Liquid collection device and liquid collection container

Abstract

To provide a liquid recovery device capable of efficiently recovering liquid remaining in a liquid storage container.SOLUTION: The liquid recovery device 68 recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid storage container 18 has a plurality of ports including an injection port 53 and a supply port 52. The injection port 53 is a port through which liquid can be injected. The supply port 52 is a port capable of supplying a liquid to a liquid discharge unit that discharges the liquid. The liquid recovery apparatus 68 comprises a liquid recovery container 70 and a pressure generating part 80. The liquid collection container 70 includes a collection port portion 72 configured to be connectable to a port portion of the liquid storage container 18. The pressure generation portion 80 is separate from the liquid collection container 70, and generates a pressure for moving the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid collection container 70 through the coupling between the port portion and the collection port portion 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid recovery device and a liquid recovery container that recovers liquid remaining in a liquid storage container that can contain liquid to be supplied to a liquid ejection section. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example of a liquid ejection device, an inkjet printing device that includes a liquid ejection unit that ejects liquid such as ink onto a medium such as paper. This type of liquid ejection device is equipped with a liquid storage container that stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection unit. In addition to replaceable cartridges (such as ink cartridges), other known liquid storage containers include refillable liquid tanks (such as ink tanks) that have an inlet that allows the user to refill the liquid. When the liquid in a refillable liquid storage container (liquid tank) runs low, the user refills the liquid by connecting a refill bottle such as an ink bottle to the inlet.

[0003] When a liquid ejection device is discarded, the cartridge is often collected for recycling. Even if the liquid ejection device is discarded together with the cartridge, there is little risk of liquid leaking from the cartridge because the cartridge does not have an injection port.

[0004] In contrast, a liquid refillable liquid container is fixed to the housing or carriage of the liquid ejection device. Therefore, liquid ejection devices are often discarded with the liquid container still fixed. However, if liquid such as ink remains in the liquid container, the liquid may leak from the inlet with a loose or detached cap if the liquid ejection device is tilted during disposal. The leaked liquid may not be treated and may cause environmental pollution. Therefore, when discarding a liquid ejection device equipped with a tank-type liquid container, it is preferable for the user to collect the liquid from the liquid container before discarding the liquid ejection device. Furthermore, even if a liquid refillable liquid container is removed from a liquid ejection device, if liquid remains in the removed liquid container, the same problem can occur when discarding the removed liquid container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-69717 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, conventional liquid refillable liquid containers do not provide a structure for recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid container when the liquid ejection device is disposed of. Therefore, there is a need for a system for properly recovering the liquid remaining in the liquid container when the liquid ejection device is disposed of. It should be noted that, in addition to when the liquid ejection device is disposed of, it may also be desirable to be able to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid container when the liquid ejection device is being transported or maintained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A liquid recovery device that solves the above problem is a liquid recovery device that recovers liquid remaining in a liquid storage container having multiple openings including an inlet portion through which liquid can be injected and a supply opening portion through which liquid can be supplied to a liquid ejection portion that ejects liquid, and is equipped with a liquid recovery container having a recovery opening portion that is configured to be connectable to the opening of the liquid storage container, and a pressure generating portion that is separate from the liquid recovery container and generates pressure that moves the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container through the connection between the opening portion and the recovery opening portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the liquid ejection device when refilling the liquid container with liquid. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the internal configuration of the liquid ejection device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a liquid supply unit having a plurality of liquid storage containers. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid recovery device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing one set of liquid recovery devices. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a negative pressure type liquid recovery device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a tubular member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic bottom view showing a state in which the tubular member is inserted into the injection port portion. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing the state in which the liquid recovery device is assembled. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing how the negative pressure type liquid recovery device recovers liquid from a liquid storage container. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing how liquid is replenished from the liquid recovery container to the liquid storage container. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a pressurized liquid recovery device in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a tubular member. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic bottom view showing a state in which the tubular member is inserted into the injection port portion. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional side view showing how a pressurized liquid recovery device recovers liquid from a liquid storage container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A liquid recovery device according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The liquid recovery device recovers liquid remaining in a liquid container provided in a liquid ejection device.

[0010] <Configuration of liquid ejection device 11> First, the liquid ejection device 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is, for example, an inkjet printer that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The Z direction, which is parallel to the direction of gravity, is defined as the vertical direction Z. Two mutually orthogonal directions along the horizontal plane, the X direction and the Y direction, are defined as the width direction X and the transport direction Y, respectively. The X direction is the width direction of the liquid ejection device 11. The Y direction is parallel to the depth direction of the liquid ejection device 11. In the liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment, the transport direction in which the medium M is transported at the printing position where printing is performed is parallel to the Y direction. Furthermore, one end side of the liquid ejection device 11 in the transport direction Y is also referred to as the front side, and the other end side opposite to the one end side is also referred to as the rear side. One end side in the width direction X as viewed from the front side is also referred to as the right side, and the other end side is also referred to as the left side. Note that the transport direction of the medium M on the transport path changes depending on the position on the transport path. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when describing gravity, the Z direction is also referred to as the gravity direction Z.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 11 may be a multifunction device. The liquid ejection device 11, which is also a multifunction device, may include a device main body 12 and an image reading device 13 on top of the device main body 12. The liquid ejection device 11 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

[0013] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a liquid storage container 18 that stores liquid, and a liquid ejection unit 23 that ejects the liquid. The liquid storage container 18 is configured to be able to supply liquid to the liquid ejection unit 23. The liquid ejection device 11 prints characters or images on the medium M by having the liquid ejection unit 23 eject liquid, such as ink, supplied from the liquid storage container 18 toward the medium M. The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment is, for example, a serial printer in which the liquid ejection unit 23 prints while moving in the width direction X. Note that the liquid ejection device 11 may also be a line printer. A line printer prints on the medium M by having the liquid ejection unit 23, which extends in the width direction X with a length longer than the width dimension of the medium M, eject liquid, such as ink, toward the medium M, which is transported at a constant speed.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 of this embodiment is a so-called off-carriage type in which the liquid storage container 18 is fixed at a position separate from the liquid ejection unit 23 within the device body 12. The liquid storage container 18 and the liquid ejection unit 23 are connected via a supply flow path 24. The liquid ejection unit 23 ejects the liquid supplied from the liquid storage container 18 via the supply flow path 24. The supply flow path 24 is, for example, a tube.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 houses a liquid storage container 18 and a liquid ejection unit 23. The housing 20 is composed of, for example, a housing main body and a lid. The housing main body is in the shape of a bottomed box with an opening that opens upward. The lid covers the opening of the housing main body. In the liquid ejection device 11, which is a multifunction device, the bottom of the image reading device 13 also serves as the lid. The housing 20 includes, for example, a metal frame structure and an exterior member made of synthetic resin. The exterior member covers the frame structure from the outside.

[0016] An operation panel 14 is provided on the front surface of the liquid ejection device 11. The operation panel 14 has an operation unit 15 and a display unit 16. The operation unit 15 includes buttons and the like for performing various operations. The display unit 16 displays various information such as menus and the operating status of the liquid ejection device 11.

[0017] A storage section 19 is provided at the front end of the liquid ejection device 11. The storage section 19 may be located, for example, on the right side of the operation panel 14. The storage section 19 stores at least one liquid storage container 18. In this embodiment, the storage section 19 stores multiple (five in this embodiment) liquid storage containers 18. The storage section 19 forms part of the housing 20. In other words, the housing 20 is equipped with the storage section 19 that stores multiple liquid storage containers 18. The liquid storage container 18 is of a liquid refill type that can be refilled with liquid such as ink. In other words, the liquid storage container 18 is a liquid refill type liquid tank. The liquid tank is, for example, an ink tank that can store ink as an example of a liquid.

[0018] The storage unit 19 includes a substantially box-shaped storage unit main body 19A with an opening that opens upward, and a cover 32. The storage unit main body 19A has a front portion 19B and two left and right side portions 19C and 19D. The cover 32 covers the opening of the storage unit main body 19A in an openable and closable manner. The storage unit main body 19A has at least one viewing window 21 (five in this embodiment) on the front portion. In other words, the housing 20 has the viewing window 21 on the front portion of the storage unit 19. The user can visually check the amount of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the viewing window 21.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple liquid storage containers 18 are arranged in a line in the width direction X within the storage section 19. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the multiple liquid storage containers 18 are five in total, including one liquid storage container 18A and four liquid storage containers 18B. The liquid storage container 18A has a larger capacity than the liquid storage container 18B. The liquid storage container 18A stores, for example, black ink. The four liquid storage containers 18B store, for example, different color inks. The multiple liquid storage containers 18 may store, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, black, or other ink. The ink may be pigment ink or dye ink. A combination of pigment ink and black dye ink may be stored in each of the liquid storage containers 18A and 18B. The liquid used for printing is not limited to ink, and may be a coating liquid or the like.

[0020] The two types of liquid storage containers 18A, 18B have the same basic configuration except for different widths due to different capacities. Therefore, when there is no need to distinguish between the two types of liquid storage containers 18A, 18B, they will simply be referred to as "liquid storage containers 18."

[0021] The liquid ejection unit 23 includes an ejection head 25 and a carriage 26. The carriage 26 holds the ejection head 25 and is capable of moving back and forth along the width direction X (scanning direction). The liquid ejection unit 23 prints on the medium M by ejecting liquid from the ejection head 25 while moving in the width direction X.

[0022] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a scanning mechanism 27 in a housing 20 that moves (scans) the liquid ejection unit 23. The scanning mechanism 27 includes a guide shaft 28 that guides the carriage 26 so that it can move in the width direction X, a carriage motor 29 that serves as a drive source, a pair of pulleys 30, and an endless timing belt 31 wound around the pair of pulleys 30. One of the pair of pulleys 30 is fixed to the output shaft of the carriage motor 29. When the carriage motor 29 is driven in the forward direction, the liquid ejection unit 23 moves forward in the +X direction, and when the carriage motor 29 is driven in the reverse direction, the liquid ejection unit 23 moves backward in the -X direction.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading device 13 is configured to be openable and closable relative to the device main body 12 via a pivot mechanism 13A such as a hinge. The image reading device 13 functions as a lid. The image reading device 13 can be opened and closed between a closed position shown in FIG. 1 and an open position shown in FIG. 2. When the image reading device 13 is positioned in the open position, the cover 32 can be opened and closed. When the cover 32 is opened, the cap lever 33 attached to the liquid container 18 (see FIG. 1) can be opened and closed. When the liquid container 18 is replenished with liquid such as ink, the image reading device 13, the cover 32, and the cap lever 33 are all positioned in the open position as shown in FIG. 2. A refill bottle 34, an example of a liquid refill container, is connected to the inlet 53 (see FIG. 3) of the liquid container 18 in an upside-down position with the outlet 34A facing downward. The cover 32 may be configured to be able to be opened and closed independently even when the image reading device 13 is closed.

