Liquid supply device and liquid discharge device

Abstract

To provide a liquid supply device and a liquid discharge device which can improve workability since an operation part can be operated at a position apart from a connection part.SOLUTION: A liquid supply device 30 is detachably connected to a connected part 70 of a device body 11 having a liquid discharge part for discharging a liquid. The liquid supply device 30 includes a mounting part, a connection part 40, a supply part 45, a fixing part, a shaft part 51, and an operation part 43. The mounting part detachably mounts a plurality of liquid supply sources for storing the liquid. The connection part 40 is configured to be capable of being connected to the connected part 70 in a connection direction CD. The fixing part is configured to be capable of fixing the liquid supply device 30 to a fixed part of the device body 11, in a state in which the connection part 40 is connected to the connected part 70. The shaft part 51 is configured to be rotatable. The operation part 43 extends in a direction crossing the connection direction CD from one end of the shaft part 51. An engagement part is provided on the other end of the shaft part 51, and is configured to be capable of being engaged with the fixed part by rotation of the shaft part 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device and a liquid ejection device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid supplying device that supplies liquid to a liquid ejection head included in a liquid ejection device. The liquid supplying device includes a connection aid that is attached to a mounting portion of a liquid ejection unit-side mounting mechanism provided in a device body of the liquid ejection device (one example of a liquid ejection device).

[0003] The liquid ejection unit side mounting mechanism has a regulating mechanism that regulates movement of the connection aid attached to the mounting portion. The regulating mechanism has a pair of levers arranged on either side of the mounting portion, and handles arranged at the tips of the pair of levers. The regulating mechanism is swingable about an axis and moves between a regulating position and a retracted position. The regulating mechanism located at the regulating position regulates movement of the connection aid in the removal direction. The regulating mechanism located at the retracted position allows the connection aid to be attached to the liquid ejection unit side mounting mechanism, and the connection aid to be removed from the liquid ejection unit side mounting mechanism.

[0004] The user grasps the gripping portion and swings the lever against the force of the spring, thereby moving the restriction mechanism from the retracted position to the restricted position. When the connection aid is in an incompletely attached state where it has not been pushed into the attached position, the restriction portion comes into contact with the inclined guide portion, causing the restriction mechanism to move from the retracted position to the restricted position, thereby pushing the connection aid in the attachment direction. When the connection aid moves to the attached position, the connection between the liquid outlet portion and the liquid inlet portion is completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-24178 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, since the pair of levers and the handle swing around the connection aid, there is a problem in that the workability is poor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid supply device that solves the above problem is a liquid supply device that is detachably connected to a connection part of a device main body having a liquid ejection part that ejects liquid, and includes an attachment part to which multiple liquid supply sources that contain the liquid are detachably attached, a connection part that is connectable to the connection part in a connection direction, a supply part that connects the attachment part and the connection part, and a fixing part that is capable of fixing the liquid supply device to a fixed part of the device main body when the connection part is connected to the connection part, and the fixing part has a rotatable shaft part, an operating part that extends from one end of the shaft part in a direction intersecting the connection direction, and an engagement part that is provided at the other end of the shaft part and is capable of engaging with the fixed part by rotation of the shaft part.

[0008] A liquid ejection device that solves the above problem includes an apparatus main body having a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid, a connected section, and an apparatus supply section that connects the liquid ejection section and the connected section, and the above liquid supply device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the liquid supply device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the liquid supply device with the cover removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the liquid supplying device in which the insides of a connecting portion and a connected portion in a connected state are partially exposed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a connection portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the insides of a connecting portion and a connected portion in a connected state, the insides of which are partially exposed. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a connecting portion covered with a cover and a connected portion in a connected state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the apparatus main body and the liquid supply apparatus. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a connection portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the connection portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the connected portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view showing the connected portion. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the fixing portion. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a state before the fixing portion and the fixed portion are engaged with each other. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a fixed member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a state before the fixing portion and the fixed portion are engaged with each other. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing an engaged state between a fixing portion and a fixed portion. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the supply connection portion. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a front cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a connecting portion and a connected portion. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a front cross-sectional view showing a connected state of a connecting portion and a connected portion. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a partial perspective view showing the upper surface of the liquid supplying device with the connectors and the like removed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the attachment location of the cover detection unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An embodiment of a liquid ejection device will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 10 of this embodiment is a serial scan type (serial printing type) printer. The liquid ejection device 10 is, for example, a large format printer. The liquid ejection device 10 is an inkjet printer that ejects liquid droplets (for example, ink) according to image data included in print data supplied from an external host computer, thereby forming a group of dots on a medium M such as paper or fabric, thereby printing an image (including characters, figures, etc.).

[0011] In this embodiment, the directions parallel to three mutually orthogonal axes XYZ in the liquid ejection device 10 are defined as the width direction X, depth direction Y, and vertical direction Z, respectively. The width direction X is a direction that indicates the width of the liquid ejection device 10 when viewed from the front. The depth direction Y is a direction parallel to the depth of the liquid ejection device 10 when viewed from the front. The depth direction Y is a direction perpendicular to the width direction X and the vertical direction Z. The depth direction Y is also the front-rear direction of the liquid ejection device 10, and is therefore also referred to as the front-rear direction Y.

[0012] <Configuration of Liquid Ejection Device 10> First, a schematic configuration of a liquid ejection device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 10 includes a device main body 11 and a liquid supply device 30. The device main body 11 may include, for example, a housing 12 and a support stand 13 that supports the housing 12. The housing 12 has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in one direction (for example, the X direction). A plurality of support stands 13 (for example, two) may be provided so as to support the housing 12 at a plurality of positions. The support stand 13 may have legs 13A at its lower portion. The legs 13A may be provided so as to extend in the front-rear direction Y. The legs 13A may have casters 13B on their lower sides.

[0013] The device main body 11 has a feed unit 14 at the rear of the housing 12. A roll 15 in which medium M, such as a long piece of paper or fabric, is wound into a cylindrical shape is loaded into the feed unit 14. The feed unit 14 feeds the medium M from the roll 15. The fed medium M is transported in a transport direction Y1 indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 by a transport unit (not shown) in the housing 12. The transport direction Y1 changes depending on the position of the medium M on the transport path. The transport direction Y1 shown in FIG. 1 indicates the transport direction of the medium M at a recording position where recording is performed on the medium M. The device main body 11 records characters or images on the medium M at the recording position in the housing 12.

[0014] 1, the housing 12 has an outlet 16 through which the recorded medium M is discharged on the front surface 12A, which is the end surface on the downstream side in the transport direction Y1. The recorded medium M may be cut to a predetermined length by a cutter (not shown), for example, and then discharged from the outlet 16. The discharged medium M may be stored in a medium receiving unit (not shown). Note that the recorded medium M may be wound up as a roll without being cut.

[0015] The housing 12 has a plurality of surfaces. The housing 12 has a front surface 12A, a top surface 12B, a first side surface 12C, a second side surface 12D, a rear surface 12E, and a bottom surface 12F. The front surface 12A faces the direction opposite to the Y direction. The front surface 12A is the surface facing a user who operates the liquid ejection device 10. The rear surface 12E is the surface opposite the front surface 12A. The first side surface 12C is the surface facing the -X direction. The second side surface 12D is the surface facing the +X direction. The bottom surface 12F is the surface opposite the top surface 12B.

[0016] The housing 12 also includes an operation panel 17. The operation panel 17 may be provided, for example, at one end of the top surface 12B of the housing 12. The liquid ejection device 10 may include a display unit 18 as an example of a notification unit. The liquid ejection device 10 may include the display unit 18 in the device body 11. The device body 11 may include the display unit 18 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The device body 11 may include the display unit 18 at one end on the side to which the liquid supply device 30 is connected (for example, the right side).

[0017] The display unit 18 may be provided on the operation panel 17. Menus, messages, and the like are displayed on the display unit 18. The messages are used to notify the user of information related to the liquid ejection device 10. The operation panel 17 may have an input operation function that allows an input operation to give instructions to the liquid ejection device 10. The display unit 18 may be a touch panel. The operation panel 17 may have operation buttons formed of mechanical switches or the like. The user issues various instructions, including recording instructions, to the liquid ejection device 10 by operating the operation panel 17. The device main body 11 is capable of receiving various instructions, including recording instructions, transmitted from a host device (not shown) that is communicatively connected.

[0018] The liquid ejection device 10 includes a control unit 100 that controls the feeding unit 14, the transport unit 26, and the liquid ejection unit 20 (see FIG. 8 for all of these). The control unit 100 may control the liquid ejection device 10 based on print data received from a host device or a recording instruction given by operating the operation panel 17.

[0019] The liquid ejection device 10 shown in Fig. 1 includes a liquid supply device 30 that can be connected to a device main body 11. The liquid supply device 30 has a plurality of storage trays 33. The plurality of storage trays 33 detachably store liquid supply sources 55 (see Fig. 2). The liquid supply device 30 is a device that supplies liquid in the liquid supply source 55 to the device main body 11.

[0020] The liquid supplying device 30 may include a display unit 18 as an example of a notification unit. That is, the liquid supplying device 30 may have a display unit 18 by sharing the display unit 18 included in the device body 11 to which the liquid supplying device 30 is connected with the device body 11. The device body 11 and the liquid supplying device 30 may be connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The control unit 100 on the device body 11 side may control the elements to be controlled on the liquid supplying device 30 side. Also, the liquid supplying device 30 may be configured to include an individual control unit (not shown), and this control unit and the control unit 100 may communicate with each other. The liquid supplying device 30 may also be configured to include an individual display unit (not shown) at a predetermined position on the housing 31A.

