Liquid tank and liquid injection method

Abstract

To provide a liquid tank into which a liquid can be stably injected without depending on the skill and experience of a user.SOLUTION: The liquid tank 1 according to the present invention is a liquid tank in which a liquid is stored. The liquid is injected into the liquid tank from a discharge port C1 disposed on a discharge surface C2 of the liquid tank C in which the liquid is stored. The liquid tank includes a placing surface 3 on which the liquid container is placed, an abutting part 4 on which the liquid container placed on the placing surface is abutted, and an injection port 7 into which the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid container abutted on the abutting part is injected. When an external force is applied in the upward direction of the liquid receptacle from a state in which the liquid receptacle is butted against the butting portion, a contact portion P1 between the liquid receptacle and the butting portion functions as a fulcrum about which the liquid receptacle rotates. When the discharge surface is directed downward by the rotation of the liquid container, the injection port is disposed at a position facing the discharge port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid tank and a liquid injection method. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a liquid tank that stores a liquid poured from a liquid container is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The liquid tank disclosed in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "conventional liquid tank") has a mounting surface and a liquid inlet. When a user of the conventional liquid tank tilts a liquid container placed on the mounting surface toward the liquid inlet, the liquid stored in the liquid container is poured from the liquid container into the liquid inlet (conventional liquid tank). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-140803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional liquid tanks, the liquid container is placed at any position on the support surface. Therefore, when the liquid container is tilted toward the liquid inlet, the position of the fulcrum of the liquid container on the support surface changes depending on the position where the liquid container is placed. If the position of the liquid container relative to the support surface (the position of the fulcrum) is not appropriate, it is difficult for the user to pour liquid from the liquid container into the liquid inlet. Furthermore, the liquid may spill outside the liquid inlet. In other words, in conventional liquid tanks, the user's skill and experience are required to steadily pour liquid from a liquid container placed on the support surface into the liquid inlet.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid tank that allows liquid to be stably poured into the liquid tank without relying on the skill or experience of the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] a liquid tank in one embodiment of the present invention for storing a liquid, the liquid being poured into the liquid tank from a discharge port arranged on a discharge surface of a cubic liquid container in which the liquid is stored, wherein three mutually perpendicular axes are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the direction along the X-axis is the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the up-down direction, the liquid tank comprises: a mounting surface on which the liquid container is placed; an abutment portion against which a lower side of a surface of the liquid container placed on the mounting surface that faces the +X-axis direction is abutted; and an inlet through which the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid container abutted against the abutment portion is poured; The abutment portion is positioned adjacent to the mounting surface in the +X-axis direction of the mounting surface and protrudes upward beyond the end of the mounting surface on the +X-axis direction side.When an external force in the +X-axis direction is applied to the upward side of the liquid container while the liquid container is abutted against the abutment portion, the contact point between the liquid container and the abutment portion functions as a fulcrum for rotating the liquid container from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction.The abutment portion is formed so that the liquid is released from the release port toward the injection port as the liquid container rotates.When the release surface is directed downward due to the rotation of the liquid container, the injection port is positioned opposite the release port.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid injection method is a liquid injection method for injecting a liquid into a liquid tank in which the liquid is stored from a discharge port arranged on a discharge surface of a cubic liquid container in which the liquid is stored, wherein three mutually perpendicular axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, the direction along the X-axis is the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the up-down direction, and the liquid tank comprises a mounting surface on which the liquid container is placed, an abutment portion against which a lower side of a surface of the liquid container placed on the mounting surface that faces the +X-axis direction abuts, an injection port through which the liquid is injected from the discharge port of the liquid container abutted against the abutment portion, and a liquid tank in which the discharge surface is oriented downward by rotation of the liquid container. the liquid container is placed on the placement surface; abutting step of abutting the downward side of the surface of the liquid container placed on the placement surface, the surface facing the +X-axis direction, against the abutment portion; an external force application step of applying an external force toward the +X-axis direction to the upward side of the liquid container; and an injection step of rotating the liquid container from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction, and injecting the liquid from the discharge port into the injection port, wherein the injection step includes a second placement step of facing the discharge surface downward while injecting the liquid from the discharge port into the injection port, and placing the liquid container with the discharge surface facing downward on the injection surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The present invention can provide a liquid tank that allows liquid to be stably poured into the liquid tank without relying on the skill or experience of the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a liquid tank showing an embodiment of the liquid tank according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the liquid tank. [Figure 3] 3 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the liquid tank of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid container that stores the liquid to be poured into the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of a liquid injection method according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing a state in which the liquid container is placed on a placement surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container being abutted against an abutment portion of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 9] 7 is a flowchart of a liquid injection process included in the liquid injection method of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating how the liquid container rotates around a contact point between the liquid container and the abutment portion as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating the liquid being discharged from the discharge port of the liquid container which rotates around the contact portion as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container rotating while discharging the liquid and coming into contact with the injection surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container rotating while discharging the liquid and being struck against the inner peripheral surface of the pouring frame of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 14] 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container being placed on the filling surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing a state in which the liquid container is placed on the pouring surface. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid tank according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of a liquid injection method according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing a state in which the liquid container is placed on the placement surface. FIG. [Figure 19] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container being abutted against the abutment portion. FIG. [Figure 20] 18 is a flowchart of a liquid injection process included in the liquid injection method of FIG. 17. [Figure 21] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating how the liquid container rotates around a contact point between the liquid container and the abutment portion as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 22] 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the state in which the liquid container is placed on a second placement surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 23] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating the liquid container placed on the second placement surface being abutted against a second abutment portion of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating how the liquid container rotates around a contact point between the liquid container and the second abutment portion as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 25] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the state in which the liquid container is placed on an upper surface of the second abutment portion. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a top view of the liquid tank, showing still another embodiment of the liquid tank according to the present invention. [Figure 27] 27 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank taken along line AA in FIG. 26. FIG. [Figure 28] 10 is a flowchart showing yet another embodiment of a liquid injection method according to the present invention. [Figure 29] 4 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing a state in which the liquid container is placed on a first inclined surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 30] 29 is a flowchart of a liquid injection process included in the liquid injection method of FIG. 28. [Figure 31]10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the liquid container rotating around a ridge of the placement surface as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 32] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the state in which the liquid container is placed on a second inclined surface of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 33] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating the liquid container placed on the second inclined surface being abutted against the abutment portion. FIG. [Figure 34] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, illustrating how the liquid container rotates around a contact point between the liquid container and the abutment portion as a fulcrum. FIG. [Figure 35] 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing the state in which the liquid container is placed on the upper surface of the abutment portion and the inlet surface of the fill port of the liquid tank. FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a liquid tank, showing a modified example of the liquid tank according to the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the liquid tank, showing another modified example of the liquid tank according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Embodiments of a liquid tank (hereinafter referred to as "this tank") and a liquid injection method (hereinafter referred to as "this method") according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same members and elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions of each element may be exaggerated for the sake of convenience, and are not limited to the proportions shown in each drawing.

[0012] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the three mutually orthogonal axes in space are the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis is parallel to the up-down direction. The "X-axis direction" is the direction along the X-axis, the "+X-direction" is one direction along the X-axis, and the "-X-direction" is the other direction along the X-axis. The "Y-axis direction" is the direction along the Y-axis, the "+Y-direction" is one direction along the Y-axis, and the "-Y-direction" is the other direction along the Y-axis. The "Z-axis direction" is the direction along the Z-axis and is the up-down direction. The "+Z-direction" is the upward direction, and the "-Z-direction" is the downward direction. The "XY-direction" is the direction along the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the "XY-plane" is an imaginary plane parallel to the XY-directions. The "XZ-direction" is the direction along the X-axis and Z-axis directions, and the "XZ-plane" is an imaginary plane parallel to the XZ-directions. The "YZ direction" is the direction along the Y-axis and Z-axis directions, and the "YZ plane" is an imaginary plane parallel to the YZ direction. In other words, the XY plane is a horizontal plane, and the XZ plane and YZ plane are vertical planes.

[0013] ●Configuration of this tank (1)● First, the structure of the tank will be described below.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tank, showing an embodiment of the tank.

[0015] This tank 1 is a tank in which a liquid is stored. In this embodiment, the "liquid" is, for example, a chemical solution. The "chemical solution" is, for example, a liquid chemical used to disinfect water in an external device (not shown; the same applies below). This tank 1 pressure-feeds the liquid stored in this tank 1 to the external device. This tank 1 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. When viewed from above, this tank 1 has a rectangular, cuboid shape that is aligned with the XY direction. This tank 1 has two storage sections A and B, a storage space (not shown; the same applies below), and a liquid injection section 2.

[0016] In the present invention, the liquid is not limited to a chemical solution, and may be, for example, a chemical diluted with water or pure water.

[0017] Storage sections A and B are the portions of the tank 1 that house a control device (not shown; the same applies below) and a pump (not shown; the same applies below). Part of the surface of the tank 1 on the -X axis direction is recessed in a rectangular shape toward the +X axis direction, forming two storage sections A and B. Storage sections A and B are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Storage section A is physically separated from storage section B by wall section W1 of the tank 1. Storage section A houses a control device, and storage section B houses a pump. The control device controls the operation of the pump. The pump pressure-feeds the liquid stored in the tank 1 to external equipment.

[0018] The storage space is a space in the tank 1 where the liquid injected into the injection port 7 is stored. The storage space is located inside the tank 1. The storage space is located below the injection port 7. Details of the injection port 7 will be described later.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tank 1. FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1 taken along line AA in FIG.

