Printing apparatus

Abstract

The printing apparatus includes: first and second storage portions configured to store first and second containers that store liquid to be supplied to a print head that discharges the liquid to a print medium; a first intermediate tank configured to store a liquid to be supplied from the first container to the printhead between the printhead and the first container; and a second intermediate tank configured to store a liquid to be supplied from the second container to the printhead between the printhead and the second container. The first storage portion and the second storage portion are arranged in a height direction of the printing apparatus. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction. The first storage unit and the second storage unit, and the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are disposed in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing device. Background Technology

[0002] In some cases, printing devices that perform printing by discharging liquid into the printing medium use multiple types of liquid. In such cases, containers are set up in the printing device for each type of liquid. As an example of the layout of multiple containers, it has been proposed to configure these containers in the width direction of the printing device (e.g., Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-65374).

[0003] In printing equipment, an intermediate tank is sometimes placed between the printhead and the container to adjust the liquid supply pressure to the printhead or to stabilize the flow rate. A large container or intermediate tank capacity is advantageous in terms of the amount of sheet to be printed or the printing time. However, increased capacity can lead to bulky equipment, and efficient use of space within the equipment is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a technique for efficiently utilizing space in equipment and facilitating the increase of the capacity of containers or intermediate tanks.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a first storage section configured to store a first container storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead, the printhead discharging the liquid to a printing medium; a second storage section configured to store a second container storing liquid to be supplied to the printhead; a first intermediate tank configured to store liquid to be supplied from the first container to the printhead between the printhead and the first container; and a second intermediate tank configured to store liquid to be supplied from the second container to the printhead between the printhead and the second container, wherein the first and second storage sections are arranged along a height direction of the printing apparatus, the first and second intermediate tanks are arranged along a first direction intersecting the height direction, and the first and second storage sections, as well as the first and second intermediate tanks, are arranged along a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a printing apparatus is provided, comprising: a storage unit including a plurality of storage sections, each storage section being configured as a storage container for storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead, the printhead discharging the liquid to a printing medium; and a plurality of intermediate tanks, each intermediate tank being disposed corresponding to one of the storage sections and configured to store liquid to be supplied from the container to the printhead between the printhead and the container, wherein the plurality of storage sections are disposed in a plurality of segments along the height direction of the printing apparatus, the plurality of intermediate tanks are disposed along a first direction intersecting the height direction, and the storage unit and the plurality of intermediate tanks are disposed along a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction.

[0007] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a view showing the appearance of the printing device according to an embodiment;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the internal structure of the printing equipment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a view showing the container replacement pattern;

[0011] Figure 4 It is a 3D diagram of the printing unit and ink supply system;

[0012] Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram of the storage unit and the supplementary unit;

[0013] Figure 6A This is a front view of a storage unit in a mode where containers and trays are not stored.

[0014] Figure 6B This is a front view of a storage unit in storage container and tray mode;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a plan view of the storage unit and supplementary unit;

[0016] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from line AA in the diagram;

[0017] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the middle;

[0018] Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from line CC in the diagram;

[0019] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a view showing an example of the assembly of storage cells;

[0020] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a view showing an example of the assembly of storage cells;

[0021] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view near the partition wall;

[0022] Figure 14 This is an illustrative diagram of a liquid supply unit from container to printhead;

[0023] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank;

[0024] Figure 16 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the intermediate tank;

[0025] Figure 17 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of the intermediate tank;

[0026] Figure 18 This is a view used to illustrate the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintaining unit;

[0027] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram of the pressure adjustment unit;

[0028] Figure 20 This is a view used to illustrate the operation of each control valve in the pressure regulating unit;

[0029] Figure 21A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a bottle-shaped container attached to a storage section;

[0030] Figure 21B This is another view showing an example of how the components are opened / closed;

[0031] Figure 22 This is a view showing the appearance of a printing device according to another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 23 It is shown Figure 22 The view shown depicts the exterior of the printing device, with multiple optional devices attached to it;

[0033] Figure 24 It is shown in Figure 22 A view showing the printing device with the storage cartridge removed;

[0034] Figure 25 It is shown in Figure 22A view showing the pattern in which the removable unit in the printing device is disassembled;

[0035] Figure 26 It is shown in Figure 22 A view showing the mode in which the open / closed component is in the open state in the printing device shown;

[0036] Figure 27 It is shown in Figure 22 A view showing the mode in which the open / closed component is in the open state in the printing device shown;

[0037] Figure 28 yes Figure 23 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing equipment and optional devices shown;

[0038] Figure 29 It is a 3D view of the printing unit;

[0039] Figure 30 It is along Figure 29 A cross-sectional view of line DD in the diagram;

[0040] Figure 31 It is shown in Figure 23 A view showing the printing equipment with the cover and feed tray removed;

[0041] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 The diagram shows the internal structure of the printing equipment.

[0042] Figure 33 It is shown Figure 23 The view shown depicts the exterior of the printing device 1A, in which the open / close component is in the open state;

[0043] Figure 34 yes Figure 23 The plan view of the printing device 1A shown shows the opening / closing component in the open state.

[0044] Figure 35 It is a 3D view of the container;

[0045] Figure 36 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view and enlarged view of line EE in the diagram;

[0046] Figure 37 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view and enlarged view of the section cut by line FF in the image;

[0047] Figure 38 It shows along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view and enlarged view of the section cut by line GG;

[0048] Figure 39 This is a perspective view showing a schematic construction of a container according to another embodiment;

[0049] Figure 40 yes Figure 39 The cross-sectional view of the container shown;

[0050] Figure 41 yes Figure 39 An exploded perspective view of the container shown;

[0051] Figure 42 It is shown Figure 39 A 3D view of the container being attached to the storage unit in an intermediate state;

[0052] Figure 43 It is shown Figure 39 A 3D view of the container attached to the storage unit;

[0053] Figures 44A to 44E This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door when the container is attached to the storage section;

[0054] Figures 45A to 45E This is a side view showing the operation of opening / closing the door when the container is attached to the storage section;

[0055] Figure 46 This is a perspective view showing a schematic construction of a container according to another embodiment;

[0056] Figure 47 yes Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of the container in the image;

[0057] Figures 48A to 48C yes Figure 46 A cross-sectional view of the container in the image;

[0058] Figure 49 yes Figure 46 An exploded 3D view of the container in the image;

[0059] Figure 50 It is a perspective view showing the state of the container before it is attached to the storage unit;

[0060] Figure 51 This is a perspective view showing the intermediate state of the container being attached to the storage section;

[0061] Figure 52 It is a perspective view showing the state of the container attached to the storage section;

[0062] Figure 53A and Figure 53B This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door when the container is attached to the storage section;

[0063] Figures 54A to 54C This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door when the container is attached to the storage section; and

[0064] Figures 55A to 55E This is a side view showing the operation of opening / closing the door when the container is attached to the storage section. Detailed Implementation

[0065] In the following, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Several features are described in the embodiments, but not all of these features are required, and multiple such features may be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar constructions, and repeated descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0066] <First Implementation Method>

[0067] <Overview of Printing Equipment>

[0068] Figure 1 This is a view showing the appearance of a printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The printing apparatus according to this embodiment is an inkjet printing apparatus that discharges liquid ink to a printing medium to perform printing.

[0069] Note that "printing" includes not only the formation of important information such as characters and patterns, but also the formation of images, graphics, patterns, etc., on a printing or processing medium in a broader sense, regardless of whether the information is important or not, or whether the information is visualized so that humans can visually perceive it. Furthermore, although sheet paper is considered a "printing medium" in this embodiment, cloth, plastic film, etc., can also be used.

[0070] In the accompanying drawings, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that intersect each other. Arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up / down direction. The X direction corresponds to the left / right direction (lateral or width direction) of printing device 1, and the Y direction corresponds to the front / back direction (depth direction) of printing device 1. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction (up / down direction) of printing device 1. Furthermore, the downstream and upstream sides are defined based on the transport direction of the printing medium, which serves as a reference.

[0071] The printing device 1 includes a main body 100 and storage cartridges 2A and 2B detachably attached to the main body 100. The main body 100 includes a housing 101 having a generally cuboid shape, and the housing 101 forms the outer wall of the printing device 1. Slots for storing printing media, 2A and 2B, are detachably attached to the main body 100 and are formed in the front surface 101a of the housing 101, which forms the front portion of the printing device 1. The storage cartridges 2A and 2B are inserted / removed in the Y direction.

[0072] In the main body 100, a storage unit 4 (storage section) is provided between storage box 2A and storage box 2B in the Z direction. The storage unit 4 forms a space for storing a container (the container stores liquid). An opening / closing member 5 that allows users to access the storage unit 4 is provided on the front surface 101a of the housing 101.

[0073] A stacking section 3A is provided on the upper surface of the main body 100, on which printing media printed by the printing unit 10 in the main body 100 are stacked. The stacking section 3A includes a tray 30. The printed printing media are stacked on the tray 30.

[0074] Apart from Figure 1 In addition, we will also refer to Figure 2 . Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing device 1. The printing device 1 performs printing on a sheet SH via the printing unit 10. The sheet is stacked as a printing medium on the stacking section 20 of the storage boxes 2A and 2B before printing. The stacking section 20 is a tray on which many sheets SH are stacked.

[0075] In this embodiment, the sheet SH can also be stacked on the stacking section 2C before printing. The stacking section 2C includes a folding tray 22. Figure 1 The storage mode of tray 22 is shown, and Figure 2 The diagram shows the unfolded configuration of tray 22. Tray 22 is used, for example, when a user manually supplies sheet SH to printing unit 10.

[0076] Alternatively, in this embodiment, the printed sheet SH can also be stacked on the stacking section 3B. The stacking section 3B includes a foldable tray 31. Figure 2 The unfolded configuration of tray 31 is shown. The printing device 1 discharges the printed sheet SH into tray 30 or tray 31.

[0077] Within the main body 100, a transport path RT is formed to guide the transport of the sheet SH. The transport path RT is the path via the printing unit 10 that guides the sheet SH from the stacking portion 20 or stacking portion 2C of storage boxes 2A and 2B to the tray 30 or tray 31. The transport path RT includes three starting points P11 to P13 and two ending points P21 and P22. In this embodiment, the transport path RT extends substantially horizontally on the front and rear sides of the printing unit 10 in a manner that divides the printing device 1 into upper and lower sections. The transport path RT extends in a substantially S-shape as a whole, covering portions on the front and rear sides of the printing unit 10.

[0078] The printed sheet SH can be sorted into stacking section 3A or 3B by a baffle 9 configured at a branch point of the transport path RT. The baffle 9 switches the transport destination of the sheet SH that has passed through the printing unit 10 to stacking section 3A or 3B. The baffle 9 is rotatably set and rotated by an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid, thereby switching the path.

[0079] Note that the transport path RT is formed by a path forming component. As an example of a path forming component... Figure 2 A path forming portion 52 is shown, disposed on the opening / closing member 5. The path forming portion 52 includes path forming members 52a separated in the Y direction on a front side and a rear side. The path forming portion 52 forms a partial segment midway through the transport path RT. More specifically, the path forming portion 52 is formed in a segment extending in the Z direction between intermediate points P31 and P32. The transport path RT is defined by this path forming member.

[0080] The conveying mechanism that transports the sheet SH along the conveying path RT will be described. Both storage boxes 2A and 2B include a feed unit (pickup roller) 21. The sheet SH on the stack 20 is introduced into the conveying path RT via the feed unit 21. The feed unit 21 rotates in contact with the uppermost surface of the sheet SH stacked on the stack 20, and thus begins feeding the sheet SH. The sheet SH is then conveyed to the feed unit 80.

[0081] In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 is disposed in the Z-direction between the stacked portions 20 of storage cartridges 2A and 2B, and the stacked portion 20 of storage cartridge 2A is disposed between the printing unit 10 and the storage unit 4. The stacked portion 20 of storage cartridge 2B is not disposed between the printing unit 10 and the storage unit 4 in the Z-direction. The sheet SH conveyed from the stacked portion 20 of storage cartridge 2B passes through the path forming portion 52, but the sheet SH conveyed from the stacked portion 20 of storage cartridge 2A does not pass through the path forming portion 52. Note that multiple stacked portions 20 of storage cartridges 2A may be disposed in the Z-direction between the printing unit 10 and the storage unit 4.

[0082] The sheet on the stack 2C is introduced into the conveying path RT via the feed unit (pick-up roller) 23. The feed unit 23 rotates in contact with the uppermost surface of the sheet SH stacked on the stack 2C, and thus begins feeding the sheet SH. The sheet SH is conveyed to the conveying unit 81.

[0083] The conveying mechanism for the sheet SH also includes a feeding unit 80 and multiple conveying units 81 to 84. In the conveying direction of the sheet SH along the conveying path RT, the feeding unit 80, conveying unit 81, conveying unit 82, conveying unit 83, and conveying unit 84 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream. Note that in the following explanation, unless otherwise stated, the leading edge and trailing edge of the sheet SH refer to the downstream end and upstream end of the sheet SH.

[0084] Feeding unit 80 conveys the sheet SH introduced into the conveying path RT by feeding unit 21 to conveying unit 81. Feeding unit 80 includes a feed roller 80a and a driven roller 80b that is in pressurized contact with the feed roller 80a. The feed roller 80a is the driving roller, and the driven roller 80b rotates as the feed roller 80a rotates.

[0085] The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b. Note that the feed unit 21 is a unidirectional roller, and even after the sheet SH has been conveyed beyond the roll gap of the feed unit 80, the feed unit 80 can continue to convey the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 21 is stopped.

[0086] The conveying unit 81 is positioned upstream of the print head 11 in the printing unit 10 along the conveying direction, and the sheet SH is conveyed by the conveying unit 81 to the downstream side between the print head 11 and the platen 7 facing the print head 11. The conveying unit 81 includes a conveying roller 81a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 81b that is pressurized to the conveying roller 81a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 81a is the driving roller, and the driven roller 81b rotates as the conveying roller 81a rotates. The sheet SH is clamped in the roll gap between the conveying roller 81a and the driven roller 81b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 81a and the driven roller 81b.

[0087] The conveying unit 82 is disposed downstream of the printhead 11 along the conveying direction and conveys the sheet SH conveyed by the conveying unit 81 to the conveying unit 83 downstream. The conveying unit 82 includes a conveying roller 82a and a spur gear 82b that is pressurized to the conveying roller 82a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 82a is a drive roller, and the spur gear 82b rotates as the conveying roller 82a rotates.

[0088] The conveying unit 83 is a discharge unit, disposed downstream of the printhead 11 and the conveying unit 82 along the conveying direction. It discharges the sheet SH conveyed by the conveying unit 82 to the tray 31 of the stacking section 3B or the conveying unit 84, depending on the position of the baffle 9. The conveying unit 83 includes a conveying roller 83a and a driven roller 83b that is pressurized against the conveying roller 83a by a spring (not shown). The conveying roller 83a is a drive roller, and the driven roller 83b rotates as the conveying roller 83a rotates. The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the conveying roller 83a and the driven roller 83b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 83a and the driven roller 83b.

[0089] The conveying unit 84 is a discharge unit disposed downstream of the conveying unit 83 along the conveying direction, and discharges the sheet SH conveyed by the conveying unit 83 to the tray 30 of the stacking section 3A. The sheet SH discharged to the tray 30 is "face-down discharge," with the image printing surface facing down. The conveying unit 84 includes a conveying roller 84a and a driven roller 84b that is pressurized and contacted with the conveying roller 84a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 84a is a driving roller, and the driven roller 84b rotates as the conveying roller 84a rotates. The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the conveying roller 84a and the driven roller 84b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 84a and the driven roller 84b.

[0090] The printing unit 10 ejects ink onto the sheet SH, thereby printing an image. The lower surface of the printhead 11 forms an ejection surface, in which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed.

[0091] Ink to be supplied to printhead 11 is stored in container 60. The ink stored in container 60 is supplied to printhead 11 via replenishment unit 8. Container 60 is a bag-shaped container formed of flexible material and is supported by tray 6 and stored in storage unit 4. Multiple sets of containers 60 and trays 6 are stored in storage unit 4. Storage unit 4 has an inlet 4a on the front side of the printing device 1, and the tray 6, on which the containers 60 are placed, can be inserted / removed in the Y direction from the inlet 4a. If the ink stored in container 60 is consumed, the user can replenish the ink by replacing container 60 with a new container. In this case, the user needs to access storage unit 4 (in other words, access container 60).

[0092] The open / close component 5 is a component that opens / closes the access path that can access the storage unit 4. Figure 2 The diagram shows the case where the opening / closing component 5 is in the closed state, and... Figure 3The diagram shows the opening / closing member 5 in the open state. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 is detachably attached to the body 100 and is attached, positioned, and locked to the body 100 by a suitable method. An opening 101b is formed in the housing 101 on the front surface 101a. Figure 3 As shown, when the opening / closing member 5 is removed from the main body 100, the opening 101b opens, and the access path opens. According to this embodiment, the access path extends in the Y direction from the inlet 4a of the storage unit 4 to the space at the front of the printing device 1. Figure 3 With the access path shown open, entry point 4a is exposed to the outside of the printing device 1, and the user can access the storage unit 4 from the outside of the printing device 1. The user can remove the container 60 along with the tray 6 and replace the container 60.

[0093] The opening / closing component 5 includes a panel portion 51 and a path forming portion 52. The panel portion 51 closes the opening 101b when the access path is closed, and together with the housing 101, forms the outer wall of the printing device 1, particularly the front surface 101a. The path forming portion 52 is fixed to the rear surface of the panel portion 51 and forms a section of the transport path RT extending in the Z direction between intermediate points P31 and P32, as described above. The access path is a path traversing between intermediate points P31 and P32 in the Y direction, and the section of the transport path RT between intermediate points P31 and P32 intersects the access path.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, since the opening / closing member 5 forms a portion of the transport path RT, a layout in which the access path intersects a portion of the transport path RT can be adopted. Compared to a layout where the access path avoids the transport path RT, the flexibility in configuring the storage unit 4 can be improved. In particular, in recent years, there has been a need for a printing device that includes multiple feed / discharge units capable of feeding / discharging large quantities of various printing media, and the space occupied by the transport path of the printing media in the printing device is increasing. To increase the capacity of the printing material storage section in such a printing device, the device size can be large. According to this embodiment, the space of the storage unit 4 can be made larger while suppressing the increase in device size and also increasing the capacity of the container 60.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment / removal of storage boxes 2A and 2B or the replacement of container 60 can be performed from one side of the front surface 101a of the printing device 1. This provides excellent operability for the printing device 1, allowing user operations to be performed from one direction.

