Liquid container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid container using recycled plastic. A liquid container provided with a liquid container and an adapter according to the present invention is provided with: a liquid contact section that is in contact with a liquid; and a non-liquid-contact portion that does not come into contact with the liquid, and a specific portion, which is at least a part of the non-liquid-contact portion, in the adapter is made of a material containing a recycled plastic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid container, a printing device, and a printing system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known liquid containers that consist of a liquid container and an adapter and supply liquid to a printing device. Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid container in which the adapter is provided with functional components such as a positioning portion, a liquid supply port, and a terminal contact substrate. This liquid container is positioned relative to the printing device via the functional components.

[0003] Patent Document 1 does not discuss the material constituting the liquid container. In contrast, in recent years, from the perspective of a recycling-oriented society, there has been a desire to use recycled plastics as the material constituting the liquid container.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-53798 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure can be implemented as the following aspects.

[0006] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container including a liquid container and an adapter is provided. The liquid container includes a liquid-contacting portion that contacts a liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not contact the liquid, wherein a specific portion of the adapter, at least a portion of the non-liquid-contacting portion, is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0007] (2) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container including a liquid container and an adapter is provided. The liquid container includes a liquid-contacting portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid container is formed of a multilayer structure including at least two layers, wherein the liquid-contacting portion of the multilayer structure is composed of a virgin plastic material, and the non-liquid-contacting portion of the multilayer structure is composed of a material including recycled plastic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the printing system in the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 A diagram for explaining the box mounting portion and the box.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the box installation part.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the box installation part.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the first type of box.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a first exploded view of the first type of box.

[0014] Figure 7 This is the second exploded view of the first box.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a first diagram showing a portion of a first box.

[0016] Figure 9 The second figure shows a portion of the first box.

[0017] Figure 10 The third figure shows a portion of the first box.

[0018] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the box and the box mounting portion.

[0019] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing system in a second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the printing device when viewed in the +Y direction.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the printing device when viewed in the +Z direction.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of the liquid supply unit.

[0023] Figure 16 It is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the first connection receiving portion.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of the first mounting body.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the first liquid container.

[0026] Figure 19 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first mounting body.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a schematic perspective view of the connecting parts.

[0028] Figure 21 It is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the first mounting body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A. First embodiment:

[0030] A-1. Structure of printing system:

[0031] Figure 1 : is a perspective view showing the structure of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment. Figure 1 , the XYZ axes are depicted as three spatial axes orthogonal to each other. The directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent the positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The positive directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively set as the +X direction, +Y direction, and +Z direction. The directions opposite to the directions pointed by the arrow marks of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are the negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The negative directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively set as the -X direction, -Y direction, and -Z direction. The cases where there is no distinction between positive and negative in the directions along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are respectively referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The same applies to the drawings and descriptions shown hereafter.

[0032] The printing system 1 includes a printing device 10 and a liquid container 4 for supplying ink as liquid to the printing device 10. In the first embodiment, the liquid container 4 is a cartridge. In the description of the first embodiment, the liquid container 4 is referred to as a "cartridge 4."

[0033] The printing device 10 of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid ink from an ejection head 22. This printing device 10 is a large-scale printer that prints on large-format paper such as posters. The printing device 10 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6, a control unit 31, a carriage 20, an ejection head 22, and a drive device 30. Furthermore, the printing device 10 includes operation buttons 15 for the user to operate the printing device 10.

[0034] The cartridge mounting portion 6 has a first device wall 67 located on the +Y direction side. The first device wall 67 has an insertion and removal opening 674 that serves as an entrance and exit for the cartridge 4 to and from the storage chamber 61. Through this insertion and removal opening 674, the cartridge 4 is accommodated in or removed from the storage chamber 61 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. A plurality of cartridges 4 are mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 6 in a detachable manner. In this embodiment, four types of cartridges 4, one each corresponding to the four colors of ink: black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, are mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 6. The cartridge 4 that holds black ink is also referred to as cartridge 4K, the cartridge 4 that holds yellow ink is also referred to as cartridge 4Y, the cartridge 4 that holds magenta ink is also referred to as cartridge 4M, and the cartridge 4 that holds cyan ink is also referred to as cartridge 4C. In this embodiment, cartridge 4K is configured to hold more liquid than cartridges 4C, 4M, and 4Y. Therefore, the box 4K is also referred to as the first type box 4A, and the boxes 4C, 4M, and 4Y are also referred to as the second type box 4B.

[0035] The printing device 10 has a replacement cover 13 on the front surface on the +Y direction side. The replacement cover 13 is configured to be openable and closable. By opening the replacement cover 13, the opening of the cartridge mounting portion 6 appears, and the cartridge 4 can be installed and removed. When the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, ink can be supplied to the ejection head 22 provided on the slide 20 via the tube 24 serving as a liquid circulation tube. In this embodiment, ink is supplied from the cartridge 4 to the ejection head 22 by utilizing a water level difference. Specifically, ink is supplied to the ejection head 22 by the water level difference between the ink liquid level in the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the ejection head 22. In addition, the printing device 10 can also suck the ink in the cartridge 4 by a pump mechanism (not shown) so that the ink is supplied to the ejection head 22. In addition, the tube 24 is provided for each type of ink. In the present disclosure, the state in which the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the ink as liquid can be supplied to the printing device 10 is also referred to as the "installation state."

[0036] The ejection head 22 is equipped with nozzles corresponding to each type of ink. The ejection head 22 ejects ink from the nozzles toward the printing paper 2, thereby printing data such as text or images. In this embodiment, the printing device 10 is a "non-carriage-mounted" printer, in which the movement of the cartridge mount 6 and the carriage 20 are not linked. Alternatively, a "carriage-mounted" printer may be used, in which the cartridge mount 6 is mounted on the carriage 20 and moves together with the carriage 20.

[0037] The control unit 31 controls each unit of the printing device 10 and exchanges signals with the cartridge 4. The carriage 20 moves the ejection head 22 relative to the printing paper 2.

[0038] The drive device 30 reciprocates the carriage 20 based on a control signal from the control unit 31. The drive device 30 includes a timing belt 32 and a drive motor 34. Power from the drive motor 34 is transmitted to the carriage 20 via the timing belt 32, causing the carriage 20 to reciprocate in the X direction, or the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the printing device 10 includes a conveying mechanism for moving the printing paper 2 in the +Y direction, or the sub-scanning direction. During printing, the conveying mechanism moves the printing paper 2 in the sub-scanning direction, and the printed printing paper 2 is delivered to the front cover 11.

[0039] In this embodiment, when the printing system 1 is in use, the axis along the sub-scanning direction for conveying the printed paper 2 is the Y-axis, the axis along the direction under gravity is the Z-axis, and the axis along the direction of movement of the carriage 20 is the X-axis. Here, the "printing system 1 in use" refers to a state in which the printing system 1 is set on a horizontal surface. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction is the +Y direction, the opposite direction is the -Y direction, the direction under gravity is the -Z direction, and the direction above gravity is the +Z direction. The X and Y directions are horizontal directions. Furthermore, when viewing the printing system 1 from the front, the direction from the right side toward the left side is the +X direction, and the opposite direction is the -X direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction in which the cartridge 4 is inserted into the cartridge mounting portion 6 for installation is the -Y direction, and the direction in which the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6 is the +Y direction. Therefore, the -Y direction side of the cartridge mounting portion 6 is also referred to as the depth side, and the +Y direction side is also referred to as the front side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the arrangement direction of the multiple cartridges 4 is the X direction.

[0040] A-2. Overview of the structure of the installed state of the cartridge 4:

[0041] Figure 2 , which is a diagram for explaining the box mounting portion 6 and the box 4. Figure 2 In FIG, the boxes 4K, 4M, and 4Y are shown in a state where the boxes are installed in the box installation portion 6. Figure 2 , the cartridge 4C shows a state in which the insertion into the cartridge mounting portion 6 is completed. In addition, in the present disclosure, the state in which the insertion into the cartridge mounting portion 6 is completed of the cartridge 4 is referred to as an "inserted state."

[0042] The box 4 is installed in the box mounting portion 6 in a detachable manner. The box 4 changes from an inserted state in which the box 4 is inserted into a predetermined position of the box mounting portion 6 by moving in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction, to an installed state in which the box 4 is installed on the box mounting portion 6 by rotating in the rotational installation direction D2 by receiving a force having a component in the downward direction of gravity with the deep side of the insertion direction D1 in the box mounting portion 6 as a rotation fulcrum 698. Specifically, when the box 4 is installed in the box mounting portion 6, an installation process is performed. The installation process includes a terminal connection process and a supply portion connection process performed after the terminal connection process. The terminal connection process is a process in which the box 4 is moved in the insertion direction D1 along the horizontal direction through the plug-in opening 674 of the first device wall 67 and inserted into the storage chamber 61 of the box mounting portion 6, thereby inserting it to a predetermined position. The predetermined position is a position where the box-side terminals of the box 4 described later and the device-side terminals of the box mounting portion 6 described later are in contact. The supply unit connection process is a process for connecting the liquid introduction unit (described later) of the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the liquid supply unit (described later) of the cartridge 4 while maintaining contact between the device-side terminals and the cartridge-side terminals. Specifically, during the supply unit connection process, the operating surface 435 of the cartridge 4 receives a downward force due to gravity, causing the cartridge 4 to rotate about the rotation fulcrum 698 of the cartridge mounting portion 6 in the rotational mounting direction D2 indicated by the arrow mark, thereby connecting the liquid introduction unit to the liquid supply unit. Furthermore, in the mounted state, the cartridge-side engaging portion (described later) of the cartridge 4 engages with the mounting engaging portion (described later) provided on the cartridge mounting portion 6, thereby maintaining the mounted state.

[0043] When removing the cartridge 4 from the cartridge mounting portion 6, the user lifts the rear wall 47 side of the cartridge 4, thereby rotating the cartridge 4 in the direction opposite to the rotational mounting direction D2, i.e., the disconnection direction D3, using the rotation fulcrum 698 as a fulcrum. As a result, the engagement between the mounting engaging portion provided on the cartridge mounting portion 6 and the cartridge engaging portion provided on the cartridge 4 is released. By rotating the cartridge 4 in the disconnection direction D3, the cartridge 4 transitions from the mounted state to the inserted state. After the cartridge 4 is in the inserted state, the cartridge 4 is removed from the cartridge mounting portion 6 by moving the cartridge 4 in the +Y direction, which is the removal direction D4.

[0044] A-3. Detailed structure of the cartridge mounting portion 6:

[0045] Figure 3 2 is a perspective view of the box mounting portion 6. Figure 4: This is a partially enlarged view of the cartridge mounting portion 6. With respect to the cartridge mounting portion 6, the X direction is also referred to as the width direction, the Y direction is also referred to as the depth direction, and the Z direction is also referred to as the height direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the various elements of the cartridge mounting portion 6 will be described based on the initial configuration of the cartridge mounting portion 6, with the cartridge 4 not mounted thereon.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the cartridge mounting portion 6 forms a storage chamber 61 for accommodating the cartridge 4. The storage chamber 61 is generally rectangular. Within the storage chamber 61, the portions accommodating the respective cartridges 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K, namely the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K, roughly correspond to the outer shapes of the respective cartridges 4C, 4M, 4Y, and 4K. In this embodiment, the cartridge 4K is larger in the X direction than the other cartridges 4C, 4M, and 4Y in order to increase the amount of liquid it can accommodate. Therefore, in this embodiment, the width of the slot 61K is greater than the width of the other slots 61C, 61M, and 61Y.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the box mounting portion 6 has six device walls 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67 that form the storage chamber 61. In the present disclosure, the so-called "wall" refers to the concept of a wall composed of multiple walls in addition to a single wall. The first device wall 67 forms an insertion and extraction opening 674 through which the box 4 passes when inserted into or removed from the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 forms a wall in the -Y direction of the storage chamber 61. The second device wall 62 is opposite to the first device wall 67 in the Y direction.

