Recording device

Abstract

Providing technology that efficiently utilizes space within the device and contributes to increasing the capacity of containers and intermediate tanks. [Solution] The recording device comprises first and second storage sections that house a container for supplying liquid to a recording head, and first and second intermediate tanks between the recording head and the container. The first and second storage sections are arranged in the height direction of the recording device, the first and second intermediate tanks are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction, and the first and second storage sections, the first and second intermediate tanks, and the second intermediate tanks are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a recording apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] In a recording apparatus that discharges a liquid onto a recording medium, multiple types of liquids may be used. In this case, a container is provided in the recording apparatus for each type of liquid. As an example of the layout of multiple containers, it has been proposed to arrange them in the width direction of the recording apparatus (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a recording apparatus, an intermediate tank may be provided between the recording head and the container in order to adjust the supply pressure of the liquid to the recording head and to stabilize the supply amount. Larger capacities of the container and the intermediate tank are advantageous in terms of the number of recorded sheets and the recording time. However, increasing these capacities may lead to an increase in the size of the apparatus, and efficient use of the space inside the apparatus is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure provides a technique for efficiently using the space inside the apparatus and contributing to an increase in the capacities of the container and the intermediate tank.

[0006] According to this disclosure, a recording apparatus, a first storage unit for storing a first container that stores a liquid supplied to a recording head that discharges the liquid onto a recording medium; A second storage section is provided which houses a second container for holding the liquid supplied to the recording head, Between the recording head and the first container, there is a first intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the first container to the recording head, Between the recording head and the second container, there is a second intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the second container to the recording head, The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged in the height direction of the recording device. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction. The first storage section and the second storage section, and the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction. A recording device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure provides a technology that efficiently utilizes space within the device and contributes to increasing the capacity of containers and intermediate tanks. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] External view of a recording device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing how to replace the container. [Figure 4] Perspective view of the recording unit and ink supply system. [Figure 5] Perspective view of the storage unit and resupply unit. [Figure 6] (A) is a front view of the storage unit in a configuration without containers and trays, and (B) is a front view of the storage unit in a configuration with containers and trays. [Figure 7] Plan view of the storage unit and supply unit. [Figure 8]Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of the assembly of the storage unit. [Figure 12] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of the assembly of the storage unit. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view near the partition wall. [Figure 14] Explanatory diagram of the liquid supply unit from the container to the recording head. [Figure 15] Explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank. [Figure 16] Explanatory diagram of the operation of the intermediate tank. [Figure 17] Explanatory diagram of the operation of the intermediate tank. [Figure 18] Explanatory diagram of the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit. [Figure 19] Explanatory diagram of the pressure adjustment unit. [Figure 20] Explanatory diagram of the operation of each control valve of the pressure adjustment unit. [Figure 21] (A) is a cross-sectional view showing an example of mounting a bottle-type container in the storage section, and (B) is a diagram showing another configuration example of the opening / closing member. [Figure 22] Exterior view of the recording apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] Exterior view of the recording apparatus of FIG. 22 with a plurality of option devices mounted. [Figure 24] Diagram showing the state where the storage cassette is removed from the recording apparatus of FIG. 22. [Figure 25] Diagram showing the state where the detachable unit is removed from the recording apparatus of FIG. 22. [Figure 26] Diagram showing the state where the opening / closing member of the recording apparatus of FIG. 22 is in the open state. [Figure 27] Diagram showing the state where the opening / closing member of the recording apparatus of FIG. 22 is in the open state. [Figure 28] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording apparatus and the option device shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 29] Perspective view of the recording unit. [Figure 30] Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional view of the DD line. [Figure 31] Figure 23 shows the recording device with the cover and feed tray extended. [Figure 32] Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device shown in Figure 31. [Figure 33] External view of recording device 1A in Figure 23, with the opening / closing member in the open position. [Figure 34] A plan view of the recording device 1A shown in Figure 23, with the opening / closing member in the open position. [Figure 35] Perspective view of the container. [Figure 36] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the EE line. [Figure 37] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the FF line. [Figure 38] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the GG line. [Figure 39] A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a container according to another embodiment. [Figure 40] Cross-sectional view of the container in Figure 39. [Figure 41] Figure 39 shows an exploded perspective view of the container. [Figure 42] Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the container being installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 43] Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the container installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 44] (a) to (e) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening and closing doors when the container is installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 45] (a) to (e) are side views showing the operation of the opening and closing doors when the container is installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 46] A perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a container according to another embodiment. [Figure 47] Cross-sectional view of the container shown in Figure 46. [Figure 48] (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views of the container in Figure 46. [Figure 49] Figure 46 shows an exploded perspective view of the container. [Figure 50]A perspective view showing the container before it is installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 51] A perspective view showing the container in the process of being installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 52] A perspective view showing the container installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 53] (a) and (b) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening and closing doors when the container is installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 54] (a) to (c) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening and closing doors when the container is installed in the storage compartment. [Figure 55] (a) to (e) are side views showing the operation of the opening and closing doors when the container is installed in the storage compartment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims. While the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these features are essential, and the features may be combined in any way. Furthermore, in the attached drawings, identical or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Outline of the recording device> Figure 1 is an external view of a recording device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The recording device of this embodiment is an inkjet recording device that performs recording by ejecting liquid ink onto a recording medium.

[0011] Furthermore, "recording" includes not only cases where meaningful information such as characters and figures is formed, but also broadly cases where images, patterns, etc. are formed on a recording medium, or where the medium is processed, regardless of whether it is meaningful or not, and does not depend on whether or not it is manifested in a way that can be perceived visually by humans.In addition, in this embodiment, a sheet of paper is assumed as the "recording medium," but it may also be cloth, plastic film, etc.

[0012] In each diagram, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect. Arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, while arrow Z indicates vertical directions. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (horizontal or width direction) of the recording device 1, and the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1. The Z direction corresponds to the height direction (up and down direction) of the recording device 1. Furthermore, when referring to the downstream side and the upstream side, the transport direction of the recording medium is used as the reference.

[0013] The recording device 1 comprises a main body 100 and two storage cassettes 2A and 2B that are detachable from the main body 100. The main body 100 has a housing 101 that is roughly rectangular in shape, and the housing 101 forms the outer wall of the recording device 1. The front surface 101a of the housing 101, which constitutes the front of the recording device 1, has slots formed therein for the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, which house the recording medium, to be detachably attached to the main body 100. The storage cassettes 2A and 2B are inserted and removed in the Y direction.

[0014] Inside the main body 100, a storage unit (storage section) 4 is provided between storage cassettes 2A and 2B in the Z direction. The storage unit 4 forms a space in which containers for liquids are stored. An opening / closing member 5 is provided on the front surface 101a of the housing 101, allowing the user to access the storage unit 4.

[0015] The top surface of the main unit 100 is provided with a stacking section 3A on which recording media that have been recorded by the recording unit 10 inside the main unit 100 are stacked. The stacking section 3A includes a tray 30. Recorded recording media are stacked on the tray 30.

[0016] Refer to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 1. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1. The recording device 1 records onto the sheets SH, which are recording media before recording, loaded onto the loading section 20 of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, using the recording unit 10. The loading section 20 is a tray on which many sheets SH are loaded.

[0017] In this embodiment, the sheets SH before recording can also be loaded into the loading section 2C. The loading section 2C is equipped with a foldable tray 22. Figure 1 shows the tray 22 in a stored state, and Figure 2 shows the tray 22 in an unfolded state. The tray 22 is used, for example, when a user manually feeds the sheets SH into the recording unit 10.

[0018] In this embodiment, recorded sheets SH can also be loaded into the loading section 3B. The loading section 3B is equipped with a foldable tray 31. Figure 2 shows the tray 31 in an unfolded state. The recording device 1 discharges the recorded sheets SH into tray 30 or tray 31.

[0019] A transport path RT is formed in the main body 100 to guide the transport of the sheet SH. The transport path RT is a path that guides the sheet SH from the respective loading sections 20 or 2C of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, via the recording unit 10, to the tray 30 or tray 31. The transport path RT has three starting points P11 to P13 and two ending points P21 and P22. In this embodiment, the transport path RT extends substantially horizontally in front of and behind the recording unit 10 so as to divide the recording device 1 vertically. The transport path RT extends in a substantially S-shape overall so as to cover the part in front of the recording unit 10 and the part behind the recording unit 10.

[0020] The distribution of recorded sheets SH to either the loading section 3A or 3B can be performed by a flapper 9 located at a branching point in the transport path RT. The flapper 9 switches the destination of the sheets SH that have passed through the recording unit 10 to either the loading section 3A or 3B. The flapper 9 is rotatably mounted and rotates to switch paths using an actuator such as an electromagnetic solenoid.

[0021] The transport path RT is formed by path-forming members. As an example of a path-forming member, Figure 2 shows the path-forming section 52 provided by the opening / closing member 5. The path-forming section 52 has front and rear path-forming members 52a that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The path-forming section 52 forms a portion of the transport path RT. Specifically, the path-forming section 52 forms a section extending in the Z direction between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32. The transport path RT is defined by these path-forming members.

[0022] A transport mechanism for transporting sheets SH along the transport path RT will be described. Each of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B has a feeding unit (pickup roller) 21. The sheets SH in the loading section 20 are introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit 21. The feeding unit 21 rotates while in contact with the uppermost surface of the sheets SH loaded in the loading section 20, and begins feeding the sheets SH. The sheets SH are then transported to the feeding unit 80.

[0023] In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 is positioned between the respective loading sections 20 of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B in the Z direction, and the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2A is positioned between the recording unit 10 and the storage unit 4. The loading section 20 of storage cassette 2B is not positioned between the recording unit 10 and the storage unit 4 in the Z direction. The sheets SH transported from the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2B pass through the path forming section 52, but the sheets SH transported from the loading section 20 of storage cassette 2A do not pass through the path forming section 52. Alternatively, a configuration in which multiple loading sections 20 of storage cassettes 2A are positioned between the recording unit 10 and the storage unit 4 in the Z direction is also possible.

[0024] The sheets in the loading section 2C are introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit (pickup roller) 23. The feeding unit 23 rotates while in contact with the top sheet SH loaded in the loading section 2C, and begins feeding the sheet SH. The sheet SH is then transported to the transport unit 81.

[0025] The sheet SH transport mechanism further comprises a feeding unit 80 and a plurality of transport units 81-84. In the transport path RT, the feeding unit 80, transport unit 81, transport unit 82, transport unit 83, and transport unit 84 are arranged in that order from upstream to downstream in the transport direction of the sheet SH. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the leading edge and trailing edge of the sheet SH refer to the downstream end and upstream end of the sheet SH.

[0026] The feeding unit 80 transports the sheet SH, which is introduced into the transport path RT by the feeding unit 21, to the transport unit 81. The feeding unit 80 includes a feeding roller 80a and a driven roller 80b that is pressed against the feeding roller 80a. The feeding roller 80a is a driven roller, and the driven roller 80b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the feeding roller 80a.

[0027] The sheet SH is held between the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b at the nip section and conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 80a and the driven roller 80b. The feed unit 21 is a one-way roller, and once the sheet SH has been conveyed to a position beyond the nip section of the feed unit 80, the feed unit 80 can continue conveying the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 21 is stopped.

[0028] The transport unit 81 is positioned upstream of the recording head 11 of the recording unit 10 in the transport direction, and the sheet SH is transported downstream by the transport unit 81 between the recording head 11 and the platen 7 facing the recording head 11. The transport unit 81 includes a transport roller 81a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 81b which is pressed against the transport roller 81a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 81a is a driven roller, and the driven roller 81b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 81a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 81a and the driven roller 81b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 81a and the driven roller 81b.

[0029] The transport unit 82 is positioned downstream of the recording head 11 in the transport direction and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 81, to the downstream transport unit 83. The transport unit 82 includes a transport roller 82a and a spur 82b which is pressed against the transport roller 82a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The transport roller 82a is a drive roller, and the spur 82b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 82a.

[0030] The transport unit 83 is positioned downstream in the transport direction from the recording head 11 and the transport unit 82, and is a discharge unit that discharges the sheet SH transported by the transport unit 82 to the tray 31 of the loading section 3B or to the transport unit 84, depending on the position of the flapper 9. The transport unit 83 includes a transport roller 83a and a driven roller 83b that is pressed against the transport roller 83a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 83a is a drive roller, and the driven roller 83b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 83a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 83a and the driven roller 83b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 83a and the driven roller 83b.

[0031] The transport unit 84 is positioned downstream of the transport unit 83 in the transport direction and is an discharge unit that discharges the sheets SH transported by the transport unit 83 to the tray 30 of the loading section 3A. The sheets SH discharged to the tray 30 are "face-down discharged" with the image recording surface facing downwards. The transport unit 84 includes a transport roller 84a and a driven roller 84b that is pressed against the transport roller 84a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 84a is a drive roller, and the driven roller 84b rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 84a. The sheets SH are held between the nip portion of the transport roller 84a and the driven roller 84b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 84a and the driven roller 84b.

[0032] The recording unit 10 records an image by ejecting ink onto the sheet SH. The recording head 11 has an ejection surface on its underside, which is formed by multiple nozzles for ejecting ink.

[0033] The ink supplied to the recording head 11 is contained in a container 60. The ink contained in the container 60 is supplied to the recording head 11 via a replenishment unit 8. The container 60 is a bag-type container made of a flexible material and is supported by a tray 6 and stored in a storage unit 4. The storage unit 4 stores multiple sets of containers 60 and trays 6. The storage unit 4 has an inlet 4a on the front side of the recording device 1, and the tray 6 loaded with containers 60 can be inserted and removed from the inlet 4a in the Y direction. When the ink contained in the container 60 is consumed, the user can replenish the ink by replacing the container 60 with a new one. In this case, the user needs to access the storage unit 4 (in other words, access the container 60).

[0034] The opening / closing member 5 is a member that opens and closes an access path that allows access to the storage unit 4. Figure 2 shows the opening / closing member 5 in the closed state, and Figure 3 shows the opening / closing member 5 in the open state. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 is detachable from the main body 100, and when attached, it is positioned and locked to the main body 100 by an appropriate method. An opening 101b is formed in the housing 101 on the front surface 101a. As shown in Figure 3, when the opening / closing member 5 is removed from the main body 100, the opening 101b is opened, and the access path is opened. The access path in this embodiment is a space that extends in the Y direction in front of the recording device 1 from the entrance 4a of the storage unit 4. When the access path shown in Figure 3 is open, the entrance 4a is exposed to the outside of the recording device 1, and the user can access the storage unit 4 from outside the recording device 1. The user can remove the container 60 together with the tray 6 and replace the container 60.

[0035] The opening / closing member 5 comprises a panel portion 51 and a path forming portion 52. The panel portion 51 closes the opening 101b when the access path is closed and, together with the housing 101, forms the outer wall of the recording device 1, particularly the front surface 101a. The path forming portion 52 is fixed to the back of the panel portion 51 and, as described above, forms a section of the transport path RT that extends in the Z direction between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32. The access path is a path that traverses the space between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32 in the Y direction, and the section of the transport path RT between intermediate point P31 and intermediate point P32 intersects with the access path.

[0036] In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 5 forms a portion of the transport path RT, allowing for a layout in which the access path and a portion of the transport path RT intersect. This improves the flexibility of the storage unit 4's placement compared to a layout in which the access path avoids the transport path RT. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for recording devices equipped with multiple paper feeding and paper output sections capable of feeding and outputting large quantities of various recording media, increasing the space occupied by the transport path for recording media within the recording device. In order to increase the storage capacity of the recording material in such recording devices, the overall size of the device may have to be increased. According to this embodiment, the storage unit 4 can be made wider while suppressing an increase in the overall size of the device, and it is also possible to accommodate a larger capacity container 60.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the attachment and detachment of the storage cassettes 2A and 2B, and the replacement of the container 60, can both be performed from the front 101a side of the recording device 1. This provides a recording device 1 with good operability, allowing user operations to be performed from one direction.

[0038] Next, with reference to Figure 4, the configuration of the recording unit 10 and an overview of the ink supply system will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the recording unit 10 and the ink supply system, and omits some of the components of the storage unit 4 (the upper wall portion 45, which will be described later). First, the configuration of the recording unit 10 will be described.

[0039] The recording unit 10 includes a recording head 11, a carriage 12, and a drive unit 14. The recording head 11 is mounted on the carriage 12. The drive unit 14 includes a support member 13 extending in the X direction. The support member 13 is a base member that supports the carriage 12 so that it can move in the X direction and also supports the various components of the drive unit 14.

[0040] The drive unit 14 in this embodiment is a belt drive mechanism driven by a carriage motor 14a. The carriage motor 14a is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 12 in the front-to-back (Y) direction, with the support member 13 in between. The drive unit 14 includes a drive pulley (located behind the carriage 12) and a driven pulley 14b spaced apart in the X direction, and an endless belt 14c wrapped around these pulleys.

[0041] The carriage 12 is fixed to the endless belt 14c. When the carriage motor 14a rotates the drive pulley, the endless belt 14c moves and the carriage 12 moves.

[0042] Next, the image recording operation will be explained. Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the recording head 11 onto the sheet SH during the reciprocating movement of the carriage 12 in the X-axis direction. This operation is called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating a transport operation, which intermittently transports the sheet SH in the +Y direction, and recording scanning.

[0043] Ink is supplied from the container 60 to the recording head 11 via the replenishment unit 8 and the piping 10a. The pressure adjustment unit 15 controls the operation of each intermediate tank (described later) provided in the replenishment unit 8.