[0024] <Internal configuration of liquid ejection device 11> Next, the internal configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the ejection head 25 has a nozzle forming surface 25A in which nozzles 25N open. In the example shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of nozzles 25N open in the nozzle forming surface 25A. The ejection head 25 is configured to be able to eject liquid from the plurality of nozzles 25N. For example, a plurality of nozzles 25N may be provided for each type (e.g., color) of liquid to be ejected.

[0025] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a maintenance device 35 that performs maintenance on the ejection head 25, and a liquid supply device 36 that supplies liquid from a liquid storage container 18 to the ejection head 25. The maintenance device 35 includes a cap 37 that can be raised and lowered, and a discharge tube 38 connected to the cap 37. The cap 37 is configured to be movable between a retracted position shown in FIG. 3 where it is spaced apart from the ejection head 25, and a capping position (not shown) where it contacts the nozzle forming surface 25A of the ejection head 25 when it is in the standby position. The cap 37 is capable of receiving liquid that is ejected or discharged from the nozzles 25N for maintenance.

[0026] When the cap 37 is in the capping position, it forms a closed space between itself and the nozzle forming surface 25A, which communicates with the nozzles 25N. The maintenance device 35 is equipped with a suction pump 39 located midway along the discharge tube 38. The maintenance device 35 drives the suction pump 39 while the ejection head 25 is capped, thereby reducing the pressure in the closed space surrounded by the cap 37 and the nozzle forming surface 25A. This reduction in pressure causes foreign matter such as air bubbles to be sucked and discharged together with the liquid from the nozzles 25N of the ejection head 25. The liquid discharged from the nozzles 25N by this cleaning is collected in the waste liquid storage unit 40 via the cap 37 and the discharge tube 38.

[0027] 3 shows only one liquid supply device 36, but a plurality of liquid supply devices 36 are provided corresponding to the plurality of liquid storage containers 18. The plurality of liquid supply devices 36 basically have the same configuration.

[0028] 3, the liquid supply device 36 includes a liquid storage container 18 and a supply flow path 24. The supply flow path 24 supplies the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 to the ejection head 25. The supply flow path 24 is, for example, a flexible tube. The supply flow path 24 may include a tubular member made of a hard resin material.

[0029] A sub-tank 45 is mounted on the carriage 26. The sub-tank 45 temporarily stores liquid supplied from the liquid storage container 18, which is the main tank, through the supply flow path 24 on the carriage 26. The sub-tank 45 is locked to the carriage 26 via a locking portion 46.

[0030] The direction in which liquid is supplied from the liquid storage container 18 to the ejection head 25 in the supply flow path 24 is defined as the supply direction. An upstream end (one end) of the supply flow path 24 in the supply direction is connected to the liquid storage container 18. A downstream end (the other end) of the supply flow path 24 is connected to a sub-tank 45. The sub-tank 45 is connected to the upstream end of a flow path 41 that the carriage 26 has. A downstream end of the flow path 41 is connected to the ejection head 25. The liquid in the liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the ejection head 25 through the supply flow path 24, the sub-tank 45, and the flow path 41.

[0031] The liquid storage container 18 is fixed to the bottom 20A of the housing 20 via a fastening portion 42. The liquid storage container 18 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the bottom 20A of the housing 20 via a position restricting portion 43. The liquid storage container 18 is fixed to a predetermined position within the storage portion 19, the position of which is restricted relative to the bottom 20A, via the fastening portion 42. The fastening portion 42 may be a screw fastening portion. The fastening portion 42 may be a portion that individually secures multiple liquid storage containers 18 to the housing 20, or a portion that secures a liquid supply unit 17, in which multiple liquid storage containers 18 are grouped together as a single unit, to the housing 20. The structure for securing the liquid storage container 18 to the housing 20 may be, for example, a snap fit or the like.

[0032] The liquid storage container 18 includes a liquid storage portion 50. The liquid storage portion 50 is configured to be able to store a liquid. The liquid storage portion 50 includes a liquid storage chamber 55 that stores a liquid IL such as ink. The liquid storage portion 50 is configured as a case made of synthetic resin. This case may be made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin. The liquid storage portion 50 may also be configured such that the liquid storage chamber 55 is enclosed by a film adhered to one surface of a storage chamber forming member that has a storage chamber recess formed on one surface.

[0033] 3, the liquid storage container 18 has a plurality of ports including a supply port 52, an injection port 53, and an atmosphere-communicating port 54. The supply port 52, the injection port 53, and the atmosphere-communicating port 54 may be provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the liquid storage portion 50.

[0034] The supply port 52 is a portion that supplies liquid to the liquid discharger 23. The supply port 52 is connected to one end of the supply flow path 24 on the upstream side. Inlet portion 53 is a portion through which liquid is poured into liquid storage portion 50. Inlet portion 53 is configured so that liquid can be poured into it. Inlet portion 53 can be connected to outlet portion 34A of refill bottle 34 shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The atmosphere communication port 54 is a part that connects the space above the liquid level IP in the liquid storage portion 50 with the atmosphere. Even if the liquid IL in the liquid storage portion 50 increases or decreases, the pressure in the space above the liquid level IP is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0036] A viewing surface 22 provided on the front surface of the liquid storage container 18 is exposed through the viewing window 21. The user can visually check the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid storage chamber 55 through the viewing surface 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the ejection head 25 is positioned above the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18 in the vertical direction Z. More specifically, the opening of the nozzle 25N is positioned above the liquid level IP when the opening is at the maximum height in the liquid storage container 18. Therefore, the liquid in the nozzle 25N receives a negative pressure as a back pressure. This prevents the liquid from dripping from the nozzle 25N and forms a meniscus in the liquid in the nozzle 25N. The liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is supplied to the ejection head 25 so as to make up for the amount of liquid consumed by the nozzle 25N due to the head difference between the liquid level IP and the meniscus in the nozzle 25N. Note that a configuration may also be provided with a pump that sends the liquid IL in the liquid storage chamber 55 to the ejection head 25.

[0037] 3, the liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 200 that controls the operation of the entire device. The control unit 200 controls a carriage motor 29 (see FIG. 1) that reciprocates the carriage 26, a transport unit (not shown) that transports the medium M, the ejection operation of the ejection head 25, and the cleaning operation of the maintenance device 35.

[0038] <Configuration of Liquid Storage Container 18> Next, the configuration of liquid supply unit 17 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Note that although the two types of liquid storage containers 18A, 18B have different width dimensions due to differences in capacity, they have the same basic configuration. Note that in Figure 4, the X direction is the thickness direction of liquid storage container 18.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid supply unit 17 includes a plurality of (for example, five) liquid storage containers 18. The plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are provided so as to be able to store liquids of different colors. As an example, the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 may include a thick liquid storage container 18A that stores black liquid, and a thin liquid storage container 18B that stores four color liquids, including the colors. The plurality of liquid storage containers 18 may all be the same thickness, or two or more types of liquid storage containers with different thicknesses may be mixed.

[0040] The liquid storage container 18 includes a liquid storage portion 50. The liquid storage portion 50 has a protruding portion 50A at its upper portion. The protruding portion 50A is a portion that protrudes upward from the liquid storage portion 50 in the side view shown in FIG. 5. The liquid storage container 18 has a supply port 52, an injection port 53, and an atmosphere communication port 54 as examples of openings. These openings 52 to 54 may be portions that protrude in a tubular shape from the outer peripheral surface of the liquid storage portion 50.

[0041] The liquid storage portion 50 has a liquid storage chamber 55 therein. The liquid storage chamber 55 is a chamber in which liquid is stored. The supply port 52, the injection port 53, and the atmosphere communication port 54 are in communication with the liquid storage chamber 55. The injection port 53 may be provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 50A. The injection port 53 may be a pipe portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the protrusion 50A. The atmosphere communication port 54 may be provided on the upper surface of the protrusion 50A. The atmosphere communication port 54 may be a pipe portion that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the protrusion 50A.

[0042] 4, the liquid supply unit 17 is provided with N (e.g., five) liquid storage containers 18, one for each type of liquid, in order to store different types of liquid. Therefore, the liquid supply unit 17 is provided with N (e.g., five) liquid recovery containers 70, which is the same number as the N (e.g., five) liquid storage containers 18. In this embodiment, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the liquid recovery device 68 is provided with a plurality of liquid recovery containers 70.

[0043] The liquid supply unit 17 includes a connecting member 60 that assembles the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 together. The connecting member 60 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in a plan view as shown in FIG. 4. The connecting member 60 integrates all of the liquid storage containers 18 in a state where they are arranged side by side in the thickness direction. The connecting member 60 may be attached to the upper surfaces of the protruding portions 50A of all of the liquid storage containers 18. The connecting member 60 covers the upper surfaces of the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 while leaving the plurality of inlet portions 53 exposed. The connecting member 60 may be a separate member that covers the upper surfaces of the liquid storage containers 18, or may be formed integrally with the liquid storage containers 18. The connecting member 60 may extend rearward so as to cover the upper surface of the liquid storage portion 50 other than the upper surface of the protruding portion 50A. The connecting member 60 may rotatably support the cap lever 33 (see FIG. 3).

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the liquid storage container 18 has a gas-liquid exchanger 56. The gas-liquid exchanger 56 performs gas-liquid exchange, exchanging the liquid in the refill bottle 34 with air when the refill bottle 34 pours liquid through the inlet 53. The gas-liquid exchanger 56 has two flow paths 57. The gas-liquid exchanger 56 is tubular and extends along the vertical direction Z. The inlet 53 forms the upper end portion of the gas-liquid exchanger 56. More specifically, the inlet 53 is formed by the upper portion of the tubular gas-liquid exchanger 56 protruding from the upper surface of the liquid storage unit 50. Of the two flow paths 57, liquid flows through one flow path 57, and gas (air) flows through the other flow path 57.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, in a top view (plan view) of the liquid supply unit 17, the two flow paths 57 constituting the gas-liquid exchange section 56 are partitioned by a partition wall 59. The partition wall 59 partitions the interior of the gas-liquid exchange section 56 into two flow paths 57 extending in the vertical direction Z. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the two flow paths 57 have semicircular shapes facing each other across the plate-like partition wall 59. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the two flow paths 57 extend along the vertical direction Z adjacent to each other across the partition wall 59. The two flow paths 57 have, for example, the same length. The two flow paths 57 have, for example, the same flow path shape, but may also have different flow path shapes. Both of the two flow paths 57 extend along the vertical direction Z. The openings at both ends of the flow path 57 are formed so that the heights and cross-sectional areas are approximately equal. The two flow paths 57 may have different sizes or hole shapes.

