejecting device is discarded.

[0007] Therefore, for example, to drain or recover liquid from a liquid storage container, it is necessary to disconnect the supply port of the liquid storage container from a supply channel such as a tube to extract the liquid from the supply port, or to extract the liquid from an injection port for liquid replenishment. Because these supply ports or injection ports are not designed to allow for liquid extraction, there is a possibility that liquid may overflow during the recovery operation, or that liquids such as ink may adhere to fingers and stain them. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a technology that facilitates draining or recovering liquid remaining in a liquid storage container when a liquid ejection device is discarded.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-69717 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The liquid recovery system for solving the above-mentioned problems comprises a liquid storage container and a liquid recovery container, wherein the liquid storage container is used in a liquid ejection device having a liquid ejection portion for ejecting liquid, in a state where the container is fixed to an installation object of the liquid ejection device in a manner capable of supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion, and the liquid storage container comprises: a fixing portion which can be fixed to the installation object; a positioning portion which can be positioned on the installation object; a discharge port portion which can discharge the liquid, and the liquid recovery container comprises: a recovery port portion which can be connected to the discharge port portion of the liquid storage container The container is connected to the liquid storage container; the positioned portion is capable of guiding the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, and the liquid storage container that is removed from the installation object by releasing the fixation implemented by the fixing portion is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected. By connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion at the positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery container by utilizing the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

[0010] The liquid recovery container for solving the above-mentioned problem is the liquid recovery container in the above-mentioned liquid recovery system, and comprises: a recovery port portion, which can be connected to the discharge port portion of the liquid storage container; a positioned portion, which can guide the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, and by allowing the positioned portion to guide the positioning portion, the liquid storage container is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected, and by connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion at the positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered by utilizing the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device in the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the liquid ejecting device when the liquid storage container is replenished with liquid.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the liquid ejecting device.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the liquid storage container and the liquid discharge portion.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view showing a state where a liquid storage container is taken out from a storage portion.

[0017] Figure 7 FIG1 is a schematic side sectional view of the liquid recovery container according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system according to a first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system according to a second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system according to a third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 It is a schematic side sectional view showing the internal structure of the liquid ejecting device in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 It is a schematic perspective view showing a liquid discharge unit equipped with a liquid storage container.

[0023] Figure 13 FIG1 is a schematic side sectional view of a liquid recovery container showing a fourth embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 It is a plan cross-sectional view showing the positioning portion of the liquid storage container and the positioned portion of the liquid recovery container.

[0026] Figure 16FIG1 is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system according to a fifth embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 It is a schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system in a third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 A schematic side sectional view showing a liquid recovery system in a modified example.

[0029] Figure 19 To express Figure 18 Schematic side cross-sectional views of liquid recovery systems according to various variations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] First embodiment

[0031] 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.

[0032] Structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0033] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The liquid ejecting device 11 will be described.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid ejecting device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink as an example of liquid.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal surface, and the direction of gravity is set as the vertical direction Z, and two directions intersecting (e.g., orthogonal) along the horizontal surface are set as the width direction X and the conveying direction Y. That is, the width direction X, the conveying direction Y, and the vertical direction Z intersect with each other (preferably orthogonal). The conveying direction Y is the direction in which the medium M is conveyed at the printing position opposite the liquid ejection unit 23 described later. In addition, one end side of the liquid ejection device 11 in the conveying direction Y is sometimes referred to as the front side, the other end side opposite to the one end side is sometimes referred to as the rear side, and one end side in the width direction X viewed from the front is sometimes referred to as the right side, and the other end side is sometimes referred to as the left side.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] like Figure 1 As 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] A storage section 19 is provided on the right side of the operation panel 17 in the liquid ejecting device 11. The storage section 19 houses at least one liquid storage container 18. In the storage section 19 of this embodiment, a plurality (five in this embodiment) of liquid storage containers 18 are housed. The storage section 19 constitutes a portion of the frame 20. In other words, the frame 20 includes a storage section 19 for housing the plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The liquid storage container 18 is a liquid tank configured to be refillable with liquid such as ink. The liquid storage container 18 is, for example, an ink tank.

[0042] The storage section 19 includes a generally box-shaped storage section body 19A that is open and faces upward, and a cover 32. The cover 32 covers the opening that is open and closeable toward the top of the storage section body 19A. The storage section body 19A has at least one (in this embodiment, five) visual confirmation windows 21 at the front. In other words, the frame 20 has visual confirmation windows 21 that open at the front of the storage section 19. The user can visually confirm the amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the visual confirmation windows 21.

[0043] The storage unit main body 19A may also be configured to include a door 19B and a pair of left and right side panels 19C and 19D. The door 19B may also constitute the front portion of the storage unit main body 19A. The visual confirmation window 21 may also be opened at a position on the door 19B corresponding to each liquid storage container 18. Alternatively, the front portion of the storage unit main body 19A may be removable through the door 19B.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are stored in the storage portion 19. The plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are arranged in a row along the width direction X in the storage portion 19. Figure 1 In 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.

[0045] 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".

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 2 As 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.

[0049] Internal structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 cover 37 that can be raised and lowered relative to the ejection head 25 in the standby position, and a discharge pipe 38 connected to the cover 37. The cover 37 is configured to be able to be opened and closed 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 contact with the nozzle forming surface 25A of the ejection head 25. The cap 37 can accommodate liquid ejected or discharged from the nozzle 25N for maintenance.

[0052] When in the capping position, the cap 37 forms a closed space between the cap 37 and the nozzle-forming surface 25A, communicating with the nozzle 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 nozzle 25N of the discharge head 25 along with the liquid. The liquid discharged from the nozzle 25N during this cleaning process is recovered in the waste liquid storage unit 40 via the cap 37 and the discharge pipe 38.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of liquid supply devices 36 are provided corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage containers 18. Figure 3 , only one liquid supply device 36 is shown. Since the plurality of liquid supply devices 36 have substantially the same structure, the structure of one liquid supply device 36 will be described below.

[0054] like Figure 3 As 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.

[0055] If the liquid storage container 18 is used 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 carriage 26. The first liquid storage container 18 is the main tank, and the second liquid storage container 60 is the sub-tank. The second liquid storage container 60 can store a smaller amount of liquid than 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 carriage 26. The second liquid storage container 60 is secured to the carriage 26 by locking it via a fixing portion 61.

[0056] 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."

[0057] 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.

[0058] The liquid storage container 18 is used in a state where it is fixed to the installation object of the liquid ejection device 11. The liquid storage container 18 can supply liquid to the liquid ejection part 23 in a state where it is fixed to the installation object. In the present embodiment, the installation object is the frame 20. The installation object is particularly the bottom 20A of the frame 20. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed relative to the bottom 20A of the frame 20 via the coupling portion 42. The coupling portion 42 is a fixing structure that is fixed by coupling with screws. In other words, the liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the bottom 20A of the frame 20 by screws. The coupling portion 42 can either fix a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 individually relative to the frame 20 or fix a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 to the frame 20 together. In addition, the specific structure of the coupling portion 42 will be described later.

[0059] The liquid storage container 18 is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the frame 20. The positioning of the liquid storage container 18 is performed by the position restriction portion 43. The position restriction portion 43 restricts the position of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the bottom 20A of the frame 20, thereby positioning the liquid storage container 18 at the predetermined position. The predetermined position is the position where the liquid storage container 18 is fixed within the storage portion 19 and is also the position where the screw connection achieved by the connection portion 42 can be performed.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] like Figure 3As 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.

[0063] Structure of the liquid storage container 18

[0064] Next, refer to Figure 4 、 Figure 5 The 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.

[0065] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, 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 and arranged on 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 partitioned chambers 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 (hydraulic head difference) generated by the height 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.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid storage container 18 has a fixing portion 71, a positioning portion 72, and a discharge port 73. The discharge port 73 only needs to be set at a position on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid storage container 18 where the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 can be discharged by utilizing the water head pressure. The discharge port 73 can also be set on the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. The discharge port 73 is set at a position that does not interfere with the fixing portion 71 and the positioning portion 72. The discharge port 73 can also be set Figure 5 At the position indicated by the double-dotted line.

[0072] The liquid storage container 18 of this embodiment is positioned and fixed relative to the frame 20 as the installation object when it is used in the liquid ejection device 11. The frame 20 has a fixed portion 76 and a positioned portion 77 at a portion corresponding to the fixing destination where the liquid storage container 18 is fixed. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed relative to the frame 20 by combining the fixing portion 71, the fixed portion 76 and the screw 44. The combining portion 42 is composed of the screw 44, the fixing portion 71 and the fixed portion 76. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned at a predetermined position fixed relative to the frame 20 by the engagement of the positioning portion 72 with the positioned portion 77. The position limiting portion 43 is composed of the positioning portion 72 and the positioned portion 77.

[0073] The fixing portion 71 is configured to secure the liquid storage container 18 to the frame 20 to which it is to be attached. The fixing portion 71 constitutes a portion of the coupling portion 42 that secures the liquid storage container 18 to the frame 20. The fixing portion 71 extends downward from the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. The fixing portion 71 may be, for example, a rib having a screw insertion hole through which the shaft of the screw 44 can be inserted.

[0074] The fixed portion 76 extends upward from, for example, the bottom portion 20A of the frame 20. The fixed portion 76 may be, for example, a rib having a screw hole into which the shaft of the screw 44 is screwed. The shaft of the screw 44, which is inserted through the screw insertion hole of the fixing portion 71, is screwed into the screw hole of the fixed portion 76, thereby securing the liquid storage container 18 to the frame 20 to which it is attached.

[0075] In addition, the fixing structure of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the frame 20 is not limited to the coupling portion 42 achieved by coupling with the screw 44, but may also be a locking structure. The locking structure is a structure in which the fixing portion 71 is a locking portion and the fixed portion 76 is a locked portion. The liquid storage container 18 may also be fixed relative to the frame 20 as the installation object by locking. In addition, the liquid storage container 18 may also be fixed relative to the storage portion 19 of the frame 20 as the installation object or the front or side of the frame 20 by coupling or locking using the fixing portion 71 and the fixed portion 76 constituting the coupling structure or the locking structure. In addition, the fixed portion 76 may be a part of the resin component constituting the exterior of the frame 20, or a part of the metal frame constituting the skeleton of the frame 20.

[0076] The positioning portion 72 is configured to position the liquid storage container 18 relative to the frame 20 to be installed. A positioned portion 77 is formed on the frame 20, and the positioned portion 77 can position the liquid storage container 18 at a predetermined position to be fixed to the frame 20. The positioned portion 77 is formed on the bottom 20A of the frame 20 at a position corresponding to the positioning portion 72. The positioning portion 72 extends downward from the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. The positioning portion 72 can also be, for example, Figure 4 The rib has an L-shaped shape when viewed from the side.

[0077] The positioned portion 77 extends upward from, for example, the bottom portion 20A of the frame 20. The positioned portion 77 may be, for example, an L-shaped rib. The engagement of the positioning portion 72 with the positioned portion 77 restricts the position of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the frame 20 to which it is attached to a predetermined position.

[0078] Figure 4 The discharge port 73 shown is capable of discharging the 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 is arranged on the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage part 51. The discharge port 73 can also be arranged at the lower part of the side surface 51B of the liquid storage part 51. In short, the discharge port 73 only needs to be in a position where the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 can be discharged by utilizing the water head pressure.

[0079] The discharge port 73 of this embodiment is a structure dedicated to recovery that is set separately from the supply port 52. Therefore, the discharge port 73 is arranged at a position suitable for recovering the liquid 1L regardless of the position of the supply port 52. The bottom surface 51A is one of the positions suitable for discharging the liquid by utilizing the head pressure. In addition, if the posture of 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.

