Liquid supply device and system

Abstract

This suppresses fatigue in the components that form the flow path. [Solution] The liquid supply device comprises a liquid container having a flexible storage section and a connection section connected to a storage section connection unit located at the end of the storage section and in the center in the X direction; a flow path connected to the connection section for discharging liquid from the liquid container; and a rotation means for rotating the storage section, which is placed on a tray, relative to the connection section by a rotation unit comprising a drive source, a drive mechanism and a biasing member that rotate the mounting member by the driving force of the drive source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid supply device.

Background Art

[0002] A liquid containing a sedimentary substance may need to be stirred during use to disperse the sediment. For example, in a recording device that ejects liquid ink onto a recording medium for recording, when using inks such as pigment ink or metallic ink, stirring may be required to disperse the sediment. Patent Document 1 discloses a device that stirs ink by rotating an ink cartridge.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a configuration that rotates an ink cartridge as in Patent Document 1, members such as a tube that forms a flow path for ink to the ink supply destination deform as the ink cartridge rotates. As the rotation of the ink cartridge is repeated, members such as the tube are repeatedly deformed. The members such as the tube may become fatigued and require early replacement.

[0005] The present invention provides a technique for suppressing fatigue of a member that forms a flow path.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, a liquid container having a flexible housing portion and a connection portion provided at an end of the housing portion, A flow path connected to the aforementioned connection part, which allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container, The housing portion is provided with a rotating means for rotating it relative to the connecting portion, A liquid supply device characterized by the above is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology for suppressing fatigue of members that form a flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a recording system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the liquid supply device included in the recording system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid supply device. [Figure 4] Perspective view of a liquid container. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the tray. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the tray. [Figure 7] Perspective view of the locking mechanism. [Figure 8] (a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the locking mechanism in Figure 7. [Figure 9] A perspective view of a tray on which liquid containers are placed. [Figure 10] Front view of the connection point of the liquid container. [Figure 11] A view of a tray on which liquid containers are placed, seen from the rear wall side. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the area around the tray holder. [Figure 13] Perspective view of the connection unit. [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rotating unit. [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the rotating unit. [Figure 16] A diagram showing the orientation of the liquid container at its maximum rotational position.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential to the invention, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] <Configuration of the System> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a recording system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The recording system 1 includes a liquid supply device 100 and a liquid ejection device 50. The liquid ejection device 50 ejects liquid onto a recording medium, and the liquid supply device 100 supplies liquid to the liquid ejection device 50. In the case of this embodiment, the liquid supply device 100 supplies ink to the liquid ejection device 50, and the liquid ejection device 50 records an image by ejecting ink onto the recording medium by an inkjet method. The recording system 1 of this embodiment is a system that ejects ink onto a continuous sheet wound in a roll shape to record an image, and is a high-speed line printer capable of high-speed recording.

[0011] Note that "recording" includes not only the case of forming significant information such as characters and figures, but also the case of widely forming an image, pattern, pattern, etc. on a recording medium regardless of whether it is significant or not, or performing processing on the medium. Further, it does not matter whether or not it is manifested so that it can be visually perceived by a human. In this embodiment, sheet-like paper is assumed as the "recording medium", but it may be cloth, plastic film, or the like.

[0012] In each figure, arrows X, Y, and Z indicate directions intersecting each other. In the case of this embodiment, arrows X and Y indicate horizontal directions orthogonal to each other, and arrow Z indicates a vertical direction. The Z direction is the vertical direction (height direction) of the recording system 1. The X direction is the longitudinal direction (depth direction) of the recording system 1. The Y direction is the width direction of the recording system 1.

[0013] The recording system 1 includes an unwinding roll unit 2, a dancer unit 3, a main conveyance unit 4, a meandering correction unit 5, a conveyance detection unit 6, a mark sensor unit 7, and a recording unit 8. Further, the recording system 1 includes a scanner unit 9, a drying unit 10, a drying unit 11, a cooling unit 12, a scanner unit 13, a main conveyance unit 14, a dancer unit 15, a winding roll unit 16, and a maintenance tray 17 downstream of the recording unit 8.