[0046] The openings at the lower ends of the two flow paths 57 determine the highest position of the liquid level IP, which is indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5. The liquid IL can be supplied from the supply bottle 34 through the two flow paths 57 into the liquid storage chamber 55 until it reaches the liquid level IP, which is indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5.

[0047] 5, supply port 52, injection port 53, and atmosphere-communication port 54 are provided on the upper surface of liquid storage portion 50. Supply port 52, injection port 53, and atmosphere-communication port 54 are in communication with liquid storage chamber 55. Supply port 52, injection port 53, and atmosphere-communication port 54 are located, for example, above the highest position of liquid level IP. Supply port 52, injection port 53, and atmosphere-communication port 54 are in communication with an air area above the highest liquid level IP in liquid storage chamber 55.

[0048] The atmosphere communication port 54 connects the air area in the liquid storage chamber 55 to the atmosphere. The communication path connecting the atmosphere communication port 54 and the liquid storage chamber 55 may include pores with a meandering path. By passing through these types of pores, the moisture in the liquid IL stored in the liquid storage chamber 55 is less likely to evaporate through the atmosphere communication port 54.

[0049] The liquid storage container 18 has a flow path forming wall 50B that extends downward from the top of the liquid storage section 50 within the liquid storage chamber 55. The flow path forming wall 50B divides the liquid storage chamber 55 into an area where the liquid is stored and a flow path area that guides the liquid to the supply port 52. The height of the liquid level IP in the area where the liquid is stored changes as the liquid IL is consumed and replenished. Even if the height of the liquid level IP changes, the flow path area is filled with the liquid IL. This is due to the head difference between the liquid storage container 18 and the ejection head 25.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting member 60 has a horizontal upper surface 61. The connecting member 60 has a through-hole 62 that penetrates from the upper surface 61 in the thickness direction (vertical direction Z). The through-hole 62 consists of a circular hole portion in which the injection port portion 53 (gas-liquid exchange portion 56) is located in the center, and a pair of front and rear rectangular hole portions that are connected to the front and rear of the injection port portion 53. The pair of front and rear hole portions in the through-hole 62 form a pair of front and rear recesses centered on the injection port portion 53. The pair of front and rear recesses form a first identification portion 63.

[0051] 4 and 5, the first distinguishing portion 63 has a first uneven portion 64 that has a characteristic uneven shape in a planar direction. That is, the plurality of liquid storage containers 18 shown in Fig. 4 have, around the inlet portion 53, first uneven portions 64 that are formed in different uneven shapes for each type (color) of liquid stored therein. The type of liquid corresponds to, for example, the color of the liquid.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4 , a first concave-convex portion 64 is provided for each of the inlet portions 53 of the plurality of (e.g., five) liquid containers 18. Each of the plurality of first concave-convex portions 64 has a convex portion 65 that determines the individual concave-convex shape. The plurality of first concave-convex portions 64 are formed to have different concave-convex shapes depending on the number, position, and size of the convex portions 65. An identifier (not shown) having an indentation shape that can engage with the first concave-convex portion 64 is provided around the outlet portion 34A of the refill bottle 34. The identifier portion of the refill bottle 34 and the first identifier portion 63 can engage (fit) if the combination of liquid types (e.g., colors) is correct. In other words, the indentation shape is a key shape that can identify whether the combination is correct, and if the refill bottle 34 and the liquid container 18 have the same color combination, both identifier portions (convex-convex portions) can engage with each other. The outlet portion 34A of the refill bottle 34 can be connected to the inlet portion 53 only when both identifier portions 63 are engaged with each other. The first distinguishing part 63 is configured to be able to engage with a second distinguishing part 75 on the liquid recovery container 70 side when a recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 (described later) is connected to the injection port 53.

[0053] Furthermore, the peripheral portions of each through hole 62 on the upper surface 61 of the connecting member 60 may be colored a specific color. In other words, the peripheral portions of each through hole 62 may be colored the same color as the color of the liquid to be poured through the injection port 53. A liquid of a specific color is poured into each liquid storage chamber 55 through each injection port 53.

[0054] <Configuration of Liquid Recovery Device 68> Next, the configuration of liquid recovery device 68 will be described with reference to Figures 6, 7, etc. Figure 6 shows a liquid recovery device 68. Figure 7 shows a set of liquid recovery devices 68.

[0055] The liquid recovery device 68 recovers the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid recovery device 68 is used when it is desired to recover the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18. For example, the liquid recovery device 68 is used when disposing of the liquid ejection device 11, when transporting the liquid ejection device 11, or when performing maintenance on the liquid ejection device 11.

[0056] A user obtains a liquid recovery device 68 when recovering liquid from the liquid storage container 18. For example, the liquid recovery device 68 may be included in the package when purchasing the liquid ejection device 11. Alternatively, when a user disposes of the liquid ejection device 11, the user may obtain the liquid recovery device 68 from a manufacturer or retailer, either for a fee or free of charge. Furthermore, the refill bottle 34 may also serve as the liquid recovery container 70 of the liquid recovery device 68. That is, the refill bottle 34 may be configured to be used as the liquid recovery container 70 once the liquid in the refill bottle 34 has been used up. Alternatively, the refill bottle 34 may be configured to be used as the liquid recovery container 70 by inserting a component that forms a connection portion 77 (see FIG. 8 ) for connecting a pressure generating unit 80, which will be described later, into the bottom of the refill bottle 34. This component may have a tubular needle portion that is inserted into the bottom of the refill bottle 34. A valve portion 77A may be disposed inside the bottom of the refill bottle 34, and the needle portion may be inserted into the valve portion 77A.

[0057] 6, liquid recovery device 68 includes a liquid recovery container 70 and a pressure generating unit 80. Liquid recovery device 68 may further include a pipe member 90. A plurality of liquid collection containers 70 are provided for each type of liquid to be collected from the liquid storage container 18 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The type of liquid may be the type of liquid color. If the liquid is ink, the type of liquid may be the type of ink color.

[0058] N (e.g., five) liquid storage containers 18 are provided, one for each type of liquid, in order to store different types of liquid. Therefore, N (e.g., five) liquid recovery containers 70 are provided, which is the same number as the N (e.g., five) liquid storage containers 18. In this embodiment, N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2. In other words, the liquid recovery device 68 is provided with a plurality of liquid recovery containers 70.

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 6, the capacities of the N liquid collection containers 70 vary depending on the volume of liquid in the destination liquid storage container 18. In this embodiment, two types of liquid storage containers 18A, 18B with different capacities (see Figures 1 and 4) are provided, and therefore two types of liquid collection containers 70 with different capacities may also be provided. In Figure 6, the N liquid collection containers 70 are made up of one large-capacity liquid collection container 70A located at the leftmost side, and (N-1) normal-capacity liquid collection containers 70B. Note that the capacities of the N liquid collection containers 70 may all be the same, or may be three or more different capacities, or may all be different capacities.

[0060] The liquid recovery container 70 has a capacity that is large enough to recover the entire maximum volume of liquid contained in the destination liquid storage container 18. In other words, even if the maximum volume of liquid IL remains in the destination liquid storage container 18, the liquid recovery container 70 has a capacity that is large enough to recover all of the remaining liquid IL.

[0061] The liquid recovery container 70 is a bottle type similar to the refill bottle 34. Because the liquid recovery container 70 is a bottle type, the recovered liquid can be reused by supplying it to the liquid storage container 18. In other words, in addition to functioning as a liquid recovery bottle, the liquid recovery container 70 also functions as a refill bottle for reusing the recovered liquid. The liquid recovery container 70 has the same function as the refill bottle 34.

[0062] The liquid recovery container 70 has a container body 71 and a recovery port 72. The liquid recovery container 70 is a bottle type. The container body 71 corresponds to the bottle body and has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The recovery port 72 is provided at the tip (upper end) of the liquid recovery container 70 on the side opposite the bottom of the container body 71.

[0063] The recovery port 72 is configured to be connectable to the inlet of the liquid storage container 18. The recovery port 72 is configured to be connectable to the injection port 53. The liquid recovery container 70 recovers the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 through the connection between the recovery port 72 and the injection port 53.

[0064] The liquid collection container 70 also has a second distinguishable portion 75 around the collection port 72. The second distinguishable portion 75 has an uneven shape that corresponds to the first distinguishable portion 63 of the liquid storage container 18. The second distinguishable portion 75 is configured in a shape that can engage with the first distinguishable portion 63 if the connection combination between the collection port 72 and the injection port 53 is correct. If the second distinguishable portion 75 and the first distinguishable portion 63 can engage with each other, the user can distinguish that the combination of the liquid types (colors) between the collection port 72 and the injection port 53 is correct. The second distinguishable portion 75 will be described in detail below.

[0065] The pressure generating unit 80 generates pressure necessary to recover the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70. The pressure generating unit 80 of this embodiment generates pressure to be introduced into the liquid recovery container 70. The pressure generating unit 80 generates negative pressure as the pressure. The pressure generating unit 80 introduces the generated negative pressure into the liquid recovery container 70. The pressure generating unit 80 creates a negative pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70.

[0066] The pressure generating unit 80 is separate from the liquid recovery container 70. The pressure generating unit 80 is configured to be detachable from the liquid recovery container 70 to which it introduces pressure. One pressure generating unit 80 is provided for a plurality (N number) of liquid recovery containers 70. The pressure generating unit 80 is shared by a plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 by being detachable.

[0067] The pressure generating unit 80 generates pressure that moves the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70 through the connection between the opening on the liquid storage container 18 side and the recovery opening 72. The pressure generating unit 80 generates negative pressure in the liquid recovery container 70, thereby sucking the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70.

[0068] The pressure generating unit 80 has a main body 81. The main body 81 may have a cylindrical shape, for example. The main body 81 may have the same diameter as the container main body 71. The main body 81 may be connected to the bottom of the container main body 71 in a coaxial state. The main body 81 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The pressure generating unit 80 includes a connection part 82, an exhaust part 83, and an operation switch 84, which are provided on the main body 81.