[0021] <Configuration of Liquid Supply Device 30> Next, the configuration of liquid supplying apparatus 30 will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. As shown in Figure 2, liquid supplying apparatus 30 includes supplying unit main body 31 and cover 32. Cover 32 has a handle 32A. Supplying unit main body 31 has a vertically long box-shaped housing 31A. Cover 32 is configured to be detachable from an upper surface 37 of supplying unit main body 31 (see Figure 3).

[0022] A plurality of storage trays 33 are detachably inserted into the front surface of the housing 31A. The housing 31A has a plurality of insertion openings 31B on the front surface. The plurality of storage trays 33 are inserted into the plurality of insertion openings 31B, respectively. The storage trays 33 accommodate a liquid supply source 55. The liquid supply source 55 is, for example, a liquid pack that accommodates a liquid, but may be a liquid cartridge or a liquid tank. When the liquid is ink, the liquid supply source 55 is an ink pack, but may be an ink cartridge or an ink tank, or the like. The liquid supply sources 55 accommodated in each storage tray 33 accommodate different types of liquid. Each liquid supply source 55 may accommodate, for example, ink of a different color as the liquid. When the liquid supply source 55 is an ink cartridge or an ink tank, or the like, the storage tray 33 may not be provided.

[0023] A waste liquid storage section 34 may be disposed in the lower portion of the supply unit main body 31. The waste liquid storage section 34 may be, for example, a waste liquid tray configured to be detachable from the housing 31A. The waste liquid storage section 34 stores liquid that has leaked from the upper surface 37 and inside the housing 31A as waste liquid.

[0024] The supply unit main body 31 shown in Fig. 2 has an attachment member 35 extending leftward (in the connection direction CD) from the left side surface on the side where the device main body 11 is arranged. As shown in Fig. 1, the liquid supplying device 30 is fixed to the right of the device main body 11 by fixing the attachment member 35 to the right-side support stand 13 via fixing members such as screws or bolts. The attachment member 35 has two attachment portions 35A at its tip. The two attachment portions 35A are fixed at two points, front and rear, to the leg portion 13A extending front and rear at the bottom of the support stand 13.

[0025] The supply unit main body 31 is provided with a plurality of casters 36 on the lower part. The liquid supply device 30 can be moved on the floor surface by rotating the casters 36. When fixing the liquid supply device 30 to the device main body 11, the liquid supply device 30 can be easily positioned relative to the device main body 11 by moving the liquid supply device 30 on the floor surface. The liquid supply device 30 and the device main body 11 may be fixed to each other at a position above the mounting member 35 via a mounting member (not shown).

[0026] 3 shows the supply unit body 31 with the cover 32 removed. When the cover 32 is removed, an upper surface 37 of the supply unit body 31 is exposed. The liquid supply device 30 is provided with a storage member 38 and a connection part 40 on the upper surface 37 of the supply unit body 31. The connection part 40 is provided so as to be displaceable within a predetermined range in the connection direction CD relative to the storage member 38. The surface of the connection part 40 on the connection direction CD side is a connection surface 41.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid supplying device 30 is detachably connected to the connected part 70 on the device body 11 side. The connection to the connected part 70 is performed by the connecting part 40. The connecting part 40 is connected to the connected part 70 (see FIG. 4) which is the liquid supply destination on the device body 11 side in order to supply the liquid supplied from the liquid supply source 55 (see FIG. 2) to the device body 11. The storage member 38 stores a part of the supply flow path 46 which constitutes the supply part 45 which supplies the liquid from the liquid supply source 55. The connecting part 40 is provided so as to be movable in the connection direction CD shown in FIG. 3 relative to the storage member 38. At least a part of the supply flow path 46 is a tube which sends the liquid. The tube is deformable due to its flexibility. Therefore, the connecting part 40 can move in the connection direction CD to a position where it is connected to the connected part 70. The connecting part 40 is configured so as to be connectable to the connected part 70 in the connection direction CD.

[0028] The device body 11 includes a device supply section 71 connected to the connected section 70. The device supply section 71 connects the connected section 70 to a liquid discharge section 20 (see FIG. 8) described below. The device supply section 71 supplies liquid supplied from a liquid supply source 55 (see FIG. 8) via the connection between the connection section 40 and the connected section 70 to the liquid discharge section 20 (see FIG. 8). The device supply section 71 includes a supply flow path 72 connected to the connected section 70.

[0029] <Configuration of the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70> Next, the configuration of the connection part 40 and the connected part 70 will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 7. As shown in Fig. 5, the connection part 40 is movable with respect to the storage member 38. A supply flow path 46 (see Fig. 6) is housed inside the storage member 38. The connection part 40 has a casing 42. A part of the supply flow path 46 (see Fig. 6) extending from the storage member 38 and connected to the connection part 40 is housed inside the casing 42. The supply flow path 46 is, for example, a tube, and therefore is deformable. The connection part 40 is movable along the connection direction CD between a storage position C1 shown by a solid line in Fig. 5 and a connection position C2 shown by a two-dot chain line in the same figure. The supply flow path 46 connected to the connection part 40 is deformed, so that the connection part 40 can move from the storage position to the connection position. The connection part 40 has a connection surface 41 connected to the connected part 70 on its end face on the connection direction CD side. The connecting part 40 can be displaced in a direction to bring its connecting surface 41 closer to the connected part 70 (see FIG. 4). One end of the supply flow path 46, the other end of which is connected to the connecting part 40, is connected to a mounting part 56 (see FIG. 8) in the housing 31A. In this respect, the connecting part 40 is movable relative to the mounting part 56. The connecting part 40 has a concave surface 42A on the upper surface of the base on the opposite side to the connecting surface 41 in the connecting direction CD, and an operating part 43 is provided at a height near the bottom surface of the concave surface 42A.

[0030] 6, supply unit 45, which supplies liquid to connection unit 40, has a plurality of supply flow paths 46. Supply flow paths 46 may be formed by tubes. Each of supply flow paths 46 has a deformable deformation portion 49. Deformable portion 49 may be deformable due to the flexibility of the tubes that form supply flow paths 46.

[0031] One end of the supply flow passage 46 is connected to the mounting portion 56 (see FIG. 8) in the housing 31A. The other end of the supply flow passage 46 is connected to the connection portion 40. The front frame portion 50A constituting the connection portion 40 supports a plurality of first flow passage members 47 in a state in which the first flow passage members 47 protrude in a cylindrical shape backward (-X direction). The other ends of the plurality of supply flow passages 46 are connected to the plurality of first flow passage members 47 in a state in which the other ends of the plurality of supply flow passages 46 connected to the plurality of first flow passage members 47 are fastened by a plurality of clip members 48.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid supplying device 30 includes a rotatable shaft portion 51 and an operating portion 43 extending from one end (the right end in Fig. 6) of the shaft portion 51 in a direction intersecting the connection direction CD. The shaft portion 51 is rotatably supported by a plate-like frame 50 that constitutes the bottom of the connection portion 40. The operating portion 43 may be an operating lever made of a long plate-like member whose longitudinal direction is the intersecting direction.

[0033] The operation unit 43 is configured to be operable to a disconnection operation position P1 indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 6 and a connection operation position P2 indicated by a solid line in the same figure. The operation unit 43 can be switched between the two operation positions P1, P2 by a rotation operation. The operation unit 43 can be switched between the two operation positions P1, P2 by, for example, a rotation operation of 90 degrees. Note that the operation range of the operation unit 43 is not limited to 90 degrees, and may be within a range of 30 to 180 degrees, or may be an angle outside this range.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the liquid supplying device 30 includes a first detection unit 53 capable of detecting the position of the operating unit 43. A shaft-shaped detectable portion 52 protrudes from the shaft portion 51 in a direction intersecting with the axial direction of the shaft portion 51. The first detection unit 53 is disposed in the vicinity of the detectable portion 52 while being supported by the frame 50. The first detection unit 53 has a detection movable portion 53A. When the operating unit 43 is in the disconnection operation position P1, the detectable portion 52 is in a position where the detectable portion 53A is not pushed in. At this time, the first detection unit 53 is in a non-detection state. On the other hand, when the operating unit 43 is in the connection operation position P2, as shown in FIG. 6, the detectable portion 52 is in a position where the detectable portion 53A is pushed in. At this time, the first detection unit 53 is in a detection state. That is, the first detection unit 53 detects that the operating unit 43 is in the connection operation position P2.

[0035] <Regulation structure of the operation unit 43> As shown in FIG. 7, the removable cover 32 is configured to cover at least the operation unit 43 in the attached state shown in FIG. 7. The cover 32 has a restricting portion 32B that extends in a direction toward the operation unit 43 at a portion corresponding to the operation unit 43 in the attached state. The restricting portion 32B may be configured, for example, by a rib extending from the back surface of the cover 32. When the cover 32 is attached with the operation unit 43 not at the connection operation position P2, the cover 32 is in a floating state, so that it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to move the operation unit 43 to the connection operation position P2. The cover 32 may be configured so that the operation unit 43 that is not at the connection operation position P2 is pushed by the cover 32 and moves to the connection operation position P2 when the cover 32 is attached.

[0036] <Internal configuration of device body 11 and liquid supply device 30> Next, a schematic configuration of the inside of the apparatus body 11 and the liquid supplying apparatus 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are in a connected state.

