Liquid storage container

Abstract

The invention provides a liquid storage container capable of reducing the load on the environment. A liquid storage container is provided with: a liquid storage body having a flexible liquid storage bag and a liquid supply unit that is attached to the liquid storage bag and that supplies liquid stored in the liquid storage bag to the outside; and a housing that accommodates at least the liquid accommodation bag, and in which a non-liquid-contact portion that does not come into contact with the liquid is made of a material containing a regenerated plastic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for a liquid storage container. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a liquid storage container including a liquid storage body having a flexible liquid storage bag and a housing for storing at least the liquid storage bag (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] In the prior art, it is desired to obtain a liquid storage container that can reduce the load on the environment.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-58542

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-187873 Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid storage container is provided. The liquid storage container comprises: a liquid storage body having a liquid storage bag and a liquid supply unit, wherein the liquid storage bag is flexible; the liquid supply unit is attached to the liquid storage bag and supplies liquid stored in the liquid storage bag to the outside; and a housing that stores at least the liquid storage bag, wherein a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not come into contact with the liquid is formed of a material containing recycled plastic. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a liquid ejecting system according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 A diagram for explaining an assembly portion.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a first perspective view of the liquid storage container.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a second stereoscopic view of the liquid storage container.

[0011] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid storage container.

[0012] Figure 6 This is the first diagram for explaining the method of fixing the liquid container.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a second diagram for explaining a method for fixing the liquid container.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a liquid ejecting system according to a second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 It is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container according to a second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid storage container.

[0017] Figure 11 A diagram schematically showing a supply component.

[0018] Figure 12 4 is a first stereoscopic view of the first fixing component.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a second stereoscopic view of the first fixing component.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a first perspective view showing the +Y direction side portion of the second housing member.

[0021] Figure 15 This is a second perspective view showing the +Y direction side portion of the second housing member.

[0022] Figure 16 It is a perspective view showing the −Y direction side portion of the second housing member.

[0023] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of a liquid storage container according to a third embodiment.

[0024] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid storage container.

[0025] Figure 19 This is an exploded perspective view of the remaining quantity detection mechanism.

[0026] Figure 20 A diagram schematically showing the internal structure of the supply component.

[0027] Figure 21 This is the first diagram for explaining the method for detecting the remaining amount of liquid.

[0028] Figure 22 This is a second diagram for explaining the method for detecting the remaining amount of liquid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A. First embodiment:

[0030] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a liquid ejection system 1 according to a first embodiment. The liquid ejection system 1 according to this embodiment ejects ink, an example of liquid, onto a paper P, an example of an object being transported in one direction, thereby forming an image and performing printing on the paper P. Figure 1 In the figure, mutually orthogonal X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are added. When the liquid ejection system 1 is installed on a horizontal surface, the +Z direction is the vertical upward direction, and the -Z direction is the vertical downward direction. In other figures of the first embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are also added as needed.

[0031] The liquid ejection system 1 includes a liquid ejection device 11 and a plurality of liquid storage containers 70 detachably mounted on the liquid ejection device 11. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection device 11 is a printer. As indicated by the two-dot chain line, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 2. Operation buttons 11b, such as a power button, for activating the liquid ejection device 11 are provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 on the +Z direction side, which is the vertically upward direction. Furthermore, an openable and closable cover 11c is provided on the front surface of the housing 2 on the -Y direction side, which is the direction in which paper P is transported. With this cover 11c open, the user can access the interior of the housing 2.

[0032] A support platform 13 is provided in a generally horizontal direction, extending in the ±X directions, which are perpendicular to the -Y direction, at the lower portion of a roughly rectangular box-shaped frame 12 housed within the interior space covered by the housing 2. The support platform 13 extends in a generally horizontal direction, with its longitudinal directions being the ±X directions, which are perpendicular to the -Y direction. A paper feed motor 14a is provided at the lower portion of the rear side of the frame 12, which is opposite to the conveyance direction. The conveyance direction is the -Y direction. A paper feed mechanism, driven by the paper feed motor 14a, feeds paper P in the -Y direction on the support platform 13.

[0033] Furthermore, above the support platform 13 within the frame 12, a guide shaft 15 is mounted along the longitudinal direction of the support platform 13. A carriage 16 is supported on the guide shaft 15 so as to be movable back and forth in the axial direction thereof, i.e., in the ±X directions. Specifically, the carriage 16 has support holes 16a extending through the ±X directions, and the guide shaft 15 is inserted through the support holes 16a. When viewed from the -Y direction, the right direction is the +X direction, and the left direction is the -X direction.

[0034] A driving pulley 17a and a driven pulley 17b are rotatably supported on the inner surface of the rear wall of the frame 12 near the ends of the guide shaft 15. The output shaft of the carriage motor 14b is coupled to the driving pulley 17a, and an endless timing belt 17, partially connected to the carriage 16, is wound between the driving pulley 17a and the driven pulley 17b. Driving the carriage motor 14b causes the carriage 16 to reciprocate in the ±X directions, which serve as the scanning direction, while being guided by the guide shaft 15 via the timing belt 17.

[0035] A liquid ejecting head 18, an example of a liquid ejecting unit, is provided below the carriage 16. Ink supplied to the liquid ejecting head 18 is ejected from the liquid ejecting head 18, thereby printing an image on the paper P. Ink is supplied to the liquid ejecting head 18 via a liquid container 70, which is detachably mounted on a mounting portion 20 provided within the housing 2. Specifically, the mounting portion 20, to which the liquid ejecting head 70 is mounted, is located on the -X direction side of the housing 2. A liquid supply tube TB, through which ink can flow, is connected between the mounting portion 20 and the carriage 16. Ink is supplied from the liquid container 70 mounted on the mounting portion 20 to the liquid ejecting head 18 via the liquid supply tube TB.

[0036] In this embodiment, four liquid storage containers 70 can be mounted on the mounting portion 20. Each of the four liquid storage containers 70 has a liquid storage bag in its housing. The liquid storage bags contain inks of different colors, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. Figure 1 As indicated by the two-dot chain line, one of the liquid storage containers 70 is attachable to and detachable from the mounting portion 20 via the opened cover 11 c .

[0037] Furthermore, a maintenance device 19 is provided in an area within the frame 12 that is closer to the +X direction than the support table 13, i.e., in an initial position area not used during printing. This maintenance device 19 includes a bottomed, box-like cover 19a with an upper opening, and a suction pump (not shown). Furthermore, in the liquid ejecting apparatus 11, after the carriage 16 has moved to the initial position area, maintenance operations are performed in this maintenance device 19 to ensure stable ink ejection from the liquid ejecting head 18.

[0038] Various operations performed in the liquid ejecting device 11 are controlled by the control unit.

[0039] In this embodiment, the control unit is composed of a circuit substrate on which electrical components such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random-Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory) are installed, and is, for example, arranged in a box 12a provided at the rear of the frame 12.

[0040] Furthermore, when ink is supplied from the liquid storage container 70, the control unit communicates predetermined liquid information, such as the remaining amount of liquid, with a storage element, which is an example of a storage device included in the liquid storage container 70. Specifically, the communication of liquid information is performed through an electrical connection between an electrical connection portion included in the mounting unit 20 and an electrical connection portion included in the liquid storage container 70.

[0041] Figure 2 This figure illustrates the assembly unit 20. The assembly unit 20 is configured to hold four generally rectangular parallelepiped liquid storage containers 70 arranged along the ±X directions within a generally box-shaped cartridge holder 22 that is open on the -Y direction side. Furthermore, the assembly unit 20 is configured to hold at least one of the four liquid storage containers 70 within the cartridge holder 22, each having a different width dimension in the ±X directions.

[0042] Specifically, in the assembly portion 20 of this embodiment, instead of the liquid storage container 70 among the four liquid storage containers 70 that is held closest to the -X direction side in the box holder 22, a liquid storage container 70 that is wider than the liquid storage container 70 is also provided with a detachable structure.