[0048] The device upper wall 63 forms a wall on the +Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is opposite to the device upper wall 63 in the Z direction and forms a wall on the -Z direction side of the storage chamber 61. The device bottom wall 64 is formed by the support member 610. The device bottom wall 64 has a plurality of device openings 614. In the present embodiment, four device openings 614 are formed corresponding to the slots 61C, 61M, 61Y, and 61K. The device upper wall 63 and the device bottom wall 64 intersect with the second device wall 62 and the first device wall 67. In the present disclosure, the so-called "intersect" or "intersection" means any one of (i) a state in which two elements intersect and actually intersect with each other, (ii) a state in which one element intersects with another element when one element is extended, and (iii) a state in which the elements intersect with each other when the elements are extended respectively.

[0049] like Figure 3As shown, the box mounting portion 6 also has a supporting member 610, a liquid introduction portion 642, a device side supply portion positioning portion 644, and a device guide portion 602. A plurality of supporting members 610 are provided in a manner corresponding to the number of installed boxes 4. In the present embodiment, four supporting members 610 are provided. The supporting member 610 forms the device bottom wall 64 on the gravity lower side of the accommodating chamber 61. The supporting member 610 supports the box 4 from the -Z direction side, which is the gravity lower side. The supporting member 610 is a member extending along the Y direction. The supporting member 610 is concave in shape. The supporting member 610 has a main wall 613, a first supporting side wall 611, and a second supporting side wall 612, which form the device bottom wall 64.

[0050] The main wall 613 has a concave bottom located on the gravity downward side. A device opening 614 is formed at the end of the main wall 613 on the first device wall 67 side. The device opening 614 penetrates the main wall 613 in the thickness direction of the main wall 613.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the first supporting side wall 611 rises from the +X-axis end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction, which is the direction of gravity. The second supporting side wall 612 rises from the -X-axis end of the main wall 613 in the +Z direction. The first supporting side wall 611 and the second supporting side wall 612 face each other in the X direction.

[0052] The device guide 602 guides the cartridge 4 in the insertion direction D1 and the removal direction D4. The device guide 602 is provided for each support member 610. The device guide 602 is provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612. The device guide 602 is a protrusion provided on the first support side wall 611 and the second support side wall 612.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the liquid inlet portion 642 receives the liquid of the box 4. The liquid inlet portion 642 has a central axis CA1. In the initial configuration state of the box mounting portion 6, the liquid inlet portion 642 is not located in the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side compared to the storage chamber 61. That is, the liquid inlet portion 642 is located on the opposite side of the support member 610 across the storage chamber 61. In this embodiment, the top end portion 642b of the liquid inlet portion 642 is configured in the storage chamber 61 by rotating the support member 610 in the rotational mounting direction D2 around the rotation fulcrum 698 and pressing the device opening portion 614. That is, the rotation fulcrum 698 rotates the support member 610 to displace the device opening portion 614 to the side under gravity, thereby configuring the top end portion 642b of the liquid inlet portion 642 in the storage chamber 61 via the device opening portion 614.

[0054] Figure 3 The device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 shown is received by the supply unit positioning portion described later of the cartridge 4, thereby limiting the movement of the liquid supply unit of the cartridge 4 relative to the liquid introduction portion. Thus, the liquid supply unit of the cartridge 4 is positioned. In the initial state of the cartridge mounting portion 6, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is not located within the storage chamber 61, but is located on the -Z direction side relative to the storage chamber 61. In other words, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is located on the opposite side of the support member 610 across the storage chamber 61. The other end portion 644b of the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is arranged within the storage chamber 61 by rotating the support member 610 in the rotational mounting direction D2 around the rotation fulcrum 698, thereby pressing down the device opening portion 614. In other words, the rotation fulcrum 698 displaces the device opening portion 614 by rotating the support member 610, thereby arranging the other end portion 644b of the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 within the storage chamber 61 via the device opening portion 614.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the cartridge mounting portion 6 further includes an apparatus-side terminal portion 70 and an apparatus-side identification portion 630. The apparatus-side terminal portion 70 includes apparatus-side terminals that come into contact with the cartridge-side terminals of the cartridge 4 when the cartridge 4 is mounted.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, the device-side terminal portion 70 has a plurality of device-side terminals 721 and a device-side terminal positioning portion 756. In this embodiment, nine device-side terminals 721 are provided. The plurality of device-side terminals 721 are respectively plate members of conductive metal. The device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion of the box 4 during the insertion process of the box 4 into the storage chamber 61, thereby limiting the movement in the directions intersecting the insertion direction D1, i.e., the X direction and the Y direction. Thus, the positioning of the device-side terminals 721 and the box-side terminals 521 with respect to the direction intersecting the insertion direction D1 is implemented.

[0057] Two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 are provided for each of the slots 61C to 61K. One of the two device-side terminal positioning portions 756 is also referred to as the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t, and the other is also referred to as the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t and the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w are each a columnar member extending in the Y direction. The first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is provided on the first retaining portion side wall 750f1. The second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is provided on the second retaining portion side wall 750fw.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, the device-side identification unit 630 is used to identify whether the correct type of cartridge 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K has been inserted into each slot 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K of the storage chamber 61. The device-side identification unit 630 forms a different pattern shape depending on the color of the liquid contained in the cartridge 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. The device-side identification unit 630 is provided on the main wall 613 of the support member 610.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the device-side identification portion 630 is formed by at least one rib. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. A box-side identification portion, described later, formed by ribs is also provided on the box 4. The box-side identification portion forms different pattern shapes depending on the type of box 4, that is, the color of the liquid contained therein. Moreover, when the correct type of box 4 is inserted into the corresponding slot 61C to 61K, the device-side identification portion 630 and the box-side identification portion will fit together without collision. On the other hand, when the wrong type of box 4 is inserted into the slot 61C to 61K, the device-side identification portion 630 and the box-side identification portion will collide and hinder the further insertion of the box 4. In this way, the possibility of the wrong type of box 4 being installed in the various slots 61C to 61K of the box mounting portion 6 can be reduced.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification portion 630 are each provided on the support member 610. With respect to the Y direction, in which the support member 610 extends, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification portion 630 are located on the side opposite to the first device wall 67 across the liquid introduction portion 642 or the device opening 614. Specifically, the device-side terminal portion 70 and the device-side identification portion 630 are provided near the second device wall 62. Furthermore, the device-side terminal portion 70 is located closer to the -Y direction side, i.e., the second device wall 62 side, than the device-side identification portion 630.

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

[0062] Figure 5 4A is a perspective view of the first type of box. Figure 6 4A is a first exploded view of the first type of cartridge 4A. Figure 7 4A is a second exploded view of the first type of cartridge 4A. Figure 8 1 is a first diagram showing a portion of a first type of cartridge 4A. Figure 9 4A is a second diagram showing a portion of the first type of cartridge 4A. Figure 10 4A is a third diagram showing a portion of the first type of cartridge 4A. Figure 11, is a cross-sectional view of the box 4 and the box mounting portion 6. With respect to the box 4, the Y direction is the depth direction, the Z direction is the height direction, and the X direction is the width direction. With respect to the drawings showing the box 4, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are based on the insertion posture of the box 4 into the box mounting portion 6. The insertion posture is the same as the posture of the box 4 in the insertion state in which the insertion into the box mounting portion 6 is completed. The difference between the first box 4A and the second box 4B is the width of the liquid container 401. The first box 4A is wider than the second box 4B. Therefore, the volume of the liquid container 450 of the first box 4A is larger than the volume of the liquid container 450 of the second box 4B. With respect to other structures, they are the same in the first box 4A and the second box 4B. In addition, hereinafter, the structure of the box 4 will be described using the first box 4A.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first type cartridge 4A is composed of two components. Specifically, the first type cartridge 4A includes a liquid container 401 and an adapter 402 that is mounted by fitting with the liquid container 401. The liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 are each molded by injection molding a synthetic resin such as polypropylene.

[0064] The first type of box 4A in this embodiment has a liquid-contacting portion that is in contact with the contained liquid, and a non-liquid-contacting portion that is not in contact with the liquid. The liquid-contacting portion is made of virgin plastic material. Virgin plastic material is plastic that is produced without the use of waste plastics without the presence of additives. In other words, virgin plastic material is plastic that has not been reused. The non-liquid-contacting portion is made of material containing recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is plastic that is produced from waste plastics and is a mixture of multiple plastics. Here, waste plastic can be polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) or the like that is recycled as recycled materials. In addition, in the present disclosure, the so-called "recycled materials" include pre-consumer materials and post-consumer materials specified in JIS Q14021. The so-called pre-consumer materials refer to materials taken out from the waste stream in the manufacturing process. Specifically, the so-called pre-consumer materials can be, for example, unnecessary scrap materials generated when manufacturing containers made of synthetic resins. Post-consumer materials refer to materials discharged from households, or materials generated from commercial, industrial, and other facilities that are end-users of products and can no longer be used for their original purpose. This also includes materials returned from distribution channels. Specifically, post-consumer materials can be recycled resins, such as pulverized material obtained by shredding recycled synthetic resin containers. In this embodiment, materials containing recycled plastic include not only materials composed solely of recycled plastic but also materials composed of a mixture of virgin and recycled plastics. Materials containing recycled plastic include, for example, more than 0% by weight and up to approximately 40% by weight of recycled plastic, and less than 100% by weight and up to approximately 60% by weight of virgin plastic. Furthermore, materials containing recycled plastic may be materials produced by reacting polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, and resins with reactive functional groups, and exhibiting excellent impact strength or flame retardancy. In this embodiment, the liquid contact portion is the first peripheral portion of the liquid container 401 and adapter 402, described below. The non-liquid contact portion is the portion of the adapter 402 excluding the first peripheral portion. Figures 5 to 10 In the figure, the non-liquid contact parts are hatched. The unhatched parts are the liquid contact parts.

[0065] like Figure 5As shown, the first type cartridge 4A includes a main body 41 forming an outer shell, and a circuit substrate 50 mounted on the main body 41. The main body 41 is formed by the aforementioned liquid container 401 and the adapter 402. The main body 41 of the first type cartridge 4A includes a front wall 42, a rear wall 47, an upper wall 43, a bottom wall 44, a first side wall 45, a second side wall 46, and a corner portion 89. Each wall 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 is also referred to as each surface 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47. The front wall 42 and the rear wall 47 are opposed in the Y direction along the insertion direction D1. The upper wall 43 and the bottom wall 44 are opposed in the Z direction. The Z direction is parallel to the central axis CA2 along the extension direction of the liquid supply portion 442. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 are opposed in the X direction.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, the first side wall 45 is located on the -X direction side, and the second side wall 46 is located on the +X direction side. The first side wall 45 and the second side wall 46 intersect the front wall 42, the rear wall 47, the upper wall 43, and the bottom wall 44, respectively. A corner portion 89 is provided at the corner where the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44 intersect, and the circuit substrate 50 having the box-side terminals 521 is arranged therein. The corner portion 89 has an inwardly recessed recess 90.

[0067] The first cartridge 4A further includes a liquid container 450 for storing liquid, a liquid supply unit 442, a cartridge side identification unit 430, a supply unit positioning unit 448, a container engaging unit 80, a circuit board 50, a protrusion 418, and Figure 10 The box snap-fit ​​portion 497 is shown.

[0068] Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The liquid supply portion 442 shown is connected to the liquid container 450 and has a central axis CA2. The direction along the central axis CA2 is the Z direction. The direction along which the liquid supply portion 442 extends, i.e., the direction of the central axis CA, intersects with the insertion direction D1, i.e., the -Y direction. In other words, the liquid supply portion 442 extends in a direction intersecting with the insertion direction D1, i.e., in this embodiment, in the Z direction. Figure 6 As shown, the liquid supply unit 442 is a cylindrical member that protrudes from the bottom wall 431 of the liquid container 401 toward the adapter 402. The liquid supply unit 442 is disposed in the concave supply unit placement chamber 461 of the adapter 402. An insertion opening 446 is formed in the concave bottom of the supply unit placement chamber 461.