[0080] As long as the liquid storage container 18 is configured to recover the liquid in the same manner as when it is used in the liquid ejection device 11, there is no need to worry about leakage of the liquid from the mouth or the like. Therefore, the discharge port 73 may also be provided at the lower portion of the bottom surface 51A or the side surface 51B, so that when the liquid is recovered, the liquid can be discharged using the head pressure even in the same manner as when the liquid storage container 18 is installed in the liquid ejection device 11. The discharge port 73 may also be formed into a tubular shape that protrudes downward from the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. A sealing component 74 such as a cover that seals the discharge port may also be installed on the discharge port 73 in a detachable state.

[0081] On the other hand, when the liquid storage container 18 is used as the first liquid storage container 18, a second liquid storage container 60, which is different from the first liquid storage container 18, is mounted on the carriage 26. The second liquid storage container 60 temporarily stores the liquid 1L supplied from the first liquid storage container 18 to the ejection head 25. The second liquid storage container 60 includes a fixing portion 61, a liquid storage portion 62, a supply port 63, and a supplied port 64. The downstream end of the supply channel 24, whose upstream end is connected to the supply port 52, is connected to the supplied port 64. The liquid 1L in the first liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the second liquid storage container 60 through the supply channel 24.

[0082] The liquid storage portion 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 connection port 25B is connected to the flow path 41 (see Figure 3 ) and communicates with a liquid chamber (not shown) within the discharge head 25. The nozzle 25N communicates with the liquid chamber. The liquid in the liquid storage section 62 is supplied to the discharge head 25 via the connection between the supply port 63 and the connection port 25B. The discharge head 25 discharges the liquid supplied from the liquid storage section 62 through the nozzle 25N.

[0083] The second liquid storage container 60 is mounted on the carriage 26. Figure 4 In the state shown, the second liquid storage container 60 is fixed to the carriage 26 by the locking of the fixing portion 61 and the fixed portion 26A. The second liquid storage container 60 has a fixing portion 61. The fixing portion 61 is, for example, a snap fitting and has a locking protrusion 61A. The carriage 26 is mounted on the second liquid storage container 60. Figure 4 In the illustrated state, a fixed portion 26A is provided at a position corresponding to the fixing portion 61. The fixed portion 26A is, for example, a locking recessed portion capable of being locked by the locking protrusion 61A.

[0084] About fluid supplementation

[0085] 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 time, 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. Consequently, the injection of liquid from the liquid bottle 34 into the liquid storage chamber 55 ceases.

[0086] Regarding the removal of the liquid storage container 18

[0087] 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 6 As 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 6As shown, the door 19B can also be removed from the side panels 19C and 19D by sliding along the rails 46. The door 19B is configured to be movable relative to the frame 20 between a shielding position that covers the front sides of the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 and an open position that exposes the front sides. The door 19B has a visual confirmation window 21.

[0088] By sliding or removing the door 19B a predetermined amount, the coupling portion 42 is exposed from the frame 20. Specifically, when the door 19B is in the open position, the screws 44 of the coupling portion 42 are exposed. The user can release the liquid storage container 18 secured by the coupling portion 42. Using a tool such as a screwdriver, the user loosens the screws 44 to release the coupling portion 42. After the securing is released, the liquid storage container 18 is positioned, with forward and upward movement restricted by the position restricting portion 43. Specifically, the engagement between the positioning portion 72 and the positioned portion 77 restricts the forward and upward movement of the liquid storage container 18. After removing the screws 44 and then slightly moving the liquid storage container 18 inward and then upward, the position restriction is released. In other words, the engagement between the positioning portion 72 and the positioned portion 77 is disengaged. Once the position restriction is released, the user can remove the liquid storage container 18 from the frame 20.

[0089] 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 not connected to the supply port 52. 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 provided at its upstream end closes. In this way, it is possible to suppress leakage of liquid from the connection port at the upstream end of the cut-off supply channel 24.

[0090] Structure of the liquid recovery system 10 and the liquid recovery container 80

[0091] Next, refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The structures of the liquid recovery system 10 and the liquid recovery container 80 will be described below. Hereinafter, in the drawings related to the liquid recovery system 10, the width direction X corresponding to the liquid storage container 18 when it is arranged in the liquid ejection device 11 is set as the direction A, and the depth direction of the liquid storage container 18 is set as the direction B. Figure 7A side sectional view of the liquid recovery container 80 cut along a plane intersecting the direction A is shown. Figure 8 The figure shows a side cross-sectional view of the liquid recovery system 10 cut along a plane intersecting the direction A, showing a state in which the liquid is recovered.

[0092] Figure 8 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The liquid recovery system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container 80. Figures 1 to 3 The liquid ejection device 11 and the liquid recovery container 80 shown constitute a liquid ejection system.

[0093] The first embodiment is directed to a non-carriage-mounted liquid ejecting device 11. In the non-carriage-mounted liquid ejecting device 11, a liquid storage container 18 is fixed to a housing 20. The liquid recovery system 10 is used to recover liquid such as ink remaining in the liquid storage container 18 into a liquid recovery container 80 when the user discards the liquid ejecting device 11.

[0094] The user places the liquid storage container 18, which has been removed from the frame 20, on the liquid recovery container 80. When placing the container, the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18 is connected to the recovery port 85 of the liquid recovery container 80. When the user places the container, the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 are located in a position that is hidden within the liquid storage container 18 and difficult to visually identify. Therefore, the liquid recovery system 10 of this embodiment has the function of positioning the liquid storage container 18 relative to the liquid recovery container 80. Furthermore, during the liquid recovery process, if the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 becomes loose or detached, the liquid may leak. For example, during the liquid recovery process, if the user accidentally impacts the liquid recovery system 10 or accidentally drops the liquid recovery system 10, the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 may become loose or detach. Therefore, the liquid recovery system 10 has a fixing function that secures the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery container 80 in a manner that maintains their connection. This fixing function may be a locking function for locking the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery container 80 so as to maintain the connection.

[0095] When the user recovers the liquid in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid recovery container 80 can be obtained. For example, the liquid recovery container 80 can be purchased as a package when the liquid ejecting device 11 is purchased. In addition, when the user discards the liquid ejecting device 11, the liquid recovery container 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 container 80 is accommodated in a recess provided on the frame 20 of the liquid ejecting device 11. The opening of the recess can also be covered with a cover. When the liquid ejecting device 11 is discarded, the user can also remove the cover and take out the liquid recovery container 80 from the recess for use.

[0096] Next, three embodiments of the liquid recovery system 10 are described. Figure 8 Showing the first embodiment, Figure 10 Representing the second embodiment, Figure 11 The third embodiment is shown. The first embodiment is an example in which the discharge port 73 also serves as the positioning portion 73A. The second and third embodiments are examples in which, in addition to the discharge port 73, a positioning portion 79 dedicated to recovery is provided. The first and second embodiments are also examples in which a valve is built into the discharge port 73. The third embodiment is also an example in which a valve is not built into the discharge port 73, but the discharge port is sealed with a film. Below, the first embodiment will be described first, and then the second and third embodiments will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0097] First embodiment

[0098] First, refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 8 The liquid recovery system 10 shown includes a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container 80 (see also Figure 7 The liquid recovery container 80 recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 .

[0099] The liquid recovery container 80 includes a recovery storage portion 81 and a guide portion 82. The recovery storage portion 81 has a recovery chamber 83 therein. The recovery chamber 83 is configured to store the liquid 1L recovered from the liquid storage container 18. The guide portion 82 extends upward from the edge of the upper surface of the recovery storage portion 81. A storage recess 82A is formed by the space surrounded by the upper surface of the recovery storage portion 81 and the guide portion 82. The upper portion of the recovery storage portion 81 constitutes the bottom 81A of the storage recess 82A. The storage recess 82A is a recess that stores the liquid storage container 18 placed on the liquid recovery container 80. While the liquid storage container 18 is being stored in the storage recess 82A, the side surface of the liquid storage container 18 is guided by the guide portion 82. The liquid storage container 18 is placed in the storage recess 82A while being guided by the guide portion 82.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In the installed state shown, the liquid storage chamber 55 of the liquid storage container 18 is positioned above the recovery chamber 83 of the liquid recovery container 80. That is, in the installed state, the liquid 1L remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is positioned above the recovery chamber 83 of the liquid recovery container 80. The liquid storage chamber 55 and the recovery chamber 83 are positioned so that the liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 is discharged into the recovery chamber 83 due to the hydraulic head pressure.

[0101] like Figure 8 As shown, the liquid storage container 18 has a second positioning portion 73A different from the first positioning portion 72 when the positioning portion 72 is the first positioning portion 72. That is, the second positioning portion 73A is a positioning portion provided separately from the first positioning portion 72 for recovery.

[0102] As described above, the first positioning portion 72 positions the liquid container 18 relative to the frame 20 to which it is mounted. The first positioning portion 72 is aligned with the positioned portion 77 (see FIG. 1 ) protruding from the bottom 20A of the frame 20. Figure 4 ) are engaged to position the liquid storage container 18 relative to the frame 20 to be installed.

[0103] In contrast, the second positioning portion 73A is used to position the liquid storage container 18 relative to the liquid recovery container 80. The first embodiment illustrates an example in which the discharge port 73 also serves as the second positioning portion 73A. The second positioning portion 73A is formed by the outer peripheral portion of the tubular discharge port 73. The second positioning portion 73A may also be cylindrical, for example.

[0104] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8As shown, the liquid recovery container 80 has a recovery port 85 and a positioned portion 86. The recovery port 85 is connected to the discharge port 73 on the liquid storage container 18 side. The positioned portion 86 is a portion that guides the second positioning portion 73A on the liquid storage container 18 side.

[0105] The upper portion of the recovery storage portion 81 constitutes the bottom 81A of the storage recess 82A. The recovery port 85 and the positioned portion 86 protrude upward from the bottom 81A. In addition, the atmosphere communication portion 88 may also protrude upward from the bottom 81A. The recovery port 85 and the atmosphere communication portion 88 are connected to the recovery chamber 83. The atmosphere communication portion 88 is in Figure 8 In the shown placement state, the liquid container 18 is positioned so as not to interfere with the liquid container 18 and at a protruding height.

[0106] The recovery port 85 is configured to be connectable to the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18. Figure 8 In the installation state shown, it is set at a position corresponding to the discharge port 73. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 In the illustrated example, the recovery port 85 is a needle that can be inserted into the tubular discharge port 73 .

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the outlet portion 73 incorporates a valve body 78 biased toward the outlet by a spring (not shown). The valve body 78 abuts against a valve seat (not shown) by the spring force, thereby closing the flow path of the outlet portion 73. On the other hand, when the valve body 78 overcomes the spring force and is pressed inward, it separates from the valve seat, thereby opening the flow path of the outlet portion 73.

[0108] When the recovery port 85 is connected to the discharge port 73, the needle of the recovery port 85 is inserted into the discharge port 73, thereby forcing the valve body 78 inward against its force. This opens the flow path of the discharge port 73. The needle has an internal flow path and a connecting hole at its tip.

[0109] The discharge port portion 73 is in a closed valve state before being connected to the recovery port portion 85, and the valve is opened when connected to the recovery port portion 85. The needle portion of the recovery port portion 85 is pressed into the opening of the sealing component such as the gasket on the side of the discharge port portion 73. Therefore, the connection between the needle portion of the recovery port portion 85 and the discharge port portion 73 is maintained in a liquid-tight state. The liquid in the discharge port portion 73 flows into the needle portion from the connecting hole of the needle portion and is discharged into the recovery chamber 83. In this way, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the recovery chamber 83 of the liquid recovery container 80 through the connection between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the positioned portion 86 is configured to guide the positioning portion 73A of the liquid storage container 18. As described above, the positioned portion 86 in the first embodiment is configured to guide the second positioning portion 73A dedicated to recovery that is different from the first positioning portion 72. Figure 8 In the illustrated placement state, the recovery port 85 is located at a position corresponding to the second positioning portion 73A. In the first embodiment where the discharge port 73 also serves as the second positioning portion 73A, the recovery port 85 is located at a position corresponding to the discharge port 73.