[0014] The sheet S, which is a recording medium, is conveyed from the unwinding roll unit 2 to the winding roll unit 16 along the conveyance path indicated by the solid line in the figure, and various processes are performed by the above-described units during the conveyance. In the following description, when referring to the upstream side and the downstream side, it means the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S. Relatively, the side of the unwinding roll unit 2 is the upstream side, and the side of the winding roll unit 16 is the downstream side.

[0015] The unwinding roll unit 2 is a feeding unit for holding the sheet S wound in a roll shape and supplying it to the downstream side. The unwinding roll unit 2 houses an unwinding roll and pulls out and supplies the sheet S. In FIG. 1, there is one roll of the sheet S, but the number of rolls is not limited to one, and two or more rolls may be used. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the sheet S is selectively pulled out and supplied from among the plurality of rolls.

[0016] The dancer unit 3 is a unit for applying a constant tension to the sheet S between the unwinding roll unit 2 and the main conveyance unit 4. The main conveyance unit 4 conveys the sheet S to the downstream unit and applies a predetermined tension to the sheet in cooperation with the main conveyance unit 14. The main conveyance unit 4 includes a plurality of rollers that rotate with a motor (not shown) as a drive source, and conveys the sheet S while applying tension to the sheet S.

[0017] The meandering correction unit 5 is a unit for correcting the meandering of a sheet S in the width direction when conveying a sheet S under tension. The meandering correction unit 5 includes a meandering correction roller 5a and a meandering detection sensor (not shown) that detects the meandering of the sheet S. The meandering correction roller 5a can change the inclination of the sheet S using a motor (not shown), and corrects the meandering of the sheet S based on the measurement results of the meandering detection sensor. At this time, the meandering correction function can be enhanced by wrapping the sheet S around the meandering correction roller 5a. The meandering correction unit 5 can return the conveying direction of a meandering sheet S to the normal conveying direction.

[0018] The transport detection unit 6 is a unit for detecting tension when transporting a sheet S that has tension applied to it between the main transport unit 4 and the main transport unit 14. The transport detection unit 6 is also a unit for detecting the speed of the sheet S in order to control the recording timing of the recording unit 8. The mark sensor unit 7 is a unit for detecting marks that have been previously recorded on the sheet S in order to control the recording timing of the recording unit 8.

[0019] The recording unit 8 is a unit that records on a transported sheet S and is equipped with a plurality of recording heads 22 that eject ink from above onto the sheet S. The transport path of the sheet S in the recording unit 8 is defined by a plurality of guide rollers 23 arranged in an upwardly convex arc shape, and a certain tension is applied to the sheet S, thereby ensuring clearance between the sheet S and each recording head 22.

[0020] Each recording head 22 is a full-line head. However, the recording method may also be a serial printer method that repeatedly performs recording scanning, in which ink is ejected while the recording head moves in the main scanning direction, and intermittent sheet transport.

[0021] Multiple recording heads 22 are arranged along the transport direction of the sheet S, and in this embodiment, they eject inks for the four colors Bk (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan), as well as the reaction solution and three special color inks. In other words, a total of eight recording heads 22 are provided.

[0022] Furthermore, the number of colors is not limited to four, nor is the number of recording heads 22 limited to eight. The ink ejection elements in the recording heads 22 can employ various methods, including those using heating elements, piezoelectric elements, electrostatic elements, and MEMS elements. Each ink is supplied from the liquid supply device 100 to the corresponding recording head 22 via a tube.

[0023] The scanner unit 9 is a unit that reads the image recorded on the sheet S by the recording unit 8 and detects image misalignment and density. The detection results of the scanner unit 9 are used for correction, for example, for position correction and color correction.