[0020] The liquid injection unit 2 assists the user (hereinafter referred to as "user") in injecting liquid into the tank 1. The liquid injection unit 2 is formed by the upper wall W2 of the tank 1. The liquid injection unit 2 includes a mounting surface 3, a stopper 4, a pouring frame 5, an injection surface 6, and an injection port 7. The mounting surface 3, a stopper 4, a pouring frame 5, an injection surface 6, and an injection port 7 are each integrally formed. Furthermore, the mounting surface 3, a stopper 4, a pouring frame 5, an injection surface 6, and an injection port 7 are each arranged along the X-axis direction.

[0021] In the present invention, the placement surface 3, the abutment portion 4, the pouring frame 5, the pouring surface 6, and the pouring port 7 do not necessarily have to be integrally formed.

[0022] The mounting surface 3 is a surface on which a liquid container C (see Figure 5; the same applies below) is placed. When viewed from above, the shape of the mounting surface 3 is approximately rectangular along the XY directions. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the shape of the mounting surface 3 is a curved surface that convex upward. The length of the mounting surface 3 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the width L1 of the liquid container C (see Figure 5; the same applies below). The length of the mounting surface 3 in the Y-axis direction is longer than the depth L2 of the liquid container C (see Figure 5; the same applies below). The mounting surface 3 has a first end 31 and a second end 32. Details of the liquid container C will be described later.

[0023] The first end 31 is an end on the −X-axis direction side of the mounting surface 3. When viewed from above, the first end 31 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction. The first end 31 is higher than the second end 32.

[0024] The second end 32 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the placement surface 3. When viewed from above, the second end 32 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0025] The abutment portion 4 is a portion of the tank 1 against which the liquid container C abuts. When a liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the lower side of the surface facing the +X-axis direction abuts against the abutment portion 4. When viewed from above, the abutment portion 4 extends from the mounting surface 3 in the +X-axis direction and is disposed adjacent to the mounting surface 3 in the +X-axis direction of the mounting surface 3. The abutment portion 4 protrudes upward beyond the second end 32. When viewed from above, the abutment portion 4 has a rectangular shape extending along the X and Y directions. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the abutment portion 4 has a curved shape that is convex upward. The length of the abutment portion 4 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the height L3 of the liquid container C (see FIG. 5; the same applies below). The length of the abutment portion 4 in the Y-axis direction is longer than the depth L2 of the liquid container C. The abutment portion 4 includes a first end portion 41 , a second end portion 42 , an abutment top portion 43 , and a contact surface 44 .

[0026] The first end 41 is an end on the −X-axis direction side of the abutting portion 4. When viewed from above, the first end 41 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction. The first end 41 is lower than the second end 42.

[0027] The second end 42 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the abutting portion 4. When viewed from above, the second end 42 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0028] The abutment apex 43 is the apex of the abutment portion 4. The abutment apex 43 is disposed between the first end portion 41 and the second end portion 42 in the X-axis direction.

[0029] Contact surface 44 is the upper surface 45 of abutment portion 4, and is the surface that comes into contact with liquid container C when liquid container C abuts against abutment portion 4. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, contact surface 44 has an upwardly convex curved shape.

[0030] When viewed from above, the pouring frame 5 is arranged to surround the entire periphery of the pouring surface 6. When viewed from above, the pouring frame 5 extends from the abutment portion 4 in the +X-axis direction, and is arranged adjacent to the abutment portion 4 in the +X-axis direction of the abutment portion 4. When viewed from above, the pouring frame 5 has a rectangular frame shape that extends along the XY direction. The pouring frame 5 has an upper surface 51, an inner peripheral surface 52, and a ridge portion 53.

[0031] When viewed from above, the upper surface 51 is disposed so as to surround the entire periphery of the inner peripheral surface 52. When viewed from above, the shape of the upper surface 51 is a rectangular frame extending along the XY direction. The shape of the upper surface 51 is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane. The upper surface 51 is lower than the second end 42.

[0032] When viewed from above, the inner circumferential surface 52 is disposed inward of the upper surface 51. When viewed from above, the shape of the inner circumferential surface 52 is a rectangular frame along the X and Y directions, and is an inverted truncated square pyramid that is flattened in the vertical direction. That is, when viewed from above, the distance between the inner circumferential surfaces 52 in each of the X and Y axes continuously decreases from the upper end to the lower end of the inner circumferential surface 52. In other words, the position of the inner circumferential surface 52 continuously decreases from the outer edge to the inner edge of the inner circumferential surface 52. That is, the inner circumferential surface 52 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0033] When viewed from above, ridge portion 53 is an inward end portion of upper surface 51 and an outward end portion of inner circumferential surface 52. In other words, ridge portion 53 is disposed (formed) between upper surface 51 and inner circumferential surface 52. When viewed from above, ridge portion 53 has a rectangular shape that is aligned with the X and Y directions.

[0034] The injection surface 6 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed, with the discharge surface C1 (see FIG. 5; the same applies below) facing downward due to rotation of the liquid container C. When viewed from above, the injection surface 6 is arranged to surround the entire circumference of the injection port 7. When viewed from above, the injection surface 6 extends inward from the inner edge of the inner circumferential surface 52 and is arranged adjacent to the inner circumferential surface 52, facing inward from the inner circumferential surface 52. When viewed from above, the shape of the injection surface 6 is a rectangular frame extending along the X and Y directions. The injection surface 6 is slightly larger than the discharge surface C1 in both the X and Y axis directions. The injection surface 6 has a first end 61 and a second end 62. Details of the discharge surface C1 will be described later.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the main part of the tank 1 of FIG. In FIG. 4, the dashed dotted line indicates an imaginary parallel line parallel to the X-axis direction, based on the position of the first end 61 in the up-down direction.

[0036] The first end 61 is the end of the injection surface 6 on the -X-axis direction side. When viewed from above, the shape of the first end 61 is linear along the Y-axis direction. The first end 61 is higher than the second end 62. The position of the injection surface 6 becomes continuously lower from the first end 61 toward the second end 62. In other words, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the injection surface 6 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0037] Second end 62 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of injection surface 6. When viewed from above, second end 62 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0038] The inlet 7 is a through-hole that passes through the upper wall portion W2 of the tank 1 in the vertical direction. Liquid discharged from the discharge port C2 (see Figure 5; the same applies below) of the liquid container C that is abutted against the abutment portion 4 is poured into the inlet 7. The inlet 7 is located in the center of the injection surface 6. When viewed from above, the shape of the inlet 7 is a rectangular frame. The inlet 7 is smaller than the discharge surface C1 in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The inlet 7 has an introduction surface 71 and a hole 72. Details of the discharge port C2 will be described later.

[0039] The introduction surface 71 is disposed above the inner circumferential surface of the injection port 7. When viewed from above, the upper ends of the introduction surfaces 71 are rectangular, and the lower ends of the introduction surfaces 71 are circular. When viewed from above, the distance between the introduction surfaces 71 in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction continuously decreases from the upper ends to the lower ends of the introduction surfaces 71. In other words, the position of the introduction surfaces 71 continuously decreases from the outer edge to the inner edge of the introduction surfaces 71. That is, the introduction surfaces 71 are inclined surfaces that are inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, when liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 of the liquid container C onto the introduction surface 71, the liquid is introduced (injected) into the hole 72 via the introduction surface 71.

[0040] When viewed from above, hole 72 is surrounded by introduction surface 71. Hole 72 is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of injection port 7, below introduction surface 71 and adjacent to introduction surface 71. When viewed from above, hole 72 has a cylindrical shape.

[0041] In the present invention, the shape of the hole 72 is not limited to a cylindrical shape when viewed from above. That is, for example, the shape of the hole 72 when viewed from above may be a rectangular cylindrical shape.

[0042] ●Liquid container FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the liquid container C.

[0043] The liquid container C stores a liquid. The liquid container C is, for example, a Cubitainer (registered trademark). When viewed from above, the liquid container C has a rectangular, cubic shape along the XY direction. The liquid container C has a discharge surface C1 and a discharge port C2.

[0044] Here, when the discharge surface C1 faces upward, the "width L1" is the length parallel to the X-axis direction of the liquid container C, the "depth L2" is the length parallel to the Y-axis direction of the liquid container C, and the "height L3" is the length parallel to the up-down direction of the liquid container C. The width L1, depth L2, and height L3 of the liquid container C are the same length.

[0045] The discharge surface C1 is the surface on which the discharge port C2 is located among the surfaces of the liquid container C. When the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3, the discharge surface C1 faces upward.

[0046] The outlet C2 is a nozzle that releases the liquid stored in the liquid container C. When viewed from above, the outlet C2 has a circular shape. When the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3, the outlet C2 is located on the -X-axis direction side of the center of the release surface C1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0047] ●Liquid injection method (1)● Next, an embodiment of this method will be described below, taking as an example a case where a user pours liquid into the tank 1 from a liquid container C. The user pours liquid into the tank 1 from the -X-axis direction of the tank 1.

[0048] In the following description, the tank 1 is placed on a surface parallel to a horizontal plane (for example, the ground on which the tank 1 is placed).

[0049] In the following description, the "+X surface" refers to one of the surfaces of the liquid container C that faces the +X axis direction.

[0050] Furthermore, in the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 1 to 5 as appropriate.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing a state in which the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the liquid container C is shown in a non-sectional view for the sake of convenience of explanation, as is the case in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 15.

[0052] First, the user places the liquid container C with the discharge surface C1 facing upward on the placement surface 3 (S1). At this time, the placement surface 3 supports the liquid container C placed on the placement surface 3. The user supports the liquid container C placed on the placement surface 3 so that the liquid container C does not fall off the placement surface 3 in the -X direction.

[0053] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing the state in which the liquid container C is abutted against the abutment portion 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0054] Next, the user abuts the downward side of the +X surface of the liquid container C placed on the placement surface 3 against the abutment portion 4 (S2). At this time, the liquid container C abutted against the abutment portion 4 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the injection port 7 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the abutment portion 4 functions as a positioning portion for the liquid container C relative to the injection port 7.