[0111] The positioned portion 86 may also be cylindrical with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the second positioning portion 73A. The cylindrical positioned portion 86 may also have a tapered guide surface near the opening at the upper end, the inner diameter of which decreases as it moves downward. By allowing the positioned portion 86 to guide the second positioning portion 73A, the liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80. Figure 8 The discharge port 73 can be connected to the recovery port 85. Figure 8 The tubular second positioning portion 73A shown in the figure prevents the two from rotating about the axis when they are engaged with the cylindrical positioned portion 86. This anti-rotation function can also be realized by convex and concave portions provided on the inner circumference of the positioned portion 86 and the outer circumference of the second positioning portion 73A, respectively, in a manner that allows them to mesh with each other.

[0112] When recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid storage container 18 is removed from the frame 20 on which it is installed in the liquid ejection device 11. Then, the liquid storage container 18 is placed in the liquid recovery container 80. The user inserts the liquid storage container 18 into the storage recess 82A of the liquid recovery container 80 with the discharge port 73 side facing downward. The side of the liquid storage container 18 is inserted along the vertical direction Z while being guided by the inner wall surface of the guide portion 82. Moreover, the liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be connected by having the second positioning portion 73A guided by the positioning portion 86. The discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 are connected at the positioned position.

[0113] The liquid storage container 18 has a second fixing portion 59 that is different from the first fixing portion 71 when the fixing portion 71 is set as the first fixing portion 71. The first fixing portion 71 is a portion (e.g., a rib) that fixes the liquid storage container 18 to the frame 20 to which it is mounted. In order to fix itself relative to the liquid recovery container 80, the liquid storage container 18 has a second fixing portion 59 dedicated to recovery in addition to the first fixing portion 71 for connection. The second fixing portion 59 is a fixing portion for locking. The second fixing portion 59 is, for example, a locking recess provided at a position in the liquid storage container 18 where it is locked relative to the liquid recovery container 80.

[0114] like Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the liquid recovery container 80 includes a fixed portion 87. The fixed portion 87 is configured to be locked with the second fixing portion 59. Figure 8 In the placement state shown, it is set at a position where it can be locked with the second fixing portion 59. Figure 7 、 Figure 8 In the example shown, the fixed portion 87 is a snap fitting provided at the upper portion of the guide portion 82. The fixed portion 87 as the snap fitting has a locking protrusion 87A and an operating lever portion 87B. Figure 8 In the set state shown, the operating lever 87B of the fixed portion 87 provided at the upper portion of the guide portion 82 is in a position operable by the user. Therefore, in the set state, the user can operate the operating lever 87B.

[0115] The second fixing portion 59 is, for example, a locking recess that can be locked with the locking protrusion 87A of the snap fitting. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the liquid recovery container 80 in a connected state by the locking of the second fixing portion 59 and the fixed portion 87.

[0116] exist Figure 8 In the set state shown, the liquid storage container 18 is locked to the fixed portion 87 by the second fixing portion 59, and is fixed to the liquid recovery container 80 in a manner that the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be maintained. Figure 8In the illustrated example, the locking protrusion 87A of the fixed portion 87, which is formed by a snap fitting, is locked in the second fixing portion 59, which is formed by a locking recess. Thus, the liquid storage container 18 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 by the locking of the second fixing portion 59 and the fixed portion 87, so that the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 is maintained. The liquid in the liquid storage container 18, which has been connected to the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 by positioning, is recovered into the liquid recovery container 80 through the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85. Alternatively, a visual confirmation window 82B may be provided on the guide portion 82 of the liquid recovery container 80 at a location corresponding to the visual confirmation surface 22 of the placed liquid storage container 18. Alternatively, the user may be able to visually confirm the amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the visual confirmation window 82B.

[0117] In addition, if Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, the liquid recovery container 80 may also have a liquid holding component 84 capable of holding liquid in the recovery chamber 83. The liquid holding component 84 is sealed in the recovery chamber 83. The liquid holding component 84 may also be a liquid absorbing component that can hold liquid by absorbing the liquid. The liquid holding component 84 may be, for example, a non-woven fabric or a porous material such as a sponge or foam material. The liquid holding component 84 may also be a component that can hold an amount of liquid equivalent to the maximum volume of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid recovery container 80 is constructed so that the liquid inside is held in the liquid holding component 84, so that even if the liquid recovery container 80 is tilted, the liquid will not leak.

[0118] In addition, the number of liquid storage containers 18 that can be placed in the liquid recovery container 80 at one time can be either one or multiple. In the case of one, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 will be recovered one by one. In the case of multiple, the liquid in multiple liquid storage containers 18 can also be recovered at one time. In the latter case, Figure 7 、 Figure 8 The liquid recovery containers 80 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be provided in the direction A in a number equal to the number of recovery ports 85 and positioned portions 86 that can be accommodated at one time. Furthermore, the liquid recovery container 80 may have a plurality of recovery chambers 83 formed therein corresponding to the respective liquid storage containers 18, or a single recovery chamber 83 may be formed common to the plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The recovery chamber 83 of the liquid recovery container 80 may have a volume sufficient to recover all of the liquid even if the liquid storage container 18 is temporarily full.

[0119] Second embodiment

[0120] Next, refer to Figure 9 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 9 The illustrated liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container 80. The liquid recovery container 80 recovers liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 when the liquid ejection device 11 is discarded, etc. The basic structure of the liquid recovery system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The following description focuses on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0121] like Figure 9 As shown, the liquid recovery container 80 includes a recovery port 85 and a positioned portion 86. The recovery port 85 is configured to be connectable to the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18. The positioned portion 86 is configured to guide the positioning portion 79 of the liquid storage container 18.

[0122] The liquid storage container 18 has a second positioning portion 79, separate from the first positioning portion 72, for recovery. In the first embodiment, the discharge port 73 also serves as the second positioning portion 73A. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the second positioning portion 79 is a dedicated positioning portion for recovery, separate from the discharge port 73. The second positioning portion 79 may, for example, be a rib extending downward from the bottom surface 51A of the liquid storage container 18. The rib may also be cylindrical or plate-shaped.

[0123] The positioned portion 86 is Figure 9 In the placement state shown, it is arranged at a position corresponding to the second positioning portion 79 of the liquid storage container 18. The positioned portion 86 can be engaged with the second positioning portion 79. By guiding the second positioning portion 79 using the positioned portion 86, the liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 can be connected. In addition, the discharge port portion 73 is located at the end portion on the side of the supply port portion 52 on the bottom surface 51A in the B direction. The structure of the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85, as well as the structure of the second fixing portion 59 and the fixed portion 87 are basically the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0124] Third embodiment

[0125] Next, refer to Figure 10 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 according to the third embodiment will be described. Figure 10The liquid recovery system 10 shown includes a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container 80. The liquid recovery container 80 has a recovery port 85 and a positioned portion 86. The recovery port 85 is configured to be connectable to the discharge port 73 of the liquid storage container 18. The discharge port 73 is tubular. A film 73B is attached to the discharge port of the discharge port 73 to seal the discharge port.

[0126] The recovery port 85 is a needle portion similar to that of the first embodiment. The needle portion of the recovery port 85 ruptures the film 73B and is inserted into the discharge port 73, thereby connecting the discharge port 73 to the recovery port 85. Liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 80 by the needle portion of the recovery port 85 inserted into the discharge port 73. Furthermore, the structures of the second positioning portion 79 and the positioned portion 86, as well as the structures of the second fixing portion 59 and the fixed portion 87, are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0127] Effects of the First Embodiment

[0128] Next, the functions of the liquid recovery system 10 and the liquid recovery container 80 of the first embodiment will be described. When the liquid ejection device 11 is discarded, the user can obtain the liquid recovery container 80. The liquid recovery container 80 may be one that is purchased together with the liquid ejection device 11, one that the user obtains from the manufacturer or a retailer, or one that is removed from the recess by removing the cover of the housing 20 of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0129] like Figure 2 As shown, the user opens the image reading device 13 and the cover 32 in the liquid ejecting device 11. Furthermore, the user opens the door 19B of the storage section 19 and loosens the screws of the exposed joint 42 to release the fixation. Thereafter, by successively moving the liquid storage container 18 inward and upward, the restriction imposed by the position restriction section 43 is released and the liquid storage container 18 is removed from the frame 20. Furthermore, if there is a limit on the length of the supply channel 24 that can be pulled out, the connection between the liquid storage container 18 and the supply channel 24 is released as needed. If a valve is provided at the end of the supply channel 24, the valve is closed, thereby suppressing leakage of liquid from the end of the supply channel 24. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the possibility of the frame 20 or fingers becoming soiled by liquids such as ink.

[0130] Next, the liquid storage container 18 is placed in the storage recess 82A of the liquid recovery container 80. The liquid storage container 18 is first guided by the guide portion 82. Next, the positioning portion 73A is guided by the positioning portion 86, so that the liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 can be connected. Then, at the positioned position, the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 are connected. At this time, the valve body 78 is pressed by the needle portion of the recovery port portion 85, so that the valve body 78 in the discharge port portion 73 overcomes the force and moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the flow path of the discharge port portion 73 is opened. Furthermore, when the liquid storage container 18 is pressed toward the liquid recovery container 80 side and placed, the second fixing portion 59 is locked with the fixed portion 87. In other words, the locking protrusion 87A of the snap fitting is locked in the locking recess. As a result, the liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the liquid recovery container 80 so that the connection state between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be maintained.

[0131] In this connected state, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 moves toward the liquid recovery container 80 due to the hydraulic head pressure. An amount of air corresponding to the volume of liquid flowing from the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 80 is expelled from the atmosphere communication portion 88. This ensures continuous movement of liquid from the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 80. The entire amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered in the liquid recovery container 80. The liquid storage container 18 is secured to the liquid recovery container 80 by a latch, maintaining the connection. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered in the liquid recovery container 80 in a stable manner. For example, this prevents the connection from loosening or falling apart due to the force of the valve body 78 of the discharge port 73. Consequently, it is possible to avoid problems such as stagnation of liquid recovery or leakage of liquid from the connection due to a poor connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 (e.g., a poor valve opening) during the liquid recovery process. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally impacts the liquid recovery system 10 or causes it to fall over, the connection is retained, preventing leakage of liquid from the connection in most cases. Even if a small amount of liquid leaks from the connection, it remains within the receiving recess 82A. Therefore, the floor or table on which the liquid recovery system 10 is placed is prevented from becoming soiled by the liquid.

[0132] The user can also visually confirm the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 by using the visual confirmation window 82B provided at a location corresponding to the visual confirmation surface 22 in the liquid recovery container 80, thereby confirming the completion of liquid recovery. When the user has finished recovering the liquid in the liquid recovery container 80, the user removes the liquid storage container 18 from the liquid recovery container 80. After operating the operating lever 87B of the fixed portion 87 to release the latch, the liquid storage container 90 is removed from the storage recess 82A of the liquid recovery container 80. This disconnects the discharge port 73 from the recovery port 85. At this time, by pulling the needle of the recovery port 85 out of the discharge port 73, the valve body 78 is forced to move from the open position to the closed position. As a result, the flow path of the discharge port 73 is closed in a liquid-tight state.