[0069] The connection part 82 is a part that is connected to the bottom of the liquid collection container 70. The connection part 82 is provided on one surface of the main body 81. The connection part 82 is a part that outputs the pressure generated by the pressure generating part 80. The connection part 82 may be a tube part that protrudes from the surface of the main body 81. The pressure generated by the pressure generating part 80 is introduced into the liquid collection container 70 via the connection part 82.

[0070] The exhaust part 83 is provided on one surface of the main body 81. The exhaust part 83 is a part that exhausts the air sucked in by the connection part 82. The exhaust part 83 may be a pipe part that protrudes from the main body 81.

[0071] The operation switch 84 is provided on one surface of the main body 81. The operation switch 84 may be provided on a surface of the main body 81 different from the surface on which the connection unit 82 is provided. The operation switch 84 is provided in a position where it can be operated even when the pressure generating unit 80 is connected to the liquid collection container 70. The operation switch 84 may be configured to switch between ON and OFF each time it is pressed. The operation switch 84 may be configured to switch between ON and OFF by a slide or seesaw type switching operation.

[0072] The pipe member 90 is configured to be connectable to the recovery port 72. The pipe member 90 has a predetermined length. The pipe member 90 has a length that allows it to suck up liquid near the bottom surface of the liquid storage container 18 when the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the injection port 53.

[0073] The pipe member 90 is configured to be connectable to the recovery port 72. The pipe member 90 has a predetermined length. The pipe member 90 has a length that allows it to suck up liquid near the bottom surface of the liquid storage container 18 when the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the injection port 53.

[0074] Next, the detailed configuration of the liquid recovery device 68 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Note that the following coordinate system is used in the drawings relating to the liquid recovery device 68. The X1Y1Z1 coordinate system in Figures 7, 8, and 11 is defined in accordance with the XYZ coordinate system when the liquid recovery container 70 is in the position shown in Figure 12, connected to the injection inlet 53 of the liquid storage container 18. The axial direction of the liquid recovery container 70 is defined as the Z1 direction, the direction in which the second identification part 75 extends is defined as the Y1 direction, and the direction perpendicular to the Y1 and Z1 directions is defined as the X1 direction.

[0075] The following description will focus on one liquid recovery device 68. One liquid recovery device 68 includes one liquid recovery container 70, one pressure generating unit 80, and one pipe member 90. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the liquid recovery device 68 includes the liquid recovery container 70, the pressure generating unit 80, and the pipe member 90.

[0076] The liquid collection container 70 includes a cylindrical container body 71 with a bottom, a covering portion 73 that covers the top of the container body 71, and a head portion 74 that covers the top of the covering portion 73. The covering portion 73 and the head portion 74 cover the top of the container body 71 with the collection port portion 72 exposed at the top end.

[0077] The plurality of liquid collection containers 70 (one in FIG. 7) have a second identification portion 75 made of a second uneven portion 76 that has a different shape for each type of liquid to be collected around the collection port 72. In this embodiment, the plurality of liquid collection containers 70 have a second identification portion 75 made of a second uneven portion 76 that has a different shape for each color around the collection port 72.

[0078] The second identifying portion 75 is formed in a shape that can engage with the first concave-convex portion 64 only when the type of liquid contained in the liquid storage container 18 and the type of liquid collected in the liquid collection container 70 are the same combination. In this embodiment, the second identifying portion 75 is formed in a shape that can engage with the first concave-convex portion 64 only when the color of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container 18 and the color of the liquid collected in the liquid collection container 70 are the same combination. In other words, when the liquid is ink, the type of liquid may be identified by identifying the color of the liquid.

[0079] The second identification portion 75 is disposed around the recovery port portion 72 in the head portion 74. The second identification portion 75 has a second uneven portion 76. The second uneven portion 76 has recesses 76A that can fit with the protrusions 65 of the first uneven portion 64 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). The recesses 76A are provided in positions, sizes, shapes, and numbers that allow them to engage with the protrusions 65. Therefore, when the connection combination between the recovery port portion 72 and the injection port portion 53, which contain the same type of liquid (color type), is correct, the second uneven portion 76 can engage with the first uneven portion 64. Here, engagement refers to the first uneven portion 64 and the second uneven portion 76 meshing together.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the liquid collection container 70 has a threaded portion 74A. The threaded portion 74A is formed on the outer periphery of the lower part of the head portion 74. The liquid collection container 70 may also include a cap 78 that covers the head portion 74. The cap 78 is configured so that a threaded portion (not shown) formed on the inner circumferential surface thereof can be screwed onto the threaded portion 74A. The head portion 74 may also have a restriction surface 74B that restricts the insertion depth of the recovery port portion 72 into the through-hole 62 and the insertion depth of the second identification portion 75 into the first identification portion 63.

[0081] The pressure generating unit 80 generates a negative pressure as pressure for moving the liquid IL from the liquid storage container 18 in a direction toward the liquid recovery device 68. The pressure generating unit 80 exhausts air inside the connected liquid recovery container 70, thereby generating a negative pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70. This negative pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70 moves the liquid IL inside the liquid storage container 18 to the liquid recovery device 68 through the connection between the injection port 53 and the recovery port 72.

[0082] Next, the internal configuration of the pressure generating unit 80 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. As shown in Fig. 8, the pressure generating unit 80 includes a motor 85, which is a drive source, and a pump 86. The motor 85 is a drive source for the pump 86. The motor 85 drives the pump 86. The pump 86 sends air in one direction, thereby creating a negative pressure in the space from which the air is sent out.

[0083] The pressure generating unit 80 has a flow path 87 that connects the connection unit 82 and the exhaust unit 83. The pump 86 is connected to the flow path 87. The pump 86 draws in air from the connection unit 82 through the flow path 87 and discharges the air from the exhaust unit 83.

[0084] The pressure generating unit 80 has a built-in battery 88. The motor 85 is driven by the battery 88 as a power source. When the operation switch 84 is turned on, power is supplied from the battery 88 to the motor 85, thereby driving the motor 85. When the operation switch 84 is turned off, the supply of power from the battery 88 to the motor 85 is stopped, thereby stopping the driving of the motor 85. While the motor 85 is driving, its rotational force is transmitted to the pump 86. The pump 86 performs pumping operation by the rotational force transmitted from the motor 85. In other words, the pump 86 performs pumping operation to discharge air sucked in from the connection part 82 through the exhaust part 83.

[0085] The liquid recovery container 70 has a connection portion 77 at its bottom. The connection portion 77 is configured so that the connection portion 82 of the pressure generating unit 80 can be connected to the connection portion 77. The connection portion 77 has a valve portion 77A. The valve portion 77A opens when the connection portion 82 is inserted and closes when the connection portion 82 is removed. When the connection portion 82 is connected to the connection portion 77, the suction port of the pump 86 and the recovery chamber 71A in the liquid recovery container 70 are in communication.

[0086] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the pipe member 90 has a predetermined length. The pipe member 90 has a base 91 and two pipe portions 92. The two pipe portions 92 branch off from the base 91. In other words, the base 91 is a portion that connects the two pipe portions 92. The two pipe portions 92 extend parallel to each other. The base 91 of the pipe member 90 can be inserted into the recovery port portion 72. The base 91 can be inserted into the recovery port portion 72 to a predetermined depth that can open the valve portion 79.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, the tubular member 90 has two flow paths 93. The two flow paths 93 penetrate through the base 91 and the two pipe sections 92. The base 91 has a partition 94 that separates the two flow paths 93. The two pipe sections 92 extend parallel to each other with a slit 95 between them. One end of the two flow paths 93 opens at a tip 96 of the tubular member 90 opposite the base 91. The base 91 of the tubular member 90 is connectable to the recovery port section 72. The tubular member 90 is configured so that the two pipe sections 92 can be inserted into the two flow paths 57 (see FIG. 4) of the injection port section 53 from the tip 96 side.

[0088] 10 shows a bottom view of the pipe member 90 inserted into the gas-liquid exchanger 56. As shown in FIG. 10, the two pipes 92 have a cross-sectional shape that is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the two flow paths 57 that make up the gas-liquid exchanger 56. The two pipes 92 have an outer size that is slightly smaller than the two flow paths 57. The partition wall 59 that separates the two flow paths 57 is inserted into a slit 95. Therefore, the two pipes 92 can pass through the two flow paths 57.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 11 , the pressure generating unit 80 is configured to be connectable to the bottom, which is the end opposite the end where the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is located. The pressure generating unit 80 sucks air from inside the liquid recovery container 70 from the bottom. A base 91 of a pipe member 90 is connectable to the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70. In the state shown in FIG. 11 , the base 91 of the pipe member 90 is in a temporary connection state, inserted to a position shallower than the predetermined depth required to open the valve portion 79. The recovery port 72 and the base 91 may have an engagement portion that can hold the base 91 to the recovery port 72 in the temporary connection state shown in FIG. 11 . It is also possible to configure the pipe member 90 to be inserted to the predetermined depth required to open the valve portion 79 without the temporary connection state.

[0090] 12 , when the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the inlet 53, which is an example of an inlet, the pipe 92 of the pipe member 90 connected to the recovery port 72 is inserted into the liquid storage chamber 55. The two pipes 92 pass through the two flow paths 57 of the gas-liquid exchanger 56. Furthermore, the force used when connecting the liquid recovery container 70 to the liquid storage container 18 may cause the base 91 of the pipe member 90 to be inserted from a position in the temporary connection state to a predetermined depth that is capable of opening the valve 79 in the recovery port 72. In a connected state in which the valve 79 is opened by the inlet 53, the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 and the liquid storage chamber 55 are in communication with each other via the pipe member 90.

[0091] The tip 96 of the pipe member 90 is inserted to a position closer to the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55 than the highest liquid level IP shown in Fig. 12 when the maximum volume of liquid IL is stored in the liquid storage container 18. In particular, in the example shown in Fig. 12, the tip 96 of the pipe member 90 is located near the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55. Therefore, the liquid IL in the liquid storage chamber 55 can be recovered into the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 until it reaches the liquid level IP shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12.

[0092] 13, the liquid recovery container 70 also functions as the refill bottle 34. The recovery port 72 also serves as an outlet that is connected to the injection port 53 when the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container is supplied to the liquid storage container 18.