[0055] Here, the angle of the liquid container C (discharge surface C1) with respect to the horizontal plane when the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4 is the reference angle. The reference angle is "angle θ0° (for example, approximately 15°)" with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0056] Next, the user performs the liquid injection process (S3).

[0057] ●Liquid injection treatment (1) FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the liquid injection process (S3) included in this method.

[0058] The "liquid injection process (S3)" is a process in which the user injects the liquid stored in the liquid container C into the injection port 7 (main tank 1).

[0059] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C rotates around the contact point P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4 as a fulcrum. 10, the white arrows indicate the external force applied to the liquid container C. In FIG. 10, the black circles indicate the contact points P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portions 4. In FIG. 10, the two-dot chain lines indicate the state of the liquid container C in FIG. 8.

[0060] First, the user applies an external force (hereinafter referred to as "rotational external force") that rotates (pushes) the liquid container C in the +X-axis direction to the upward side of the liquid container C that is abutting against the abutment portion 4 (S31). In other words, from the state in which the liquid container C is abutting against the abutment portion 4, the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C. At this time, the contact portion P1 functions as a (first) fulcrum for rotating the liquid container C from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction (clockwise when viewed from the +Y-axis direction). In other words, when the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C, rotation of the liquid container C begins with the contact portion P1 as the fulcrum. In the following description, "rotation of the liquid container C" refers to rotation of the liquid container C from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction (clockwise when viewed from the +Y-axis direction).

[0061] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 of the liquid container C that rotates around the contact part P1 as a fulcrum. 11, the black circle indicates the contact point P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4. In FIG. 11, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0062] Next, the user begins pouring liquid into the inlet 7 (S32). That is, the user rotates the liquid container C to pour the liquid stored in the liquid container C from the discharge port C2 into the inlet 7. Specifically, the user rotates the liquid container C by an angle θ1° (e.g., approximately 75°) from the reference angle until the discharge surface C1 of the liquid container C is parallel to the vertical direction. At this time, the contact portion P1 moves to the abutment top portion 43 so as to be aligned with the contact surface 44 (upper surface 45) of the abutment portion 4. When the liquid container C has rotated by the angle θ1° from the reference angle, the discharge surface C1 is oriented in the +X-axis direction. Here, the discharge of liquid from the discharge port C2 begins while the liquid container C is rotating by the angle θ1° from the reference angle. Furthermore, liquid discharged from the discharge outlet C2 of the liquid container C, which is rotating along the contact surface 44 (upper surface 45) of the abutment portion 4, is discharged toward the inlet 7. In other words, the shape of the abutment portion 4 is formed so that liquid is discharged from the discharge outlet C2 toward the inlet 7 as the liquid container C rotates. The user adjusts the rotation speed of the liquid container C as appropriate so that the liquid discharged from the discharge outlet C2 toward the inlet 7 is injected into the inlet 7.

[0063] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the rotating liquid container C comes into contact with the pouring surface 6 while discharging liquid. 12, the black circle indicates a contact portion P2 between the liquid container C and the pouring surface 6. In FIG. 12, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0064] Next, the user further rotates the liquid container C while pouring liquid from the discharge port C2 into the injection port 7. At this time, the liquid container C comes into contact with the injection surface 6. The contact point P2 between the liquid container C and the injection surface 6 functions as a (second) fulcrum around which the liquid container C rotates.

[0065] FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C, which is rotating while discharging liquid, hits the inner circumferential surface 52 of the pouring frame 5. 13, the black circle indicates a contact portion P2 between the liquid container C and the pouring surface 6. In FIG. 13, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0066] Next, the user further rotates the liquid container C, which is in contact with the pouring surface 6, around contact point P2 as a fulcrum while pulling the liquid container C back from the +X-axis direction toward the -X-axis direction. At this time, the liquid container C abuts against inner circumferential surface 52 on the -X-direction side of the pouring frame 5. Here, in the X-axis direction, the liquid container C abutting against inner circumferential surface 52 of the pouring frame 5 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the pouring port 7. In other words, inner circumferential surface 52 of the pouring frame 5 functions as a positioning portion for the liquid container C relative to the pouring port 7.

[0067] FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C is placed on the pouring surface 6. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 14, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0068] Next, the user further rotates the liquid container C, which is abutted against the inner circumferential surface 52 of the pouring frame 5, until the discharge surface C1 abuts against the injection surface 6. When the discharge surface C1 abuts against the injection surface 6, the discharge surface C1 faces downward, the injection port 7 faces the discharge port C2, and the rotation of the liquid container C ends. In other words, when the discharge surface C1 faces downward due to the rotation of the liquid container C, the injection port 7 is positioned opposite the discharge port C2.

[0069] Next, the user places the liquid container C on the injection surface 6 with the discharge surface C1 facing downward (S33).

[0070] In this way, the user places the liquid container C on the injection surface 6 with the discharge surface C1 facing downwards while pouring the liquid from the discharge outlet C2 into the injection port 7.

[0071] FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing a state in which the liquid container C is placed on the pouring surface 6. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, the dashed dotted line indicates an imaginary parallel line parallel to the X-axis direction, based on the position of the first end 61 in the up-down direction.

[0072] Here, when the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3, the discharge outlet C2 is located on the -X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. The liquid container C rotates from the reference angle (approximately 15°) by an angle θ2° (e.g., approximately 165°) between the start and end of the rotation. In other words, the liquid container C rotates approximately 180°. Therefore, when the liquid container C is placed on the injection surface 6, the discharge outlet C2 is located on the +X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. Also, as described above, the injection surface 6 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, when the liquid container C is placed on the injection surface 6, the liquid container C (discharge surface C1) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the position of the liquid container C continuously decreases from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction. As a result, the discharge outlet C2 is located at the lowest part of the liquid container C. Therefore, the liquid stored in the liquid container C does not remain in the liquid container C, but is poured from the liquid container C into the pouring port 7 (main tank 1).

[0073] Furthermore, during the time that liquid container C rotates from the reference angle to "angle θ2°," the liquid discharged from discharge port C2 toward injection port 7 is poured into injection port 7. In other words, injection port 7 is positioned on the trajectory of the liquid discharged from discharge port C2.

[0074] Summary (1) According to the embodiment described above, the tank 1 includes a mounting surface 3, abutment portion 4, and an inlet 7. The mounting surface 3 is a surface on which a liquid container C is placed. When a liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the lower side of the +X surface abuts against the abutment portion 4. The abutment portion 4 is disposed adjacent to the mounting surface 3 in the +X-axis direction of the liquid container C. The abutment portion 4 protrudes upward beyond the second end portion 32. Liquid discharged from the discharge outlet C2 of a liquid container C abutted against the abutment portion 4 is poured into the inlet 7. When a rotational external force is applied upward to the liquid container C while the liquid container C is abutted against the abutment portion 4, the contact portion P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4 functions as a fulcrum for rotation of the liquid container C. The abutment portion 4 is formed so that liquid is discharged from the discharge outlet C2 toward the inlet 7 as the liquid container C rotates. When the liquid container C is rotated so that the discharge surface C1 faces downward, the injection port 7 is positioned opposite the discharge port C2. With this configuration, the liquid container C placed on the mounting surface 3 abuts against the abutment portion 4, thereby determining the position of the liquid container C relative to the injection port 7. From this state, by rotating the liquid container C around the contact point P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4 as a fulcrum, the liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 of the liquid container C toward the injection port 7. Therefore, with this tank 1, a user can stably pour liquid into the injection port 7 (this tank 1) without relying on the user's skill or experience.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the shape of the support surface 3 is a curved surface that is convex upward when viewed in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the position of the support surface 3 gradually decreases from the first end 31 toward the second end 32. Therefore, it is easier for the user to abut the liquid container C against the abutment portion 4 compared to a case in which the support surface 3 is not curved.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the shape of the abutment portion 4 is a curved surface that is convex upward when viewed in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the user can rotate the liquid container C that has abutted against the abutment portion 4 while keeping it in contact with (along) the contact surface 44. Therefore, the user can rotate the liquid container C more easily than if the abutment portion 4 had a shape that is not curved.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the rotation speed of the liquid container C is an appropriate rotation speed, the injection port 7 is positioned on the trajectory of the liquid discharged from the discharge port C2. The "appropriate rotation speed" is, for example, a speed at which the liquid container C does not slide on the upper surface 45 of the abutment portion 4 and the liquid does not drip from the discharge port C2. According to this configuration, the liquid discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7 is appropriately injected into the injection port 7.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the tank 1 includes an injection surface 6. The injection surface 6 is a surface on which a liquid container C is placed with its discharge surface C1 facing downward due to rotation of the liquid container C. When viewed from above, the injection surface 6 is disposed so as to surround the entire circumference of the injection port 7, and is larger than the discharge surface C1 in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, a user can stably place a liquid container C, with its discharge surface C1 facing downward due to rotation of the liquid container C, on the injection surface 6.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, when the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3, the discharge port C2 is located on the -X-axis direction side of the discharge surface C1. The first end 61 of the injection surface 6 is higher than the second end 62 of the injection surface 6. According to this configuration, when the liquid container C is placed on the injection surface 6, the discharge surface C1 faces downward, and the discharge port C2 is located on the +X-axis direction side of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. The liquid container C placed on the injection surface 6 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid stored in the liquid container C is poured from the liquid container C into the injection port 7 (the tank 1) without remaining in the liquid container C.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the tank 1 includes a pouring frame 5. When viewed from above, the pouring frame 5 has a rectangular shape and is arranged to surround the entire periphery of the pouring surface 6. The pouring frame 5 includes an inner circumferential surface 52. When viewed from above, the distance between the inner circumferential surfaces 52 in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction decreases from the upper end to the lower end of the inner circumferential surface 52. This configuration makes it easy for the user to push the liquid container C, which is in contact with the pouring surface 6, against the inner circumferential surface 52.