[0037] The device body 11 has a liquid discharge section 20 that discharges liquid, a connected section 70, and a device supply section 71. The device supply section 71 connects the liquid discharge section 20 and the connected section 70. The liquid ejection unit 20 is housed in the housing 12. The liquid ejection unit 20 records characters or images on the medium M by ejecting liquid onto the medium M. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the liquid ejection unit 20 employs a serial recording method. The liquid ejection unit 20 includes a carriage 21 and an ejection head 22. The carriage 21 is configured to be capable of reciprocating in the width direction X. The ejection head 22 is held by the carriage 21 at a position capable of facing the transport path T of the medium M. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the ejection head 22 is held below the carriage 21. The ejection head 22 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) that open on a surface (nozzle opening surface) that faces the transport path T of the medium M. The ejection head 22 employs, for example, an inkjet method that ejects ink from nozzles.

[0038] The device supply unit 71 has a configuration in which a plurality of supply flow paths 72, one end of which is connected to the connected portion 70, and a plurality of supply flow paths 24, one end of which is connected to the liquid ejection unit 20, are connected to one another. In the serial recording type liquid ejection unit 20, the supply flow path 24 is, for example, a tube. The supply flow path 24 has a U-shaped flow path 24A that can be deformed in response to the movement of the carriage 21. The U-shaped flow path 24A has a U-shaped curved portion. By changing the position of the curved portion in response to the movement of the carriage 21, the U-shaped flow path 24A moves following the carriage 21. The ejection head 22 is supplied with liquids (inks) of each color from each liquid supply source 55 through the supply flow paths 46 and the supply flow paths 72.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 8, the housing 12 includes a feeding unit 14 and a transport unit 26. The feeding unit 14 is driven by the power of a feeding motor 25, which is its drive source, and feeds the medium M by unwinding it from a roll body 15. The fed medium M is transported along a transport path T by the transport unit 26. The transport unit 26 includes a transport roller pair 27 and a discharge roller pair 28. A position between the transport roller pair 27 and the discharge roller pair 28 on the transport path T is the recording position. The liquid ejection unit 20 is disposed at the recording position.

[0040] The liquid ejection unit 20 is disposed in such a position that the ejection head 22 faces the transport path T. The liquid ejection unit 20 records on the medium M at the recording position. A support table 23 is disposed at a position facing the liquid ejection unit 20 across the transport path T. The support table 23 supports the medium M at the recording position. The support table 23 is, for example, a platen, but may also be a transport belt unit. The transport belt unit has a pair of rollers (not shown) and a transport belt (not shown) wound around the pair of rollers. The transport belt unit is the support table 23 that has a transport function for transporting the medium M.

[0041] 8, liquid supply device 30 includes a mounting portion 56 to which a plurality of liquid supply sources 55 that contain liquid are detachably mounted. Mounting portion 56 has a plurality of insertion openings 31B into which the plurality of liquid supply sources 55 can be inserted, respectively, and a plurality of introduction portions 57 that are connected to the plurality of liquid supply sources 55, respectively. Liquid supply source 55 has a supply port portion 55A at one end. Each liquid supply source 55 contained in each storage tray 33 is connected to a corresponding one of the introduction portions 57, thereby communicating with a corresponding one of the supply flow paths 46.

[0042] The multiple liquid supply sources 55 each contain different types (e.g., colors) of liquid (e.g., ink). In an example where the liquid is ink, the multiple liquid supply sources 55 each contain one color of ink including black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). The liquid supply device 30 of this embodiment can supply 12 different colors of ink from 12 liquid supply sources 55 contained in 12 storage trays 33 to the device main body 11 side, for example.

[0043] The supply unit 45 has a plurality of supply flow paths 46 that respectively communicate between a plurality of liquid supply sources 55 mounted on the mounting unit 56 and a plurality of supply connection units 61 (see FIG. 9). The supply unit 45 connects the mounting unit 56 and the connection unit 40 through the plurality of supply flow paths 46. The supply unit 45 also includes a pump 58 provided midway through the plurality of supply flow paths 46. When the pump 58 is driven, liquid is supplied from the liquid supply source 55 to the connection unit 40 through the supply flow paths 46. As shown in FIG. 8, when the connection unit 40 and the connected unit 70 are in a connected state, the liquid supplied by the pump 58 is supplied to the liquid discharge unit 20 through the supply flow paths 46, the connection unit 40, the connected unit 70, the supply flow paths 72, and the supply flow paths 24.

[0044] In the serial recording method, a transport operation for transporting the medium M to the next recording position and a recording operation for recording one scan on the medium M at the recording position are performed alternately. The ejection head 22 performs one scan of recording by ejecting liquid (ink) from the nozzles while moving in the scanning direction (width direction X) for each scan in which the carriage 21 moves once. The liquid ejection unit 20 records characters or images on the medium M by multiple scans of the ejection head 22.

[0045] The liquid ejection unit 20 is not limited to a serial recording type, and may be a line recording type. In the case of a line recording type, the liquid ejection unit 20 has a plurality of nozzles (not shown) on an elongated ejection head 22 (line head) that is long in the width direction X, over a range slightly longer than the maximum width of the medium M in the width direction X. Liquids (inks) of various colors are supplied to the ejection head 22 from the respective liquid supply sources 55 through the supply flow paths 46 and the supply flow paths 72. The liquid ejection unit 20 records characters or images on the medium M by ejecting liquids (inks) from the nozzles of the ejection head 22 onto the medium M that is transported at a constant speed.

[0046] 8, the connection part 40 is provided at a position closer to the multiple insertion openings 31B than the multiple introduction parts 57. In other words, as shown in Fig. 3, the connection part 40 is provided at a position on the front side (near side) in the front-rear direction Y on the upper surface 37 of the supply unit main body 31. This makes it easy for a user working on the front side of the liquid ejection device 10 to connect the connection part 40 and the connected part 70.

[0047] 8, each of the supply flow paths 46 has a deformable deformation portion 49. Therefore, the connection portion 40 is movable relative to the mounting portion 56. Even if the connection portion 40 moves from the storage position C1 to the connection position C2 shown in FIG. 5, the supply flow paths 46 can accommodate the movement by the deformation of the deformation portion 49.

[0048] <Configuration of connection part 40> 9 and 10, the connection part 40 has a plurality of supply connection parts 61. In other words, the connection part 40 has a plurality of supply connection parts 61 that are connected to a plurality of supplied parts 78 (see FIG. 11) provided on the connection part 70 when the connection part 40 is connected to the connection part 70.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the connection part 40 has a recess 42B with the connection surface 41 as the bottom surface. A plurality of supply connection parts 61 protrude from the connection surface 41. The supply connection part 61 has a cylindrical shape and has a supply port 61A at the center of its tip. In the example shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a total of 12 supply connection parts 61 protrude from the upper and lower stages, six each. The upper and lower two stages of supply connection parts 61 may be arranged in a zigzag pattern, for example. The plurality of supply connection parts 61 are each connected to the mounting part 56 (see FIG. 8 for both) through a plurality of supply flow paths 46. The supply flow paths 46 can advance and retreat in the connection direction CD through the storage port 38A of the storage member 38 shown in FIG. 9.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 10, the supply connection part 61 has a supply port 61A. The supply port 61A is connected to the supply flow path 46 (see Fig. 6). The supply port 61A is an outlet through which the liquid sent from the pump 58 is sent out from the connection part 40. In the non-connected state shown in Figs. 9 and 10, a valve body 68 (see Fig. 19) located at the back of the supply port 61A is in a closed state.

[0051] 9 and 10, the connecting portion 40 is provided with an inserted portion 62. The inserted portion 62 may be configured to protrude in a cylindrical shape from the connecting surface 41 in the connecting direction CD. A pair of inserted portions 62 may be provided on both sides of the connecting surface 41 in the depth direction Y. The inserted portion 62 is a target into which a convex portion 77 (see FIG. 11) on the connecting portion 70 is inserted.

[0052] 9 and 10, the connection part 40 includes a fixing part 63. The fixing part 63 is configured to be able to fix the liquid supplying device 30 to a fixed part 80 (see FIG. 11) of the device body 11 in a state in which the connection part 40 is connected to the connected part 70.

[0053] As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the connection part 40 is viewed in the connection direction CD, the shaft part 51 is provided so as to pass through the center of the plurality of supply connection parts 61. In the example shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the twelve supply connection parts 61 are arranged at positions slightly apart, six on each side, when the connection surface 41 is viewed in the connection direction CD. The fixing part 63 is arranged in a protruding state in a space formed in the center of the connection surface 41. The fixing part 63 is configured to include, in part, the other end (tip part) of the shaft part 51 protruding from the connection surface 41 in the connection direction CD. Therefore, the fixing part 63 can rotate around its axis in response to the operation of the operating part 43.

[0054] The fixed portion 63 is provided at a position closer to the multiple insertion openings 31B than the multiple introduction portions 57 (see FIG. 8) in the depth direction Y. In other words, the fixed portion 63 is located at a position closer to the front in the depth direction Y on the top surface 37 of the housing 31A. Therefore, the operation portion 43, which is rotatable about the shaft portion 51 coaxial with the fixed portion 63, is also located closer to the front in the depth direction Y on the top surface 37. When the user performs the operation of connecting the connection portion 40 and the connection receiving portion 70 while standing in front of the liquid supplying device 30, it is easy to operate the operation portion 43.

[0055] <Regarding the second detection unit 54> Next, the second detection unit 54 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the liquid supplying device 30 includes the second detection unit 54. The second detection unit 54 is provided in the connection unit 40. The second detection unit 54 is disposed at a position corresponding to an inserted portion 62 (see Fig. 9) on the frame 50 that constitutes the bottom inside the connection unit 40.