[0069] Figure 5The peripheral portion 447 shown as the insertion portion is an area surrounding the insertion opening 446 and divides the insertion opening 446. The peripheral portion 447 has a first peripheral portion 447a as an area surrounding the liquid supply portion 442, and a second peripheral portion 447b as an area surrounding the first peripheral portion 447a. In the adapter 402, the first peripheral portion 447a is an area that has the possibility of coming into contact with liquid. For example, when the connection between the liquid supply portion 442 and the liquid inlet portion 642 is released, the first peripheral portion 447a may sometimes come into contact with liquid leaking from the liquid supply portion 442. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first peripheral portion 447a is made of virgin plastic material. On the other hand, the second peripheral portion 447b is an area that does not come into contact with liquid. Therefore, the second peripheral portion 447b constituting the insertion portion in the adapter 402 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0070] Figure 5 The box side identification portion 430 shown is used to identify whether the box 4 has been inserted into the correct slot 61C, 61M, 61Y, 61K of the box mounting portion 6. The box side identification portion 430 is a rib that is arranged on one side of the bottom wall 44 close to the front wall 42 and, in this embodiment, is arranged at a position adjacent to the corner 89. The box side identification portion 430 forms different pattern shapes according to the color of the liquid contained in the box 4C, 4M, 4Y, 4K. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. In this embodiment, the box side identification portion 430 is formed by a material containing recycled plastic.

[0071] The supply unit positioning unit 448 receives Figure 3 The device side supply unit positioning portion 644 shown in the figure restricts the movement of the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642 to implement positioning. Specifically, during the supply unit connection process, the supply unit positioning portion 448 receives the device side supply unit positioning portion 644 and restricts the movement of the supply unit positioning portion 448 in the direction intersecting the rotational installation direction D2, thereby implementing positioning of the liquid supply unit 442 relative to the liquid introduction portion 642. Figure 5 As shown, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion formed on the bottom wall 44 and recessed from the outer surface of the bottom wall 44. The cross-section of the supply unit positioning portion 448 is rectangular. In other embodiments, the supply unit positioning portion 448 may also be a recessed portion extending through the bottom wall 44. In this embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 448 extends from the bottom wall 44 toward the upper wall 43 in the +Z direction. The direction in which the supply unit positioning portion 448 extends is along the direction of the receiving liquid inlet portion 642.

[0072] The supply unit positioning portion 448 is a recessed portion having a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. As for the supply unit positioning portion 448, the opening area of ​​the entrance portion formed on the outer surface side of the bottom wall 44 is larger than the opening area on the bottom side of the recessed portion, which is closer to the depth side than the entrance portion. Thus, during the supply unit connection process, the supply unit positioning portion 448 can easily receive the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644. With respect to the insertion direction D1, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is located on the side opposite to the box-side terminal 521 of the circuit substrate 50 across the liquid supply portion 442 or the insertion opening 446. In the present embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed near the rear wall 47 in the bottom wall 44. In addition, in the present embodiment, the supply unit positioning portion 448 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0073] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the liquid container 401 further includes a container engaging portion 80 that detachably engages with the adapter 402. In this embodiment, six container engaging portions 80 are provided. When the six container engaging portions 80 are used separately, a first container engaging portion 811, a second container engaging portion 812, a third container engaging portion 813, a fourth container engaging portion 814, a fifth container engaging portion 815, and a sixth container engaging portion 816 are used.

[0074] like Figures 5-7 As shown, the container engaging portion 80 is formed on the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the first side surface 45 and the second side surface 46 of the liquid container 401. Figure 6 As shown, the first container body engaging portion 811 and the second container body engaging portion 812 are formed on the second side surface 46 at a position close to the bottom surface 44. The first container body engaging portion 811 is formed at a position closer to the front surface 42 than the second container body engaging portion 812. Figure 5 As shown, the third container body engaging portion 813 and the fourth container body engaging portion 814 are formed on the first side surface 45 of the container body, close to the bottom surface 44. The third container body engaging portion 813 is formed closer to the front surface 42 than the fourth container body engaging portion 814. Figure 6 As shown, the fifth container engaging portion 815 is formed on the front surface 42 near the bottom surface 44. The sixth container engaging portion 816 is formed on the rear surface 47 near the bottom surface 44. In this embodiment, the container engaging portion 80 is a recessed portion formed on the front surface 42, the rear surface 47, the first side surface 45, and the second side surface 46.

[0075] The adapter 402 has an adapter engaging portion 410 that engages the container engaging portion 80 in a detachable manner. The adapter engaging portion 410 can be engaged with and disengaged from the container engaging portion 80 by elastic deformation. In the present embodiment, the adapter engaging portion 410 is elastically deformed by having a snap-fit ​​structure. In the present embodiment, six adapter engaging portions 410 are provided in a manner corresponding to the number of the container engaging portions 80. When six adapter engaging portions 410 are distinguished for use, a first adapter engaging portion 411, a second adapter engaging portion 412, a third adapter engaging portion 413, a fourth adapter engaging portion 414, a fifth adapter engaging portion 415, and a sixth adapter engaging portion 416 are used.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the adapter engaging portion 410 is formed on the adapter front surface 472, the adapter rear surface 477, the adapter first side surface 475, and the adapter second side surface 476, which are the peripheral surfaces of the adapter. The first adapter engaging portion 411 and the second adapter engaging portion 412 are formed near an end surface 476f of the adapter second side surface 476 that defines the opening op of the adapter 402 that faces the adapter bottom surface 474. The first adapter engaging portion 411 is formed closer to the adapter front surface 472 than the second adapter engaging portion 412. The third adapter engaging portion 413 and the fourth adapter engaging portion 414 are formed near an end surface 475f of the adapter first side surface 475 that defines the opening op of the adapter 402 that faces the adapter bottom surface 474. The third adapter engaging portion 413 is formed at a position closer to the adapter front surface 472 than the fourth adapter engaging portion 414. The fifth adapter engaging portion 415 is formed at a position on the adapter front surface 472 close to the adapter bottom surface 474. The sixth adapter engaging portion 416 is formed at a position on the adapter rear surface 477 close to the adapter bottom surface 474. In this embodiment, the adapter engaging portion 410 is a protrusion that engages with the housing engaging portion 80, which is a recessed portion. The adapter engaging portion 410 protrudes toward the inside of the adapter 402 from the adapter front surface 472, the adapter rear surface 477, the adapter first side surface 475, and the adapter second side surface 476.

[0077] like Figure 6 as well as Figure 7As shown, the first adapter engaging portion 411 engages with the first container engaging portion 811. The second adapter engaging portion 412 engages with the second container engaging portion 812. The third adapter engaging portion 413 engages with the third container engaging portion 813. The fourth adapter engaging portion 414 engages with the fourth container engaging portion 814. The fifth adapter engaging portion 415 engages with the fifth container engaging portion 815. The sixth adapter engaging portion 416 engages with the sixth container engaging portion 816.

[0078] As described above, the adapter engaging portions 411-416 releasably engage with the corresponding container engaging portions 811-816, thereby allowing the liquid container 401 to be detachably engaged with the adapter 402. In this embodiment, the adapter engaging portion 410 is formed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 8 , the circuit substrate 50 is arranged at the corner portion 89. The circuit substrate 50 has a plurality of box-side terminals 521 arranged on the surface 50fa. In this embodiment, nine box-side terminals 521 are provided. Figure 9 As shown, the surface 50fa on which the plurality of box-side terminals 521 are arranged is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1. Specifically, the surface 50fa is inclined relative to the insertion direction D1 in a direction including a -Z direction component and a -Y direction component.

[0080] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the terminal mounting portion 52 mounts the circuit substrate 50 on the corner portion 89. In this embodiment, the terminal mounting portion 52 includes a first terminal mounting portion 523 and a second terminal mounting portion 525. The first terminal mounting portion 523 mounts the circuit substrate 50 from the +Y direction side. The second terminal mounting portion 525 mounts the circuit substrate 50 from the -Y direction side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first terminal mounting portion 523 and the second terminal mounting portion 525 are formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0081] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, the circuit board 50 is arranged in the recess 90 of the corner portion 89. Figure 5 As shown, the recess 90 is provided so as to span the front wall 42 and the bottom wall 44. Figure 9 As shown, the recess 90 includes a recess front wall 982 forming an inlet opening on the front wall 42 side, a recess bottom wall 988 forming the bottom of the recess 90 , and a pair of recess side walls 902 t and 902 w .

[0082] The recess bottom wall 988 has a portion that is inclined relative to the Y direction. In this embodiment, the inclined portion is inclined relative to the Y direction so as to be located on the +Z direction side as it approaches the recess front wall 982. The circuit board 50 is arranged on this inclined portion.

[0083] A pair of recessed side walls 902t and 902w are connecting walls of the recessed bottom wall 988. The pair of recessed side walls 902t and 902w are opposite to each other in the X direction. The first recessed side wall 902t is connected to the end portion on the -X direction side of the recessed bottom wall 988. The second recessed side wall 902w is connected to the end portion on the +X direction side of the recessed bottom wall 988. When used without distinguishing between the first recessed side wall 902t and the second recessed side wall 902w, they are referred to as recessed side walls 902. The opening formed on the recessed front wall 982, i.e., the inlet opening, becomes a portion for Figure 4 The device-side terminal portion 70 is shown as an entrance when inserted into the recess 90 .

[0084] like Figure 9 As shown, a pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are provided on a pair of recess side walls 902t and 902w, respectively. The pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are provided so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. When the pair of terminal positioning portions 906t and 906w are used to distinguish them, they are also referred to as the first terminal positioning portion 906t and the second terminal positioning portion 906w. When they are not used to distinguish them, they are also referred to as the terminal positioning portion 906. The terminal positioning portion 906 is a groove formed on the recess side wall 902. The first terminal positioning portion 906t is a groove having a shape that is recessed from the surface of the first recess side wall 902t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w is a groove having a shape that is recessed from the surface of the second recess side wall 902w. In addition, the shape of the terminal positioning portion 906 is sufficient to receive Figure 4 The shape of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 shown is not limited to a groove. For example, in other embodiments, the terminal positioning portion 906 may be composed of two protrusions arranged at a distance in the Z direction. Figure 4 The device-side terminal locating portion 756 is shown to be received between the two protrusions.

[0085] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 9As shown, the first terminal positioning portion 906t receives the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t during the terminal connection process. That is, the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is inserted into the first terminal positioning portion 906t. The second terminal positioning portion 906w receives the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w during the terminal connection process. That is, the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756w is inserted into the second terminal positioning portion 906w. The insertion of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 is implemented after the engagement of the box-side identification portion 430 with the device-side identification portion 630 is started. In addition, the insertion of the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 into the terminal positioning portion 906 is started before the contact between the device-side terminal 721 and the box-side terminal 521 is started.