[0133] The liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container 80 will be absorbed by the liquid holding member 84. In other words, the liquid in the liquid recovery container 80 will be held by the liquid holding member 84. Even if the liquid recovery container 80 is tilted, the liquid will hardly leak. For example, the user can discard the liquid ejection device 11 after assembling the empty liquid storage container 18 on the frame 20, or can discard it separately without assembling it. In addition, the liquid recovery container 80 can also be a structure in which the recovery port 85 is sealed by a cover member (not shown).

[0134] Therefore, according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0135] (1-1) The liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container 80. The liquid storage container 18 is used in a state of being fixed to the installation object of the liquid ejection device 11. The liquid storage container 18 includes a fixing portion 71 that can be fixed to the installation object, a positioning portion 72 that can be positioned on the installation object, and a discharge port portion 73 that can discharge the liquid. The liquid recovery container 80 has a recovery port portion 85 and a positioned portion 86. The recovery port portion 85 can be connected to the discharge port portion 73 of the liquid storage container 18. The positioned portion 86 can guide the positioning portions 73A and 79 of the liquid storage container 18. The liquid storage container 18 removed from the installation object is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 can be connected by having the positioning portion 73A or 79 guided by the positioned portion 86. By connecting the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 at the positioned positions, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 80 by the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 .

[0136] According to this structure, the liquid storage container 18 can be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be connected. For example, when the liquid storage container 18 is placed on the liquid recovery container 80, it may be hidden in a part of the liquid storage container 18 or a part of the liquid recovery container 80, making it impossible to visually confirm the position of the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85, or difficult to visually confirm. Even in such a case, since the liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80, the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be easily connected. The user can easily perform the connection operation by placing the liquid storage container 18 on the liquid recovery container 80. In addition, since the discharge port 73 is connected to the recovery port 85 in a position suitable for recovery, for example, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 can be properly recovered. For example, when using the inlet 53 or the like to recover liquid, the user would need to tilt the liquid storage container 18 held by the user and pour the liquid out of the inlet 53 or the like. However, this troublesome operation is no longer necessary. Furthermore, while the pouring recovery process can easily cause liquid to spill or stain fingers, this concern is eliminated by connecting the liquid storage container 90 to the liquid recovery container 80. Therefore, liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered appropriately and easily.

[0137] (1-2) The liquid storage container 18 includes a first positioning portion 72, which serves as a positioning portion positioned on the object to be mounted, and a second positioning portion 73A, which is different from the first positioning portion 72. The second positioning portion 73A is guided by the positioned portion 86, thereby positioning the liquid storage container 18 relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position that allows the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 to connect. This configuration facilitates positioning of the liquid storage container 18 relative to the liquid recovery container 80 by using the second positioning portion 73A, which is dedicated to recovery. This makes positioning easier than when using the first positioning portion 72.

[0138] (1-3) The liquid storage container 18 has a second fixing portion 59 as a fixing portion that is different from the first fixing portion 71. The liquid recovery container 80 has a fixed portion 87 that can be fixed to the second fixing portion 59. The fixed portion 87 is configured to be locked with the second fixing portion 59. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 can be connected by allowing the positioning portion 73A to be guided by the positioned portion 86. The discharge port portion 73 is connected to the recovery port portion 85 at the positioned position. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 in a manner that can maintain the connection between the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 by locking the second fixing portion 59 with the fixed portion 87. According to this structure, regardless of the position or fixing structure of the first fixing portion 71, the liquid storage container 18 can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 by easily locking, thereby maintaining the state in which the discharge port portion 73 and the recovery port portion 85 are connected. For example, even if the fixing structure of the first fixing portion 71 relative to the frame 20 is connected using screws 44 or the like, the liquid storage container 18 can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 by locking. In other words, when recovering the liquid, there is no need for a connection operation using screws or the like. Therefore, the liquid storage container 18 can be properly and easily fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80.

[0139] (1-4) The liquid storage container 18 includes a fixing portion 71 that can be fixed to the frame 20 as an installation object, a supply port 52 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection portion 23, and a discharge port 73. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be connected by allowing the positioning portion 73A to be guided by the positioned portion 86. The discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 are connected at the positioned position. The liquid storage container 18 is locked in the fixed portion 87 by the second fixing portion 59, and is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 in a manner that can maintain the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85. According to this structure, regardless of the position or fixing structure of the first fixing portion 71, the liquid storage container 18 can be easily fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 80 by using the locking of the second fixing portion 59. For example, even if the first fixing portion 71 is fixed to the frame 20 using the screws 44 or the like, the liquid storage container 18 can be appropriately and easily fixed to the liquid recovery container 80 by locking with the second fixing portion 59 .

[0140] (1-5) Liquid recovery container 80 has the structure described in (1-1) above. Therefore, liquid storage container 18 can be positioned relative to liquid recovery container 80 so that discharge port 73 and recovery port 85 can be connected. Therefore, liquid remaining in liquid storage container 18 can be appropriately and easily recovered.

[0141] Second embodiment

[0142] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 16 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 according to the second embodiment will now be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the liquid ejection device 11, to which the liquid storage container 90 constituting the liquid recovery system 10 is fixed, is mounted on the carriage 26. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 according to the second embodiment is a carriage-mounted liquid ejection device.

[0143] Structure of the liquid ejection device 11

[0144] First, refer to Figure 11 、 Figure 12 The structure of the slide-mounted liquid ejecting device 11 will be described. Figure 11 As shown, in the carriage-mounted liquid ejecting device 11, the liquid container 90 is mounted on the carriage 26. The carriage 26 has a storage recess 26B capable of storing the liquid container 90. The liquid container 90 is stored in the storage recess 26B of the carriage 26.

[0145] The liquid storage container 90 includes a liquid storage portion 91. The liquid storage portion 91 includes a supply port 92, an injection port 93, and an atmosphere communication portion 94. The liquid storage portion 91 includes a liquid storage chamber 96 therein. The supply port 92, the injection port 93, and the atmosphere communication portion 94 communicate with the liquid storage chamber 96.

[0146] The injection port 93 is sealed by a cover rod 97 that can be opened and closed. The injection port 93 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 96 through the liquid flow path 57 and the air flow path 58. The user can open the liquid bottle 34 (see Figure 2 ) is connected to the injection port 93, so that the liquid is replenished from the liquid bottle 34 to the liquid storage container 90. The replenished liquid is stored in the liquid storage chamber 96.

[0147] The supply port 92 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 92. By connecting the supply port 92 and the supplied port 26D, the liquid storage chamber 96 in the liquid storage container 90 communicates with the flow channel 26E formed in the carriage 26 through the supply port 92. Liquid in the liquid storage container 90 is supplied to the ejection head 25 through the flow channel 26E.

[0148] The liquid storage container 90 is positioned relative to the carriage 26 by engaging the supply port 92 with the supplied port 26D. The liquid storage container 90 includes a fixing portion 95 for securing the liquid when mounted on the carriage 26. The liquid storage container 90 may include the fixing portion 95, for example, on the upper side of the body housing portion 91. The fixing portion 95 may be, for example, a snap-fit ​​fitting. The carriage 26 includes the fixing portion 95, which is formed of a snap-fit ​​fitting, and a fixed portion 26C capable of locking therewith. The fixed portion 26C may also be a locking recess.

[0149] like Figure 12 As shown, multiple liquid storage containers 90 are mounted on the carriage 26. The carriage 26 has multiple storage recesses 26B that can accommodate each of the liquid storage containers 90. The multiple liquid storage containers 90 are stored in the multiple storage recesses 26B. The multiple liquid storage containers 90 are secured to the carriage 26 by multiple fixing portions 95 provided at the ends opposite the injection port 93 in the Y direction.

[0150] The cover lever 97 includes a cover portion 97A and a lever portion 97B. The base end of the lever portion 97B is rotatably supported relative to a shaft portion 97C mounted on the upper surface of the liquid storage container 90. The cover lever 97 can be opened and closed between a sealing position for sealing the inlet portion 93 and an opening position for opening the inlet portion 93.

[0151] Liquids of various colors supplied from a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are ejected from the ejection head 25. The carriage 26 is driven forward and reverse by a carriage motor 29, thereby rotating a timing belt 31 wound around a pulley 30 forward and reverse, thereby reciprocating 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.

[0152] Structure of the liquid recovery system 10

[0153] Next, refer to Figures 13 to 16 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 in the second embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, two examples of the liquid recovery system 10 will be described. Figures 13 to 15The liquid recovery system 10 of the fourth embodiment is as follows: Figure 16 This is a fifth embodiment of the liquid recovery system 10. The liquid recovery system 10 of the fourth embodiment is an example in which the fixing portion 95 of the liquid storage container 90 is used to fix the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100. The liquid recovery system 10 of the fifth embodiment is an example in which a second fixing portion 91A of the liquid storage container 90, which is different from the fixing portion 95, is used to fix the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100.

[0154] Fourth embodiment

[0155] First, refer to Figures 13 to 15 The liquid recovery system 10 of the fourth embodiment will be described. The liquid recovery system 10 recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 90 mounted on the carriage 26 into the liquid recovery container 100 .

[0156] The basic structure of the liquid recovery system 10 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition, the detailed description of the structure common to the first embodiment will be omitted below.

[0157] Figure 14 The liquid recovery system 10 shown includes a liquid storage container 90 and a liquid recovery container 100. The liquid storage container 90 is used in a state fixed to a slide 26 as an example of an installation object of the liquid ejection device 11. The liquid storage container 90 includes a fixing portion 95 that can be fixed to the slide 26, a positioning portion 98 that can be positioned on the slide 26, and a supply port 92 that can discharge the liquid. The supply port 52 also serves as a discharge port for discharging the liquid during recovery. The positioning portion 98 is formed by the concave and convex shape of the outer peripheral surface of the supply port 92. In other words, the outer peripheral portion of the supply port 92 also serves as the positioning portion 98.

[0158] like Figure 13 、 Figure 14 As shown, the liquid recovery container 100 has a recovery storage portion 101 and a guide portion 102. The recovery storage portion 101 has a recovery chamber 103 therein. The recovery chamber 103 is configured to be able to store the liquid 1L recovered from the liquid storage container 90. The guide portion 102 extends upward from the edge of the upper surface of the recovery storage portion 101. A storage recess 102A is formed by the space surrounded by the upper surface of the recovery storage portion 101 and the guide portion 102. The upper portion of the recovery storage portion 101 constitutes the bottom 101A of the storage recess 102A. The liquid recovery container 100 is stored in the storage recess 102A when the liquid storage container 90 is placed. While the liquid storage container 90 is being stored in the storage recess 102A, the side of the liquid storage container 90 is guided by the guide portion 102.

[0159] The liquid recovery container 100 has a recovery port 105 and a positioned portion 106. The recovery port 105 and the atmosphere communication portion 107 protrude upward from the bottom 101A of the storage recess 102A. The recovery port 105 and the atmosphere communication portion 107 communicate with the recovery chamber 103. The positioned portion 106 is located at Figure 14 In the set state shown, it is set at a position corresponding to the supply port 92 of the liquid storage container 90.

[0160] The recovery port 105 is configured to be connectable to the supply port 92 of the liquid storage container 90. Figure 14 In the installation state shown, it is arranged at a position corresponding to the supply port 92 on the liquid storage container 90 side. Figure 13 、 Figure 14 In the example shown, the recovery port 105 is a needle that can be inserted into the tubular supply port 92. When the needle of the recovery port 105 is inserted into the supply port 92, the valve body 99 in the supply port 92 is pressed in by the needle to overcome its force, thereby opening the flow path of the supply port 92. The needle of the recovery port 105 has a structure that is basically the same as the needle of the discharge port 73 in the first embodiment. The needle of the recovery port 105 has a needle inside. Figure 13 Flow channel 105A is shown. Figure 14 The supply port 92 shown is in a closed valve state before being connected to the recovery port 105 , and is opened when connected to the recovery port 105 .