[0044] <Configuration of the storage unit and supply unit> In addition to Figure 4, the configuration of the storage unit 4 and the supply unit 8 will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 10. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the storage unit 4 and the supply unit 8, showing the configuration without the container 60 and tray 6. Figures 6(A) and (B) are front views of the storage unit 4, with Figure 6(A) showing the configuration without the container 60 and tray 6, and Figure 6(B) showing the configuration with the container 60 and tray 6. Figure 7 is a plan view of the storage unit 4 and the supply unit 8, with the upper wall portion 45 omitted. Figures 8 to 10 are cross-sectional views along lines AA, BB, and CC of Figure 7.

[0045] The storage unit 4 is a flat, rectangular, hollow body having a bottom wall 41, left and right side walls 42L and 42R, and a top wall 45. The storage unit 4 is provided with a partition wall 43 that divides its internal space in the X direction and partition walls 44L and 44R that divide it in the Z direction. These partition walls provide the internal space of the storage unit 4 with four storage compartments 4A to 4D. One set of containers 60 and trays 6 are stored in each storage compartment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 4 can store four sets of containers 60 and trays 6.

[0046] The four storage compartments 4A to 4D are arranged in two rows vertically and two columns horizontally. Each storage compartment 4A to 4D is a flattened rectangular parallelepiped space in which the length in the X and Y directions is longer than the length in the Z direction. In this embodiment, the length in the X direction of each storage compartment 4A to 4D is longer than the length in the Y direction.

[0047] Two storage units 4A and 4B are located on the left side in the X direction, and storage units 4A and 4B are arranged adjacent to each other in the Z direction with storage unit 4A on top. Two storage units 4C and 4D are located on the right side in the X direction, and storage units 4C and 4D are arranged in the Z direction with storage unit 4C on top. Storage units 4A and 4C are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction, and storage units 4B and 4D are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction.

[0048] A connecting portion 46A is provided at the rear end of the storage section 4A. The connecting portion 46A is inserted into the container 60 and forms a flow path for ink to flow out from the container 60 to the replenishment unit 8. Similarly, connecting portions 46B to 46D are also provided in the storage sections 4B to 4D. When referring to the connecting portions 46A to 46D collectively, or to any one of them, it is simply referred to as the connecting portion 46.

[0049] Furthermore, an electrical connection part 47 for the device side is provided at the rear end of each storage section 4A to 4D. The electrical connection part 47 is a connector that is electrically connected to the container 60. The electrical connection part 47 has multiple terminals. Each terminal protrudes from the surface of the electrical connection part 47 and contacts the electrical connection part 73 (Figure 35) on the container side of the container 60, thereby making an electrical connection. By electrically connecting the electrical connection part 47 and the electrical connection part 73, the device side can obtain information about the liquid contained in the container 60. This information about the liquid includes, for example, the color and type of ink, and the capacity of the container 60.

[0050] Furthermore, positioning sections 48L and 48R are provided at the rear end of each storage section 4A to 4D. Positioning sections 48L and 48R are spaced apart in the X direction and are axial members extending in the Y direction. Positioning sections 48L and 48R define the position of the container 60 in the X direction and its positioning angle with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0051] Furthermore, fitting portions 49L and 49R are provided at the rear end of each storage section 4A to 4D. Fitting portion 49L is located above the positioning portion 48L, and fitting portion 49R is located above the positioning portion 48R. Fitting portions 49L and 49R are spaced apart in the X direction and both have a grooved structure. The grooved structure has multiple roughly rectangular protrusions arranged in parallel in the Y direction. The arrangement pattern of the protrusions in the grooved structure differs for each storage section 4A to 4D. Each container 60 corresponding to each storage section 4A to 4D is provided with receiving portions (fitting portions) 76L and 76R (Figure 35) that have a grooved structure that can be fitted, corresponding to the arrangement pattern of the grooved structure. This prevents the wrong container 60 from being connected to the connection portion 46.

[0052] The supply unit 8 is composed of two intermediate tank units 8A and 8B, which have the same configuration, arranged side by side in the X direction. Each intermediate tank unit 8A and 8B is equipped with an intermediate tank 220 arranged adjacent to it in the X direction. In other words, the supply unit 8 is equipped with four intermediate tanks 220 arranged in a line in the X direction. The four storage units 4A to 4D and the four intermediate tanks 220 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction, and the storage units 4A to 4D are located in front of the recording device 1.

[0053] Each intermediate tank 220 is located between the recording head 11 and the container 60 and contains the liquid supplied from the container 60 to the recording head 11. By temporarily storing ink in the intermediate tanks 220, ink can be supplied to the recording head 11 more stably, and ink can be supplied to the recording head 11 even when the container 60 is replaced. In other words, the container 60 can be replaced while the recording head 11 is in the process of recording.

[0054] Of the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8A, one corresponds to a container 60 stored in storage unit 4A, and the other corresponds to a container 60 stored in storage unit 4B. Similarly, of the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8B, one corresponds to a container 60 stored in storage unit 4C, and the other corresponds to a container 60 stored in storage unit 4D. Since each container 60 corresponds to an adjacent intermediate tank 220 in the Y direction, the piping can be shortened.

[0055] The correspondence between the intermediate tanks 220 and the containers 60 is not limited to this. For example, the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8A may correspond to the containers 60 of storage units 4C and 4D, and the two intermediate tanks 220 of intermediate tank unit 8B may correspond to the containers 60 of storage units 4A and 4B.

[0056] In this embodiment, the storage units 4A to 4D are arranged in multiple stages in the Z direction, while the intermediate tank 220 is arranged in a single row in the X direction. Generally, a recording device is more advantageous in terms of installation space if its device width (width in the X direction) is narrower. In this embodiment, by arranging the storage units 4A to 4D in multiple stages in the Z direction, the device width can be made narrower compared to a layout in which they are arranged in a single row in the X direction. Moreover, since the width of each storage unit 4A to 4D in the X direction can be increased, a container with a longer width in the X direction can be used as the container 60, and its capacity can be increased.

[0057] Generally, a flexible, bag-shaped container, if its length in the Z direction is long and its length in the X direction is short, tends to take on a rounded, rod-like shape extending in the Y direction when full of liquid. This results in empty space at the four corners when placed in a rectangular storage compartment. This wastes space because the volume of the container is small compared to the volume of the storage compartment. Conversely, in this embodiment, the container 60 has a short length in the Z direction and a long length in the X direction, so when full of liquid it tends to take on a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape. Therefore, it fits well into the rectangular storage compartments 4A to 4D and has the advantage of not creating wasted space.

[0058] Furthermore, by arranging the storage sections 4A to 4D in multiple stages in the Z direction, space is created in the Z direction for the intermediate tanks 220 that are positioned adjacent to the storage sections 4A to 4D in the Y direction, by the amount of their height. In this embodiment, the four intermediate tanks 220 are not arranged in multiple stages in the Z direction, but in a single row in the X direction, which allows the height of each intermediate tank 220 in the Z direction to be increased. This increases the capacity of the intermediate tanks 220.

[0059] Based on the above, it is possible to provide a technology that efficiently utilizes the space within the recording device 1 and contributes to increasing the capacity of the container 60 and the intermediate tank 220.

[0060] In this embodiment, the storage units are arranged in two stages in the Z direction, but there may be three or more stages. Also, although there are two storage units per stage, there may be one storage unit per stage, or three or more storage units, and the number of storage units may differ from stage to stage.

[0061] The positional relationship between the storage units 4A and 4B and the two intermediate tanks 220 of the intermediate tank unit 8A will now be described. As shown in Figure 7, with respect to the position in the X direction, the storage units 4A and 4B are located in width range Rx1, and the two intermediate tanks 220 are located in width range Rx2. These width ranges Rx1 and Rx2 overlap in at least part, and in this embodiment, width range Rx2 is within the range of width range Rx1. As shown in Figure 8, with respect to the position in the Z direction, the storage units 4A and 4B are located in height range Rz1, and the two intermediate tanks 220 are located in height range Rz2. These height ranges Rz1 and Rz2 overlap in at least part, and in this embodiment, the lower limit of the two ranges is approximately the same, while the upper limit is higher in height range Rz1 of the storage units 4A and 4B. The same applies to the positional relationship between the storage units 4C and 4D and the two intermediate tanks 220 of the intermediate tank unit 8B.

[0062] With respect to the positions in the X and Z directions, the arrangement areas of the storage units 4A to 4D and the arrangement areas of the four intermediate tanks 220 overlap, allowing for miniaturization of the recording device 1 in the X and Z directions.

[0063] Next, the configuration of the container 60 and tray 6 will be described with reference to Figures 35 to 38. Figure 35 is a perspective view of the container 60. Figures 36 to 38 are cross-sectional views along line EE and partially enlarged views, cross-sectional views along line FF and partially enlarged views, and cross-sectional views along line GG and partially enlarged views of Figure 7.

[0064] The container 60 has a bag 61 made of a flexible material and a connection part (adapter) 62 provided at an end of the bag 61. The bag 61 is formed into a bag shape, for example, by welding each rectangular sheet forming the upper and lower surfaces and the sheet forming the gusset part to each other, and forms a flexible tank for storing a liquid. The connection part 62 is connected to the connection part 46 and forms a flow path that allows the inside of the bag 61 to communicate with the connection part 46. The container 60 has a short length in the Z direction and a long length in the X direction. That is, the relationship is such that the length in the Z direction < the length in the X direction.

[0065] The connection part 62 is a part that protrudes from the Y-direction end of the bag 61 of the container 60. The connection part 62 is made of a material different from that of the bag 61 and has a function of allowing the inside of the bag 61 to communicate with the apparatus main body. A face part 70 is formed at the Y-direction end of the connection part 62. The face part 70 faces in the Y direction and constitutes the front end face in the mounting direction of the container 60. Components for connecting to the apparatus main body are grouped together on the face part 70 of the connection part 62.

[0066] On the face part 70, as components for connecting to the apparatus main body, a communication part 74, an electrical connection part 73, positioning parts 75L and 75R, and fitting parts 76L and 76R are provided. The connection part 46 is inserted into the communication part 74, and a flow path for allowing ink to flow out from the container 60 toward the replenishment unit 8 is formed. The electrical connection part 73 is connected to the electrical connection part 47. The electrical connection part 73 has a substrate part 73a having a plurality of terminals that come into contact with the terminal part of the electrical connection part 47 and are electrically connected.

[0067] The positioning parts 75L and 75R are holes extending in the Y direction, into which the positioning parts 48L and 48R are inserted. The X-direction position and the horizontal mounting position of the container 60 are appropriately defined.

[0068] The mating portions 76L and 76R are located above the positioning portions 75L and 75R, respectively, and mat with the mating portions 49L and 49R. The mating portions 76L and 76R are spaced apart in the X direction and both have a grooved structure. The grooved structure has multiple roughly rectangular projections arranged in parallel in the Y direction. The arrangement pattern of the projections and recesses (valleys) formed between them in the mating portions 76L and 76R is the opposite of the arrangement pattern of the grooved structure of the mating portions 49L and 49R on the device side to which they are connected.

[0069] When moving the container 60 in the Y direction to connect it to the corresponding connection part 47 on the device side, if the type of container 60 is appropriate, the fitting parts 76L and 76R will fit together with the fitting parts 49L and 49R. If the type of container 60 is inappropriate, the fitting parts 76L and 76R will not fit together with the fitting parts 49L and 49R. Therefore, it is prevented that the wrong container 60, such as one of the wrong color, will be connected to the connection part 47.

[0070] The electrical connection portion 73 is located on a projection 71 that protrudes downward in the Z direction from the connection portion 62. A recess 72 is formed above the electrical connection portion 73 in the Z direction. As shown in Figure 36, when multiple containers 60 are stored, the projection 71 of the upper connection portion 62 fits into the recess 72 of the lower connection portion 62. This avoids interference of the electrical connection portion 73 between adjacent upper and lower connection portions 62, and minimizes the overlap between the connection portions 62. As a result, it is possible to reduce the overall height when multiple connection portions 62 are stacked, contributing to the miniaturization of the entire device.

[0071] Other forms of container 60 can also be used. That is, instead of the flexible bag 61, a rigid container that does not have flexibility may be used as container 60, and a configuration equivalent to the connecting part 62 may be provided at its tip. In this case as well, by providing the configuration equivalent to the protruding part 71 and the recessed part 72 at the connecting part, the overlap between the connecting parts can be minimized.

[0072] Note that the width of the recess 92 in the X direction does not have to be equivalent to the width of the electrical connection portion 73 in the X direction, and the entire upper surface of the connection portion 62 may be formed at the same height as the recess 92.

[0073] Specifically, as shown in Figure 36, the distance between the communication portion 74 provided on the lower connection portion 62 and the electrical connection portion 73 is z1, and the distance between the lower communication portion 74 and the upper surface of the recess 92 is z2. Furthermore, the distance between the lower communication portion 74 and the lower surface of the protruding portion 91 of the upper connection portion is z3. In this case, the configuration satisfies the relationship z1 > z3 > z2. This relationship also needs to be satisfied when the entire upper surface of the connection portion 62 is formed at the same height as the recess 92.

[0074] In this way, the electrical connection section 73, which is located at position z3 where ink splashing from the communication section 74 is most likely to have an impact along the direction of gravity, is positioned as far away as possible. This makes it possible to further reduce the risk of malfunction or loss of reliability due to ink splashing when removing the container 60. On the other hand, by making the distance z3 shorter than the distance z1, it is possible to minimize the height dimension when the connection sections 62 are stacked in the Z direction.

[0075] Furthermore, the arrangement of the containers 60 is not limited to horizontal and vertical arrangements as in this embodiment; vertical and horizontal arrangements are also possible.

[0076] Next, the tray 6 has a bottom portion 6a on which the container 60 is placed, a front wall portion 6b erected at the front end of the bottom portion 6a, a rear wall portion 6c erected at the rear end of the bottom portion 6a, and left and right side walls 6d, and is open at the top (see Figures 8-10). A notch is formed in the rear wall portion 6c for the connecting portion 62 to pass through. With the container 60 mounted, the tray 6 can be attached to or detached in the Y direction from any of the storage portions 4A-4D.

[0077] To stably store the tray 6 in the storage sections 4A to 4D, the storage sections 4A to 4D and the tray 6 are each provided with engaging portions that engage with each other. In this embodiment, engaging portions 6e are formed on each side wall 6d of the tray 6. The engaging portion 6e is a protrusion that projects from the tray 6 in the X direction, and this protrusion extends in the Y direction. Engaging portions 42a and 42b are formed on the side walls 42L and 42R, and engaging portions 43a and 43b are formed on the left and right sides of the partition wall 43. Engaging portions 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b are all grooves that extend in the Y direction and engage with the engaging portion 6e. Engaging portions 42a and 43a correspond to the upper storage sections 4A and 4C and engage with the engaging portion 6e of the tray 6 installed in these storage sections. The engaging portions 42b and 43b correspond to the upper storage compartments 4B and 4D, and engage with the engaging portion 6e of the tray 6 that is mounted in these storage compartments.

[0078] The engagement of the engaging portion 6e with the engaging portions 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b allows for the positioning of the tray 6 in the Z direction and the maintenance of the tray 6's orientation (maintaining a horizontal orientation). Furthermore, it is possible to guide the insertion and removal of the tray 6 into and out of the storage portions 4A to 4D. The engaging portion 6e may be a groove, and the engaging portions 42a, 42b, 43a, and 43b may be protrusions, and the structure of the engaging portions can be designed as appropriate.

[0079] Next, a structure that improves space efficiency when the container 60 is loaded onto the tray 6 and inserted into the storage sections 4A to 4D will be described with reference to Figure 37. The flexible bag 61 has a bulging portion 61a that expands when filled with contents (liquid), and a seal portion 61b which is a heat-sealed portion formed on the outer circumference of the bulging portion 61a. When the bag 61 is placed horizontally on the tray 6 in a filled state, the bulging portion 61a is supported by the bottom 6a of the tray 6, but the seal portion 61b is not supported by the bottom 6a. As a result, a space 93 is formed between the bulging portion 61a and the lower part of the seal portion 61b.

[0080] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the positioning sections 48L and 48R (only the positioning section 48L is shown in Figure 37) is positioned within the space 93. This allows for efficient use of the space 93 created by the structure of the bag 61, improving the space efficiency inside the device.

[0081] Furthermore, the positioning portions 48L and 48R may be configured to fit into the space above the sealing portion 61b, rather than into the space below it 93.

[0082] Figures 11(A) to 12(B) show the assembly structure of the storage unit 4. In this embodiment, the storage unit 4 is a single component in which the bottom wall 41, the left and right side walls 42L and 42R, and the partition wall 43 are integrally formed, and the partition walls 44L and 44R and the top wall 45 are assembled to it. Figure 11(A) shows the state before assembly.

[0083] Figures 11(B) and 12(A) show how the partition plate 44a, which is a metal plate forming the partition walls 44L and 44R, is assembled. The partition plate 44a is a single plate that forms the partition walls 44L and 44R, and has an opening 44a' in its center. The partition plate 44a is assembled so that a part of the partition wall 43 passes through the opening 44a', and both ends in the X direction are locked into locking parts formed on the side wall portions 42L and 42R to form the configuration shown in Figure 12(A). By assembling the partition plate 44a in a snap-fit ​​manner, the structure can be simplified and the device can be miniaturized compared to when a fastening structure is used. The partition walls 44L and 44R are completed by attaching the left and right front guides 44b to the front end of the partition plate 44a. By using partition plates 44a at the bottom of storage sections 4A and 4C, the support rigidity of the trays 6 and containers 60 in storage sections 4A and 4C can be improved.

[0084] In the state shown in Figure 12(B), the storage unit 4 is completed by assembling the upper wall section 45 with screws. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the partition wall 43 in the state after the upper wall section 45 has been assembled.