[0086] The device-side terminal positioning portion 756 is received by the terminal positioning portion 906, so that the device-side terminal positioning portion 756 contacts the terminal positioning portion 906. As a result, the movement of the box-side terminal 521 in the directions intersecting the insertion direction D1 relative to the device-side terminal 721, that is, the Z direction and the X direction, is restricted. That is, the terminal positioning portion 906 restricts the relative movement of the box-side terminal 521 and the device-side terminal 721 in the direction intersecting the direction along the insertion direction D1 by receiving the device-side terminal positioning portion 756. By restricting the movement, the positioning of the box-side terminal 521 in the directions intersecting the insertion direction D1 relative to the device-side terminal 721, that is, the Z direction and the X direction, is implemented. In addition, in the present embodiment, the terminal positioning portion 906 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 418 is formed on the adapter bottom surface 474. More specifically, the protrusion 418 is formed at the end of the adapter bottom surface 474 on the adapter rear surface 477 side. The protrusion 418 relieves the restriction imposed by the restriction mechanism of the cartridge mounting portion 6 on the movement of the adapter 402 in the rotational mounting direction D2 for inserting the liquid introduction portion 642 into the insertion opening 446. In this embodiment, the protrusion 418 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0088] like Figure 10 As shown, the case engaging portion 497 is provided on the rear wall 47. The case engaging portion 497 is a recessed portion recessed from the outer surface of the rear wall 47. In this embodiment, the case engaging portion 497 is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0089] like Figure 11As shown, when the cartridge 4 is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644 is received by the supply unit positioning portion 448 of the cartridge 4. Furthermore, the liquid introduction portion 642 is connected to the liquid supply portion 442. At this time, the cartridge engaging portion 497 engages with the mounting engaging portion 697 of the cartridge mounting portion 6. Thus, the mounted state of the cartridge 4 and the cartridge mounting portion 6 is maintained.

[0090] The box mounting portion 6 has a device force-applying member 625, which applies an external force Ft1 to the support member 610 in order to return the support member 610 to the position of the initial configuration state when the box 4 is mounted. The device force-applying member 625 is a coil spring provided between the support member 610 and the liquid storage portion 699, and is in a compressed state when mounted. The external force Ft1 having a +Z direction component is applied to the support member 610 in the compressed state. Therefore, when the user lifts the rear wall 47 side of the box 4 in the mounted state, the box 4 is subjected to the external force Ft1 and rotates in the connection release direction D3. As a result, the engagement between the mounting engaging portion 697 and the box engaging portion 497 is released.

[0091] As described above, in the box 4 of this embodiment, the liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid is made of virgin plastic material. In addition, the non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid is made of a material containing recycled plastic. Figure 5 As shown, the liquid-contacting portion comprises the liquid container 401 and the first peripheral portion 447a of the adapter 402. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the "liquid-contacting portion" of the cartridge 4 includes not only areas that come into contact with the liquid due to the liquid being contained, but also areas that are more likely to come into contact with the liquid due to the liquid being adhered to it. For example, when the cartridge 4 is being removed from the printing device 10, liquid may adhere to the first peripheral portion 447a. Therefore, the liquid-contacting portion includes not only the liquid container 401 that comes into contact with the liquid due to the liquid being contained, but also the first peripheral portion 447a that is more likely to come into contact with the liquid due to the liquid being adhered to it. The non-liquid-contacting portion comprises the portion of the adapter 402 excluding the first peripheral portion 447a. The non-liquid-contacting portion of the adapter 402 includes at least a specific portion of the adapter 402 and other portions of the adapter 402. In this embodiment, the specific portion includes the second peripheral portion 447b, the supply portion positioning portion 448, the terminal mounting portion 52, the terminal positioning portion 906, the case-side identification portion 430, the adapter engaging portion 410, and the protrusion 418. Alternatively, the specific portion may be the portion of the adapter 402 remaining after removing the first peripheral portion 447a. Thus, by constructing the specific portion of the adapter 402 in the case from a material containing recycled plastic, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first peripheral portion 447a of the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 is made of virgin plastic material. This is because when components made of recycled plastic come into contact with liquid, there is a possibility that the recycled plastic will dissolve in the liquid, creating foreign matter and affecting the quality of the liquid. In this embodiment, by making the first peripheral portion 447a of the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 of virgin plastic material, the quality of the liquid can be maintained.

[0093] Furthermore, when components made of recycled plastic come into contact with liquid, the component's strength may be reduced or the component may deform. Therefore, by forming the liquid container 401 and the peripheral portion 447 of the liquid supply unit 442 from virgin plastic material, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the strength or deformation of the liquid container 401 and the first peripheral portion 447a of the adapter 402.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, the specific portion includes the second peripheral portion 447b, the supply unit positioning portion 448, the terminal mounting portion 52, the terminal positioning portion 906, the cartridge side identification portion 430, the container engaging portion 80, and the protrusion 418. Furthermore, the specific portion only needs to include at least one of the second peripheral portion 447b, the supply unit positioning portion 448, the terminal mounting portion 52, the terminal positioning portion 906, and the cartridge side identification portion 430. This allows the cartridge 4 to be uniformly made of recycled plastic, even when the type of printing device 10 or cartridge 4, the shipping destination, and the like vary.

[0095] In this embodiment, a specific portion is constructed as an independent component relative to the other portions of the adapter 402. The term "independent components" encompasses situations where the two components are decomposable and situations where they are not decomposable but are formed by two-color molding. In this embodiment, the second peripheral portion 447b, the supply portion positioning portion 448, the terminal mounting portion 52, the terminal positioning portion 906, and the box-side identification portion 430 are constructed so as to be decomposable relative to the other portions of the adapter 402. For example, the decomposable structure may use a snap-fit ​​structure, a structure that can be slidably assembled and disassembled, or a structure that can be assembled and disassembled using Velcro. Alternatively, at least one of the second peripheral portion 447b, the supply portion positioning portion 448, the terminal mounting portion 52, the terminal positioning portion 906, and the box-side identification portion 430 may be constructed as an independent component relative to the other portions of the adapter 402. This allows the ratio of recycled plastic used in the specific portion to be varied relative to the ratio of recycled plastic used in the other portions of the adapter 402.

[0096] In this embodiment, Figure 9The terminal positioning portion 906 shown is required to have higher precision or strength than other specific parts. Generally speaking, when recycled plastic and virgin plastic are used to construct a component, there is a tendency that the higher the proportion of virgin plastic is, the higher the precision or strength of the component is. Therefore, in the case where the specific part is constructed as an independent part relative to the other parts of the adapter 402, for example, the proportion of virgin plastic used in the terminal positioning portion 906 can be higher than the proportion of virgin plastic used in the supply portion positioning portion 448. In this way, by making the specific part an independent part relative to the other parts of the adapter 402, the ratio of recycled plastic and virgin plastic used can be changed according to the precision or strength required of the component.

[0097] In this embodiment, the box 4 is constructed so that the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be decomposed. Specifically, in this embodiment, the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be decomposed by the adapter engaging portion 410 having a snap structure. Thus, after the used box 4 is recovered, only the liquid container 401 can be reused, thereby reducing the environmental load. In other embodiments, the liquid container 401 and the adapter 402 can be constructed in a manner that allows for sliding assembly and disassembly, or in a manner that allows for assembly and disassembly using a Velcro strip.

[0098] B. Second embodiment:

[0099] B-1. Structure of printing system:

[0100] Figure 12 : is a perspective view showing the structure of a printing device 10t constituting a printing system 1t in the second embodiment. Figure 12 In FIG. 1 , similarly to the first embodiment, three mutually orthogonal spatial axes, namely, X, Y, and Z axes are depicted.

[0101] In the second embodiment, the printing system 1t is an inkjet printing system. The printing device 10t is an inkjet printer. The printing device 10t includes a housing 3, a hollow resin box that forms the exterior of the printing device 10t. The housing 3 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. An operating unit 7, a medium discharge port 9, a medium receiving portion 12, a medium storage port 14, a medium storage portion 16, and a cover member 17 are provided on the front surface 5 located on the -Y side.

[0102] The operation unit 7 includes a display unit 7i for displaying user information and a plurality of operation buttons 7b for receiving user operations. The media outlet 9 is an outlet for media discharged from the interior of the printing device 10t. The media outlet 9 is formed as a slit-like opening with a relatively wide width in the X direction and opens in the -Y direction. A media receiving portion 12 extends from the lower side of the media outlet 9 in the -Y direction in an eave-like manner to receive media discharged from the media outlet 9.

[0103] The medium storage port 14 is an opening portion used by the user to replenish the printing device 10t with media. In this embodiment, the medium storage port 14 has a generally rectangular opening shape that opens in the -Y direction below the medium receiving portion 12 and is relatively wide in the X direction. The medium storage portion 16 is a tray-shaped component that stores the medium to be processed in this embodiment, that is, the stock of media. The medium storage portion 16 is stored in the medium storage port 14 in a state where its front surface can be seen from the outside of the printing device 10t through the medium storage port 14. The user can replenish the printing device 10t with media by storing the media in the medium storage portion 16 that is pulled out from the printing device 10t in the -Y direction through the medium storage port 14, and then loading the medium storage portion 16 into the medium storage port 14 from the medium storage port 14.

[0104] The cover member 17 is a plate-like member made of resin that forms part of the exterior decoration of the printing device 10t. In this embodiment, the cover member 17 has a generally rectangular shape with a relatively wide width in the X direction and is arranged below the medium storage port 14. The cover member 17 has claws (not shown) on its outer periphery and is mounted in a detachable manner relative to the housing 3. The cover member 17 covers and protects the multiple liquid containers 4 housed inside the printing device 10t. In the second embodiment, the liquid container 4 is an ink bag. In the description of the second embodiment, the liquid container 4 is described as "ink bag 4t."

[0105] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the printing device 10t when the housing 3 and the cover member 17 are removed and viewed from the +Y direction. Figure 13 In FIG, the control unit 31 t , the ejection execution unit 25 , the medium transport unit 35 , the liquid supply mechanism 40 , and the case housing 60 are extracted and illustrated among the main components of the printing apparatus 10 t . Figure 14 1 is a schematic diagram of the printing device 10t when the housing 3 and the cover member 17 are removed and viewed in the +Z direction. Figure 14 In the Figure 13 FIG is a diagram of the control unit 31t, the ejection execution unit 25, and the medium conveying unit 35. Figure 14, for convenience, the figure shows a state where the plurality of ink packs 4t are pulled out together with the housing 162 in the −Y direction from the arrangement area LA, which is the mounted position with respect to the printing device 10t.

[0106] like Figure 13 As shown, the printing device 10t includes a control unit 31t, an ejection actuator 25, a media transport unit 35, a liquid supply mechanism 40, and a housing 60. In the printing device 10t, liquid is supplied from an ink bag 4t housed in the housing 60 to the ejection actuator 25 via the supply pipe 420 of the liquid supply mechanism 40. The ejection actuator 25 then ejects the liquid onto the medium MP delivered from the media housing 16 by the media transport unit 35, thereby forming a printed image on the medium MP. The control unit 31t, the ejection actuator 25, the media transport unit 35, the liquid supply mechanism 40, and the housing 60 will be described in order.

[0107] The control unit 31t controls the operation of various components within the printing device 10t. The control unit 31t is comprised of a microcomputer equipped with at least a central processing unit (CPU) and a main storage device. The CPU reads various programs into the main storage device and executes them, thereby performing various functions. The functions of the control unit 31t are described below.

[0108] like Figure 13 As shown, the ejection execution unit 25 includes a head 22t and a plurality of tubes 27. The head 22t receives liquid from the liquid supply mechanism 40 via the plurality of tubes 27. The head 22t includes a liquid chamber (not shown) that holds the liquid supplied from the liquid supply mechanism 40. A nozzle 33 opening downward is provided on the bottom surface of the liquid chamber. Under the control of the control unit 31t, the head 22t ejects the liquid in the liquid chamber from the nozzle 33 using known methods such as applying pressure to the ink using a piezoelectric element.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the head 22t is mounted on the carriage 20t and is configured to reciprocate linearly in the X direction under the control of the control unit 31t. Figure 13 In the figure, a double-headed arrow PS is shown, indicating the movement direction and range of the head 22t. In the second embodiment, the main scanning direction of the printing device 10t coincides with the X direction. The ejection execution unit 25 includes a guide shaft for moving the carriage 20t, a motor for generating driving force, and a pulley for transmitting the driving force as a drive mechanism for moving the head 22t.