[0096] Next, we will refer to Figure 4 The structure of the printing unit 10 and the outline of the ink supply system are described. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the printing unit 10 and the ink supply system, in which some components of the storage unit 4 (the upper wall 45, which will be described later) are not shown. First, the structure of the printing unit 10 will be described.

[0097] The printing unit 10 includes a printhead 11, a carriage 12, and a drive unit 14. The printhead 11 is mounted on the carriage 12. The drive unit 14 includes a support member 13 extending in the X direction. The support member 13 is a base member that supports the carriage 12 so that it can move in the X direction, and supports the components of the drive unit 14.

[0098] The drive unit 14 is a belt drive mechanism that uses a carriage motor 14a as the drive source. The carriage motor 14a is disposed on opposite sides of the carriage 12 in the front / rear (Y) direction, separated by a support member 13. The drive unit 14 includes a drive pulley (located behind the carriage 12) and a driven pulley 14b separated in the X direction, and an annular belt 14c wound around these pulleys.

[0099] The carriage 12 is fixed to the annular belt 14c. When the carriage motor 14a rotates the drive pulley, the annular belt 14c moves, and the carriage 12 moves.

[0100] The image printing operation will now be described. During the reciprocating movement of the carriage 12 in the X-axis direction, ink is discharged from the print head 11 onto the sheet SH, thereby printing an image. This operation is called a print scan. The printing operation is performed by alternately repeating the feed operation of the sheet SH intermittently in the +Y direction and the print scan.

[0101] Ink is supplied from container 60 to printhead 11 via replenishment unit 8 and pipe 10a. Pressure regulating unit 15 controls the operation of each intermediate tank (described later) set in replenishment unit 8.

[0102] Construction of storage units and supplementary units

[0103] Apart from Figure 4 In addition, will refer to Figures 5 to 10 Describe the construction of storage unit 4 and supplementary unit 8. Figure 5 This is a perspective view of storage unit 4 and supplementary unit 8, and shows a mode in which container 60 and tray 6 are not stored. Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is the front view of storage unit 4. Figure 6A The diagram shows a mode in which container 60 and tray 6 are not stored, and Figure 6B The storage pattern of container 60 and tray 6 is shown. Figure 7 This is a plan view of storage unit 4 and supplementary unit 8, in which the upper wall portion 45 is not shown. Figures 8 to 10 They are along Figure 7The cross-sectional view taken along line AA, the cross-sectional view taken along line BB, and the cross-sectional view taken along line CC.

[0104] Storage unit 4 is a hollow member with a flat rectangular tubular shape, including a bottom wall 41, a left side wall 42L, a right side wall 42R, and an upper wall 45. Storage unit 4 includes a partition wall 43 dividing the internal space into two parts in the X direction and partition walls 44L and 44R dividing the internal space into two parts in the Z direction. Using these partition walls, the internal space of storage unit 4 includes four storage sections 4A to 4D. Each of storage sections 4A to 4D can be referred to as storage section 4. A set of containers 60 and trays 6 are stored in each storage section. Therefore, in this embodiment, storage unit 4 can store four sets of containers 60 and trays 6.

[0105] Four storage units 4A to 4D are arranged in two segments vertically and in two columns horizontally / rightly. Each of the storage units 4A to 4D is a space with a flat cuboid shape, whose length in the X and Y directions is longer than its length in the Z direction. Note that in this embodiment, in each of the storage units 4A to 4D, the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Y direction.

[0106] Two storage units 4A and 4B are located on the left side in the X direction, and storage units 4A and 4B are arranged adjacent to the upper storage unit 4A in the Z direction. Two storage units 4C and 4D are located on the right side in the X direction, and storage units 4C and 4D are arranged adjacent to the upper storage unit 4C in the Z direction. Storage units 4A and 4C are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, and storage units 4B and 4D are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0107] A connecting portion 46A is provided at the distal end of the storage unit 4A. The connecting portion 46A is inserted into the container 60 to form a channel for ink to flow from the container 60 to the replenishment unit 8. Similarly, the storage units 4B to 4D are respectively provided with connecting portions 46B to 46D. When referring to the connecting portions 46A to 46D together or any one of them, they are simply referred to as connecting portion 46.

[0108] Furthermore, an electrical connection portion 47 on the device side is provided at the distal end of each of the storage portions 4A to 4D. The electrical connection portion 47 is a connector electrically connected to the container 60. The electrical connection portion 47 includes a plurality of terminal portions. Each terminal portion protrudes from the surface of the electrical connection portion 47 and connects to the container-side electrical connection portion 73 of the container 60. Figure 35The electrical connection 47 and the electrical connection 73 are in contact and electrically connected. When the electrical connection 47 and the electrical connection 73 are electrically connected, the device can obtain information about the liquid stored in the container 60. The information about the liquid is, for example, the color and type of ink and the amount stored in the container 60.

[0109] Additionally, positioning portions 48L and 48R are provided at the distal end of each of the storage portions 4A to 4D. Positioning portions 48L and 48R are axial members separately arranged in the X direction and extending in the Y direction. Positioning portions 48L and 48R define the arrangement position of the container 60 in the X direction and its arrangement angle relative to the horizontal direction.

[0110] Assembly parts 49L and 49R are provided at the distal end of each of the storage parts 4A to 4D. Assembly part 49L is located above positioning part 48L, and assembly part 49R is located above positioning part 48R. Assembly parts 49L and 49R are arranged separately in the X direction and each has a concave-convex structure. The concave-convex structure has a plurality of protrusions arranged in parallel in the Y direction and having a generally rectangular shape. The arrangement pattern of the protrusions in the concave-convex structure varies between the storage parts 4A to 4D. Containers 60 corresponding to each of the storage parts 4A to 4D are provided with receiving parts (or assembly parts) 76L and 76R. Figure 35 It has a convex-concave structure corresponding to the arrangement pattern of the convex-concave structure and can be assembled in the convex-concave structure. This prevents the incorrect, non-corresponding container 60 from being connected to the connecting part 46.

[0111] The supplementary unit 8 is formed by arranging two intermediate tank units 8A and 8B with identical construction in the X direction. Both intermediate tank units 8A and 8B include intermediate tanks 220 arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. That is, the supplementary unit 8 includes four intermediate tanks 220 arranged in a straight line in the X direction. The four storage units 4A to 4D and the four intermediate tanks 220 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the storage units 4A to 4D are located on the front side of the printing device 1.

[0112] Each intermediate tank 220 stores the liquid to be supplied from the container 60 to the printhead 11 between the printhead 11 and the container 60. If the ink is temporarily stored in the intermediate tank 220, the ink can be supplied to the printhead 11 more stably, and the ink can still be supplied to the printhead 11 even when the container 60 is changed. That is, the container 60 can be changed during the printing operation by the printhead 11.

[0113] One of the two intermediate tanks 220 in intermediate tank unit 8A corresponds to the container 60 stored in storage section 4A, and the other corresponds to the container 60 stored in storage section 4B. Similarly, one of the two intermediate tanks 220 in intermediate tank unit 8B corresponds to the container 60 stored in storage section 4C, and the other corresponds to the container 60 stored in storage section 4D. Since each container 60 corresponds to an adjacent intermediate tank 220 in the Y direction, the piping can be short.

[0114] Note that the correspondence between intermediate tanks 220 and containers 60 is not limited to this. For example, the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8A can correspond to containers 60 in storage units 4C and 4D, and the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8B can correspond to containers 60 in storage units 4A and 4B.

[0115] In this embodiment, the storage units 4A to 4D are arranged in multiple segments in the Z direction, and the intermediate container 220 is arranged in a straight line in the X direction. Generally, a printing device with a small device width (width in the X direction) is advantageous in terms of installation space. In this embodiment, since the storage units 4A to 4D are arranged in multiple segments in the Z direction, the device width can be smaller compared to a layout in which they are arranged in a straight line in the X direction. Furthermore, since the X-direction width of each of the storage units 4A to 4D can be large, a container with a large width in the X direction can be used as the container 60, and the capacity can be increased.

[0116] Typically, for flexible, bag-shaped containers, if the length in the Z direction is long and the length in the X direction is short, the container tends to have a cylindrical shape extending in the Y direction when filled with liquid. This results in free space at the four corners of the rectangular storage section. Since the container's capacity is less than the storage section's capacity, the storage section's capacity is wasted. Conversely, in this embodiment, when the container is filled with liquid, the container 60 tends to have a flat cuboid shape because the length in the Z direction is short and the length in the X direction is long. For this reason, the container fits well into the rectangular storage sections 4A to 4D without wasting space.

[0117] Furthermore, since the storage units 4A to 4D are arranged in multiple segments in the Z direction, a corresponding height-based configuration space is created in the Z direction for the intermediate tanks 220 adjacent to the storage units 4A to 4D in the Y direction. In this embodiment, the four intermediate tanks 220 are not arranged in multiple segments in the Z direction, but rather in a straight line in the X direction, and therefore the height of each intermediate tank 220 in the Z direction can be increased. This increases the capacity of the intermediate tanks 220.

[0118] Therefore, a technology can be provided to efficiently utilize the space in the printing device 1 and help increase the capacity of the container 60 or the intermediate tank 220.

[0119] Note that in this embodiment, the storage units are arranged in two segments in the Z direction. However, the number of segments can be three or more. Although two storage units are arranged in one segment, one storage unit can be arranged in one segment, three or more storage units can be arranged, or the number of storage units can vary between segments.

[0120] This will describe the positional relationship between storage units 4A and 4B and the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8A. For example... Figure 7 As shown, with respect to their positions in the X direction, storage units 4A and 4B are located within width range Rx1, and the two intermediate tanks 220 are located within width range Rx2. Width ranges Rx1 and Rx2 at least partially overlap. In this embodiment, width range Rx2 falls within width range Rx1. Figure 8 As shown, with respect to their positions in the Z direction, storage units 4A and 4B are located within height range Rz1, and the two intermediate tanks 220 are located within height range Rz2. Height ranges Rz1 and Rz2 at least partially overlap. In this embodiment, the lower limits of the two ranges roughly match, and the upper limits are higher within height range Rz1 of storage units 4A and 4B. This also applies to the positional relationship between storage units 4C and 4D and the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8B.

[0121] Regarding the position in the X and Z directions, since the configuration areas of the storage sections 4A to 4D overlap with the configuration areas of the four intermediate tanks 220, the size of the printing device 1 can be reduced in the X and Z directions.

[0122] The following will also refer to Figures 35 to 38 Describe the construction of container 60 and tray 6. Figure 35 This is a 3D view of container 60. Figures 36 to 38 They show the following along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view and enlarged view taken along line EE, the cross-sectional view and enlarged view taken along line FF, and the cross-sectional view and enlarged view taken along line GG.

[0123] Container 60 includes a bag 61 made of a flexible material and a connecting portion (adapter) 62 provided at an end of the bag 61. The bag 61 is formed into a bag shape by, for example, welding sheets forming an upper surface and a lower surface and a sheet forming a gusset portion to each other, thereby forming a flexible tank for storing a liquid. The connecting portion 62 is connected to the connecting portion 46 to form a passage that communicates the inside of the bag 61 with the connecting portion 46. The container 60 is short in the Z direction and long in the X direction. That is, the relationship is that the length in the Z direction < the length in the X direction.

[0124] The connecting portion 62 is a portion protruding from a Y-direction end of the bag 61 of the container 60. The connecting portion 62 is made of a material different from that of the bag's 61 material and has a function of communicating the inside of the bag 61 with the device main body. A face portion 70 is formed at a Y-direction end of the connecting portion 62. The face portion 70 points in the Y direction and forms a distal face in the attachment direction of the container 60. Constituent elements configured to be connected to the device main body are placed together on the face portion 70 of the connecting portion 62.

[0125] As constituent elements configured to be connected to the device main body, a communication portion 74, an electrical connection portion 73, positioning portions 75L and 75R, and fitting portions 76L and 76R are provided on the face portion 70. The connecting portion 46 is inserted into the communication portion 74 to form a passage for allowing ink to flow out from the container 60 to the replenishment unit 8. The electrical connection portion 73 is connected to the electrical connection portion 47. The electrical connection portion 73 is provided with a board portion 73a having a plurality of terminals, which contacts the terminal portion of the electrical connection portion 47 and is electrically connected thereto.

[0126] The positioning portions 75L and 75R are hole portions extending in the Y direction, and the positioning portions 48L and 48R are inserted therein. The X-direction position of the container 60 and its attachment position in the horizontal direction are appropriately defined.

[0127] The fitting portions 76L and 76R are respectively located above the positioning portions 75L and 75R and are fitted on the fitting portions 49L and 49R. The fitting portions 76L and 76R are arranged separately in the X direction and each have a concavo-convex structure. The concavo-convex structure has a plurality of protruding portions arranged in parallel in the Y direction and having a substantially rectangular shape. The arrangement pattern of the protruding portions and the concave portions (valley portions) formed therebetween in the fitting portions 76L and 76R has a concavo-convex pattern opposite to the arrangement pattern of the concavo-convex structure of the fitting portions 49L and 49R on one side of the device to be connected.

[0128] When container 60 moves in the Y direction to connect to connector 47 of the corresponding device size, if the type of container 60 is suitable, assembly parts 76L and 76R and assembly parts 49L and 49R are assembled to each other. If the type of container 60 is unsuitable, assembly parts 76L and 76R and assembly parts 49L and 49R are not assembled to each other. This prevents incorrect containers 60 (e.g., containers of different colors) from connecting to connector 47.

[0129] The electrical connection portion 73 is disposed in a protrusion 71 that protrudes downward from the connection portion 62 along the Z direction. Additionally, a recess 72 is formed on the upper side of the electrical connection portion 73 along the Z direction. Figure 36 As shown, when multiple containers 60 are stored, the protrusion 71 of the upper container 60 is fitted into the recess 72 of the lower connecting portion 62. This avoids interference between the electrical connections 73 between adjacent connecting portions 62 on the upper and lower sides and minimizes the overlap between the connecting portions 62. Therefore, the total height of the multiple connecting portions 62 stacked together can be reduced, thereby helping to reduce the size of the entire device.

[0130] Note that the container 60 can also be in another form. That is, as the container 60, a rigid container without flexibility can be used instead of the flexible bag 61, and the component corresponding to the connecting portion 62 can be provided at its distal end. In the same case, the component corresponding to the protrusion 71 and the recess 72 is provided on the connecting portion, thereby minimizing the overlap between the connecting portions.

[0131] Note that the width of the recess 72 in the X direction may not be equal to the width of the electrical connection 73 in the X direction, and the entire upper surface of the connection 62 may be formed at the same height as the recess 72.

[0132] More specifically, such as Figure 36 As shown, z1 is defined as the distance between the connecting portion 74 and the electrical connection portion 73 in the lower connecting portion 62, and z2 is defined as the distance between the connecting portion 74 of the lower segment and the upper surface of the recess 72. Furthermore, z3 is defined as the distance between the connecting portion 74 of the lower segment and the protrusion 71 of the upper connecting portion. In this case, the structure is implemented such that the relationship z1>z3>z2 is satisfied. This relationship can be satisfied even when the entire upper surface of the connecting portion 62 is formed at the same height as the recess 72.

[0133] Therefore, the electrical connection 73, which is most affected by ink scattering from the connecting portion 74 along the direction of gravity and has a z3 relationship, is positioned at the farthest point. This can further reduce the risk of operational errors and reduced reliability caused by ink scattering when the container 60 is removed. On the other hand, when the distance z3 is shorter than the distance z1, the height of the connection 62 stacked in the Z direction can be minimized.

[0134] Note that the configuration of container 60 is not limited to horizontal / vertical placement, and both vertical and horizontal placement are also possible.

[0135] Next, the tray 6 includes a bottom 6a on which the container 60 is placed, a front wall portion 6b standing upright at the front end of the bottom 6a, a rear wall portion 6c standing upright at the rear end of the bottom 6a, and a left side wall portion and a right side wall portion 6d, and is open to the upper side (see [link]). Figures 8 to 10 A notch for passing through the connecting portion 62 is formed in the rear wall portion 6c. With the container 60 in place, the tray 6 can be detachably attached to one of the storage portions 4A to 4D in the Y direction.

[0136] To ensure stable utilization of the storage trays 6 in storage sections 4A to 4D, the storage sections 4A to 4D and the trays 6 are provided with engaging portions that interlock with each other. In this embodiment, engaging portions 6e are formed on each side wall portion 6d of each tray 6. Engaging portions 6e are protrusions extending from the tray 6 in the X direction and extending in the Y direction. Engaging portions 42a and 42b are formed on side wall portions 42L and 42R, and engaging portions 43a and 43b are formed on the left and right surfaces of the partition wall 43. Engaging portions 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b are grooves extending in the Y direction and engaging with engaging portions 6e. Engaging portions 42a and 43a correspond to the upper sections of storage sections 4A and 4C and engage with engaging portions 6e of the trays 6 attached to these storage sections. Engaging portions 42b and 43b correspond to the lower sections of storage sections 4B and 4D and engage with engaging portions 6e of the trays 6 attached to these storage sections.

[0137] The engagement between joint 6e and joints 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b enables the positioning of tray 6 in the Z direction and the maintenance of its posture (maintaining horizontal posture). Furthermore, it guides tray 6 into / out of storage sections 4A to 4D. Note that joint 6e can be a groove, and joints 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b can be protrusions. The structure of the joints can be appropriately designed.