[0085] Refer to Figure 38. The partition plate 44a and the upper wall portion 45 reinforce the structure of the main body of the device. The partition plate 44a plays the role of holding down the connection portion 62 of the container 60 placed on the lower level from above. The upper wall portion 45 also plays the role of holding down the connection portion 62 of the container 60 placed on the upper level from above. In other words, by holding down the connection portion 62 from above, it is possible to prevent the bag 61 from floating up, so that the container 60 is securely supported on the tray 6.

[0086] Furthermore, problems such as inaccurate insertion of positioning sections 48L and 48R into positioning sections 75L and 75R, poor connection of connection section 46 to communication section 74, or poor contact between electrical connection section 73 and electrical connection section 47 can be prevented. Therefore, this contributes to improving the overall stability and reliability of the device.

[0087] Furthermore, the partition plate 44a and the upper wall portion 45 do not necessarily need to extend to the ends of the storage portions 4A to 4D, as this prevents the connecting portion 62 from lifting up after the insertion of the positioning portions 48L and 48R into the positioning portions 75L and 75R is complete.

[0088] <Liquid supply system> Next, the structure of the liquid supply system from the container 60 to the recording head 11 will be described. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the supply unit 218.

[0089] The supply unit 218 is a supply mechanism that supplies liquid from the container 60 to the recording head 11. A supply unit 218 is provided for each container 60. Therefore, the recording device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with four supply units 218. Figure 14 illustrates one of the four supply units 218.

[0090] The supply unit 218 includes an intermediate tank 220, backflow prevention valves 230 and 240, a negative pressure maintenance unit 250, and a pressure adjustment unit 15. The intermediate tank 220 is connected to the container 60 via piping 219a, backflow prevention valve 230, and piping 219b. The negative pressure maintenance unit 250 is connected to the intermediate tank 220 via piping 219c, backflow prevention valve 240, and piping 10a.

[0091] The pressure adjustment unit 15 is connected to the intermediate tank 220 via piping 219e. Piping 219e forms a fluid passage for pressure control. In this embodiment, the fluid is a gas, particularly air. Piping 219f forms an atmospheric communication passage that communicates with the atmosphere. Piping 219a to 219f are composed of, for example, flexible tubes. Piping 219a to 10a may be made of a material with low gas permeability or water vapor permeability so as not to alter the liquid flowing inside. Piping 219a to 219f do not necessarily have to be flexible tubes; at least a part of them may be made of metal pipes, or grooves formed in plate-shaped parts may be sealed tightly with other parts to form a flow passage.

[0092] The liquid in container 60 is introduced into the intermediate tank 220 via piping 219a, a backflow prevention valve 230, and piping 219b. Container 60 is upstream and the intermediate tank 220 is downstream in the direction of liquid introduction. The backflow prevention valve 230 is a one-way valve (check valve) located upstream of the intermediate tank 220, preventing the liquid from flowing back from the intermediate tank 220 to container 60.

[0093] The liquid in the intermediate tank 220 is supplied to the recording head 11 via piping 219c, a backflow prevention valve 240, piping 10a, and a negative pressure maintenance unit 250. In the direction of liquid supply, the intermediate tank 220 is upstream and the recording head 11 is downstream. The backflow prevention valve 240 is located downstream of the intermediate tank 220 and is a one-way valve (check valve) that prevents the liquid from flowing back from the negative pressure maintenance unit 250 to the intermediate tank 220.

[0094] In this embodiment, the liquid is supplied from the container 60 to the intermediate tank 220 using the pressure generated by the pressure adjustment unit 15, so the liquid pressure in the container 60 only needs to be close to atmospheric pressure, and there are few layout constraints. Also, since the liquid is supplied to the recording head 11 by pressurization, there are few constraints on the installation location of each component, and it can be installed in a location where there is a difference in hydrostatic head between the intermediate tank 220 and the recording head 11.

[0095] (Intermediate tank) The configuration of the intermediate tank 220 will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 15. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the intermediate tank 220. The intermediate tank 220 performs an introduction operation, which involves introducing the liquid contained in the container 60 by suction, and a supply operation, which involves sending the introduced liquid toward the recording head 11. The introduction operation can also be called a liquid replenishment operation. In these two operations, the intermediate tank 220 plays the role of a pump.

[0096] The intermediate tank 220 includes a forming unit 221 that forms a liquid chamber 220a and a pressure chamber 220b. The forming unit 221 is a hollow body that forms the outer wall defining the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b. In this embodiment, the forming unit 221 includes a cup-shaped housing 221A and a lid member 221B that closes the opening at the top of the housing 221A.

[0097] The liquid chamber 220a contains the liquid L supplied to the recording head 11. Liquid L is introduced into the liquid chamber 220a from the container 60. The lid member 221B has an inlet pipe 221a that forms an inlet communicating with the liquid chamber 220a, and an outlet pipe 221b that forms an outlet communicating with the liquid chamber 220a. Piping 219b is connected to the inlet pipe 221a, and piping 219c is connected to the outlet pipe 221b.

[0098] The pressure chamber 220b is formed adjacent to the liquid chamber 220a via a wall 222. The wall 222 separates the liquid chamber 220a from the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 can also be described as part of the peripheral wall that defines the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the liquid chamber 220a by displacing in accordance with the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. In this embodiment, the wall 222 is made of a flexible sheet that elastically deforms in accordance with the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b, and has an annularly formed convex portion at its periphery.

[0099] The wall 222 is airtightly sandwiched between the lid member 221B and the frame 223. The frame 223 is an annular member having an opening 23a in its center. The frame 223 is supported by a plurality of shaft members 228 erected at the bottom of the housing 221A. The periphery of the wall 222 is sandwiched between the lid member 221B and the frame 223, and the central part of the wall 222 is displaceable downwards from the opening 23a.

[0100] The housing 221A has a connecting pipe 221c that forms a communication passage to the pressure adjustment unit 15 and the pressure chamber 220b. Piping 219e is connected to the connecting pipe 221c. The pressure chamber 220b is provided with a regulating unit 225 that restricts the displacement of the wall 222 according to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The regulating unit 225 restricts the maximum displacement position of the wall 222 in the direction in which the liquid chamber 220a increases.

[0101] The regulating unit 225 includes a stopper 227 and a flexible member 226. The flexible member 226 forms a partition wall of the air chamber 220c in the pressure chamber 220b. In other words, the pressure chamber 220b is partitioned by the flexible member 226 into a portion of the air chamber 220c on the bottom side and a portion on the liquid chamber 220a side. The flexible member 226 is a diaphragm that changes the volume of the air chamber 220c by displacing in response to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The wall 222 in this embodiment is made of a flexible film that elastically deforms in response to the pressure difference between the liquid chamber 220a and the pressure chamber 220b, and its periphery is airtightly fixed to the bottom of the housing 221A.

[0102] The housing 221A has a communication pipe 221d that forms an atmospheric communication port at its bottom. The communication pipe 221d is always open, and the air chamber 220c is maintained at atmospheric pressure. The stopper 227 has a hole (not shown) through which a shaft member 228 is inserted, and is provided to move up and down in the D1 direction (depth direction of the housing 221A) with the shaft member 228 as a guide axis, and is a lifting member that is displaced by the displacement of the flexible member 226. In this embodiment, the flexible member 226 is positioned between the stopper 227 and the bottom of the housing 221A. When the pressure chamber 220b is in a negative pressure state, the flexible member 226 is displaced upward to increase the volume of the air chamber 220c, thereby causing the stopper 227 to rise to a restricting position that restricts the maximum displacement position. The stopper 227 has a recess 227a into which a contact member 224 enters.

[0103] A contact member 224 is fixed to the lower central part of the wall 222. The contact member 224 moves along with the movement of the wall 222. The contact member 224 has an engagement groove 224a into which the end portion 270a of the detection lever 270 engages. In this embodiment, the movement range of the wall 222 is restricted by the contact member 224 contacting the stopper 227. A configuration in which the movement range of the wall 222 is restricted by directly contacting the wall 222 and the flexible member 226 is also possible. However, by interposing the contact member 224 and the stopper 227, deterioration of the wall 222 and the flexible member 226 can be prevented, and the movement range can be restricted more accurately.

[0104] Multiple elastic members 229 are provided between the contact member 224 and the stopper 227. In this embodiment, the elastic members 229 are coil springs through which the shaft member 228 is inserted, and they bias the contact member 224 and the stopper 227 in a direction that separates them. In the state shown in Figure 15, the contact member 224 and the stopper 227 are separated, and the displacement range of the wall 222 is not restricted.

[0105] The detection lever 270 is a movable member for detecting the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a. The detection lever 270 has an intermediate portion 270b that passes through the shaft hole 221e and is rotatably supported in the shaft hole 221e. The contact member 224 is displaced in the D1 direction according to the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a. The detection lever 270 rotates in the D2 direction due to the displacement of the contact member 224. The amount of rotation of the detection lever 270 is detected by a remaining amount detection sensor 271 located inside the housing 221A. The remaining amount of liquid in the liquid chamber 220a can be estimated based on the detection result of the remaining amount detection sensor 271. The detection lever 270 is constantly biased in the counterclockwise direction as shown in Figure 15 by an elastic member (not shown). Alternatively, the detection lever 270 may have an intermediate portion 270b that extends outside the housing 221A through the shaft hole 221e formed in the housing 221A. In that case, the configuration may be such that it is rotatably supported in an airtightly sealed shaft hole 221e.

[0106] The operation of the intermediate tank 220 will be explained with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. Figures 16 and 17 show the operation of each part of the intermediate tank 220, along with the internal pressure state.

[0107] State ST51 in Figure 16 shows that the liquid L in the liquid chamber 220a has been almost completely depleted by the supply operation, and the volume of the liquid chamber 220a is at its minimum. The pressure adjustment unit 15 maintains a positive pressure state in the pressure chamber 220b. The air chamber 220c has almost no volume, and the stopper 227 is located at the bottom of the housing 221A. Conversely, the contact member 224 is located at the position closest to the liquid chamber 220a. The replenishment operation is performed from this point. Note that it is not necessary to wait until the remaining amount in the liquid chamber 220a has decreased to the state ST51 before performing the replenishment operation; for example, the replenishment operation may be performed when the remaining amount is around 50%.

[0108] State ST52 in Figure 16 indicates the stage when the replenishment operation has started and the pressure chamber 220b has been brought into a negative pressure state by the pressure adjustment unit 15. Because the pressure chamber 220b is in a negative pressure state, the wall 222 and the contact member 224 are displaced towards the bottom of the housing 221A. The volume of the liquid chamber 220a increases, and liquid L is drawn into the liquid chamber 220a from the container 60. State ST52 indicates that approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of liquid chamber 220a has been introduced into the liquid chamber 220a.

[0109] In state ST52 of Figure 16, the flexible member 226 and the stopper 227 are displaced in the opposite direction to the wall 222 (towards the lid member 221B), and air is drawn into the air chamber 220c, increasing its volume. In this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, the flexible member 226 is configured to displace before the wall 222. A viscous liquid flows into the liquid chamber 220a. On the other hand, air, which has less flow resistance than liquid, flows into the air chamber 220c. Furthermore, the inner diameter and length of the connecting pipe 221d can be designed to have almost no flow resistance. In this way, the flexible member 226 can be deformed quickly. This allows the flexible member 226 to displace before the wall 222, that is, the displacement range of the wall 222 can be restricted.

[0110] The stopper 227 moves parallel to the liquid chamber 220a guided by the multiple shaft members 228. The stopper 227 moves against the biasing force of the elastic member 229. The stopper 227 moves until it contacts a projection (not shown) formed on the shaft member 228. This position becomes a restricting position that restricts the displacement range of the wall 222. Note that the stopper 227 may not be configured to stop moving at a predetermined part on the shaft member 228.

[0111] State ST53 in Figure 16 indicates the stage where more liquid L has flowed into the liquid chamber 220a. The pressure chamber 220b remains under negative pressure, and the wall 222 is displaced in a direction that increases the volume of the liquid chamber 220a, deforming to bulge. The contact member 224 contacts the stopper 227, restricting the displacement of the wall 222.

[0112] Furthermore, if S1 and S2 are the projected areas of the wall 222 and the flexible member 226 in the horizontal plane (the plane perpendicular to the D1 direction in Figure 15), S1 < S2 The shape is designed to be such. In the same negative pressure NP situation, |NP|×S1 < |NP|×S2 As a result, the force causing the flexible member 226 to expand is stronger than the force causing the wall 222 to expand. Therefore, the displacement of the wall 222 is reliably restricted by the contact member 224 contacting the stopper 227.

[0113] State ST61 in Figure 17 shows the state in which negative pressure continues to act on the wall 222 from the state ST53 in Figure 16. Due to the restriction of the stopper 227, the contact member 224 cannot move further toward the stopper 227, so further elastic deformation occurs in a part of the wall 222 (a thin-walled section like part A in the same figure). The deformation stops when the force due to the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 220b and the elastic deformation force of part A of the wall 222 are balanced. A slightly larger amount of liquid L flows into the liquid chamber 220a by the amount of deformation in part A. In other words, the volume of the liquid chamber 220a at the stage of state ST61 is the maximum volume during the replenishment operation, and this maximum volume is limited by the regulating unit 225.

[0114] State ST62 in Figure 17 indicates the state where the replenishment operation has ended and the supply operation has started. The pressure adjustment unit 15 releases the negative pressure state in the pressure chamber 220b, and it is brought to a positive pressure state via atmospheric pressure. Air is exhausted from the air chamber 220c via the connecting pipe 221, and the flexible member 226 is displaced toward the connecting pipe 221d by collapsing. As the flexible member 226 is displaced, the stopper 227 is also displaced toward the connecting pipe 221d by the biasing force of the elastic member 229, and the restriction on the displacement range of the wall 222 is released.

[0115] When the restriction on the displacement range of the wall 222 is released, the constraint on part A of the wall 222, as shown in state ST61, is released, and it attempts to return to its original shape. Since a slightly excess amount of liquid L corresponding to the deformation of part A has already flowed into the liquid chamber 220a, the contact member 224 is displaced toward the stopper 227 by that amount. As a result, the pressure in the liquid chamber 220a becomes approximately equal to the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b, and when the liquid L in the liquid chamber 220a is pressurized and supplied to the recording head 11, no elastic deformation force corresponding to the deformation of part A of the wall 222 acts.

[0116] Let's explain this point in more detail. Suppose that the regulating unit 225 is not provided, and during the replenishment operation, the wall 222 comes into contact with a part where the displacement restriction cannot be released (for example, the inner wall of the pressure chamber 220b), and a part of the wall 222 undergoes further elastic deformation, as shown in section A. In this state, if the pressure chamber 220b is changed from a negative pressure state to a positive pressure state, the restoring force of the elastically deformed part of the wall 222, as shown in section A, will cause the pressure of the liquid L in the liquid chamber 220a to rise. As a result, the liquid L will be supplied with a stronger force than the pressure assumed by the control of the pressure adjustment unit 15, and the flow of liquid L on the recording head 11 side may become unstable.

[0117] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the pressure chamber 220b is under negative pressure, the regulating unit 225 restricts the displacement of the wall 222. When the negative pressure state is released, the restriction on the displacement of the wall 222 is also released, and the partial elastic deformation of the wall 222 is eliminated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pressure of the liquid L in the liquid chamber 220a from rising due to the partial elastic deformation of the wall 222. As a result, the supply pressure of the liquid L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a to the recording head can be controlled more accurately by the pressure adjustment unit 15, and variations in the supply pressure can be reduced.

[0118] Furthermore, if the negative pressure in the pressure chamber 220b is released by detecting the excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall 222 before it occurs, it is possible to prevent excess liquid L from flowing into the liquid chamber 220a. However, detecting the stage immediately before the excessive elastic deformation of a portion of the wall 222 is not easy and would require additional sensors or the like. In contrast, this embodiment offers advantages in terms of cost and equipment layout.

[0119] At state ST62, the pressure state in pressure chamber 220b becomes positive, and the pressure of the liquid L in liquid chamber 220a becomes approximately equal to the air pressure in pressure chamber 220b. State ST63 in Figure 17 shows that the volume of liquid chamber 220a has decreased, and liquid L is being supplied from liquid chamber 220a to the recording head 11. State ST63 indicates that approximately 50% of the maximum capacity of liquid chamber 220a's liquid L has been supplied to the recording head 11. Whether liquid is actually supplied depends on the state of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250, which will be discussed later. As the supply of liquid L progresses, the state reaches state ST51 in Figure 16, and the same operation is repeated.

[0120] (Negative pressure maintenance unit) The structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250 will be explained with reference to Figure 18. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram of the structure and operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250. State ST101 indicates a state where the amount of liquid L stored is large, and state ST102 indicates a state where the amount of liquid L stored is small.

[0121] The negative pressure maintenance unit 250 comprises a housing 251 on which the recording head 11 is installed, and constitutes a recording head module. The housing 251 has an inlet pipe 251a that forms an inlet for liquid L supplied from the intermediate tank 220 to flow in, and a flow path 251b that communicates with the inlet pipe 251a. Piping 10a is connected to the inlet pipe 251a. A filter 253 is provided in the flow path 251b, and unwanted contaminants are removed as the liquid L that flows into the flow path 251b passes through the filter 253.

[0122] The housing 251 also has flow paths 251c and 251e and a storage section 250a. Part of the peripheral wall of the storage section 250a is formed by a diaphragm 252. The storage section 250a is located between the liquid chamber 220a of the intermediate tank 220 and the recording head, and communicates with the recording head 11 via the flow path 251e. The storage section 250a is a liquid chamber that temporarily stores the liquid L supplied from the liquid chamber 220a at a predetermined negative pressure before reaching the recording head 11, thereby preventing the liquid L from leaking out of the recording head 11.