[0043] A top member 27 is attached to the inner top surface of the cartridge holder 22, located on the inner side thereof in the +Z direction. Upper guide ribs (not shown) serving as a pair of guide rails projecting downward along the +Y direction, the direction in which the liquid storage container 70 is installed, are provided on the top member 27 at predetermined intervals in the ±X directions, depending on the insertion position of each liquid storage container 70 within the cartridge holder 22. Furthermore, a protruding insertion guide portion 27C is formed on the top member 27 to guide the installation of the liquid storage container 70.

[0044] Figure 3 1 is a first perspective view of the liquid storage container 70 . Figure 4 70 is a second perspective view of the liquid storage container. Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, the liquid storage container 70 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape consisting of six faces. Specifically, the liquid storage container 70 has a first face CS1, which is on the +Y side of the insertion direction into the assembly portion 20, and a second face CS2, which is opposite the first face CS1. Furthermore, the liquid storage container 70 has a third face CS3, which intersects the first face CS1 and the second face CS2 and is on the vertically downward side when assembled, and a fourth face CS4, which is opposite the third face. Furthermore, the liquid storage container 70 has a fifth face CS5, which is an extension face extending in a direction intersecting the first face CS1, the second face CS2, and the third face CS3, and a sixth face CS6, which is the same extension face opposite the fifth face CS5. In this embodiment, when viewed from the second face CS2, the extension face on the -X side is the fifth face CS5, and the extension face on the +X side is the sixth face CS6.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, a pair of upper convex portions 70E are provided in the +Y direction at both ends of the fourth surface CS4 in the ±X direction, which serves as the upper surface when the liquid storage container 70 is mounted on the mounting portion 20. A pair of upper inner walls 70A are formed on the inner sides of the pair of upper convex portions 70E in the ±X direction. Furthermore, the pair of upper convex portions 70E extend in the +Y direction on the fifth surface CS5 and the sixth surface CS6, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, the outer ±X-direction surfaces of the pair of upper convex portions 70E are formed as portions of the fifth surface CS5 and the sixth surface CS6, respectively. Each upper convex portion 70E is provided with an upper convex wall portion 70ET of a predetermined length along the +Y direction. These upper convex wall portions 70ET protrude inward at mutually opposing positions on the upper inner wall 70A. When the liquid storage container 70 is mounted on the mounting portion 20, the upper convex wall portions 70ET function as positioning members for the liquid storage container 70 relative to the mounting portion 20.

[0046] A circuit board 30 is mounted at the corner where the first surface CS1 and the fourth surface CS4 intersect. A plurality of container-side electrodes 35 are provided on the surface of the circuit board 30 for electrically connecting the circuit board 30 to the mounting portion 20. The circuit board 30 is mounted on the inclined surface 71K of the corner in an inclined posture with its tip lowered toward the third surface CS3 in the +Y direction, thereby being tilted relative to the +Y direction.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown, on the third surface CS3, which serves as the bottom surface when assembled to the mounting portion 20, a pair of lower protrusions 70D are provided, extending along the +Y direction, on the fifth surface CS5 and the sixth surface CS6. In this embodiment, the inner surfaces of the pair of lower protrusions 70D in the ±X directions constitute lower inner walls 70B extending along the +Y direction. Meanwhile, the outer surfaces of the pair of lower protrusions 70D in the ±X directions are formed as portions of the fifth surface CS5 and the sixth surface CS6, respectively. Lower protruding wall portions 70DT are formed along the +Y direction with predetermined lengths, projecting inwardly from opposing positions on each lower inner wall 70B. When the liquid storage container 70 is assembled to the mounting portion 20, the lower protruding wall portions 70DT function as positioning members for the liquid storage container 70 relative to the mounting portion 20.

[0048] Furthermore, a groove 70G is formed on the third surface CS3, which is engageable with the movable locking portion of the mounting portion 20. When the liquid storage container 70 is assembled to the mounting portion 20, the groove 70G engages with the movable locking portion of the mounting portion 20. Thus, movement of the liquid storage container 70 in the +Y direction, which is the direction of removal, is restricted in the assembled state, thereby maintaining the assembled state.

[0049] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, a protrusion 70P is provided on the third surface CS3. Each of the lower convex portions 70D provided on the fifth surface CS5 and sixth surface CS6 sides further projects in the -Z direction, which is the vertically downward direction, from the third surface CS3. In this embodiment, two protrusions 70P are provided at intervals in the +Y direction, resulting in a total of four protrusions 70P on the bottom surface. In other words, the pair of lower convex portions 70D extending along the +Y direction and the protrusions 70P provided on the lower convex portions 70D form the convex portion 70C. Furthermore, the convex portion 70C contacts the mounting portion 20 by sliding on the bottom member of the mounting portion 20.

[0050] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of rectangular grooves 70M are formed on the lower convex portion 70D, for example, to prevent pulling during molding, and the protrusion 70P is provided at the innermost portion in the width direction of the lower convex portion 70D where the rectangular grooves 70M are formed.

[0051] Moreover, if Figure 4As shown, in the liquid storage container 70 of this embodiment, when the protrusion 70C provided on the third surface CS3 is used as the first protrusion, a connecting rib 70R is provided as a second protrusion located between the first protrusions when viewed from the +Y direction, connecting the two lower protrusions 70D. The connecting rib 70R is provided on the side of the second surface CS2 opposite to the +Y direction on the third surface CS3. In this embodiment, the connecting rib 70R is formed to protrude from the third surface CS3 at the same height as the lower protrusion 70D, and is provided so as to constitute a portion of the second surface CS2.

[0052] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first surface CS1 of the liquid storage container 70 includes a supply unit placement portion 75. The supply unit placement portion 75 forms a through-hole 75H extending through the first surface CS1 in the Y direction. A liquid supply unit 85 is disposed within the through-hole 75H, enabling ink to flow from the liquid storage bag 92 disposed inside to the outside. One end of the liquid supply unit 85 includes a liquid supply port 81K.

[0053] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 70. The liquid storage container 70 includes a liquid storage body 80 and a shell 73. The liquid storage body 80 includes a liquid storage bag 92 and a supply component 81, wherein the liquid storage bag 92 is flexible and the supply component 81 is mounted on the liquid storage bag 92. The liquid storage bag 92 stores liquid. The liquid storage bag 92 is formed into a bag body by, for example, welding the edges of a plurality of thin sheet members to each other. The supply component 81 is mounted at one end on the +Y direction side of the liquid storage bag 92. The supply component 81 includes a cylindrical liquid supply portion 85 and a position fixing portion 86 provided on the side wall of the liquid supply portion 85. The liquid supply portion 85 extends along the Y direction. The liquid supply portion 85 is connected to the interior of the liquid storage bag 92, and the liquid in the liquid storage bag 92 flows through it. As described above, the liquid supply unit 85 is attached to the liquid storage bag 92 and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag 92 to the external liquid ejecting device 11. The volume of the liquid storage bag 92 decreases as the liquid is consumed.

[0054] The shell 73 is a rigid component. The shell 73 constitutes the outer shell of the liquid storage container 70 and forms the first surface CS1 to the sixth surface CS6. The shell 73 includes a first shell component 71 and a second shell component 72. The first shell component 71 is a component that forms the first surface CS1. The second shell component 72 is a component that forms the second surface CS2. The first shell component 71 and the second shell component 72 are engaged with each other to form the shell 73. The shell 73 at least stores the liquid storage bag 92. The liquid storage body 80 has a position fixing portion 86, which is rotated and engaged relative to the first shell component 71 of the shell 73, thereby fixing the liquid storage body 80 to the first shell component 71. In addition, the liquid storage container 70 has a label 74 mounted on the second surface CS2. The label 74 is formed with information such as text for identifying the liquid storage container 70.

[0055] Figure 6 This is a first diagram for explaining a method of fixing the liquid container 80 to the first case member 71 . Figure 7 This is a second diagram for explaining a method of fixing the liquid container 80 .

[0056] like Figure 6 The left picture and Figure 7 As shown in the left figure, a supply portion arrangement portion 75 is provided on the first housing member 71. The supply portion arrangement portion 75 is formed with a through hole 75H into which the liquid supply portion 85 provided on the supply member 81 can be inserted together with the position fixing portion 86. Figure 7 As shown, the position fixing portion 86 is disposed outside the liquid container 80, that is, on the outer surface of the liquid container 80. The position fixing portion 86 fixes the position of the liquid container 80 relative to the housing 73. The position fixing portion 86 is a small piece protruding from the side wall of the liquid supply portion 85.