[0138] Next, we will refer to Figure 37This describes a structure that improves space efficiency when a tray 6, on which a container 60 is mounted, is inserted into storage sections 4A to 4D. The flexible bag 61 includes an expansion portion 61a that expands when filled with contents (liquid) and a sealing portion 61b that is a heat-sealed portion formed on the outer periphery of the expansion portion 61a. If the bag 61 is horizontally positioned in the tray 6 in a filled state (filled state), the expansion portion 61a is supported by the bottom 6a of the tray 6, but the sealing portion 61b is not supported by the bottom 6a. For this reason, a space 93 is formed between the lower portions of the expansion portion 61a and the sealing portion 61b.

[0139] In this embodiment, the positioning parts 48L and 48R ( Figure 37 Only a portion of each of the positioning sections 48L is shown arranged in the space section 93. Therefore, the space section 93 generated by the structure of the bag 61 can be used without waste, and the space efficiency in the device is improved.

[0140] Note that the positioning parts 48L and 48R may not enter the space 93 on the lower side of the sealing part 61b, but may enter the space on the upper side.

[0141] Figures 11A to 12B The assembly structure of the storage unit 4 is shown. The storage unit 4 according to this embodiment has the following structure, in which the bottom wall 41, the left side wall 42L and the right side wall 42R and the partition wall 43 are integrated to form a single component, and the partition walls 44L and 44R and the upper wall 45 are assembled to this component. Figure 11A The state before assembly is shown.

[0142] Figure 11B and Figure 12A The following configuration is shown, in which a partition plate 44a, serving as a metal plate forming partition walls 44L and 44R, is assembled. The partition plate 44a is a plate forming partition walls 44L and 44R, and an opening 44a' is formed at the center. The partition plate 44a is assembled such that a portion of the partition wall 43 is inserted into the opening 44a', and the two ends in the X direction are locked by locking portions formed on the sidewall portions 42L and 42R, thereby obtaining… Figure 12A The pattern shown is as follows. The partition plate 44a is assembled using an assembly method, which simplifies the structure and reduces the equipment size compared to a fastened structure. Left and right front guides 44b are attached to the front ends of the partition plate 44a, thus completing the partition walls 44L and 44R. When the partition plate 44a serves as the bottom of storage sections 4A and 4C, it can improve the support rigidity of the containers 60 and trays 6 in the storage sections 4A and 4C.

[0143] exist Figure 12BIn the state shown, the upper wall 45 is assembled using screws to complete the storage unit 4. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing the area near the partition wall 43 in the assembled state of the upper wall portion 45.

[0144] Will be Figure 38 For reference. The partition plate 44a and the upper wall portion 45 reinforce the structure of the main body of the equipment. The partition plate 44a serves to hold the connecting portion 62 of the container 60 disposed on the lower section from above. In addition, the upper wall portion 45 serves to hold the connecting portion 62 of the container 60 disposed on the upper section from above. That is, by pressing the connecting portion 62 downward from above, the container 60 is reliably supported relative to the tray 6, and the bag 61 can be prevented from rising.

[0145] It can also prevent incorrect insertion of positioning parts 48L and 48R into positioning parts 75L and 75R, connection failure between connecting part 46 and communicating part 74, or contact failure between electrical connecting part 73 and electrical connecting part 47. Therefore, this helps to improve the stability and reliability of the entire device.

[0146] The partition plate 44a and the upper wall portion 45 do not always need to be configured to reach the ends of the storage portions 4A to 4D, because the lifting of the connecting portion 62 is prevented after the positioning portions 48L and 48R are inserted into the positioning portions 75L and 75R.

[0147] <Liquid Supply System>

[0148] The structure of the liquid supply system from container 60 to printhead 11 will be described next. Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram of supply unit 218.

[0149] The supply unit 218 is a supply mechanism that supplies liquid from the container 60 to the print head 11. A supply unit 218 is provided for each container 60. Therefore, the printing device 1 according to this embodiment includes four supply units 218. Figure 14 One of the four supply units 218 is shown.

[0150] Supply unit 218 includes intermediate tank 220, check valves 230 and 240, negative pressure maintenance unit 250, and pressure regulating unit 15. Intermediate tank 220 is connected to container 60 via pipe 219a, check valve 230, and pipe 219b. Negative pressure maintenance unit 250 is connected to intermediate tank 220 via pipe 219c, check valve 240, and pipe 10a.

[0151] Pressure regulating unit 15 is connected to intermediate tank 220 via conduit 219e. Conduit 219e forms a fluid passage for pressure control. In this embodiment, the fluid is a gas, particularly air. Conduit 219f forms an air communication path communicating with the air. Conduits 219a to 219f are all formed of, for example, flexible tubing. Conduits 219a to 10a can be made of materials with low air permeability or low water vapor permeability, so that the quality of the liquid flowing inside remains unchanged. Conduits 219a to 219f do not need to always be flexible tubing, and can at least partially use metal tubing, or the passage can be formed by tightly adhering and sealing components to grooves formed in plate-shaped components.

[0152] Liquid in container 60 is introduced into intermediate tank 220 via pipe 219a, check valve 230, and pipe 219b. Container 60 is located upstream in the liquid introduction direction, and intermediate tank 220 is located downstream. Check valve 230 is a one-way valve (check valve) located upstream of intermediate tank 220 and prevents liquid from flowing backward from one side of intermediate tank 220 to one side of container 60.

[0153] Liquid in intermediate tank 220 is supplied to printhead 11 via pipe 219c, check valve 240, pipe 10a, and negative pressure maintaining unit 250. Intermediate tank 220 is located upstream in the liquid supply direction, and printhead 11 is located downstream. Check valve 240 is a one-way valve (check valve) located on the downstream side of intermediate tank 220, and prevents liquid from flowing backward from one side of negative pressure maintaining unit 250 to one side of intermediate tank 220.

[0154] In this embodiment, the pressure generated by the pressure regulating unit 15 is used to replenish the liquid from the container 60 to the intermediate tank 220. Therefore, it is sufficient to keep the liquid pressure in the container 60 close to atmospheric pressure, and the constraints on the layout are minimal. Furthermore, since the liquid supply to the printhead 11 is performed using a pressurization method, the constraints on the mounting location of each component are minimal, and it is possible to mount it at a location where there is a head difference between the intermediate tank 220 and the printhead 11.

[0155] (Intermediate tank)

[0156] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 Describe the structure of intermediate tank 220. Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank 220. The intermediate tank 220 performs an introduction operation by drawing in liquid stored in the container 60 through a pump and a supply operation by supplying the introduced liquid to the print head 11. The introduction operation can also be referred to as a liquid replenishment operation. In both of these operations, the intermediate tank 220 acts as a pump.

[0157] The intermediate tank 220 includes a forming unit 221 that forms a liquid chamber 220a and a pressure chamber 220b. The forming unit 221 is a hollow member that forms an outer wall defining the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b. In this embodiment, the forming unit 221 includes a shell 221A having a cup shape and a cover member 221B that closes an opening in the top of the shell 221A.

[0158] Liquid chamber 220a stores liquid L to be supplied to printhead 11. Liquid L is introduced into liquid chamber 220a from container 60. Cover member 221B includes inlet conduit 221a and outlet conduit 221b, the inlet conduit forming an inlet communicating with liquid chamber 220a, and the outlet conduit forming an outlet communicating with liquid chamber 220a. Conduit 219b is connected to inlet conduit 221a, and conduit 219c is connected to outlet conduit 221b.

[0159] Pressure chamber 220b is formed adjacent to liquid chamber 220a via wall member 222. Wall member 222 separates liquid chamber 220a and pressure chamber 220b. Alternatively, wall member 222 can be described as part of the peripheral wall defining either liquid chamber 220a or pressure chamber 220b. Wall member 222 is a diaphragm that shifts according to the pressure in pressure chamber 220b, thereby changing the capacity of liquid chamber 220a. According to this embodiment, wall member 222 is formed of a flexible sheet that elastically deforms according to the pressure difference between liquid chamber 220a and pressure chamber 220b, and has a convex portion formed in an annular shape on its peripheral edge.

[0160] The wall member 222 is airtightly sandwiched between the cover member 221B and the frame member 223. The frame member 223 is an annular member having an opening 23a at its center. The frame member 223 is supported by a plurality of shaft members 228 erected on the bottom of the housing 221A. The wall member 222 has its periphery sandwiched between the cover member 221B and the frame member 223, and the center of the wall member 222 can be displaced to the underside of the opening 23a.

[0161] The housing 221A includes a connecting conduit 221c, which forms a communication path connecting the pressure regulating unit 15 and the pressure chamber 220b. A conduit 219e is connected to the connecting conduit 221c. The pressure chamber 220b is provided with a restraining unit 225, which, according to the displacement of the pressure restraining wall member 222 in the pressure chamber 220b, determines the maximum displacement position of the restraining unit 225 of the restraining wall member 222 in the direction that causes the liquid chamber 220a to expand.

[0162] The restraint unit 225 includes a stop 227 and a flexible member 226. The flexible member 226 forms a partition wall between the pressure chamber 220b and the air chamber 220c. In other words, the pressure chamber 220b is divided by the flexible member 226 into a portion of the air chamber 220c on the bottom side and a portion of the liquid chamber 220a on one side. The flexible member 226 is a diaphragm that shifts according to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b, thereby changing the volume of the air chamber 220c. The wall member 222 according to this embodiment is formed of a flexible membrane that elastically deforms according to the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b, and its periphery is hermetically fixed to the bottom of the housing 221A.

[0163] The housing 221A has a connecting conduit 221d at its bottom forming an air communication port. The connecting conduit 221d is always in a released state, and the air chamber 220c is maintained at atmospheric pressure. The stop 227 is a lifting member that includes a hole (not shown) for receiving a shaft member 228, is configured to move freely up and down along the shaft member 228, which serves as a guide shaft, in the direction D1 (depth direction of the housing 221A), and is displaced by the displacement of the flexible member 226. In this embodiment, the flexible member 226 is disposed between the stop 227 and the bottom of the housing 221A. If the pressure chamber 220b is set to a negative pressure state, the flexible member 226 is displaced upward, thereby increasing the capacity of the air chamber 220c. Therefore, the stop 227 rises to a restrained position to restrain the maximum displacement position. The stop 227 includes a recess 227a into which the abutment member 224 enters.

[0164] The abutment member 224 is fixed to the lower surface of the center portion of the wall member 222. The abutment member 224 shifts as the wall member 222 shifts. The abutment member 224 includes an engagement groove 224a, the end 270a of the detection rod 270 engaging with the engagement groove. In this embodiment, the abutment member 224 abuts against the stop 227, thereby constraining the range of displacement of the wall member 222. A configuration can also be adopted in which the wall member 222 and the flexible member 226 directly abut against each other to constrain the range of displacement of the wall member 222. However, by intervening with the abutment member 224 or the stop 227, deterioration of the wall member 222 and the flexible member 226 can be prevented, and the range of displacement can be constrained more accurately.

[0165] Multiple elastic members 229 are disposed between the abutment member 224 and the stop member 227. According to this embodiment, the elastic members 229 are helical springs into which the shaft member 228 is inserted, and exert force on the abutment member 224 and the stop member 227 in the direction of separation. Figure 15 In the state shown, the abutment member 224 and the stop member 227 are separated, and the displacement range of the wall member 222 is unrestricted.

[0166] The detection rod 270 is a movable member configured to detect the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a. The middle portion 270b of the detection rod 270 passes through and is rotatably supported by the shaft hole 221e. Based on the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a, the abutment member 224 shifts in direction D1. The detection rod 270 rotates in direction D2 as the abutment member 224 shifts. The amount of rotation of the detection rod 270 is detected by a remaining amount detection sensor 271 disposed inside the housing 221A. The remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a can be estimated based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 271. Note that the detection rod 270... Figure 15 The middle portion 270b is always subjected to counterclockwise force by an elastic member (not shown). Additionally, the middle portion 270b of the detection rod 270 can pass through the shaft hole 221e formed in the housing 221A and extend to the outside of the housing 221A. In this case, the middle portion 270b can be rotatably supported by the hermetically sealed shaft hole 221e.

[0167] Apart from Figure 15 In addition, we will also refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 Describe the operation of intermediate tank 220. Figure 16 and Figure 17 The operation of each section of the intermediate tank 220, along with the internal pressure status, is shown.

[0168] Figure 16 The state ST51 shown indicates that the liquid L in liquid chamber 220a is almost depleted through the supply operation and the capacity of liquid chamber 220a is at its minimum. Pressure chamber 220b is set to a positive pressure state by pressure adjustment unit 15. The capacity of gas chamber 220c is approximately zero, and stop 227 is located at the position closest to the bottom of housing 221A. Conversely, abutment member 224 is located at the position closest to liquid chamber 220a. A replenishment operation is performed from this state. Note that the replenishment operation does not always need to be performed after the remaining amount in liquid chamber 220a has decreased to the stage of state ST51, but the replenishment operation can be performed, for example, when the remaining amount is about 50%.

[0169] Figure 16 State ST52 indicates the stage where replenishment operation begins and pressure chamber 220b is set to a negative pressure state via pressure adjustment unit 15. Because pressure chamber 220b is set to a negative pressure state, wall member 222 and abutment member 224 are shifted to one side of the bottom of housing 221A. The capacity of liquid chamber 220a increases, and liquid L is drawn from container 60 into liquid chamber 220a. In state ST52, approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of liquid chamber 220a (liquid L) is introduced into liquid chamber 220a.

[0170] exist Figure 16In state ST52, as shown, the flexible member 226 and the stop 227 are displaced in the opposite direction to the wall member 222 (towards the cover member 221B), air is drawn into the air chamber 220c, and its volume increases. In this embodiment, if the pressure chamber 220b is set to a negative pressure state, the flexible member 226 is displaced in front of the wall member 222. It is a viscous liquid flowing into the liquid chamber 220a. On the other hand, air with a flow resistance lower than that of the liquid flows into the air chamber 220c. In addition, the inner diameter or length of the connecting pipe 221d can be designed to provide very little or no flow resistance. This allows the flexible member 226 to deform rapidly. Therefore, the displacement range of the wall member 222 can be constrained, causing the flexible member 226 to be displaced in front of the wall member 222.

[0171] The stop 227 is translated to one side of the liquid chamber 220a by being guided by a plurality of shaft members 228. The stop 227 moves against the force exerted by the elastic member 229. The stop 227 moves until it abuts against a protrusion (not shown) formed on the shaft member 228. This position is a constrained position for constraining the displacement range of the wall member 222. Note that the stop 227 can be configured not to stop moving at a predetermined portion on the shaft member 228.

[0172] Figure 16 State ST53 indicates the stage where liquid L flows further into liquid chamber 220a. Pressure chamber 220b is continuously set to a negative pressure state, and wall member 222 shifts and deforms to expand in the direction of increasing the capacity of liquid chamber 220a. Abutment member 224 abuts against stop member 227, and the shift of wall member 222 is restrained.

[0173] Note that S1 and S2 are set as wall member 222 and flexible member 226 in the horizontal plane (and) Figure 15 The projection region on the plane (orthogonal to direction D1) is shaped such that S1 < S2.

[0174] Under the same negative pressure NP, |NP|×S1<|NP|×S2 holds true. The force that causes the flexible member 226 to expand is greater than the force that causes the wall member 222 to expand. Therefore, when the abutment member 224 abuts against the stop member 227, the displacement of the wall member 222 is reliably restrained.

[0175] Figure 17 The ST61 status indicator shows negative pressure from Figure 16 The state ST53 continuously acts on the wall member 222. Because the abutment member 224 cannot move further to one side of the stop member 227 due to the constraint of the stop member 227, a portion of the wall member 222 (such as...) Figure 17Further elastic deformation occurs in the thin portion (such as part A) of the wall member 222. Deformation ceases when the negative pressure in pressure chamber 220b and the elastic deformation force of part A of the wall member 222 are balanced. Corresponding to the deformation of part A, a slightly additional amount of liquid L flows into liquid chamber 220a. In other words, it can be said that the capacity of liquid chamber 220a at stage ST61 is the maximum capacity during supplementary operation, and the maximum capacity is limited by constraint unit 225.

[0176] Figure 17 The state ST62 indicates that the replenishment operation has ended and the supply operation has begun. The negative pressure state of pressure chamber 220b is canceled by pressure adjustment unit 15, and the state is changed to a positive pressure state via atmospheric pressure. Air is discharged from air chamber 220c via connecting pipe 221d, and flexible member 226 is flattened and displaced to one side of connecting pipe 221d. As flexible member 226 is displaced, stop member 227 is also displaced to one side of connecting pipe 221d by the force exerted by elastic member 229, and the constraint on the displacement range of wall member 222 is removed.

[0177] When the constraint on the displacement range of wall member 222 is removed, the constraint on portion A of wall member 222, as indicated by state ST61, is released and returns to its original form. Since a slightly additional amount of liquid L corresponding to the deformation of portion A has flowed into liquid chamber 220a, the abutment member 224 shifts to one side of stop member 227 corresponding to this amount. Therefore, the pressure in liquid chamber 220a is approximately equal to the pressure in pressure chamber 220b, and when the liquid L in liquid chamber 220a is pressurized and supplied to printhead 11, the elastic deformation force corresponding to the deformation of portion A of wall member 222 does not function.

[0178] This will be described in more detail. Assume the following state: without constraint unit 225, wall member 222 abuts against a portion (e.g., the inner wall of pressure chamber 220b), for which the displacement constraint cannot be removed during supplementary operations, and elastic deformation further occurs in a portion of wall member 222, such as portion A. In this state, if pressure chamber 220b changes from a negative pressure state to a positive pressure state, the pressure of liquid L in liquid chamber 220a increases due to the restoring force of the partially elastically deformed portion (e.g., portion A of wall member 222). Therefore, liquid L is supplied by a force stronger than the applied pressure assumed to control pressure adjustment unit 15, and the flow of liquid L on one side of printhead 11 may be unstable.

[0179] Conversely, in this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, the displacement of the wall member 222 is constrained by the constraint unit 225. When the negative pressure is removed, the constraint on the displacement of the wall member 222 is also removed, and the partial elastic deformation of the wall member 222 is also removed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure of the liquid L in the liquid chamber 220a from increasing due to the elastic deformation of a portion of the wall member 222. For this reason, the supply pressure of the liquid L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a to the printhead can be controlled more accurately by the pressure adjustment unit 15, and variations in the supply pressure can be reduced.