[0161] like Figure 14 As shown, by causing the positioned portion 106 to guide the positioning portion 98, the liquid storage container 90 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 at a position where the supply port portion 92, which also serves as the discharge port portion, and the recovery port portion 105 can be connected. The liquid storage container 90 has a supply port portion 92 protruding downward from its bottom surface, and a positioning portion 98 formed at the outer peripheral portion of the supply port portion 92. The positioned portion 106 is recessed in the bottom portion 101A as a concave portion. The concave positioned portion 106 can accommodate the supply port portion 92 protruding downward from the bottom surface of the liquid storage container 90 and the positioning portion 98 at the outer peripheral portion thereof. In addition, the detailed structure of the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 will be described later.

[0162] About the positioning function

[0163] Next, refer to Figure 15 Next, the positioning function of the liquid recovery system 10 will be described. Figure 15 Indicates Figure 14The cross section of the liquid recovery system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a cross section of the connection portion between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 cut along a direction intersecting the connection direction. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of positioning portions 98 are protruded outward on the outer peripheral surface of the supply port 92. Figure 15 In the example shown, the positioning portion 98 is composed of a plurality of protrusions. Figure 15 In the cross-sectional top view shown, the portion 106 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the supply port 92 in a cross-shaped manner, for example. Meanwhile, the positioned portion 106 is configured to guide the positioning portion 98 of the liquid storage container 90. The positioned portion 106 has a plurality of recesses 106A at positions corresponding to the positioning portion 98. These recesses 106A can engage with the positioning portion 98, which is formed of projections, at intervals.

[0164] like Figure 15 As shown, when the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected, the needle of the recovery port 105 is inserted into the connecting hole 92A of the tubular supply port 92. A connecting hole 105B is opened at the top of the needle of the recovery port 105. The connecting hole 105B is connected to the flow channel 105A in the needle (see Figure 13 ) connected.

[0165] The liquid storage container 90, removed from the carriage 26, is placed on the liquid recovery container 100. At this point, the positioning portion 98 is guided by the positioned portion 106, positioning the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100 at a position where the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be connected. Specifically, the positioning portion 98, formed of a protruding portion, engages with the recessed portion 106A, positioning the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 80 at a position where the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be connected. At this positioned position, the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected.

[0166] like Figure 14 As shown, the liquid recovery container 100 has a fixed portion 102B that can be fixed to the fixing portion 95 of the liquid storage container 90. In the case of a snap-fit ​​accessory, the fixing portion 95 has a locking protrusion 95A and an operating lever portion 95B. The fixed portion 102B can also be a locking recessed portion that is provided at a position that can be locked with the locking protrusion 95A when the liquid storage container 90 is placed. In this way, in the liquid recovery system 10 of the fourth embodiment, the liquid storage container 90 uses the fixing portion 95 used for locking with the slide 26, and the liquid storage container 90 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 100 by locking.

[0167] When the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected, the locking protrusion 95A of the fixing portion 95 is locked in the locking recess of the fixed portion 102B. In this way, the liquid storage container 90 is fixed to the liquid recovery container 100 by the locking of the fixing portion 95 and the fixed portion 102B, so that the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be maintained. Furthermore, the liquid in the liquid storage container 90 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 100 through the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105.

[0168] In addition, the liquid storage container 90 can also be Figure 14 The right front surface of the liquid storage chamber 96 includes a visual confirmation surface 91B that allows visual confirmation of the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber 96. Alternatively, a visual confirmation window 102C may be provided on the guide portion 102 of the liquid recovery container 100 at a location corresponding to the visual confirmation surface 91B of the placed liquid storage container 90. Alternatively, the user may be able to visually confirm the liquid level in the liquid storage container 90 through the visual confirmation window 102C.

[0169] Fifth embodiment

[0170] Next, refer to Figure 16 Next, a liquid recovery system 10 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 16 The illustrated liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 90 and a liquid recovery container 100 .

[0171] The liquid storage container 90 has a second fixing portion 91A that is different from the first fixing portion 95 when the fixing portion 95 is set as the first fixing portion 95. The liquid recovery container 100 has a fixed portion 108, and the fixed portion 108 is configured to be able to be locked with the second fixing portion 91A. The fixed portion 108 is, for example, a snap fitting. The fixed portion 108 has a locking protrusion 108A and an operating lever portion 108B. The fixed portion 108 can also be provided on the guide portion 102, for example. The second fixing portion 91A can also be a locking recess that can be locked with the locking protrusion 108A of the fixed portion 108. In this way, the liquid recovery system 10 can also be a structure in which the first fixing portion 95 used for locking with the slide 26 is not used, but a second fixing portion 91A and a fixed portion 108 dedicated to recovery are provided.

[0172] The liquid storage container 90 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 at a position where the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be connected, by having the positioning portion 98 guided by the positioned portion 106. At this positioned position, the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected. The liquid storage container 90 is secured relative to the liquid recovery container 100 by the second fixing portion 91A and the fixed portion 108, maintaining the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105.

[0173] Effects of the Second Embodiment

[0174] In the liquid recovery system 10 of the second embodiment, when the carriage-mounted liquid ejecting device 11 is discarded, for example, the liquid storage container 90 containing residual liquid is removed from the carriage 26 and placed above the liquid recovery container 100. Liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 90 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 80 using hydraulic pressure. When using hydraulic pressure, for example, the liquid storage container 90 is placed above the liquid recovery container 80. In this case, the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are hidden within the liquid storage container 90, making them difficult for the user to visually identify. However, by using the positioned portion 106 to guide the positioning portion 98, the liquid storage container 90 can be positioned appropriately relative to the liquid recovery container 80. As a result, the user can relatively easily position the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100 with the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 connected.

[0175] Furthermore, when the positioned liquid storage container 90 is pressed toward the liquid recovery container 100 and placed, the fixing portion 95 or the second fixing portion 91A is locked with the fixed portions 102B and 108. For example, the locking protrusions 95A and 108A of the snap fitting are locked in the locking recesses. Therefore, the liquid storage container 90 can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 100 in a manner that maintains the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105. Therefore, the liquid in the liquid storage container 90 can be recovered into the liquid recovery container 80 in a stable state. For example, the connection can be prevented from loosening or falling off due to the force of the valve body 99 of the supply port 92. Therefore, it is possible to avoid undesirable situations such as stagnation of liquid recovery or leakage of liquid from the connection portion due to poor connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 during the liquid recovery process. Furthermore, even if the user accidentally impacts the liquid recovery system 10 or causes the liquid recovery system 10 to fall over, the system can be locked while maintaining the connection state, thereby preventing leakage of liquid from the connection portion in most cases.

[0176] Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0177] (2-1) The liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 90 and a liquid recovery container 100. The liquid storage container 90 is used while being fixed to the slide 26, which is an example of an installation object of the liquid ejecting device 11. The liquid storage container 90 includes a fixing portion 95 that can be fixed to the slide 26, a positioning portion 98 that can be positioned on the slide 26, and a supply port 92 that also serves as a discharge port for discharging liquid. The liquid recovery container 100 includes a recovery port 105 and a positioned portion 106. The recovery port 105 can be connected to the supply port 92 of the liquid storage container 90. The positioned portion 106 can guide the positioning portion 98 of the liquid storage container 90. The liquid storage container 90 removed from the slide 26 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 at a position where the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be connected, by having the positioning portion 98 guided by the positioned portion 106. By connecting the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 at the positioned positions, the liquid in the liquid storage container 90 is recovered in the liquid recovery container 100 by the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 .

[0178] This structure allows the liquid storage container 90 to be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 so that the supply port 92, which also serves as the discharge port, and the recovery port 105 can be connected. For example, when the liquid storage container 90 is placed on the liquid recovery container 100, it may be hidden within a portion of the liquid storage container 90 or within a portion of the liquid recovery container 100, making the positions of the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 impossible or difficult to visually confirm. Even in such situations, the positioning of the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100 makes it easy to connect the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105. This makes it easier for the user to connect the liquid storage container 90 to the liquid recovery container 100. Furthermore, since the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected in a position suitable for recovery, for example, the liquid in the liquid storage container 90 can be properly recovered. For example, in the past, when recovering liquid from the supply port 92, the supply port 92 would close when the liquid storage container 90 was removed from the slide 26 to which it was installed. Therefore, it was necessary to recover the liquid from another port, such as the injection port 93. Although in this case it was necessary to tilt the liquid storage container 90 held by the user and pour out the liquid from the injection port 93, etc., this troublesome operation is no longer necessary. In addition, although the pouring recovery operation is prone to spillage of liquid or staining of fingers by liquid, this concern does not exist as long as the structure is such that the liquid storage container 90 is connected to the liquid recovery container 100. Therefore, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 90 can be properly and easily recovered.

[0179] (2-2) The fixing portion 95 is fixed relative to the fixed portion 26C of the mounting object by locking. The liquid recovery container 100 also has a fixed portion 102B that can be locked with the fixing portion 95. The liquid storage container 90 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 by having the positioning portion 98 guided by the positioned portion 106 at a position where the supply port 92, which also serves as the discharge port, and the recovery port 105 can be connected. At this positioned position, the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected. The liquid storage container 90 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 100 by locking the fixing portion 95 with the fixed portion 102B in a manner that maintains the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105. According to this structure, the liquid storage container 90 can be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 so that the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be connected, and the positioned discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 can be fixed in their connected state. That is, the liquid storage container 90 can be easily positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100, and the connected state can be maintained. Therefore, the liquid storage container 18 can be easily positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100, and liquid can be stably recovered from the connected liquid storage container 18 to the liquid recovery container 80.

[0180] (2-3) The liquid storage container 18 has a fixing portion 95 and a supply port 92. The fixing portion 95 can be detachably locked relative to the slide 26 as the installation object. The supply port 92 can supply liquid to the liquid ejection portion 23. The positioning portion 98 is guided by the positioned portion 106. Thus, the liquid storage container 90 is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100 at a position where the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be connected. At this positioned position, the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 are connected. The liquid storage container 90 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 100 in a manner that can maintain the connection state of the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 by locking the fixing portion 95 and the fixed portion 102B. According to this structure, the liquid storage container 90, which has been released and removed from the carriage 26, can be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 100, and the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 can be maintained in a state of being connected. Therefore, the positioning and fixing of the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100 are relatively easy.

[0181] (2-4) In the fifth embodiment, the liquid storage container 90 includes a second fixing portion 91A, which is different from the first fixing portion 95, as a fixing portion. The liquid recovery container 100 includes a fixed portion 108 that can be locked with the second fixing portion 91A. The locking of the second fixing portion 91A with the fixed portion 108 secures the liquid storage container 90 to the liquid recovery container 100 with the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 connected. This structure facilitates positioning and fixing of the liquid storage container 90 relative to the liquid recovery container 100.

[0182] (2-5) Liquid recovery container 100 has the structure described in (2-1) above. Therefore, liquid storage container 90 can be positioned relative to liquid recovery container 100 so that supply port 92 (discharge port) and recovery port 105 can be connected. Therefore, liquid remaining in liquid storage container 90 can be appropriately and easily recovered.

[0183] Third embodiment

[0184] Next, refer to Figure 17 The structure of the liquid recovery system 10 of the third embodiment will be described. The basic structure of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition, regarding the liquid storage container 60 and the liquid recovery container 110, the same symbols are attached to the common structures of the first and second embodiments, and their detailed description is omitted.