[0057] like Figure 6 The left picture and Figure 7 As shown in the left figure, the supply unit placement portion 75 has a recessed portion that is recessed from the first surface CS1 in a substantially keyhole shape. A through-hole 75H is formed in the bottom wall of the recessed portion, extending substantially parallel to the first surface CS1. Furthermore, a support portion 76 is provided on the bottom wall surrounding the through-hole 75H. The support portion 76 has an abutment portion 76A on the side opposite to the first surface CS1 side, which is the side into which the liquid supply unit 85 is inserted, for abutting against the base portion 81A of the inserted supply member 81.

[0058] like Figure 6 The middle image and Figure 7As shown in the middle figure, the liquid supply part 85 provided on the supply component 81 is inserted into the supply component configuration portion 75 of the first shell component 71 together with the position fixing part 86 through the through hole 75H. That is, the through hole 75H is opened in a shape through which the liquid supply part 85 and the position fixing part 86 can pass. During this insertion, in the insertion posture of the liquid storage body 80, the direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the first shell component 71 is set as the longitudinal direction of the joint 82. The joint 82 is a portion of the supply component 81 that is mounted on the liquid storage bag 92 by welding. The supply component 81 also has a plate-shaped base portion 81A connected to the joint 82. The liquid supply part 85 protrudes from the base portion 81A.

[0059] In addition, when the supply component 81 is inserted until the base portion 81A abuts against the abutment portion 76A of the first shell portion 71, the first position fixing portion 86A of the position fixing portion 86 and the support portion 76 of the supply portion configuration portion 75 are arranged at positions that do not overlap when viewed from a direction intersecting the insertion direction, which is a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction in this embodiment.

[0060] like Figure 6 The right picture and Figure 7 As shown in the right figure of FIG, the supply component 81, which has the liquid supply portion 85 inserted into the through hole 75H, is rotated about the liquid supply portion 85 with the insertion direction as the axial direction while in contact with the abutment portion 76A. In this embodiment, the supply component 81 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise when viewed from the front side of the insertion direction of the liquid supply portion 85. Through this rotation, the longitudinal direction of the base portion 81A of the supply component 81 becomes along the longitudinal direction of the first housing member 71, and the position fixing portion 86 moves to an engaging position where it overlaps with the support portion 76 when viewed from the insertion direction. As a result, the liquid container 80 is fixed to the first housing member 71 in a positioned state in which the movement of the liquid supply portion 85 in the insertion direction and the opposite direction into the supply portion configuration portion 75 is restricted by the engagement of the position fixing portion 86 with the support portion 76.

[0061] Moreover, if Figure 6As shown in the right figure of FIG, a locking portion is provided. When the liquid container 80 is fixed to the first housing member 71, the locking portion is locked to the supply member 81, thereby restricting the rotation of the liquid supply member 85 when the position fixing portion 86 of the liquid supply member 85 is engaged with the support portion 76. Specifically, on the first housing member 71, within the rotation trajectory of the L-shaped portion 81F provided on the supply member 81 rotating in the clockwise direction, a first protrusion 71A and a second protrusion 71B are provided, which serve as locking portions and protrude toward the mounted supply member 81.

[0062] The first protrusion 71A functions as a locking portion that locks the supply member 81 in the rotational direction by abutting against the rotational direction side of the L-shaped portion 81F, which rotates in the rotational direction when the liquid container 80 is mounted on the first housing member 71. Meanwhile, the second protrusion 71B functions as a locking portion that locks the supply member 81 in the reverse direction by abutting against the L-shaped portion 81F in the rotational direction opposite to the rotational direction when the liquid container 80 is mounted on the first housing member 71. Furthermore, the L-shaped portion 81F functions as a locked portion.

[0063] The supply member 81 can be removed from the first housing member 71 by rotating the supply member 81 in a direction opposite to the rotation direction when the supply member 81 is attached to the first housing member 71. In other words, the housing 73 and the liquid container 80 are configured to be detachable from each other.

[0064] Next, the material of the liquid storage container 70 will be described. The liquid storage container 70 has a liquid-contacting portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not. The liquid-contacting portion includes a liquid storage bag 92 and a supply member 81 having a liquid supply portion 85. In this embodiment, the liquid-contacting portion includes a liquid storage body 80. The liquid-contacting portion is made of virgin plastic material. Virgin plastic material refers to plastics such as synthetic resins that do not utilize waste plastics. In other words, virgin plastic material is plastic that has not been recycled and is formed from new material.

[0065] The non-liquid-contacting portion includes a housing 73 and a label 74. Specifically, the non-liquid-contacting portion is located further outward from the liquid container 80. The non-liquid-contacting portion is made of a material containing recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is, for example, produced from waste plastic. Recycled plastic is, for example, a plastic such as a synthetic resin obtained by mixing multiple waste plastics. Here, waste plastic can be formed from recycled materials such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). In this disclosure, "recycled materials" include, for example, pre-consumer recycled materials and post-consumer recycled materials as defined in JIS Q14021. Pre-consumer recycled materials refer to materials removed from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. Specifically, pre-consumer recycled materials can be, for example, waste materials generated during the manufacture of synthetic resin containers. Furthermore, post-consumer recycled materials refer to materials discharged from households, or materials generated from commercial facilities, industrial facilities, and various other facilities that are end users of products that are no longer usable for their original purpose, including materials returned from distribution channels. Specifically, post-consumer recycled materials can be, for example, recycled resins such as crushed materials obtained by pulverizing recycled synthetic resin containers. In this embodiment, materials containing recycled plastics include not only materials composed solely of recycled plastics but also materials composed of a mixture of virgin and recycled plastics. Materials containing recycled plastics may, for example, include more than 0% by weight and up to approximately 40% by weight of recycled plastics, and less than 100% by weight and up to approximately 60% by weight of virgin plastics. Furthermore, materials containing recycled plastics may be produced by reacting polycarbonate resins, polyester resins, or resins having reactive functional groups, and may exhibit excellent impact strength and flame retardancy.

[0066] According to the first embodiment, the housing 73 and label 74, which constitute the non-liquid-contacting portion of the liquid storage container 70, are made of materials containing recycled plastic. This allows recycled plastic to be used in part of the liquid storage container 70, thereby reducing the environmental impact. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the liquid storage bag 92 and supply member 81, which constitute the liquid-contacting portion of the liquid storage container 70, are made of virgin plastic. This reduces the likelihood of impurities or foreign matter from recycled plastic entering the liquid, thereby preventing degradation of the liquid's quality. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the housing 73 and liquid storage body 80 are detachable from each other. Thus, after the liquid in the used liquid storage container 70 has been collected and the liquid has been consumed, the liquid storage body 80 can be removed from the housing 73. This allows the housing 73 to be reused, further reducing the environmental impact.

[0067] B. Second embodiment:

[0068] Figure 8 : is a diagram showing a liquid ejecting system 1a according to a second embodiment. Figure 1 The liquid ejecting system 1 shown similarly ejects, i.e., consumes, ink as an example of liquid onto the paper P to form an image, thereby performing printing on the paper P. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

[0069] The liquid ejection system 1a includes a plurality of liquid storage containers 170 and a liquid ejection device 11a. In the liquid ejection system 1a, the liquid storage containers 170 are mounted on the mounting portion 20a of the liquid ejection device 11a in a manner that allows for independent attachment and detachment. In the following description of the shape and positional relationship of the components of the mounting portion 20a and the liquid storage container 170, the term "inner" is used as appropriate. Figure 1 The XYZ axes shown are mutually orthogonal.