[0081] ●Configuration of this tank (2)● Next, another embodiment of the present tank 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment") will be described below, focusing on differences from the previously described embodiment of the present tank 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment") In the following description, Figures 1, 2, and 5 will be referenced as appropriate.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the liquid injecting section 2 is different from that in the first embodiment.

[0083] First, the configuration of the tank 1 will be described below.

[0084] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the present tank 1, showing another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present tank 1.

[0085] The liquid injection unit 2 includes a mounting surface 3, a stop portion 4, an injection port 7, a second mounting surface 8, and a second stop portion 9. That is, in the second embodiment, the liquid injection unit 2 does not include a pouring frame 5 and a pouring surface 6.

[0086] The second mounting surface 8 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed, with the discharge surface C1 facing the +X-axis direction, as a result of the liquid container C rotating from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction. When viewed from above, the second mounting surface 8 extends from the abutment portion 4 in the +X-axis direction and is disposed adjacent to the abutment portion 4 in the +X-axis direction of the abutment portion 4. When viewed from above, the shape of the second mounting surface 8 is rectangular along the XY directions. The length of the second mounting surface 8 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the width L1 of the liquid container C. The length of the second mounting surface 8 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the depth L2 of the liquid container C. The second mounting surface 8 has a first end 81 and a second end 82.

[0087] The first end 81 is the end on the -X-axis direction side of the second placing surface 8. When viewed from above, the shape of the first end 81 is linear along the Y-axis direction. The first end 81 is higher than the second end 82. The position of the second placing surface 8 becomes continuously lower from the first end 81 toward the second end 82. In other words, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the second placing surface 8 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0088] In the present invention, the shape of the second placement surface 8 as viewed in the Y-axis direction may be a curved surface that is convex upward.

[0089] The second end 82 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the second placement surface 8. When viewed from above, the second end 82 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0090] The second abutment portion 9 is a portion of the tank 1 against which the liquid container C abuts. The downward side of the discharge surface C1 of a liquid container C placed on the second mounting surface 8 abuts against the second abutment portion 9. When viewed from above, the second abutment portion 9 is disposed so as to surround the entire periphery of the injection port 7. When viewed from above, the second abutment portion 9 extends from the second mounting surface 8 in the +X-axis direction and is disposed adjacent to the second mounting surface 8 in the +X-axis direction of the second mounting surface 8. The second abutment portion 9 protrudes upward beyond the second end 82. When viewed from above, the second abutment portion 9 has a rectangular frame shape extending along the X and Y directions. The length of the second abutment portion 9 in the X-axis direction is shorter than the width L1 of the liquid container C. The length of the second abutment portion 9 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the depth L2 of the liquid container C. The second abutment portion 9 includes a contact surface 91 and an upper surface 92 .

[0091] Contact surface 91 is a surface that comes into contact with liquid container C when liquid container C abuts against second abutment portion 9. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, contact surface 91 has a curved shape that is convex downward.

[0092] When viewed from above, the upper surface 92 is disposed so as to surround the entire periphery of the injection port 7. When viewed from above, the upper surface 92 extends from the contact surface 91 in the +X-axis direction. When viewed from above, the upper surface 92 has a rectangular frame shape. The upper surface 92 has a first end 921 and a second end 922.

[0093] The first end 921 is the end on the −X-axis direction side of the top surface 92. When viewed from above, the shape of the first end 921 is linear along the Y-axis direction. The first end 921 is higher than the second end 922. The position of the top surface 92 becomes continuously lower from the first end 921 toward the second end 922. In other words, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the top surface 92 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0094] The second end 922 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the upper surface 92. When viewed from above, the second end 922 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0095] ●Liquid injection method (2)● Next, another embodiment of the present method will be described below, taking as an example a case where a user pours liquid into the tank 1 from a liquid container C. The user pours liquid into the tank 1 from the -X-axis direction of the tank 1.

[0096] In the following description, the tank 1 is placed on a surface parallel to a horizontal plane (for example, the ground on which the tank 1 is placed).

[0097] In the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 5 and 16 as appropriate.

[0098] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of the present method. FIG. 18 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing a state in which the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3. As shown in FIG. For ease of explanation, the liquid container C is shown in a non-sectional view in Figure 18. The same is true for Figure 19 and Figures 21 to 25.

[0099] First, the user places the liquid container C with the discharge surface C1 facing upward on the placement surface 3, as in the first embodiment (S1).

[0100] FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing the state in which the liquid container C is abutted against the abutment portion 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 19, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0101] Next, the user abuts the downward side of the +X surface of the liquid container C placed on the placement surface 3 against the abutment portion 4, as in the first embodiment (S2).

[0102] Here, the angle of the liquid container C (discharge surface C1) with respect to the horizontal plane when the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4 is the reference angle. The reference angle is "angle θ3° (for example, approximately 20°)" with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0103] Next, the user performs the liquid injection process (S4).

[0104] ●Liquid injection treatment (2) FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the liquid injection process (S4) included in another embodiment of the present method.

[0105] The "liquid injection process (S4)" is a process in which the user injects the liquid stored in the liquid container C into the injection port 7 (main tank 1).

[0106] FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C rotates around the contact portion P1 as a fulcrum. In Fig. 21, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid holder C in Fig. 19. In Fig. 21, the black circle indicates the contact point P1.

[0107] First, similar to the process (S31) in the first embodiment, the user applies a rotational external force to the upward side of the liquid container C that is abutting against the abutment portion 4 (S41). At this time, the liquid container C starts to rotate around the contact portion P1 as a fulcrum. In the following description, "rotation of the liquid container C" refers to rotation of the liquid container C from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction (clockwise rotation when viewed from the +Y-axis direction).

[0108] FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C is placed on the second placement surface 8. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 22, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0109] Next, the user begins pouring liquid into the inlet 7 (S42). That is, the user rotates the liquid container C until the +X surface abuts the second mounting surface 8, and pours the liquid stored in the liquid container C from the discharge port C2 into the inlet 7. Specifically, the user rotates the liquid container C by an angle θ4° (e.g., approximately 80°) from the reference angle. As a result, the liquid container C is placed on the second mounting surface 8. At this time, the discharge surface C1 is oriented in the +X-axis direction. Here, the discharge of liquid from the discharge port C2 begins while the liquid container C is rotated by the angle θ4° from the reference angle. The length of the second mounting surface 8 in the X-axis direction is designed to be a length such that, when the liquid container C is placed on the second mounting surface 8, liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 of the liquid container C to the inlet 7 as the liquid container C rotates. Therefore, the liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7.

[0110] FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C placed on the second placement surface 8 is abutted against the second abutment portion 9. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0111] Next, the user pours liquid from the discharge outlet C2 into the injection port 7, while abutting the downward side of the discharge surface C1 of the liquid container C placed on the second mounting surface 8 against the second abutment portion 9 (S43). At this time, the liquid container C abutting against the second abutment portion 9 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the injection port 7 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the second abutment portion 9 functions as a positioning portion for the liquid container C relative to the injection port 7.

[0112] Here, the angle of the liquid container C with respect to the horizontal plane when the liquid container C abuts against the second abutment portion 9 is "angle θ5° (for example, approximately 10°)" with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0113] FIG. 24 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C rotates around the contact point P3 between the liquid container C and the second abutment portion 9 as a fulcrum. 24, the black circle indicates the contact point P3 between the liquid container C and the second abutment portion 9. In FIG. 24, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0114] Next, the user applies a rotational external force to the upward side of the liquid container C abutting against the second abutment portion 9 while pouring liquid from the discharge port C2 into the injection port 7 (S44). In other words, the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C from the state in which the liquid container C abuts against the second abutment portion 9. At this time, the contact point P3 between the liquid container C and the second abutment portion 9 functions as a (second) fulcrum for rotation of the liquid container C. In other words, when the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C, the liquid container C begins to rotate around the contact point P3 as a fulcrum. Here, the process (S44) is executed before the trajectory of the liquid being released from the liquid container C placed on the second mounting surface 8 moves further in the -X-axis direction than the injection port 7.

[0115] FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 92 of the second abutment portion 9. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 25, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0116] Next, the user rotates the liquid container C, which is abutted against the second abutment portion 9, until the discharge surface C1 abuts against the upper surface 92 while pouring liquid from the discharge outlet C2 into the injection port 7. When the discharge surface C1 abuts against the upper surface 92, the discharge surface C1 faces downward, the injection port 7 faces the discharge outlet C2, and the rotation of the liquid container C ends. In other words, when the discharge surface C1 faces downward due to the rotation of the liquid container C, the injection port 7 is positioned opposite the discharge outlet C2.

[0117] Here, the entrance surface 71 is designed to be smaller than the exit surface C1 in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0118] Next, the user places the liquid container C with the discharge surface C1 facing downward on the upper surface 92 (S45). At this time, when the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 92, the upper surface 92 functions as an injection surface in the present invention.

[0119] In this way, the user places the liquid container C on the upper surface 92 with the discharge surface C1 facing downwards while pouring the liquid from the discharge outlet C2 into the inlet 7.

[0120] Here, when the liquid container C is placed on the placement surface 3, the discharge port C2 is located on the -X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. The liquid container C rotates from the reference angle (approximately 20°) by an angle θ6° (e.g., approximately 160°) from the start to the end of the rotation (from when the liquid container C hits the abutment portion 4 until the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 92). In other words, the liquid container C rotates approximately 180°. Therefore, when the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 92, the discharge port C2 is located on the +X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. Also, as described above, the upper surface 92 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Therefore, when the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 92, the liquid container C (discharge surface C1) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the position of the liquid container C continuously decreases from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction. As a result, the discharge port C2 is located at the lowest part of the liquid container C. Therefore, the liquid stored in the liquid container C is poured from the liquid container C into the pouring port 7 (the tank 1) without remaining in the liquid container C.