[0185] The liquid ejection device 11 is a non-carriage mounted type liquid ejection device similar to the first embodiment. The third embodiment is a structure in which the liquid storage container 60 mounted on the carriage 26 is removed from the carriage 26 and mounted on the liquid recovery container 110 .

[0186] like Figure 17 As shown, the liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 60 and a liquid recovery container 110 .

[0187] like Figure 17 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 liquid containers 18 and 60, the liquid ejection unit 23, and the carriage 26.

[0188] The liquid storage containers 18 and 60 include a first liquid storage container 18 fixed to the frame 20 as an attachment target, and a second liquid storage container 60 fixed to the carriage 26 as an attachment target.

[0189] The second liquid storage container 60 is connected to the first liquid storage container 18 through the supply channel 24. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the second liquid storage container 60 through the supply channel 24. The second liquid storage container 60 has a fixing portion 61 that can be clamped on 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 fixing portion 61 is composed of, for example, a snap-fit ​​fitting. By clamping the fixing portion 61 composed of the snap-fit ​​fitting to the fixed portion 26A (see Figure 4 ) on the carriage 26, thereby fixing the second liquid storage container 60 while being mounted on the carriage 26.

[0190] The user releases the locking mechanism between the fixing portion 61 and the carriage 26 to remove the second liquid storage container 60 from the carriage 26. The second liquid storage container 60, while still connected to the supply channel 24, is removed from the upper opening of the housing 20. The second liquid storage container 60, while still connected to the supply channel 24 through which the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container 18 is transferred, is placed on the liquid recovery container 110.

[0191] The second liquid storage container 60 includes a fixing portion 61 and a positioning portion 98 (see Figure 15 ) and supply port 63.

[0192] The fixing portion 61 used for locking with respect to the carriage 26 is also used for fixing with respect to the liquid recovery container 110. The fixing portion 61 is, for example, a snap fitting and has a locking protrusion 61A.

[0193] Although the positioning portion 98 is Figure 17 is omitted, but is the same as that in the second embodiment Figure 15 The positioning portion 98 is configured to position the liquid container 60 relative to the carriage 26. The positioning portion 98 may be a plurality of protrusions formed on the outer periphery of the supply port 63.

[0194] The supply port 63 also serves as a discharge port and can discharge the liquid. The supply port 52 serves as a discharge port for discharging the liquid into the liquid recovery container 110 .

[0195] like Figure 17 As shown, the liquid recovery container 110 has a recovery port 115 and a positioned portion 106 (see Figure 15). The liquid recovery container 110 has a recovery storage portion 111 and a guide portion 112. The recovery storage portion 111 has a recovery chamber 113 inside. The recovery chamber 113 may also accommodate a liquid holding component 114. The storage recess 112A is formed by the space surrounded by the upper surface of the recovery storage portion 111 and the guide portion 112. The upper portion of the recovery storage portion 111 constitutes the bottom 111A of the storage recess 112A. The recovery port portion 105 and the atmosphere communication portion 117 protrude from the bottom 111A. The recovery port portion 105 and the atmosphere communication portion 117 are connected to the recovery chamber 113. The recovery port portion 105 has a connection port portion 25B (refer to Figure 4 )Connecting portion 116 of the same structure.

[0196] The recovery port 115 is configured to be connectable to the supply port 63 (discharge port) of the liquid storage container 60. The recovery port 115 is connected to the liquid storage container 18 when the liquid storage container 18 is placed in the liquid recovery container 80. Figure 17 In the installed state shown, it is located at a position corresponding to the supply port 63. The recovery port 115 includes the aforementioned connecting portion 116, which has a circular recessed portion that can be connected to the tubular supply port 63. The recovery port 105 may also include a needle portion (not shown) protruding from the bottom surface of the recessed portion of the connecting portion 116.

[0197] Although the positioned portion 106 is Figure 17 is omitted, but may be the same as in the second embodiment Figure 15 The positioned portion 106 has the same structure as the positioned portion shown in FIG. The positioned portion 106 can guide the positioning portion 98. The positioned portion 106 can also be formed on the inner periphery of the recessed portion of the connecting portion 116. The positioning portion 98 is composed of a plurality of convex portions formed on the outer periphery of the supply port 63. The positioned portion 106 has a plurality of concave portions 106A (see FIG. 1 ) that can mesh with the positioning portion 98 composed of a plurality of convex portions. Figure 15 ).

[0198] When the second liquid storage container 60 is placed on the liquid recovery container 110, the positioning portion 98 is guided by the positioned portion 106, thereby positioning the second liquid storage container 60 relative to the liquid recovery container 110 at a position where the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 can be connected. In this positioned position, the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 are connected. The second liquid storage container 60 is secured to the liquid recovery container 110 by the engagement of the fixing portion 61 with the fixed portion 112B, maintaining the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115. Liquid within the second liquid storage container 60 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 110 through the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115. Furthermore, the second liquid storage container 60 is secured to the liquid recovery container 110 while being connected to the first liquid storage container 18 via the supply channel 24. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 110 through the second liquid storage container 60 and the supply flow path 24 .

[0199] Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0200] (3-1) The liquid recovery system 10 includes a liquid storage container 60 and a liquid recovery container 110. The liquid recovery container 110 includes a recovery port 115 and a positioned portion 106. The recovery port 115 can be connected to the supply port 63 (discharge port) of the liquid storage container 60. The positioned portion 106 can guide the positioning portion 98 of the liquid storage container 60. The liquid storage container 60 removed from the slide 26 to be installed is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 110 at a position where the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 can be connected by allowing the positioning portion 98 to be guided by the positioned portion 106. By connecting the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 at the positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container 60 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 110 by utilizing the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115. According to this structure, the liquid storage container 60 can be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 110 at a position where the supply port 63 (discharge port) and the recovery port 115 can be connected.

[0201] (3-2) The liquid ejection device 11 includes a carriage 26 that moves the liquid ejection unit 23, and a frame 20 that accommodates the liquid storage containers 18, 60, the liquid ejection unit 23, and the carriage 26. The liquid storage containers 18, 60 include a first liquid storage container 18 fixed to the frame 20 as the installation object, and a second liquid storage container 60 fixed to the carriage 26 as the installation object. The second liquid storage container 60 is connected to the supply flow channel 24 that moves the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container 18. The second liquid storage container 60 has a fixing portion 61 that can be locked to the carriage 26, and a supply port 63 that supplies liquid to the liquid ejection unit 23. The supply port 63 also serves as a discharge port. The liquid recovery container 110 has a fixed portion 112B that can be fixed to the fixing portion 61 of the second liquid storage container 60. The second liquid storage container 60, removed from the carriage 26, is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 110 at a position where the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 can be connected, with the positioning portion 98 guided by the positioned portion 106. At this positioned position, the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115 are connected. The second liquid storage container 60 is secured to the liquid recovery container 110 by the locking engagement of the fixing portion 61 and the fixed portion 112B, maintaining the connection between the supply port 63 and the recovery port 115. This structure allows the second liquid storage container 60 to be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container 110 and maintained in its connected state when the second liquid storage container 60, removed from the carriage 26, is connected to the liquid recovery container 110 to recover liquid. Furthermore, since the connection is maintained by the locking mechanism, it is easier to secure than with screws or the like.

[0202] (3-3) The second liquid storage container 60 is fixed to the liquid recovery container 110 while being connected to the first liquid storage container 18 via the supply channel 24. The liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 110 via the second liquid storage container 60 and the supply channel 24. With this structure, even if the first liquid storage container 18 is released from the fixing, the liquid in the first liquid storage container 18 can be recovered into the liquid recovery container 110 via the second liquid storage container 60 and the supply channel 24.

[0203] (3-4) Liquid recovery container 110 has the structure described in (3-1) above. Therefore, liquid storage container 60 can be positioned relative to liquid recovery container 110 so that supply port 63 (discharge port) and recovery port 115 can be connected. Therefore, liquid remaining in liquid storage container 18 can be appropriately and easily recovered.

[0204] Change Example

[0205] 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.

[0206] Although the liquid recovery system 10 of the first embodiment has both positioning and fixing functions, it may also have only the positioning function. Figure 18 Although the positioning portion 73A and the positioned portion 86 are shown, a structure without the second fixing portion and the fixed portion is also possible. For example, as long as the liquid storage container 18 is supported by the guide portion 82 or the liquid storage container 18 can maintain the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85 by its own weight, there is no problem.

[0207] Although the liquid recovery system 10 of the second embodiment has both positioning and fixing functions, it may also have only the positioning function. Figure 19 Although the structure shown in FIG. 1 includes a positioning portion 98 and a positioned portion 106, it is also possible to have a structure without a fixing portion and a fixed portion. For example, as long as the liquid storage container 90 is supported by the guide portion 102 or the liquid storage container 90 can maintain the connection between the supply port 92 and the recovery port 105 by its own weight, there is no problem.

[0208] In the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 18 may be configured to be tilted so as to be placed on the liquid recovery container 80, and the supply port 52 may be used as the discharge port. Even if the liquid storage container 18 is tilted, as long as there is no concern about leakage of liquid from other ports such as the injection port 53 or the atmosphere communication portion 54, the supply port 52 may be configured to also serve as the discharge port. In addition, in the case of a structure in which the supply port 52 of the liquid storage container 18 is provided at the lower portion of the side surface 51B or on the bottom surface 51A, the supply port 52 may also serve as the discharge port. In this case, a portion corresponding to the supply port 52 may be provided on the supply port 52. Figure 4 The same valve is shown as the discharge port 73 .

[0209] The anti-rotation function achieved by the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 can be achieved by any combination in which one of the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 is a convex portion and the other is a concave portion. For example, the positioning portion 98 can be a concave portion and the positioned portion 106 can be a convex portion. Furthermore, the number of convex and concave portions can be other than four, and can be one, two, three, or five or more. In short, any combination that can achieve the anti-rotation function is sufficient.

[0210] The anti-rotation function achieved by the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 is not limited to that achieved by the engagement of the convex and concave portions. For example, the anti-rotation function can also be achieved by forming the outer and inner circumferences of the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 into a polygonal cylindrical shape, such as a triangular cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, or a hexagonal cylindrical shape.

[0211] The anti-rotation function achieved by the positioning portion 98 and the positioned portion 106 may not be provided. Alternatively, the outer circumference of the supply ports 92 and 63 and the inner circumference of the recovery ports 105 and 115 may both be cylindrical without projections and depressions, and the positioning may be achieved by inserting one into the other.

[0212] The inner circumferential surface of the positioned portion 86, 106 may have a tapered guide surface in part to guide the discharge port 73 or the supply port 92, 63. The tapered guide surface may have a surface shape that narrows toward the inner side, for example.

[0213] In each of the above embodiments, positioning can also be performed by the guide portions 82, 102, 112. That is, a structure can be adopted in which the side surfaces of the liquid storage container 18, 90, 60 and the guide portions 82, 102, 112 are provided as the positioning portion and the positioned portion. Furthermore, protrusions and grooves that enable sliding guidance can be formed on the side surfaces of the liquid storage container 18, 90, 60 and the inner surfaces of the guide portions 82, 102, 112. In these cases, the positioning portions 73A, 79, 98 and the positioned portions 86, 106 can also be omitted. In this way, it is not necessary to provide the positioning portion and the positioned portion on the opposing surface sides when connecting the liquid storage container 18, 90, 60 and the liquid recovery container 80, 100, 110.