[0070] The liquid ejecting device 11a of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that ejects ink as liquid from a line head 220. The line head 220 places ink ejection holes for each of the respective inks of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan on the inkjet printer. Figure 8 The Y-axis direction of the ink ejection holes is arranged in a row, and the row of ink ejection holes of each color is arranged along Figure 1 The liquid ejecting device 11a includes multiple columns arranged in the X-axis direction. An operation button 7 is provided on the front surface of the liquid ejecting device 11a. In response to a print command issued by the user via button operation, the liquid ejecting device 11a ejects ink from the line head 220 while conveying paper P stored in the printer housing (not shown) in the -X direction. The printed paper P is then ejected from the ejection port 111. Since the paper conveying and printing operations are similar to those of a conventional line printer and are not directly related to the present disclosure, their description will be omitted.

[0071] Multiple liquid storage containers 170 are detachably mounted on the mounting portion 20a. In this embodiment, four liquid storage containers 170, one for each of black, yellow, magenta, and cyan inks, are mounted on the mounting portion 20a, for a total of four liquid storage containers 170. In the liquid ejecting device 11a of this embodiment, a replacement cover 130 is provided on the -Y-axis side. When the +Z-axis side of the replacement cover 130 is pushed forward, an opening in the mounting portion 20a appears, allowing the liquid storage containers 170 to be attached and detached.

[0072] When the liquid container 170 is mounted on the mounting portion 20 a , ink can be supplied to the line head 220 via a tube (not shown).

[0073] In this embodiment, when the liquid ejection system 1a is used and positioned on a horizontal surface, the axis along the conveyance direction of the paper P is designated as the X-axis, the axis along the vertical direction is designated as the Z-axis, and the axis along the longitudinal direction of the row-shaped head is designated as the Y-axis. Furthermore, the vertically upward direction is designated as the +Z-direction. Furthermore, the orientation of the liquid container 170 when mounted on the mounting portion 20a is designated as the +Y-direction, and the orientation of the liquid container 170 when removed from the mounting portion 20a is designated as the -Y-direction. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are also included in other figures of the second embodiment as needed.

[0074] Figure 9 : is a perspective view showing a liquid storage container 170 according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 The illustrated liquid storage container 70 is similarly roughly rectangular in shape. Similar to the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 170 includes a liquid storage body 180 and a rigid shell 173 that forms an outer shell. The liquid storage container 170 includes a first surface CS1a through a sixth surface CS6a. The first surface CS1a through the sixth surface CS6a are formed by the shell 173. The first surface CS1a and the second surface CS2a oppose each other in the Y direction. The first surface CS1a is located on the assembly direction side when the liquid storage container 170 is assembled on the assembly portion 20a. The third surface CS3a and the fourth surface CS4a oppose each other in the Z direction. The third surface CS3a intersects with the first surface CS1a and the second surface CS2a. When the liquid storage container 170 is assembled with respect to the assembly portion 20a, the third surface CS3a forms the bottom surface on the vertically downward side. The fourth surface CS4a forms the upper surface on the vertically upward side when the liquid storage container 170 is assembled. The fifth surface CS5a and the sixth surface CS6a oppose each other in the X direction. The fifth surface CS5a and the sixth surface CS6a intersect the first surface CS1a to the fourth surface CS4a, respectively. In the liquid storage container 170, the Z direction is the height direction, the Y direction is the depth direction, and the X direction is the width direction.

[0075] First surface CS1a includes a supply unit placement portion 175. Supply unit placement portion 175 forms a through hole 175H that penetrates first surface CS1a in the Y direction. A liquid supply unit 185 is positioned within through hole 175H, allowing ink to flow from liquid storage bag 192 of liquid container 180, located inside. One end of liquid supply unit 185 includes a liquid supply port 181K.

[0076] A circuit board 30 is mounted at the corner where the first surface CS1a and the fourth surface CS4a intersect. The structure of the circuit board 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment. In addition, a groove 70G is formed on the third surface CS3a that can engage with the movable locking portion of the mounting portion 20a.

[0077] In addition, a recess 123 is formed on the first surface CS1 on the -Z direction side relative to the supply unit configuration portion 175. A plurality of flow sections 125 are formed in the recess 123. The flow sections 125 are cylindrical components that connect the outer side of the housing 173 with the space in which the liquid storage bag 192 is configured. A supply pressurized gas is supplied from the liquid injection device 11a to a portion of the plurality of flow sections 125. The supply pressurized air pressurizes the liquid storage bag 192 in the housing 173 from the outside. As a result, the liquid in the liquid storage bag 192 is supplied to the liquid injection device 11a via the liquid supply portion 185. In addition, a stirring pressurized gas is supplied from the liquid injection device 11a to the remaining portion of the plurality of flow sections 125. The stirring gas is used to shake the liquid storage bag 192, thereby stirring the liquid in the liquid storage bag 192.

[0078] Figure 10 It is an exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 170. Figure 11 Schematically shows the supply component 81. Figure 10 As shown, the liquid storage container 170 includes a liquid storage body 180 , a housing 173 , a sheet member 250 , a first fixing member 150 and a second fixing member 190 as fixing members, and a reinforcing member 183 .

[0079] The housing 173 includes a first housing member 171 and a second housing member 172. The first housing member 171 forms the fifth surface CS5a. The second housing member 172 forms the sixth surface CS6a. The housing 173 is formed by engaging the first and second housing members 171 and 172. The second housing member 172 has a concave shape with the sixth surface CS6a as the bottom. The recess SP of the second housing member 172 accommodates the liquid storage bag 192 of the liquid storage body 180. The sheet member 250 is airtightly attached to the upper end 173e of the side wall portion of the second housing member 172, which rises from the sixth surface CS6a, serving as the bottom, by welding or other means. Thus, the second housing member 172 and the sheet member 250 form a storage space for the liquid storage bag 192. The first housing member 71 is a plate-shaped member and is attached to the second housing member 172 so as to cover the sheet member 250.

[0080] The liquid storage body 180 includes a flexible liquid storage bag 192 and a supply member 181 mounted on the liquid storage bag 192. The liquid storage bag 192 stores liquid. The liquid storage bag 192 is formed by, for example, welding the edges of multiple sheet members together to form a bag body. The liquid storage bag 192 has one end 192a on the +Y direction and another end 192b on the -Y direction. The liquid storage bag 192 has first and second main surfaces MS1 and MS2 forming the main surface, and first and second side surfaces PS1 and PS2 forming the side surfaces. The first main surface MS1 faces the first housing member 171. The second main surface MS2 faces the second housing member 172. As the liquid in the liquid storage bag 192 is consumed and the first and second main surfaces MS1 and MS2 deform toward each other, the volume of the liquid storage bag 192 decreases. Specifically, the central regions of the first main surface MS1 and the second main surface MS2, which are not supported by the reinforcing member 183 described later, are deformed mainly to approach each other. The first side surface PS1 and the second side surface PS2 extend from one end 192a to the other end 192b.

[0081] The supply member 181 is attached to one end 192a of the liquid storage bag 192. The supply member 181 includes a cylindrical liquid supply portion 185. The liquid supply portion 185 extends along the Y direction. The liquid supply portion 185 communicates with the interior of the liquid storage bag 192, and the liquid in the liquid storage bag 192 flows through the liquid supply portion 185. As described above, the liquid supply portion 185 is attached to the liquid storage bag 192 and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag 192 to the external liquid ejecting device 11a.

[0082] like Figure 11 As shown, the supply member 181 further includes a position fixing portion 186 protruding from the side wall of the liquid supply portion 185. Position fixing portion 186 includes a first position fixing portion 186a and a second position fixing portion 186b, sandwiching the liquid supply portion 185. Position fixing portion 186 includes a first fixing hole 191 and a second fixing hole 197 extending through the position fixing portion 186a and the second fixing hole 197 in the X direction. In the first position fixing portion 186a and the second position fixing portion 186b, the symbols "a" and "b" are appended to the ends of the respective names to distinguish between the first fixing hole 191 and the second fixing hole 197.