[0121] Furthermore, during the time that liquid container C rotates from the reference angle to "angle θ6°," the liquid discharged from discharge port C2 toward injection port 7 is poured into injection port 7. In other words, injection port 7 is positioned on the trajectory of the liquid discharged from discharge port C2.

[0122] Summary (2) According to the embodiment described above, the tank 1 has a second mounting surface 8 and a second abutment portion 9. The second mounting surface 8 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed with its discharge surface C1 facing the +X-axis direction as the liquid container C rotates. The downward side of the discharge surface C1 of the liquid container C placed on the second mounting surface 8 abuts against the second abutment portion 9. The second mounting surface 8 is disposed in the +X-axis direction of the abutment portion 4. The second abutment portion 9 is disposed so as to surround the entire circumference of the injection port 7 when viewed from above, and is disposed adjacent to the second mounting surface 8 in the +X-axis direction of the second mounting surface 8, protruding upward beyond the second end 82. When an external rotational force is applied upward to the liquid container C while the liquid container C is abutting against the second abutment portion 9, the contact portion P3 between the liquid container C and the second abutment portion 9 functions as a fulcrum for the rotation of the liquid container C. With this configuration, the liquid is released from a position close to the inlet 7 (the position of the second abutment portion 9 surrounding the inlet 7), allowing the user to more stably inject the liquid into the inlet 7 (the tank 1).

[0123] ●Configuration of this tank (3)● Next, yet another embodiment of the present tank 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "third embodiment") will be described below, focusing on differences from the previously described first and second embodiments of the present tank 1. In the following description, Figures 1, 2, and 5 will be referenced as appropriate.

[0124] In the third embodiment, the configurations of the liquid injecting section 2 and the placement surface 3 are different from those of the first and second embodiments. In the third embodiment, the shape of the abutment section 4 is different from those of the first and second embodiments.

[0125] First, the configuration of the tank 1 will be described below.

[0126] FIG. 26 is a top view of the tank 1, showing yet another embodiment (third embodiment) of the tank 1. In FIG. FIG. 27 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1 taken along line AA in FIG.

[0127] The liquid injection unit 2 includes a mounting surface 3, a stopper 4, a pouring frame 5, and an injection port 7. That is, in the third embodiment, the liquid injection unit 2 does not include the pouring surface 6, the second mounting surface 8, or the second stopper 9.

[0128] The placing surface 3 includes a first end 31, a second end 32, a first inclined surface 33, a second inclined surface 34, a support surface 35, a ridge portion 36, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) groove portions 37a, 37b, 37c, and 37d.

[0129] In the following description, when the grooves 37a to 37d are not particularly distinguished from one another, the grooves 37a to 37d are collectively referred to as grooves 37.

[0130] The first inclined surface 33 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed. When viewed from above, the first inclined surface 33 extends from the support surface 35 in the +X-axis direction and is disposed adjacent to the support surface 35 in the +X-axis direction of the support surface 35. When viewed from above, the shape of the first inclined surface 33 is rectangular along the XY directions. The first inclined surface 33 has a first end 331 and a second end 332. Details of the support surface 35 will be described later.

[0131] The first end 331 is the end of the first inclined surface 33 on the −X-axis direction side. When viewed from above, the shape of the first end 331 is linear along the Y-axis direction. The first end 331 is lower than the second end 332. The position of the first inclined surface 33 continuously increases from the first end 331 toward the second end 332. In other words, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the first inclined surface 33 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0132] The second end 332 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the first inclined surface 33. When viewed from above, the second end 332 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0133] The second inclined surface 34 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed after rotating around the ridge portion 36 as a fulcrum. When viewed from above, the second inclined surface 34 extends from the first inclined surface 33 in the +X-axis direction and is disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface 33 in the +X-axis direction of the first inclined surface 33. When viewed from above, the second inclined surface 34 has a rectangular shape that is aligned with the XY directions. The second inclined surface 34 has a first end portion 341 and a second end portion 342. The ridge portion 36 will be described in detail later.

[0134] The first end 341 is the end of the second inclined surface 34 on the -X-axis direction side. When viewed from above, the first end 341 has a linear shape along the Y-axis direction. The first end 341 is higher than the second end 342. The position of the first inclined surface 33 continuously decreases from the first end 341 toward the second end 342. In other words, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the second inclined surface 34 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0135] The second end 342 is the end on the +X-axis direction side of the second inclined surface 34. When viewed from above, the second end 342 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0136] Here, the sum of the length from the first end 331 to the second end 332 and the length from the first end 341 to the second end 342 is greater than the length of the bottom surface of the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33 (height L3 of the liquid container C).

[0137] The support surface 35 is a surface that supports the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33. The support surface 35 is disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface 33 in the -X-axis direction of the first inclined surface 33. When viewed from above, the support surface 35 has a rectangular shape that extends along the XY direction. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the shape of the support surface 35 is a curved surface that is convex upward. The support surface 35 has a first end 351 and a second end 352.

[0138] The first end 351 is the end of the support surface 35 on the -X-axis direction side. When viewed from above, the first end 351 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction. The first end 351 is higher than the second end 352. The position of the support surface 35 continuously decreases from the first end 351 toward the second end 352.

[0139] The second end 352 is an end on the +X-axis direction side of the support surface 35. When viewed from above, the second end 352 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction. Here, the second end 352 coincides with the first end 331. Therefore, the first end 351 is higher than the first end 331.

[0140] When viewed from above, ridge portion 36 is the end portion (second end portion 332) of first inclined surface 33 on the +X-axis direction side, and is the end portion (first end portion 341) of second inclined surface 34 on the −X-axis direction side. In other words, second end portion 332 coincides with first end portion 341, and ridge portion 36 is formed by first inclined surface 33 and second inclined surface 34. In other words, ridge portion 36 is disposed between first inclined surface 33 and second inclined surface 34. When viewed from above, ridge portion 36 has a linear shape that extends along the Y-axis direction.

[0141] When viewed from above, a portion of the mounting surface 3 is recessed downward in a generally rectangular shape along the X-axis direction, and multiple grooves 37a to 37d are formed. The grooves 37 are arranged from the first end 331 to the second inclined surface 34. The grooves 37 include a first end 371 and a second end 372.

[0142] In the present invention, the number of grooves 37 is not limited to "4" as long as it is one or more.

[0143] The first end 371 is the end of the groove 37 on the −X-axis direction side. The first end 371 opens toward the −X-axis direction. The first end 371 is lower than the second end 372. The position of the groove 37 continuously increases from the first end 371 toward the second end 372. That is, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the groove 37 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0144] The second end 372 is the end of the groove 37 on the +X-axis direction side.

[0145] The abutment portion 4 has a contact surface 44 and an upper surface 45. In the third embodiment, the contact surface 44 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The upper surface 45 is a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. When viewed in the +Y axis direction, the upper surface 45 extends from the contact surface 44 toward the +X axis direction. The shape of the contact surface 44 is planar. The shape of the upper surface 45 is planar.

[0146] ●Liquid injection method (3)● Next, another embodiment of the present method will be described below, taking as an example a case where a user pours liquid into the tank 1 from a liquid container C. The user pours liquid into the tank 1 from the -X-axis direction of the tank 1.

[0147] In the following description, the tank 1 is placed on a surface parallel to a horizontal plane (for example, the ground on which the tank 1 is placed).

[0148] In the following description, reference will be made to FIGS. 5, 26, and 27 as appropriate.

[0149] FIG. 28 is a flow chart illustrating yet another embodiment of the present method. FIG. 29 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1 showing a state in which the liquid container C is placed on the first inclined surface 33. As shown in FIG. For ease of explanation, the liquid holder C is shown in a non-sectional view in Figure 29. The same is true in Figures 31 to 35.

[0150] First, a user places the liquid container C on the first inclined surface 33 (placing surface 3) with the discharge surface C1 facing the +X-axis direction (S1). At this time, the support surface 35 supports the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33 from the -X-axis direction of the liquid container C. Therefore, unlike the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary for the user to support the liquid container C.

[0151] Here, the angle of the liquid container C (discharge surface C1) with respect to the horizontal plane when the liquid container C is placed on the first inclined surface 33 is the reference angle. The reference angle is "angle θ7° (for example, approximately 80°)" with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0152] Next, the user performs the liquid injection process (S5).

[0153] ●Liquid injection treatment (3) FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the liquid injection process (S5) included in another embodiment of the present method.

[0154] The "liquid injection process (S5)" is a process in which the user injects the liquid stored in the liquid container C into the injection port 7 (main tank 1).

[0155] FIG. 31 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C rotates around the ridge 36 as a fulcrum. 31, the white arrow indicates an external force applied to the liquid container C. In FIG. 31, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0156] First, the user applies a rotational external force to the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33 (S51). At this time, the liquid container C starts to rotate around the ridge 36 as a fulcrum. In the following description, "rotation of the liquid container C" refers to rotation of the liquid container C from the -X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction (clockwise rotation when viewed from the +Y-axis direction).

[0157] FIG. 32 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C is placed on the second inclined surface . In FIG. 32, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0158] Next, the user begins pouring liquid into the inlet 7 (S52). That is, the user rotates the liquid container C until it abuts against the second inclined surface 34, and pours the liquid stored in the liquid container C from the discharge port C2 into the inlet 7. Specifically, the user rotates the liquid container C by an angle θ8° (e.g., approximately 30°) from the reference angle. As a result, the liquid container C is placed on the second inclined surface 34. At this time, the discharge surface C1 is oriented in the +X-axis direction. Here, the discharge of liquid from the discharge port C2 begins while the liquid container C is rotated to the angle θ8° from the reference angle. The length of the second inclined surface 34 in the X-axis direction is designed to be a length such that when the liquid container C is placed on the second inclined surface 34 as the liquid container C is rotated, liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 of the liquid container C to the inlet 7. Therefore, the liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7.