[0214] In each embodiment, the liquid recovery container 80, 100, 110 may be configured without the guide portion 82, 102, 112. In this case, the liquid recovery container 80, 100, 110 may include a fixed portion 87, 108 in the recovery and storage portion 81, 101, 111. In this case, the liquid storage container 18, 90, 60 may include a second fixing portion 59, 91A at a position capable of engaging with the fixed portion 87, 108. Furthermore, a recessed portion may be provided at the top of the recovery and storage portion 81, 101, 111 to accommodate liquid that temporarily leaks from the connection between the discharge port 73 or the supply port 63, 92 and the recovery port 85, 105, 115. In this case, even if the receiving recessed portion 82A, 102A, 112A is omitted and liquid leaks from the connection, the floor or table can be prevented from being soiled by the liquid.

[0215] In the third embodiment, the liquid storage container 60 may also include a second fixing portion, different from the first fixing portion 61, as a fixing portion. The liquid recovery container 110 may also include a fixed portion that can be locked with the second fixing portion. In other words, the liquid storage container 60 may also include a second fixing portion dedicated to recovery. By locking the second fixing portion with the fixed portion, the liquid storage container 60 is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 110 in a state where the supply port 63 (discharge port) and the recovery port 115 are connected. According to this structure, the liquid storage container 60 can be easily positioned and fixed relative to the liquid recovery container 110. For example, the second fixing portion can be provided at a position suitable for fixing to the liquid recovery container 110, regardless of the position of the fixing portion 61 suitable for fixing relative to the slide 26. In this case, the liquid storage container 60 can be appropriately fixed at a position suitable for fixing relative to the liquid recovery container 110.

[0216] In the third embodiment, a structure in which the first liquid storage container 18 and the second liquid storage container 60 are placed together on the liquid recovery container to recover liquid can also be used. In this case, the liquid recovery system 10 can also include two liquid recovery containers: a liquid recovery container for the first liquid storage container 18 and a liquid recovery container for the second liquid storage container 60. Furthermore, a common liquid recovery container that can accommodate either the first liquid storage container 18 or the second liquid storage container 60 can also be used. In this case, the liquid recovery container only needs to have at least the positioning function of either the first liquid storage container 18 or the second liquid storage container 60.

[0217] In the first embodiment, the fixing portion 71 used for fixing the liquid recovery container 80 to the frame 20 may also serve as a fixing portion for fixing the liquid recovery container 80 to the fixed portion. Furthermore, the positioning portion 72 used for positioning the liquid recovery container 80 may also serve as a positioning portion guided by the positioned portion on the liquid recovery container 80 side.

[0218] In the first embodiment, the relationship between the snap fittings and the locking recesses of the second fixing portion 59 and the fixed portion 87 may be reversed. In other words, the second fixing portion 59 may be a snap fitting and the fixed portion 87 may be a locking recess.

[0219] In the second embodiment, the relationship between the snap fittings and the locking recesses of the fixing portion 95 and the fixed portion 102B can be reversed. In other words, the fixing portion 95 can be a locking recess, and the fixed portion 102B can be a snap fitting. In this case, the carriage 26 is provided with a snap fitting capable of locking with the fixing portion 95.

[0220] The fixing portion and the fixed portion are not limited to a combination of a snap fitting and a locking recess. For example, a fixing mechanism can also be used that switches between fixing and releasing each time the button is pressed. In this case, the user can press a button or press the liquid storage container 18, 90, or 60.

[0221] In each of the above embodiments, the liquid recovery container 80 may also include a remaining amount sensor for detecting the remaining amount in the liquid storage container 18. When the remaining amount sensor detects that all the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 has been recovered, a notification indicating the completion of recovery may be provided by lighting or flashing a display light, emitting a buzzer, or providing a voice message. This notification may also be provided by a display light, buzzer, or speaker of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0222] The liquid recovery container 80, 100, 110 may also be provided with a sealing member detachably mounted relative to the recovery opening 85, 105, 115. The sealing member may also be a cover member. The sealing member may also be mounted by fitting or screwing. The sealing member further suppresses leakage of liquid from the liquid recovery container 80, 100, 110.

[0223] In the first embodiment, when the door 19B is configured as a rotating type, the rotation axis of the door 19B can be located at any of the lower end, right end, left end, or upper end of the door 19B. Furthermore, the door 19B can also be detachably fixed to the frame 20 via snap fittings (not shown).

[0224] In the first embodiment, the method for removing the liquid container 18 from the housing 20 can be modified as appropriate. The container 18 can be removed from the side of the housing 20, from the opening at the bottom of the housing 20, or from the back of the housing 20. An openable and closable cover can also be provided at the removal port.

[0225] A guide portion may be provided for removing the liquid storage container 18 from the frame 20. The guide portion may be a track. The liquid storage containers 18 may be removed individually or in batches along the track. Furthermore, the liquid storage containers 18 may be removed electrically. The electric power source may be a dedicated motor or a conveyor motor.

[0226] The positions of the discharge ports 73 or supply ports 92 and 63 in the liquid storage containers 18 , 90 , and 60 and the recovery ports 85 , 105 , and 115 in the liquid recovery containers 80 , 100 , and 110 may be changed as appropriate as long as they are positions where the liquid can be recovered using the hydraulic head pressure.

[0227] In the first embodiment, the valve that can open and close the flow path of the discharge port 73 may be a manual on-off valve that is manually opened and closed, or an electric on-off valve having a manual opening and closing function.

[0228] In each of the above embodiments, the liquid ejecting device 11 may be configured to include only one liquid storage container 18 instead of a plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The liquid ejecting device 11 may be a printer dedicated to monochrome printing that stores, for example, black ink as liquid, using a single liquid storage container 18.

[0229] The liquid retaining members 84 , 104 , and 114 are not limited to nonwoven fabrics or porous materials, and may be super absorbent polymers (SAP).

[0230] In the liquid ejection device 11, the arrangement position of the liquid storage container 18 is not limited to the right side of the front portion of the frame 20. For example, it may be the left side of the front portion of the frame 20. In addition, the arrangement position of the liquid storage container 18 may also be the side portion of the frame 20 or the rear portion of the frame 20. In addition, although in the above embodiment, the arrangement position of the liquid storage container 18 is a position where the frame 20 is shaped to protrude to a part of the outside (for example, the front side), it may also be arranged at a position where the frame 20 does not protrude to the outside. Furthermore, it may be set so that a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are separately arranged on the left and right sides of the front portion of the frame 20.

[0231] 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.

[0232] The medium M from which the liquid is ejected by the liquid ejecting device 11 is not limited to paper or cloth, and may be a synthetic resin film, a laminated medium including a synthetic resin layer and a metal layer, or a metal foil or tin foil.

[0233] 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, color filters, etc. 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 used 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 a transparent resin liquid such as ultraviolet curing resin on a substrate to form a tiny hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements, etc. The liquid ejection device can also be a device that ejects an acidic or alkaline etching liquid to etch a substrate, etc. In such a liquid ejection device, a liquid recovery system can also be used to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container that receives the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection part into the liquid recovery container.

[0234] Hereinafter, technical ideas and effects grasped from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described together.

[0235] (A) A liquid recovery system comprising a liquid storage container and a liquid recovery container, wherein the liquid storage container is used in a liquid ejection device having a liquid ejection portion for ejecting liquid in a state where the container is fixed to an installation object of the liquid ejection device in a manner capable of supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion, and the liquid storage container comprises: a fixing portion which can be fixed to the installation object; a positioning portion which can be positioned on the installation object; and a discharge port portion which can discharge the liquid, and the liquid recovery container comprises: a recovery port portion which can be aligned with the discharge port portion of the liquid storage container. connection; a positioned portion, which can guide the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, and the liquid storage container that is removed from the installation object by releasing the fixation implemented by the fixing portion is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected. By connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion at this positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery container by utilizing the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion.

[0236] According to this structure, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be recovered in the liquid recovery container. At this time, the liquid storage container can be easily positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected. For example, it is relatively easy for the user to place the liquid storage container on the liquid recovery container for connection. Since, for example, the discharge port portion that is different from the injection port portion and is located in a position suitable for recovery is connected to the recovery port portion, the liquid in the liquid storage container can be properly recovered. For example, although it is necessary to tilt the liquid storage container held by the user and pour out the liquid from the injection port portion 53 when using the injection port portion to recover the liquid, such a troublesome operation is no longer required. Therefore, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be properly and easily recovered.

[0237] (B) In the liquid recovery system described in (A) above, it can also be set that the fixing part is fixed by being locked relative to the installation object, and the liquid recovery container also has a fixed part that can be locked with the fixing part. The liquid storage container is constructed so that the positioning part is guided by the positioned part, so that it is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port part and the recovery port part can be connected, and the discharge port part and the recovery port part are connected at the positioned position, and the fixing part and the fixed part are locked, so that the liquid recovery container is fixed in a manner that can maintain the connection state between the discharge port part and the recovery port part.

[0238] According to this structure, the liquid storage container can be fixedly positioned relative to the liquid recovery container so that the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected, and the liquid storage container and the liquid recovery container are connected after the positioning. In other words, the liquid storage container can be easily positioned relative to the liquid recovery container, and the liquid storage container and the liquid recovery container can be connected after the positioning. Therefore, it is possible to achieve easy positioning of the liquid storage container relative to the liquid recovery container and stable recovery of liquid from the connected liquid storage container 18 to the liquid recovery container 80.

[0239] (C) In the liquid recovery system described in (A) above, the liquid storage container may be configured to include a first positioning portion serving as the positioning portion positioned on the mounting object, and a second positioning portion different from the first positioning portion, and the second positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion so as to be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected. According to this structure, since the second positioning portion dedicated to recovery can be used for positioning, it is easier to position the liquid storage container relative to the liquid recovery container. In other words, positioning is easier than when positioning is performed using the first positioning portion.

[0240] (D) In ​​the liquid recovery system described in (A) above, it can also be set that the liquid storage container has a second fixing part different from the first fixing part as the fixing part, the liquid recovery container has a fixed part that can be fixed to the second fixing part, and the fixed part is constructed so that it can be locked with the second fixing part. The liquid storage container is constructed so that the positioning part is guided by the positioned part, so that the liquid storage container is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port part and the recovery port part can be connected, and the discharge port part and the recovery port part are connected at the positioned position, and the second fixing part is locked with the fixed part, so that the liquid storage container is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container in a manner that can maintain the connection state of the discharge port part and the recovery port part.

[0241] According to this structure, regardless of the position or fixing structure of the first fixing portion, the liquid storage container can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container by a relatively easy latching mechanism, maintaining the connection between the discharge port 73 and the recovery port 85. The first fixing portion suitable for fixing to the frame is not limited to a position or fixing structure suitable for fixing to the liquid recovery container. For example, even if the fixing structure of the first fixing portion relative to the frame is a connection using screws, the liquid storage container can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container using latching. Furthermore, even if the fixing structure is the same, if the first fixing portion is used, it is necessary to be able to insert the liquid recovery container in a manner that matches its position. Moreover, this position is not necessarily the most suitable position for fixing the liquid recovery container. However, by using a second fixing portion different from the first fixing portion, the liquid storage container can be fixed relative to the liquid recovery container in an appropriate position or with an appropriate fixing structure (latching structure). Therefore, it is possible to achieve appropriate and easy fixation of the liquid storage container relative to the liquid recovery container.

[0242] (E) In the liquid recovery system described in (D) above, it can also be set that the liquid ejection device has a frame for storing the liquid ejection part and the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container has the fixing part that can be fixed on the frame as the installation object, the supply port part for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection part, and the discharge port part, the liquid storage container is constructed so that the positioning part is guided by the positioned part, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port part and the recovery port part can be connected, the discharge port part and the recovery port part are connected at the positioned position, and the second fixing part is clamped on the fixed part, thereby being fixed relative to the liquid recovery container in a manner that can maintain the connection state of the discharge port part and the recovery port part.