[0093] With the liquid recovery container 70 in the upside-down position shown in FIG. 13 , the recovery port 72 is connected to the injection port 53. The injection port 53 opens the valve 79. The liquid IL recovered in the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 communicates with the liquid storage chamber 55 through the two flow paths 57. The liquid IL in the liquid recovery container 70 is injected into the liquid storage container 18 through one of the two flow paths 57, while air in the liquid storage chamber 55 is introduced into the liquid recovery container 70 through the other flow path 57. This gas-liquid exchange causes the liquid IL to be continuously injected from the liquid recovery container 70 into the liquid storage chamber 55. When the liquid level IP reaches the lower end opening of the gas-liquid exchanger 56, the gas-liquid exchange stops. As a result, the injection of the liquid IL from the liquid recovery container 70 into the liquid storage chamber 55 stops.

[0094] <Operation of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the liquid recovery device 68 of the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the user connects the pressure generating unit 80 to the bottom of the liquid recovery container 70. The connecting portion 82 of the pressure generating unit 80 is connected to the connected portion 77 of the liquid recovery container 70. When the connecting portion 82 opens the valve portion 77A, the inside of the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the pump 86. The user connects the tubing member 90 to the recovery port portion 72 of the liquid recovery container 70. At this time, the tubing member 90 may be in a temporary connection state, with its base portion 91 inserted to a position just before the valve portion 79 is not opened. The user turns the liquid recovery container 70 upside down as shown in FIG. 11.

[0095] 12, the user inserts the pipe member 90 into the injection port 53. The two pipe sections 92 that make up the pipe member 90 are inserted into the two flow paths 57 inside the injection port 53. At this time, if the combination of liquid types (e.g., colors) is correct, the first concave-convex section 64 and the second concave-convex section 76 will engage. In this way, the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the injection port 53.

[0096] On the other hand, if the type (color) of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 that is the liquid recovery destination and the liquid recovery container 70 are not matched, the first uneven portion 64 cannot fit into the second uneven portion 76. This allows the user to notice that the type (color) of liquid in the liquid storage container 18 and the liquid recovery container 70 are not matched.

[0097] 12, when liquid recovery device 68 is connected to liquid storage container 18, injection port portion 53 is inserted into valve portion 79, causing valve portion 79 to be in an open state. At this time, base portion 91 of tubular member 90 also penetrates valve portion 79. Base portion 91 of tubular member 90 abuts against a restricting portion (stopper) (not shown) located at the back of recovery port portion 72, and is thereby restricted from moving further inward. In other words, tubular member 90 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to recovery port portion 72.

[0098] Alternatively, a procedure may be adopted in which the pipe member 90 is first inserted into the injection port portion 53, and then the recovery port portion 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the base portion 91 of this pipe member 90. In this case, when the base portion 91 of the pipe member 90 is inserted into the recovery port portion 72 of the liquid recovery container 70, the valve portion 79 is opened.

[0099] 12, the tip 96 of the pipe member 90 is located near the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55. The length of the pipe member 90 is set so that the tip 96 is as close as possible to the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55. After achieving this connected state, the pressure generating unit 80 may be connected to the bottom of the liquid recovery container 70.

[0100] 12, when the user operates the operation switch 84, the motor 85 is driven. The power of the motor 85 drives the pump 86. The operation of the pump 86 exhausts the air from the recovery chamber 71A. As a result, a negative pressure is created inside the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70. This negative pressure causes the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 to be recovered into the liquid recovery container 70 through the two tube portions 92 of the tube member 90.

[0101] When the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 descends to the position of the liquid level IP indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 12, that is, to the height position of the tip 96 of the tubular member 90, air begins to be sucked in from the opening of the tip 96 of the tubular member 90. This causes the pump 86 to stop collecting the liquid IL. When the user confirms through the visual confirmation surface 22 that the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 has been collected, they turn off the operation switch 84 to stop the operation of the pressure generating unit 80. The driving of the motor 85 stops, and the suction operation of the pump 86 stops. When the pump 86 is stopped, communication between the inside of the liquid collection container 70 and the exhaust unit 83 is blocked.

[0102] After the driving of the pump 86 is stopped, the pressure generating unit 80 is removed from the liquid recovery container 70. With the pressure generating unit 80 removed, the valve unit 77A at the bottom of the liquid recovery container 70 is closed. Next, the liquid recovery container 70 is removed from the injection port 53. At this time, the base 91 of the pipe member 90 moves to a position where it comes out of the valve unit 79. Therefore, when the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is removed from the injection port 53, the valve unit 79 closes. For example, the pipe member 90 may be configured to be pulled out together with the liquid recovery container 70 while remaining connected to the recovery port 72, or the liquid recovery container 70 may be pulled out from the injection port 53 with the pipe member 90 remaining in the injection port 53.

[0103] Thereafter, the tubular member 90 is removed from the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70, or the tubular member 90 remaining in the injection port 53 is removed. The tubular member 90 is contaminated with liquid such as ink, so it may be a disposable member that is discarded after one use.

[0104] The user connects the pressure generating unit 80 to the bottom of the next liquid recovery container 70, which contains a different type (color) of liquid. The user then inserts the tube member 90 connected to the recovery port 72 of the next liquid recovery container 70 into the injection port 53. By operating the operation switch 84 in the same manner to drive the pressure generating unit 80, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is sucked into the liquid recovery container 70 through the tube member 90 due to the negative pressure in the liquid recovery container 70. In this way, the liquid IL in all of the liquid storage containers 18 is recovered into the multiple liquid recovery containers 70.

[0105] The liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container 70 can be reused in a new liquid ejection device 11, or returned to the original liquid storage container 18 of the liquid ejection device 11 after transportation or maintenance of the liquid ejection device 11 is completed. As shown in Fig. 13, when supplying the liquid IL recovered in the liquid recovery container 70 into the liquid storage container 18, only the liquid recovery container 70 is used. In other words, the pressure generating unit 80 and the tubular member 90 are not used.

[0106] As shown in Figure 13, the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the injection port 53. When the correct color combination is achieved, the liquid recovery container 70 and the liquid storage container 18 can be connected by engaging the first identification portion 63 and the second identification portion 75. In this connected state, the injection port 53 opens the valve portion 79. The liquid IL in the liquid recovery container 70 is supplied into the liquid storage container 18 via the gas-liquid exchanger 56.

[0107] <Effects of the first embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) The liquid recovery device 68 recovers the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid storage container 18 has a plurality of ports 52 to 54, including an inlet 53 and a supply port 52. The inlet 53 is a port through which the liquid can be injected. The supply port 52 is a port through which the liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection unit 23, which ejects the liquid. The liquid recovery device 68 includes a liquid recovery container 70 and a pressure generating unit 80. The liquid recovery container 70 has a recovery port 72 that is configured to be connectable to the port of the liquid storage container 18. The pressure generating unit 80 is separate from the liquid recovery container 70, and generates pressure that moves the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70 through the connection between the port and the recovery port 72.

[0108] According to this configuration, by separating the liquid recovery container 70 and the pressure generating unit 80, the pressure generating unit 80 can be connected to an appropriate pressure introduction destination and introduce pressure regardless of the connection position of the liquid recovery container 70 to the liquid storage container 18. Further, for example, when there are a plurality (N; where N is a natural number satisfying N>1) of liquid recovery containers 70, by sharing the pressure generating unit 80 among two or more liquid recovery containers 70, the number of pressure generating units 80 can be M (M<N), which is less than N. For example, the liquid recovery containers 70 can be prepared for each type of liquid (e.g., color), and the pressure generating unit 80 can be connected to these plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 and reused. For example, only one (M = 1) pressure generating unit 80 is sufficient. Therefore, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered.

[0109] (1-2) The pressure generating unit 80 is configured to be detachable from at least one of the liquid recovery container 70 and the liquid storage container 18 to which pressure is introduced. According to this configuration, when recovering liquid, the pressure generating unit 80 may be attached to at least one of the liquid recovery container 70 and the liquid storage container 18, which is the pressure introduction destination. Since the pressure generating unit 80 and the liquid recovery container 70 are separate components, the degree of freedom in selecting the connection destination of the pressure generating unit 80 increases.

[0110] (1-3) The recovery port portion 72 is configured to be connectable to the injection port portion 53. The liquid recovery container 70 recovers the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 through the connection between the recovery port portion 72 and the injection port portion 53. According to this configuration, since the liquid recovery container 70 recovers the liquid from the injection port portion 53, there is no need to separately form a dedicated discharge port for recovery in the liquid storage container 18.

[0111] (1-4) It has a pipe member 90 configured to be connectable to the recovery port portion 72. The pipe member 90 connected to the recovery port portion 72 is inserted to a position closer to the bottom surface than the highest liquid level of the liquid storage container 18 when the recovery port portion is connected to the port. According to this configuration, by inserting the pipe member 90 into the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered into the liquid recovery container 70 through the pipe member 90.

[0112] (1-5) The pressure generating unit 80 generates a negative pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70. This negative pressure causes the liquid inside the liquid storage container 18 to be sucked into the liquid recovery container 70. According to this configuration, the negative pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70 causes the liquid inside the liquid storage container 18 to be sucked into the liquid recovery container 70, thereby allowing the liquid to be recovered.

[0113] (1-6) The pressure generating unit 80 is configured to be connectable to the bottom, which is the end opposite the end where the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is located. The pressure generating unit 80 sucks air from inside the liquid recovery container 70 from the bottom. With this configuration, it is possible to recover a large amount of liquid into the liquid recovery container 70 while suppressing the pressure generating unit 80 from suctioning liquid. In addition, the pressure generating unit 80 can be easily attached to and detached from the liquid recovery container 70.

[0114] (1-7) A plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are provided so as to be able to store different types of liquid. A plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 are provided for each type of liquid to be recovered from the liquid storage containers 18. The pressure generating unit 80 is shared by the plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 by being detachably attached thereto. With this configuration, the pressure generating unit 80 can be shared by the plurality of liquid recovery containers 70. This reduces the number of parts required for the liquid recovery device 68.

[0115] (1-8) The type of liquid is the color of the liquid. The multiple liquid storage containers 18 have a first distinguishable portion 63 around the inlet 53, which is made up of a first uneven portion 64 with a different uneven shape for each color of liquid stored therein. The multiple liquid recovery containers 70 have a second distinguishable portion 75 around the recovery port 72, which is made up of a second uneven portion 76 with a different uneven shape for each color of liquid to be recovered. The first distinguishable portion 63 and the second distinguishable portion 75 are formed in a shape that allows the first uneven portion 64 and the second uneven portion 76 to engage with each other only when the color of the liquid stored in the liquid storage container 18 and the color of the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container 70 are the same combination. This configuration allows liquid to be recovered into the liquid recovery container 70 without making a mistake in the color of the liquid to be recovered. Since color mixing of the liquid in the liquid recovery container 70 can be prevented, the recovered liquid can be reused.