[0159] FIG. 33 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C placed on the second inclined surface 34 is abutted against the abutment portion 4. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 33, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0160] Next, while pouring liquid from the discharge outlet C2 into the injection port 7, the user abuts the downward side of the discharge surface C1 of the liquid container C placed on the second inclined surface 34 against the abutment portion 4 (S53). At this time, the liquid container C abutted against the abutment portion 4 is positioned at a predetermined position relative to the injection port 7 in the X-axis direction. In other words, the abutment portion 4 functions as a positioning portion for the liquid container C relative to the injection port 7.

[0161] Here, the angle of the liquid container C with respect to the horizontal plane when the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4 is "angle θ9° (for example, approximately 20°)" with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0162] FIG. 34 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C rotates around the contact point P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4 as a fulcrum. 34, the white arrows indicate the external force applied to the liquid container C. In FIG. 34, the black circles indicate the contact points P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portions 4. In FIG. 34, the two-dot chain lines indicate the state of the liquid container C in FIG. 33.

[0163] Next, the user applies a rotational external force to the upward side of the liquid container C abutting against the abutment portion 4 while pouring liquid from the discharge port C2 into the injection port 7 (S54). In other words, the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C from the state in which the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4. At this time, the contact point P1 between the liquid container C and the abutment portion 4 functions as a fulcrum for rotation of the liquid container C. In other words, when the rotational external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container C, the liquid container C begins to rotate with the contact point P1 as the fulcrum. Here, the process (S54) is executed before the trajectory of the liquid being released from the liquid container C placed on the second inclined surface 34 moves further in the -X-axis direction than the injection port 7.

[0164] FIG. 35 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tank 1, showing how the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 45 of the abutment portion 4 and the introduction surface 71. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 35, the two-dot chain line indicates the state of the liquid container C in FIG.

[0165] Next, the user rotates the liquid container C that is abutted against the abutment portion 4 until the discharge surface C1 abuts against the introduction surface 71 while pouring liquid from the discharge port C2 into the injection port 7. When the discharge surface C1 abuts against the introduction surface 71, the discharge surface C1 faces downward, the injection port 7 faces the discharge port C2, and the rotation of the liquid container C ends. In other words, when the discharge surface C1 faces downward due to the rotation of the liquid container C, the injection port 7 is positioned opposite the discharge port C2.

[0166] Here, the length in the X-axis direction from the end of top surface 45 on the -X-axis direction side to the end of introduction surface 71 on the +X-axis direction side is smaller than width L1 of liquid container C. Therefore, when discharge surface C1 abuts on introduction surface 71, discharge surface C1 also abuts on top surface 45. Furthermore, top surface 45 is higher than introduction surface 71. Top surface 45 is disposed in the -X-axis direction of introduction surface 71. Therefore, liquid container C abutting on top surface 45 and introduction surface 71 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0167] Next, the user places the liquid container C, with the discharge surface C1 facing downward, on the upper surface 45 and the introduction surface 71 (S55).

[0168] In this way, the user places the liquid container C with the discharge surface C1 facing downward on the upper surface 45 and the introduction surface 71 while injecting the liquid from the discharge port C2 into the injection port 7 with the discharge surface C1 facing downward.

[0169] Here, when the liquid container C is placed on the second inclined surface 34, the discharge port C2 is located on the +X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. The liquid container C rotates from an angle θ9° (approximately 20°) to an angle θ10° (e.g., approximately 70°) between the start and end of the rotation (from when the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4 until the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 45 and the introduction surface 71). In other words, the liquid container C rotates approximately 90°. Therefore, when the liquid container C is placed on the upper surface 45 and the introduction surface 71, the discharge port C2 is located on the +X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, as described above, the upper surface 45 is higher than the introduction surface 71. Therefore, when liquid container C is placed on upper surface 45 and inlet surface 71, liquid container C (discharge surface C1) is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the position of liquid container C continuously decreases from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. As a result, discharge port C2 is located at the lowest part of liquid container C. Therefore, the liquid stored in liquid container C is poured from liquid container C into injection port 7 (this tank 1) without remaining in liquid container C.

[0170] Furthermore, the liquid discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7 is injected into the injection port 7 during the period from when the liquid container C rotates by "angle θ8°" from the reference angle (when the liquid container C is placed on the second inclined surface 34) to when it rotates from "angle θ9°" to "angle θ10°". In other words, the injection port 7 is positioned on the trajectory of the liquid discharged from the discharge port C2.

[0171] Summary (3) According to the embodiment described above, the placement surface 3 includes a first inclined surface 33, a second inclined surface 34, and a support surface 35. The first inclined surface 33 is a surface on which the liquid container C is placed. The second inclined surface 34 is disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface 33 in the +X-axis direction of the first inclined surface 33. The support surface 35 is disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface 33 in the −X-axis direction of the first inclined surface 33. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the first inclined surface 33 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the position of the first inclined surface 33 continuously increases from the −X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the second inclined surface 34 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the position of the second inclined surface 34 continuously decreases from the −X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction. The first end 351 is higher than the first end 331. The sum of the length from the first end 331 to the second end 332 and the length from the first end 341 to the second end 342 is greater than the length of the bottom surface of the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33 (height L3 of the liquid container C). With this configuration, the support surface 35 supports the liquid container C placed on the first inclined surface 33 from the −X-axis direction of the liquid container C. Therefore, the user does not need to support the liquid container C. Furthermore, when the user rotates the liquid container C (using the ridge 36 as a fulcrum) from the first inclined surface 33 to the second inclined surface 34, the liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7. Therefore, the workload on the user until the liquid is discharged is reduced compared to the workload in the first embodiment. Furthermore, because the second inclined surface 34 is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the user can easily abut the liquid container C against the abutment 4. Therefore, with this tank 1, the user can stably inject liquid into the injection port 7 (this tank 1) without relying on the skill or experience of the user.

[0172] Furthermore, according to the embodiment described above, the support surface 3 includes a plurality of grooves 37 extending along the X-axis direction. Each groove 37 includes a first end 371 and a second end 372. The first end 371 is the end of each groove 37 on the −X-axis direction side. The second end 372 is the end of each groove 37 on the +X-axis direction side. The first end 371 opens toward the −X-axis direction. Each groove 37 has an inclined surface that slopes relative to the horizontal plane so that the position of the groove 37 continuously increases from the first end 371 toward the second end 372. As viewed in the Y-axis direction, the groove 37 is disposed from the first end 331 to the second inclined surface 34. With this configuration, even if water droplets, such as rainwater, fall on the groove 37, the water droplets are discharged through the groove 37 to the outside of the tank 1. That is, with the tank 1, water droplets are less likely to accumulate on the support surface 3.

[0173] ●Variations● First modified example to third modified example Figure 36 is a partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the present tank 1 showing modified examples of the present tank 1, where (a) shows a first modified example of the present tank 1, (b) shows a second modified example of the present tank 1, and (c) shows a third modified example of the present tank 1.

[0174] 36(a) and 36(b), the shape of the mounting surface 3 in the first and second modified examples is flat and inclined relative to the horizontal plane when viewed in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 36(a), in the first modified example, the first end 31 is lower than the second end 32. As shown in FIG. 36(b), in the second modified example, the first end 31 is higher than the second end 32. These configurations make it easier for the user to place the liquid container C on the mounting surface 3 compared to when the mounting surface 3 is curved.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 36(c), in the third modified example, the shape of the placement surface 3 is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0176] Fourth Modification ~ Fifth Modification 37A and 37B are partially enlarged schematic cross-sectional views of the present tank 1 showing modified examples of the present tank 1, where (a) shows a fourth modified example of the present tank 1 and (b) shows a fifth modified example of the present tank 1.

[0177] As shown in Figures 37(a) and 37(b), in the fourth and fifth modified examples, the abutment portion 4 has a contact surface 44 and an upper surface 45. The contact surface 44 is the surface that comes into contact with the liquid container C when the liquid container C abuts against the abutment portion 4. As shown in Figure 37(a), the contact surface 44 is a surface parallel to the vertical direction. The upper surface 45 is a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. When viewed in the +Y axis direction, the upper surface 45 extends from the contact surface 44 toward the +X axis direction. With this configuration, when an external rotational force is applied upward to the liquid container C, the liquid container C rotates around the upper end (not shown; the same applies below) of the contact surface 44 while contacting the contact surface 44. This makes it easy for the user to rotate the liquid container C stably.

[0178] 37(b), in the fifth modified example, the end of the contact surface 44 on the −X-axis direction side is lower than the end of the contact surface 44 on the +X-axis direction side. In other words, the contact surface 44 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0179] ●Other embodiments● In the first embodiment described above, the upper surface 51 is lower than the second end 42. That is, the pouring frame 5 is lower than the abutment portion 4. Alternatively, the pouring frame 5 may be higher than the abutment portion 4. In this case, the upper surface 51 of the pouring frame 5 functions as the pouring surface in the present invention. That is, the liquid pouring unit 2 does not have the pouring surface 6. The end of the upper surface 51 on the −X-axis direction side (hereinafter referred to as the “first end”) is higher than the end of the upper surface 51 on the +X-axis direction side (hereinafter referred to as the “second end”). That is, the position of the upper surface 51 continuously decreases from the first end of the upper surface 51 toward the second end of the upper surface 51. That is, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the upper surface 51 is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. When viewed from above, the pouring inlet 7 is located in the center of the pouring frame 5. In other words, when viewed from above, the pouring frame 5 is located so as to surround the entire periphery of the pouring inlet 7. The introduction surface 71 is smaller than the discharge surface C1 in both the X-axis and Y-axis directions. According to this configuration, a user places the liquid container C on the mounting surface 3 with the discharge surface C1 facing the +X-axis direction, and then rotates the liquid container C around the contact point P1, as in the first embodiment. As a result, the liquid container C is placed on the pouring frame 5 (upper surface 51) with the discharge surface C1 facing downward due to the rotation of the liquid container C. At this time, the pouring port 7 faces the discharge port C2, and liquid discharged from the discharge port C2 is poured into the pouring port 7. Therefore, with this tank 1, a user can stably pour liquid into the pouring port 7 (this tank 1) regardless of the user's skill or experience. Furthermore, in this configuration, the second end of the upper surface 51 may protrude upward from the upper surface 51. In this case, a liquid container C placed on the inclined upper surface 51 will abut against the protruding second end. Therefore, the liquid container C is unlikely to fall out of the tank 1 (in the +X-axis direction from the pouring frame 5).