[0056] The second detection unit 54 is configured to be able to detect that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 up to a predetermined position. The second detection unit 54 detects that the convex portion 77 (positioning pin 77P) has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 up to a position beyond the predetermined position. The second detection unit has a detection movable part 54A. The detection movable part 54A is not pushed to the detection position when the convex portion 77 is not inserted into the inserted portion 62, or when the convex portion 77 is partially inserted into the inserted portion 62 but does not reach the predetermined position. When the convex portion 77 is inserted into the inserted portion 62 up to a position beyond the predetermined position, the detection movable part 54A is pushed to the detection position.

[0057] The second detection unit 54 may detect that the connecting unit 40 and the connected unit 70 are properly connected by detecting that the convex portion 77 has been inserted to a predetermined position in the inserted portion 62. When the second detection unit 54 is in a non-detecting state even though the cover 32 is closed, the control unit 100 may notify the same by displaying on the display unit 18. In detail, the display unit 18 may display a message to check the connection between the connecting unit 40 and the connected unit 70, a message to prompt the user to properly reconnect the connecting unit 40 and the connected unit 70, and the like.

[0058] After the second detection unit 54 detects that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 up to a predetermined position, a notification may be issued to prompt the user to operate the operation unit 43. In this case, the predetermined position is set to a smaller insertion amount of the convex portion 77 into the inserted portion 62 than the predetermined position at the connection completion position between the connection unit 40 and the connected portion 70 described above. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the predetermined position may be a timing when the engagement units 64, 65 of the fixing unit 63 are inserted into the engagement hole 81 of the fixed portion 80. The second detection unit 54 may be provided with two second detection units 54 each detecting that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into a different predetermined position, or the second detection unit 54 may be configured by one sensor capable of detecting that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into a different predetermined position.

[0059] <Configuration of connected part 70> Next, the configuration of the connected part 70 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the connected part 70 has a connected member 73. The connected member 73 has a connected surface 75. A plurality of supplied connection parts 76 protrude from the connected surface 75. The plurality of supplied connection parts 76 protrude from the connected surface 75 in a direction -CD opposite to the connection direction CD.

[0060] Further, the connected portion 70 is provided with a protrusion 77. The protrusion 77 is disposed at a position on the connected surface 75 corresponding to the inserted portion 62 (see FIG. 10). That is, a pair of protrusions 77 is provided on both sides of the connected surface 75 in the depth direction Y. The protrusions 77 protrude from the connected surface 75 in a direction -CD opposite to the connecting direction CD. The protrusions 77 may be, for example, positioning pins 77P. The pair of positioning pins 77P are inserted into the inserted portion 62, thereby positioning the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70.

[0061] One end of a supply flow path 72 constituting the device supply part 71 is connected to the rear part of the connected member 73. The device supply part 71 and the connected part 70 are assembled to a frame 71F of the device body 11. The frame 71F has a dish-shaped waste liquid receiving part 74 at the bottom in which leaked waste liquid accumulates.

[0062] 12, the supply receiving connection portion 76 has a cylindrical portion and a pin-shaped supply receiving portion 78 located in the center thereof. The multiple supply receiving portions 78 communicate with the multiple supply flow paths 72. That is, the multiple supply flow paths 72 communicate with the multiple supply receiving portions 78, respectively.

[0063] The multiple supply destination connection parts 76 are arranged in the same arrangement as the multiple supply connection parts 61 to which they are connected. For example, the twelve supply destination connection parts 76 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The twelve supply destination connection parts 76 are arranged with six on each side slightly spaced apart, and the fixed part 80 is arranged in the space created in the middle. The fixed part 80 is arranged in the center of the connected surface 75. The fixed part 80 has a cylindrical shape. An engagement hole 81 opens on the end face of the fixed part 80. The connected member 73 has a recess 73A with the connected surface 75 as its bottom surface.

[0064] <Configuration of the fixing portion 63> Next, the configuration of the fixing portion 63 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the shaft portion 51 has a fixing portion 63 at its tip. That is, the fixing portion 63 has the rotatable shaft portion 51 and engaging portions 64, 65. The engaging portions 64, 65 are provided at the other end (tip) of the shaft portion 51. The engaging portions 64, 65 protrude in radially opposite directions from the shaft portion 51. More specifically, the engaging portions 64, 65 are formed by a pair of engaging pins 64P, 65P protruding in radially opposite directions from two positions opposed to each other across the axis of the shaft portion 51. In the following description, the engaging portion 64 is also referred to as a first engaging portion 64, and the engaging portion 65 is also referred to as a second engaging portion 65.

[0065] When the operation unit 43 is in the connection / disconnection operation position P1 (see FIG. 6), the engagement units 64, 65 of the fixing unit 63 are disposed at a first rotation position R1 shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 13. When the operation unit 43 is in the connection operation position P2 (see FIG. 6), the fixing unit 63 is disposed at a second rotation position R2 in which the engagement unit 64 is disposed at a position shown by a dashed line in FIG. 13 and the engagement unit 65 is disposed at a position shown by a solid line in FIG. 13. In other words, by operating the operation unit 43 between the two operation positions P1, P2, the shaft unit 51 rotates about its axis within a range of approximately 90 degrees.

[0066] <Engagement Structure Between the Fixing Portion 63 and the Fixed Portion 80> 14 to 17, an engagement structure between the fixing portion 63 and the fixed portion 80 will be described. As shown in Fig. 14, the engagement portions 64, 65 are configured to be able to engage with the fixed portion 80 by rotation of the shaft portion 51.

[0067] The fixed part 80 has a cylindrical housing 82. The fixed part 80 has an engagement hole 81 on an end surface of the cylindrical housing 82. The engagement hole 81 includes a central hole 81A, a first engagement hole 81B, and a second engagement hole 81C. When the fixing part 63 is in the first rotation position R1, the shaft part 51 of the fixing part 63 is inserted into the central hole 81A, the engagement part 64 is inserted into the first engagement hole 81B, and the engagement part 65 is inserted into the second engagement hole 81C. The fixed member 83 (see FIG. 15) is accommodated inside the cylindrical housing 82.

[0068] 15, fixed member 83 includes a cylindrical portion 83A and a pair of mounting plate portions 83B. Mounting holes 83C are formed in mounting plate portions 83B. Fastening members such as screws are inserted into mounting holes 83C and fastened to fix fixed member 83 to a portion of frame 71F (see FIG. 12).

[0069] An insertion hole 84 opens at an end face of the cylindrical portion 83A. The insertion hole 84 has a central hole portion 84A, a first engagement hole portion 84B, and a second engagement hole portion 84C. The central hole portion 84A corresponds to the central hole portion 81A, the first engagement hole portion 84B corresponds to the first engagement hole portion 81B, and the second engagement hole portion 84C corresponds to the second engagement hole portion 81C.

[0070] The guide surface 85, which is the inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole 84, is engageable with the engagement portions 64, 65 of the fixed portion 63. The guide surface 85 is formed in a surface shape capable of guiding the engagement portions 64, 65 so that the shaft portion 51 of the fixed portion 63 moves along the connection direction CD (axial direction). The guide surface 85 includes a second guide surface 85D as a surface portion along which the second engagement portion 65 is guided.

[0071] The shaft portion 51 of the fixing portion 63 rotates between a first rotation position R1 (see FIG. 16) and a second rotation position R2. When the shaft portion 51 rotates to the second rotation position R2 shown in FIG. 15, the first engagement portion 64 is guided by the guide surface 85 during the rotation and displaced in the connecting direction CD. This displacement of the first engagement portion 64 causes the shaft portion 51 to move in the connecting direction CD.

[0072] 16 and 17, the operation of connecting / separating the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 by displacing the shaft part 51 in the axial direction (connecting direction CD) due to engagement between the fixing part 63 and the fixed part 80 will be described. Fig. 16 shows a separated state before the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are connected. Fig. 17 shows a connected state in which the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are connected.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 16, based on the operation of engaging the engaging portions 64, 65 with the fixed portion 80, the connecting portion 40 moves in the connecting direction CD and is connected to the connected portion 70 (Fig. 17). The fixing portion 63 is inserted into the insertion hole 84. More specifically, the shaft portion 51 is inserted into the central hole portion 84A and the shaft guide surface 85A. The first engaging portion 64 is inserted into the first engaging holes 81B, 84B. The second engaging portion 65 is inserted into the second engaging holes 81C (Fig. 14), 84C (Fig. 15).

[0074] Here, the guide surface 85 includes an axis guide surface 85A formed of the inner peripheral surface of the central hole 84A as a surface portion that is guided when the shaft portion 51 is inserted. The guide surface 85 also includes a first guide surface 85B as a surface portion that guides the first engagement portion 64. The first guide surface 85B has a surface shape that forms a part of a spiral surface in which the surface position faces the connecting direction CD as it approaches the first rotation direction A shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 16. Therefore, when the fixing portion 63 at the first rotation position R1 shown in FIG. 16 rotates in the first rotation direction A shown in FIG. 16, the first engagement portion 64 is guided along the first guide surface 85B, and the shaft portion 51 moves in the connecting direction CD. The force that moves the shaft portion 51 in the connecting direction CD moves the connecting portion 40 so as to approach the connected portion 70. As a result, the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 are connected to each other as shown in FIG. 17.

[0075] The guide surface 85 includes a first locking portion 85C with which the first engagement portion 64 is locked at a position where the first engagement portion 64 is rotated approximately 90 degrees along the first guide surface 85B. Therefore, when the shaft portion 51 rotates to the second rotation position R2, the first engagement portion 64 is locked to the first locking portion 85C, and the fixed portion 63 is held at the second rotation position R2. Note that at the second rotation position R2, the second engagement portion 65 is also locked to a second locking portion (not shown).