[0116] (1-9) The recovery port 72 also serves as an outlet that is connected to the injection port 53 when supplying the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container 70 to the liquid storage container 18. With this configuration, the liquid recovery container 70 can be used as a liquid supply container. The liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container 70 can be reused by supplying it to the liquid storage container 18.

[0117] (Second embodiment) Next, a liquid recovery device 68 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. This embodiment includes a pressure generating unit 100 that is different from the pressure generating unit 80 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the liquid ejection device 11 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same members as those of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Below, the configuration of the liquid recovery device 68 of the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences.

[0118] Similar to the first embodiment, the liquid recovery device 68 of the second embodiment recovers the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18. The liquid recovery device 68 includes a liquid recovery container 70 and a pressure generating unit 100. The configuration of the liquid recovery container 70 is basically similar to that of the liquid recovery container 70 of the first embodiment. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the liquid recovery device 68 may include a plurality (N pieces) of liquid recovery containers 70, the same number as the number of liquid storage containers 18. The plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 may be provided for each type (e.g., color) of liquid stored in the liquid storage container 18.

[0119] The shape, structure, and capacity of the liquid recovery container 70 are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. The liquid recovery container 70 has a container body 71 and a recovery port 72. The liquid recovery container 70 has a covering portion 73 and a head portion 74. The liquid recovery container 70 has a second distinguishable portion 75 similar to that of the first embodiment around the injection port 53. That is, the liquid recovery container 70 has a second distinguishable portion 75 around the recovery port 72, which is made up of a second uneven portion 76 with an uneven shape that varies depending on the type (e.g., color) of liquid to be recovered. The second distinguishable portion 75 has a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 7. The second distinguishable portion 75 has a shape corresponding to the first distinguishable portion 63 on the liquid storage container 18. The second distinguishable portion 75 has a second uneven portion 76 that can engage with the first uneven portion 64 that constitutes the first distinguishable portion 63. The recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to one of the multiple ports 52 to 54 of the liquid storage container 18. In this embodiment, the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the injection port 53 of the liquid storage container 18.

[0120] The liquid recovery device 68 may include a pipe member 90. The pipe member 90 is configured to be connectable to the injection port 53 of the liquid recovery container 70. The pipe member 90 has a predetermined length. The predetermined length is a length that enables a tip 96 of the pipe member 90 to reach near the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55 when the pipe member 90 connected to the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is inserted through the injection port 53. The predetermined length may also be a length that enables the tip 96 to reach a position closer to the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55, between the liquid level IP at the maximum height of the liquid storage chamber 55 and the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55.

[0121] The pressure generating unit 80 is separate from the liquid recovery container 70. One pressure generating unit 100 is provided for a plurality (N) of liquid recovery containers 70. The pressure generating unit 100 is shared by a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 by being detachably attached thereto. The pressure generating unit 80 of this embodiment is configured to be detachable from the liquid storage container 18. The pressure generating unit 80 introduces pressure into the liquid storage container 18. The pressure generating unit 80 generates pressure that moves the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70 through the connection between the mouth of the liquid storage container 18 and the recovery port 72. The pressure generating unit 100 is connected to the mouths 52 to 54 of the liquid storage container 18 other than the injection port 53 to which the recovery port 72 is connected so as to be able to introduce positive pressure. The pressure generating unit 100 may be connected to the atmosphere communication port 54 of the liquid storage container 18 (see FIG. 15 ).

[0122] The pressure generating unit 100 introduces a positive pressure into the liquid storage chamber 55 by sending air into the liquid storage chamber 55 through the atmosphere communication port 54. The pressure generating unit 100 pressurizes the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18 through the atmosphere communication port 54. By pressurizing the liquid level IP, the pressure generating unit 100 sends the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70 through the connection between the injection port 53 and the recovery port 72.

[0123] The liquid recovery container 70 has a relief valve 110 that releases to the outside an amount of air that corresponds to the amount of liquid IL that has flowed in when the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18 is pressurized. The relief valve 110 is provided at the bottom of the liquid recovery container 70. The relief valve 110 includes a valve hole 71B that opens at the bottom of the container body 71, a valve element 111 that can open and close the valve hole 71B, and a spring 112 that biases the valve element 111 in the valve closing direction. The relief valve 110 opens when the air pressure in the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 exceeds a predetermined value.

[0124] 14, the pressure generating unit 100 includes a main body 101. The pressure generating unit 100 includes a connection unit 102, an intake unit 103, and an operation switch 104. The connection unit 102 is a part that is connected to the atmosphere communication port 54, which is an example of the opening of the liquid storage container 18. The intake unit 103 is a part that draws in air.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 14, the pressure generating unit 100 includes a motor 105, which is a drive source, and a pump 106. The motor 105 is a drive source for the pump 106. The motor 105 drives the pump 106. The pump 106 sends air in one direction to send air to a connected destination. The pump 106 pressurizes the inside of a liquid storage container 18, which is a connected destination.

[0126] The pressure generating unit 100 has a flow path 107 that connects the connection unit 102 and the intake unit 103. The pump 106 is connected to the flow path 107. The pump 106 sends air sucked in from the intake unit 103 through the connection unit 102 to a destination.

[0127] The pressure generating unit 100 has a built-in battery 108. The motor 105 is driven using the battery 108 as a power source. When the operation switch 104 is turned on, power from the battery 108 is supplied to the motor 105, thereby driving the motor 105. When the operation switch 104 is turned off, the supply of power from the battery 108 to the motor 105 is stopped, thereby stopping the driving of the motor 105. While the motor 105 is driving, the pump 106 is driven. The pump 106 performs a pumping operation by the rotational force of the motor 105. That is, the pump 106 performs a pumping operation to discharge air drawn in from the intake unit 103 through the connection unit 102.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 15 , the tubular member 90 has a base 91, one tubular portion 92, and a stopper portion 97. The tubular portion 92 and the stopper portion 97 are separated by a slit 98. The one tubular portion 92 is inserted into one of the two flow paths 57 of the gas-liquid exchanger 56. The one stopper portion 97 closes the other of the two flow paths 57 of the gas-liquid exchanger 56. Therefore, when the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 is pressurized, the tubular member 90 transfers the liquid IL into the liquid recovery container 70 through one flow path 93 that penetrates the one tubular portion 92. No gas-liquid exchange occurs when recovering the liquid. The air pressure in the recovery chamber 71A increases in accordance with the amount (volume) of the liquid IL recovered in the liquid recovery container 70. When the air pressure in the recovery chamber 71A exceeds a predetermined value, the relief valve 110 opens, thereby maintaining the air pressure in the recovery chamber 71A at or below the predetermined value. Therefore, even if gas-liquid exchange is not performed in the gas-liquid exchanging section 56, the liquid IL is continuously recovered into the liquid recovery container .

[0129] Fig. 16 shows a state in which the tubular member 90 is inserted into the gas-liquid exchange section 56, as viewed from the bottom side. As shown in Fig. 16, one tubular section 92 has a cross-sectional shape that is similar to the cross-sectional shape of the flow path 57 of the gas-liquid exchange section 56, as in the first embodiment. The tubular section 92 has an outer size that is slightly smaller than the flow path 57. The partition section 59 that separates the two flow paths 57 is inserted into a slit 98. One tubular section 92 can pass through one flow path 57. One plug section 97 can close one flow path 57.

[0130] 17, when the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70 is connected to the inlet 53, which is an example of an inlet, one pipe 92 of the pipe member 90 connected to the recovery port 72 is inserted into the liquid storage chamber 55. The inlet 53 opens the valve 79. The tip 96 of the pipe member 90 is inserted to a position closer to the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55 than the highest liquid level IP shown in FIG. 17 when the maximum volume of liquid IL is stored in the liquid storage container 18. In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the tip 96 of the pipe member 90 is located near the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55.

[0131] The connection part 102 of the pressure generating part 100 is connected to the atmosphere communication port 54 of the liquid storage container 18. A lid member 120 (cap member) is attached to the supply port 52, which is one of the multiple ports 52 to 54 of the liquid storage container 18 other than the ports 53 and 54 that connect the liquid recovery container 70 and the pressure generating part 100. Therefore, the air area within the liquid storage chamber 55 is in a nearly sealed state. When the pressure generating part 100 is driven in this state, air is sent from the pressure generating part 100 into the liquid storage chamber 55, thereby pressurizing the liquid surface IP within the liquid storage chamber 55.

[0132] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> The operation of the second embodiment will now be described. The user attaches a pipe member 90 to the recovery port 72 of the liquid recovery container 70. The liquid recovery container 70 is turned upside down, and the pipe member 90 is inserted into the injection port 53. One pipe member 92 penetrates the flow path 57, with its tip 96 positioned near the bottom of the liquid storage chamber 55. A stopper member 97 closes the other flow path 57. As a result, the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 and the liquid storage chamber 55 are in communication via the one pipe member 92.

[0133] The user also connects the connection part 102 of the pressure generating part 100 to the atmosphere communication port 54. The user also seals the supply port 52 by attaching the cover member 120 to the supply port 52. The air area within the liquid storage chamber 55 becomes almost sealed.

[0134] In this state, when the user operates the operation switch 104, the motor 105 is driven. The power of the motor 105 causes the pump 106 to send air into the liquid storage chamber 55. As a result, the air area above the liquid level IP within the liquid storage chamber 55 is put under positive pressure. Therefore, the liquid level IP within the liquid storage chamber 55 is pressurized. As the liquid level IP is pressurized, the liquid IL within the liquid storage chamber 55 is sent into the recovery chamber 71A of the liquid recovery container 70 through the pipe portion 92.

[0135] The air pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70 rises according to the amount of liquid IL that flows in. When the air pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the relief valve 110 opens and the air is discharged. In this way, the liquid IL is continuously recovered from the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70, and air is continuously discharged when the air pressure inside the liquid recovery container 70 rises due to the recovery of the liquid IL.

[0136] Then, when the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18 drops to the height position of the tip of the pipe member 90, air is sent through the pipe portion 92, and the recovery of the liquid into the liquid recovery container 70 stops. In this way, the liquid recovery device 68 recovers almost all of the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18.

[0137] The user operates the operation switch 104 to stop the driving of the pressure generating unit 100. The user pulls out the liquid recovery container 70 from the injection port 53. At this time, the liquid recovery container 70 may be pulled out together with the tubular member 90, or may be pulled out while the tubular member 90 remains in the injection port 53. In the former case, the force exerted when pulling out the liquid recovery container 70 may cause the tubular member 90 to move downward relative to the recovery port 72, thereby closing the valve unit 79.