[0180] Furthermore, the shape of the mounting surface 3 in the present invention is not limited to an upwardly convex curved surface. That is, for example, the mounting surface 3 may be a flat surface parallel to the horizontal plane as shown in the first to third modified examples, or may be an inclined surface inclined with respect to the horizontal plane when viewed in the Y-axis direction.

[0181] Furthermore, the shape of abutment portion 4 in the present invention is not limited to an upwardly convex curved surface, as long as abutment portion 4 protrudes upward beyond second end 32 and can abut against the lower side of the +X face of liquid container C. That is, for example, abutment portion 4 may have a planar contact surface 44 and a planar upper surface 45, as shown in the fourth and fifth modified examples.

[0182] Furthermore, in the present invention, the distance between the inner circumferential surfaces 52 is not limited to the distance shown in the first embodiment. That is, for example, the distance between the inner circumferential surfaces 52 may become smaller in stages from the upper end to the lower end of the inner circumferential surfaces 52 in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction when viewed from above.

[0183] Furthermore, in the present invention, the position of injection surface 6 is not limited to the position shown in the first embodiment. That is, for example, the position of injection surface 6 may be gradually lowered from first end 61 toward second end 62.

[0184] Furthermore, in the present invention, the distance between the introduction surfaces 71 is not limited to the distances shown in the respective embodiments. That is, for example, the distance between the introduction surfaces 71 in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction when viewed from above may become gradually smaller from the upper end to the lower end of the introduction surfaces 71.

[0185] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the direction in which the discharge surface C1 faces is not limited to an upward direction. That is, for example, when the liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the discharge surface C1 may face in the +X-axis direction. In this case, the mounting surface 3 may be an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, as shown in the first modified example. When the liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the downward side of the discharge surface C1 abuts against the abutment portion 4. The abutment portion 4 is formed so that the liquid is discharged from the discharge port C2 toward the injection port 7 as the liquid container C rotates. That is, the injection port 7 is located closer to the mounting surface 3 than in the first embodiment.

[0186] Furthermore, in the present invention, when the liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the location of the discharge port C2 is not limited to the -X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. That is, for example, when the liquid container C is placed on the mounting surface 3, the discharge port C2 may be located on the +X-axis direction side of the center of the discharge surface C1 in the Y-axis direction. In this case, the second end 62 of the injection surface 6 may be higher than the first end 61 of the injection surface 6. According to this configuration, the liquid container C placed on the injection surface 6 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. Therefore, the liquid stored in the liquid container C is poured from the liquid container C into the injection port 7 (the tank 1) without remaining in the liquid container C.

[0187] ●Embodiments of the present invention● Next, embodiments of the present invention that can be understood from the above-described embodiments will be described below, using the terms and symbols described in the embodiments.

[0188] A first embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank (for example, this tank 1) in which a liquid is stored, wherein the liquid is poured into the liquid tank from a discharge port (for example, discharge port C2) arranged on a discharge surface (for example, discharge surface C1) of a cubic liquid container (for example, liquid container C) in which the liquid is stored, and three mutually orthogonal axes are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and the direction along the X axis is the X axis direction, the direction along the Y axis is the Y axis direction, and the direction along the Z axis is the up-down direction, the first embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank (for example, this tank 1) in which a liquid is poured from the discharge port of the liquid container that is poured into the liquid tank from a discharge port (for example, discharge port C2) arranged on a discharge surface (for example, discharge surface C1) of the cubic liquid container (for example, liquid container C), and wherein three mutually orthogonal axes are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and the direction along the X axis is the X axis direction, the direction along the Y axis is the Y axis direction, and the direction along the Z axis is the up-down direction, the first embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank (for example, this tank 1) in which the liquid discharged from the discharge port of the liquid container that is poured into the liquid tank from a discharge port (for example, discharge port C2) arranged on a discharge surface (for example, discharge surface C1) of the cubic liquid container that is poured into the liquid tank from a discharge port (for example, discharge port C2) arranged on a discharge surface the abutment portion is disposed adjacent to the mounting surface in the +X-axis direction of the mounting surface and protrudes upward beyond the end portion (e.g., second end 32) of the mounting surface in the +X-axis direction, so that when an external force (e.g., a rotational external force) toward the +X-axis direction is applied to the upward side of the liquid container from a state in which the liquid container is abutted against the abutment portion, the contact portion (e.g., contact portion P1) between the liquid container and the abutment portion functions as a fulcrum for rotating the liquid container from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction, and the abutment portion is formed so that the liquid is released from the release port toward the injection port as the liquid container rotates, and when the release surface is directed downward due to the rotation of the liquid container, the injection port is disposed in a position facing the release port. This configuration allows the user to stably inject liquid into the inlet (liquid tank) without relying on the skill or experience of the user.

[0189] A second embodiment of the present invention is the liquid tank of the first embodiment, wherein the shape of the placement surface is a curved surface convex upward when viewed in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, the user can easily strike the liquid container against the abutment portion compared to a case in which the placing surface is not curved.

[0190] A third embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank according to the first embodiment, wherein the shape of the placement surface is flat and inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when viewed in the Y-axis direction. With this configuration, it is easier for the user to place the liquid container on the placement surface than when the placement surface is curved.

[0191] A fourth embodiment of the present invention is the liquid tank of the first embodiment, wherein, when viewed in the Y-axis direction, the shape of the abutment portion is a curved surface convex upward. With this configuration, the user can rotate the liquid container more easily than if the abutment portion had a shape that was not curved.

[0192] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank in which, in the first embodiment, the abutment portion has a contact surface (e.g., contact surface 44) that contacts the liquid container when the liquid container abuts against the abutment portion, and the contact surface is parallel to the vertical direction. This configuration makes it easy for the user to rotate the liquid container stably.

[0193] A 6th embodiment of the present invention is the 1st embodiment, wherein the inlet is a liquid tank that is arranged on a trajectory of the liquid discharged from the discharge port. According to this configuration, the liquid discharged from the discharge port toward the injection port is properly injected into the injection port.

[0194] A seventh embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank in which the first embodiment has an injection surface (e.g., injection surface 6) on which the liquid container is placed, with the release surface facing downward due to the rotation of the liquid container, and the injection surface surrounds the entire circumference of the injection port when viewed from above. With this configuration, the user can rotate the liquid container so that the discharge surface faces downward, and place the liquid container stably on the injection surface.

[0195] An eighth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank in which, in the seventh embodiment, when the liquid container is placed on the placement surface, the discharge outlet is positioned on the -X axis direction side of the discharge surface, and the end portion of the injection surface on the -X axis direction side (e.g., first end portion 61) is higher than the end portion of the injection surface on the +X axis direction side (e.g., second end portion 62). According to this configuration, the liquid stored in the liquid container is poured from the liquid container into the inlet (liquid tank) without remaining in the liquid container.

[0196] A ninth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank in which, in the seventh embodiment, when the liquid container is placed on the placement surface, the discharge outlet is positioned on the +X axis direction side of the discharge surface, and the end portion of the injection surface on the +X axis direction side (e.g., second end portion 62) is higher than the end portion of the injection surface on the -X axis direction side (e.g., first end portion 61). According to this configuration, the liquid stored in the liquid container is poured from the liquid container into the inlet (liquid tank) without remaining in the liquid container.

[0197] A tenth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank according to the eighth or ninth embodiment, which comprises a rectangular injection frame (e.g., injection frame 5) that surrounds the entire circumference of the injection surface when viewed from above, the injection frame having an inner surface (e.g., inner surface 52), and the spacing between the inner surfaces in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction when viewed from above becomes smaller as one moves from the upper end to the lower end of the inner surface. With this configuration, the user can easily push the liquid container, which has come into contact with the pouring surface, against the inner circumferential surface.

[0198] An eleventh embodiment of the present invention is a liquid container according to the first embodiment, comprising: a second mounting surface (e.g., second mounting surface 8) on which the liquid container is placed, with the discharge surface facing the +X axis direction as a result of the liquid container rotating from the -X axis direction to the +X axis direction; and a second abutment portion (e.g., second abutment portion 9) against which a downward side of the discharge surface of the liquid container placed on the second mounting surface abuts, wherein the second mounting surface is arranged in the +X axis direction of the abutment portion, and the second abutment portion is This liquid tank is arranged adjacent to the second mounting surface in the +X-axis direction, protrudes upward beyond the end (e.g., second end 82) of the second mounting surface on the +X-axis direction side, and when an external force (e.g., a rotational external force) toward the upward side of the liquid container is applied in the +X-axis direction from a state in which the liquid container is abutted against the second abutment portion, the contact portion (e.g., contact portion P3) between the liquid container and the second abutment portion functions as a fulcrum for rotating the liquid container from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. This configuration allows the user to more stably inject liquid into the inlet (liquid tank).