[0076] On the other hand, when separating the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70, the user operates the operation part 43 from the connecting operation position P2 to the disconnecting operation position P1. By this operation, the fixing part 63 rotates from the second rotation position R2 shown in FIG. 17 to the first rotation position R1 shown in FIG. 16. At this time, the second engaging part 65 shown in FIG. 15 is guided along the second guide surface 85D. Here, the second guide surface 85D has a surface shape that forms a part of a spiral surface in which the surface position faces the direction -CD opposite to the connecting direction CD as it moves toward the second rotation direction B shown by the two-dot chain arrow in FIG. 15. Therefore, the shaft part 51 of the fixing part 63 is pushed back in the direction -CD opposite to the connecting direction CD. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, when the fixing part 63 returns to the first rotation position R1, the connecting part 40 is separated from the connected part 70 by a predetermined distance in the direction -CD opposite to the connecting direction CD. As a result, the connection between the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 is released.

[0077] <Configuration of the supply connection part 76> As shown in FIG. 18, the supply receiving connection part 76 has a cylindrical recess 76A and a supply receiving part 78 protruding from the center of the recess 76A in the direction opposite to the connection direction CD. The supply connection part 61 on the connection part 40 side is inserted into the recess 76A. At this time, the supply receiving part 78 is inserted into the supply port 61A (see FIG. 10) of the supply connection part 61. The supply receiving part 78 has a supply hole 79A at its tip that opens on its side peripheral surface. When the supply receiving part 78 is connected to the supply receiving connection part 76, the liquid in the supply receiving connection part 76 flows into the supply hole 79A, and the liquid is supplied from the liquid supply device 30 to the device body 11 side.

[0078] <Connection structure between connecting part 40 and connected part 70> Next, the connection structure between the connection part 40 and the connected part 70 will be described with reference to Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 19, the supply connection part 61 has an annular elastic member 66 on the inside of the supply port 61A. In detail, the elastic member 66 is fitted into the inner periphery of the first flow path member 47 on the supply port 61A side, which includes a part of the supply connection part 61. The elastic member 66 is held inside the supply port 61A by an annular member 67 fitted into the supply port 61A.

[0079] The first flow path member 47 has a connecting pipe portion 47A to which the other end of the supply flow path 46 is connected at its upstream end. Thus, a flow path 47B in the first flow path member 47 is connected to the supply flow path 46. A valve body 68 is housed in the flow path 47B in the first flow path member 47. The valve body 68 is biased in a direction toward the supply port 61A by the elastic force of a spring 69. Therefore, when the supplied portion 78 is not inserted into the supply connection portion 61, the valve body 68 abuts against the elastic member 66, thereby closing the supply port 61A in the supply connection portion 61 in a liquid-tight state.

[0080] 19, when the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 are connected, the supplied portion 78 is inserted into the supply connection portion 61. The supplied portion 78 pushes the valve body 68 against the biasing force of the spring 69. Then, the supplied portion 78 is inserted into the flow path 47B on the inner side of the elastic member 66. This allows the supplied portion 78 to communicate with the supply connection portion 61. That is, the flow path 79B in the supplied portion 78 and the flow path 101 in the first flow path member 47 communicate with each other via the supply hole 79A. The liquid supplied by the pump 58 (see FIG. 8) from the liquid supply source 55 is supplied from the supply flow path 46 to the flow path 79B via the flow path 101 and the supply hole 79A.

[0081] In addition, the supply connection portion 61 and the supply connection portion 76 have an aligning function. The first flow path member 47 has a flange portion 47C. The flange portion 47C is held in a sandwiched state between the first member 91 and the front frame portion 50A that constitute the connection portion 40. The flange portion 47C is displaceable in a direction intersecting the connection direction CD relative to the first member 91 and the front frame portion 50A. Therefore, the first flow path member 47 is displaceable within a predetermined range in a direction intersecting the connection direction CD.

[0082] The supplied portion 78 is constituted by a part of the second flow path member 86. The second flow path member 86 has a flange portion 86A. The flange portion 86A is held in a state sandwiched between the second member 92 and the third member 93 constituting the connected portion 70. The flange portion 86A is displaceable in a direction intersecting the connecting direction CD relative to the second member 92 and the third member 93. Therefore, the second flow path member 86 is displaceable within a predetermined range in a direction intersecting the connecting direction CD. The supplied portion 78 has a large diameter portion 78A on the base side and a small diameter portion 78B on the tip side. One end (upstream end) of the supply flow path 72 is connected to a connecting pipe portion 90 extending in the X direction from a downstream portion of the second flow path member 86.

[0083] In the process of inserting the supplied portion 78 into the supply port 61A of the supply connection portion 61, the small diameter portion 78B is inserted into the supply port 61A first. The small diameter portion 78B is inserted while being guided by the annular member 67 and the elastic member 66. When the axes of the supplied portion 78 and the supply port 61A are misaligned, the second flow path member 86 is aligned with respect to the supply port 61A by being displaced in a direction intersecting the connecting direction CD. This alignment may also be performed by displacing the first flow path member 47 in a direction intersecting the connecting direction CD.

[0084] 19, the connected portion 70 is provided with a one-way valve 87 that prevents liquid leakage from the supplied portion 78 when the connected portion 70 is not connected to the supply connection portion 61. The one-way valve 87 is provided downstream of the flow path 79B in the supplied portion 78. The one-way valve 87 has a first valve chamber 102, a second valve chamber 103, and a valve body 88. The valve body 88 may be, for example, an umbrella valve having an umbrella shape as shown in FIG. 19. The umbrella valve has an umbrella portion and a stem portion.

[0085] When the liquid pressure in the second valve chamber 103 is higher than the liquid pressure in the first valve chamber 102, the umbrella portion of the valve body 88 blocks the valve hole 89 that communicates the first valve chamber 102 and the second valve chamber 103, thereby closing the one-way valve 87. Therefore, when the connected part 70 is in a disconnected state, the one-way valve 87 is closed by the pressure of the liquid from the supply flow path 72. This prevents liquid from leaking from the supply hole 79A of the supplied part 78 when the connected part 70 is in a disconnected state.

[0086] When the liquid pressure in the first valve chamber 102 is higher than the liquid pressure in the second valve chamber 103, the umbrella portion of the valve body 88 is deflected in a direction away from the opening of the valve hole 89 by the liquid pressure from the valve hole 89, thereby opening the one-way valve 87. As a result, when the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 are in a connected state, liquid is supplied from the supply connection portion 61 to the supplied portion 78. Note that one end of the supply flow path 72 is connected to a connecting pipe portion 86B extending to the downstream end of the second flow path member 86.

[0087] <Leakage prevention measures> Next, a configuration for preventing liquid leakage will be described with reference to Fig. 20. When connecting part 40 and connected part 70 are connected / disconnected, supply connection part 61 and supplied part 78 are inserted and removed. For this reason, liquid may drip from each of supply connection part 61 and supplied part 78.

[0088] First, the structure relating to the liquid leakage countermeasures on the device body 11 side will be described. On the device body 11 side, below the supplied portion 78, an absorbing member 95 is accommodated in an accommodating portion 94 held by the frame 71F. The absorbing member 95 is located below the supplied portion 78. The accommodating portion 94 has an inclined guide portion 94A capable of guiding liquid to the absorbing member 95 on the extension direction side of the supplied portion 78. Liquid dripping onto the guide portion 94A is guided to the absorbing member 95. Therefore, when the connection portion 40 and the connected portion 70 are disconnected, liquid dripping from the supplied portion 78 is absorbed by the absorbing member 95.

[0089] In the vertical direction Z, the guide section 94A side of the storage section 94 is higher and the device body 11 side is lower. Therefore, when the absorbing member 95 becomes full of liquid and the liquid overflows, it flows onto the bottom plate 105 on the device body 11 side. The liquid on the bottom plate 105 flows along a path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 20. When the liquid has finished flowing over the bottom plate 105, it flows down into the recess 107. When the liquid that has flowed down into the recess 107 flows further to a predetermined position, the liquid leakage detection section 108 detects the liquid. The bottom plate 105 may have a protrusion 106 on the upper surface of the bottom plate 105 along the path along which the liquid flows. When the liquid accumulated by the protrusion 106 overflows from the protrusion 106, the overflowed liquid may flow into the recess 107.

[0090] The various detection units 39, 53, 54, 108 are electrically connected to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 inputs detection signals from the various detection units 39, 53, 54, 108. When the control unit 100 inputs a detection signal indicating that a liquid leak has been detected from the liquid leak detection unit 108, the control unit 100 notifies the user by displaying on the display unit 18 a message indicating that a liquid leak has occurred and encouraging replacement or maintenance of the absorbing member 95.

[0091] Next, a configuration for preventing liquid leakage on the connection part 40 side will be described. As shown in FIG. 20, liquid leaking from the supply connection part 61 drips onto the bottom plate 42C of the connection part 40. The bottom plate 42C extends further in the connection direction CD than the tip of the supply connection part 61, and has a shape in which the tip is bent upward. Therefore, liquid dripping onto the bottom plate 42C flows in the direction -CD opposite to the connection direction CD. An absorbing member 96 is disposed in the middle of the path along which the liquid flows. Therefore, the liquid dripping from the supply connection part 61 flows over the bottom plate 42C and is then first absorbed by the absorbing member 96.