[0138] During the process of pulling out the liquid recovery container 70 from the injection port 53, the tip of the pipe 92 moves away from the liquid surface IP. At this time, the valve 79 is closed. This prevents the recovered liquid IL from flowing out of the liquid recovery container 70 via the pipe member 90. Furthermore, even if the base 91 of the pipe member 90 is in a state in which the valve 79 is open, gas-liquid exchange is prevented because one flow path 57 of the gas-liquid exchanger 56 is closed by the stopper 97. This also prevents the recovered liquid IL from flowing out of the liquid recovery container 70 via the pipe member 90.

[0139] The user connects the pressure generating unit 80 to the atmosphere communication port 54 of the next liquid storage container 18 as the recovery destination. The tubing 90 connected to the recovery port 72 of the next liquid recovery container 70 is inserted into the injection port 53. Thereafter, by operating the operation switch 104 in the same manner to drive the pressure generating unit 100, the liquid IL in the liquid storage container 18 is recovered into the liquid recovery container 70 through the tubing 90 by pressurizing the liquid level IP.

[0140] <Effects of the second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-4), (1-8), and (1-9) of the first embodiment, the following effects are also obtained.

[0141] (2-1) The pressure generating unit 80 pressurizes the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18. This pressurization sends the liquid in the liquid storage container 18 into the liquid recovery container 70 through the connection between the opening and the recovery port 72. With this configuration, by pressurizing the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be sent to the liquid recovery container 70 and recovered.

[0142] (2-2) The pressure generating unit 80 is connected to the plurality of ports so as to be able to introduce positive pressure to ports other than the port connected to the recovery port 72. The liquid recovery container 70 has a relief valve 110 that releases to the outside an amount of air corresponding to the amount of liquid that has flowed in when the liquid level IP in the liquid storage container 18 is pressurized. With this configuration, air within the liquid recovery container 70 can be released according to the amount of liquid that has flowed in, so that liquid can be continuously recovered into the liquid recovery container 70.

[0143] (2-3) A plurality of liquid storage containers 18 are provided so as to be able to store different types of liquid. A plurality of liquid recovery containers 70 are provided, one for each type of liquid to be recovered from the liquid storage containers 18. The pressure generating unit 80 is shared by a plurality of liquid storage containers 18 by being detachably attached thereto. With this configuration, the pressure generating unit 80 can be shared by a plurality of liquid recovery containers 70. This reduces the number of parts required for the liquid recovery device 68.

[0144] The above embodiment can be modified as shown in the following modified examples. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples shown below can be appropriately combined to form further modified examples, or the modified examples shown below can be appropriately combined to form further modified examples.

[0145] In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid recovery device 68 may recover the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 after it has been removed from the housing 20. In each of the above-described embodiments, a dedicated liquid recovery port other than the existing ports 52 to 54 may be added to the liquid storage container 18. By connecting the recovery port 72 to the dedicated liquid recovery port, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 may be recovered into the liquid recovery container 70.

[0146] When only recovering liquid, the liquid recovery container 70 may contain a liquid absorbing member that absorbs the liquid. The liquid absorbing member may be a porous material such as a nonwoven fabric or sponge, or a water-absorbent polymer material.

[0147] The number of liquid collection containers 70 may be M, which is smaller than the number N of liquid storage containers 18. In this case, the capacity of the liquid collection container 70 may be greater than the maximum capacity of the liquid storage containers 18. When discarding the collected liquid, one liquid collection container 70 may collect liquid from multiple liquid storage containers 18. For example, if there are four or five liquid storage containers 18, there may be two or three liquid collection containers 70. Furthermore, there may be only one liquid collection container 70. One liquid collection container 70 may have a capacity that is greater than or equal to the sum of the maximum capacities of the N liquid storage containers 18.

[0148] The capacity of the liquid collection container 70 may be smaller than the maximum capacity of the liquid storage container 18 corresponding to the type (eg, color) of liquid. In each embodiment, the injection port 53 may not have the gas-liquid exchanger 56. In this case, the pipe member 90 may be a pipe-shaped member having only one flow path 93.

[0149] The liquid recovery device 68 may be configured without the tubing member 90. For example, the gas-liquid exchange section 56 may be replaced with a single tubing section through which only one flow path passes, and the lower end of this tubing section may be positioned near the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55. With this configuration, even without the tubing member 90, most of the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be recovered.

[0150] The pipe member 90 may be inserted to a depth such that its lower end is located on the side closer to the bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 55 between the highest liquid level and the bottom surface. Even with this configuration, when the maximum volume of liquid IL remains in the liquid storage container 18, the liquid recovery device 68 can recover more than half of that volume of liquid IL.

[0151] In each of the above-described embodiments, the liquid collection container 70 is not limited to a bottle type, but may be, for example, a box type, a cartridge type, a pack type, or the like.

[0152] In the first embodiment, the liquid recovery container 70 and the pressure generating unit 80 may be connected via a flow path member such as a tube. That is, the connecting portion 82 of the pressure generating unit 80 and the connected portion 77 of the liquid recovery container 70 may be connected via a flow path member.

[0153] In the second embodiment, the liquid storage container 18 and the pressure generating unit 80 may be connected via a flow path member such as a tube. That is, the connection portion 82 of the pressure generating unit 80 and the opening portion (atmosphere communication port 54) of the liquid storage container 18 may be connected via the flow path member.

[0154] In the second embodiment, the opening to which the connection part 102 of the pressure generating part 80 is connected may be the supply opening part 52. In this case, the atmosphere communication opening part 54 may be sealed with a lid member 120 (cap member).

[0155] In each of the above embodiments, the supply port 52 may be provided on a lower part of the side of the liquid storage container 18, instead of on the top surface or upper part of the side of the liquid storage container 18. In this case, in the case of the pressurized liquid recovery device 68 of the second embodiment, the liquid storage container 18 may be provided with a valve that closes the flow path that communicates with the supply port 52 when the supply flow path 24 is removed from the supply port 52.

[0156] In each of the above embodiments, the pumps 86, 106 of the pressure generating units 80, 100 may be manually driven instead of electrically driven by the motors 85, 105. A manual pump may be a pump that is driven by a user's manual operation, such as by rotating a handle or reciprocating a lever. For example, the pressure generating unit 80 of the first embodiment may be configured so that a user manually generates negative pressure. For example, a syringe or a rubber bulb may be used as the manual pump. In this case, the connecting portion of the manual pressure generating unit 80 may be configured to be connected to the connecting portion 77 of the liquid collection container 70.

[0157] In each of the above embodiments, the liquid recovery device 68 may include different types of pressure generating units 80, 100 that generate different types of pressure. That is, the liquid recovery device 68 may include both a first pressure generating unit 80 that is connected to the liquid recovery container 70 and is capable of generating negative pressure, and a second pressure generating unit 100 that is connected to the liquid storage container 18 and is capable of generating positive pressure. With this configuration, the liquid IL remaining in the liquid storage container 18 can be efficiently recovered into the liquid recovery container 70 by the negative pressure within the liquid recovery container 70 and the pressurization of the liquid level IP due to the positive pressure within the liquid storage container 18.

[0158] The motor of the liquid ejection device 11 may be used as the drive source for the pressure generation units 80, 100. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a driven part on the side of the pressure generation units 80, 100 is connected to a drive part that outputs power from the motor in the liquid ejection device 11. The drive part and driven part may be, for example, a drive gear and a driven gear. In this case, the motor that is the drive source may be a transport motor that is the drive source for a transport unit that transports the medium M, or a motor that is the drive source for the maintenance device 35. The connection part 82 of the pressure generation unit 80 is connected to the connected part 77 of the liquid collection container 70 via a tube. The connection part 102 of the pressure generation unit 100 is connected to the opening (e.g., the atmosphere communication port 54) of the liquid storage container 18 via a tube.

[0159] In each of the above-described embodiments, the valve portion 79 of the liquid collection container 70 may be configured to be switched from the closed position to the open position by a user manually operating a lever, button, or the like. Although the liquid ejection device 11 in the above embodiment is provided with multiple liquid storage containers 18, the liquid ejection device 11 may be provided with only one liquid storage container 18. One liquid storage container 18 may, for example, store black ink as liquid. In other words, the liquid ejection device 11 may be an inkjet printer dedicated to monochrome printing.

[0160] The type of liquid is not limited to the color of the liquid. The liquid ejection device 11 may have multiple liquid containers 18 for different types of liquid other than the color of the liquid. For example, the type of liquid may be a pigment or a dye, but the liquids may be the same color.

[0161] In the liquid ejection device 11, the position where the liquid storage container 18 is arranged is not limited to the front right side of the housing 20. For example, it may be on the front left side of the housing 20. The liquid storage container 18 may also be arranged on the side or rear side of the housing 20. The housing 20 may also have a storage section 19 where a portion of the housing 20 does not protrude outward (for example, to the front). Furthermore, multiple liquid storage containers 18 may be arranged separately on both the left and right sides of the front side of the housing 20.

[0162] The liquid ejection device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer that prints on paper, but may also be a textile printing device that prints on fabric. The medium M onto which the liquid ejection device 11 ejects the liquid may be a synthetic resin film, a laminate medium including a synthetic resin layer and a metal layer, or a metal foil.

[0163] The liquid ejection device 11 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device includes granular, teardrop-like, and string-like tails. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in a liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, and liquid metals (metal melts). The liquid includes not only liquids as a single state of matter, but also particles of functional materials made of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink includes various liquid compositions such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent (EL) displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacturing, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses (optical lenses) used in optical communication devices, etc. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc. In such liquid ejection devices, the technology for recovering liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 18 described in the above-described embodiments or modifications may be applied.

[0164] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. [1] The liquid recovery device is a liquid recovery device that recovers the liquid remaining in a liquid storage container having a plurality of ports including an injection port portion into which a liquid can be injected and a supply port portion that can supply the liquid to a liquid discharge portion that discharges the liquid. The liquid recovery device includes a liquid recovery container having a recovery port portion configured to be connectable to the port of the liquid storage container, and a pressure generation portion that is separate from the liquid recovery container and generates a pressure for moving the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container through the connection between the port and the recovery port portion.

[0165] According to this configuration, by separating the liquid recovery container and the pressure generation portion, the pressure generation portion can be connected to an appropriate pressure introduction destination and introduce pressure regardless of the connection position of the liquid recovery container to the liquid storage container. Therefore, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be efficiently recovered. Further, for example, when there are a plurality of (N; N is a natural number satisfying N>1) liquid recovery containers, by sharing the pressure generation portion among two or more liquid recovery containers, the number of pressure generation portions can be M (M<N), which is less than N. For example, liquid recovery containers can be prepared for each type (e.g., color) of liquid, and the pressure generation portion can be connected to these plurality of liquid recovery containers and reused. For example, only one (M = 1) pressure generation portion is required.