[0199] A twelfth embodiment of the present invention is the first embodiment, wherein the placement surface comprises a first inclined surface (e.g., first inclined surface 33) on which the liquid container is placed, a second inclined surface (e.g., second inclined surface 34) arranged adjacent to the first inclined surface in the +X-axis direction of the first inclined surface, and a support surface (e.g., support surface 35) arranged adjacent to the first inclined surface in the -X-axis direction of the first inclined surface, wherein, as viewed in the Y-axis direction, the first inclined surface is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the position of the first inclined surface becomes continuously higher as it moves from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction, and as viewed in the Y-axis direction, the second inclined surface is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the position of the first inclined surface becomes continuously higher as it moves from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction the liquid tank is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the position of the second inclined surface becomes continuously lower toward the +X-axis direction, the end portion of the support surface on the -X-axis direction side (e.g., first end portion 351) is higher than the end portion of the first inclined surface on the -X-axis direction side (e.g., first end portion 331), and the sum of the length from the end portion of the first inclined surface on the -X-axis direction side to the end portion of the +X-axis direction side (e.g., second end portion 332) of the first inclined surface and the length from the end portion of the second inclined surface on the -X-axis direction side (e.g., first end portion 341) to the end portion of the second inclined surface on the +X-axis direction side (e.g., second end portion 342) is greater than the length of the bottom surface of the liquid container placed on the first inclined surface. This configuration allows the user to stably inject liquid into the inlet (liquid tank).

[0200] A thirteenth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid tank in the twelfth embodiment, wherein the placement surface has a plurality of grooves (e.g., grooves 37a to 37d) along the X-axis direction, and the grooves have a first end (e.g., first end 371) which is an end of the groove on the -X-axis direction side, and a second end (e.g., second end 372) which is an end of the groove on the +X-axis direction side, the first end opens toward the -X-axis direction, and the grooves are arranged from the end on the -X-axis direction side of the first inclined surface to the second inclined surface when viewed in the Y-axis direction, and are an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the position of the grooves becomes continuously higher as it moves from the first end to the second end. With this configuration, water droplets (for example, rainwater) are less likely to accumulate on the placement surface.

[0201] A fourteenth embodiment of the present invention is a liquid injection method for injecting a liquid into a liquid tank (for example, this tank 1) in which the liquid is stored from a discharge port (for example, discharge port C2) arranged on a discharge surface (for example, discharge surface C1) of a cubic liquid container (for example, liquid container C) in which the liquid is stored, wherein three mutually orthogonal axes are the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, and the direction along the X axis is the X axis direction, the direction along the Y axis is the Y axis direction, and the direction along the Z axis is the up-down direction, the liquid tank comprises a mounting surface (for example, mounting surface 3) on which the liquid container is placed, a stop portion (for example, stop portion 4) against which a lower side of a surface of the liquid container placed on the mounting surface that faces the +X axis direction is abutted, an injection port (for example, injection port 7) through which the liquid is injected from the discharge port of the liquid container abutted against the abutment portion, and a rotation of the liquid container. a first placing step of placing the liquid container on the placing surface, the first placing step being abutting the downward side of the surface of the liquid container facing the +X-axis direction against the abutment; an external force applying step of applying an external force (e.g., a rotational external force) toward the +X-axis direction to the upward side of the liquid container; and an injection step of rotating the liquid container from the -X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction and injecting the liquid from the release port into the injection port, the injection step including a second placing step of placing the liquid container with the release surface facing downward on the injection surface while injecting the liquid from the release port into the injection port. This configuration allows the user to stably inject liquid into the inlet (liquid tank) without relying on the skill or experience of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1 liquid tank 3. Placement surface 32 Second end 33 First inclined plane 331 First end 332 Second end 34 Second Inclined Surface 341 First end 342 Second end 35 Support surfaces 351 First end 37. Ditch 37a Ditch 37b Ditch 37c Groove 37d ditch 371 First end 372 Second end 4 Tudang Department 44 Contact surface 5 injection 52 Inner circumferential surface 6. Injection Surface 61 First end 62 Second end 7 Injection Portals 8 Second mounting surface 82 Second end 9 2nd Sudden Division C. Liquid container C1 Release surface C2 Exit P1 Contact Section P3 Contact Section

Claims

1. A liquid tank for storing a liquid, The liquid is injected into the liquid tank from a discharge port disposed on a discharge surface of a cubic liquid container in which the liquid is stored, When three mutually orthogonal axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, the direction along the X-axis is the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the up-down direction, a placement surface on which the liquid container is placed; abutment portion against which a downward side of a surface of the liquid container placed on the placement surface, the surface facing the +X axis direction, abuts; an inlet into which the liquid discharged from the discharge outlet of the liquid container abutted against the abutting portion is injected; and The abutting portion is The mounting surface is disposed adjacent to the mounting surface in the +X-axis direction, protruding upward from the end of the mounting surface on the +X-axis direction side, When an external force is applied to the upward side of the liquid container in the +X-axis direction from a state in which the liquid container is abutted against the abutment portion, the contact portion between the liquid container and the abutment portion functions as a fulcrum for rotating the liquid container from the −X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction, the abutment portion is formed so that the liquid is discharged from the discharge port toward the injection port as the liquid container rotates, When the liquid container is rotated so that the discharge surface faces downward, the inlet is disposed at a position opposite the discharge port. Liquid tank.

2. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the shape of the placement surface is a curved surface that is convex upward. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

3. The shape of the mounting surface is It is planar, When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the direction is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

4. When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the shape of the abutting portion is a curved surface that is convex upward. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

5. The abutting portion is a contact surface that comes into contact with the liquid container when the liquid container is abutted against the abutment portion; With The contact surface is parallel to the vertical direction. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

6. The inlet is disposed on a trajectory of the liquid discharged from the outlet. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

7. an injection surface on which the liquid container is placed so that the discharge surface faces downward upon rotation of the liquid container; and The injection surface is When viewed from above, the nozzle surrounds the entire periphery of the injection port. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

8. When the liquid container is placed on the placement surface, the discharge port is disposed on the −X-axis direction side of the discharge surface, an end portion of the implantation surface on the −X-axis direction side is higher than an end portion of the implantation surface on the +X-axis direction side; The liquid tank according to claim 7.

9. When the liquid container is placed on the placement surface, the discharge port is disposed on the +X-axis direction side of the discharge surface, an end portion of the implantation surface on the +X-axis direction side is higher than an end portion of the implantation surface on the −X-axis direction side; The liquid tank according to claim 7.

10. a rectangular injection frame that surrounds the entire injection surface when viewed from above; and The injection frame is inner peripheral surface, With When viewed from above, the distances between the inner circumferential surfaces in each of the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction become smaller from the upper end to the lower end of the inner circumferential surfaces.

10. The liquid tank according to claim 8 or 9.

11. a second placement surface on which the liquid container is placed, with the discharge surface facing the +X-axis direction as a result of the liquid container rotating from the −X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction; a second abutment portion against which a downward side of the discharge surface of the liquid container placed on the second placement surface abuts; and the second mounting surface is disposed in the +X-axis direction of the abutting portion, The second abutment portion is When viewed from above, the nozzle surrounds the entire periphery of the injection port, The second mounting surface is disposed adjacent to the second mounting surface in the +X-axis direction of the second mounting surface, The second mounting surface projects upward from an end portion on the +X-axis direction side, when an external force is applied to an upward side of the liquid container in the +X-axis direction from a state in which the liquid container is abutted against the second abutment portion, the contact portion between the liquid container and the second abutment portion functions as a fulcrum for rotating the liquid container from the −X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction. The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

12. The placement surface is a first inclined surface on which the liquid container is placed; a second inclined surface disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface in the +X-axis direction of the first inclined surface; a support surface disposed adjacent to the first inclined surface in the −X-axis direction of the first inclined surface; With When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the first inclined surface is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane such that a position of the first inclined surface continuously increases from the −X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction, When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the second inclined surface is an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that a position of the second inclined surface becomes continuously lower as the position moves from the −X-axis direction to the +X-axis direction, an end portion of the support surface on the −X-axis direction side is higher than an end portion of the first inclined surface on the −X-axis direction side; a sum of a length from the end of the first inclined surface on the −X-axis direction side to the end of the +X-axis direction side and a length from the end of the second inclined surface on the −X-axis direction side to the end of the +X-axis direction side is greater than a length of a bottom surface of the liquid container placed on the first inclined surface; The liquid tank according to claim 1 .

13. The placement surface is a plurality of grooves along the X-axis direction; With The groove portion is a first end portion which is an end portion of the groove portion on the −X-axis direction side; a second end portion which is an end portion of the groove portion on the +X-axis direction side; With The first end portion is open toward the −X-axis direction, The groove portion is When viewed in the Y-axis direction, the first inclined surface is disposed from the end portion on the −X-axis direction side to the second inclined surface, the inclined surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the position of the groove portion becomes continuously higher from the first end toward the second end; The liquid tank according to claim 12.

14. 1. A liquid injection method for injecting a liquid into a liquid tank from a discharge port disposed on a discharge surface of a cubic liquid container in which the liquid is stored, the method comprising: When three mutually orthogonal axes are the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, the direction along the X-axis is the X-axis direction, the direction along the Y-axis is the Y-axis direction, and the direction along the Z-axis is the up-down direction, The liquid tank is a placement surface on which the liquid container is placed; abutment portion against which a downward side of a surface of the liquid container placed on the placement surface, the surface facing the +X axis direction, abuts; an inlet through which the liquid is injected from the discharge port of the liquid container that is abutted against the abutting portion; an injection surface on which the liquid container is placed so that the discharge surface faces downward when the liquid container is rotated; With a first placing step of placing the liquid container on the placing surface; abutting step of abutting the downward side of the surface of the liquid container placed on the placement surface, the surface facing the +X-axis direction, against the abutment portion; an external force applying step of applying an external force toward the +X-axis direction to an upper side of the liquid container; an injection step of rotating the liquid container from a −X-axis direction toward the +X-axis direction to inject the liquid from the outlet to the inlet; and The injection step includes: The emission surface faces the downward direction, placing the liquid container on the injection surface with the discharge surface facing downward; A second placing step, Including, Liquid injection method.

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