[0092] When the absorbing member 96 becomes full, the overflowing liquid drips downward from a through hole 97 formed in the bottom plate 42C downstream of the absorbing member 96 in the waste liquid path. The liquid dripping from the through hole 97 falls onto the upper surface 37 of the housing 31A. A guide groove 98 is formed in the upper surface 37 in a predetermined region including directly below the through hole 97. The liquid dripping from the through hole 97 is received in the guide groove 98 and is guided along the guide groove 98 to a target position via a path indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 20.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 21, the liquid guide path on the upper surface 37 on the liquid supply device 30 side will be described. The guide groove 98 guides the liquid in a direction along the −X direction in FIG. 21. The guide groove 98 includes a liquid receiving portion 98A located in an area including directly below the through hole 97 on the upper surface 37, and a groove portion 98B. The liquid receiving portion 98A is connected to the upstream end of the groove portion 98B. The liquid receiving portion 98A is wider than the groove portion 98B, and has a shape that narrows toward the groove portion 98B in a plan view. The groove portion 98B extends along the guide path. The groove portion 98B may be lower in height toward the downstream side. This makes it easier for the liquid from the liquid receiving portion 98A to be guided along the groove portion 98B by gravity.

[0094] The liquid guided to the downstream end 98C of the groove 98B is guided downward from a guide hole (not shown) that opens on the upper surface 37 (top plate) of the housing 31A. For example, a guide flow path (not shown) extending along the vertical direction Z extends inside the housing 31A. The guide flow path guides the liquid to the waste liquid storage section 34 located at the lower end of the housing 31A. The waste liquid storage section 34 may contain an absorbing member capable of absorbing the liquid. The waste liquid storage section 34 may be provided with a detection section that detects the waste liquid. In this case, when the detection section detects that the amount of waste liquid collected exceeds a threshold value, the control section 100 may notify the user by displaying a message on the display section 18 to prompt the user to discard the waste liquid. The user removes the waste liquid storage section 34 from the housing 31A and discards the waste liquid.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 22, a cover detection unit 39 is disposed at a predetermined position on the upper surface 37 of the liquid supplying device 30. The cover detection unit 39 has a detection movable part 39A capable of detecting the cover 32. When the cover 32 is correctly attached, the detection movable part 39A of the cover detection unit 39 is pushed in, thereby detecting the cover 32. When the cover 32 is correctly attached, the cover detection unit 39 enters a detection state and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 100. The arrangement position of the cover detection unit 39 may be anywhere on the upper surface 37. The cover detection unit 39 may be disposed at a position opposite to the side (front side) on which the connection part 40 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 3. In this way, it is easy to avoid erroneous detection caused by a user working on the front side of the liquid supplying device 30 accidentally touching it.

[0096] <Operation of the embodiment> Next, the operation of the liquid ejection device 10 of this embodiment will be described. First, when the apparatus body 11 and the liquid supply device 30 are in a separated state before being connected, the cover 32 is attached to the upper surface 37 of the liquid supply device 30. Therefore, the operation unit 43 is in the connection operation position P2.

[0097] First, as shown in FIG. 1, the liquid supply device 30 is disposed at a position adjacent to the first side surface 12C of the device body 11. A pair of mounting parts 35A extending from the mounting member 35 shown in FIG. 2 are fixed to the front and rear of the leg 13A of the support stand 13. In addition, the cover 32 of the liquid supply device 30 is removed, and the upper side is also fixed to the device body 11 via the mounting member 19. The mounting parts are fixed by fastening screws or bolts. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid supply device 30 is attached to the right side of the device body 11 when viewed from the front. Each storage tray 33 of the liquid supply device 30 contains a liquid supply source 55. As shown in FIG. 8, the multiple liquid supply sources 55 are connected to the mounting part 56 with the introduction part 57 inserted into each supply port part 55A.

[0098] Next, the user connects the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70. If the cover 32 is attached to the liquid supplying device 30, the user removes the cover 32. The user rotates the operation part 43 from the connection operation position P2 to the connection release operation position P1. This rotation of the operation part 43 rotates the fixing part 63 from the second rotation position R2 to the first rotation position R1.

[0099] Next, the user manually temporarily connects the connecting part 40 to the connected part 70 by pulling out the connecting part 40 from the storage member 38 in the connection direction CD. At this time, the deformation part 49 connected to the connecting part 40 deforms, allowing the connecting part 40 to be pulled out from the storage position C1 to the connection position C2. Here, the temporary connection is a state in which the engagement parts 64, 65 of the fixing part 63 are inserted into the engagement hole 81 of the fixed part 80, as shown in FIG. 16. In this temporary connection, the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are in a separated state, as shown in FIG.

[0100] The timing of this temporary connection may be detected by the second detection unit 54. The second detection unit 54 detects that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 to a predetermined position. When detecting the position of the temporary connection, the predetermined position at which the convex portion 77 is detected by the second detection unit 54 is the timing at which the convex portion 77 is inserted into the inserted portion 62 to a predetermined position where the fixing portion 63 and the fixed portion 80 are properly engaged by inserting the engagement portions 64, 65 into the engagement holes 81 as shown in FIG. 16. After the second detection unit 54 detects that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 to a predetermined position where the fixing portion 63 and the fixed portion 80 are properly engaged, the control unit 100 issues a notification to encourage the user to operate the operation unit 43. This notification allows the user to know the timing of operation of the operation unit 43.

[0101] Next, the user rotates the operation part 43 from the disconnection operation position P1 to the connection operation position P2. This rotation of the operation part 43 causes the fixing part 63 to rotate about the axis together with the shaft part 51 by about 90 degrees. This causes the fixing part 63 to rotate from the first rotation position R1 to the second rotation position R2. During this rotation process of the fixing part 63, the engagement parts 64, 65 of the fixing part 63 are guided by the guide surface 85 (particularly the first guide surface 85B) of the fixed part 80 and are drawn in by a predetermined amount in the connecting direction CD. At this time, the connecting part 40 receives a drawing force at the center of the connecting surface 41, so that it moves parallel to the connecting direction CD while maintaining its posture. The connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are connected by switching from the separated state shown in FIG. 16 to the connected state shown in FIG. 17 (FIG. 17).

[0102] When the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 are properly connected, the first detecting portion 53 and the second detecting portion 54 each switch from a non-detecting state to a detecting state. When the control portion 100 receives detection signals from the first detecting portion 53 and the second detecting portion 54, it causes the display portion 18 to display information such as a message indicating that the connection has been properly made on the display portion 18. The user knows that the connection between the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 has been successful from the message or the like displayed on the display portion 18. The predetermined position of the convex portion 77 detected by the second detecting portion 54 at this time is the position where the connection has been properly completed.

[0103] For example, if either the first detection unit 53 or the second detection unit 54 is in a non-detecting state, the control unit 100 displays a message on the display unit 18 urging the user to try again to connect. The user who sees the message can either push the operation unit 43 all the way to the connection operation position P2 or try again to connect the connecting unit 40 and the connected unit 70. Even if the operation unit 43 is operated to the connection operation position P2 and the first detection unit 53 is in a detecting state, the connecting unit 40 and the connected unit 70 may not be completely connected due to a positional shift or the like. Even in this case, the second detection unit 54 is not inserted into the inserted unit 62 until the convex portion 77 passes a predetermined position and does not enter a detecting state, so that this type of incomplete connection defect can be detected.

[0104] When the connection between the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 is completed in this manner, the cover 32 is attached to the upper surface 37 of the supply unit body 31. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation part 43 is held in the connection operation position P2 by the regulating part 32B. If the cover 32 is not attached correctly, the cover detection part 39 is in a non-detection state. For example, when the control part 100 receives an instruction such as a recording instruction to supply liquid from the liquid supplying device 30, if the cover detection part 39 is in a non-detection state, the control part 100 causes the display part 18 to display a message urging the user to attach the cover 32. A user who sees this message can attach the cover 32 or reattach it correctly.

[0105] 8 is driven to supply liquid from a liquid supply source 55 to the liquid ejection unit 20 through a supply flow path 46, a connection part 40, a connected part 70, and supply flow paths 72 and 24. The liquid ejection unit 20 ejects the supplied liquid from nozzles of an ejection head 22, thereby recording characters or images on the medium M.

[0106] For example, the liquid supplying device 30 is repeatedly removed from and attached to the device body 11 for reasons such as maintenance and cleaning of the liquid ejection device 10 and moving the device. As the connection and disconnection between the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 are repeated, liquid leaks from the connection point. The liquid leaked at the connecting part 40 is absorbed by the absorbing member 96. Furthermore, the liquid overflowing from the absorbing member 96 falls from the through hole 97 into the guide groove 98, is guided along the guide groove 98, and then descends inside the housing 31A and is collected in the waste liquid storage part 34. Meanwhile, the liquid leaked at the connected part 70 is absorbed by the absorbing member 95. Furthermore, when the liquid overflowing from the absorbing member 95 is guided along a predetermined path and flows to a predetermined position, it is detected by the liquid leakage detection part 108. When the liquid leakage detection part 108 detects liquid leakage, the control part 100 causes the display part 18 to display a message to that effect. A user who sees the message replaces the absorbing members 95, 96, etc., performs maintenance, collects waste liquid, etc.

[0107] When removing the liquid supplying device 30 from the device body 11, the user removes the cover 32 and then rotates the operation part 43 from the connection operation position P2 to the connection release operation position P1. As a result, the fixing part 63 shown in Fig. 16 rotates from the second rotation position R2 to the first rotation position R1, and the connecting part 40 and the connected part 70 switch from the connected state shown in Fig. 17 to the separated state shown in Fig. 16, and are separated.