[0123] The diaphragm 252 is a deformable sheet member made of a flexible material that partitions the storage section 250a. The movable plate 256 is in close contact with the diaphragm 252. The diaphragm 252 and the movable plate 256 are constantly biased by an elastic member 257 in a direction that increases the volume of the storage section 50a. The elastic member 257 is a coil spring installed between the housing 251 and the movable plate 256, and the biasing force of the elastic member 257 maintains the storage section 250a in a negative pressure state.

[0124] The flow path 251c is provided with a limiting valve 254 that restricts the supply of liquid L from the flow path 251c to the storage section 250a. The limiting valve 254 is a valve that opens and closes the communication passage 251d between the flow path 251c and the storage section 250a. The limiting valve 254 comprises a valve body 254a and an elastic member 254b, and the valve body 254a is constantly biased in the closing direction by the elastic member 254b. The valve body 254a has a shaft portion that passes through the communication passage 251d and enters the storage section 250a.

[0125] The operation of the negative pressure maintenance unit 250 will now be explained. In state ST101, the limiting valve 254 is closed, in other words, the storage section 250a is filled with sufficient liquid L. The valve body 254a adheres tightly to the surrounding wall of the communication passage 251d, thereby restricting the inflow of liquid L from the flow path 251c to the storage section 250a. In this state, a force is applied to the diaphragm 252 via the movable plate 256 from the elastic member 257 in a direction that expands the storage section 250a. Also, since the limiting valve 254 is closed, the liquid inside the storage section 250a is under negative pressure. This allows the meniscus generated at the nozzle of the recording head 11 to be in a desirable state (moderately concave) when liquid L is discharged from the nozzle. Note that in state ST101 in Figure 18, the bulge of the diaphragm 252 is slightly exaggerated.

[0126] State ST102 indicates that the limiting valve 254 is open. When the limiting valve 254 is open, in other words, the amount of liquid remaining in the storage section 250a is insufficient, and the system is waiting for liquid to be supplied from the intermediate tank 220. As the amount of liquid in the storage section 250a decreases due to the discharge of liquid L from the recording head 11, the diaphragm 252 is displaced toward the limiting valve 254 against the elastic member 257. The movable plate 256 presses against the valve body 254a of the limiting valve 254, and the valve body 254a moves away from the surrounding wall of the communication passage 251d, allowing liquid L to flow from the flow path 251c to the storage section 250a via the communication passage 251d. Since the liquid L that enters from the inlet pipe 251a is pressurized, it passes through the filter 253 and flows into the storage section 250a through the communication passage 251d.

[0127] As the liquid volume in the reservoir 250a increases, the diaphragm 252 gradually expands, and in parallel, the movable plate 256 also moves away from the valve body 254a. As a result, the limiting valve 254 becomes closed, as in state ST101.

[0128] In this way, liquid L is supplied pressurized from the intermediate tank 220 to the storage section 250a while maintaining negative pressure in the storage section 250a. Although the displacement of the diaphragm 252 is exaggerated in Figure 18, in reality, it repeatedly switches between closed and open states with minute amounts of movement, allowing the inside of the storage section 250a to be maintained at a nearly constant negative pressure.

[0129] (Pressure adjustment unit) The configuration of the pressure regulating unit 15 will now be described. Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram of the pressure regulating unit 15. The pressure regulating unit 15 includes an air pump 261 and a plurality of control valves 262A to 262D. The air pump 261 is an electric pump equipped with a diaphragm and a check valve inside, and is driven by a motor. The plurality of control valves 262A to 262D are electric valves that switch the communication state between the air pump 261 and the pressure chamber 220b and the piping 219f that forms the atmospheric communication passage.

[0130] In this embodiment, a pressure sensor 273 and a constant pressure valve 263 are provided in the piping 219e. The pressure sensor 273 detects the pressure of the gas in the piping 219e, i.e., the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b. The constant pressure valve 263 is a valve that maintains the pressure chamber 220b below the upper limit pressure when pressurizing the pressure chamber 220b. When the pressure in the piping 219e reaches the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 263 opens, connecting the piping 219e to the atmosphere. This maintains the pressure chamber 220b below the upper limit pressure.

[0131] State ST131 in Figure 20 represents the valve state for pressurization operation to bring pressure chamber 220b to a positive pressure state. Control valve 262A is open, control valve 262B is closed, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is closed. By driving the air pump 261 in each of these valve states, air is drawn in from the side of pipe 219f and pressurized air is sent to pipe 219e. When the pressure is adjusted by this pressurization operation, pressure chamber 220b gradually goes from atmospheric pressure to positive pressure. After a predetermined time, when the pressure in pipe 219f exceeds the upper limit pressure, the constant pressure valve 263 is activated, and pressure chamber 220b becomes constant.

[0132] State ST132 is the valve state for sealing operation to maintain the pressure in the pressurized pressure chamber 220b during the pressurization operation. Control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is closed. In each of these valve states, the side of piping 219e (pressure chamber 220b) is disconnected from the air pump 261 and sealed. When the air pump 261 is running, air circulates between control valves 262B and 262C and the air pump 261. Therefore, whether the air pump 261 is running or stopped, no air flows to the side of piping 219f.

[0133] State ST133 is an atmospheric release operation that occurs on the way to the next depressurization operation. This operation is performed to quickly bring the pressure chamber 220b, which is in a positive pressure state, into a negative pressure state by connecting the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere and returning it from a positive pressure state to near atmospheric pressure. In the atmospheric release operation, control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is open, and control valve 262D is open. In this case, air enters from the side of piping 219e and exits into piping 219f via control valve 262D and control valve 262C without passing through the air pump 261.

[0134] State ST134 is the valve state for the depressurization operation to create a negative pressure state in the pressure chamber 220b. Control valve 262A is closed, control valve 262B is open, control valve 262C is closed, and control valve 262D is open. By driving the air pump 261 in each of these valve states, air is drawn in from the side of piping 219e and discharged to the side of piping 219f. When the pressure chamber 220b is in an atmospheric pressure state and the pressure is adjusted by this depressurization operation, the pressure chamber 220b gradually becomes negative pressure. After a predetermined time, the pressure in the pressure chamber 220b becomes constant at a predetermined negative pressure according to the capacity of the air pump 261. In this embodiment, a constant pressure valve on the negative pressure side is not provided, but if it is desired to limit the negative pressure to a predetermined level, a constant pressure valve on the negative pressure side may be provided in parallel with the constant pressure valve 263.

[0135] State ST135 is an atmospheric release operation that occurs on the way to the next pressurization operation (state ST131). This operation is performed to quickly bring the inside of the pressure chamber 220b, which is in a negative pressure state, into a positive pressure state by connecting the pressure chamber 220b to the atmosphere and returning it from negative pressure to near atmospheric pressure. In this atmospheric release operation, control valve 262A opens, control valve 262B opens, control valve 262C opens, and control valve 262D opens. In this case, air enters from the side of piping 219f and enters piping 219e via control valve 262B and control valve 262A, without passing through the air pump 261.

[0136] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, a bag-type container was exemplified as the container 60, but a bottle-type container may also be used. In this case, the tray 6 is not required. Figure 21(A) is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a bottle-type container 60' is mounted in the storage unit. The container 60' has a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped hollow body 63 that contains liquid inside. The left and right sides of the hollow body 63 are provided with engaging portions 64, which correspond to the engaging portions 6e of the tray 6 in the first embodiment. The illustrated example assumes that the container 60' is mounted in the storage unit 4A, and the left and right engaging portions 64 engage with the engaging portion 42a of the side wall 42L and the engaging portion 43a of the partition wall 43.

[0137] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism of the opening / closing member 5 is illustrated as removal from and attachment to the main body 100, but it may also rotate. Figure 21(B) shows another example of the configuration of the opening / closing member 5. In the illustrated example, the opening / closing member 5 is configured to rotate around a pivot axis in the X direction. Since the opening / closing member 5 is supported by the main body 100 regardless of whether it is open or closed, loss of the opening / closing member 5 or damage due to falling can be prevented.

[0138] <Fourth Embodiment> <Outline of the recording device> Figure 22 is an external view of a recording device 1A according to one embodiment. Multiple optional devices can be attached to the recording device 1A. Figure 23 shows the recording device 1A with optional devices 500A and 500B attached. Optional devices 500A and 500B are devices with the same configuration, and when referring to optional devices 500A and 500B collectively, or when not distinguishing between them, they are simply called optional device 500. Optional device 500 is equipped with a storage cassette 501 for storing recording media, and by adding optional devices 500, the storage capacity of recording media used for recording can be increased, and the types of recording media used for recording can be increased. The storage cassette 501 is detachably attached to the main body of the optional device 500, and in this embodiment, it is provided on the front of the optional device 500 so as to be insertable and removable in the Y direction relative to the main body.

[0139] In the example shown in Figure 23, two stages of optional devices 500 are provided at the bottom of the recording device 1A. However, only one optional device 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A, or three or more stages of optional devices 500 can be attached to the recording device 1A. Furthermore, the recording device 1A can be used without any optional devices 500 attached.

[0140] In this embodiment, the case in which the disclosure is applied to a serial inkjet recording device is described, but the disclosure is also applicable to other types of recording devices.

[0141] In the figures described in this embodiment, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions in which they intersect, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions that are perpendicular to each other, and arrow Z indicates the vertical direction. The X direction corresponds to the left-right direction (width direction) of the recording device 1A, the Y direction corresponds to the front-back direction (depth direction) of the recording device 1A, and the Z direction corresponds to the height direction of the recording device 1A. Furthermore, when referring to the downstream side and the upstream side, the transport direction of the recording medium is used as the reference.

[0142] The recording device 1A comprises a main body 100A, a detachable unit 640 and a storage cassette 602A that are detachable from the main body 100A. The main body 100A has a housing 601 that is roughly rectangular in shape, and the housing 601 forms the outer wall of the recording device 1A. The detachable unit 640 and the storage cassette 602A are mounted on the front surface 601a of the housing 601, which constitutes the front part of the recording device 1A, so as to be insertable and removable from the main body 100A in the Y direction. The front surface 601a is also provided with an openable and closable cover 653 and an open / close member 665 that cover the feeding unit 650 inside the main body 100A. The cover 653, the detachable unit 640, the storage cassette 602A and the open / close member 665 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the Z direction.

[0143] Figure 24 shows the state in which the storage cassette 602A is pulled out from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL1 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the storage cassette 602A is stored in this slot SL1.

[0144] Figure 25 shows the state in which the detachable unit 640 has been removed from the main body 100A in the -Y direction. The main body 100A has a slot SL2 that opens on the front surface 601a, and the detachable unit 640 is stored in this slot SL2.

[0145] An output tray 617 is provided on the top surface of the main unit 100A. Recorded recording media are ejected into the output tray 617 and stacked on top of the output tray 617.

[0146] Using Figures 23 and 26, we will describe the opening 670 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 670 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617a. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617a is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is a rotating member that is rotatable around a pivot axis 617b in the X direction. Figure 26 shows the opening 670 in the open state with the opening / closing member 617a open. When the opening / closing member 617a is closed as shown in Figure 23, the opening 670 is closed.

[0147] Using Figures 23 and 27, we will describe the opening 672 formed on the upper surface of the housing 601, which exposes the inside of the main body 100A of the recording device 1A. The opening 672 is located on the rear side in the Y direction relative to the opening 670. The opening 672 is opened and closed by an opening / closing member 617c. In this embodiment, the opening / closing member 617c, together with the opening / closing member 617a, is a plate-shaped tray member that constitutes part of the discharge tray 617, and is configured to be pulled out towards the front. When pulling out the opening / closing member 617c, the operator can operate it by holding the gripping part 617e. Figure 27 shows the state in which the opening / closing member 617c is in the open state and the opening 672 is open. When the opening / closing member 617c is closed as shown in Figure 23, the opening 672 is closed.

[0148] Figure 28 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A and the optional device 500. The recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 602a in the storage cassette 602A. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 602A can be removed from the main body 100A of the recording device 1A, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 602 of the removed storage cassette 602A.

[0149] Furthermore, the recording device 1A records onto the sheet SH, which is a recording medium before recording, loaded onto the feed tray 502 in each optional device 500. The recording device 1A also discharges the recorded sheet SH into the discharge tray 617. The storage cassette 501 of the optional device 500 can be removed from the optional device 500, and the sheet SH can be set into the feed tray 502 of the removed storage cassette 501.

[0150] <Transportation Route> The transport paths for the sheet SH are described below. The recording device 1A has transport paths RT6A to RT6E that guide the transport of the sheet SH. Transport path RT6A is the main transport path formed from the confluence point JP1 to the discharge tray 617. Transport path RT6B is formed from the supply tray 602a to the confluence point JP1. When recording is performed on the sheet SH stored in the storage cassette 602A, the sheet SH is transported in the order of transport path RT6B → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during the transport process.

[0151] The transport paths RT6D and RT6E are transport paths for supplying sheet SH from the optional device 500. Transport path RT6D is formed in the Z direction at the front of the storage cassette 602A. When the storage cassette 602A is mounted on the main body 100A, transport path RT6D is formed from the intermediate point JP2 to the junction point JP1. Transport path RT6E is formed in the Z direction at the front of the opening / closing member 665. When the opening / closing member 665 is mounted on the main body 100A, transport path RT6E is formed from the intermediate point JP3 to the intermediate point JP2.

[0152] Each optional device 500 has transport paths RT7A and RT7B that guide the transport of the sheets SH. Transport path RT7A is formed from the supply tray 502 to the confluence point JP4 in the storage cassette 501 and is a transport path for supplying the sheets SH within the optional device 500. Transport path RT7B is formed at the front of the storage cassette 501, from the intermediate point JP5 to the confluence point JP4. Transport path RT7B is a transport path for allowing sheets SH supplied from another optional device 500 located below that optional device 500 to pass through. For example, in the example in Figure 28, the transport path RT7B of optional device 500A is a path for allowing sheets SH supplied from optional device 500B to pass through optional device 500A.

[0153] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500A, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A, and recording is performed during this transport process.

[0154] When recording is performed on sheet SH housed in optional device 500B, sheet SH is transported in the following order: transport path RT7A of optional device 500B → transport path RT7B of optional device 500A → transport path RT6E of recording device 1A → transport path 6D → transport path RT6A. Recording is performed during this transport process.

[0155] Next, we will describe the path for inverting the front and back sides of the sheet SH and transporting it to the recording head 612 for double-sided recording. In this embodiment, after recording the first side of the sheet SH at the recording head 612, the sheet SH can be transported to the transport path RT6C, thereby inverting its front and back sides. The transport path RT6C is a sub-transport path formed from the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) to the junction point JP1. The sheet SH, on which the first side has been recorded, can be inverted via the transport path RT6C and introduced back into the transport path RT6A. Then, recording can be performed on the second side of the sheet SH.

[0156] The introduction of sheet SH into the transport path RT6C is as follows: After the rear end of sheet SH reaches the vicinity of the transport unit 605 (described later) or exits the transport unit 605, at least some of the rollers of the transport units 605-609 (described later) are rotated in reverse. This allows sheet SH with the first side recorded to be introduced into the transport path RT6C. Sheet SH with the second side recorded is discharged into the discharge tray 617.

[0157] Each transport path is formed by a path-forming member. As an example of a path-forming member, Figure 28 schematically shows a pair of path-forming members 666 that form the transport path RT6E. The pair of path-forming members 666 are arranged facing each other in the Y direction, and the transport path RT6E extending in the Z direction is formed between them. Each transport path is defined by such path-forming members.

[0158] <Conveying mechanism> Next, the configuration for transporting the sheet SH will be described. The recording device 1A includes a feed unit 603, a feed unit 604, and a plurality of transport units 605 to 609. In the transport direction of the sheet SH along transport paths RT6B and RT6A, these are arranged in the order of feed unit 603, feed unit 604, and transport units 605 to 609 from upstream to downstream. Image formation (recording) on ​​the sheet SH is performed by a recording unit 610 between transport unit 605 and transport unit 606.

[0159] (Feeding unit 603) The sheets SH on the feeding tray 602a are introduced one by one into the transport paths RT6B and RT6A by the feeding unit 603. The feeding unit 603 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feeding motor 622A as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feeding tray 602a. The feeding unit 603 includes a feeding roller (pickup roller) 603a, a feeding roller 603b, a separation roller 603c, a feeding roller 603d, and a driven roller 603e that forms a nip with the feeding roller 603d.

[0160] The feeding roller 603a rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, contacting the uppermost surface of the sheet SH loaded on the feeding tray 602a, and begins feeding the sheet SH. Downstream of the feeding roller 603a are a feeding roller 603b, which rotates by the driving force of the feeding motor 622A, and a separation roller 603c, which forms a nip with the feeding roller 603b. The separation roller 603c is a roller equipped with a torque limiter and has rotational resistance. When two or more sheets SH enter the nip between the feeding roller 603b and the separation roller 603c, the rotational resistance of the separation roller 603c separates the sheets SH into a single sheet.

[0161] The separated sheet SH is transported to the downstream feed roller 603d and driven roller 603e. The feed roller 603d is driven by the feed motor 622A.

[0162] (Feeding unit 604) The feeding unit 604 transports the sheet SH, which is introduced into the transport path RT6A from the confluence point JP1, to the transport unit 605. The feeding unit 604 is equipped with feeding rollers 604a and 604c. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are rotating bodies that rotate by the driving force of the feeding motor 623. The feeding rollers 604a and 604c are pressed against the corresponding driven rollers 604b and 604d to form a nip section. The driven rollers 604b and 604d are rotating bodies that are driven by the rotation of the feeding rollers 604a and 604c.