[0083] like Figure 10As shown, the reinforcing member 183 is arranged on the outside of the liquid storage body 180. The reinforcing member 183 is a member for reinforcing the liquid storage body 180. The reinforcing member 183 includes a reinforcing portion main body 188 and a mounting portion 189. The reinforcing member 183 suppresses repeated deformation of the liquid storage bag 192 due to vibration, etc., thereby suppressing damage to the liquid storage bag 192. The reinforcing member 183 is mounted on the first side surface PS1 and the second side surface PS2 of the liquid storage bag 192, respectively. The reinforcing portion main body 188 is a plate-shaped member. In the reinforcing portion main body 188, the plate-shaped surface is opposite to the first side surface PS1 and the second side surface PS2. The reinforcing portion main body 188 mounted on the first side surface PS1 includes a first portion 188t and a second portion 188s. The first portion 188t of the reinforcement body 188 mounted on the first side surface PS1 is in contact with the first edge portion Sf1 of the first main surface MS1, to which the first side surface PS1 is welded, and the second edge portion Sf2 of the second main surface MS2, to which the first side surface PS1 is welded. The second portion 188s is smaller in the X direction than the first portion 188t and is not in contact with the first edge portion Sf1 and the second edge portion Sf2. The reinforcement body 188 mounted on the second side surface PS2 and the reinforcement body 188 mounted on the first side surface PS1 differ only in the surface to which they are mounted; their structures are identical. The mounting portion 189 is, for example, an adhesive tape.

[0084] The first fixing member 150 fixes the position of the liquid storage bag 192 on the side of one end 192a within the liquid storage body 180. The first fixing member 150 is disposed outside the liquid storage body 180. The second fixing member 190 fixes the position of the liquid storage bag 192 on the side of the other end 192b within the liquid storage body 180. The second fixing member 190 is disposed outside the liquid storage body 180. The first fixing member 150 and the second fixing member 190 are housed in the recess SP of the second housing member 172. The first fixing member 150, together with the second housing member 172, sandwiches the one end 192a of the liquid storage bag 192. The second fixing member 190, together with the second housing member 172, sandwiches the other end 192b of the liquid storage bag 192.

[0085] Next, the fixing of the position of the liquid container 180 using the first fixing member 150 will be described. Figure 12 1 is a first perspective view of the first fixing component 150 . Figure 13 150 is a second perspective view of the first fixing component 150 . Figure 14 1 is a first perspective view showing the +Y direction side portion of the second case member 172 . Figure 15 1 is a second perspective view showing the +Y direction side portion of the second case member 172 .

[0086] like Figure 12 As shown, the first fixing member 150 as an example of a fixing member is block-shaped. The first fixing member 150 has a first member surface 151fa facing the first surface CS1a of the housing 173, and a first inclined surface 151fb facing the end 192a of the liquid storage bag 192. The first fixing member 150 also has a first protrusion 151Fi protruding from the first member surface 151fa and a first engaging portion 153. Figure 13 As shown, the first fixing member 150 has a second member surface 151fc that intersects with the first member surface 151fa. The second member surface 151fc faces the fourth surface CS4a of the housing 73. The first fixing member 150 also has a second engaging portion 154 that protrudes from the second member surface 151fc. The first protrusion 151Fi is used to secure the liquid container 180, and the first engaging portion 153 and the second engaging portion 154 are used to engage the first fixing member 150 with the second housing member 172.

[0087] The first protrusion 151Fi includes insertion hole forming portions 156a and 156b formed with insertion holes BH1 and BH2, and rods RT1 and RT2. Figure 10 As shown in the figure, the combined parts BT1 and BT2 are shown. Figure 11 As shown, the rods RT1 and RT2 are components that protrude from the surface of the first protrusion 151Fi that is opposite to the sixth surface CS6a toward the sixth surface CS6a. When the two connecting components BT1 and BT2 are used without distinguishing between them, they are also called connecting components BT. The connecting component BT is a screw. In addition, when the two insertion holes BH1 and BH2 are used without distinguishing between them, they are called insertion holes BH1. In addition, when the two insertion hole forming portions 156a and 156b are used without distinguishing between them, they are also called insertion hole forming portion 156. In addition, when the two rods RT1 and RT2 are used without distinguishing between them, they are also called rods RT.

[0088] like Figure 14As shown, the second housing member 172 includes a bottom wall BFa forming a concave bottom, and a side wall portion SFa rising from the bottom wall BFa. The outer surface of the bottom wall BFa is the sixth surface CS6a. The second housing member 172 includes positioning holes RV1 and RV2 and fixing holes BL1 and BL2 formed on the inner surface of the bottom wall BFa. The positioning holes RV1 and RV2 and the fixing holes BL1 and BL2 are formed by a cylindrical member protruding from the inner surface of the bottom wall BFa. When the positioning holes RV1 and RV2 are used without distinguishing between them, the positioning hole RV is used. When the fixing holes BL1 and BL2 are used without distinguishing between them, the fixing hole BL is used. Furthermore, a first engaged portion 172p is formed on the inner surface of the wall portion of the side wall portion SFa that forms the first surface CS1a. The first engaged portion 172p is a claw-shaped portion that protrudes inward from the side wall portion SFa.

[0089] like Figure 15 As shown in FIG4 , a second engaged portion 172r is formed on the inner surface of the wall portion forming the fourth surface CS4a in the side wall portion SFa. The second engaged portion 172r is a claw-shaped portion that protrudes inward from the side wall portion SFa.

[0090] Figure 12 The rod RT shown is inserted through Figure 11 The first fixing hole 191 is shown and is inserted into Figure 13 Thus, the first fixing member 150 and the end portion 192a side of the liquid container 180 are temporarily fixed to the second housing member 172. Figure 12 The first engaging portion 153 shown is Figure 14 The first engaged portion 172p shown is engaged. Figure 13 The second engaging portion 154 shown is Figure 15 The second engaged portion 172r is engaged. By this engagement, the first fixing member 150 is fixed to the second housing member 172. Figure 10 The coupling member BT shown is inserted through Figure 11 The second fixing hole 197 shown in FIG. Figure 14 Thus, the position of the one end portion 192 a side of the liquid container 180 is fixed by the first fixing member 150 .

[0091] like Figure 10As shown, second fixing member 190, an example of a fixing member, is block-shaped. Second fixing member 190 includes a second inclined surface 191fb opposing the other end 192b of liquid storage bag 192, a first opposing member surface 191fc opposing third surface CS3a, and a second opposing member surface 191fd opposing fourth surface CS4a. Second fixing member 190 includes a first member engaging portion 194 protruding from first opposing member surface 191fc and a second member engaging portion (not shown) protruding from second opposing member surface 191fd. The shape of the first member engaging portion is identical to that of first member engaging portion 194.

[0092] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the -Y side portion of the second housing member 172. A second component engaged portion 172w is formed on the inner surface of the portion of the side wall portion SFa that forms the fourth surface CS4a. The second component engaged portion 172w is a claw-shaped portion that protrudes inwardly from the second housing member 172. Furthermore, a first component engaged portion 172y is formed on the inner surface of the portion of the side wall portion SFa that forms the third surface CS3a. The first component engaged portion 172y is a claw-shaped portion that protrudes inwardly from the second housing member 172. Figure 10 The second fixing member 190 shown is fixed to the second housing member 172 in a state where the other end portion 192b of the liquid storage bag 192 is sandwiched between the second housing member 172. Figure 16 The first member shown is engaged with the engaging portion 172y, and the second member engaging portion (not shown) of the second fixing member 190 is engaged with the second member engaging portion (not shown) of the second fixing member 190. Figure 16 The second member shown is engaged by the engaging portion 172w, thereby securing the second fixing member 190 to the second housing member 172. Furthermore, by removing the first fixing member 150 and the second fixing member 190 from the second housing member 172, the liquid container 180 can be removed from the housing 173. In other words, the housing 173 and the liquid container 180 are configured to be detachable from each other.

[0093] Next, the material of the liquid storage container 170 will be described. The liquid storage container 170 has a liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid contact portion includes Figure 10 The liquid receiving bag 192 and the supply member 181 shown include a liquid supply portion 185. In this embodiment, the liquid receiving portion includes a liquid receiving body 180. The liquid receiving portion is made of virgin plastic material as in the first embodiment.