[0108] Thereafter, the user removes the connection part 40 from the connected part 70. The disconnected connection part 40 is pulled towards the storage member 38 by the force of the deformation part 49 restoring its deformation. Therefore, even if the user forgets to store the connection part 40 in the storage position C1, the connection part 40 returns to the vicinity of the storage position C1. Furthermore, the user releases the fixation of the mounting member 35 by loosening the screws or bolts. As a result, the liquid supplying device 30 is removed from the device body 11.

[0109] <Effects of the embodiment> Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) The liquid supplying device 30 is detachably connected to a connected portion 70 of the device body 11 having a liquid ejection portion 20 that ejects liquid. The liquid supplying device 30 includes an attachment portion 56, a connection portion 40, a supply portion 45, a fixing portion 63, an axis portion 51, and an operation portion 43. A plurality of liquid supply sources 55 that contain liquid are detachably attached to the attachment portion 56. The connection portion 40 is configured to be connectable to the connected portion 70 in a connection direction CD. The supply portion 45 connects the attachment portion 56 and the connection portion 40. The fixing portion 63 is configured to be able to fix the liquid supplying device 30 to a fixed portion 80 of the device body 11 in a state in which the connection portion 40 is connected to the connected portion 70. The axis portion 51 is configured to be rotatable. The operation portion 43 extends from one end of the axis portion 51 in a direction intersecting the connection direction CD. The engagement portions 64, 65 are provided on the other end of the shaft portion 51 and configured to be able to engage with the fixed portion 80 by rotation of the shaft portion 51. According to this configuration, the operation portion 43 can be operated at a position away from the connection portion 40, thereby improving operability.

[0110] (2) Based on the operation of the engaging portions 64, 65 engaging with the fixed portion 80, the connecting portion 40 moves in the connecting direction CD and is connected to the connected portion 70. According to this configuration, the connection can be completed with less force.

[0111] (3) The first detector 53 is capable of detecting the position of the operation unit 43. With this configuration, it is possible to know that the fixing unit 63 has been fixed. (4) Provided with a second detection unit 54. A convex portion 77 is provided on one of the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70, and an inserted portion 62 and a second detection unit 54 are provided on the other of the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70. The second detection unit 54 can detect that the convex portion 77 has been inserted into the inserted portion 62 up to a predetermined position. With this configuration, the connection state between the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 can be grasped.

[0112] (5) The display unit 18 is an example of a notification unit. After the second detection unit 54 detects that the convex portion 77 has been inserted to a predetermined position in the insertion portion 62, a notification is issued to prompt the user to operate the operation unit 43. According to this configuration, the second detection unit 54 can be used to grasp the timing of operation of the operation unit 43.

[0113] (6) The removable cover 32 is configured to cover at least the operation unit 43. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the operation unit 43 from being moved erroneously due to contact with the operation unit 43.

[0114] (7) The connection part 40 has a plurality of supply connection parts 61 that, when connected to the connected part 70, are connected to a plurality of supply receiving connection parts 76 provided on the connected part 70. The supply part 45 has a plurality of supply flow paths 46 that respectively communicate between a plurality of liquid supply sources 55 attached to the attachment part 56 and the plurality of supply connection parts 61. When the connection part 40 is viewed in the connection direction CD, the shaft part 51 is provided so as to pass through the center of the plurality of supply connection parts 61. This configuration makes it easy to connect the plurality of supply receiving connection parts 76 to the plurality of supply connection parts 61 up to the correct position.

[0115] (8) The plurality of supply flow paths 46 each have a deformable deformation portion 49. The connection portion 40 is movable relative to the mounting portion 56. With this configuration, even if there are a plurality of supply flow paths 46, the connection portion 40 and the connected portion 70 can be easily connected. In addition, since the mounting portion 56 has a configuration for accommodating the deformation portion 49, after the connection of the connection portion 40 is released, the connection portion 40 can be retracted into the mounting portion 56. For example, after the connection portion 40 is released, the deformation of the deformation portion 49 (tube, etc.) is restored, and the connection portion 40 is drawn toward the storage position C1 toward the storage member 38. As a result, the connection portion 40 moves to the storage position C1 or near the storage position C1 due to restoration even if the user does not intend to do so. This makes it possible to prevent the connection portion 40 from accidentally coming into contact with the device body 11 or peripheral devices when moving the liquid supply device 30.

[0116] (9) The mounting portion 56 includes a plurality of insertion openings 31B, a plurality of introduction portions 57, and a connection portion 40. The plurality of insertion openings 31B are configured to allow the respective plurality of liquid supply sources 55 to be inserted therein. The plurality of introduction portions 57 are connected to the respective plurality of liquid supply sources 55. The connection portion 40 and the fixing portion 63 are provided at a position closer to the respective insertion openings 31B than the plurality of introduction portions 57 are in the depth direction Y. With this configuration, the connection portion 40 and the fixing portion 63 are located closer to the insertion opening 31B into which the liquid supply source 55 is inserted, thereby reducing the user's work area.

[0117] (10) The liquid ejection device 10 includes a device main body 11 and a liquid supply device 30. The device main body 11 has a liquid ejection section 20 that ejects liquid, a connected section 70, and a device supply section 71 that connects the liquid ejection section 20 and the connected section 70. With this configuration, the liquid ejection device 10 can achieve the same effects as the liquid supply device 30.

[0118] The above embodiment can be modified to the following modified examples. Further modified examples can be appropriately combined with the above embodiment and the following modified examples, or further modified examples can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0119] The fixing portion 63 may be a helical screw portion formed at the tip of the shaft portion 51 instead of the shaft portion 51 and the engagement portions 64, 65. A locking mechanism for locking the operation unit 43 in the connection operation position P2 may be provided.

[0120] The operation unit 43 may be of a retractable type that can be retracted by rotating it about the shaft 51 in a direction different from the direction of rotation during operation. The operation unit 43 may be a rotatable handle instead of a lever. The shaft 51 may be rotated by rotating the handle.

[0121] A protrusion 77 may be provided on the connecting portion 40. In this case, the inserted portion 62 and the second detection portion 54 may be provided on the connected portion 70. In short, it is sufficient that the protrusion 77 is provided on one of the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70, and the inserted portion 62 is provided on the other.

[0122] The connection portion 40 and the fixing portion 63 may be provided at a position closer to the multiple introduction portions 57 than to the multiple insertion openings 31B. The first detection unit 53 may be either one that detects the position of the operating unit 43 itself, or one that detects the position of a detectable unit 52 provided near the operating unit 43 of the shaft 51. In either case, the position of the operating unit 43 can be detected directly or indirectly.

[0123] It is preferable, but not essential, to prevent the cover 32 from being attached correctly if the operation unit 43 is not operated to the end. A configuration may be adopted in which the cover 32 can press the operation unit 43 when the cover 32 is attached in a state in which the operation unit 43 is not operated to the end. With this configuration, the operation unit 43 can be moved to the end by attaching the cover 32. Note that it may be possible to confirm that the operation unit 43 has been pressed to the end by the cover detection unit 39 from the attached position of the cover 32, and to cause the control unit 100 to display information on the display unit 18 that the operation unit 43 has been operated to the end.

[0124] The protrusion 77 may be a detection-only protrusion provided for the purpose of detecting whether the connection between the connecting portion 40 and the connected portion 70 has been properly made. The notification unit is not limited to a display unit that displays a message or a notification mark on the display unit 18 or the like so that the user can visually recognize the notification content, but may also be a sound generating unit such as a speaker or buzzer that notifies the user by sound such as voice or notification sound.

[0125] In addition to the display unit 18 on the device main body 11 side, the housing 31A of the liquid supplying device 30 may be provided with a display unit or a sound generating unit that constitutes an example of a notification unit. The pump 58 may be disposed on the side of the apparatus main body 11. That is, the apparatus supply unit 71 may have the pump 58.

[0126] The liquid supply device 30 may be configured to house a liquid supply source 55 at a position higher than the nozzle of the liquid discharge unit 20 inside the device body 11 to which it is attached, and may supply liquid from the liquid supply source 55 to the liquid discharge unit 20 on the device body 11 side by utilizing a head difference. In this case, the liquid supply device 30 may be configured to house a plurality of liquid supply sources 55 arranged horizontally.

[0127] The surface to which the liquid supply device 30 is connected to the device body 11 is not limited to the first side surface 12C side. It may be the front surface 12A or the second side surface 12D. In the case of the front surface 12A, the area of ​​the discharge port 16 through which the medium M is discharged in the width direction X may be avoided. Furthermore, the surface to which the liquid supply device 30 is connected may be the rear surface 12E or the bottom surface 12F. In the case of the bottom surface 12F, there is no problem as long as it does not interfere with the discharge of the recorded medium M and the liquid supply device 30 is accessible even during the recording operation.

[0128] The liquid ejection device 10 is not limited to a large-format printer configured to be capable of printing on a large-sized medium M, but may be a printer for office or personal use configured to be capable of recording on a relatively small-sized medium M, such as a maximum size of A4 or A3. For example, the liquid supplying device 30 containing an ink tank may be configured to be detachably attached to the printer body (an example of the device body), and a connecting portion 40 of the printer body and a connected portion 70 of the liquid supplying device 30 may be connected by operating an operating portion 43. The liquid ejection device 10 may also be a textile printing device. The textile printing device may be of an inkjet recording type.