[0163] The sheet SH is held between the nip sections of the feed roller 604a and the driven roller 604b, and between the feed roller 604c and the driven roller 604d, and is conveyed by their rotation.

[0164] Note that the feed rollers 603a, 603b, and 603d are one-way rollers. Therefore, once the leading edge of the sheet SH has been transported to a position beyond the nip portion of the feed unit 604, the feed unit 604 can continue transporting the sheet even if the drive of the feed unit 603 is stopped.

[0165] Sensor 631 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, specifically detecting the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH. The detection position of sensor 631 is set downstream of the nip portion of the feeding unit 604. After detecting the passage of the leading end of the sheet SH, the detection result of sensor 631 can be used as a trigger for transport control, such as stopping the drive of the feeding unit 603 or increasing the transport speed of the feeding unit 604.

[0166] Furthermore, by using the sensor 631 to determine the size of the sheet SH from the amount of drive of the feed motor 623 and the transport motor 624 from the detection of the leading edge to the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet SH, it becomes possible to switch subsequent transport control.

[0167] (Transport Unit 605) The transport unit 605 is positioned upstream of the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 transports the sheet SH downstream between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 facing the recording head 612. The transport unit 605 includes a transport roller 605a and a driven roller (pinch roller) 605b which is pressed against the transport roller 605a by a spring or the like (not shown). The transport roller 605a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the driven roller 605b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 605a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 605a and the driven roller 605b.

[0168] Sensor 632, like sensor 631, is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Since sensor 632 is located near the upstream of the transport unit 605, its detection results can be used to determine the loop amount of sheet SH being picked up by the register and to manage the positions of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH.

[0169] (Transport Unit 606) The transport unit 606 is located downstream of the recording head 612 and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 605, to the downstream transport unit 609. The transport unit 606 includes a transport roller 606a and spurs 606b which are pressed against the transport roller 606a by springs (not shown), etc. The transport roller 606a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624, and the spurs 606b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 606a. In this embodiment, the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606 share a drive source (transport motor 624).

[0170] (Transport Unit 607) The transport unit 607 is positioned downstream of the recording head 612 and the transport unit 606, and transports the sheet SH, which is transported by the transport unit 606, to the downstream side. The transport unit 607 includes a transport roller 607a and a spur 607b which is pressed against the transport roller 607a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The transport roller 607a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the transport motor 624 described above, and the spur 607b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the transport roller 607a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the transport roller 607a and the spur 607b and transported by the rotation of the transport roller 607a and the spur 607b.

[0171] Sensor 633 is similar to sensors 631 and 632, and is, for example, an optical sensor that detects sheet SH. Sensor 633 can be used to detect the leading and trailing ends of sheet SH, or to detect the presence or absence of sheet SH in the transport path when jams or other issues occur with sheet SH in the transport path.

[0172] (Transport units 608 and 609) Transport units 608 and 609 are located downstream of the recording head 612 and transport units 606 and 607. Transport units 608 and 609 are discharge units that discharge the sheets SH transported by transport unit 607 into the discharge tray 617. When single-sided recording occurs, the sheets SH discharged into the discharge tray 617 are output in a so-called "face-down" manner, with the image recording side facing downwards. When double-sided recording occurs, the second side faces downwards.

[0173] The conveying unit 608 includes a conveying roller 608a and a spur 608b which is pressed against the conveying roller 608a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 608a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the conveying motor 625, and the spur 608b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 608a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 608a and the spur 608b.

[0174] The conveying unit 609 includes a conveying roller 609a and a spur 609b which is pressed against the conveying roller 609a by a spring (not shown) or the like. The conveying roller 609a is a rotating body that rotates by the driving force of the same conveying motor 625 as the conveying unit 608 described above, and the spur 609b is a rotating body that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the conveying roller 609a. The sheet SH is held between the nip portion of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b and is conveyed by the rotation of the conveying roller 609a and the spur 609b.

[0175] In this embodiment, the transport unit 608 and the transport unit 609 share a drive source (transport motor 625). However, the transport motor 625 may be eliminated, and the transport motor 624, which is the drive source for transport units 605 to 607, may also be shared between the transport unit 608 and the transport unit 609.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, four transport units (transport units 606 to 609) are used downstream of the recording head 612, but it is possible to reduce this number depending on the size of the corresponding recording medium of the recording device 1A in the transport direction. For example, it is also possible to use only transport units 606 and 609, with transport unit 609 discharging the sheet SH to the discharge tray 617.

[0177] Sensor 634 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, similar to sensors 631 to 633, and is a sensor that detects the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. In this embodiment, after the trailing end of the sheet SH is detected by sensor 634, discharge is completed after a predetermined transport amount (the trailing end of the sheet SH reaches the discharge tray 617). Therefore, the detection result of sensor 634 can be used to detect the discharge of the sheet SH.

[0178] Next, the sheet SH transport mechanism provided in the optional device 500 will be described. The sheets SH set in the feed tray 502 are separated one by one by the feed unit 510 in the optional device 500 and fed to the transport path RT7A. The feed unit 510 is a pickup mechanism that uses the feed motor 522 as a driving source to pick up the sheets SH from the feed tray 502. The feed unit 510 includes a feed roller (pickup roller) 510a, a feed roller 510b, and a separation roller 510c.

[0179] The feeding unit 511 is located downstream of the feeding unit 510 and includes a feeding roller 511a and a driven roller 511b. The feeding roller 511a is a rotating body that rotates due to the driving force of the feeding motor 522, and the driven roller 511b is a rotating body that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the feeding roller 511a.

[0180] The sheet SH is held between the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b at the nip portion and is conveyed by the rotation of the feed roller 511a and the driven roller 511b.

[0181] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A, enters the transport path RT6E through the intermediate point JP3, which is the top exit of the optional device 500A and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the recording device 1A. The sheet SH is then transported further along the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0182] The sheet SH, transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500B, enters the transport path RT7B through the intermediate point JP5, which is the top exit of the optional device 500B and the transport path entrance on the bottom of the optional device 500A. The sheet SH then travels along the transport path RT7B of the optional device 500A and is transported by the feeding unit 511 of the optional device 500A through the transport path RT6D to the junction point JP1.

[0183] <Recording Unit> The recording unit 610 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 29 and 30 in addition to Figure 28. Figure 29 is a perspective view of the recording unit 610, and Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Figure 28. The recording unit 610 includes a recording head 612, a carriage 611, and a drive unit 614. The recording head 612 ejects liquid ink onto the sheet SH to record an image on the sheet SH. The lower surface of the recording head 612 forms an ejection surface on which a plurality of nozzles for ejecting ink are formed.

[0184] The ink supplied to the recording head 612 is contained in a container 664. The container 664 is supported by a tray 668 and stored in a storage unit 667. The ink in the container 664 is supplied to the recording head 612 via an intermediate tank provided in a replenishment unit 669. The container 664, tray 668, storage unit 667, and replenishment unit 669 have the same configuration as the container 60, tray 6, storage unit 4, and replenishment unit 8 of the first embodiment.

[0185] The opening / closing member 665 is the same as the opening / closing member 5 described in the first embodiment. The opening / closing member 665 has a pair of path-forming members 666, which form a transport path. When the opening / closing member 665 is removed from the main body 100A, the access path to the storage unit 667 is opened, and the container 664 can be replaced.

[0186] The platen 615 is positioned between the transport unit 605 and the transport unit 606, facing the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface). The sheet SH is transported between the recording head 612 and the platen 615 in the direction of arrow SD (+Y direction), and an image is recorded by the recording head 612.

[0187] The recording head 612 is mounted on the carriage 611. The carriage 611 is driven by the drive unit 614 in a direction intersecting the SD direction (in this embodiment, the X-axis direction).

[0188] The drive unit 614 includes a support member 620 extending in the X-axis direction. The support member 620 is a base member that supports each component of the drive unit 614. The support member 620 is provided with a guide member 613 that engages with the carriage 611 and guides the movement of the carriage 611. In this embodiment, the guide member 613 includes a lower rail member 613a and an upper rail member 613b. The rail members 613a and 613b are separated from each other in the Z-axis direction and each extends in the X-axis direction. The rail members 613a and 613b engage with the carriage 611 and guide the movement of the carriage 611. The guide member 613 may be an axial member.

[0189] Rail member 613a supports the carriage 611 in the height (Z) and front-to-back (Y) directions. By adjusting the height (Z) of rail member 613a relative to support member 620, the height (Z position) of the recording head 612 (especially the ejection surface) relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted. Rail member 613b is located above rail member 613a (+Z direction) and restricts the position of the carriage 611 around the X axis. By adjusting rail member 613b in the front-to-back (Y) direction relative to support member 620, the inclination of the recording head 612 around the X axis relative to the platen 615 can be adjusted.

[0190] The drive unit 614 in this embodiment is a belt drive mechanism driven by a carriage motor 621. However, the mechanism of the drive unit 614 may be other than a belt drive mechanism. The carriage motor 621 is positioned on the opposite side of the carriage 611 in the front-to-back (Y) direction, with a support member 620 in between. The drive unit 614 includes a drive pulley 618 and a driven pulley 619 spaced apart in the X-axis direction, and an endless belt 616 wrapped around these pulleys, which are positioned between rail member 613a and rail member 613b in the height (Z) direction.

[0191] The carriage 611 is fixed to an endless belt 616. When the carriage motor 621 rotates the drive pulley 618, the endless belt 616 moves and the carriage 611 moves. A cord strip 635 is supported by a support member 620. The carriage 611 is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that detects the slits in the cord strip 635, and the position of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction can be determined from the sensor's detection result, and the speed can be adjusted.

[0192] The carriage 611 is provided with electrical contacts between the recording head 612 and a circuit board (not shown). The circuit board (not shown) may be located downstream of the recording head 612 in the transport direction (+Y direction) and between the carriage 611 and the support member 620.

[0193] Next, the image recording operation will be explained. Images are recorded by ejecting ink from the recording head 612 onto the sheet SH during the reciprocating movement of the carriage 611 in the X-axis direction. This operation is called recording scanning. The recording operation is performed by alternately repeating a transport operation in which the transport unit 605 intermittently transports the sheet SH in the SD direction (+Y direction) and the recording scanning.

[0194] <Front feeding mechanism> The front feeding mechanism of the recording device 1A will be explained using Figures 31 and 32. The front feeding mechanism allows sheets SH to be manually fed from the front of the recording device 1A. Figure 31 shows the state in which the cover 653 and the loading tray 651 have been pulled out from the state shown in Figure 23. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the recording device 1A, showing the state in which the cover 653 and the loading tray 651 have been pulled out.

[0195] In this embodiment, in addition to the storage cassette 602A already described, a feeding unit 650 is positioned above the storage cassette 602A and the attachment / detachment unit 640 in the Z direction (+Z direction) and on the front 601a side of the recording device 1A. Figure 23 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is closed, and Figure 31 shows the state in which the loading tray 651 is open. When the loading tray 651 is closed, multiple trays are folded and stored inside. When the loading tray 651 is open, the multiple folded trays are unfolded to a length that is sufficient to hold the loaded sheet SH so that it does not fall out.

[0196] Behind the open loading tray 651 is a supply tray 652, which holds the loaded sheets SH in both the loading tray 651 and the supply tray 652. A sensor 636 is provided to detect whether or not sheets SH are loaded in the supply tray 652.

[0197] Sensor 636 is a sensor that detects the sheet SH, and is, for example, an optical sensor. Sensor 636 detects the presence or absence of the sheet SH on the feeding tray 652, and can be configured with, for example, a reflective sensor. In addition, side guides 656a and 656b are attached to the left and right sides of the feeding tray 652 to support the loaded sheet SH in the width direction. The left and right side guides 656a and 656b are connected by a rack and pinion (not shown). When the user operates either side guide, the side guide on the opposite side moves in conjunction, and the left and right ends of the sheet SH can be supported.

[0198] Next, the arrangement of the feeding unit 650 and the transport path RT6F will be described. The feeding unit 650 is equipped with a feeding roller 650a that presses against the sheets SH loaded on the feeding tray 652. Downstream of the feeding roller 650a are a transport roller 650b and a separation roller 650c. The feeding roller 650a and the transport roller 650b are driven by the feeding motor 623. The sheets SH set on the feeding tray 652 are picked up by the feeding roller 650a, separated one by one at the nip section of the transport roller 650b and the separation roller 650c, and fed to the transport path RT6A. The sheets SH fed from the feeding unit 650 merge with the transport path RT6A at the junction JP6 and are transported to the transport unit 605. Thereafter, while being transported by the transport unit 605, images are recorded by the recording head 612.

[0199] <Layout of the configuration around the recording head> Refer to Figures 29 and 30. The sheet SH may jam around the recording head 612. The drive unit 614 is a structure with a support member 620 fixed in a wall-like manner in the XZ plane. Depending on the arrangement of the drive unit 614, the drive unit 614 of the carriage 611 may easily become an obstacle when considering the operator's access to the jammed area.

[0200] In this embodiment, the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) relative to the recording head 612. This increases the space upstream of the recording head 612, improving the operator's access to the upstream side of the recording head 612. As jams often occur when the leading edge of the sheet SH gets stuck between the recording head 612 and the platen 615, the ability for the operator to work from the upstream side of the recording head 612 makes recovery work smoother.

[0201] Viewing the recording device 1A in the front-to-back direction (Y direction), the transport unit 605 is positioned in front of the recording head 612 (-Y direction side), and the drive unit 614 is positioned behind the recording head 612 (+Y direction side). In the installation location of the recording device 1A, the front of the recording device 1A is often spacious, while the rear is often narrow due to the presence of walls or other obstacles. In this embodiment, since there is more space in front of the recording head 612, if a jam occurs, it is easier for the operator to perform recovery work from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0202] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding unit 604 is positioned further forward than the transport unit 605. This makes it easier for an operator to recover from jams that occur between the feeding unit 604 and the transport unit 605 from the front 601a of the recording device 1A.

[0203] <Structure related to maintenance> <Maintenance around the recording head> The recording device 1A of this embodiment is equipped with a structure that facilitates maintenance (access) to the recording unit 610. This will be explained with reference to Figures 26, 27, 33, and 34. Figure 33 is an external view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position, and Figure 34 is a plan view of the recording device 1A with the opening / closing member 617a in the open position.

[0204] Maintenance of the recording unit 610 may include, for example, the recovery of jams as described above, or the replacement of the recording head 612.

[0205] The opening 670 is formed such that the portion upstream (-Y direction) in the transport direction (SD direction) of the recording head 612 is more exposed than the portion downstream (+Y direction). The opening / closing member 617a is positioned above the transport unit 605 (+Z direction). When the opening / closing member 617a is opened, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are exposed through the opening 670, allowing the operator to access them. In this embodiment, since the drive unit 614 is positioned downstream (+Y direction) of the recording head 612 in the transport direction, the transport unit 605, carriage 611, recording head 612, platen 615, etc. are easily accessible from the front of the recording device 1A.

[0206] As shown in Figure 34, if the width of the opening 670 in the X direction is KW, then the width KW is wider than the maximum width of the sheet SH that the recording device 1A supports. Therefore, if a jam occurs in the sheet SH, it is easy to remove the sheet SH from the opening 670.

[0207] <Fifth Embodiment> <Container composition> An example of the container configuration will be described. Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container 700. The container 700 is used in combination with the tray 703 as an ink pack. In other words, the container 700 according to the fifth embodiment is also called an ink pack. The container 700 is detachably mounted in the storage section 4 of the main body 100 while stored and supported in the tray 703. The tray 703 is a storage section for storing and supporting the container 700 (ink pack) in a predetermined position. The storage section 4 is a mounting section of the main body 100 to which the container 700 is detachably mounted. A tray slide section 750 extending in the Y direction is formed on the side of the tray 703. The tray slide section 750 engages with a slide groove (not shown) formed in the storage section 4 so as to be slidable. The user can move the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 toward the storage section 4 while the tray slide section 750 and the slide groove are engaged.

[0208] Figure 39 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the container 700 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 40 is a cross-sectional view of the container 700 viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 41 is an exploded perspective view of the container 700.

[0209] Figures 39 to 41 will be used to explain each element of the container 700. As mentioned above, the container 700 is used in combination with the tray 703 as an ink pack. The container 700 comprises a liquid storage section (bag) 701, a liquid dispensing section 702, and an opening / closing door 704.

[0210] The liquid storage section 701 is formed in the shape of a bag capable of containing liquid. For example, ink W (see Figure 6 below) is contained inside the liquid storage section 701. Note that in Figures 39 to 43, ink W is shown in a simplified form. It is preferable that the liquid storage section 701 is flexible so that it becomes flat when the ink W is used up. In each embodiment, "flexible" means that it is pliable and can be bent.

[0211] Any known material can be used as the material for the liquid storage section 701, as long as it is flexible and capable of containing liquid internally. Specifically, resin films made of resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) can be used as the material for the liquid storage section 701. The material of the resin film used in the liquid storage section 701 is preferably a resin with high liquid contact with the ink W, allowing for long-term storage of the ink W. Liquid contact refers to the stability of the component (resin film) that comes into contact with the liquid (ink). Examples of liquid contact in this embodiment include the fact that the resin film used in the liquid storage section 701 does not deteriorate due to the ink, and that components leached from the resin film do not alter the ink.