[0110] The multiple tubes 27 connected to the head 22t are flexible. The multiple tubes 27 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. Starting from the joint 433, which connects to the supply piping 420 of the liquid supply mechanism 40 (described later), the multiple tubes 27 are arranged in a roughly straight line in the +X direction along the scanning path of the head 22t. They bend upward and return in the -X direction to connect to the head 22t. The curved portion 32r of the multiple tubes 27 moves as the head 22t moves. This prevents the multiple tubes 27 from interfering with the main scanning of the head 22t, thereby smoothing the movement of the head 22t.

[0111] like Figure 13 As shown, the medium conveying unit 35 conveys the medium MP to be processed under the control of the control unit 31t. The medium conveying unit 35 includes a conveying roller 36 mounted in the X direction below the head 22t. Below the conveying roller 36, the above-mentioned medium storage unit 16 is arranged. The medium conveying unit 35 includes a not-shown feeding mechanism that feeds the medium MP one by one from the medium storage unit 16 to the outer peripheral side of the conveying roller 36. The medium conveying unit 35 rotates the conveying roller 36 by a not-shown driving motor, and moves the medium MP in the -Y direction below the head 22t by its rotational driving force. In this embodiment, the sub-scanning direction of the printing device 10t is consistent with the -Y direction. The medium MP that has passed through the lower area of ​​the head 22t is passed through Figure 12 The medium is discharged to the outside of the printing device 10t through the medium discharge port 9 shown.

[0112] like Figure 13 As shown, when the printing process is executed in the printing device 10t, the control unit 31t uses the medium transport unit 35 to transport the medium MP in the aforementioned sub-scanning direction. Then, above the transport roller 36, the head 22t reciprocates along the transport roller 36 in the main scanning direction, ejecting ink droplets from the head 22t toward the printing surface of the medium MP at timings determined by the print data. Ink dots are thus recorded on the medium MP at positions determined by the print data, forming an image based on the print data.

[0113] Figure 15 FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the liquid supply mechanism 40. Figure 15 In order to illustrate the positional relationship between the liquid supply mechanism 40 and the opening member 163 in the printing apparatus 10t, the opening member 163 is extracted and illustrated together with the liquid supply mechanism 40. In addition to the aforementioned multiple supply pipes 420 and joint 433, the liquid supply mechanism 40 further includes multiple connection receiving portions 500, a variable pressure generating portion 455, and a pressure transmission pipe 460.

[0114] like Figure 14 As shown, the liquid supply mechanism 40 is connected to each of the multiple ink bags 4t housed in the housing 60 via multiple connectors 500. As will be described later, the printing device 10t is equipped with four ink bags 4t for each color ink. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the liquid supply mechanism 40 includes four connectors 500 corresponding to each of the four ink bags 4t.

[0115] In the second embodiment, three of the four ink bags 4t are first ink bags 4ta, each with an equal liquid storage capacity, and the remaining one is a second ink bag 4tb, with a larger liquid storage capacity than the first ink bag 4ta. Three of the multiple connection receptacles 500 are first connection receptacles 500a corresponding to the first ink bags 4ta, and the remaining one is a second connection receptacle 500b corresponding to the second ink bag 4tb. The first and second connection receptacles 500a, 500b are collectively referred to as "connection receptacles 500" unless otherwise specified. Similarly, the first and second ink bags 4ta, 4tb are collectively referred to as "ink bags 4t" unless otherwise specified. In this embodiment, there is little substantial structural difference between the first and second connection receptacles 500a, 500b, in terms of their connection to the ink bag 4t.

[0116] like Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 As shown, multiple connector receiving portions 500 are provided at the +Y end of the housing housing 60. Each connector receiving portion 500 is arranged in a row in the X direction at the bottom of the rearmost portion of the printing device 10t. Each connector receiving portion 500 is configured to receive a corresponding ink pack 4t from the -Y side. Three first connector receiving portions 500a are arranged side by side at approximately equal intervals from the right. The second connector receiving portion 500b is located on the far left.

[0117] B-2. Detailed structure of the connection receiving unit:

[0118] Figure 16 This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the first receiving connector 500a among the multiple receiving connectors 500. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the first receiving connector 500a and the second receiving connector 500b are common. The receiving connector 500 is constructed as a single component, integrating the liquid introduction portion 642t, the device-side terminal portion 70t, the device-side supply unit positioning portion 644t, the device-side fixing structure 54, and the device-side identification portion 630t.

[0119] Liquid from the ink bag 4t flows into the liquid inlet 642t. In the second embodiment, the liquid inlet 642t is located at the end of the housing 60 on the +Y side. The liquid inlet 642t is formed of a tube extending linearly in the -Y direction and opens at a tip 642tc on the -Y side. The liquid inlet 642t is inserted into the ink bag 4t via its tip 642tc, thereby connecting to the ink bag 4t. The liquid inlet 642t protrudes in the -Y direction approximately at the center of the connection receiving portion 500 in the X direction.

[0120] The rear end portion of the liquid introduction portion 642t on the +Y direction side communicates with a pump chamber (not shown) provided inside the connection receiving portion 500. The liquid flowing into the liquid introduction portion 642t flows into the pump chamber.

[0121] The connection receiving portion 500 in the second embodiment is provided with a liquid receiving portion 56 below the liquid introduction portion 642t. The liquid receiving portion 56 extends in the -Y direction along the liquid introduction portion 642t. The liquid receiving portion 56 is slightly curved downward to follow the lower side profile of the liquid introduction portion 642t and functions as a receiving pan to catch liquid leaking from the connection between the liquid introduction portion 642t and the ink bag 4t. The liquid receiving portion 56 may be omitted.

[0122] A base part 57 is provided on the rear end portion of the liquid inlet portion 642t and the liquid receiving portion 56 on the +Y direction side. The base part 57 is a resin part having a through hole 57p for the liquid inlet portion 642t to be inserted. The base part 57 is installed in a manner that allows it to move in the Y direction. On the back side of the base part 57, a coil spring as a force-applying part 57e is arranged in a manner that surrounds the liquid inlet portion 642t, and an elastic force in the -Y direction is applied to the base part 57. Since the force-applying part 57e is located behind the base part 57, Figure 16 The base end member 57 is elastically moved in the Y direction as indicated by the arrow mark SD by the force applied by the urging member 57e.

[0123] Figure 16The device-side terminal portion 70t shown is electrically connected to the ink bag 4t. The device-side terminal portion 70t is located at the end portion on the +Y direction side of the housing storage portion 60. The device-side terminal portion 70t has a plurality of device-side terminals 721t arranged in the X direction. The plurality of device-side terminals 721t protrude from the surface of the device-side terminal portion 70t and contact and electrically connect with the ink bag-side terminals of the ink bag 4t described later. Preferably, the device-side terminal portion 70t is biased in the protruding direction by an elastic member such as a leaf spring. In the second embodiment, the device-side terminal portion 70t is arranged at an inclination angle corresponding to the arrangement angle of the ink bag-side terminals of the ink bag 4t. The device-side terminal portion 70t is arranged so as to face obliquely upward in such a manner that the normal vector of its surface has a vector component in the -Y direction and a vector component in the -Z direction.

[0124] A device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is provided on each side of the device-side terminal portion 70t in the X direction. One of the two device-side terminal positioning portions 756t is also referred to as a first device-side terminal positioning portion 756tt, and the other is also referred to as a second device-side terminal positioning portion 756tw. The device-side terminal positioning portions 756tt and 756tw are columnar members protruding in the -Y direction and function as positioning portions when the ink bag-side terminals of the ink bag 4t are connected to the device-side terminal portion 70t.

[0125] In the second embodiment, Figure 16 The illustrated device-side supply unit positioning portion 644t is provided with two portions: a first device-side supply unit positioning portion 644tf and a second device-side supply unit positioning portion 644ts. The pair of device-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts protrude at positions separated from each other. In the second embodiment, the device-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts are configured as shaft-shaped portions extending in the -Y direction and are arranged side by side with the liquid inlet portion 642t. The first device-side supply unit positioning portion 644tf is located on the -X direction side of the liquid inlet portion 642t, and the second device-side supply unit positioning portion 644ts is located on the +X direction side of the liquid inlet portion 642t. The first device-side supply unit positioning portion 644tf is located closer to the -X direction side than the device-side terminal portion 70t. In this embodiment, the positions of the top ends of the pair of device-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts in the Y direction are substantially aligned. Furthermore, the apparatus-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts are provided at substantially the same height position and are provided at positions lower than the liquid introduction portion 642t and the apparatus-side terminal portion 70t.

[0126] When the ink pack 4t is installed, the pair of apparatus-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts are inserted into supply unit positioning portions (described later) provided on the ink pack 4t. The apparatus-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts have the function of regulating the X-direction arrangement position and horizontal arrangement angle of the ink pack 4t when the ink pack 4t is installed.

[0127] like Figure 16 As shown, the device-side fixing structure 54 cooperates with a housing-side fixing structure (described later) provided on the housing 162 in which the ink bag 4t is mounted, thereby restricting movement of the housing 162 in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the device-side fixing structure 54 is configured as an arm-shaped member that extends in the -Y direction so that the device-side fixing structure 54 enters under the mounted ink bag 4t. The device-side fixing structure 54 is located on the -X direction side of the liquid inlet portion 642t and below the device-side terminal portion 70t.

[0128] The top portion 54b on the -Y direction side of the device-side fixing structure 54 protrudes further in the -Y direction than the top portion 642tc of the liquid inlet portion 642. Furthermore, the top portion 54b protrudes further in the -Y direction than the top portions of the positioning portions 644tf and 644ts. A protrusion 54p is provided on the top portion 54b. The protrusion 54p protrudes in the -Z direction at the center of the top portion 54t. When the housing 162 is mounted in the housing storage portion 60, the protrusion 54p engages with an engaged portion (not shown) provided on the housing-side fixing structure. More specifically, the protrusion 54p is locked with the engaged portion provided on the housing-side fixing structure, thereby restricting movement of the housing 162 in the -Y direction. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the engaged portion provided on the housing-side fixing structure is a heart-shaped cam structure.

[0129] As indicated by the double arrow mark EX, the device-side fixing structure 54 is installed in a state in which the rear end portion on the +Y direction side is used as a fulcrum to allow lateral rotation. The device-side fixing structure 54 is urged in the +X direction by an elastic member (not shown) disposed inside the connection receiving portion 500, and elastically rotates in the -X direction when subjected to an external force in the -X direction. In addition, as indicated by the double arrow mark EZ, the device-side fixing structure 54 is installed in a state in which the rear end portion on the +Y direction side is used as a fulcrum to allow rotation in the height direction. The device-side fixing structure 54 is urged in the -Z direction by an elastic member (not shown) disposed inside the connection receiving portion 500, and elastically rotates in the +Z direction when subjected to an external force in the +Z direction.

[0130] like Figure 16As shown, the device-side identification portion 630t is located on the +X side of the liquid inlet portion 642t. It is located above the second device-side supply unit positioning portion 644ts. The device-side identification portion 630t is formed of at least one rib. The pattern is determined by the number and position of the ribs. The ink bag 4t also includes an ink bag-side identification portion, described later, formed of ribs. The pattern of the ink bag-side identification portion varies depending on the type of ink bag 4t, i.e., the color of the liquid contained therein. When the correct type of ink bag 4t is inserted into the corresponding connector 500, the device-side identification portion 630t and the ink bag-side identification portion fit together without colliding. On the other hand, if the incorrect type of ink bag 4t is inserted into the connector 500, the device-side identification portion 630t and the ink bag-side identification portion may collide, hindering the insertion of further ink bags 4t. This can reduce the possibility that the wrong type of ink pack 4 t is connected to the connection receiving portion 500 .