[0129] The technical concepts and effects obtained from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) A liquid supply device that is detachably connected to a connected part of a device body having a liquid ejection part that ejects liquid, comprising: an attachment part to which a plurality of liquid supply sources that contain the liquid are detachably attached, a connection part that is connectable to the connected part in a connection direction, a supply part that connects the attachment part and the connection part, and a fixing part that is capable of fixing the liquid supply device to a fixed part of the device body in a state in which the connection part is connected to the connected part, the fixing part having a rotatable shaft part, an operating part that extends from one end of the shaft part in a direction intersecting the connection direction, and an engaging part that is provided at the other end of the shaft part and is capable of engaging with the fixed part by rotation of the shaft part. With this configuration, the operating part can be operated at a position away from the connection part, thereby improving workability.

[0130] (B) In the liquid supplying device described above in (A), the connecting portion may move in the connecting direction and be connected to the connected portion based on an operation of the engaging portion engaging with the fixed portion. With this configuration, the connection can be completed with less force.

[0131] (C) The liquid supplying device according to (A) or (B) above may further include a first detector capable of detecting the position of the operation part. With this configuration, it can be known that the fixing part has been fixed.

[0132] (D) The liquid supplying device according to any one of (A) to (C) above may further include a second detection unit, wherein one of the connecting unit and the connected unit is provided with a convex portion, and the other of the connecting unit and the connected unit is provided with an inserted unit and the second detection unit, and the second detection unit may detect that the convex portion has been inserted into the inserted unit up to a predetermined position. With this configuration, it is possible to grasp the connection state between the connecting unit and the connected unit.

[0133] (E) The liquid supplying device according to any one of (A) to (D) above may further include a notification unit, which issues a notification to prompt the user to operate the operating unit after the second detection unit detects that the convex portion has been inserted into the inserted portion up to a predetermined position. With this configuration, the detection unit can be used to grasp the timing of operation of the operating unit.

[0134] (F) The liquid supplying device described in (E) above may further include a removable cover configured to cover at least the operation unit. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the operation unit from being erroneously moved due to contact with the operation unit.

[0135] (G) In the liquid supplying device according to any one of (A) to (F) above, the connection part has a plurality of supply connection parts which are connected to a plurality of supply receiving connection parts provided on the connection part when the connection part is connected to the connection receiving part, the supply part has a plurality of supply flow paths respectively communicating between the plurality of liquid supply sources attached to the attachment part and the plurality of supply connection parts, and the shaft part may be provided so as to pass through the center of the plurality of supply connection parts when the connection part is viewed in the connection direction. With this configuration, it is easy to connect the plurality of supply receiving connection parts to the plurality of supply connection parts up to the correct positions.

[0136] (H) In the liquid supplying device according to any one of (A) to (G) above, the supply flow paths each may have a deformable portion, and the connection portion may be movable relative to the mounting portion. With this configuration, even when there are multiple supply flow paths, the connection portion can be easily connected to the connection receiving portion.

[0137] (I) In the liquid supply device described in (H) above, the mounting portion may have a plurality of insertion openings into which the plurality of liquid supply sources can be respectively inserted, and a plurality of introduction portions connected to the plurality of liquid supply sources, and the connection portion and the fixing portion may be provided at a position closer to the plurality of insertion openings than the plurality of introduction portions. With this configuration, the connection portion and the fixing portion are located closer to the insertion openings into which the liquid supply sources are inserted, thereby reducing the user's work area.

[0138] (J) A liquid ejection device includes an apparatus main body having a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid, a connected section, and an apparatus supply section that connects the liquid ejection section and the connected section, and the liquid supply device. With this configuration, the liquid ejection device can achieve the same effects as the liquid supply device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 10...liquid ejection device, 11...device body, 12...housing, 12A...front surface, 12B...top surface, 12C...first side surface, 12D...second side surface, 12E...rear surface, 12F...bottom surface, 13...support stand, 13A...legs, 13B...casters, 14...feeding section, 15...roll body, 16...discharge outlet, 17...operation panel, 18...display section as an example of an alarm section, 20...liquid ejection section, 21...carriage, 22...ejection head, 23...support stand, 24...supply flow path, 24A...U-shaped flow path, 25...feed motor, 26...transport section, 27...transport roller pair, 28...discharge roller pair, 29..., 30...liquid supply device , 31...supply unit main body, 31A...housing, 31B...insertion port, 32...cover, 32A...handle, 32B...regulation portion, 33...storage tray, 34...waste liquid storage portion, 35...mounting member, 35A...mounting portion, 36...caster, 37...upper surface, 38...storage member, 38A...storage port, 39...cover detection portion, 39A...detection movable portion, 40...connection portion, 41...connection surface, 42...casing, 42A...concave surface, 42B...concave, 42C...bottom plate, 43...operation portion, 45...supply portion, 46...supply flow path, 47...first flow path member, 47A...connection pipe portion, 47B...flow path, 47C...flange portion, 48...clip member, 49...deformation portion , 50...frame, 50A...front frame, 51...shaft portion, 52...detectable portion, 53...first detection portion, 53A...detectable movable portion, 54...second detection portion, 54A...detectable movable portion, 55...liquid supply source, 55A...supply port portion, 56...mounting portion, 57...introduction portion, 58...pump, 61...supply connection portion, 61A...supply port, 62...inserted portion, 63...fixed portion, 64...engagement portion (first engagement portion), 65...engagement portion (second engagement portion), 66...elastic member, 67...annular member, 68...valve body, 69...spring, 70...connected portion, 71...apparatus supply portion, 72...supply flow path, 73...connected member, 73A...recess, 74...waste liquid receiving portion , 75...connected surface, 76...supplied connection portion, 76A...recess, 77...projection, 77P...positioning pin, 78...supplied portion, 78A...large diameter portion, 78B...small diameter portion, 79A...supply hole, 79B...flow path, 80...fixed portion, 81...engagement hole, 81A...central hole portion, 81B...first engagement hole portion, 81C...second engagement hole portion, 82...cylindrical housing, 83...fixed member, 83A...cylindrical portion, 83B...mounting plate portion, 83C...mounting hole, 84...insertion hole, 84A...central hole portion, 84B...first engagement hole portion, 84C...second engagement hole portion, 85...guide surface, 85A...axis guide surface, 85B...first guide surface, 85C...first locking portion,85D...second guide surface, 86...second flow path member, 86A...flange portion, 86B...connecting pipe portion, 87...one-way valve, 88...valve body, 89...valve hole, 91...first guide member, 92...second guide member, 93...third guide member, 94...retaining portion, 95...absorbent member, 96...absorbent member, 97...through hole, 98A...liquid receiving portion, 98...guide groove, 98B...groove portion, 98C...downstream end portion, 100...control portion, 101...flow path, 102...first valve chamber, 103...second valve chamber, 105...bottom plate, 106...projection, 107...recess, 108...liquid leakage detection unit, M...medium, C1...storage position, C2...connection position, P1...disconnection operation position, P2...connection operation position, CD...connection direction, R1...first rotation position, R2...second rotation position, X...width direction, Y...depth direction (front-back direction), Y1...transport direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid supplying device that is detachably connected to a connected portion of a device body having a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid, a mounting portion to which a plurality of liquid supply sources each containing the liquid are detachably mounted; a connecting portion connectable to the connected portion in a connecting direction; a supply section that connects the mounting section and the connection section; a fixing part capable of fixing the liquid supplying device to the fixed part of the device body in a state in which the connection part is connected to the connected part; Equipped with The fixing portion is A rotatable shaft portion; an operation portion extending from one end of the shaft portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction; an engagement portion provided at the other end of the shaft portion and capable of engaging with the fixed portion by rotation of the shaft portion; A liquid supplying device comprising:

2. 2. The liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion moves in the connecting direction and is connected to the connected portion based on an operation of the engaging portion engaging with the fixed portion.

3. 2. The liquid supplying device according to claim 1, further comprising a first detector capable of detecting a position of the operation portion.

4. Further comprising a second detection unit, a protrusion is provided on one of the connecting portion and the connected portion, a receiving portion and the second detection portion are provided on the other of the connecting portion and the receiving portion, 2. The liquid supplying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection portion is capable of detecting that the convex portion has been inserted into the insertion portion up to a predetermined position.

5. Further comprising a notification unit, The liquid supplying device according to claim 4 , wherein after the second detection portion detects that the convex portion has been inserted into the inserted portion up to a predetermined position, a notification is given to prompt the user to operate the operation portion.

6. The liquid supply device according to claim 1 , further comprising a removable cover configured to cover at least the operation unit.

7. the connection portion has a plurality of supply connection portions that are connected to a plurality of supply receiving connection portions provided on the connection portion when the connection portion is connected to the connection receiving portion, the supply unit has a plurality of supply flow paths respectively communicating between the plurality of liquid supply sources attached to the attachment unit and the plurality of supply connection units; 2. The liquid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft portion is provided so as to pass through a center of the plurality of supply connection portions when the connection portions are viewed in the connection direction.

8. Each of the supply flow paths has a deformable portion, 8. The liquid supply device according to claim 7, wherein the connection portion is movable relative to the mounting portion.

9. The mounting portion is a plurality of insertion openings into which the plurality of liquid supply sources can be inserted, respectively; a plurality of inlet ports respectively connected to the plurality of liquid supply sources; 2. The liquid supplying device according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion and the fixing portion are provided at positions closer to the plurality of insertion openings than the plurality of introduction portions.

10. an apparatus main body including a liquid discharger that discharges liquid, a connected portion, and an apparatus supply portion that connects the liquid discharger and the connected portion; A liquid supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A liquid ejection device comprising:

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