[0212] The liquid storage section 701 may use a laminated film with functional separation according to various performance requirements. The liquid storage section 701 may also use a coated film or a vapor-deposited film in which gas barrier and moisture barrier properties are imparted to a resin film. The liquid storage section 701 may also use a laminated film formed by laminating paper or aluminum foil onto a resin film. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of storing liquid, it is preferable that the material of the liquid storage section 701 is a material that can suppress the evaporation of moisture in the liquid. It is preferable that aluminum foil be used as a material that can suppress the evaporation of moisture in the liquid. That is, it is preferable that the flexible liquid storage section 701 be formed by laminating aluminum foil onto a resin film. The film thickness of the laminated film used in the liquid storage section 701 is preferably 100 μm or more and 220 μm or less. It should be noted that the liquid storage section 701 does not necessarily have to use a laminated film with multiple layers. For example, in applications where gas barrier properties are not important, a single layer of resin film may be used in the liquid storage section 701.

[0213] The liquid storage section 701 is preferably in the shape of a bag. A known method can be used to manufacture the liquid storage section 701. Specifically, a bag-shaped liquid storage section 701 is formed by overlapping two films and joining the peripheral edges of the films together. The liquid storage section 701 is also called a four-sided sealed bag. The bag shape of the liquid storage section 701 formed by this method may be pillow type or gusset type.

[0214] The appropriate bag size and shape are used according to the capacity of the liquid storage section 701. For example, the bag shape for a liquid storage section 701 with a capacity of 1.5L is a gusset type with a long side of approximately 374mm, a short side of approximately 180mm, and a gusset width of approximately 46mm on the long side. The bag shape for a liquid storage section 701 with a capacity of 3.0L is a gusset type with a long side of approximately 374mm, a short side of approximately 240mm, and a gusset width of approximately 80mm on the long side.

[0215] The liquid discharge section 702 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 701. Depending on the shape of the liquid storage section 701 bag, the distance between the liquid discharge section 702 and the other end of the liquid storage section 701 may be long. If a liquid outlet pipe and spacer member are not arranged inside the liquid storage section 701, when the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 701 is consumed, opposing parts of the liquid storage section 701 may stick together. When opposing parts of the liquid storage section 701 stick together, the flow path of the liquid toward the liquid discharge section 702 may be blocked. For this reason, it is preferable to have ridges (not shown) that protrude inward from the liquid storage section 701. The ridges protruding inward from the liquid storage section 701 make it difficult for opposing parts of the liquid storage section 701 to stick together, thereby preventing the flow path of the liquid toward the liquid discharge section 702 from being blocked. Therefore, a liquid flow path can be secured toward the liquid delivery unit 702, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage unit 701 can be used completely.

[0216] The ridges are preferably formed by deforming a part of the liquid storage section 701 using methods such as compressed air, pressing, or vacuum. The ridges are preferably formed on the upper side of the container 700 in the mounting position when it is attached to the main body 100. The ridges may also be formed on the upper and lower sides of the container 700 in the mounting position when it is attached to the main body 100. Furthermore, the ridges are preferably formed to intersect with imaginary lines extended from the central axis of the liquid flow hole 720. The ridges can be formed in any part of the liquid storage section 701 as long as it is possible to secure a liquid flow path toward the liquid delivery section 702.

[0217] Furthermore, the structure for securing the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 702 is not limited to the ridged section. For example, a structure may be placed inside the liquid storage section 701 to secure the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 702. Differences in rigidity may be provided for each part of the film constituting the liquid storage section 701 to secure the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 702.

[0218] As mentioned above, the liquid discharge section 702 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 701. The liquid discharge section 702 is for discharging the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 701 to the outside. The liquid discharge section 702 comprises a spout 710, a valve compression spring 721, a valve 722, and a joint seal (sealing member) 723. The spout 710 is formed in a block shape by molding. Note that the spout 710 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. Multiple parts such as the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the joint seal 723 are assembled to the spout 710. The spout 710 with all the parts assembled is connected to the liquid storage section 701 by heat welding (thermocompression bonding). The structure of the connection between the spout 710 and the liquid storage section 701 is airtight. Examples of materials for the spout 710 include resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The material of the spout 710 is preferably a resin with high contact properties with the ink W, similar to the material of the liquid container 701. The material of the spout 710 is preferably one with high heat-welding and moldability. Furthermore, considering the heat-welding properties between the parts, the material of the spout 710 is preferably the same as the material of the welded portion in the liquid container 701.

[0219] Inside the spout 710, an opening / closing door guide 711, a slit 712, a slot 714, a positioning hole 715, and a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 are formed. On the outside of the spout 710, a groove-shaped mechanical ID 717 is formed. The opening / closing door body 740 and the substrate holder cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. The front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 is inserted into the slit 712. The cam plate 763 provided in the storage section 4 can be inserted into the slot 714. The positioning pin 764 provided in the storage section 4 can be inserted into the positioning hole 715. The ink needle 760 provided in the storage section 4 can be inserted into the liquid flow hole 720. The mechanical ID 717 can engage with a rib-shaped mechanical ID receiver 765 provided in the storage section 4.

[0220] The cam plate 763, positioning pin 764, mechanical ID receiver 765, ink needle 760, and the connector 761 described later constitute the mounting section side connecting element 705 for connecting the liquid discharge section 702 of the container 700 to the storage section 4 (mounting section). The cam plate 763 is a force-applying section for providing movement force to the opening / closing door body 740. The positioning pin 764 is a member for positioning the liquid discharge section 702 relative to the storage section 4. The mechanical ID receiver 765 is a member for mounting the container 700 to be installed in the storage section 4. The ink needle 760 is a liquid receiving section for receiving the liquid (ink) discharged from the liquid discharge section 702.

[0221] The liquid flow hole 720 is a flow path in the spout 710 that communicates the inside of the liquid storage section 701 with the outside of the container 700 (liquid storage section 701). When the liquid flow hole 720 is connected to the ink needle 760 of the main body 100, the ink W contained in the liquid storage section 701 is supplied to the main body 100 through the liquid flow hole 720 and the inside of the ink needle 760 of the spout 710. By being connected to the ink needle (liquid receiving section) 760, the liquid flow hole 720 corresponds to a liquid supply opening that can supply the liquid contained in the liquid storage section 701 to the recording device main body. A valve compression spring 721, a valve 722, and a joint seal 723 are inserted into the liquid flow hole 720.

[0222] The valve compression spring 721 is formed from a metal such as stainless steel. The material of the valve compression spring 721 is preferably a metal with high wettability to ink W and high corrosion resistance. The valve 722 is formed into a cylindrical shape by molding. Note that the valve 722 may be formed not only by molding but also by machining or other processes. Examples of materials for the valve 722 include resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Similar to the spout 710, the material of the valve 722 is preferably a resin with high wettability to ink W. The joint seal 723 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a rubber material such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), H-NBR (hydrogenated nitrile rubber), or a thermoplastic elastomer. The material of the joint seal 723 is preferably a resin with high wettability to ink W and high corrosion resistance.

[0223] The valve compression spring 721 provides a biasing force that moves the valve 722 toward the joint seal 723 in the +Y direction. Due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722 comes into contact with the joint seal 723, blocking the flow path of the ink W. The joint seal 723 is fixed to the liquid flow hole 720 so that it cannot be dislodged from the liquid flow hole 720 even when the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721 is acting on it. The joint seal 723 is fixed to the inner circumference of the liquid flow hole 720 by fixing methods such as rubber lining or adhesive. The joint seal 723 may also be fixed to the liquid flow hole 720 by welding a retaining component to the outer circumference of the joint seal 723. In the uninstalled state when the container 700 is not installed in the storage section 4 of the main body 100, the valve 722 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721, thereby blocking the flow path of the ink W. The valve 722 blocks the flow path of the ink W, thereby suppressing the inflow of air into the liquid storage section 701 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid storage section 701. When the container 700 is installed in the storage section 4, the ink needle 760 of the storage section 4 comes into contact with the valve 722, causing the valve 722 to move in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W.

[0224] Furthermore, a check valve may be provided in the liquid flow hole 720 on the liquid storage section 701 side of the valve 722. This check valve restricts the flow of liquid from the outside of the container 700 into the liquid storage section 701. This suppresses the inflow of air into the liquid storage section 701, unexpected leakage of ink W, and backflow of ink W. A film member that seals the liquid flow hole 720 may be welded to the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. This film member is punctured by the ink needle 760 when the container 700 is installed in the storage section 4. This improves the gas barrier properties of the uninstalled container 700 and suppresses the ingress of foreign matter into the ink stored in the liquid storage section 701 from the outside of the container 700.

[0225] In this embodiment, the film member may be subjected to a half-cut process (partial cut). By providing a half-cut, the film member becomes easier to tear with relatively little force when pierced by the needle. If the half-cut is not provided and the structure is difficult to pierce, the film may be torn by punching. In this case, the punched-out film fragments may get stuck between the needle and the joint seal, potentially creating a gap in the seal. As a result, ink may leak. Therefore, by providing a half-cut, the film can be torn reliably and smoothly, and the generation of fragments can be suppressed. This ensures airtightness in the seal and prevents ink leakage. Furthermore, since the half-cut is a structure in which a cut is made only in a part of the film's thickness, the overall structure of the film is maintained, and the gas barrier properties of the liquid container are not reduced.

[0226] The opening / closing door 704 is a movable member configured to be movable relative to the spout 710. The opening / closing door 704 comprises an opening / closing door body 740, a circuit board (electrical connection part) 730, a circuit board holder 732, and a circuit board holder cover 742. The opening / closing door body 740 is formed in a box shape with openings in the walls on the ±Y direction sides by molding. The opening / closing door body 740 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. It is preferable that the opening / closing door body 740 be formed using a resin with high sliding properties such as fluororesin, polyacetal, or polyamide. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710. The opening / closing door body 740 houses the circuit board 730 and the circuit board holder 732 inside.

[0227] An integrated circuit (IC) is mounted on the circuit board 730, which stores information such as the color, material, and amount of ink W in the container 700. The circuit board 730 is an electrical connection part having a connection surface 733 on which multiple pad electrodes 731 are provided. When the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4, the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 provided in the storage unit 4 (see Figure 45 described later). This makes it possible to read the information recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 from the circuit board 730 to the main unit 100. The circuit board 730 is assembled to the bottom of the board holder 732 by fixing methods such as heat crimping, screw fastening, or adhesive, so that the connection surface 733 faces the +Z direction.

[0228] The circuit board holder 732 is formed by molding into a box shape with an opening in the wall on the +Y direction side. Note that the circuit board holder 732 may be formed by cutting or other methods, not just molding. The circuit board holder 732 supports the circuit board 730 at its bottom. The circuit board holder 732 is placed together with the circuit board 730 in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740. The internal space of the opening / closing door body 740 is formed by the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742.

[0229] The substrate holder cover 742 is formed into a plate shape by molding. However, the substrate holder cover 742 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. Similar to the opening / closing door body 740, it is desirable that the substrate holder cover 742 be formed using a resin with high sliding properties, such as a fluororesin, polyacetal, or polyamide. The substrate holder cover 742 is assembled to the wall on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 by fixing methods such as snap-fit ​​fitting, heat welding, or adhesive bonding. The substrate holder cover 742 closes the opening on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740, preventing the substrate holder 732 from coming out of the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740.

[0230] A predetermined clearance is formed between the circuit board holder 732, which is positioned in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740, and the opening / closing door body 740. This allows the circuit board holder 732 to move within the clearance range in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 740. In other words, it is possible to equalize the position of the circuit board holder 732 to which the circuit board 730 is assembled, and the circuit board 730 is positioned so that it can move relative to the container 700. When the container 700 is installed in the storage section 4, the circuit board 730 can move to an appropriate position for connection with the connector 761, and a good electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is ensured. Therefore, it is not necessary to have high positional accuracy of the circuit board 730 relative to the connector 761, and a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 can be made.

[0231] As shown in Figures 39 to 41, the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710 together with the circuit board holder 732 on which the circuit board 730 is assembled. In addition, a liquid flow hole front wall 741 is formed on the +X side of the opening / closing door body 740. When the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, the liquid flow hole front wall 741 is inserted into the slit 712 of the spout 710. The liquid flow hole front wall 741 inserted into the slit 712 of the spout 710 can cover the tip side (+Y side) of the liquid flow hole 720. The opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710 has a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 704 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition to the opening / closing door 704, a compression spring 743 for the opening / closing door is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. A retaining cover 744 is positioned at the top of the opening / closing door guide 711. When the container 700 is not installed in the storage compartment 4 of the main body 100, the opening / closing door body 740 is in contact with the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the compression spring 743 for the opening / closing door.

[0232] The retaining cover 744 is formed into a plate shape by molding. The retaining cover 744 is fixed to the spout 710 and prevents the opening / closing door body 740 and the substrate holder cover 742 from coming off the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710. The retaining cover 744 is fixed to the spout 710 by fixing methods such as snap-fit, heat welding, or screw fastening. For example, the retaining cover 744 may be fixed to the spout 710 by snap-fit. In this case, a crimping boss 713 is provided on the spout 710 and a crimping hole 746 is provided on the retaining cover 744. The crimping boss 713 and the crimping hole 746 engage, and heat crimping is performed with the retaining cover 744 assembled to the spout 710. This increases the reliability of the retaining cover 744 in preventing the opening / closing door 704 from coming off.

[0233] When the container 700 is not installed in the storage section 4, the opening / closing door body 740 comes into contact with the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, thereby holding the opening / closing door 704 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743 acts on the opening / closing door 704 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 704 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743.

[0234] As mentioned above, the opening / closing door 704 is a movable member and is equipped with an electrical connection part (circuit board 730). Cam follower pins 745 are formed on both side ends of the opening / closing door body 740 of the opening / closing door 704. The cam follower pins 745 are movable force receiving parts that can receive movable force from the cam plate (movement force applying part) 763 of the storage part 4. When the cam follower pins 745 receive movable force from the cam plate 763, the circuit board 730 moves from the initial position, the first position, to a second position which is further to the -Z direction than the first position. The distance from the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 at the second position is longer than the distance from the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 to the liquid flow hole 720 at the first position.

[0235] When the opening / closing door body 740 is in contact with the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, the circuit board 730 is in a first position. In other words, when the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720, the circuit board 730 is in a first position. When the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 does not cover the tip side of the liquid flow hole 720, the circuit board 730 is in a second position. The opening / closing door compression spring 743 functions as a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the opening / closing door 704 to move the circuit board 730 from the second position to the first position. The biasing member is preferably an elastic member. Furthermore, the elastic member is preferably a coil spring, such as the opening / closing door compression spring 743. The opening / closing door compression spring 743 only needs to have spring strength that is sufficient to lift the opening / closing door 704. The elastic member is not limited to the compression spring 743 for opening and closing doors; it may also be a tension coil spring.

[0236] The cam mechanism is comprised of a cam plate 763, which is the part that imparts the moving force, and a cam follower pin 745, which is the part that receives the moving force. For example, the cam plate 763 has a cam shape in which multiple surfaces are continuously connected. When the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while contacting the multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 763, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 763 include a first surface 763a (see Figure 39) parallel to the direction in which the container 700 is mounted in the storage section 4, and a second surface 763b (see Figure 39) intersecting the first surface 763a. For example, the second surface 763b may be an inclined surface tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the first surface 763a. If the inclination angle of the second surface 763b with respect to the first surface 763a is 45 degrees or less, the resistance force when the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while in contact with the second surface 763b can be reduced. When the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while in contact with the second surface 763b and the first surface 763a in that order, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 can move between the first and second positions by linear motion.

[0237] Furthermore, the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes in the X direction. The tip portion of the cam follower pin 745 is exposed in the slot 714 of the spout 710. When the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 of the spout 710, it is possible for it to come into contact with the cam follower pin 745 exposed in the slot 714. The direction in which the cam follower pin 745 protrudes (X direction) is intersecting with the direction in which the container 700 is mounted to the storage unit 4 (+Y direction), and also intersecting with the direction in which the circuit board 730 moves from the first position to the second position (-Z direction).

[0238] When the circuit board 730 is in the first position, the liquid flow hole front wall 741 of the opening / closing door 704 covers the liquid flow hole 720, so the liquid flow hole 720 is not open to the outside. Also, the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder 732, so the circuit board 730 is not open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 730 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 720 and the ink needle 760 is restricted, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is also restricted. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 is restricted, so that, for example, a user's hands may get stained with ink from the liquid flow hole 720 if the user accidentally touches the liquid flow hole 720. Furthermore, the possibility of ink leaking due to the user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow hole 720, causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 730 and resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 731, can be reduced. In addition, the possibility of poor contact caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and the oils from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 731 can be reduced.

[0239] When the container 700 is installed in the storage section 4, the opening / closing door 704 moves in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, causing the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 to move from a first position to a second position. When the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 does not cover the liquid flow hole 720, so the liquid flow hole 720 is open to the outside. Also, since the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) does not cover the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder 732, the circuit board 730 is open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 730 is in the second position, it is possible to connect the liquid flow hole 720 to the ink needle 760, and electrical connection between the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 is possible.

[0240] When the container 700 is removed (detached) from the storage unit 4, the opening / closing door 704 moves in the +Z direction by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 returns from the second position to the first position. As a result, the liquid circulation hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are opened to the outside only when the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid circulation hole 720 when the container 700 is attached or detached, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hand or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0241] The above is the schematic configuration of the container 700. A filter may be provided on the liquid storage unit 701 side of the liquid circulation hole 720 of the liquid delivery unit 702 according to the characteristics of the ink. A suction nozzle for reducing the sedimentation of the pigment contained in the ink may be provided on the liquid storage unit 701 side of the liquid circulation hole 720.

[0242] <Mounting part side connecting element> Next, the mounting part side connecting element 705 in the storage unit 4 will be described. As described above, the cam plate 763, the positioning pin 764, the mechanical ID receiver 765, the ink needle 760, and the connector 761 constitute the mounting part side connecting element 705. The ink needle 760 forms ink flow paths for each color.