[0180] Note that if excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall member 222 is detected before it occurs, and the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is removed, additional liquid L can be prevented from flowing into the liquid chamber 220a. However, it is not easy to detect this stage immediately before excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall member 222, and additional sensors are required. On the other hand, this embodiment is advantageous in terms of cost and equipment layout.

[0181] In state ST62, the pressure state in pressure chamber 220b is positive pressure, and the pressure of liquid L in liquid chamber 220a is approximately equal to the air pressure in pressure chamber 220b. Figure 17 State ST63 indicates a state where the capacity of liquid chamber 220a decreases and liquid L is supplied from liquid chamber 220a to one side of printhead 11. State ST63 indicates a state where approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of liquid chamber 220a (liquid L) is supplied to one side of printhead 11. Note that whether liquid is actually supplied depends on the state of negative pressure maintaining unit 250, and this will be described later. When liquid L is supplied, state ST63 changes to... Figure 16 The state ST51 is shown, and the same operation as described above is repeated.

[0182] (Negative pressure maintenance unit)

[0183] Reference Figure 18 Describe the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250. Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram of the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250. State ST101 indicates a large storage volume of liquid L, and state ST102 indicates a small storage volume of liquid L.

[0184] The negative pressure maintaining unit 250 includes a housing 251 housing a printhead 11 and forming a printhead module. The housing 251 includes an inlet pipe 251a and a channel 251b. The inlet pipe forms an inlet for liquid L supplied from the intermediate tank 220 to flow into it, and the channel communicates with the inlet pipe 251a. A pipe 10a is connected to the inlet pipe 251a. A filter 253 is disposed in the channel 251b and removes unwanted mixing substances as liquid L flows into the channel 251b and passes through the filter 253.

[0185] The housing 251 also includes channels 251c and 251e and a storage section 250a. A portion of the peripheral wall of the storage section 250a is formed by a diaphragm 252. The storage section 250a is disposed between the print head and the liquid chamber 220a of the intermediate tank 220, and communicates with the print head 11 via the channel 251e. The storage section 250a is a liquid chamber that temporarily stores liquid L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a at a predetermined negative pressure before the print head 11 and prevents liquid L from leaking from the print head 11.

[0186] The diaphragm 252 is a deformable sheet component made of flexible material and separates the storage section 250a. A movable plate 256 is adhered to the diaphragm 252. The diaphragm 252 and the movable plate 256 are always subjected to force by an elastic member 257 in the direction of increasing the capacity of the storage section 250a. The elastic member 257 is a helical spring placed between the housing 251 and the movable plate 256, and the force applied by the elastic member 257 maintains the storage section 250a in a negative pressure state.

[0187] Channel 251c is provided with a limiting valve 254, which restricts the supply of liquid L from channel 251c to storage unit 250a. Limiting valve 254 is a valve that opens / closes the communication path 251d between channel 251c and storage unit 250a. Limiting valve 254 includes a valve element 254a and a resilient member 254b, and the valve element 254a is always forced in the closing direction by the resilient member 254b. Valve element 254a includes a shaft portion that passes through the communication path 251d and enters the storage unit 250a.

[0188] The operation of the negative pressure maintaining unit 250 will be described. In state ST101, the restricting valve 254 is closed. In other words, the storage section 250a is filled with a sufficient amount of liquid L. When the valve element 254a adheres to the wall around the communication path 251d, the flow of liquid L from the channel 251c to the storage section 250a is restricted. In this state, a force is applied from the elastic member 257 to the diaphragm 252 via the moving plate 256 in the direction that expands the storage section 250a. Furthermore, since the restricting valve 254 is closed, the liquid in the storage section 250a is under negative pressure. Therefore, when liquid L is discharged from the nozzles of the printhead 11, the meniscus formed in each nozzle can be set to a desired state (a properly concave state). Note that in Figure 18 In the state ST101 shown, the expansion of the diaphragm 252 is represented by a slightly exaggerated state.

[0189] Status ST102 indicates that the limiting valve 254 is open. In other words, the state where the limiting valve 254 is open is a state where the remaining amount in the storage section 250a is insufficient and is waiting for liquid supply from the intermediate tank 220. If the capacity in the storage section 250a decreases as liquid L is discharged from the printhead 11, the diaphragm 252 overcomes the elastic member 257 and shifts to one side of the limiting valve 254. When the moving plate 256 presses the valve element 254a of the limiting valve 254 and the valve element 254a separates from the wall surrounding the communication path 251d, liquid L can flow from the channel 251c to the storage section 250a via the communication path 251d. Since the liquid L entering from the inlet pipe 251a is pressurized, it passes through the filter 253 and flows into the storage section 250a via the communication path 251d.

[0190] As the amount of liquid in the storage section 250a increases, the diaphragm 252 gradually expands, and in parallel, the moving plate 256 moves in a direction separate from the valve element 254a. Therefore, the restricting valve 254 closes, as in state ST101.

[0191] In this way, while maintaining the storage section 250a under negative pressure, the liquid L is pressurized and supplied from the intermediate tank 220 to the storage section 250a. Figure 18 The displacement of the diaphragm 252 in an exaggerated state is shown. In fact, the closed and open states are repeated with small amounts of movement, and the interior of the storage section 250a can be maintained under an almost constant negative pressure.

[0192] (Pressure adjustment unit)

[0193] The construction of the pressure adjustment unit 15 will be described. Figure 19This is an explanatory diagram of the pressure regulating unit 15. The pressure regulating unit 15 includes an air pump 261 and a plurality of control valves 262A to 262D. The air pump 261 is an electric pump that includes a diaphragm, a check valve, etc., and uses a motor as a drive source. Each of the plurality of control valves 262A to 262D is an electric valve that switches the connection state of the pressure chamber 220b to the air pump 261 or the connection state of the pipe 219f forming an air communication path to the air pump 261.

[0194] In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 273 and a constant pressure valve 263 are disposed on pipe 219e. The pressure sensor 273 detects the pressure of the gas in pipe 219e, i.e., the pressure in pressure chamber 220b. The constant pressure valve 263 is a valve that maintains pressure chamber 220b at a pressure not exceeding an upper limit when pressure is applied to pressure chamber 220b. When the pressure in pipe 219e reaches the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 263 opens to allow pipe 219e to communicate with air. This maintains pressure chamber 220b at a pressure not exceeding the upper limit pressure.

[0195] Figure 20 The state ST131 shown indicates the valve state during the pressurization operation to set pressure chamber 220b to a positive pressure state. Control valve 262A is open, control valve 262B is closed, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is closed. When air pump 261 is driven in the valve state, air is drawn from one side of pipe 219f, and pressurized air is sent to pipe 219e. When pressure adjustment is performed through the pressurization operation, pressure chamber 220b gradually changes from atmospheric pressure to positive pressure. If the pressure in pipe 219f exceeds the upper limit pressure after a predetermined time, constant pressure valve 263 operates to keep the pressure in pressure chamber 220b constant.

[0196] Status ST132 indicates the valve status during a closed operation used to maintain the pressure in pressure chamber 220b, which is pressurized by the pressurization operation. Control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is closed. In the valve status, one side of pipe 219e (pressure chamber 220b) is disconnected from and closed by air pump 261. When air pump 261 is driven, air circulates between control valves 262B, 262C, and air pump 261. Therefore, air does not flow to one side of pipe 219f when air pump 261 is operating or stopped.

[0197] Status ST133 indicates an air release operation performed midway through the transition to the next pressure reduction operation. This operation is used to connect pressure chamber 220b to air and return it from a positive pressure state to approximately atmospheric pressure, thereby rapidly changing pressure chamber 220b from a positive pressure state to a negative pressure state. During the air release operation, control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is open. In this situation, air enters from one side of pipe 219e, passes sequentially through control valves 262D and 262C, and exits into pipe 219f without passing through air pump 261.

[0198] Status ST134 indicates the valve status during a pressure reduction operation to set pressure chamber 220b to a negative pressure state. Control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is closed, and control valve 262D is open. When air pump 261 is driven in the valve state, air is drawn from one side of pipe 219e and discharged to the other side of pipe 219f. When pressure adjustment is performed by the pressure reduction operation at atmospheric pressure in pressure chamber 220b, pressure chamber 220b gradually becomes negative pressure. After a predetermined time, the pressure in pressure chamber 220b becomes constant at a predetermined negative pressure according to the capability of air pump 261. Note that in this embodiment, no constant pressure valve is provided on the negative pressure side. To limit the pressure to a predetermined negative pressure, a constant pressure valve on the negative pressure side can be provided in parallel with constant pressure valve 263.

[0199] State ST135 indicates an air release operation performed midway through the transition to the next pressurization operation (State ST131). This operation is used to connect pressure chamber 220b to air and return it from negative pressure to approximately atmospheric pressure, thereby rapidly changing the interior of pressure chamber 220b from a negative pressure state to a positive pressure state. During the air release operation, control valves 262A, 262B, 262C, and 262D are open. In this situation, air enters from one side of pipe 219f, passes sequentially through control valves 262B and 262A, and enters pipe 219e without passing through air pump 261.

[0200] <Second Implementation Method>

[0201] In the first embodiment, a bag-type container is exemplified as container 60. However, it can be a bottle-type container. In this case, tray 6 is not required. Figure 21A This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a bottle-shaped container 60' attached to a storage section. The container 60' includes a hollow member 63 having a cuboid shape and storing liquid inside. A joint 64 corresponding to the joint 6e of the tray 6 according to the first embodiment is provided on the left and right sides of the hollow member 63. Figure 21AThe example shown assumes that the container 60' is attached to the storage section 4A. The left and right joints 64 are joined with the joints 42a of the side wall section 42L and the joints 43a of the partition wall 43.

[0202] <Third Implementation Method>

[0203] In the first embodiment, attachment / removal from the body 100 is exemplified as an opening / closing mode of the opening / closing member 5. However, it can rotate. Figure 21B This is another example view showing the construction of opening / closing component 5. Figure 21B In the example shown, the opening / closing component 5 rotates about the rotation axis in the X direction. Since the opening / closing component 5 is supported by the main body 100 regardless of whether it is open or closed, it can be prevented from being lost or damaged in the event of a fall.

[0204] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0205] <Overview of Printing Equipment>

[0206] Figure 22 This is a view showing the appearance of the printing device 1A according to this embodiment. Multiple optional devices can be attached to the printing device 1A. Figure 23 The diagram illustrates a configuration in which optional devices 500A and 500B are attached to printing device 1A. Optional devices 500A and 500B are devices with identical construction. When referring to optional devices 500A and 500B collectively or indiscriminately, they will be simply referred to as optional device 500. Each optional device 500 includes a storage cartridge 501 for storing print media. By adding optional devices 500, the amount of print media stored or the type of print media used for printing can be increased. The storage cartridge 501 is detachably attached to the body of the optional device 500. In this embodiment, the storage cartridge 501 is disposed on the front surface of the optional device 500 such that it can be inserted into / removed from the body in the Y direction.

[0207] exist Figure 23 In the example shown, two optional devices 500 are provided below the printing device 1A. However, only one optional device 500 may be attached to the printing device 1A, or three or more optional devices 500 may be attached to the printing device 1A. Furthermore, the printing device 1A can be used without attaching the optional devices 500.

[0208] Note that in this embodiment, the application of this disclosure to a serial inkjet printing device will be described. However, this disclosure can also be applied to another type of printing device.

[0209] In the accompanying drawings illustrating this embodiment, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions that intersect each other. Arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates the up / down direction. The X direction corresponds to the left / right direction (width direction) of the printing device 1A, and the Y direction corresponds to the front / back direction (depth direction) of the printing device 1A. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the printing device 1A. Furthermore, the downstream side and upstream side are defined based on the transport direction of the printing medium as a reference.

[0210] The printing device 1A includes a main body 100A, a removable unit 640 detachable from the main body 100A, and a storage box 602A. The main body 100A includes a housing 601 having a generally cuboid shape, and the housing 601 forms the outer wall of the printing device 1A. The removable unit 640 and the storage box 602A are attached to the front surface 601a of the housing 601 (the front surface forms the front portion of the printing device 1A) so that they can be inserted into / removed from the main body 100A in the Y direction. The front surface 601a is also provided with a cover 653 and an opening / closing member 665, which can be opened / closed and covers the feed unit 650 inside the main body 100A. The cover 653, the removable unit 640, the storage box 602A, and the opening / closing member 665 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction.

[0211] Figure 24 The image shows the state in which the storage cartridge 602A is withdrawn from the body 100A in the -Y direction. The body 100A has a slot SL1 that opens to the front surface 601a, and the storage cartridge 602A is stored in the slot SL1.

[0212] Figure 25 This is a view showing the detachable unit 640 detached from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL2 that opens to the front surface 601a, and the detachable unit 640 is stored in the slot SL2.

[0213] The discharge tray 617 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body 100A. The printed media is discharged into the discharge tray 617 and stacked on the discharge tray 617.

[0214] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 26 The opening 670 is described as being formed in the upper surface portion of the housing 601 and exposing the interior of the main body 100A of the printing device 1A. The opening 670 is opened / closed by an opening / closing member 617a. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617a is a plate-shaped tray member forming part of the discharge tray 617, and is a rotating member configured to rotate in the X direction about a rotation center axis 617b. Figure 26This illustrates a state where the opening / closing member 617a is in the open state and the opening 670 is open. When the opening / closing member 617a is in the closed state, as shown... Figure 23 As shown, opening 670 is closed.

[0215] Reference Figure 23 and Figure 27 An opening 672 is described, formed in the upper surface portion of the housing 601 and exposing the interior of the main body 100A of the printing device 1A. The opening 672 is located distally in the Y direction relative to the opening 670. The opening 672 is opened / closed by an opening / closing member 617c. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617c is a plate-shaped tray member that forms part of the discharge tray 617 together with the opening / closing member 617a, and is pulled out to the proximal side. When the opening / closing member 617c is pulled out, the operator can operate it by holding the grip portion 617e. Figure 27 This illustrates a state where the opening / closing member 617c is in the open state and the opening 672 is open. When the opening / closing member 617c is in the closed state, as shown... Figure 23 As shown, opening 672 is closed.

[0216] Figure 28 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing apparatus 1A and the optional device 500. The printing apparatus 1A performs printing on a sheet SH, which is stacked as a printing medium on a feed tray 602a in a storage cassette 602A before printing. Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1A discharges the printed sheet SH into a discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 602A can be detached from the main body 100A of the printing apparatus 1A, and the sheet SH can be placed on the feed tray 602a of the detached storage cassette 602A.

[0217] Additionally, the printing device 1A performs printing on a sheet SH, which is stacked as a printing medium on a feed tray 502 in each optional device 500 before printing. Furthermore, the printing device 1A discharges the printed sheet SH into a discharge tray 617. A storage cassette 501 of each optional device 500 can be detached from the optional device 500, and the sheet SH can be placed on the feed tray 502 of the detached storage cassette 501.

[0218] <Conveying Path>

[0219] The transport path of the sheet SH will be described. The printing apparatus 1A includes transport paths RT6A to RT6E that guide the transport of the sheet SH. Transport path RT6A is the main transport path forming from the connection point JP1 to the discharge tray 617. Transport path RT6B forms from the feed tray 602a to the connection point JP1. When printing the sheet SH stored in the storage cassette 602A, the sheet SH is transported in the order of transport path RT6B → transport path RT6A, and printing is performed during transport.

[0220] Conveyor paths RT6D and RT6E are configured to feed sheet SH from optional device 500. Conveyor path RT6D is formed along the Z-direction at the front of storage box 602A. When storage box 602A is attached to body 100A, conveyor path RT6D is formed from midpoint JP2 to connection point JP1. Conveyor path RT6E is formed along the Z-direction at the front of opening / closing member 665. When opening / closing member 665 is attached to body 100A, conveyor path RT6E is formed from midpoint JP3 to midpoint JP2.

[0221] Each optional device 500 includes transport paths RT7A and RT7B for guiding the transport of sheet SH. Transport path RT7A is a transport path formed in storage cassette 501 from feed tray 502 to connection point JP4, and is configured to feed sheet SH in optional device 500. Transport path RT7B is formed at the front of storage cassette 501 from midpoint JP5 to connection point JP4. Transport path RT7B is configured to allow sheet SH fed from another optional device 500 located below optional device 500 to pass through. For example, in Figure 28 In the example shown, the transport path RT7B of the optional device 500A is configured to allow the sheet SH fed from the optional device 500B to pass through the optional device 500A.

[0222] When printing the sheet SH stored in the optional device 500A, the sheet SH is conveyed in the order of conveying path RT7A of the optional device 500A → conveying path RT6E of the printing device 1A → conveying path RT6D → conveying path RT6A, and printing is performed during the conveying process.

[0223] When printing the sheet SH stored in the optional device 500B, the sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of the optional device 500B → transport path RT7B of the optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of the printing device 1A → transport path RT6D → transport path RT6A. Printing is performed during the transport process.

[0224] The path configured to invert the sheet SH and feed it to the print head 612 for double-sided printing will be described next. In this embodiment, after the first surface of the sheet SH is printed by the print head 612, the sheet SH is fed to the transport path RT6C, thereby inverting the sheet SH. The transport path RT6C is a sub-transport path formed from the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) to the junction point JP1. The sheet SH with the printed first surface can be inverted via the transport path RT6C and introduced into the transport path RT6A. Then, printing can be performed on the second surface of the sheet SH.

[0225] The sheet SH is introduced into the conveyor path RT6C in the following manner: After the trailing edge of the sheet SH reaches or leaves the vicinity of the conveyor unit 605 (described later), at least some of the rollers of the conveyor units 605 to 609 (described later) are rotated in the reverse direction. Thus, the sheet SH with the printed first surface can be introduced into the conveyor path RT6C. The sheet SH with the printed second surface is discharged into the discharge tray 617.

[0226] Note that each transport path is formed by a path forming component. As an example of a path forming component, Figure 28 A pair of path forming members 666 forming a conveying path RT6E are schematically shown. The pair of path forming members 666 are configured to face each other in the Y direction and form a conveying path RT6E extending in the Z direction between them. Each conveying path is defined by such path forming members.