[0131] like Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the printing device 10t according to the second embodiment, the housing storage section 60 is provided at the bottom. The housing storage section 60 stores a plurality of housings 162. Figure 13 as well as Figure 14 As shown, in the case of the housing storage state, the plurality of housings 162 are arranged in a row in the X direction in the housing storage portion 60. A plurality of ink bags 4t are respectively arranged in the plurality of housings 162. One ink bag 4t is arranged in one housing 162. That is, in the housing storage portion 60, the plurality of ink bags 4t are arranged in a row in the X direction and stored in the state of being arranged in the housing 162. Figure 14 In FIG. 1 , the arrangement area LA, which is the arrangement position of the case 162 and the ink pack 4 t when attached in the case storage portion 60 , is shown by a dashed line.

[0132] like Figure 14 As shown, multiple housings 162 are used to mount ink bags 4t. In the second embodiment, the housings 162 are configured as tray-shaped containers. The housings 162 can be moved in the Y direction within the housing storage section 60 to be attached to and detached from the printing device 10t. The housings 162 can be placed in the housing storage section 60 even when empty, without an ink bag 4t. Details of attaching and detaching the housings 162 and ink bags 4t to and from the printing device 10t will be described later.

[0133] The ink bag 4t is detachably positioned on the -Z side of the housing 162, which has been removed from the housing receptacle 60. While positioned within the housing 162, the ink bag 4t is installed in the printing device 10t. Specifically, the printing device 10t is installed within the housing receptacle 60 of the printing device 10t while positioned within the housing 162. Furthermore, the ink bag 4t is removed from the housing receptacle 60 while positioned within the housing 162. The housing 162 includes a first housing 162a, which houses the first ink bag 4ta, and a second housing 162b, which houses the second ink bag 4tb. The first housing 162a and the second housing 162b are collectively referred to as the "housing 162" unless otherwise specified. Details of the structure of the housing 162 will be described later.

[0134] In this disclosure, the first ink pack 4ta, appropriately placed in the first housing 162a, is also referred to as the "first mounting body 105a." Similarly, the second ink pack 4tb, appropriately placed in the second housing 162b, is also referred to as the "second mounting body 105b." Unless otherwise specified, the first and second mounting bodies 105a, 105b are collectively referred to as the "mounting body 105."

[0135] like Figure 13 as well as Figure 15 As shown, an opening member 163 is disposed at the entrance of the housing housing portion 60. Opening member 163 is a plate-like member having a generally rectangular shape and includes four through-holes 164 extending through the housing housing portion 60 in the thickness direction. Opening member 163 is fixedly mounted at the end portion on the -Y side of the housing housing portion 60, with its thickness aligned with the Y direction and its length aligned with the X direction. Each through-hole 164 serves as an insertion port for inserting the housing 162. Each through-hole 164 has an opening shape corresponding to the outer peripheral contour of the corresponding housing 162 when viewed in the Y direction.

[0136] B-3. ​​Detailed structure of ink bag:

[0137] Figure 17 105a is a schematic perspective view of the first mounting body 105a as viewed from above. Figure 18 16 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a state where the first ink pack 4ta is removed from the first housing 162a, as viewed from above. Figure 19 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first mounting body 105 a. Figure 20 4 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the adapter 402t as viewed from above. Figure 21 For, from Figure 19 A schematic perspective view showing the vicinity of the recessed portion 90t extracted from FIG.

[0138] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 As shown, the first ink bag 4ta is composed of two components. The first ink bag 4ta includes a liquid container 401t and an adapter 402t. The liquid container 401t has a generally rectangular outer contour, with the Y direction as its longitudinal direction when viewed in the Z direction. The adapter 402t forms the +Y-side end portion of the liquid container 401t.

[0139] The first ink bag 4ta in the second embodiment has a liquid contact portion that contacts the contained ink and a non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the ink. As in the first embodiment, the liquid contact portion is made of virgin plastic material. The non-liquid contact portion is made of a material containing recycled plastic. In the second embodiment, the liquid contact portion is the first peripheral portion described later in the liquid container 401t and the adapter 402t. The non-liquid contact portion is the portion of the adapter 402t from which the first peripheral portion described later is removed. Figures 17 to 20 In the figure, the non-liquid contact parts are hatched. The unhatched parts are the liquid contact parts.

[0140] like Figure 19 As shown, the liquid container 401t is a container having a liquid container portion 115t for containing liquid therein. The liquid container 401t is flexible. The flexibility of the liquid container 401t can be such that it bends due to its own weight, or it can be such that it maintains its shape under its own weight and bends when a load greater than its own weight is applied. Figure 18 As shown in FIG. 4 , when viewed in the Z direction, the liquid container 401 t has a substantially rectangular shape with the Y direction as the longitudinal direction. Figure 19 As shown, the liquid container 401t is constructed by overlapping two sheet members 111 and 112 and welding their outer peripheral edges 113 together.

[0141] The first sheet member 111 is positioned on the -Z direction side and forms the upper surface of the liquid container 401t. The second sheet member 112 is positioned on the +Z direction side and forms the lower surface of the liquid container 401t. Each sheet member 111, 112 has a rectangular shape of the same size. Each sheet member 111, 112 does not necessarily have a completely flat shape. Preferably, each sheet member 111, 112 is formed into a curved shape, such that it gradually bulges toward the center of the liquid container 401t.

[0142] Each sheet member 111, 112 is formed from a material that is flexible, gas-barrier, and liquid-impermeable. Each sheet member 111, 112 can also be formed from a film member such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon, or polyethylene. Each sheet member 111, 112 can also be formed by laminating multiple films made from the aforementioned materials. In this case, for example, the outer layer can be formed from a film of PET or nylon, which has excellent impact resistance, and the inner layer can be formed from a film of polyethylene, which has excellent ink resistance. Furthermore, a layer deposited with aluminum or the like can be added to the laminated structure.

[0143] like Figure 19 As shown, a supply port member 116 is attached to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the liquid container 401t. The supply port member 116 will be described later.

[0144] like Figure 18 As shown, the adapter 402t is attached to the end of the liquid container 401t on the +Y direction side. The adapter 402t has the function of connecting to the corresponding first connection receiving portion 500a and securing the first ink bag 4ta in the first housing 162a. The adapter 402t generally has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with its length in the X direction.

[0145] like Figure 20 As shown, the adapter 402 t has a first surface portion 121 , a second surface portion 122 , a third surface portion 123 , a fourth surface portion 124 , a fifth surface portion 125 , and a sixth surface portion 126 .

[0146] The first surface 121 faces the +Y direction and forms the top surface in the direction of installation of the first ink bag 4ta. As described later, the components for connecting to the first connection receiving portion 500a are integrated on the first surface 121 side of the adapter 402t. The second surface 122 is located opposite the first surface 121 and faces the -Y direction. The second surface 122 forms the rear end surface in the direction of installation of the first ink bag 4ta. The aforementioned liquid container 401t is fixed to the second surface 122. The third surface 123 intersects the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 and faces the -Z direction. The third surface 123 forms the top surface of the adapter 402t. A handle 170a is attached to the third surface 123 to enhance the operability of the first ink bag 4ta. The handle 170a will be described later.

[0147] The fourth surface portion 124 is located opposite the third surface portion 123 and intersects the first surface portion 121 and the second surface portion 122. The fourth surface portion 124 is located on the +Z side, faces the +Z direction, and constitutes the bottom surface portion of the adapter 402t. The fifth surface portion 125 intersects the first surface portion 121, the second surface portion 122, the third surface portion 123, and the fourth surface portion 124. The fifth surface portion 125 faces the +X direction and constitutes the left side surface portion of the adapter 402t. The sixth surface portion 126 is located opposite the fifth surface portion 125 and intersects the first surface portion 121, the second surface portion 122, the third surface portion 123, and the fourth surface portion 124. The sixth surface portion 126 faces the -X direction and constitutes the right side surface portion of the adapter 402t.

[0148] The adapter 402t includes a first component 127f and a second component 127s that overlap in the Z direction. A slit 128 is formed in the adapter 402t. The end portion of the liquid container 401t on the +Y direction side is inserted into the slit 128 formed in the second surface portion 122. The liquid container 401t is fixed to the adapter 402t with its end portion on the +Y direction side sandwiched between the first component 127f and the second component 127s in the Z direction.

[0149] like Figure 20 As shown, the adapter 402t includes an insertion portion 447t that defines the insertion opening 446t, a corner portion 89t, a supply unit positioning portion 448t, and an ink bag side identification portion 430t as components for connecting to the first connection receiving portion 500a. In the adapter 402t, these components are grouped together on the first surface portion 121 side.

[0150] like Figure 20 As shown, the insertion opening 446t is an opening opening in the +Y direction and is inserted with Figure 16 The liquid inlet portion 642t is shown. The liquid supply portion 442t is arranged in the insertion opening 446t. The liquid supply portion 442t is cylindrical. The central axis of the liquid supply portion 442t is parallel to the Y direction. In the liquid supply portion 442t, a liquid supply portion 442t is inserted in the +Y direction. Figure 16 The liquid introduction portion 642t of the first connection receiving portion 500a is shown. The liquid supply portion 442t is provided at a substantially central position in the X direction in the first surface portion 121.

[0151] like Figure 19 As shown, the liquid supply portion 442t is connected to the liquid container 115t. The liquid supply portion 442t is a cylindrical member connected to the supply port member 116 attached to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the liquid container 401t and protrudes from the supply port member 116 toward the +Y direction side.

[0152] Figure 20 The peripheral portion 447t shown as the insertion portion divides the insertion opening portion 446t. The peripheral portion 447t includes a first peripheral portion 447ta, which is an area surrounding the insertion opening portion 446t, and a second peripheral portion 447tb, which is an area surrounding the first peripheral portion 447ta. In the adapter 402t, the first peripheral portion 447ta is an area that may come into contact with liquid. For example, when the connection between the liquid supply portion 442t and the liquid inlet portion 642t is released, the first peripheral portion 447ta may sometimes come into contact with liquid leaking from the liquid supply portion 442t. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first peripheral portion 447ta is made of virgin plastic material. On the other hand, the second peripheral portion 447tb is an area that does not come into contact with liquid. Therefore, the second peripheral portion 447tb in the adapter 402t is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0153] like Figure 21 As shown in FIG. 1 , the circuit substrate 50t is arranged at the corner portion 89t. The circuit substrate 50t has a plurality of ink bag side terminals 521t arranged on the surface 50tfa. In this embodiment, nine ink bag side terminals 521t are provided. Figure 16 The ink bag-side terminals 521t are electrically connected to the apparatus-side terminal portion 70t of the first connection receiving portion 500a. The plurality of ink bag-side terminals 521t are arranged at positions corresponding to the apparatus-side terminals 721t of the apparatus-side terminal portion 70t.

[0154] like Figure 21 As shown, the terminal mounting portion 52t secures the circuit substrate 50t to the corner portion 89t. In this embodiment, the terminal mounting portion 52t includes a first terminal mounting portion 523t and a second terminal mounting portion 525t. The first terminal mounting portion 523t secures the circuit substrate 50t from the -Y direction. The second terminal mounting portion 525t secures the circuit substrate 50t from the +Y direction. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first terminal mounting portion 523t and the second terminal mounting portion 525t are formed from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0155] like Figure 20 As shown, the circuit board 50t is arranged in the recess 90t of the corner portion 89t. The recess 90t is provided so as to span the first surface portion 121 and the third surface portion 123. Figure 21 As shown, the recess 90t includes a recess front wall 982t forming an inlet opening on the first surface portion 121 side, a recess bottom wall 988t forming the bottom of the recess 90, and a pair of recess side walls 902tt and 902tw.

[0156] The recess bottom wall 988t has a portion that is inclined relative to the Y direction. In this embodiment, the inclined portion is inclined relative to the Y direction so as to be located on the +Z direction side as it moves toward the recess front wall 982t. The circuit board 50t is arranged on this inclined portion.