[0166] [(2)] In the liquid recovery device according to [(1)] above, the pressure generation portion may be configured to be detachable from at least one of the liquid recovery container and the liquid storage container to which the pressure is introduced. According to this configuration, when recovering the liquid, the pressure generation portion may be attached to at least one of the liquid recovery container and the liquid storage container that is the pressure introduction destination. Since the pressure generation portion and the liquid recovery container are separate components, the degree of freedom such as the selection of the connection destination of the pressure generation portion increases.

[0167] [(3)] In the liquid recovery device according to [(1)] or [(2)] above, the recovery port portion may be configured to be connectable to the injection port portion, and the liquid recovery container may recover the liquid in the liquid storage container through the connection between the recovery port portion and the injection port portion. According to this configuration, since the liquid recovery container recovers the liquid from the injection port portion, there is no need to separately form a dedicated discharge port for recovery in the liquid storage container.

[0168] [4] The liquid recovery device according to any one of [1] to [3] above may further include a tube member configured to be connectable to the recovery port, and the tube member connected to the recovery port may be inserted to a position closer to the bottom surface of the liquid storage container than the highest liquid level when the recovery port is connected to the port. With this configuration, the tube member is inserted into the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container, so that the liquid in the liquid storage container can be recovered into the liquid recovery container through the tube member.

[0169] [5] In the liquid recovery device described in any one of [1] to [4] above, the pressure generating unit may generate a negative pressure in the liquid recovery container, thereby sucking the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container. According to this configuration, the liquid in the liquid storage container can be recovered by being sucked into the liquid recovery container by the negative pressure in the liquid recovery container.

[0170] [6] In the liquid recovery device described in [5] above, the pressure generating unit may be configured to be connectable to a bottom portion of the liquid recovery container, which is the end portion opposite the end portion where the recovery port is located, and air within the liquid recovery container may be sucked from the bottom portion. This configuration makes it possible to recover a large amount of liquid into the liquid recovery container while suppressing the pressure generating unit from sucking in liquid. In addition, the pressure generating unit can be easily attached and detached from the liquid recovery container.

[0171] [7] In the liquid recovery device described in any one of [1] to [6] above, the pressure generating unit may pressurize the liquid surface in the liquid storage container, thereby sending the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container through the connection between the opening and the recovery opening. According to this configuration, by pressurizing the liquid surface in the liquid storage container, the liquid remaining in the liquid storage container can be sent to the liquid recovery container and recovered.

[0172] [8] In the liquid recovery device described in [7] above, the pressure generating unit may be connected to the plurality of ports other than the port connected to the recovery port so as to be able to introduce positive pressure, and the liquid recovery container may have a relief valve that releases to the outside an amount of air corresponding to the amount of liquid that has flowed in as a result of the liquid level in the liquid storage container being pressurized. With this configuration, air within the liquid recovery container can be released according to the amount of liquid that has flowed in, so that liquid can be continuously recovered into the liquid recovery container.

[0173] [9] In the liquid recovery apparatus described in any one of [2] to [8] above, a plurality of the liquid storage containers may be provided so as to be capable of storing different types of liquid, a plurality of the liquid recovery containers may be provided for each type of liquid to be recovered from the liquid storage containers, and the pressure generating unit may be detachably attached and shared between the plurality of the liquid recovery containers or between the plurality of the liquid storage containers. With this configuration, the pressure generating unit can be shared between the plurality of liquid recovery containers. This reduces the number of parts required for the liquid recovery apparatus.

[0174]

[10] In the liquid recovery device described in [9] above, the type of liquid is a color of the liquid, and the multiple liquid storage containers have a first identifier around the inlet portion consisting of a first concave-convex portion with a different concave-convex shape for each color of liquid stored therein, and the multiple liquid recovery containers have a second identifier around the recovery port portion consisting of a second concave-convex portion with a different concave-convex shape for each color of liquid to be recovered, and the first identifier and the second identifier may be formed in a shape that allows engagement between the first concave-convex portion and the second concave-convex portion only when the color of the liquid stored in the liquid storage container and the color of the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container are the same combination. With this configuration, liquid can be recovered into the liquid recovery container without making a mistake in the color of the liquid to be recovered. Since color mixing of the liquid in the liquid recovery container can be prevented, the recovered liquid can be reused.

[0175]

[11] In the liquid recovery device described in any one of [1] to

[10] above, the recovery inlet may also serve as an outlet connected to the inlet when supplying the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container to the liquid storage container. With this configuration, the liquid recovery container can be used as a liquid supply container. The liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container can be reused by supplying it to the liquid storage container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 11...liquid ejection device, 12...device main body, 13...image reading device, 13A...rotation mechanism, 14...operation panel, 15...operation section, 16...display section, 17...liquid supply unit, 18...liquid storage container, 18A...liquid storage container, 18B...liquid storage container, 19...storage section, 19A...storage section main body, 20...casing, 20A...bottom, 21...viewing window, 22...viewing surface, 23...liquid ejection section, 24...supply flow path, 25...ejection head, 25A...nozzle forming surface, 25N...nozzle, 26...carriage, 27...scanning mechanism, 28...guide shaft, 29...carriage motor, 30...pulley, 3 1...timing belt, 32...cover, 33...cap lever, 34...supply bottle, 34A...pouring outlet portion, 35...maintenance device, 36...liquid supply device, 37...cap, 38...discharge tube, 39...suction pump, 40...waste liquid storage portion, 41...flow path, 42...fastening portion, 43...position regulating portion, 45...subtank, 46...locking portion, 50...liquid storage portion, 50A...protruding portion, 50B...flow path forming wall, 52...supply port portion, 53...inlet portion, 54...atmosphere communication port portion, 55...liquid storage chamber, 56...gas-liquid exchange portion, 57...flow path, 59...partition portion, 60...connecting member, 61...upper surface, 62...through hole, 63...first identification portion, 64...first uneven portion, 65...convex portion, 68...liquid recovery device, 70...liquid recovery container, 70A...liquid recovery container, 70B...liquid recovery container, 71...container body, 71A...recovery chamber, 71B...valve hole, 72...recovery port portion, 73...covering portion, 74...head portion, 74A...screw portion, 75...second identification portion, 76...second uneven portion, 76A...recess, 77...connected portion, 77A...valve portion, 78...cap, 79...valve portion, 80...pressure generating portion (first pressure generating portion), 81...main body, 82...connecting portion, 83...exhaust portion, 84...operation switch, 85...motor, 86...po pump, 87...flow path, 88...battery, 90...tube member, 91...base, 92...tube portion, 93...flow path, 94...partition portion, 95...slit, 96...tip, 97...plug portion, 98...slit, 100...pressure generating portion (second pressure generating portion), 101...main body, 102...connecting portion, 103...suction portion, 104...operating switch, 105...motor, 106...pump, 107...flow path, 108...battery, 110...relief valve, 111...valve body, 112...spring, 120...lid member, 200...control portion, M...medium, IL...liquid, IP...liquid level, X...width direction, Y...conveying direction, Z...vertical direction (gravity direction).

Claims

1. A liquid recovery device that recovers liquid remaining in a liquid storage container having a plurality of ports including an inlet port through which the liquid can be injected and a supply port port through which the liquid can be supplied to a liquid ejection portion that ejects the liquid, a liquid collection container having a collection port configured to be connectable to the port of the liquid storage container; a pressure generating unit that is separate from the liquid recovery container and generates pressure that moves the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container through the connection between the opening and the recovery opening; A liquid recovery device comprising:

2. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, The liquid recovery apparatus is characterized in that the pressure generating section is configured to be detachable from at least one of the liquid recovery container and the liquid storage container to which the pressure is introduced.

3. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, the recovery port is configured to be connectable to the injection port, The liquid recovery device is characterized in that the liquid recovery container recovers the liquid in the liquid storage container through the connection between the recovery port and the injection port.

4. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, a pipe member configured to be connectable to the recovery port portion, A liquid recovery device characterized in that the tubular member connected to the recovery port portion is inserted to a position closer to the bottom surface than the highest liquid level of the liquid storage container when the recovery port portion is connected to the mouth portion.

5. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, The liquid recovery device, wherein the pressure generating section generates a negative pressure in the liquid recovery container, thereby sucking the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container.

6. 6. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 5, A liquid recovery device characterized in that the pressure generating unit is configured to be connectable to the bottom, which is the end opposite to the end on which the recovery port portion of the liquid recovery container is located, and the air inside the liquid recovery container is sucked in from the bottom.

7. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, A liquid recovery device characterized in that the pressure generating unit pressurizes the liquid surface in the liquid storage container, thereby sending the liquid in the liquid storage container into the liquid recovery container through the connection between the mouth portion and the recovery port portion.

8. 8. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 7, the pressure generating unit is connected to the plurality of ports other than the port connected to the recovery port so as to be able to introduce a positive pressure; The liquid recovery device is characterized in that the liquid recovery container has a relief valve that releases to the outside an amount of air corresponding to the amount of liquid that has flowed in when the liquid level in the liquid storage container is pressurized.

9. 3. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 2, a plurality of the liquid storage containers are provided so as to be capable of storing different types of liquids; a plurality of the liquid collection containers are provided for each type of liquid to be collected from the liquid storage container; The liquid recovery apparatus is characterized in that the pressure generating section is shared by being detachably attached to a plurality of the liquid recovery containers or a plurality of the liquid storage containers.

10. 10. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 9, The type of liquid is the color of the liquid, the plurality of liquid storage containers have a first identification portion around the injection port portion, the first identification portion being a first concave-convex portion having a different concave-convex shape for each color of liquid stored therein; the plurality of liquid collection containers have a second identification portion around the collection port portion, the second identification portion being made up of a second concave-convex portion having a different concave-convex shape for each color of liquid to be collected; A liquid recovery device characterized in that the first identification portion and the second identification portion are formed in a shape that allows the first uneven portion and the second uneven portion to engage with each other only when the color of the liquid contained in the liquid storage container and the color of the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container are the same combination.

11. 2. The liquid recovery apparatus according to claim 1, A liquid recovery device, wherein the recovery inlet also serves as an outlet that is connected to the injection inlet when the liquid recovered in the liquid recovery container is supplied to the liquid storage container.

Images