[0227] <Conveying Mechanism>

[0228] The construction for conveying the sheet SH will now be described. The printing apparatus 1A includes a feed unit 603, a feed unit 604, and multiple conveying units 605 to 609. The feed units 603, 604, and conveying units 605 to 609 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet SH along conveying paths RT6B and RT6A. Image formation (printing) of the sheet SH is performed by the printing unit 610 located between conveying units 605 and 606.

[0229] (Feed Unit 603)

[0230] Sheets SH on feed tray 602a are introduced one by one into conveyor paths RT6B and RT6A via feed unit 603. Feed unit 603 is a pick-up mechanism that uses feed motor 622A as a drive source to pick up sheets SH from feed tray 602a. Feed unit 603 includes feed roller (pick-up roller) 603a, feed roller 603b, separation roller 603c, feed roller 603d, and driven roller 603e forming a gap with feed roller 603d.

[0231] Feed roller 603a contacts the uppermost surface of the sheet SH stacked on feed tray 602a and is rotated by the driving force of feed motor 622A, thereby initiating the feeding of the sheet SH. Feed roller 603b, rotated by the driving force of feed motor 622A, and separation roller 603c, forming a roll gap with feed roller 603b, are disposed downstream of feed roller 603a. Separation roller 603c is a roller including a torque limiter and having rotational resistance. If two or more sheets SH enter the roll gap between feed roller 603b and separation roller 603c, the sheets SH are separated one by one by the rotational resistance of separation roller 603c.

[0232] The separated sheet SH is conveyed to the downstream feed roller 603d and driven roller 603e. The feed roller 603d uses a feed motor 622A as the drive source.

[0233] (Feed Unit 604)

[0234] Feed unit 604 conveys the sheet SH introduced from the joint point JP1 into the conveying path RT6A to conveying unit 605. Feed unit 604 includes feed rollers 604a and 604c. Feed rollers 604a and 604c are rotors that rotate under the driving force of feed motor 623. Feed rollers 604a and 604c pressurize into contact with corresponding driven rollers 604b and 604d to form a nip. Driven rollers 604b and 604d are rotors that rotate with feed rollers 604a and 604c.

[0235] The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the feed roller 604a and the driven roller 604b, and in the roll gap between the feed roller 604c and the driven roller 604d, and is conveyed by their rotation.

[0236] Note that feed rollers 603a, 603b, and 603d are unidirectional rollers. For this reason, even if the drive of feed unit 603 is stopped, feed unit 604 can continue to feed after the leading edge of sheet SH has been conveyed beyond the roll gap of feed unit 604.

[0237] Sensor 631 is a sensor for detecting the sheet SH, specifically detecting the passage of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet SH. The detection position of sensor 631 is set to the downstream side of the roller gap of feed unit 604. After detecting the passage of the leading edge of the sheet SH, the detection result of sensor 631 can be used as a trigger for conveying control, to, for example, stop the drive of feed unit 603 or increase the conveying speed of feed unit 604.

[0238] Additionally, using sensor 631, the size of sheet SH can be detected based on the driving amount of feed motor 623 and conveyor motor 624, allowing switching from detecting the leading edge of sheet SH to detecting the trailing edge, and subsequent conveying control.

[0239] (Conveyor Unit 605)

[0240] A conveying unit 605 is disposed upstream of the printhead 612. The conveying unit 605 conveys the sheet SH to the downstream side between the printhead 612 and the platen 615 facing the printhead 612. The conveying unit 605 includes a conveying roller 605a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 605b that is pressurized against the conveying roller 605a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 605a is a rotor that rotates under the driving force of a conveying motor 624, and the driven roller 605b is a rotor that rotates along with the conveying roller 605a. The sheet SH is clamped in the roll gap between the conveying roller 605a and the driven roller 605b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 605a and the driven roller 605b.

[0241] Sensor 632 is a sensor for detecting the sheet SH, and specifically, a sensor for detecting the passage of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet SH, similar to sensor 631. Sensor 632 is, for example, an optical sensor. Since sensor 632 is positioned upstream of the conveying unit 605, the detection results can be used to manage the registration cycle amount of the sheet SH or the position of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet SH.

[0242] (Conveyor Unit 606)

[0243] The conveying unit 606 is located downstream of the printhead 612 and conveys the sheet SH conveyed by the conveying unit 605 upward to the downstream conveying unit 609. The conveying unit 606 includes a conveying roller 606a and a spur gear 606b that is in pressurized contact with the conveying roller 606a via a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 606a is a rotor that rotates under the driving force of the conveying motor 624, and the spur gear 606b is a rotor that rotates along with the rotation of the conveying roller 606a. In this embodiment, the conveying unit 605 and the conveying unit 606 share a common drive source (the conveying motor 624).

[0244] (Conveyor Unit 607)

[0245] A conveying unit 607 is disposed downstream of the printhead 612 and the conveying unit 606, and conveys the sheet SH conveyed by the conveying unit 606 to the downstream side. The conveying unit 607 includes a conveying roller 607a and a spur gear 607b that is in pressurized contact with the conveying roller 607a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 607a is a rotor that rotates under the driving force of the conveying motor 624, and the spur gear 607b is a rotor that rotates along with the rotation of the conveying roller 607a. The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the conveying roller 607a and the spur gear 607b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 607a and the spur gear 607b.

[0246] Sensor 633 is, for example, an optical sensor and detects the sheet SH, as in sensors 631 and 632. Sensor 633 can be used to detect the leading and trailing edges of the sheet SH, or to detect the presence / absence of the sheet SH in the transport path if a blockage of the sheet SH occurs in the transport path.

[0247] (Conveyor units 608 and 609)

[0248] Conveyor units 608 and 609 are configured downstream of printhead 612 and conveyor units 606 and 607. Conveyor units 608 and 609 are discharge units that discharge the sheet SH conveyed by conveyor unit 607 to discharge tray 617. In single-sided printing, the sheet SH discharged to discharge tray 617 is discharged "face down," where the surface to be printed faces down. In double-sided printing, the second surface faces down.

[0249] The conveying unit 608 includes a conveying roller 608a and a spur gear 608b that is in pressurized contact with the conveying roller 608a via a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 608a is a rotor that rotates under the driving force of the conveying motor 625, and the spur gear 608b is a rotor that rotates along with the rotation of the conveying roller 608a. The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the conveying roller 608a and the spur gear 608b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 608a and the spur gear 608b.

[0250] The conveying unit 609 includes a conveying roller 609a and a spur gear 609b that is pressurized into contact with the conveying roller 609a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 609a is a rotor that is driven by the same conveying motor 625 used in the conveying unit 608, and the spur gear 609b is a rotor that rotates with the rotation of the conveying roller 609a. The sheet SH is sandwiched in the roll gap between the conveying roller 609a and the spur gear 609b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 609a and the spur gear 609b.

[0251] In this embodiment, conveying unit 608 and conveying unit 609 share a drive source (conveyor motor 625). However, conveyor motor 625 can be omitted, and conveyor motor 624, which serves as the drive source for conveying units 605 to 607, can also be shared by conveying units 608 and 609.

[0252] In this embodiment, four transport units (transport units 606 to 609) are used downstream of the printhead 612. However, the number of transport units can be reduced depending on the transport direction dimension of the corresponding printing medium of the printing device 1A. For example, only transport units 606 and 609 can be left, and transport unit 609 can discharge the sheet SH to the discharge tray 617.

[0253] Sensor 634 is a sensor for detecting the sheet SH, and specifically, a sensor for detecting the passage of the leading and trailing edges of the sheet SH, similar to sensors 631 to 633. Sensor 634 is, for example, an optical sensor. In this embodiment, after sensor 634 detects the trailing edge of the sheet SH, discharge is completed after a predetermined conveying amount (the trailing edge of the sheet SH reaches the discharge tray 617). Therefore, the detection result of sensor 634 can be used to detect the discharge of the sheet SH.

[0254] The conveying mechanism for the sheet SH, which is provided in the optional device 500, will be described next. The sheet SH, which is placed on the feed tray 502, is separated one by one by the feed unit 510 in the optional device 500 and fed to the conveying path RT7A. The feed unit 510 is a pick-up mechanism that uses a feed motor 522 as a drive source to pick up the sheet SH from the feed tray 502. The feed unit 510 includes a feed roller (pick-up roller) 510a, a feed roller 510b, and a separating roller 510c.

[0255] The feed unit 511 is located downstream of the feed unit 510 and includes a feed roller 511a and a driven roller 511b. The feed roller 511a is a rotor that is rotated by the driving force of the feed motor 522, and the driven roller 511b is a rotor that rotates with the feed roller 511a.

[0256] The sheet SH is sandwiched in the gap between the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b, and is conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b.

[0257] The sheet SH, conveyed by the feed unit 511 of the optional device 500A, passes through the midpoint JP3 between the top side outlet of the optional device 500A and the inlet of the conveying path on the bottom surface of the printing device 1A, and enters the conveying path RT6E. The sheet SH is further conveyed to the joint point JP1 via the conveying path RT6D.

[0258] The sheet SH, conveyed by the feed unit 511 of the optional device 500B, passes through the midpoint JP5, which is the top-side outlet of the optional device 500B and the inlet of the conveying path on the bottom surface of the optional device 500A, and enters the conveying path RT7B. The sheet SH further passes through the conveying path RT7B of the optional device 500A and is conveyed by the feed unit 511 of the optional device 500A to the joint point JP1 via the conveying path RT6D.

[0259] <Printing Unit>

[0260] Apart from Figure 28 In addition, will refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 The printing unit 610 according to this embodiment is described. Figure 29 It is a 3D view of printing unit 610, and Figure 30 It is along Figure 29 The image is a cross-sectional view taken from line DD. The printing unit 610 includes a printhead 612, a carriage 611, and a drive unit 614. The printhead 612 discharges liquid ink onto the sheet SH, thereby printing an image on the sheet SH. The lower surface of the printhead 612 forms a discharge surface, in which a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink are formed.

[0261] Ink to be supplied to printhead 612 is stored in container 664. Container 664 is supported by tray 668 and stored in storage unit 667. Ink in container 664 is supplied to printhead 612 via an intermediate tank disposed in replenishment unit 669. Container 664, tray 668, storage unit 667 and replenishment unit 669 have the same construction as container 60, tray 6, storage unit 4 and replenishment unit 8 according to the first embodiment.

[0262] The opening / closing component 665 is the same component as the opening / closing component 5 described in the first embodiment. The opening / closing component 665 includes a pair of path forming components 666 and forms a transport path. When the opening / closing component 665 is removed from the main body 100A, the access path to the storage unit 667 is opened to allow the container 664 to be replaced.

[0263] The platen 615 is configured to face the printhead 612 (particularly the discharge surface) between the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606. The sheet SH is transported between the printhead 612 and the platen 615 in the direction of arrow SD (+Y direction), and the printhead 612 prints the image.

[0264] The printhead 612 is mounted on the carriage 611. The carriage 611 is reciprocated in a direction intersecting the direction SD (the X-axis direction in this embodiment) by the drive unit 614.

[0265] The drive unit 614 includes a support member 620 extending in the X-axis direction. The support member 620 is a base member supporting the components of the drive unit 614. The support member 620 is provided with a guide member 613 that engages with and guides the movement of the carriage 611. In this embodiment, the guide member 613 includes a lower track member 613a and an upper track member 613b. The track members 613a and 613b are separated in the Z-axis direction and extend in the X-axis direction. The track members 613a and 613b engage with and guide the movement of the carriage 611. Note that the guide member 613 may be a member with an axle shape.

[0266] Track member 613a supports carriage 611 in the height (Z) direction and the front / back (Y) direction. When the height (Z) of track member 613a is adjusted relative to support member 620, the height (Z position) of printhead 612 (particularly the discharge surface) relative to table 615 can be adjusted. Track member 613b is located above track member 613a (in the +Z direction) and constrains the position of carriage 611 about the X-axis. When track member 613b is adjusted relative to support member 620 in the front / back (Y) direction, the tilt of printhead 612 relative to table 615 about the X-axis can be adjusted.

[0267] According to this embodiment, the drive unit 614 is a belt drive mechanism that uses a carriage motor 621 as the drive source. However, the drive unit 614 can be a mechanism type other than a belt drive mechanism. The carriage motor 621 is disposed on the opposite side of the carriage 611 in the front / back (Y) direction, separated by a support member 620. The drive unit 614 includes a drive pulley 618 and a driven pulley 619 separated in the X-axis direction, and an annular belt 616 wound around these pulleys. They are disposed in the height (Z) direction between track members 613a and 613b.

[0268] The carriage 611 is fixed to the annular belt 616. When the carriage motor 621 rotates, driving the pulley 618, the annular belt 616 moves, and the carriage 611 moves. The cord strip 635 is supported by the support member 620. A sensor (not shown) for detecting the slits of the cord strip 635 is mounted on the carriage 611, so the position of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction or the speed can be adjusted based on the sensor's detection results.

[0269] Electrical contacts between the printhead 612 and the plate (not shown) are provided on the carriage 611. The plate (not shown) may be configured in the transport direction on the downstream side (+Y direction) of the printhead 612 and between the carriage 611 and the support member 620.

[0270] The image printing operation will now be described. During the reciprocating movement of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction, ink is discharged from the print head 612 onto the sheet SH, thereby printing an image. This operation is called a print scan. The printing operation is performed by alternately repeating the transport operation of the sheet SH, which is intermittently transported by the transport unit 605 in the direction SD, and the print scan.

[0271] <Forward to the Organization>

[0272] Reference Figure 31 and Figure 32 Describe the feed mechanism of printing device 1A. The feed mechanism allows for manual supply of sheet SH from the front of printing device 1A. Figure 31 It shows the cover 653 and the stacking tray 651 from Figure 23 The view shown is a extracted state. Figure 32 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the printing device 1A, and a schematic diagram of the cover 653 and the stacking tray 651 being pulled out.

[0273] In this embodiment, in addition to the storage box 602A already described, the feed unit 650 is disposed in the Z direction (+Z direction) above the storage box 602A and the removable unit 640 and on one side of the front surface 601a of the printing device 1A. Figure 23 The image shows the stacking tray 651 in a closed state, and Figure 31 The diagram shows the stacking tray 651 in the open state. In the closed state, multiple trays are folded and stored internally. In the open state, the multiple folded trays unfold to a length sufficient to hold the stacked sheets SH without them falling off.

[0274] The feed tray 652 is located deep within the open stacking tray 651, and the stacked sheets SH are held together by both the stacking tray 651 and the feed tray 652. A sensor 636 is provided to detect whether the sheets SH are stacked on the feed tray 652.

[0275] Sensor 636 is a sensor for detecting the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Sensor 636 detects the presence / absence of the sheet SH on the feed tray 652, and can also be formed by, for example, a reflective sensor. Furthermore, side guides 656a and 656b, configured to support the stacked sheets SH in the width direction, are attached to the left and right sides of the feed tray 652. The left guide 656a and the right guide 656b are connected by a rack and pinion (not shown). If the user operates one of the side guides, the side guides on the opposite sides move interlocked and can support the left and right edges of the sheet SH.

[0276] Next, the configuration of the feed unit 650 and the transport path RT6F will be described. The feed unit 650 includes a feed roller 650a, which is pressed against the sheet SH stacked on the feed tray 652. A transport roller 650b and a separation roller 650c are disposed downstream of the feed roller 650a. The feed roller 650a and the transport roller 650b are driven by a feed motor 623. The sheet SH on the feed tray 652 is picked up by the feed roller 650a, separated one by one by the roll gap between the transport roller 650b and the separation roller 650c, and fed to the transport path RT6A. The sheet SH fed from the feed unit 650 is coupled to the transport path RT6A at the coupling point JP6 and is transported to the transport unit 605. Thereafter, the sheet SH is transported by the transport unit 605, and an image is printed on the sheet by the print head 612.

[0277] <Layout of components around the printhead>

[0278] Reference Figure 29 and Figure 30 Sheet material SH can cause clogging around printhead 612. Drive unit 614 is a structure with support member 620, which is fixed in the XZ plane like a wall member. Depending on the configuration of drive unit 614, the drive unit 614 of carriage 611 can easily become an obstacle when considering the operator's accessibility to points of clogging.

[0279] In this embodiment, the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) of the printhead 612 along the transport direction (direction SD). The space upstream of the printhead 612 is wide, improving operator accessibility. Due to the form of blockage, the leading edge of the sheet SH is typically stuck between the printhead 612 and the stage 615. Therefore, since operation from the upstream side of the printhead 612 is easy for the operator, recovery operations can be performed more smoothly.

[0280] When viewed in the front / back direction (Y direction) of the printing device 1A, the transport unit 605 is disposed on the front side (-Y direction side) relative to the print head 612, and the drive unit 614 is disposed on the rear side (+Y direction side) relative to the print head 612. In many cases, the space on the front side of the printing device 1A is wide, while the space on the rear side is narrow due to the presence of walls, etc. In this embodiment, the space on the front side of the print head 612 is wide. Therefore, if a blockage occurs, the operator can easily perform a recovery operation from the front side of the printing device 1A.

[0281] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feed unit 604 is disposed on the front side of the transport unit 605. Even if a blockage occurs between the feed unit 604 and the transport unit 605, the operator can easily perform a recovery operation from the front surface 601a of the printing device 1A.

[0282] <Structures associated with maintenance>

[0283] Maintenance around the printhead

[0284] The printing device 1A according to this embodiment has a structure that facilitates maintenance (access) of the printing unit 610. This will be referred to Figure 26 , Figure 27 , Figure 33 and Figure 34 Describe it. Figure 33 This is a view showing the appearance of the printing device 1A with the open / close component 617a in the open state, and Figure 34 This is a plan view of the printing device 1A with the open / close component 617a in the open state.

[0285] Examples of maintenance for the printing unit 610 include the aforementioned restoration of blockages and replacement of the print head 612.