[0157] The pair of recessed side walls 902tt and 902tw serve as connecting walls to the recessed bottom wall 988t. The pair of recessed side walls 902tt and 902tw oppose each other in the X direction. The first recessed side wall 902tt is connected to the +X-direction end of the recessed bottom wall 988t. The second recessed side wall 902tw is connected to the -X-direction end of the recessed bottom wall 988t. When used without distinguishing between the first recessed side wall 902tt and the second recessed side wall 902tw, they are collectively referred to as the recessed side wall 902t. The opening formed in the recessed front wall 982t, i.e., the entrance opening, serves as the entrance for inserting the device-side terminal portion 70t into the recessed portion 90t.

[0158] A pair of terminal positioning portions 906tt and 906tw are provided on a pair of recessed side walls 902t and 902w, respectively. The pair of terminal positioning portions 906tt and 906tw are arranged so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. When the pair of terminal positioning portions 906tt and 906tw are used to distinguish them, they are also referred to as the first terminal positioning portion 906tt and the second terminal positioning portion 906tw. When they are used without distinguishing them, they are also referred to as the terminal positioning portion 906t. The terminal positioning portion 906t is a groove formed on the recessed side wall 902t. The first terminal positioning portion 906tt is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the first recessed side wall 902tt. The second terminal positioning portion 906tw is a groove having a shape recessed from the surface of the second recessed side wall 902tw.

[0159] like Figure 16 as well as Figure 21 As shown, when the device-side terminal portion 70t is connected to the circuit substrate 50t, the first terminal positioning portion 906tt receives the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756tt. In other words, the first device-side terminal positioning portion 756tt is inserted into the first terminal positioning portion 906tt. The second terminal positioning portion 906tw receives the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756tw. In other words, the second device-side terminal positioning portion 756tw is inserted into the second terminal positioning portion 906tw.

[0160] The device-side terminal positioning portion 756t is received by the terminal positioning portion 906t, bringing the device-side terminal positioning portion 756t into contact with the terminal positioning portion 906t. This restricts movement of the ink bag-side terminal 521t in directions intersecting the Y direction, which is the insertion direction relative to the device-side terminal 721t, namely, the Z and X directions. In other words, the positioning portion 906t, by receiving the device-side terminal positioning portion 756t, restricts relative movement of the ink bag-side terminal 521t and the device-side terminal 721t in directions intersecting the Y direction, which is the insertion direction. This restricted movement ensures positioning of the ink bag-side terminal 521t in the Z and X directions, which are intersecting the Y direction, which is the insertion direction relative to the device-side terminal 721t. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the terminal positioning portion 906t is formed from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0161] like Figure 20 As shown, the first supply unit positioning portion 448tf and the second supply unit positioning portion 448ts are provided on the first surface portion 121 of the adapter 402t. When the first ink bag 4ta is mounted on the printing device 10t, the first supply unit positioning portion 448tf receives the ink. Figure 16 The first apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644tf of the first connection receiving portion 500a shown in FIG. 4 receives the second apparatus-side supply unit positioning portion 644ts of the second supply unit positioning portion 448ts, thereby appropriately defining the mounting position of the first ink pack 4ta.

[0162] In the second embodiment, the first supply unit positioning portion 448tf and the second supply unit positioning portion 448ts are formed as holes extending in the -Y direction and have a first opening 151f and a second opening 151s, respectively. The openings 151f and 151s of the first receiving portion 150f and the second receiving portion 150s, respectively, receive the corresponding apparatus-side supply unit positioning portions 644tf and 644ts inserted from the +Y direction.

[0163] The first receiving portion 150f is located on the -X side of the liquid supply portion 442t. In the first ink bag 4ta, the first supply portion positioning portion 448tf is provided at a corner portion on the lower side of the first surface portion 121 on the -X side. Meanwhile, the second supply portion positioning portion 448ts is located on the +X side of the liquid supply portion 442t. In the first ink bag 4ta, the second supply portion positioning portion 448ts is provided at a corner portion on the lower side of the first surface portion 121 on the +X side. In this embodiment, the pair of supply portion positioning portions 448tf and 448ts are formed from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0164] like Figure 20As shown, the ink bag side identification portion 430t is located closer to the +X direction side of the liquid supply portion 442t. The ink bag side identification portion 430t is located at the +Y direction end of the third surface portion 123, near the +X direction end. The ink bag side identification portion 430t is a rib. The ink bag side identification portion 430t forms a different pattern depending on the color of the liquid contained in the ink bag 4t. The pattern shape is determined by the number and position of the ribs. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the ink bag side identification portion 430t is formed from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0165] like Figure 20 As shown, a recess 160 that is recessed in the -Z direction is provided on the fourth surface 124 of the adapter 402t. In the second embodiment, the recess 160 has a substantially rectangular shape, extends in the +Y direction to the first surface 121, and opens in the +Y direction. Figure 18 As shown, when the first ink pack 4 ta is arranged in the first case 162 a , a convex portion, which will be described later, formed on the bottom surface of the first case 162 a is accommodated in the concave portion 160 .

[0166] like Figure 20 As shown, a pair of interlocking recesses 161 are formed on the fourth surface 124 of the adapter 402t. The two interlocking recesses 161 are arranged in a manner so as to sandwich the liquid supply portion 442t and the insertion opening 446t in the X direction. The two interlocking recesses 161 are respectively formed at positions adjacent to the liquid supply portion 442t and the insertion opening 446t in the X direction. In this embodiment, each interlocking recess 161 is formed as a recess cut in the -Z direction. Similar to the above-mentioned recess 160, each interlocking recess 161 opens in the +Y direction on the first surface 121. When the first ink bag 4ta is arranged in the first shell 162a, a liquid is inserted and interlocked in each interlocking recess 161. Figure 18 The portion of the rear wall portion 203 of the first housing 162a shown in FIG.

[0167] like Figure 20 As shown, handle 170a is a portion that a user can grasp when moving the first ink bag 4ta. In this embodiment, handle 170a is made by molding a resin member such as polypropylene. Handle 170a includes a gripping portion 171, two connecting portions 172 and 173, and two base ends 174 and 175. Grip 171 is a portion for the user to grasp. Grip 171 extends in the X direction.

[0168] The two connecting portions 172 and 173 extend from both ends of the grip portion 171 in a direction intersecting the X-direction. The first connecting portion 172 connects the +X-direction end of the grip portion 171 to the first base end 174. The second connecting portion 173 connects the -X-direction end of the grip portion 171 to the second base end 175. Each base end 174, 175 is a roughly cylindrical, axial portion that protrudes in a mutually opposing manner along the X-direction. For the sake of weight reduction, the grip portion 171 and the two connecting portions 172 are preferably appropriately lightened.

[0169] The first base end portion 174 protrudes in the +X direction at the end of the first connecting portion 172, and the second base end portion 175 protrudes in the -X direction at the end of the second connecting portion 173. The two base end portions 174 and 175 are each connected to a fixing portion 176 provided on the third surface portion 123 of the adapter 402t. The fixing portion 176 rotatably secures the handle 170a to the adapter 402t. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 176 comprises an axial hole extending in the X direction, into which each base end portion 174 and 175 is inserted in the X direction.

[0170] The handle 170a is provided at a position exposed when the first ink pack 4ta is placed in the first housing 162a. The handle 170a is provided at a position where the user can see and operate it. In the second embodiment, the handle 170a is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0171] B-4. Detailed structure of the casing:

[0172] like Figure 17 As shown in FIG18 , the first housing 162a has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with the X direction as the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the first housing 162a is formed as a hollow box body that opens in the −Z direction and the +Y direction. The first housing 162a is made of a resin member such as polypropylene, for example.

[0173] like Figure 18 As shown, the first housing 162a includes a bottom wall 200, two side walls 201 and 202, two rear walls 203, and a front wall 205. The bottom wall 200 is a substantially rectangular wall forming the bottom of the first housing 162a and extends in the X and Y directions.

[0174] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 18As shown, the first side wall 201 is a generally rectangular wall that intersects and connects to the long side of the bottom wall 200 on the -X direction, and constitutes the right side wall of the first housing 162a. The second side wall 202 is a generally rectangular wall that intersects and connects to the long side of the bottom wall 200 on the +X direction, and constitutes the left side wall of the first housing 162a. The first and second side walls 201, 202 extend side by side, spanning substantially the entire area in the Y direction. The first and second side walls 201, 202 sandwich the liquid container 401t of the first ink bag 4ta in the X direction, and the arrangement angle of the liquid container 401t along the horizontal plane is defined as along the Y direction.

[0175] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 As shown, two rear wall portions 203 rise in the -Z direction from the ends of the bottom wall portion 200 on the +Y direction side. Each rear wall portion 203 is provided at both ends in the X direction and is connected to the side wall portion on the same side in the X direction of the two side walls 201 and 202. When the first ink bag 4ta is positioned, a liquid supply portion 442t is positioned between the two rear wall portions 203. A portion of the rear wall portion 203 is inserted into and fits into each of the fitting recesses 161 formed on both sides of the liquid supply portion 442t in the X direction, thereby closing each fitting recess 161.

[0176] like Figure 17 as well as Figure 18 As shown, the two rear wall portions 203 have a height lower than the side wall portions 201 and 202. The two rear wall portions 203 are formed so as to cover the portion of the adapter 402t below the circuit board 50t and the ink bag side identification portion 430t when the first ink bag 4ta is placed in the first housing 162a. The rear wall portion 203 is provided with a portion for receiving the supply unit positioning portions 448tf and 448ts at a position corresponding to the supply unit positioning portions 448tf and 448ts. Figure 16 The through-hole 203h into which the device-side supply unit positioning parts 644tf and 644ts are inserted is shown.

[0177] like Figure 18 As shown, the front wall portion 205 extends in the X and Z directions at the end portion on the -Y side of the bottom wall portion 200 and connects the bottom wall portion 200 and the two side walls 201 and 202. The front wall portion 205 is taller than the two side walls 201 and 202.

[0178] A protrusion 210 protruding in the -Z direction is provided on the bottom surface 200s of the bottom wall 200 at the end on the +Y direction side. The protrusion 210 is located closer to the -X direction side than the center portion in the X direction, and is located closer to the -X direction side than the pair of mating protrusions. In this embodiment, the protrusion 210 is rectangular in shape. The protrusion 210 is hollow. When the first ink bag 4ta is placed in the first housing 162a, the protrusion 210 is accommodated in the recess 160 of the adapter 402t.

[0179] In the second embodiment, when the convex portion 210 is accommodated in the concave portion 160, the outer wall surface of the convex portion 210 comes into surface contact with the inner wall surface of the concave portion 160. In other words, the convex portion 210 fits into the concave portion 160. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the convex portion 210 and the concave portion 160 function as positioning portions for the adapter 402t in the first housing 162a.