[0094] like Figure 10As shown, the non-liquid-contacting portion includes housing 173, sheet member 250, reinforcing member 183, first fixing member 150, and second fixing member 190. Specifically, the non-liquid-contacting portion is located outside of liquid container 180. Similar to the first embodiment, the non-liquid-contacting portion is made of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0095] According to the second embodiment, the housing 173, sheet member 250, reinforcing member 183, first fixing member 150, and second fixing member 190 of the liquid storage container 170 are constructed from materials containing recycled plastic. This allows recycled plastic to be used in a portion of the liquid storage container 170, thereby reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the liquid storage bag 192 and supply member 181, which constitute the liquid receiving portion of the liquid storage container 170, are constructed from virgin plastic. As with the first embodiment, this reduces the likelihood of contamination of the liquid with impurities or foreign matter derived from recycled plastic, thereby suppressing degradation of the liquid quality. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the housing 173 and liquid container 180 are detachable from each other. As with the first embodiment, after the liquid in the used liquid storage container 170 has been collected, the liquid container 180 can be removed from the housing 173. Therefore, since the housing 173 can be reused, the environmental load can be further reduced.

[0096] C. Third embodiment:

[0097] Figure 17 3D is a perspective view of a liquid container 270 according to a third embodiment. The liquid container 270 is detachably mounted on a printer, which is an example of a liquid ejecting device. Figure 1 The liquid ejecting device 11 shown in the figure similarly has a mounting portion to which the liquid container 270 is detachably mounted. In the third embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis corresponding to those in the first embodiment are also added.

[0098] Liquid storage container 270 and Figure 3The illustrated liquid storage container 70 is similarly roughly rectangular in shape. Similar to the first embodiment, the liquid storage container 270 includes a liquid storage body 280 for storing liquid and a rigid shell 273 that forms an outer shell. The liquid storage container 270 includes a first surface CS1b through a sixth surface CS6b. The first surface CS1b through the sixth surface CS6b are formed by the shell 273. The first surface CS1b and the second surface CS2b oppose each other in the Y direction. The first surface CS1b is located on the assembly direction side when the liquid storage container 270 is assembled to the assembly portion. The third surface CS3b and the fourth surface CS4b oppose each other in the Z direction. The third surface CS3b intersects the first surface CS1b and the second surface CS2b. When the liquid storage container 270 is assembled to the assembly portion, the third surface CS3b forms the bottom surface on the vertically downward side. The fourth surface CS4b forms the upper surface on the vertically upward side when the liquid storage container 270 is assembled. The fifth surface CS5b and the sixth surface CS6b oppose each other in the X direction. The fifth surface CS5b and the sixth surface CS6b intersect the first surface CS1b to the fourth surface CS4b, respectively. In the liquid storage container 270, the Z direction is the height direction, the Y direction is the depth direction, and the X direction is the width direction.

[0099] The first surface CS1b includes a supply unit placement portion 275 and a detection insertion hole 53. The supply unit placement portion 275 forms a through hole 275H that penetrates the first surface CS1b in the Y direction. A liquid supply unit 285 is located within the through hole 275H, allowing ink to flow from the liquid storage bag 292 of the liquid storage body 280, which is located inside. One end of the liquid supply unit 285 has a liquid supply port as an opening. A rod member used to detect the remaining amount of liquid stored in the liquid storage bag 292 is inserted into the detection insertion hole 53.

[0100] A circuit board 30 is mounted at the corner where the first surface CS1a and the fourth surface CS4a intersect. The structure of the circuit board 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Although the surface of the circuit board 30 is horizontal in the assembled state, it can also be configured to be inclined as in the first embodiment.

[0101] Figure 18This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid storage container 270. The liquid storage container 270 includes a liquid storage body 280 and a housing 273. The housing 273 includes a first housing member 273a and a storage housing member 273b. The housing 273 is formed by the first housing member 271 and the storage housing member 273b engaging with each other. The first housing member 273a forms a first surface CS1b. The storage housing member 273b forms a second surface CS2b. The storage housing member 273b includes a second housing member 273b1 and a third housing member 273b2 that engage with each other. The storage housing member 273b forms a storage space for storing a liquid storage bag 292. The housing 273 accommodates at least the liquid storage bag 292. The supply member 281 of the liquid storage body 280 has two engaging portions 281Pa and 281Pb. The two engaging portions 281Pa and 281Pb engage with the inner wall of the housing member 273b. By releasing the engagement, the liquid container 280 can be removed from the housing 273. In other words, the housing 273 and the liquid container 280 are configured to be detachable from each other.

[0102] The liquid storage body 280 includes a flexible liquid storage bag 292 and a supply member 281 mounted on the liquid storage bag 292. The liquid storage bag 292 stores liquid. The liquid storage bag 292 is formed by, for example, welding the edges of a plurality of thin sheet members together to form a bag body. The liquid storage bag 292 has one end 292a on the +Y direction side and another end 292b on the -Y direction side. As the liquid in the liquid storage bag 292 is consumed, the volume of the liquid storage bag 292 decreases. The liquid in the liquid storage bag 292 is consumed, for example, by suction from a liquid consumption device through the liquid supply unit 285.

[0103] The supply member 281 is attached to one end portion 292a of the liquid storage bag 292. The supply member 281 includes a cylindrical liquid supply portion 285. The liquid supply portion 285 extends along the Y direction. The liquid supply portion 285 communicates with the interior of the liquid storage bag 292, allowing the liquid in the liquid storage bag 292 to flow through the liquid supply portion 285. As described above, the liquid supply portion 285 is attached to the liquid storage bag 292 and supplies the liquid contained in the liquid storage bag 292 to an external liquid ejecting device.

[0104] The supply member 281 further includes a remaining amount detection mechanism 380 used to detect the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag 292. The remaining amount detection mechanism 380 will be described in detail later.

[0105] Figure 19This is an exploded perspective view of the remaining amount detection mechanism 380. The remaining amount detection mechanism 380 includes a detection chamber 100 that is roughly cylindrical in shape. The detection chamber 100 is provided midway along the flow path from the liquid storage bag 292 to the liquid supply portion 285. The detection chamber 100 has an opening with an inlet 102 for allowing the liquid from the liquid storage bag 292 to flow in, and an outlet 104 for allowing the liquid to flow out toward the liquid supply portion 285. In addition, the detection chamber 100 has its upper end surface covered by a film 118 formed of a flexible material. The film 118 is deformed in accordance with changes in the internal pressure of the detection chamber 100, thereby causing the volume of the detection chamber 100 to change.

[0106] The remaining amount detection mechanism 380 is also provided with a check valve 106 and a spring 108. The check valve 106 and the spring 108 are arranged at the detection chamber 100. The check valve 106 prevents the liquid flowing into the detection chamber 100 from the inlet 102 from flowing back. The spring 108 applies force to the film 118 toward the outside of the detection chamber 100. In detail, the spring 108 is arranged on the detection chamber 100 in a compressed state. The spring 108 is engaged with the protrusion 110 that is erected upward from the bottom surface of the detection chamber 100 and is positioned. In addition, a pressure plate 112 is inserted between the spring 108 and the film 118. The pressure plate 112 is integrally formed by connecting the pressure receiving portion 114 and the limiting portion 116, wherein the pressure receiving portion 114 transmits the force of the spring 108 to the film 118, and the limiting portion 116 limits the movement of the check valve 106. When the restricting portion 116 of the pressure-receiving plate 112 is fitted into the inlet 102 of the detection chamber 100, the upward movement of the check valve 106 is restricted, and the pressure-receiving portion 114 is positioned while being sandwiched between the spring 108 and the film 118. In this embodiment, the pressure-receiving portion 114 and the restricting portion 116 are integrally formed, but they may be separate components.

[0107] In addition, the remaining amount detection mechanism 380 also includes a rod component 120. The rod component 120 is connected to the film 118 constituting one end surface of the detection chamber 100 from the outside of the detection chamber 100. The rod component 120 is provided with an axial hole 122 at one end side. By fitting the axial hole 122 with the axial pin 126 provided on the outer side surface of the detection chamber 100, the rod component 120 is axially supported by the axial pin 126 in a rotatable manner. On the other hand, a guide hole 124 is provided at the other end side of the rod component 120, and the guide pin 128 fixed to the supply component 281 is inserted into the guide hole 124, thereby guiding the rotation movement of the rod component 120. Moreover, a protrusion 132 as an abutment portion is provided on the upper surface of the rod component 120, and the protrusion 132 abuts against the top end of the rod component of the assembly portion on which the liquid storage container 270 is assembled.