[0243] When the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, the connector 761 is electrically connected to the circuit board 730 provided on the container 700. With the circuit board 730 and the connector 761 electrically connected, information is read from the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 and transmitted to the control unit on the recording device side.

[0244] Also, when the container 700 is attached to the storage unit 4, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 provided on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 and moves the opening / closing door 704 in the Z direction. The positioning pin 764 engages with the positioning hole 715 formed in the spout 710 of the container 700. The mechanical ID receiver 765 engages with the mechanical ID 717 formed in the spout 710 of the container 700.

[0245] <Mounting of the container> Next, a series of operations when the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4 will be described. FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing the state before the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. FIG. 42 is a perspective view showing the state during the mounting of the container 700 on the storage unit 4. FIG. 43 is a perspective view showing the state where the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. Note that FIG. 7 is also a perspective view showing the state where the container 700 has been detached from the storage unit 4. FIG. 42 is also a perspective view showing the state during the detachment of the container 700 from the storage unit 4. FIG. 43 is also a perspective view showing the state before the container 700 is detached from the storage unit 4.

[0246] FIGS. 44(a) to 44(e) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening / closing door 704 when the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. FIG. 44(a) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 704 before the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. FIGS. 44(b), 44(c), and 44(d) are perspective views showing the opening / closing door 704 during the mounting of the container 700 on the storage unit 4. FIG. 44(e) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 704 after the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4.

[0247] FIGS. 45(a) to 45(e) are side views showing the operation of the opening / closing door 704 when the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. FIG. 45(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 704 before the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4. FIGS. 45(b), 45(c), and 45(d) are side views showing the opening / closing door 704 during the mounting of the container 700 on the storage unit 4. FIG. 45(e) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 704 after the container 700 is mounted on the storage unit 4.

[0248] Figures 39, 44(a), and 45(a) show the state before the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4, that is, the uninstalled state in which the container 700 is not installed in the storage unit 4. In the uninstalled state, the valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721 and contacts the joint seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 720. By closing the liquid flow hole 720 with the valve 722, the inflow of air into the liquid storage unit 701 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid storage unit 701 are suppressed. In the uninstalled state, the opening / closing door 704 (opening / closing door body 740) of the container 700 contacts the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. In addition, the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the substrate holder 732. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 is restricted, so that, for example, the possibility of the user's hands being contaminated by the ink in the liquid flow hole 720 if the user accidentally touches the liquid flow hole 720 can be reduced. Also, the possibility of ink leaking due to the user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow hole 720 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 730, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 731 can be reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of poor contact caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and the oil from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 731 can be reduced.

[0249] Figure 42 shows the state in which the container 700 is being installed in the storage unit 4, i.e., the state in which the container 700 is being installed. Figures 44(b) to 44(d) show the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4, in the order of Figures 44(b) to 44(d). Figures 45(b) to 45(d) show the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4, in the order of Figures 45(b) to 45(d). In the state in which the container 700 is being installed, the user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 toward the storage unit 4 in the +Y direction. In the state in which the container 700 is being installed, the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the spout 710 of the container 700 (see Figure 42). At this time, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 provided on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 (see Figures 44(b) and 45(b)). When the cam follower pin 745 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 763, the opening / closing door 704 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, causing the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 to move from a first position to a second position. Also, as the opening / closing door 704 moves in the -Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 moves to the -Z side of the liquid flow hole 720, and no longer covers the liquid flow hole 720 (see Figures 44(c) to 44(d) and Figures 45(c) to 45(d)). Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 704 moves in the -Z direction, the openings on the +Y side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder 732 move further in the -Z direction than the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) and the tray 703, and are no longer covered by the spout 710. Therefore, the circuit board 730 is exposed to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 730 moves away from the liquid flow hole 720 together with the opening / closing door body 740, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0250] Furthermore, while the container 700 is being installed, the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 engages with the positioning hole 715 of the container 700, and the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 engages with the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700. While the container 700 is being installed, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700. While the container 700 is being installed, the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 730 of the container 700.

[0251] Figures 43, 44(e), and 45(e) show the container 700 in the installed state in the storage unit 4. The user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 723. Then, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 comes into contact with the valve 722, and the valve 722 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W. As a result, an ink flow path is formed between the main body 100 (recording head) and the container 700. The connector 761 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder 732 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the substrate holder 732. Then, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 come into contact with the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730, making an electrical connection. This makes it possible to read the information recorded on the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 from the circuit board 730 to the recording device control unit. In this way, the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4.

[0252] With the container 700 mounted in the storage unit 4, the circuit board 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 in a second position. Here, the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 is located closer to the liquid flow hole 720 than the circuit board 730. In the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces the vertical center of the container 700 in the mounted position when mounted in the storage unit 4. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the vertical direction of the container 700 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces the liquid flow hole 720 side (liquid supply opening side). In each embodiment, "facing the liquid flow hole 720 side (liquid supply opening side)" means facing the side at the same height as the liquid flow hole 720 (+Z direction side). This allows the connector 761 to be inserted into the space between the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 and the liquid flow hole 720 (the internal space of the board holder 732), thereby electrically connecting the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 with the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730. Therefore, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. As a result, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0253] When removing the container 700 from the storage unit 4, the user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 away from the storage unit 4 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 from the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700. The valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721 and contacts the joint seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 720. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 and the circuit board 730 of the container 700 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 and the positioning hole 715 of the container 700 is disconnected, and the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 and the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700 is disconnected. Finally, the engagement between the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 and the cam follower pin 745 of the container 700 is disconnected. The opening and closing door 704 of the container 700 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening and closing door compression spring 743. In this way, the container 700 returns to the state it was in before it was installed in the storage unit 4. As a result, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached or detached, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0254] As described above, in this embodiment, when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4, the circuit board (electrical connection part) 230 moves to a second position, and the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761. The connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position faces the liquid flow hole 720 side (liquid supply opening side). As a result, as mentioned above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached or detached, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0255] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position faces the vertical center of the container 700 in the mounting position when it is mounted in the storage unit 4. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0256] In this embodiment, when the circuit board (electrical connection part) 730 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 and the ink needle (liquid receiving part) 760 is restricted. On the other hand, when the circuit board 730 is in the second position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 720 and the ink needle 760 is possible. As a result, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is installed in the storage part 4. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0257] In this embodiment, the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 is covered when the circuit board (electrical connection part) 730 is in the first position. On the other hand, the liquid flow hole 720 is not covered when the circuit board 730 is in the second position. As a result, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0258] In this embodiment, with the container 700 installed in the storage unit 4, the circuit board (electrical connection part) 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 in a second position. The electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 are positioned closer to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 720 than the circuit board 730. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0259] In this embodiment, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 in the second position faces inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the vertical direction of the container 700 in the mounting position when it is mounted in the storage unit 4. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced. In this way, the conventional technology can be further developed.

[0260] In the fifth embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 745, which is the movable force receiving portion, is integrally formed with the opening / closing door body 740, but this is not the only possible configuration. For example, a bearing such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing may be assembled to the opening / closing door body 740 as the movable force receiving portion. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the cam plate 763.

[0261] In the fifth embodiment described above, the cam plate 763, which is the force-applying part, and the cam follower pin 745, which is the force-receiving part, constitute a cam mechanism, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove may be formed in the opening / closing door body 740 and a cam follower may be provided in the storage section 4. Alternatively, instead of a cam mechanism, the force-applying part and the force-receiving part may constitute a gear mechanism such as a rack and pinion. Instead of a mechanism that utilizes the force generated when the container 700 is mounted in the storage section 4, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 704 may be provided. The drive device may be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0262] <Sixth Embodiment> Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the sixth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the fifth embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the fifth embodiment. The description of the sixth embodiment will focus on the parts that differ from the fifth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the description of parts common to the fifth embodiment may be omitted. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position by linear motion. In the sixth embodiment, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. Since the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 704 (circuit board 730) by rotational motion is greater than the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 704 (circuit board 730) by linear motion, the effects of opening and closing the opening / closing door 704 are more easily obtained.

[0263] <Container composition> Next, the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The container 700 according to the sixth embodiment is used in combination with the tray 703 as an ink pack, similar to the fifth embodiment. The container 700 is detachably mounted in the storage section 4 of the main body 100 while stored and supported in the tray 703. The tray 703 is a storage section for storing and supporting the container 700 (ink pack) in a predetermined position. The storage section 4 is a mounting section of the main body 100 to which the container 700 is detachably mounted.

[0264] FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a container 700 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the container 700 as viewed from the +Z direction. FIGS. 48(a) to 48(c) are cross-sectional views of the container 700 as viewed from the -X direction. FIG. 48(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along XIVa-XIVa in FIG. 47. FIG. 48(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along XIVb-XIVb in FIG. 47. FIG. 48(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along XIVc-XIVc in FIG. 47. FIG. 49 is an exploded perspective view of the container 700.

[0265] Each element of the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 46 to 49. The container 700 according to the sixth embodiment includes a liquid storage part (bag body) 201, a liquid delivery part 702, and an opening / closing door 704, similar to the container 700 according to the fifth embodiment. In FIGS. 46, 47, and 49 to 52, the ink W is shown in a simplified manner.

[0266] The liquid delivery part 702 in the sixth embodiment includes a spout 710, a valve compression spring 721, a valve 722, and a joint seal (seal member) 723. The valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the joint seal 723 in the sixth embodiment are formed in the same manner as the valve compression spring 721, the valve 722, and the joint seal 723 in the fifth embodiment. The spout 710 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same manner as the spout 710 in the fifth embodiment, except for the shape of the opening / closing door guide 711.

[0267] An opening / closing door guide 711, a slit 712, a slot 714, a positioning hole 715, and a liquid circulation hole (liquid supply opening) 720 are formed inside the spout 710. A groove-shaped mechanical ID 717 is formed outside the spout 710. The slit 712, the slot 714, the positioning hole 715, the liquid circulation hole 720, and the mechanical ID 717 in the sixth embodiment are formed in the same manner as the slit 712, the slot 714, the positioning hole 715, the liquid circulation hole 720, and the mechanical ID 717 in the fifth embodiment.

[0268] The opening / closing door guide 711 receives the opening / closing door body 740, the substrate holder cover 742, and the rotation shaft 747 of the opening / closing door 704. In the fifth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 711 has a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 704 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z direction). On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 711 has a semicircular guide surface in cross-section centered on an axis extending in the X direction. When the opening / closing door 704 is assembled to the spout 710, the rotation shaft 747 of the opening / closing door 704 engages with the axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 711. As a result, the opening / closing door 704 can rotate around the rotation shaft 747 in the opening / closing door guide 711 and the slit 712 of the spout 710.

[0269] The opening / closing door 704 in the sixth embodiment comprises an opening / closing door body 740, a circuit board (electrical connection part) 730, a circuit board holder 732, and a circuit board holder cover 742. The opening / closing door body 740 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the opening / closing door body 740 in the fifth embodiment, except for the rotating shaft 747. The opening / closing door body 740 houses the circuit board 730 and the circuit board holder 732 inside. The circuit board 730 and the circuit board holder 732 in the sixth embodiment are formed in the same way as the circuit board 730 and the circuit board holder 732 in the fifth embodiment. The circuit board holder cover 742 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the circuit board holder cover 742 in the fifth embodiment.

[0270] The opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742 of the opening / closing door 704 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710 together with the circuit board holder 732 on which the circuit board 730 is assembled. A rotating shaft 747 extending in the X direction is formed at the top of the opening / closing door body 740. When the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, the rotating shaft 747 engages with the axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 711. In addition, a liquid flow hole front wall 741 is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 740 on the +X direction side. When the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder cover 742 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, the liquid flow hole front wall 741 is inserted into the slit 712 of the spout 710. The front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole, inserted into the slit 712 of the spout 710, is capable of covering the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. In addition to the opening / closing door 704, an opening / closing door compression spring 743 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 711. A retaining cover 744 is positioned at the top of the opening / closing door guide 711. The retaining cover 744 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 744 in the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, the cam follower pin 745 in the sixth embodiment is formed at one side end (-X direction side) of the opening / closing door body 740 in the opening / closing door 704.

[0271] When the container 700 is not installed in the storage section 4, the opening / closing door body 740 comes into contact with the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, thereby holding the opening / closing door 704 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743 acts on the opening / closing door 704 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 704 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 711 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743.

[0272] Furthermore, the mounting-side connecting element 705 (cam plate 763, positioning pin 764, mechanical ID receiver 765, ink needle 760, and connector 761) in the sixth embodiment is configured in the same way as the mounting-side connecting element 705 in the fifth embodiment. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape in the cam plate 763 of the sixth embodiment include a first surface 763a (see Figure 48(a)) parallel to the mounting direction of the container 700 to the storage section 4, and a second surface 763b (see Figure 48(a)) intersecting the first surface 763a. The second surface 763b may be an inclined surface with respect to the first surface 763a. The shape of the inclined surface of the second surface 763b may also be a curved concave shape that can engage with the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704. As the cam follower pin 745 of the opening / closing door 704 moves while contacting the second surface 763b and the first surface 763a in that order, the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 rotates from the first position to the second position.

[0273] <Attaching the container> Next, a series of operations when the container 700 according to the sixth embodiment is installed in the storage unit 4 will be described. Figure 50 is a perspective view showing the state before the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 51 is a perspective view showing the state in which the container 700 is being installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 52 is a perspective view showing the state in which the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Note that Figure 50 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the container 700 has been detached from the storage unit 4. Figure 51 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the container 700 is being detached from the storage unit 4. Figure 52 is also a perspective view showing the state before the container 700 is detached from the storage unit 4.

[0274] Figures 53(a) and 53(b) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening / closing door 704 when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 53(a) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 704 before the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 53(b) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 704 in the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4. Figures 54(a) to 54(c) are perspective views showing the operation of the opening / closing door 704 when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figures 54(a) and 54(b) are perspective views showing the opening / closing door 704 in the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 54(c) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 704 after the container 700 has been installed in the storage unit 4.

[0275] Figures 55(a) to 55(e) are side views showing the operation of the opening / closing door 704 when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 55(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 704 before the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Figures 55(b), 55(c), and 55(d) are side views showing the opening / closing door 704 in the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4. Figure 55(e) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 704 after the container 700 has been installed in the storage unit 4.

[0276] Figures 50, 53(a), and 55(a) show the state before the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4, that is, the uninstalled state in which the container 700 is not installed in the storage unit 4. In the uninstalled state, the valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721 and contacts the joint seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 720. By closing the liquid flow hole 720 with the valve 722, the inflow of air into the liquid storage unit 701 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid storage unit 701 are suppressed. In the uninstalled state, the opening / closing door 704 (opening / closing door body 740) of the container 700 contacts the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 743, and is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 704 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 720. In addition, the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the substrate holder 732. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 is restricted, so that, for example, the possibility of the user's hands being contaminated by the ink in the liquid flow hole 720 if the user accidentally touches the liquid flow hole 720 can be reduced. Also, the possibility of ink leaking due to the user accidentally moving the valve 722 of the liquid flow hole 720 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 730, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 731 can be reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of poor contact caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 730 and the oil from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 731 can be reduced.

[0277] Figure 51 shows the state in which the container 700 is being installed in the storage unit 4, i.e., the state in which the container 700 is being installed. Figures 53(b), 54(a), and 54(b) show the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4, in the order of Figure 53(b), Figure 54(a), and Figure 54(b). Figures 55(b) to 55(d) show the process of the container 700 being installed in the storage unit 4, in the order of Figure 55(b) to 55(d). In the state in which the container 700 is being installed, the user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 toward the storage unit 4 in the +Y direction. In the state in which the container 700 is being installed, the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the spout 710 of the container 700 (see Figure 51). At this time, the cam plate 763 engages with the cam follower pin 745 provided on the opening / closing door 704 of the container 700 (see Figures 53(b), 54(a), and 55(b) to 55(c)). When the cam follower pin 745 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 763, the opening / closing door 704 rotates in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 711 of the spout 710, causing the circuit board 730 of the opening / closing door 704 to rotate from a first position to a second position. Also, as the opening / closing door 704 rotates in the -Z direction, the front wall 741 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 704 rotates further in the -Z direction than the liquid flow hole 720, so as not to cover the liquid flow hole 720 (see Figures 54(b) and 55(d)). Therefore, the liquid flow hole 720 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 704 rotates toward the -Z direction, the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder 732 rotate toward the -Z direction relative to the spout 710 (opening / closing door guide 711), and are no longer covered by the spout 710. Therefore, the circuit board 730 is exposed to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 730 moves toward the liquid flow hole 720 together with the opening / closing door body 740, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0278] Furthermore, while the container 700 is being installed, the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 first engages with the positioning hole 715 of the container 700, and then the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 engages with the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700. While the container 700 is being installed, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700. While the container 700 is being installed, the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 730 of the container 700.

[0279] In mounting the container 700 according to this embodiment, the procedure for mounting the container 700 to the main body of the device is to first insert the positioning pin 764 on the main body side into the positioning hole 715 of the spout 710. This sets the position of the spout 710 to a predetermined position in the x and z directions, and stably maintains the orientation of the spout 710.

[0280] Next, the mechanical ID section provided on the spout 710 side and the main body side are fitted together. Because the position of the spout 710 is precisely defined by the fitting of the positioning pin 764 and the positioning hole 715, even if the fitting portion of the mechanical ID section has a small gap, it can be inserted smoothly.