[0180] As described above, in the ink bag 4t of the second embodiment, the liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid is made of virgin plastic material. In addition, the non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid is made of a material containing recycled plastic. Figure 5 As shown, the liquid-contacting portion is the first peripheral portion 447ta of the liquid container 401t and the adapter 402t. The non-liquid-contacting portion is the portion of the adapter 402t excluding the first peripheral portion 447ta. The non-liquid-contacting portion of the adapter 402t includes a specific portion, which is at least a portion of the adapter 402t, and other portions of the adapter 402t. In this embodiment, the specific portion includes the second peripheral portion 447tb constituting the insertion portion, the supply unit positioning portion 448t, the terminal mounting portion 52t, the terminal positioning portion 906t, and the ink bag side identification portion 430t. Alternatively, the specific portion may be the remaining portion of the adapter 402t excluding the first peripheral portion 447ta. Thus, even in the second embodiment in which the liquid container 4t is an ink bag 4t, the environmental impact can be reduced by constructing the specific portion from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0181] C. Other implementation methods:

[0182] (C1) In the first and second embodiments described above, the liquid containers 401 and 401t are composed of a single layer. Alternatively, the liquid containers 401 and 401t may be formed of a multilayer structure comprising at least two layers. In this case, the liquid-contacting portion of the multilayer may be composed of a virgin plastic material, and the liquid-non-contacting portion of the multilayer may be composed of a material comprising recycled plastic. For example, the outermost layer and the middle layer may be composed of a material comprising recycled plastic, and the innermost layer may be composed of a virgin plastic material. Here, the multilayer structure may be formed, for example, by co-injection molding a layer composed of a virgin plastic material and a layer composed of a material comprising recycled plastic. Alternatively, the multilayer structure may be formed by blow molding a layer composed of a virgin plastic material and a layer composed of a material comprising recycled plastic. In this case, the thickness of any of the multilayer layers may be adjusted by adjusting the opening of a valve mechanism or an opening and closing mechanism, or by adjusting the discharge pressure of an extruder, accumulator, etc., at a predetermined timing during blow molding. When forming a multilayer structure by injection molding or blow molding, for example, a material obtained by dry-blending a material containing recycled plastic and a virgin plastic material at a weight ratio of 50:50 may be used.

[0183] (C2) In the first and second embodiments described above, the liquid supply parts 442 and 442t constituting the liquid contact portion are not formed of a material containing recycled plastic. However, if recycled plastic that can ensure the quality of the liquid is used, at least a portion of the liquid supply parts 442 and 442t may be formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0184] (C3) The present disclosure is not limited to inkjet printers and ink cartridges thereof, but can also be applied to cartridges installed in any printing device that ejects liquids other than ink. For example, it can be applied to various printing devices and cartridges thereof as follows.

[0185] (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile devices.

[0186] (2) A printing device that ejects color materials used in the manufacture of optical filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays.

[0187] (3) A printing device that sprays electrode materials used in forming electrodes of organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), and the like.

[0188] (4) A printing device used in biochip manufacturing that ejects liquid containing biological organic matter.

[0189] (5) Sample printing device as a precision pipette.

[0190] (6) Lubricating oil printing device.

[0191] (7) Resin liquid printing device.

[0192] (8) A printing device that precisely sprays lubricating oil onto precision equipment such as clocks and cameras.

[0193] (9) A printing device that sprays a transparent resin liquid such as an ultraviolet curing resin onto a substrate in order to form a microscopic hemispherical lens (optical lens) used in optical communication elements.

[0194] (10) A printing device that sprays an acidic or alkaline etching liquid to etch a substrate or the like.

[0195] (11) A printing device having a liquid ejecting head for ejecting other arbitrary minute amounts of liquid droplets.

[0196] Furthermore, the term "liquid droplets" refers to the state of liquid ejected from a printing device, including states of materials that are granular, tear-like, or filamentous, with tails extending therefrom. Furthermore, the "liquid" referred to here only needs to be a material that can be ejected by the printing device. For example, "liquid" refers to any material in a liquid phase. Liquid materials with high or low viscosity, as well as liquid materials such as sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals (metal melts) are also included in the term "liquid." Furthermore, "liquid" includes not only liquids as a state of matter, but also substances obtained by dissolving, dispersing, or mixing particles of inorganic materials composed of solid materials such as pigments or metal particles in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include the inks and liquid crystals described in the above embodiments. Here, the term "ink" includes various liquid compositions such as general water-soluble inks, oil-based inks, and colloid inks and hot-melt inks.

[0197] D.Other methods:

[0198] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be implemented by various structures without departing from its main purpose. For example, in order to solve part or all of the above-mentioned problems, or to achieve part or all of the above-mentioned effects, the technical features of the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described in the "Summary of the Invention" column can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical features are not described as essential features in this specification, they can be appropriately deleted.

[0199] (1) According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container including a liquid container and an adapter is provided. The liquid container includes a liquid-contacting portion that contacts a liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not contact the liquid, wherein a specific portion of the adapter, at least a portion of the non-liquid-contacting portion, is formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0200] According to this embodiment, the environmental load can be reduced by forming a specific portion of the adapter in the box with a material containing recycled plastic.

[0201] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiment, the liquid contact portion of the adapter may be formed of virgin plastic material.

[0202] According to this aspect, the quality of the liquid can be maintained by forming the liquid contact portion of the adapter from virgin plastic material.

[0203] (3) In the above method, the following method can also be adopted, that is, the liquid container is installed on the printing device in a detachable manner, and the specific part has: a terminal mounting portion, on which a liquid container side terminal electrically connected to the device side terminal of the printing device is mounted; a terminal positioning portion, which implements the positioning of the liquid container side terminal relative to the device side terminal, and the specific part also has the following at least any one of the following insertion portion, supply portion positioning portion, and liquid container side identification portion, wherein the insertion portion divides the insertion opening portion for inserting the liquid inlet portion of the printing device, the supply portion positioning portion implements the positioning of the liquid supply portion relative to the printing device, and the liquid container side identification portion is used to prevent the liquid container from being inserted into the printing device by mistake, and the liquid container side identification portion is engaged with the device side identification portion of the printing device.

[0204] According to this aspect, recycled plastic can be used in at least one of the insertion portion, the supply portion positioning portion, and the liquid container side identification portion in addition to the terminal mounting portion and the terminal positioning portion.

[0205] (4) In the above aspect, the non-liquid contact portion of the adapter may be configured as a separate component from other portions of the adapter.

[0206] According to this aspect, at least any one of the insertion portion, the supply portion positioning portion, the liquid container side terminal, the terminal positioning portion, and the liquid container side identification portion can be provided as an independent component.

[0207] (5) In the above aspect, the specific portion may be configured to be detachable from other portions of the adapter.

[0208] According to this aspect, a specific portion can be disassembled from other portions of the adapter.

[0209] (6) In the above aspect, the adapter may be configured to be detachable from the liquid container.

[0210] According to this embodiment, the liquid container and the adapter can be disassembled. Therefore, after the used liquid container is collected, only the liquid container can be reused, thereby reducing the environmental load.

[0211] (7) According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid container including a liquid container and an adapter is provided. The liquid container includes a liquid-contacting portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid container is formed of a multilayer structure including at least two layers, wherein the liquid-contacting portion of the multilayer structure is composed of a virgin plastic material, and the non-liquid-contacting portion of the multilayer structure is composed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0212] According to this aspect, the environmental load can be reduced by forming a part of the liquid container from a material containing recycled plastic.

[0213] The present disclosure can be implemented in various forms, and in addition to the above-described forms, can also be implemented in forms such as a method for manufacturing a cartridge.

[0214] Explanation of symbols

[0215] 1, 1t…printing system; 2…printing paper; 3…housing; 4…liquid container; 4A…first cartridge; 4B…second cartridge; 4t…ink bag; 4ta…first ink bag; 4tb…second ink bag; 5…front surface; 6…cartridge mounting portion; 7…operating portion; 9…media outlet; 10, 10t…printing device; 12…media receiving portion; 13…replacement cover; 14…media storage port; 15…operating button; 16…media storage portion; 17…cover member; 20, 20t…slide; 22…ejection head; 22t…head portion; 24…tube; 25…injection actuator; 27…tube; 30…drive device; 31, 31t…control unit; 32…timing belt; 33…nozzle; 34…drive motor; 3 5…medium conveying portion; 36…conveying roller; 40…liquid supply mechanism; 41…main body; 42…front wall; 43…upper wall; 44…bottom wall; 45…first side wall; 46…second side wall; 47…rear wall; 50, 50t…circuit board; 50tfa…surface; 52, 52t…terminal mounting portion; 54…device-side fixing structure; 56…liquid receiving portion; 57…base end member; 60…housing storage portion; 61…accommodation chamber; 62…second device wall; 63…device upper wall; 64…device bottom wall; 67…first device wall; 70, 70t…device-side terminal portion; 80…accommodation body engaging portion; 89, 89t…corner; 90, 90t…recess; 105…mounting body; 111…first sheet member; 1 12…Second sheet member; 113…Outer peripheral end portion; 115t…Liquid storage portion; 116…Supply port member; 121…First surface portion; 122…Second surface portion; 123…Third surface portion; 124…Fourth surface portion; 125…Fifth surface portion; 126…Sixth surface portion; 127f…First member; 127s…Second member; 128…Slit; 150f…First receiving portion; 150s…Second receiving portion; 151f…Opening portion; 160…Recessed portion; 161…Fitting recessed portion; 162…Casing; 163…Opening member; 164…Through-opening; 170a…Handle; 171…Grip portion; 172…First connecting portion; 173…Second connecting portion; 174…First base end portion; 175…Second base end portion; 176…fixing portion; 200…bottom wall; 201…first side wall; 202…second side wall; 203…rear wall; 205…front wall; 207…engaging projection; 210…projection; 401, 401t…liquid container; 402, 402t…adapter; 410…adapter engagement portion; 418…protrusion; 420…supply piping; 430…cartridge-side identification portion; 430t…ink bag-side identification portion; 431…container bottom wall; 433…connector; 435…operating surface; 442, 442t…tubular member; 446…insertion opening; 447, 447t…peripheral portion; 448…supply unit positioning portion; 450…liquid container; 455…variable pressure generating portion;460…pressure transmission piping; 461…supply unit arrangement chamber; 472…adapter front surface; 474…adapter bottom surface; 475…adapter first side surface; 476…adapter second side surface; 477…adapter rear surface; 497…cartridge engaging portion; 500…connection receiving portion; 521…cartridge-side terminal; 521t…ink bag-side terminal; 602…device guide portion; 610…support member; 611…first support side wall; 612…second support side wall; 613…main wall; 614…device opening; 625…device Force-applying member; 630, 630t…Device-side identification portion; 642, 642t…Liquid inlet portion; 644…Device-side supply portion positioning portion; 674…Insertion / removal opening; 697…Mounting engagement portion; 698…Rotation fulcrum; 699…Liquid reservoir; 721, 721t…Device-side terminal; 750ft…First retaining portion side wall; 750fw…Second retaining portion side wall; 756…Device-side terminal positioning portion; 902…Recess side wall; 906…Terminal positioning portion; 982…Recess front wall; 988…Recess bottom wall.

Claims

1. A liquid container comprising a liquid container and an adapter, and comprising: a liquid-contacting portion, which contacts the liquid; Non-liquid contact parts, which do not come into contact with the liquid, A specific portion of the adapter, which is at least a part of the non-liquid-contacting portion, is made of a material containing recycled plastic.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein The liquid contact parts in the adapter are made of virgin plastic material.

3. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein The liquid container is detachably mounted on the printing device. The specific part has: a terminal mounting portion on which a liquid container-side terminal electrically connected to a device-side terminal of the printing device is mounted; a terminal positioning portion for positioning the liquid container side terminal relative to the device side terminal; The specific portion further includes at least one of the following: an insertion portion, a supply portion positioning portion, and a liquid container side identification portion, wherein: The insertion portion defines an insertion opening into which the liquid introduction portion of the printing device is inserted. The supply unit positioning unit positions the liquid supply unit of the liquid container relative to the printing device. The liquid container side identification portion is used to prevent the liquid container from being erroneously inserted into the printing device, and the liquid container side identification portion is engaged with the device side identification portion of the printing device.

4. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein The non-liquid-contacting portion of the adapter is configured as an independent component from other portions of the adapter.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein The specific portion is configured to be detachable from other portions of the adapter.

6. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein The adapter is configured to be detachable from the liquid container.

7. A liquid container comprising a liquid container and an adapter, and comprising: a liquid-contacting portion, which contacts the liquid; Non-liquid contact parts, which do not come into contact with the liquid, The liquid container is formed of a multilayer structure comprising at least two layers, The liquid contact parts in the multiple layers are made of virgin plastic material, The non-liquid-contacting portion in the multiple layers is made of a material including recycled plastic.

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