[0243] According to this structure, regardless of the position or fixing structure of the first fixing portion that fixes the liquid storage container to the frame, the liquid storage container can be easily fixed to the liquid recovery container by latching, so that the container remains connected in the positioned position. For example, even if the first fixing portion is fixed to the frame using screws or the like, the liquid storage container can still be easily fixed to the liquid recovery container by latching. Therefore, it is possible to achieve appropriate and easy fixation of the liquid storage container to the liquid recovery container.

[0244] (F) In the liquid recovery system described in (A) above, it can also be set that the liquid ejection device has a slide for moving the liquid ejection part, and a frame for storing the liquid storage container, the liquid ejection part and the slide, the liquid storage container has the fixing part that can be detachably locked relative to the slide as the installation object, and the supply port part that can supply liquid to the liquid ejection part, the liquid recovery container has a fixed part that can be fixed to the fixing part, the liquid storage container is constructed so that the positioning part is guided by the positioned part, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the supply port part and the recovery port part can be connected, the supply port part and the recovery port part are connected at the positioned position, and the fixing part and the fixed part are locked, thereby being fixed relative to the liquid recovery container in a manner that can maintain the connection state of the supply port part and the recovery port part. According to this structure, after the liquid storage container is unlatched and removed from the slide, it is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container and can be locked with the discharge port and the recovery port connected. Therefore, positioning and fixing the liquid storage container relative to the liquid recovery container is relatively easy.

[0245] (G) In the liquid recovery system described in (A) above, it can also be set that the liquid ejection device includes a slide for moving the liquid ejection part, and a frame for storing the liquid storage container, the liquid ejection part and the slide, the liquid storage container includes a first liquid storage container fixed on the frame as the installation object, and a second liquid storage container fixed on the slide as the installation object, the second liquid storage container has a supply flow path connected to the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container and capable of being clamped on the slide, and a supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection part, The supply port portion also serves as the discharge port portion, and the liquid recovery container has a fixed portion that can be fixed to the fixed portion of the second liquid storage container. The second liquid storage container removed from the slide is constructed so that the positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the supply port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected, and the supply port portion and the recovery port portion are connected at the positioned position, and the fixing portion and the fixed portion are locked, so that the second liquid storage container is fixed relative to the liquid recovery container in a manner that can maintain the connection state of the supply port portion and the recovery port portion.

[0246] According to this structure, when the second liquid storage container removed from the slide is connected to the liquid recovery container, it is possible to position the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion at a position where they can be connected, and to maintain the connected state. Moreover, since the connected state is maintained by latching, it is easier to fix than by using screws or the like.

[0247] (H) In the liquid recovery system described in (G) above, the second liquid storage container may be fixed to the liquid recovery container while being connected to the first liquid storage container via the supply flow channel, and the liquid in the first liquid storage container may be recovered into the liquid recovery container via the second liquid storage container and the supply flow channel. With this configuration, the liquid in the first liquid storage container may be recovered into the liquid recovery container via the second liquid storage container and the supply flow channel without releasing the first liquid storage container.

[0248] (I) A liquid recovery container, which is the liquid recovery container in the liquid recovery system described in any one of (A) to (H) above, and comprises: a recovery port portion, which can be connected to the discharge port portion of the liquid storage container; a positioned portion, which can guide the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, and by causing the positioned portion to guide the positioning portion, the liquid storage container is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected, and by connecting the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion at this positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered by utilizing the connection between the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion. According to this structure, the liquid storage container can be positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port portion and the recovery port portion can be connected. Therefore, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be appropriately and easily recovered.

[0249] Explanation of symbols

[0250] 10…Liquid recovery system; 11…Liquid ejection device; 12…Device body; 13…Image reading device; 13A…Reversing mechanism; 15…Operating unit; 16…Display unit; 17…Operation panel; 18…First liquid storage container (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 ejection unit; 24…Supply flow path; 25…Ejection head; 25A…Nozzle forming surface; 25B…Connecting port; 25N…Nozzle; 26…Slide; 26A…Fixed portion; 26B ...storage recess; 26C...fixed portion; 26D...supply port; 26E...flow channel; 27...scanning mechanism; 28...guide shaft; 29...carriage motor; 30...pulley; 31...timing belt; 32...cover; 33...capping rod; 34...liquid bottle; 34A...supply portion; 35...maintenance device; 36...liquid supply device; 37...cap; 38...discharge pipe; 39...suction pump; 40...waste liquid storage portion; 41...flow channel; 42...joining portion; 43...position regulating portion; 44...screw; 46...rail; 50...container body; 51...liquid storage portion; 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…Protruding portion; 57…Liquid flow path; 58…Air flow path; 59…Second fixing portion; 60…Second liquid storage container (liquid storage container); 61…First fixing portion (fixing portion); 61A…Locking protrusion; 62…Liquid storage portion; 63…Supply port; 64…Supplied port; 71…First fixing portion (fixing portion); 72…First positioning portion (positioning portion); 73…Discharge port; 73A…Second positioning portion (positioning portion); 73B…Film; 74…Sealing member; 76…Fixed portion; 77…Positioned portion; 78…Valve body; 79…Second positioning portion (positioning portion); 80…Liquid recovery container; 81…Recovery storage portion; 81A…Bottom; 82…Guide portion; 82A ...storage recess; 82B...visual confirmation window; 83...recovery chamber; 84...liquid holding member; 85...recovery port; 86...positioned portion; 87...fixed portion; 87A...locking projection; 87B...operating lever; 88...atmosphere communication portion; 90...liquid storage container; 91...liquid storage portion; 91A...second fixing portion; 91B...visual confirmation surface; 92...supply port; 92A...communication hole; 93...injection port; 94...atmosphere communication portion; 95...first fixing portion (fixing portion); 95A...locking projection; 95B...operating lever; 96...liquid storage chamber; 97...cover lever; 97A...cover portion; 97B...rod portion; 97C...shaft portion; 98...positioning portion; 99...valve body; 100...liquid recovery container;101…recovery storage portion; 101A…bottom portion; 102…guide portion; 102A…storage recess; 102B…fixed portion; 102C…visual confirmation window; 103…recovery chamber; 104…liquid holding member; 105…recovery port; 105A…flow channel; 105B…communication hole; 106…positioned portion; 106A…recess; 107…atmosphere communication portion; 108…fixed portion; 108A…locking protrusion; 108B…operating lever 110…Liquid recovery container; 111…Recovery storage portion; 111A…Bottom; 112…Guide; 112A…Recovery recess; 112B…Fixed portion; 113…Recovery chamber; 114…Liquid holding member; 115…Recovery port; 116…Connecting portion; 117…Atmosphere communication portion; 200…Control unit; M…Medium; IL…Liquid; LP…Liquid level; X…Width direction (scanning direction); Y…Transport direction; Z…Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid recovery system, characterized in that: It has a liquid storage container and a liquid recovery container. The liquid storage container is used in a liquid ejecting device having a liquid ejecting portion for ejecting liquid, in a state where the liquid storage container is fixed to an object on which the liquid ejecting device is mounted so as to be able to supply liquid to the liquid ejecting portion, and The liquid storage container has: a fixing portion capable of being fixed to the installation object; a positioning portion capable of being positioned on the installation object; a discharge port, which is capable of discharging the liquid, The liquid recovery container has: a recovery port, which can be connected to the discharge port of the liquid storage container; a positioned portion capable of guiding the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, The liquid storage container, which has been removed from the mounting object by releasing the fixing portion, is positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected by allowing the positioning portion to be guided by the positioned portion. By connecting the discharge port and the recovery port at the positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery container by the connection between the discharge port and the recovery port.

2. The liquid recovery system according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing portion is fixed by being locked with respect to the mounting object. The liquid recovery container further includes a fixed portion capable of being locked with the fixing portion. The liquid storage container is configured as follows: The positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected. The discharge port is connected to the recovery port at the positioned position, and The locking of the fixing portion and the fixed portion allows the liquid recovery container to be fixed to the liquid recovery container so that the connection between the discharge port and the recovery port can be maintained.

3. The liquid recovery system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid storage container is configured as follows: having a first positioning portion as the positioning portion positioned on the mounting object, and a second positioning portion different from the first positioning portion, and The second positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected.

4. The liquid recovery system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid storage container has a second fixing portion as the fixing portion, which is different from the first fixing portion. The liquid recovery container has a fixed portion that can be fixed to the second fixing portion. The fixed portion is configured to be engageable with the second fixing portion. The liquid storage container is configured as follows: The positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected. The discharge port is connected to the recovery port at the positioned position, and The second fixing portion and the fixed portion are locked to each other, thereby fixing the liquid recovery container to the liquid recovery container so that the connection between the discharge port and the recovery port can be maintained.

5. The liquid recovery system according to claim 4, wherein: The liquid ejecting device includes a frame for accommodating the liquid ejecting portion and the liquid storage container. The liquid storage container includes the fixing portion that can be fixed to the frame as the mounting object, a supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion, and the discharge port. The liquid storage container is configured as follows: The positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected. The discharge port is connected to the recovery port at the positioned position, and By locking the second fixing portion to the fixed portion, the liquid recovery container is fixed to the liquid recovery container so that the connection between the discharge port and the recovery port can be maintained.

6. The liquid recovery system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid ejecting device includes a carriage for moving the liquid ejecting portion, and a frame for housing the liquid storage container, the liquid ejecting portion, and the carriage. The liquid storage container includes the fixing portion that can be detachably locked to the slide as the mounting target, and a supply port that can supply liquid to the liquid ejection portion. The liquid recovery container has a fixed portion that can be fixed to the fixing portion. The liquid storage container is configured as follows: The positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the supply port and the recovery port can be connected. The supply port is connected to the recovery port at the positioned position, and The locking of the fixing portion and the fixed portion allows the liquid recovery container to be fixed to the liquid recovery container so that the connection between the supply port and the recovery port can be maintained.

7. The liquid recovery system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid ejecting device includes a carriage for moving the liquid ejecting portion, and a frame for housing the liquid storage container, the liquid ejecting portion, and the carriage. The liquid storage container includes a first liquid storage container fixed to the frame as the mounting object, and a second liquid storage container fixed to the slide as the mounting object. The second liquid storage container includes the fixing portion connected to the supply flow path for moving the liquid supplied from the first liquid storage container and capable of being locked on the slide, and a supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid ejection portion. The supply port also serves as the discharge port. The liquid recovery container has a fixed portion that can be fixed to the fixing portion of the second liquid storage container. The second liquid storage container removed from the carriage is configured as follows: The positioning portion is guided by the positioned portion, thereby being positioned relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the supply port and the recovery port can be connected. The supply port is connected to the recovery port at the positioned position, and The locking of the fixing portion and the fixed portion allows the liquid recovery container to be fixed to the liquid recovery container so that the connection between the supply port and the recovery port can be maintained.

8. The liquid recovery system according to claim 7, wherein: The second liquid storage container is fixed to the liquid recovery container in a state of being connected to the first liquid storage container through the supply flow path. The liquid in the first liquid storage container is recovered into the liquid recovery container through the second liquid storage container and the supply flow path.

9. A liquid recovery container, characterized in that: It is the liquid recovery container in the liquid recovery system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and has: a recovery port portion, which can be connected to the discharge port portion of the liquid storage container; a positioned portion capable of guiding the positioning portion of the liquid storage container, The positioned portion guides the positioning portion, thereby positioning the liquid storage container relative to the liquid recovery container at a position where the discharge port and the recovery port can be connected. By connecting the discharge port and the recovery port at the positioned position, the liquid in the liquid storage container is recovered by the connection between the discharge port and the recovery port.

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