[0286] The portion of the opening 670 upstream (-Y direction side) of the printhead 612 along the transport direction (direction SD) is formed to expose more of its portion than the downstream (+Y direction side). An opening / closing member 617a is disposed above the transport unit 605 (+Z direction). When the opening / closing member 617a is in the open state, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, printhead 612, platform 615, etc., are exposed via the opening 670, and the operator can access them. In this embodiment, since the drive unit 614 is disposed downstream (+Y direction side) of the printhead 612 in the transport direction, the operator can easily access the transport unit 605, carriage 611, printhead 612, platform 615, etc., from the front of the printing device 1A.

[0287] like Figure 34 As shown, the width of the opening 670 in the X direction is limited to KW, which is greater than the maximum width of the sheet SH supported by the printing device 1A. Therefore, if the sheet SH causes blockage, the sheet SH can be easily removed from the opening 670.

[0288] <Fifth Implementation Method>

[0289] <Container Construction>

[0290] Examples describing the construction of containers will be provided. Figure 39This is a perspective view showing a schematic structure of container 700. Container 700 serves as an ink cartridge combined with tray 703. In other words, container 700 according to the fifth embodiment is also referred to as an ink cartridge. Container 700 is stored / supported in tray 703 and, in this state, is detachably attached to storage section 4 of body 100. Tray 703 is a storage section configured to store / support container 700 (ink cartridge) in a predetermined posture. Storage section 4 is an attachment section of body 100 to which container 700 is detachably attached. A tray sliding portion 750 extending in the Y direction is formed on the side of tray 703. Tray sliding portion 750 engages with a sliding groove (not shown) formed in storage section 4, thereby allowing it to move slidably. With tray sliding portion 750 engaged with the sliding groove, the user can move tray 703, which stores / supports container 700, to storage section 4.

[0291] Figure 39 This is a perspective view showing a schematic construction of the container 700 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view of container 700 viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 41 This is an exploded 3D view of container 700.

[0292] Reference Figures 39 to 41 The components of container 700 are described. As described above, container 700 is used as an ink cartridge combined with tray 703. Container 700 includes a liquid storage section (bag) 701, a liquid feed section 702, and an open / close door 704.

[0293] The liquid storage section 701 is formed in the shape of a bag capable of storing liquid internally. For example, ink W (see FIG. 6, which will be described later) is stored as a liquid in the liquid storage section 701. Note that in Figures 39 to 43 In this embodiment, the ink W is simplified. The liquid storage unit 701 is preferably flexible, so that it can have a flat shape when the ink W is depleted. In each embodiment, "flexible" means that the component is flexible and bendable.

[0294] Any known material can be used as the material for the liquid storage section 701, as long as it can store liquid internally and the material is flexible. More specifically, as the material for the liquid storage section 701, a resin film using resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP) can be used. The material of the resin film used for the liquid storage section 701 is preferably a resin having high liquid contact characteristics with ink W, allowing ink W to be stored for a long time. Note that liquid contact characteristics indicate the stability of the component (resin film) in contact with the liquid (ink). In this embodiment, an example of liquid contact characteristics is that the resin film used for the liquid storage section 701 does not deteriorate due to ink, and the components eluted from the resin film do not change the properties of the ink.

[0295] Laminated films with various desired separation functions are used in the liquid storage section 701. Coated films or deposited films obtained by adding gas barrier and moisture barrier properties to a resin film can be used in the liquid storage section 701. Laminated films formed by stacking paper or aluminum foil on a resin film can be used in the liquid storage section 701. From the perspective of storing liquid, the material of the liquid storage section 701 is preferably a material capable of suppressing the evaporation of water in the liquid. Aluminum foil is preferably used as a material capable of suppressing the evaporation of water in the liquid. That is, it is preferable to form a flexible liquid storage section 701 by stacking aluminum foil on a resin film. The film thickness of the laminated film used in the liquid storage section 701 is preferably 100 μm or greater and 220 μm or less. Note that laminated films formed by stacking multiple layers do not necessarily have to be used in the liquid storage section 701. For example, for applications where gas barrier properties are not important, a single-layer resin film can be used in the liquid storage section 701.

[0296] The liquid storage section 701 preferably has a bag shape. Known methods can be used as a method for manufacturing the liquid storage section 701. More specifically, two films are stacked, and the peripheries of the films are joined together to form the liquid storage section 701 with a bag shape. Note that the liquid storage section 701 is also referred to as a four-sided sealed bag. The bag shape of the liquid storage section 701 formed by this method can be pillow-shaped or folded-edge-shaped.

[0297] Appropriate bag size and shape are used according to the capacity of the liquid storage unit 701. For example, the bag shape of the 1.5L liquid storage unit 701 is a folded-edge type, with the long side being approximately 374mm long, the short side being approximately 180mm long, and the width of each folded portion provided on the side surface in the longitudinal direction being approximately 46mm. The bag shape of the 3.0L liquid storage unit 701 is a folded-edge type, with the long side being approximately 374mm long, the short side being approximately 240mm long, and the width of each folded portion provided on the side surface in the longitudinal direction being approximately 80mm.

[0298] A liquid feed section 702 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 701. Depending on the bag shape of the liquid storage section 701, the distance between the liquid feed section 702 and the other end of the liquid storage section 701 is long. If the liquid outlet pipe and spacer are not disposed in the liquid storage section 701, the portions of the liquid storage section 701 facing each other may adhere to each other if the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 701 is consumed. When the portions of the liquid storage section 701 facing each other adhere to each other, the passage of liquid to the liquid feed section 702 may be blocked. Therefore, a rib (not shown) protruding inside the liquid storage section 701 is preferably formed. Since the rib protruding inside the liquid storage section 701 makes it difficult for the portions of the liquid storage section 701 facing each other to adhere to each other, blockage of the passage of liquid to the liquid feed section 702 can be suppressed. Therefore, it can be ensured that the liquid passage leads to the liquid feed section 702, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 701 can be completely used up.

[0299] The ribs are preferably formed by deforming a portion of the liquid storage section 701 using methods such as air pressure, compression, or vacuum. The ribs are preferably formed on the upper side of the container 700 in its attached position when attached to the main body 100. The ribs can be formed on both the upper and lower sides of the container 700 in its attached position when attached to the main body 100. Furthermore, the ribs are preferably formed to intersect an imaginary line extending from the central axis of the liquid flow hole 720. If a passage for liquid to the liquid feed section 702 can be ensured, the ribs can be formed at any part of the liquid storage section 701.

[0300] Note that the structure used to ensure the passage of liquid to the liquid feed section 702 is not limited to ribs. For example, to ensure the passage of liquid to the liquid feed section 702, a structure can be arranged in the liquid storage section 701. To ensure the passage of liquid to the liquid feed section 702, the stiffness between the portions of the membrane forming the liquid storage section 701 can be changed.

[0301] As described above, a liquid feed section 702 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 701. The liquid feed section 702 feeds the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 701 to the outside. The liquid feed section 702 includes a nozzle 710, a valve compression spring 721, a valve 722, and a connector seal (sealing member) 723. The nozzle 710 is formed into a block shape by molding. Note that the nozzle 710 may be formed by cutting or the like instead of molding. Multiple components such as the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the connector seal 723 are assembled to the nozzle 710. The nozzle 710 with the assembled components is connected to the liquid storage section 701 by heat fusion (heat compression). The connection between the nozzle 710 and the liquid storage section 701 has an airtight structure. Examples of materials for the nozzle 710 are resins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The material of the nozzle 710 is preferably a resin with high liquid contact properties for the ink W, as in the liquid storage section 701. The material of the nozzle 710 preferably has high thermal welding properties and moldability. When considering the thermal welding properties between components, the material of the nozzle 710 is preferably the same as the material of the welded portion in the liquid storage section 701.

[0302] An opening / closing door guide 711, a slit 712, a slot 714, a positioning hole 715, and a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 are formed inside the nozzle 710. A slotted mechanical ID 717 is formed outside the nozzle 710. The opening / closing door body 740 and the plate retainer cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. The front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 is inserted into the slit 712. A cam plate 763 provided on the storage section 4 can be inserted into the slot 714. A positioning pin 764 provided on the storage section 4 can be inserted into the positioning hole 715. An ink needle 760 provided on the storage section 4 can be inserted into the liquid flow hole 720. The mechanical ID 717 can engage with a ribbed mechanical ID receiver 765 provided on the storage section 4.

[0303] A cam plate 763, a positioning pin 764, a mechanical ID receiver 765, an ink needle 760, and a connector 761 (described later) form an attachment-side connecting element 705, configured to connect the liquid feed section 702 of the container 700 to the storage section 4 (attachment). The cam plate 763 is a force-applying part configured to impart a moving force to the opening / closing door body 740. The positioning pin 764 is a member configured to position the liquid feed section 702 relative to the storage section 4. The mechanical ID receiver 765 is a member configured to attach the container 700, which should be attached to the storage section 4. The ink needle 760 is a liquid receiving part configured to receive liquid (ink) fed from the liquid feed section 702.

[0304] The liquid flow orifice 720 is a channel in the nozzle 710 that communicates with the interior of the liquid storage section 701 and the exterior of the container 700 (liquid storage section 701). If the liquid flow orifice 720 is connected to the ink needle 760 of the body 100, the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 701 is supplied to the body 100 via the liquid flow orifice 720 of the nozzle 710 and the ink needle 760. The liquid flow orifice 720 corresponds to the liquid supply opening connected to the ink needle (liquid receiving section) 760, and thus the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 701 can be supplied to the printing device body. The valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the connector seal 723 are inserted into the liquid flow orifice 720.

[0305] The valve compression spring 721 is formed using a metal such as stainless steel. The material of the valve compression spring 721 is preferably a metal with high liquid contact properties to ink and corrosion resistance. The valve 722 is formed into a cylindrical shape by molding. Note that the valve 722 may be formed by cutting or the like instead of molding. Examples of materials for the valve 722 are resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The material of the valve 722 is preferably a resin with high liquid contact properties to ink, such as the nozzle 710. The joint seal 723 is formed into a tubular shape using a rubber material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (H-NBR) or a thermoplastic elastomer. The material of the joint seal 723 is preferably a resin with high liquid contact properties to ink and corrosion resistance.

[0306] The valve compression spring 721 applies a force to move the valve 722 toward the connector seal 723 in the +Y direction. Through the force of the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722 contacts the connector seal 723 and closes the ink W passage. The connector seal 723 is fixed to the liquid flow hole 720, so that even when the force of the valve compression spring 721 is applied, the connector seal 723 will not be removed from the liquid flow hole 720. The connector seal 723 is fixed to the inner circumference of the liquid flow hole 720 by a fixing method such as a rubber liner or adhesion. The connector seal 723 can also be fixed to the liquid flow hole 720 by welding a retaining member to the outer circumference of the connector seal 723. In the unattached state, where the container 700 is not attached to the storage section 4 of the body 100, the valve 722 moves in the +Y direction through the force of the valve compression spring 721, and the ink W passage is thus closed. When valve 722 closes the ink W passage, it inhibits the flow of air into the liquid storage section 701 and the leakage of ink W from inside the liquid storage section 701. When container 700 is attached to storage section 4, ink needle 760 of storage section 4 abuts against valve 722, and valve 722 moves in the -Y direction against the force of valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the ink W passage.

[0307] Note that the check valve can be positioned on one side of the liquid storage section 701 relative to the valve 722 in the liquid flow orifice 720. The check valve restricts the flow of liquid from the outside of the container 700 to the inside of the liquid storage section 701. This allows for the suppression of air flow into the liquid storage section 701, accidental leakage of ink W, and backflow of ink W. The membrane member that closes the liquid flow orifice 720 can be fused to the distal end (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow orifice 720. When the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4, the membrane member is penetrated by the ink needle 760. This improves the gas barrier properties of the container 700 in the unattached state. This also prevents foreign matter from the outside of the container 700 from mixing into the ink stored in the liquid storage section 701.

[0308] Note that in this embodiment, a partial cut can be formed in the membrane component. When a partial cut is formed, the membrane is easily broken by a relatively small force when pierced by the needle. If no partial cut is formed and the membrane cannot be easily pierced, the membrane may be broken, causing it to burst. In this case, fragments of the burst membrane may become trapped between the needle and the joint seal, potentially creating voids in the seal. As a result, ink leakage may occur. Therefore, a partial cut is formed to reliably and smoothly break the membrane and suppress fragmentation. This ensures sealing properties in the seal and prevents ink leakage. Furthermore, since the partial cut is formed by cutting only a portion of the membrane thickness, the integrity of the membrane structure is maintained, and the gas barrier properties of the liquid container are not reduced.

[0309] The opening / closing door 704 is a movable member configured to be relatively movable relative to the nozzle 710. The opening / closing door 704 includes an opening / closing door body 740, a circuit board (electrical connection) 730, a plate holder 732, and a plate holder cover 742. The opening / closing door body 740 is molded into a box shape, having openings in the walls on the ±Y direction sides. Note that the opening / closing door body 740 may also be formed by cutting or the like, rather than molding. The opening / closing door body 740 is preferably formed using a fluoropolymer resin or a resin such as polyacetal or polyamide with high slip properties. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710. The opening / closing door body 740 stores the circuit board 730 and the plate holder 732 internally.

[0310] An integrated circuit (IC) storing information such as the color, material, and amount of ink W in the container 700 is implemented on the circuit board 730. The circuit board 730 is an electrical connection portion including a connection surface 733 provided with a plurality of pad electrodes 731. In the attached state where the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 provided on the storage unit 4 (see FIG. 45, which will be described later). Therefore, the information recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 can be read from the circuit board 730 to the main body 100. The circuit board 730 is assembled to the bottom of the board holder 732 by a fixing method such as thermal riveting, screw fastening, or adhesion, such that the connection surface 733 faces the +Z direction.

[0311] The plate retainer 732 is molded into a box shape, having an opening in the wall on the +Y direction side. Note that the plate retainer 732 can also be formed by cutting or the like without molding. The plate retainer 732 supports a circuit board 730 on its bottom. The plate retainer 732 and the circuit board 730 are disposed together in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740. The internal space of the opening / closing door body 740 is formed by the opening / closing door body 740 and the plate retainer cover 742.

[0312] The panel retainer cover 742 is formed into a panel shape by molding. Note that the panel retainer cover 742 may also be formed by cutting or the like, without molding. Like the opening / closing door body 740, the panel retainer cover 742 is preferably formed using a fluoropolymer or a resin such as polyacetal or polyamide with high slip properties. The panel retainer cover 742 is assembled to the wall portion on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 by methods such as snap-fit ​​assembly, heat welding, or adhesion. The panel retainer cover 742 closes the opening on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and restricts the removal of the panel retainer 732 from the interior space of the opening / closing door body 740.

[0313] A predetermined gap is formed between the plate holder 732, which is disposed within the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740, and the opening / closing door body 740. Therefore, the plate holder 732 can move within the gap within the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740. In other words, the configuration of the plate holder 732, on which the circuit board 730 is mounted, can be balanced, and the circuit board 730 is configured to move relative to it within the container 700. When the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4, the circuit board 730 can move to the appropriate position to connect to the connector 761, and a reliable and excellent electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is performed. Therefore, a high degree of positional accuracy of the circuit board 730 relative to the connector 761 is not required to stably perform the electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761.

[0314] like Figures 39 to 41 As shown, the opening / closing door body 740 and plate retainer cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704, together with the plate retainer 732 on which the circuit board 730 is mounted, are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710. Additionally, a liquid flow orifice front wall 741 is formed on the side portion of the opening / closing door body 740 in the +X direction. When the opening / closing door body 740 and plate retainer cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710, the liquid flow orifice front wall 741 is inserted into the slit 712 of the nozzle 710. The liquid flow orifice front wall 741 inserted into the slit 712 of the nozzle 710 can cover the distal end side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow orifice 720. The opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710 includes a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 704 in a manner that allows the opening / closing door 704 to move in the up / down direction (Z direction). In addition to the opening / closing door 704, an opening / closing door compression spring 743 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. A retaining cover 744 is disposed at the top of the opening / closing door guide 711. In the unattached state, where the container 700 is not attached to the storage section 4 of the main body 100, the opening / closing door body 740 abuts against the retaining cover 744 by the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743.

[0315] The retaining cover 744 is molded into a plate shape. The retaining cover 744 is fixed to the nozzle 710 and prevents the opening / closing door body 740 and the plate retainer cover 742 from being removed from the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710. The retaining cover 744 is fixed to the nozzle 710 by a fastening method such as snap-fit, heat welding, or screw fastening. For example, the retaining cover 744 can be fixed to the nozzle 710 by snap-fit. In this case, a riveting boss 713 is provided on the nozzle 710, and a riveting hole 746 is provided in the retaining cover 744. The riveting boss 713 and the riveting hole 746 engage with each other to assemble the retaining cover 744 to the nozzle 710, and in this state, heat riveting is performed. This increases the reliability of holding the opening / closing door 704 by the retaining cover 744.

[0316] In the unattached state, where the container 700 is not attached to the storage section 4, the opening / closing door body 740 abuts against the retaining cover 744 by the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743, thereby holding the opening / closing door 704 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the distal end (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. If a moving force greater than the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743 acts on the opening / closing door 704 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 704 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 against the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743.

[0317] As described above, the opening / closing door 704 is a moving member and includes an electrical connection (circuit board 730). Cam follower pins 745 are formed at both ends of the opening / closing door body 740 of the opening / closing door 704. The cam follower pins 745 are force receiving parts capable of receiving the moving force from the cam plate (moving force application part) 763 of the storage part 4. If the cam follower pins 745 receive the moving force from the cam plate 763, the circuit board 730 moves from a first position, which is its initial position, to a second position relative to the first position on the -Z direction side. The distance from the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 is longer than the distance from the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the first position to the liquid flow hole 720.

[0318] When the door body 740 is in a state where it is pressed against and held against the cover 744 by the force exerted by the door compression spring 743, the circuit board 730 is in a first position. In other words, when the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the door 704 covers the distal side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720, the circuit board 730 is in a first position. When the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the door 704 does not cover the distal side of the liquid flow hole 720, the circuit board 730 is in a second position. The door compression spring 743 acts as a force-applying member, which applies a force to the door 704 to move the circuit board 730 from the second position to the first position. The force-applying member is preferably an elastic member. In addition, the elastic member is preferably a coil spring, such as the door compression spring 743. Note that the door compression spring 743 only needs to have a spring strength capable of increasing the opening / closing door 704. The elastic member can be a tension coil spring, which is different from the door opening / closing compression spring 743.