[0108] Figure 20 2 is a diagram schematically showing the internal structure of supply member 281. Upstream end 77 opens into liquid storage bag 292 in the direction of liquid flow from liquid storage bag 292 to liquid supply unit 285. Liquid flowing through upstream end 77 passes through detection chamber 100 and is supplied to liquid supply unit 285.

[0109] use Figure 21 as well as Figure 22 The following describes the details of detecting the remaining amount of liquid. Figure 21 This is the first diagram for explaining the method for detecting the remaining amount of liquid. Figure 22 This is a second diagram for explaining the method for detecting the remaining amount of liquid.

[0110] First, the device-side detection mechanism 48 of the liquid ejecting apparatus equipped with the liquid container 270 will be described. The device-side detection mechanism 48 includes a rod member 45, a light shielding portion 138, and a sensor 136. A so-called transmissive optical sensor with a concave shape is used for the sensor 136. A light emitting portion and a light receiving portion (not shown) are disposed opposite each other in the sensor 136.

[0111] The light shielding portion 138 is provided at the tip of the rod member 45 on the +Y side. When the rod member 45 is moved toward the liquid storage container 270 by the force of the spring 49, the light shielding portion 138 is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 136, thereby blocking light from the light emitting portion. As a result, the light receiving portion of the sensor 136 fails to receive light from the light emitting portion, thereby detecting a change in the position of the rod member 45. Furthermore, while a transmissive optical sensor is used as the sensor 136 in this embodiment, any sensor capable of detecting the displacement of the rod member 45 is not limited to an optical sensor. For example, a detection piece having a shape similar to that of the light shielding portion 138 can be used to turn a mechanical switch on or off, thereby detecting the displacement of the rod member 45. Detection of the displacement of the rod member 45 can also be performed using a detection mechanism other than an optical detection mechanism, such as a mechanical or electrical detection mechanism.

[0112] When the liquid storage container 270 is not mounted on the mounting portion, the lever member 45 is moved toward the liquid storage container 270 by the force of the spring 49. As a result, the light shielding portion 138 of the lever member 45 is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 136, thereby shielding the light from the light emitting portion.

[0113] like Figure 21As shown, when liquid storage container 270, with sufficient liquid remaining, is mounted on the mounting portion, the tip 45c of rod member 45 comes into contact with abutment portion 131 of rod member 120, located on the liquid storage container 270 side. The force A' applied to abutment portion 131 of rod member 120 by force A of spring 108 of liquid storage container 270 is set to be greater than force B of spring 49. Consequently, when tip 45c of rod member 45 comes into contact with rod member 120, rod member 45 overcomes force B of spring 49 and moves toward the rear of the mounting portion. This causes light shielding portion 138 of rod member 45 to separate from sensor 136, allowing light to pass through. Thus, sensor 136 detects that liquid storage container 270 has been mounted on the mounting portion based on the transition from a light-blocking state to a light-transmitting state caused by the movement of light shielding portion 138 of rod member 45.

[0114] like Figure 22 As shown, if the liquid in liquid storage bag 292 is depleted or becomes insufficient, ink no longer flows from liquid storage bag 292 into detection chamber 100, resulting in a negative pressure in detection chamber 100. Here, the force A of spring 108 in liquid storage container 270 is set to be smaller than the force C generated by the negative pressure when there is no liquid or the amount of liquid remaining in liquid storage bag 292 is low. Therefore, this force C maintains the film 118 in its pulled-in position toward the inside of detection chamber 100. As film 118 deforms in a direction that reduces the volume of detection chamber 100, lever member 45 is displaced in the +Y-axis direction by the force B of spring 49. Furthermore, as this displacement occurs, lever member 45 causes lever member 120 to rotate in accordance with the deformation of film 118, thereby maintaining the closed position. As a result, the rod member 45 moves toward the liquid storage container 270, and the light shielding portion 138 of the rod member 45 is inserted between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the sensor 136. Based on the fact that light is blocked by the light shielding portion 138 of the rod member 45, the sensor 136 detects that the liquid in the liquid storage bag 292 has been exhausted or the remaining liquid has become low.

[0115] Next, the material of the liquid storage container 270 will be described. The liquid storage container 270 has a liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid and a non-liquid contact portion that does not contact the liquid. The liquid contact portion includes Figure 18The components other than the rod component 120 of the liquid storage bag 292, liquid supply unit 285, and remaining amount detection mechanism 380 shown are shown. Examples of components other than the rod component 120 include the pressure receiving plate 112 and the film 118. In this embodiment, the components other than the rod component 120 of the supply unit 281 constitute the liquid contact portion. Similar to the first embodiment, the liquid contact portion is made of virgin plastic. Furthermore, while the spring 108 constitutes the liquid contact portion, it may also be made of metal rather than plastic.

[0116] Non-wetted parts include Figure 18 The housing 273 shown, and Figure 19 The rod member 120 is shown as part of the remaining amount detection mechanism 380. Specifically, the non-liquid-contacting portion is located outside the liquid storage bag 292 and the flow path from the liquid storage bag 292 to the liquid supply unit 285. Similar to the first embodiment, the non-liquid-contacting portion is made of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0117] According to the third embodiment, the housing 273 and the rod member 120, which forms part of the remaining amount detection mechanism 380, of the liquid storage container 270 are constructed from materials containing recycled plastic. This allows recycled plastic to be used in a portion of the liquid storage container 270, thereby reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, all components of the liquid storage container 270, other than the liquid receiving portion, the liquid supply unit 285, and the rod member 120 of the remaining amount detection mechanism 380, are constructed from virgin plastic. This, similar to the first embodiment, reduces the likelihood of contamination of the liquid with impurities or foreign matter derived from recycled plastic, thereby suppressing degradation of the liquid quality. Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the housing 273 and liquid container 280 are detachable from each other. Thus, similar to the first embodiment, after the liquid in the used liquid storage container 270 has been collected, the liquid container 280 can be removed from the housing 273. Therefore, since the housing 273 can be reused, the environmental load can be further reduced.

[0118] D. Other implementation methods:

[0119] D-1. Other Implementations 1:

[0120] In the above embodiments, the liquid supply portion 85, 185, 285 as the liquid receiving portion is not made of a material containing recycled plastic. In contrast, when recycled plastic that can ensure the quality of the liquid is used, the liquid supply portion 85, 185, 285 can also be made of a material containing recycled plastic. Figure 19Similarly, the structure other than the liquid supply portion 285 of the supply member 281 shown may be constituted by a material containing recycled plastic when recycled plastic that can ensure the quality of the liquid is used.

[0121] D-2. Other Implementation Methods 2:

[0122] The present disclosure is not limited to printers and their liquid containers, but can also be applied to liquid containers mounted on any liquid ejecting device that ejects liquids other than ink. For example, it can be applied to the following various liquid ejecting devices and their liquid containers.

[0123] (1) Image recording devices such as facsimile devices.

[0124] (2) A spraying device for spraying color materials used in the production of color filters for image display devices such as liquid crystal displays.

[0125] (3) A spraying device for spraying electrode materials used in forming electrodes of organic EL (Electro Luminescence) displays, field emission displays (FED), and the like.

[0126] (4) A spraying device for spraying a liquid containing biological organic matter used in the production of a biochip.

[0127] (5) As a sample injection device for precision pipettes.

[0128] (6) Lubricating oil injection device.

[0129] (7) Resin liquid spraying device.

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

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

[0132] (10) A spraying device for spraying an acidic or alkaline etching liquid for etching a substrate, etc.

[0133] (11) An ejection device including a liquid ejection head for ejecting other arbitrary minute amounts of liquid droplets.