[0281] Subsequently, the ink needle 760 is connected to the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700, forming an ink flow path. At this time, the position of the spout 710 is precisely defined by the fitting of the positioning pin 764 and the positioning hole 715. As a result, coaxiality between the needle 760 and the liquid flow hole 720 is ensured, the joint seal 723 is uniformly compressed radially, the sealing performance is improved, and ink leakage due to uneven deformation of the rubber seal can be suppressed.

[0282] Furthermore, the electrical connections on the main body and tank sides are connected only after the ink needle 760 has been fully inserted into the container 700 and the ink flow path has been reliably formed. This sequence prevents the electrical connection from being completed when the ink flow path is not sufficiently formed, a so-called "partially inserted" state. Therefore, the mounting state can be electrically detected appropriately, and ink leakage can be prevented, ensuring a highly reliable mounting state.

[0283] Figures 52, 54(c), and 55(e) show the container 700 in the installed state in the storage unit 4. The user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 723. Then, the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 comes into contact with the valve 722, and the valve 722 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W. This forms the ink flow path. The connector 761 of the storage unit 4 is inserted into the internal space of the circuit board holder 732 from the opening on the +Y side of the opening / closing door body 740 and the circuit board holder 732. Then, the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 comes into contact with the pad electrode 731 of the circuit board 730 and is electrically connected. This makes it possible to read the information recorded on the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 730 from the circuit board 730 to the control unit on the recording device side. In this way, the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4. When the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4, it is preferable that the connector 761 is positioned so as to obstruct the straight line connecting the center of the liquid flow hole 720 and the center of the pad electrode 731 of the circuit board 730.

[0284] With the container 700 mounted in the storage unit 4, the circuit board 730 is electrically connected to the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 in a second position. Here, the electrical contact 762 of the connector 761 is located on the liquid flow hole 720 side of the circuit board 730. In the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces the vertical center of the container 700 in the mounted position when mounted in the storage unit 4. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces inward relative to the circuit board 730 in the vertical direction of the container 700 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 faces the liquid flow hole 720 side (liquid supply opening side). This allows the connector 761 to be inserted into the space between the connection surface 733 of the circuit board 730 and the liquid flow hole 720 (the internal space of the board holder 732), thereby electrically connecting the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 with the pad electrodes 731 of the circuit board 730. Therefore, the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be positioned on the side of the connector 761 opposite to the liquid flow hole 720. As a result, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when attaching or detaching the container 700, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 762 of the connector 761 can be reduced.

[0285] When removing the container 700 from the storage unit 4, the user moves the tray 703 that stores and supports the container 700 away from the storage unit 4 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the ink needle 760 of the storage unit 4 from the liquid flow hole 720 of the container 700. The valve 722 of the container 700 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 721 and contacts the joint seal 723, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 720. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 761 of the storage unit 4 and the circuit board 730 of the container 700 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 764 of the storage unit 4 and the positioning hole 715 of the container 700 is disconnected, and the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 765 of the storage unit 4 and the mechanical ID 717 of the container 700 is disconnected. Finally, the engagement between the cam plate 763 of the storage unit 4 and the cam follower pin 745 of the container 700 is disconnected. The opening and closing door 704 of the container 700 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 744 due to the biasing force of the opening and closing door compression spring 743. In this way, the container 700 returns to the state it was in before it was installed in the storage unit 4. As a result, the liquid flow hole 720 and the circuit board 730 are open to the outside only when the container 700 is installed in the storage unit 4. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 720 when the container 700 is attached or detached, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 730 can be reduced.

[0286] In the container 700 mounting structure according to this embodiment, as described above, the opening and closing door 704 is configured to move downward when the container 700 is mounted on the main body.

[0287] In other words, when the cam plate 763 is inserted into the slot 714 formed in the spout 710, the cam follower pin 745 located at the tip of the slot 714 is pushed downward along the cam plate 763.

[0288] Before installation, the cam follower pin 745 is supported in an upwardly biased state by the compression spring 743 for opening and closing doors, and the opening and closing door 704, which is integrally provided with the cam follower pin 745, is configured to move downward in conjunction with the movement of the cam follower pin 745.

[0289] Furthermore, when the cam follower pin 745 moves along the first surface (lower surface) 763a of the cam plate 763, the upward biasing force from the opening / closing door compression spring 743 is received by the entire cam plate 763 via the first surface (lower surface) 763a. At this time, although the cam plate 763 is inserted into the slot 714, it is only guided and has a lot of play, and the biasing force is received only by the cam plate 763, so it does not lift the liquid container 701 upward. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent problems such as the liquid container 701 being lifted upward and interfering with the mounting part, resulting in incomplete mounting.

[0290] In the sixth embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 745, which is the movable force receiving portion, is integrally formed with the opening / closing door body 740, but this is not the only option. For example, a bearing such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing may be assembled to the opening / closing door body 740 as the movable force receiving portion. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 740 and the cam plate 763.

[0291] In the sixth embodiment described above, the cam plate 763, which is the part that imparts the movable force, and the cam follower pin 745, which is the part that receives the movable force, constitute the cam mechanism, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove may be formed in the opening / closing door body 740 and a cam follower may be provided in the storage section 4. Instead of a mechanism that utilizes the force generated when the container 700 is mounted in the storage section 4, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 704 may be provided. The drive device may be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0292] In this embodiment, when the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4 as illustrated in Figure 38, the length and installation position of the partition plate 44a are designed with due consideration to the range of movement and operating trajectory of the opening / closing door 704 of the upper container 700. The Y-direction end (front guide) 44b of the partition plate 44a is set in dimensions such that it does not physically interfere with the opening / closing door 704 even when the container 700 is mounted in the storage unit 4 and the opening / closing door 704 moves to the second position as a result. More specifically, as shown in Figure 55, the position of the end 44b of the partition plate 44a is designed so as not to interfere with the operating trajectory of the outer shape of the opening / closing door body 740 when the opening / closing door 704 rotates around the rotation axis 747.

[0293] Furthermore, when the container 700 is stored in the upper storage section 4, the electrical contacts 762 of the upper connector 761, which is located at the +Y-direction end of the container 700, are positioned behind the end 44b and below the partition plate 44a (-Z direction). This allows the electrical contacts 762 to make a stable electrical connection at a predetermined position without interfering with the partition plate 44a.

[0294] This configuration effectively achieves structural stability and positional stabilization of the container 700 without increasing the overall height (Z-direction) of the device, in addition to avoiding interference between components.

[0295] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure can also be implemented by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0296] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose inventions relating to the following items.

[0297] Item 1. A recording device, A first storage unit houses a first container that holds liquid supplied to a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, A second storage section is provided which houses a second container for holding the liquid supplied to the recording head, Between the recording head and the first container, there is a first intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the first container to the recording head, Between the recording head and the second container, there is a second intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the second container to the recording head, The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged in the height direction of the recording device. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction. The first storage section and the second storage section, and the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0298] Item 2. A recording device as described in item 1, The first direction is the width direction of the recording device, The second direction is the depth direction of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0299] Item 3. A recording device as described in item 2, The first storage section and the second storage section are positioned in front of the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank in the depth direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0300] Item 4. A recording device as described in item 3, The first storage section has a first opening in the depth direction from which the first container can be attached and detached. The second storage section has a second opening in the depth direction from which the second container can be attached and detached. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0301] Item 5. A recording device as described in any one of items 2 through 4, The first storage section and the second storage section are arranged within a first width range in the width direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in the second width range in the width direction. At least a portion of the second width range overlaps with the first width range. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0302] Item 6. A recording device as described in any one of items 2 through 5, The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged within a first height range in the height direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in the second height range in the height direction. At least a portion of the second height range overlaps with the first height range. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0303] Item 7. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 to 6, The first container and the second container are each flexible bag-shaped containers, and the first container is supported by the first tray and stored in the first storage section. The second container is supported by the second tray and stored in the first storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0304] Item 8. A recording device as described in item 7, The first tray is detachably attached to the first storage unit. The first tray is detachably attached to the first storage unit. The first storage section has a first engaging portion that engages with the first tray, The second storage section has a second engaging portion that engages with the second tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0305] Item 9. A recording device as described in item 3, The first container and the second container are each flexible bag-shaped containers, and the first container is supported by the first tray and stored in the first storage section. The second container is supported by the second tray and stored in the first storage section. The first tray is detachable from the first storage unit in the depth direction. The second tray is detachable from the second storage unit in the depth direction. The first storage unit is, A first groove is located on one side in the width direction of the first tray and extends in the depth direction, The first tray has a second groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The first tray is, A first protrusion that engages with the first groove, It has a second protrusion that engages with the second groove, The second storage unit is, A third groove is located on one side of the second tray in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second tray has a fourth groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The second tray is, A third protrusion that engages with the third groove, Having a fourth protrusion that engages with the fourth groove, A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0306] Item 10. A recording device as described in item 3, The first container is detachable from the first storage section in the depth direction, The second container is detachable from the second storage section in the depth direction, The first storage section has a first engaging section that engages with the first container, The second storage section has a second engaging section that engages with the second container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0307] Item 11. A recording device as described in item 3, The first container is detachable from the first storage section in the depth direction, The second container is detachable from the second storage section in the depth direction, The first storage unit is, A first groove is located on one side in the width direction of the first container and extends in the depth direction, The first container has a second groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The first container is, A first protrusion that engages with the first groove, It has a second protrusion that engages with the second groove, The second storage unit is, A third groove is located on one side of the second container in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second container has a fourth groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The second container is, A third protrusion that engages with the third groove, Having a fourth protrusion that engages with the fourth groove, A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0308] Item 12. A recording device as described in any one of items 1 through 11, The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are, respectively, A liquid chamber for containing liquid, A pressure chamber adjacent to the aforementioned liquid chamber, The system comprises a wall that separates the liquid chamber and the pressure chamber, and which changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in accordance with the pressure in the pressure chamber. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0309] Item 13. A recording device as described in item 12, It is equipped with a pressure adjustment means for adjusting the pressure in each pressure chamber. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0310] Item 14. A storage means comprising multiple storage compartments, each containing a container for holding liquid supplied to a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, A plurality of intermediate tanks are provided corresponding to each storage section, and located between the recording head and the container, for containing the liquid supplied from the container to the recording head, A recording device equipped with, The aforementioned multiple storage units are arranged in multiple stages in the height direction of the recording device. The plurality of intermediate tanks are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction, The storage means and the plurality of intermediate tanks are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0311] Item 15. A recording device as described in item 1, The first container has a third connecting portion which is connected to a first connecting portion provided in the first storage section. The second container has a fourth connecting portion which is connected to a second connecting portion provided in the second storage section. The third and fourth connecting parts each have a protruding part that extends downward, An electrical connection portion is provided in the aforementioned protruding portion. The third and fourth connection portions each have a recess formed in the portion above the electrical connection portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0312] Item 16. A recording device as described in item 15, The first storage unit is located above the second storage unit. The protruding portion of the first container and the recessed portion of the second container fit together. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0313] Item 17. A recording device as described in item 1, The first container has a third connecting portion which is connected to a first connecting portion provided in the first storage section. The second container has a fourth connecting portion which is connected to a second connecting portion provided in the second storage section. The third and fourth connection parts each have a communication part for communicating the liquid inside the container and an electrical connection part, In each of the third and fourth connection portions, the distance from the center of the communication portion to the lower surface of the electrical connection portion is z1, If z2 is the distance between the center of the communication portion and the upper surface located above the electrical connection portion, The relationship is z1 > z2. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0314] Item 18. A recording device as described in item 17, The first storage unit is located above the second storage unit. If z3 is the distance between the lower surface of the electrical connection part of the third connection and the center of the communication part of the fourth connection, The relationship is z1 > z3 > z2. A recording device characterized by the following features.

[0315] The technical ideas derived from this disclosure are not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed, but are intended to encompass various modifications of the exemplary embodiments, or substitutions with equivalent structures or functions. The scope of the following claims should be interpreted in the broadest way to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0316] 1 recording device, 4A-4D storage units, 11 recording heads, 60 containers, 220 intermediate tanks

Claims

1. A recording device, A first storage unit houses a first container that holds liquid supplied to a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, A second storage section is provided which houses a second container for holding the liquid supplied to the recording head, Between the recording head and the first container, there is a first intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the first container to the recording head, Between the recording head and the second container, there is a second intermediate tank that contains the liquid supplied from the second container to the recording head, The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged in the height direction of the recording device. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction. The first storage section and the second storage section, and the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

2. A recording device according to claim 1, The first direction is the width direction of the recording device, The second direction is the depth direction of the recording device. A recording device characterized by the following features.

3. A recording device according to claim 2, The first storage section and the second storage section are positioned in front of the first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank in the depth direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

4. A recording device according to claim 3, The first storage section has a first opening in the depth direction from which the first container can be attached and detached. The second storage section has a second opening in the depth direction from which the second container can be attached and detached. A recording device characterized by the following features.

5. A recording device according to claim 2, The first storage section and the second storage section are arranged within a first width range in the width direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in the second width range in the width direction. At least a portion of the second width range overlaps with the first width range. A recording device characterized by the following features.

6. A recording device according to claim 2, The first storage unit and the second storage unit are arranged within a first height range in the height direction. The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are arranged in the second height range in the height direction. At least a portion of the second height range overlaps with the first height range. A recording device characterized by the following features.

7. A recording device according to claim 1, The first container and the second container are each flexible, bag-shaped containers. The first container is supported by the first tray and stored in the first storage section. The second container is supported by the second tray and stored in the first storage section. A recording device characterized by the following features.

8. A recording device according to claim 7, The first tray is detachably attached to the first storage unit. The first tray is detachably attached to the first storage unit. The first storage section has a first engaging portion that engages with the first tray, The second storage section has a second engaging portion that engages with the second tray. A recording device characterized by the following features.

9. A recording device according to claim 3, The first container and the second container are each flexible, bag-shaped containers. The first container is supported by the first tray and stored in the first storage section. The second container is supported by the second tray and stored in the first storage section. The first tray is detachable from the first storage unit in the depth direction. The second tray is detachable from the second storage unit in the depth direction. The first storage unit is, A first groove is located on one side in the width direction of the first tray and extends in the depth direction, The first tray has a second groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The first tray is, A first protrusion that engages with the first groove, It has a second protrusion that engages with the second groove, The second storage unit is, A third groove is located on one side of the second tray in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second tray has a fourth groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The second tray is, A third protrusion that engages with the third groove, Having a fourth protrusion that engages with the fourth groove, A recording device characterized by the following features.

10. A recording device according to claim 3, The first container is detachable from the first storage section in the depth direction, The second container is detachable from the second storage section in the depth direction, The first storage section has a first engaging section that engages with the first container, The second storage section has a second engaging section that engages with the second container. A recording device characterized by the following features.

11. A recording device according to claim 3, The first container is detachable from the first storage section in the depth direction, The second container is detachable from the second storage section in the depth direction, The first storage unit is, A first groove is located on one side in the width direction of the first container and extends in the depth direction, The first container has a second groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The first container is, A first protrusion that engages with the first groove, It has a second protrusion that engages with the second groove, The second storage unit is, A third groove is located on one side of the second container in the width direction and extends in the depth direction, The second container has a fourth groove located on the other side in the width direction and extending in the depth direction, The second container is, A third protrusion that engages with the third groove, Having a fourth protrusion that engages with the fourth groove, A recording device characterized by the following features.

12. A recording device according to claim 1, The first intermediate tank and the second intermediate tank are, respectively, A liquid chamber for containing liquid, A pressure chamber adjacent to the aforementioned liquid chamber, The system comprises a wall that separates the liquid chamber and the pressure chamber, and which changes the volume of the liquid chamber by being displaced in accordance with the pressure in the pressure chamber. A recording device characterized by the following features.

13. A recording device according to claim 12, It is equipped with a pressure adjustment means for adjusting the pressure in each pressure chamber. A recording device characterized by the following features.

14. A storage means comprising multiple storage compartments, each containing a container for holding liquid supplied to a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, A plurality of intermediate tanks are provided corresponding to each storage section, and located between the recording head and the container, for containing the liquid supplied from the container to the recording head, A recording device equipped with, The aforementioned multiple storage units are arranged in multiple stages in the height direction of the recording device. The plurality of intermediate tanks are arranged in a first direction intersecting the height direction, The storage means and the plurality of intermediate tanks are arranged in a second direction intersecting the height direction and the first direction. A recording device characterized by the following features.

15. A recording device according to claim 1, The first container has a third connecting portion which is connected to a first connecting portion provided in the first storage section. The second container has a fourth connecting portion which is connected to a second connecting portion provided in the second storage section. The third and fourth connecting parts each have a protruding part that extends downward, An electrical connection portion is provided in the aforementioned protruding portion. The third and fourth connection portions each have a recess formed in the portion above the electrical connection portion. A recording device characterized by the following features.

16. A recording device according to claim 15, The first storage unit is located above the second storage unit. The protruding portion of the first container and the recessed portion of the second container fit together. A recording device characterized by the following features.

17. A recording device according to claim 1, The first container has a third connecting portion which is connected to a first connecting portion provided in the first storage section. The second container has a fourth connecting portion which is connected to a second connecting portion provided in the second storage section. The third and fourth connection parts each have a communication part for communicating the liquid inside the container and an electrical connection part, In each of the third and fourth connection portions, the distance from the center of the communication portion to the lower surface of the electrical connection portion is z1, If z2 is the distance between the center of the communication portion and the upper surface located above the electrical connection portion, The relationship is z1 > z2. A recording device characterized by the following features.

18. A recording device according to claim 17, The first storage unit is located above the second storage unit. When z3 is the distance between the lower surface of the electrical connection portion of the third connection and the center of the communication portion of the fourth connection, The relationship is z1 > z3 > z2. A recording device characterized by the following features.

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