[0319] A cam mechanism is formed by a cam plate 763, which serves as the force application part, and a cam follower pin 745, which serves as the force receiving part. For example, the cam plate 763 has a cam shape formed by continuously connecting multiple surfaces. When the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves in a state of abutting against the multiple surfaces of the cam shape of the cam plate 763, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape of the cam plate 763 include a first surface 763a parallel to the attachment direction from the container 700 to the storage section 4 (see...). Figure 39 ) and the second surface 763b intersecting the first surface 763a (see Figure 39 For example, the second surface 763b can be an inclined surface at 45° relative to the first surface 763a. If the inclination angle of the second surface 763b relative to the first surface 763a is 45° or less, the resistance when the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while abutting the second surface 763b can be reduced. When the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while abutting the second surface 763b and the first surface 763a in sequence, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position. Therefore, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 can move to the first position and the second position by linear motion.

[0320] Furthermore, the cam follower pin 745 for opening / closing the door 704 is formed into a columnar shape protruding in the X direction. A portion of the distal end of the cam follower pin 745 is exposed in the slot 714 of the nozzle 710. When the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 of the nozzle 710, it can contact the cam follower pin 745 exposed in the slot 714. The direction in which the cam follower pin 745 protrudes (X direction) intersects the attachment direction (+Y direction) from the container 700 to the storage unit 4, and also intersects the movement direction (-Z direction) of the circuit board 730 from the first position to the second position.

[0321] When the circuit board 730 is in the first position, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow orifice of the open / close door 704 covers the liquid flow orifice 720. Therefore, the liquid flow orifice 720 is not open to the outside. Additionally, since the nozzle 710 (open / close door guide 711) covers the openings of the open / close door body 740 and the board holder 732 on the +Y direction side, the circuit board 730 is not open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 730 is in the first position, the electrical connection between the liquid flow orifice 720 and the ink needle 760 is constrained, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is also constrained. Since access to the liquid flow orifice 720 and the circuit board 730 is thus constrained, the possibility of, for example, a user accidentally touching the liquid flow orifice 720 and the user's hand being stained by ink in the liquid flow orifice 720 can be reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow orifice 720, causing ink leakage and ink adhering to the circuit board 730, thereby causing a short circuit between multiple pad electrodes 731, can be reduced. This can reduce the possibility of users accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and the user's sebum adhering to the pad electrodes 731, thus causing contact failure.

[0322] When the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4, the opening / closing door 704 moves in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710, and the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 thus moves from a first position to a second position. When the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 does not cover the liquid flow hole 720, and therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 is open to the outside. In addition, since the nozzle 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) does not cover the opening of the opening / closing door body 740 and the plate holder 732 on the +Y direction side, the circuit board 730 is also open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 720 and the ink needle 760 is possible, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is possible.

[0323] When the container 700 is detached from the storage unit 4, the opening / closing door 704 moves in the +Z direction under the force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 thus returns from the second position to the first position. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached / detached, the possibility of ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0324] The schematic structure of container 700 has been described above. Note that a filter can be provided based on the characteristics of the ink in the liquid flow hole 720 of the liquid feed section 702 on one side of the liquid storage section 701. A suction nozzle for reducing the settling of pigment contained in the ink can be provided in the liquid flow hole 720 on one side of the liquid storage section 701.

[0325] <Attachment side connecting element>

[0326] Next, the attachment-side connecting element 705 in the storage unit 4 will be described. As described above, the cam plate 763, the positioning pin 764, the mechanical ID receiver 765, the ink needle 760, and the connector 761 form the attachment-side connecting element 705. The ink needle 760 forms an ink channel for each color.

[0327] When the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, the connector 761 is electrically connected to the circuit board 730 disposed on the container 700. With the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 electrically connected, information is read from the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 and transmitted to the control unit on the printing device side.

[0328] Additionally, when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 provided on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 to move the opening / closing door 704 in the Z direction. The positioning pin 764 engages with the positioning hole 715 formed in the nozzle 710 of the container 700. The mechanical ID receiver 765 engages with the mechanical ID 717 formed on the nozzle 710 of the container 700.

[0329] <Container Attachment>

[0330] The following describes a series of operations when attaching container 700 to storage unit 4. Figure 39 This is a perspective view showing the state of container 700 before it is attached to storage unit 4. Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing the intermediate state of the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4. Figure 43 This is a perspective view showing the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4. Note that... Figure 7 It is also a perspective view showing the container 700 separated from the storage section 4. Figure 42 It is also a perspective view showing the intermediate state of the container 700 and the storage unit 4 being separated. Figure 43 It is also a perspective view showing the state of the container 700 before it is separated from the storage section 4.

[0331] Figures 44A to 44E This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door 704 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 44A This is a perspective view showing the opening / closing of the door 704 before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 44B , Figure 44C and Figure 44D This is a perspective view showing the door 704 that is opened / closed midway between the container 700 and the storage section 4. Figure 44E This is a perspective view showing the door 704 being opened / closed after the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4.

[0332] Figures 45A to 45E This is a side view showing the operation of opening / closing the door 704 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 45A This is a side view showing the door 704 being opened / closed before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 45B , Figure 45C and Figure 45D This is a side view showing the door 704 that is opened / closed midway between the container 700 and the storage section 4. Figure 45E This is a side view showing the door 704 being opened / closed after the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4.

[0333] Figure 39 , Figure 44A and Figure 45AThe diagram shows the state before container 700 is attached to storage section 4, that is, the unattached state of container 700. In the unattached state, valve 722 of container 700 moves in the +Y direction and abuts against joint seal 723 by the force of valve compression spring 721, thereby closing liquid flow orifice 720. When liquid flow orifice 720 is closed by valve 722, the flow of air into liquid storage section 701 and leakage of ink W from inside liquid storage section 701 are suppressed. In the unattached state, opening / closing door 704 (opening / closing door body 740) of container 700 abuts against retaining cover 744 by the force of opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is thus held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of liquid flow orifice of opening / closing door 704 covers the distal side (+Y direction side) of liquid flow orifice 720. Furthermore, the nozzle 710 (open / close door guide 711) covers the openings of the open / close door body 740 and the plate retainer 732 on the +Y direction side. Since this restricts access to the liquid flow orifice 720 and the circuit board 730, the possibility of, for example, a user accidentally touching the liquid flow orifice 720 and having their hands stained with ink from it is reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow orifice 720, leading to ink leakage and ink adhering to the circuit board 730, thus causing a short circuit between multiple pad electrodes 731, is reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and having sebum from their hands adhering to the pad electrodes 731, thus causing a contact failure, is also reduced.

[0334] Figure 42 The diagram shows the intermediate state in which the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, that is, the intermediate state of the attachment of the container 700. Figures 44B to 44D The process of attaching container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown in sequence. Figures 45B to 45D The process of attaching container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown in sequence. During the attachment of container 700, the user moves the tray 703 supporting container 700 towards storage unit 4 in the +Y direction. During the attachment of container 700, the cam plate 763 of storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the nozzle 710 of container 700 (see...). Figure 42 At this time, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 disposed on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 (see...). Figure 44B and Figure 45BWhen the cam follower pin 745 receives a reaction force (moving force) from the cam plate 763, the open / close door 704 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the open / close door guide 711 of the nozzle 710, and the circuit board 730 of the open / close door 704 thus moves from a first position to a second position. Additionally, when the open / close door 704 moves in the -Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow orifice of the open / close door 704 moves relative to the liquid flow orifice 720 to the -Z direction side and no longer covers the liquid flow orifice 720 (see...). Figure 44C and Figure 44D as well as Figure 45C and Figure 45D Therefore, the liquid flow orifice 720 is open to the outside. Furthermore, when the open / close door 704 moves in the -Z direction, the opening of the plate holder 732 on the +Y direction side and the open / close door body 740 move relative to the nozzle 710 (open / close door guide 711) and tray 703 to the -Z direction side, and are no longer covered by the nozzle 710. Therefore, the circuit board 730 is open to the outside. Here, the circuit board 730 moves together with the open / close door body 740 in a direction separate from the liquid flow orifice 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow orifice 720, the possibility of ink adhering to the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0335] In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the positioning pin 764 of storage unit 4 engages with the positioning hole 715 of container 700, and the mechanical ID receiver 765 of storage unit 4 engages with the mechanical ID 717 of container 700. In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 720 of container 700. In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the connector 761 of storage unit 4 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 730 of container 700.

[0336] Figure 43 , Figure 44E and Figure 45EThe attached state of container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown. The user further moves the tray 703 of storage / support container 700 from the mid-attachment state in the +Y direction. At this time, ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 inserts into the liquid flow hole 720 of container 700, while maintaining airtightness to the outside through connector seal 723. Then, ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 abuts against valve 722, and valve 722 moves in the -Y direction against the force of valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the ink channel. Thus, an ink channel is formed between body 100 (printhead) and container 700. Furthermore, connector 761 of storage unit 4 is inserted into the internal space of board holder 732 from the opening on the +Y direction side of board holder 732 and the opening / closing door body 740. Electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 contact and are electrically connected to the pad electrodes 731 of circuit board 730. Therefore, the information recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 can be read from the circuit board 730 to the control unit on the printing device side. In this way, the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4.

[0337] With the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4, the circuit board 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 at a second position. Here, the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 is located on one side of the liquid flow hole 720 relative to the circuit board 730. The connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position points towards the center in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attached posture to the storage unit 4. Furthermore, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position points inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attached posture. In other words, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position points towards one side of the liquid flow hole 720 (liquid supply opening side). "Pointing towards one side of the liquid flow hole 720 (liquid supply opening side)" in various embodiments refers to "pointing towards the side at the same height position as the liquid flow hole 720 (+Z direction side)." Therefore, connector 761 can be inserted into the space (internal space of board holder 732) between the connection surface 733 of circuit board 730 and liquid flow hole 720, and the electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 can be electrically connected to the pad electrodes 731 of circuit board 730. Thus, the electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 can be configured on the surface of connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of container 700, the likelihood of ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 can be reduced.

[0338] When the container 700 is removed from the storage unit 4, the user moves the tray 703 that stores / supports the container 700 from the storage unit 4 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the connection between the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 and the liquid flow orifice 720 of the container 700. The valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction under the force of the valve compression spring 721 and abuts against the connector seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow orifice 720. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 and the circuit board 730 of the container 700 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 and the positioning hole 715 of the container 700 is also disconnected, as is the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 and the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700. Finally, the engagement between the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 and the cam follower pin 745 of the container 700 is also disconnected. The opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 abuts against the retaining cover 744 by the force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is thus held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. In this way, the state returns to the state before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached / removed, the possibility of ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0339] As described above, in this embodiment, when the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, the circuit board (electrical connection part) 730 moves to a second position, and the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761. Furthermore, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position points towards the side of the liquid flow hole 720 (liquid supply opening side). Therefore, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be configured on the surface of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of the container 700, the possibility of ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0340] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position points towards the center in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attachment posture attached to the storage section 4. Therefore, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be configured on the surface of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of the container 700, the possibility of ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0341] In this embodiment, when the circuit board (electrical connection portion) 730 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 and the ink needle (liquid receiving portion) 760 is constrained. On the other hand, when the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the liquid flow hole 720 and the ink needle 760 can be connected. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are only open to the outside when the container 700 is attached to the storage portion 4. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached / removed, the possibility of ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0342] In this embodiment, when the circuit board (electrical connection portion) 730 is in the first position, the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 is covered. On the other hand, when the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the liquid flow hole 720 is not covered. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is attached to the storage portion 4. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of the container 700, the possibility of ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0343] In this embodiment, with the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4, the circuit board (electrical connection) 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 in a second position. The electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 are located on one side of the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 relative to the circuit board 730. Therefore, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be configured on the surface of the connector 761 on the opposite side of the liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of the container 700, the possibility of ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0344] In this embodiment, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 at the second position points inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attachment posture attached to the storage section 4. Therefore, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be configured on the surface of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of the container 700, the possibility of ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced. Conventional technology can be further developed in this manner.

[0345] In the fifth embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 745, which serves as a force receiving unit, is integrated with the opening / closing door body 740. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a bearing, such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing, can be assembled to the opening / closing door body 740 as a force receiving unit. This can reduce the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the cam plate 763.

[0346] In the fifth embodiment described above, the cam plate 763, which serves as the force application part, and the cam follower pin 745, which serves as the force receiving part, form a cam mechanism. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove can be formed in the opening / closing door body 740, and a cam follower can be provided on the storage section 4. Alternatively, instead of a cam mechanism, the force application part and the force receiving part can form a gear mechanism, such as a rack and pinion. Instead of using a mechanism that utilizes the force generated when attaching the container 700 to the storage section 4, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 704 can be provided. Note that the drive device can be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0347] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0348] The sixth embodiment will now be described. Since the components in the sixth embodiment have the same structure as those in the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the fifth embodiment denote the same components. In the sixth embodiment, the parts that differ from those in the fifth embodiment will be mainly described. In the sixth embodiment, descriptions of parts common to those in the fifth embodiment will sometimes be omitted. According to the fifth embodiment, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position via a linear movement. According to the sixth embodiment, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from the first position to the second position via a rotational movement that causes it to trace a portion of an arc. Since the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 704 (circuit board 730) via rotational movement is greater than the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 704 (circuit board 730) via linear movement, the effect of opening / closing movement of the opening / closing door 704 can be easily obtained.

[0349] <Container Construction>

[0350] Next, the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. As in the fifth embodiment, the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment is used as an ink cartridge combined with a tray 703. The container 700 is stored / supported in the tray 703, and in this state, it is detachably attached to the storage section 4 of the main body 100. The tray 703 is a storage section configured to store / support the container 700 (ink cartridge) in a predetermined posture. The storage section 4 is an attachment section of the main body 100 to which the container 700 is detachably attached.

[0351] Figure 46 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a container 700 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view of the container 700 viewed from the +Z direction. Figures 48A to 48C is a cross-sectional view of the container 700 viewed from the -X direction. Figure 48A is along Figure 47 the cross-sectional view taken along line XIVa-XIVa in Figure 48B is along Figure 47 the cross-sectional view taken along line XIVb-XIVb in Figure 48C is along Figure 47 the cross-sectional view taken along line XIVc-XIVc in Figure 49 is an exploded perspective view of the container 700.

[0352] Reference will be made to Figures 46 to 49 describe the components of the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment. As with the container 700 according to the fifth embodiment, the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment includes a liquid storage portion (bag body) 701, a liquid feeding portion 702, and an opening / closing door 704. Note that in Figure 46 , Figure 47 and Figures 49 to 52 the ink W is simplified.

[0353] The liquid feeding portion 702 according to the sixth embodiment includes a nozzle �10, a valve compression spring 721, a valve 722, and a joint seal (sealing member) 723. The valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the joint seal 723 according to the sixth embodiment are formed as the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the joint seal 723 according to the fifth embodiment. Except for the shape of the opening / closing door guide 711, the nozzle 710 according to the sixth embodiment is formed as the nozzle 710 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0354] An opening / closing door guide 711, a slit 712, a groove 714, a positioning hole 715, and a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 are formed inside the nozzle 710. A groove-shaped mechanical ID 717 is formed outside the nozzle 710. The slit 712, the groove 714, the positioning hole 715, the liquid flow hole 720, and the mechanical ID 717 according to the sixth embodiment are formed as the slit 712, the groove 714, the positioning hole 715, the liquid flow hole 720, and the mechanical ID 717 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0355] The opening / closing door body 740, plate retainer cover 742, and rotation shaft 747 of the opening / closing door 704 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. According to the fifth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 711 includes a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 704, allowing it to move in the up / down direction (Z direction). On the other hand, according to the sixth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 711 includes a guide surface that has a semi-circular shape in a cross-sectional view relative to an axis extending along the X direction as its center. When the opening / closing door 704 is assembled to the nozzle 710, the rotation shaft 747 of the opening / closing door 704 engages with the shaft engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 711. Therefore, the opening / closing door 704 can rotate about the rotation shaft 747 in the opening / closing door guide 711 and the slit 712 of the nozzle 710.

[0356] The opening / closing door 704 according to the sixth embodiment includes an opening / closing door body 740, a circuit board (electrical connection portion) 730, a plate holder 732, and a plate holder cover 742. Except for the rotation shaft 747, the opening / closing door body 740 according to the sixth embodiment is formed as in the opening / closing door body 740 according to the fifth embodiment. The opening / closing door body 740 stores the circuit board 730 and the plate holder 732 internally. The circuit board 730 and the plate holder 732 according to the sixth embodiment are formed as in the fifth embodiment. The plate holder cover 742 according to the sixth embodiment is formed as in the fifth embodiment.

[0357] The opening / closing door body 740 and plate retainer cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704, together with the plate retainer 732 on which the circuit board 730 is mounted, are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710. A rotating shaft 747 extending in the X direction is formed on the top of the opening / closing door body 740. When the opening / closing door body 740 and plate retainer cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710, the rotating shaft 747 engages with the shaft engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 711. In addition, a liquid flow orifice front wall 741 is formed on the side portion of the opening / closing door body 740 in the +X direction. When the opening / closing door body 740 and plate retainer cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710, the liquid flow orifice front wall 741 is inserted into the slit 712 of the nozzle 710. The front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole inserted into the slit 712 of the nozzle 710 can cover the distal side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. In addition to the opening / closing door 704, an opening / closing door compression spring 743 is also inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. A retaining cover 744 is disposed at the top of the opening / closing door guide 711. The retaining cover 744 according to the sixth embodiment is formed as in the retaining cover 744 according to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, a cam follower pin 745 according to the sixth embodiment is formed at one side end (-X direction side) of the opening / closing door body 740 of the opening / closing door 704.

[0358] In the unattached state, where the container 700 is not attached to the storage section 4, the opening / closing door body 740 abuts against the retaining cover 744 by the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743, thereby holding the opening / closing door 704 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the distal end (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. If a moving force greater than the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743 acts on the opening / closing door 704 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 704 overcomes the force exerted by the opening / closing door compression spring 743 and rotates along the opening / closing door guide 711 to the -Z direction side.