[0134] Furthermore, "droplets" refers to the state of liquid ejected from a liquid ejection device, and can be in the form of granules, teardrops, or filaments with tails. Furthermore, the "liquid" referred to herein is any material capable of being ejected by the ejection device. For example, "liquid" refers to any material in a liquid phase. "Liquid" also includes materials in the form of high or low viscosity liquids, as well as liquid materials such as sols, gelled water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals. Furthermore, "liquid" encompasses not only liquids as a state of matter but also liquids composed of inorganic material particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent with solids such as pigments or metal particles. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Inks include conventional water-based and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks.

[0135] E. Other methods:

[0136] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be implemented in various ways without departing from its main purpose. For example, the present disclosure can also be implemented in the following aspects. In order to solve part or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or to achieve part or all of the effects of the present disclosure, the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in the various methods described below can be appropriately replaced or combined. In addition, as long as the technical feature is not described as a necessary technical feature in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted.

[0137] (1) According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a liquid storage container can be provided. The liquid storage container comprises: a liquid storage body having a liquid storage bag and a liquid supply portion, wherein the liquid storage bag is flexible, the liquid supply portion is mounted on the liquid storage bag and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag to the outside; and a housing that stores at least the liquid storage bag, wherein a non-liquid-contacting portion that does not come into contact with the liquid is formed of a material containing recycled plastic. According to this embodiment, by forming the non-liquid-contacting portion of the liquid storage container using a material containing recycled plastic, the environmental load can be reduced.

[0138] (2) In the above embodiment, the liquid contact portion that contacts the liquid may be formed of a virgin plastic material. According to this embodiment, by forming the liquid contact portion using a virgin plastic material, it is possible to suppress degradation of the liquid quality.

[0139] (3) In the above embodiment, the non-liquid-contacting portion may include the housing. According to this embodiment, the housing can be formed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0140] (4) In the above embodiment, a fixing member may be further provided. The fixing member is disposed outside the liquid container and fixes the position of the liquid container, and the non-liquid-contacting portion includes the fixing member. According to this embodiment, the fixing member can be formed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0141] (5) In the above embodiment, a reinforcing member may be further provided, the reinforcing member being disposed outside the liquid container and reinforcing the liquid container, and the non-liquid-contacting portion including the reinforcing member. In this embodiment, the reinforcing member can be formed of a material including recycled plastic.

[0142] (6) In the above embodiment, the liquid storage body may include a remaining amount detection mechanism for detecting the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag, and the non-liquid contact portion may include a portion of the remaining amount detection mechanism. According to this embodiment, a portion of the remaining amount detection mechanism can be formed of a material containing recycled plastic.

[0143] (7) In the above embodiment, the housing and the liquid container may be detachably configured. According to this embodiment, the housing can be reused after the used liquid container is collected, thereby further reducing the environmental load.

[0144] The present disclosure can be implemented in various forms other than those described above, for example, in the form of a liquid ejecting system, a method for manufacturing a liquid container, and the like.

[0145] Explanation of symbols

[0146] 1, 1a…Liquid ejection system; 2…Frame; 7…Operation button; 11, 11a…Liquid ejection device; 11b…Operation button; 11c…Cover; 12…Frame; 13…Support platform; 14a…Motor; 14b…Slide motor; 15…Guide shaft; 16…Slide; 16a…Support hole; 17…Timing belt; 17a…Drive pulley; 17b…Driven pulley; 18…Liquid ejection head; 19…Maintenance device; 19a…Cap; 20, 20a…Assembly portion; 22…Cassette holder; 27…Top member; 27c…Insertion guide; 30…Circuit board; 35…Container-side electrode; 45…Rod member; 45c…Top end; 48…Device-side detection mechanism; 49…Spring; 53…Detection insertion hole; 70… Liquid storage container; 70A…upper inner wall; 70B…lower inner wall; 70C…protrusion; 70D…lower protrusion; 70DT…lower protrusion wall; 70E…upper protrusion; 70ET…upper protrusion wall; 70G…groove; 70M…rectangular groove; 70P…protrusion; 70R…connecting rib; 71…first housing member; 71A…first protrusion; 71B…second protrusion; 71K…inclined surface; 72…second housing member; 73…housing; 74…label; 75…supply unit arrangement portion; 75H…through hole; 76…support portion; 76A…abutment portion; 77…upstream end; 80…liquid storage body; 81…supply member; 81A…base portion; 81F…L-shaped portion; 81K…liquid supply port; 82 ...joining portion; 85...liquid supply portion; 86...position fixing portion; 86A...first position fixing portion; 92...liquid storage bag; 100...detection chamber; 102...inflow port; 104...outflow port; 106...check valve; 108...spring; 110...protrusion; 111...discharge hole; 112...pressure receiving plate; 114...pressure receiving portion; 116...restriction portion; 118...film; 120...rod member; 122...axial hole; 123...recessed portion; 124...guide hole; 125...flowing portion; 126...axial pin; 128...guide pin; 130...replacement cover; 131...contact portion; 132...convex portion; 136...sensor; 138...light shielding portion; 150...first fixing member; 151Fi...first protrusion; 151 fa…first component surface; 151fb…first inclined surface; 151fc…second component surface; 153…first engaging portion; 154…second engaging portion; 156, 156a…insertion hole forming portion; 170…liquid storage container; 171…first housing component; 172…second housing component; 172p…first engaged portion; 172r…second engaged portion; 172w…second component engaged portion; 172y…first component engaged portion; 173…housing; 173e…upper end portion; 175…supply unit placement portion; 175H…through hole; 180…liquid storage body; 181…supply component; 181K…liquid supply port; 183…reinforcement component; 185…liquid supply unit; 186…position fixing portion;186a…first position fixing portion; 186b…second position fixing portion; 188…reinforcement portion body; 188s…second portion; 188t…first portion; 189…mounting portion; 190…second fixing member; 191…first fixing hole; 191fb…second inclined surface; 191fc…first opposing member surface; 191fd…second opposing member surface; 192…liquid storage bag; 192a…one end portion; 192b…other end portion; 19 4…first component engaging portion; 197…second fixing hole; 220…line head; 250…sheet member; 270…liquid storage container; 273…housing; 273a…first housing member; 273b…storage housing member; 273b1…second housing member; 273b2…third housing member; 275…supply unit placement portion; 275H…through hole; 280…liquid storage body; 281…supply member; 281Pa…engaging portion; 2 85…Liquid supply unit; 292…Liquid storage bag; 292a…One end; 292b…Other end; 380…Remaining amount detection mechanism; BFa…Bottom wall; BH1…Insert hole; BL…Fixing hole; BL1…Fixing hole; BT…Joint member; BT1…Joint member; CS1, CS1a, CS1b…First surface; CS2, CS2a, CS2b…Second surface; CS3, CS3a, CS3b…Third surface; CS4, CS4a, CS4b…Fourth surface; CS5, CS5a, CS5b…Fifth surface; CS6, CS6a, CS6b…Sixth surface; MS1…First principal surface; MS2…Second principal surface; P…Paper; PS1…First side surface; PS2…Second side surface; RT, RT1…Rods; RV, RV1…Positioning holes; SFa…Side wall; SP…Recessed portion; Sf1…First edge portion; Sf2…Second edge portion; TB…Liquid supply tube.

Claims

1. A liquid storage container comprising: A liquid storage body comprises a liquid storage bag and a liquid supply unit, wherein: The liquid storage bag is flexible, and the liquid supply unit is mounted on the liquid storage bag and supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag to the outside. a housing for storing at least the liquid storage bag; The non-liquid-contacting portion that does not come into contact with the liquid is made of a material containing recycled plastic.

2. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The liquid-contacting part in contact with the liquid is made of virgin plastic material.

3. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The non-liquid-contacting portion includes the housing.

4. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The device further comprises a fixing member disposed outside the liquid container and fixing the position of the liquid container. The non-liquid-contact portion includes the fixing member.

5. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein The device further comprises a reinforcing member, the reinforcing member being arranged outside the liquid container and reinforcing the liquid container. The non-liquid-contact portion includes the reinforcing member.

6. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid storage body includes a remaining amount detection mechanism used to detect the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage bag. The non-liquid-contacting portion includes a portion of the remaining amount detecting mechanism.

7. The liquid storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The housing and the liquid container are configured to be detachable from each other.

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