[0359] According to the sixth embodiment, the attachment-side connecting element 705 (cam plate 763, positioning pin 764, mechanical ID receiver 765, ink needle 760, and connector 761) is formed as in the fifth embodiment. Note that the cam-shaped surfaces of the cam plate 763 according to the sixth embodiment include a first surface 763a parallel to the attachment direction from the container 700 to the storage section 4 (see...). Figure 48A) and the second surface 763b intersecting the first surface 763a (see Figure 48A The second surface 763b may be an inclined surface relative to the first surface 763a. Furthermore, the shape of the inclined surface of the second surface 763b may be a concave surface shape, bent such that it can engage with the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704. When the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while sequentially abutting against the second surface 763b and the first surface 763a, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 rotates from a first position to a second position.

[0360] <Container Attachment>

[0361] The following describes a series of operations when the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment is attached to the storage unit 4. Figure 50 This is a perspective view showing the state of container 700 before it is attached to storage unit 4. Figure 51 This is a perspective view showing the intermediate state of the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4. Figure 52 This is a perspective view showing the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4. Note that... Figure 50 It is also a perspective view showing the container 700 separated from the storage section 4. Figure 51 It is also a perspective view showing the intermediate state of the container 700 and the storage unit 4 being separated. Figure 52 It is also a perspective view showing the state of the container 700 before it is separated from the storage section 4.

[0362] Figure 53A and Figure 53B This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door 704 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 53A This is a perspective view showing the opening / closing of the door 704 before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 53B This is a perspective view showing the door 704 that is opened / closed midway between the container 700 and the storage section 4. Figures 54A to 54C This is a perspective view showing the operation of opening / closing the door 704 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 54A and Figure 54B This is a perspective view showing the door 704 that is opened / closed midway between the container 700 and the storage section 4. Figure 54C This is a perspective view showing the door 704 being opened / closed after the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4.

[0363] Figures 55A to 55E This is a side view showing the operation of opening / closing the door 704 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 55A This is a side view showing the door 704 being opened / closed before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Figure 55B, Figure 55C and Figure 55D This is a side view showing the door 704 that is opened / closed midway between the container 700 and the storage section 4. Figure 55E This is a side view showing the door 704 being opened / closed after the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4.

[0364] Figure 50 , Figure 53A and Figure 55A The diagram shows the state before container 700 is attached to storage section 4, that is, the unattached state of container 700. In the unattached state, valve 722 of container 700 moves in the +Y direction and abuts against joint seal 723 by the force of valve compression spring 721, thereby closing liquid flow orifice 720. When liquid flow orifice 720 is closed by valve 722, the flow of air into liquid storage section 701 and leakage of ink W from inside liquid storage section 701 are suppressed. In the unattached state, opening / closing door 704 (opening / closing door body 740) of container 700 abuts against retaining cover 744 by the force of opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is thus held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of liquid flow orifice of opening / closing door 704 covers the distal side (+Y direction side) of liquid flow orifice 720. Furthermore, the nozzle 710 (open / close door guide 711) covers the openings of the open / close door body 740 and the plate retainer 732 on the +Y direction side. Since this restricts access to the liquid flow orifice 720 and the circuit board 730, the possibility of, for example, a user accidentally touching the liquid flow orifice 720 and having their hands stained with ink from it is reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow orifice 720, leading to ink leakage and ink adhering to the circuit board 730, thus causing a short circuit between multiple pad electrodes 731, is reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and having sebum from their hands adhering to the pad electrodes 731, thus causing a contact failure, is also reduced.

[0365] Figure 51 The diagram shows the intermediate state in which the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, that is, the intermediate state of the attachment of the container 700. Figure 53B , Figure 54A and Figure 54B The process of attaching container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown in sequence. Figures 55B to 55DThe process of attaching container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown in sequence. During the attachment of container 700, the user moves the tray 703 supporting container 700 towards storage unit 4 in the +Y direction. During the attachment of container 700, the cam plate 763 of storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the nozzle 710 of container 700 (see...). Figure 51 At this time, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 disposed on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 (see...). Figure 53B , Figure 54A , Figure 55B and Figure 55C When the cam follows the pin 745 and receives a reaction force (moving force) from the cam plate 763, the opening / closing door 704 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 711 of the nozzle 710 to the -Z direction side, and the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 thus rotates from the first position to the second position. Additionally, when the opening / closing door 704 rotates to the -Z direction side, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow orifice of the opening / closing door 704 rotates relative to the liquid flow orifice 720 to the -Z direction side and no longer covers the liquid flow orifice 720 (see...). Figure 54B and Figure 55D Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 is open to the outside. Furthermore, when the open / close door 704 rotates towards the -Z direction, the opening of the plate holder 732 on the +Y direction side and the open / close door body 740 rotate relative to the nozzle 710 (open / close door guide 711) towards the -Z direction, and are no longer covered by the nozzle 710. Therefore, the circuit board 730 is open to the outside. Here, the circuit board 730 moves together with the open / close door body 740 in a direction separate from the liquid flow hole 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720, the possibility of ink adhering to the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0366] In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the positioning pin 764 of storage unit 4 first engages with the positioning hole 715 of container 700, and then the mechanical ID receiver 765 of storage unit 4 engages with the mechanical ID 717 of container 700. In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 720 of container 700. In the intermediate attachment state of container 700, the connector 761 of storage unit 4 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 730 of container 700.

[0367] When attaching the container 700 according to this embodiment, as a procedure for attaching the container 700 to the device body, firstly, the positioning pin 764 on the body side is inserted into the positioning hole 715 of the nozzle 710. Therefore, the position of the nozzle 710 is limited to a predetermined position in the X and Z directions, and the posture of the nozzle 710 is stably maintained.

[0368] Next, the mechanical ID parts provided on one side of the nozzle 710 and the main body side are assembled. Since the position of the nozzle 710 is precisely defined by the assembly between the locating pin 764 and the locating hole 715, smooth insertion can be achieved even if the gap is small relative to the assembly part of the mechanical ID part.

[0369] Subsequently, the ink needle 760 connects to the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700 to form an ink channel. At this time, since the position of the nozzle 710 is precisely defined by the assembly between the positioning pin 764 and the positioning hole 715, the coaxiality between the needle 760 and the liquid flow hole 720 is ensured, and the joint seal 723 is uniformly compressed in the radial direction to increase the sealing characteristics, thereby suppressing ink leakage caused by uneven deformation of the rubber seal.

[0370] Furthermore, after the ink needle 760 is fully inserted into one side of the container 700 and an ink channel is reliably formed, the electrical connections on the body side and the container side are made. This orderly structure prevents electrical connection from being completed when the ink channel is not fully formed (i.e., in a so-called "partially inserted" state). Therefore, the attachment state can be properly detected electrically, preventing ink leakage and ensuring a reliable attachment state.

[0371] Figure 52 , Figure 54C and Figure 55EThe attached state of container 700 to storage unit 4 is shown. The user further moves the tray 703 of storage / support container 700 from the mid-attached state in the +Y direction. At this time, ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 inserts into the liquid flow hole 720 of container 700, while maintaining airtightness to the outside through connector seal 723. Then, ink needle 760 of storage unit 4 abuts against valve 722, and valve 722 moves in the -Y direction against the force of valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the ink channel. Thus, an ink channel is formed. Furthermore, connector 761 of storage unit 4 is inserted into the internal space of board holder 732 from the opening on the +Y direction side of board holder 732 and the opening / closing door body 740. Electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 contact and are electrically connected to the pad electrodes 731 of circuit board 730. Therefore, information recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) of circuit board 730 can be read from circuit board 730 to the control unit on the printing device side. In this manner, the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Note that the connector 761 is preferably configured such that it cuts off the line connecting the center of the liquid flow hole 720 and the center of the pad electrode 731 of the circuit board 730 when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4.

[0372] With the container 700 attached to the storage unit 4, the circuit board 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 in a second position. Here, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 are located on one side of the liquid flow hole 720 relative to the circuit board 730. The connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position points towards the center in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attached posture to the storage unit 4. Furthermore, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position points inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the up / down direction of the container 700 in the attached posture. In other words, the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position points towards one side of the liquid flow hole 720 (the liquid supply opening side). Therefore, the connector 761 can be inserted into the space (the internal space of the board holder 732) provided between the connecting surface 733 of the circuit board 730 and the liquid flow hole 720, and the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be electrically connected to the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730. Therefore, the electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 can be configured on the surface of connector 761 on the opposite side of liquid flow hole 720. For this reason, even if ink leaks from liquid flow hole 720 during attachment / removal of container 700, the likelihood of ink adhering to electrical contacts 762 of connector 761 can be reduced.

[0373] When the container 700 is removed from the storage unit 4, the user moves the tray 703 that stores / supports the container 700 from the storage unit 4 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the connection between the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 and the liquid flow orifice 720 of the container 700. The valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction under the force of the valve compression spring 721 and abuts against the connector seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow orifice 720. Furthermore, the electrical connection between the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 and the circuit board 730 of the container 700 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 and the positioning hole 715 of the container 700 is also disconnected, as is the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 and the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700. Finally, the engagement between the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 and the cam follower pin 745 of the container 700 is also disconnected. The opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 abuts against the retaining cover 744 by the force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is thus held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. In this way, the state returns to the state before the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is attached to the storage section 4. For this reason, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached / removed, the possibility of ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 is reduced.

[0374] In the attachment structure of the container 700 according to this embodiment, as described above, when the container 700 is attached to the main body, the opening / closing door 704 moves downward.

[0375] In other words, when the cam plate 763 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the nozzle 710, the cam follower pin 745 located at the far end of the slot 714 is pressed downward along the cam plate 763.

[0376] Before attachment, the cam follower pin 745 is supported while being pushed upward by the opening / closing door compression spring 743. The opening / closing door 704, integrated with the cam follower pin 745, moves downward, interlocking with the movement of the cam follower pin 745.

[0377] Furthermore, when the cam follows the moving pin 745 and moves along the first surface (lower surface) 763a of the cam plate 763, the upward force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743 is received by the entire cam plate 763 via the first surface (lower surface) 763a. At this time, since the cam plate 763 is inserted into the slot 714 but is only guided, the clearance is large. Because the force is only received by the cam plate 763, one side of the liquid storage section 701 never rises upward. Therefore, the failure of the liquid storage section 701 rising upward and interfering with the attachment section, resulting in incomplete attachment, can be effectively prevented.

[0378] In the sixth embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 745, which serves as a force receiving unit, is integrated with the opening / closing door body 740. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a bearing, such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing, can be assembled to the opening / closing door body 740 as a force receiving unit. This can reduce the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the cam plate 763.

[0379] In the sixth embodiment described above, a cam plate 763, serving as the force application part, and a cam follower pin 745, serving as the force receiving part, form a cam mechanism. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove can be formed in the opening / closing door body 740, and a cam follower can be provided on the storage section 4. Instead of using a mechanism that generates force when attaching the container 700 to the storage section 4, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 704 can be provided. Note that the drive device can be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0380] The container 700 according to this embodiment is attached to Figure 38 In the configuration of the storage unit 4 illustrated in the figure, the length and installation position of the partition plate 44a are designed with full consideration of the range of movement and operating trajectory of the opening / closing door 704 of the upper container 700. The end (front guide) 44b of the partition plate 44a in the Y direction is designed with the following dimensional relationship, such that even when the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4 and the opening / closing door 704 moves accordingly to the second position, the end 44b will not actually interfere with the opening / closing door 704. More specifically, the position of the end 44b of the partition plate 44a is designed such that it does not interfere with the operating trajectory of the external shape of the opening / closing door body 740 during the rotational movement of the opening / closing door 704 about the rotation axis 747 shown in FIG. 55.

[0381] Furthermore, when the container 700 is stored in the upper storage section 4, the electrical contact 762 of the upper connector 761 (which is located at the distal end of the container 700 in the +Y direction) is located on the distal side relative to the end 44b, and also on the lower side (-Z direction) of the partition plate 44a. Therefore, an electrical connection can be stably performed at a predetermined position without interference between the electrical contact 762 and the partition plate 44a.

[0382] This construction not only avoids interference between components, but also effectively achieves structural or positional stability of container 700 without increasing the overall size of the device in the height direction (Z direction).

[0383] Other implementation methods

[0384] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads and executes the computer program.

[0385] While this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A printing device, comprising: A first storage section is configured to store a first container that stores liquid to be supplied to the printhead, the printhead discharging the liquid into the printing medium; The second storage section is configured to store a second container that stores liquid to be supplied to the printhead; A first intermediate tank is configured to store liquid to be supplied from the first container to the printhead between the printhead and the first container; as well as A second intermediate tank is configured to store liquid to be supplied from the second container to the printhead between the printhead and the second container. The first storage unit and the second storage unit are configured along the height direction of the printing device. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged along a first direction intersecting the height direction, and The first storage unit and the second storage unit, as well as the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank, are arranged along a second direction that intersects the height direction and the first direction.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The first direction is the width direction of the printing device, and The second direction is the depth direction of the printing device.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The first storage unit and the second storage unit are disposed on the front side of the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank in the depth direction.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first storage unit includes a first inlet, and the first container can be detachably attached to the first storage unit along the depth direction through the first inlet. The second storage unit includes a second inlet, through which the second container can be detachably attached to the second storage unit along the depth direction.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged within a first width range in the width direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged within a second width range in the width direction, and At least a portion of the second width range overlaps with the first width range.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged within a first height range in the height direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged within a second height range in the height direction, and At least a portion of the second altitude range overlaps with the first altitude range.

7. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first container and the second container is a flexible bag-shaped container. The first container is stored in the first storage compartment while being supported by the first tray, and The second container is stored in the second storage section while being supported by a second tray.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The first tray can be detachably attached to the first storage unit. The second tray can be detachably attached to the second storage unit. The first storage section includes a first engagement portion configured to engage with the first tray, and The second storage section includes a second engagement portion configured to engage with the second tray.

9. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein Each of the first container and the second container is a flexible bag-shaped container. The first container is stored in the first storage compartment while being supported by the first tray, and The second container is stored in the second storage compartment, supported by the second tray. The first tray can be detachably attached to the first storage unit along the depth direction. The second tray can be detachably attached to the second storage section along the depth direction. The first storage unit includes: A first groove is located on one side of the first tray in the width direction and extends in the depth direction; as well as The second groove is located on the opposite side of the first tray in the width direction and extends in the depth direction. The first tray includes: The first protrusion is configured to engage with the first groove; and The second protrusion is configured to engage with the second groove. The second storage unit includes: A third groove, located on one side of the second tray in the width direction, and extending in the depth direction; and The fourth groove, which is located on the other side of the second tray in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second tray includes: The third protrusion is configured to engage with the third groove; and The fourth protrusion is configured to engage with the fourth groove.

10. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first container can be detachably attached to the first storage unit along the depth direction. The second container can be detachably attached to the second storage unit along the depth direction. The first storage section includes a first engagement portion configured to engage with the first container, and The second storage section includes a second engagement portion configured to engage with the second container.

11. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein The first container can be detachably attached to the first storage unit along the depth direction. The second container can be detachably attached to the second storage unit along the depth direction. The first storage unit includes: A first groove is located on one side of the first container in the width direction and extends in the depth direction; as well as The second groove is located on the opposite side of the first container in the width direction and extends in the depth direction. The first container includes: The first protrusion is configured to engage with the first groove; and The second protrusion is configured to engage with the second groove. The second storage unit includes: A third groove, located on one side of the second container in the width direction, and extending in the depth direction; and The fourth groove, which is located on the other side of the second container in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second container includes: The third protrusion is configured to engage with the third groove; and The fourth protrusion is configured to engage with the fourth groove.

12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank includes: A liquid chamber, configured to store the liquid; A pressure chamber, which is adjacent to the liquid chamber; as well as A wall member is configured to separate the liquid chamber from the pressure chamber and to change the capacity of the liquid chamber by shifting according to the pressure in the pressure chamber.

13. The printing apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a pressure regulating device configured to adjust the pressure in the pressure chamber.

14. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first container includes a third connecting portion, which is connected to the first connecting portion disposed in the first storage section. The second container includes a fourth connecting portion, which is connected to a second connecting portion disposed in the second storage section. Each of the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion includes a downwardly protruding portion. An electrical connection portion is provided on the protrusion, and For each of the third and fourth connecting portions, a recess is formed in the upper part of the electrical connecting portion.

15. The printing apparatus of claim 14, wherein The first storage unit is disposed above the second storage unit, and The protrusion of the first container is fitted into the recess of the second container.

16. The printing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container includes a third connecting portion configured to connect to the first connecting portion disposed in the first storage unit. The second container includes a fourth connecting portion configured to connect to a second connecting portion disposed in the second storage unit. Each of the third connecting portion and the fourth connecting portion includes: A connecting portion, the connecting portion being configured to allow liquid in the container to flow through; and electrical connection parts, and For each of the third and fourth connecting portions, when the distance between the center of the connecting portion and the lower surface of the electrical connecting portion is called z1, and the distance between the center of the connecting portion and the upper surface located above the electrical connecting portion is called z2, the relationship z1>z2 is satisfied.

17. The printing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first storage unit is located above the second storage unit, and When the distance between the lower surface of the electrical connection portion of the third connection portion and the center of the connecting portion of the fourth connection portion is called z3, the relationship z1>z3>z2 is satisfied.

18. A printing apparatus, comprising: A storage device comprising a plurality of storage sections, each storage section being configured as a storage container storing liquid to be supplied to a printhead, the printhead discharging the liquid to a printing medium; and Multiple intermediate tanks, each corresponding to one of the storage sections, are configured to store the liquid to be supplied from the container to the printhead between the printhead and the container. The plurality of storage units are arranged in multiple segments along the height direction of the printing device. The plurality of intermediate tanks are arranged along a first direction intersecting the height direction, and The storage unit and the plurality of intermediate tanks are configured along a second direction that intersects the height direction and the first direction.

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