[0024] Drying units 10 and 11 are units that reduce the liquid content in the ink applied to the sheet S by the recording unit 8, thereby improving the adhesion between the sheet S and the ink. Drying unit 11 is located downstream of drying unit 10. Drying units 10 and 11 heat the recorded sheet S to dry the applied ink. Drying units 10 and 11 dry the ink-applied surface of the sheet S by applying hot air to it from at least the ink-applied surface side. To improve drying efficiency, the system may be configured to apply hot air not only to the ink-applied surface side but also to the side opposite to the ink-applied surface. In addition to the method of applying hot air, the drying method may also be configured in combination with a method of irradiating the surface of the sheet S with electromagnetic waves (such as ultraviolet or infrared rays) or a conductive heat transfer method by contact with a heating element.

[0025] The winding guide roller 31 is a roller that blocks the influence of hot air generated in the drying unit 10 on the recording unit 8. The winding guide roller 31 winds the side of the sheet S opposite to the ink application surface at a constant winding angle downstream of the recording unit 8. In this embodiment, two winding guide rollers 31 are arranged between the scanner unit 9 and the drying unit 10, and the sheet S is folded back so that it is substantially parallel to the top and bottom of the device. The drying unit 10 is located below the recording unit 8, and the drying unit 11 is located below the transport detection unit 6 and the mark sensor unit 7.

[0026] The cooling unit 12 cools the sheet S on which the ink has been fixed by the drying units 10 and 11, solidifying the softened ink and suppressing subsequent temperature changes of the sheet S. Inside the cooling unit 12, the ink-applied surface of the sheet S is cooled by applying air at a temperature lower than that of the sheet S, at least from the side where the ink is applied, to the sheet S as it passes through. The cooling method is not limited to applying air; it may also be a conductive heat transfer method through contact with a heat dissipation member, or a combination of these methods. Furthermore, to efficiently solidify the ink, the sheet S may be configured to apply air to both sides.

[0027] The scanner unit 13 is a unit that reads the test image recorded on sheet S by the recording unit 8 before the actual recording, and detects image misalignment and density. The detection results of the scanner unit 13 are used for correction during the actual recording.

[0028] The main conveying unit 14 is a unit that functions in conjunction with the main conveying unit 4, and is a unit for conveying the sheet S while applying tension to the sheet S and for adjusting the tension of the sheet S. The main conveying unit 14 is equipped with multiple rollers that rotate by a motor (not shown). The tension of the sheet S is adjusted by a clutch (not shown) between the motor and the rollers based on a tension value detected by a tension control unit (not shown).

[0029] Furthermore, as an additional configuration for adjusting the tension of the sheet S, a configuration may be added to control the speed of the main conveying unit 14 based on the detection result of the conveying detection unit 6. To realize this configuration, either a torque control method that controls the value of the torque transmitted from the clutch or a speed control method that controls the roller speed of the main conveying unit 14 can be used. Alternatively, these two methods may be switched between depending on the purpose, or both may be used simultaneously.

[0030] The dancer unit 15 is a unit that applies a constant tension to the sheet S between the main transport unit 14 and the winding roll unit 16. The winding roll unit 16 is a unit that winds the recorded sheet S onto a winding core. In Figure 1, there is one winding roll, but there may be two or three or more rolls, and multiple winding cores may be prepared, and the sheet S may be recovered by selectively switching the winding core used for winding.

[0031] Furthermore, instead of winding the sheet S onto a core for processing after recording, the sheet S may be cut using a cutter, and the cut sheet S may be stacked.

[0032] The maintenance tray 17 is a maintenance mechanism for restoring the ejection performance of each recording head 22. The maintenance mechanism may include, for example, a cap member to protect the liquid ejection surface of the recording head 22, a wiper member to wipe the liquid ejection surface, and a suction member to draw ink from the recording head 22 using negative pressure.

[0033] The liquid supply device 100 holds a liquid container (ink tank) that stores the ink ejected from the recording head 22 and supplies ink to the recording head 22. In this embodiment, the liquid supply device 100 is located upstream of the recording unit 8, but its placement is not limited to this position. In Figure 1, the liquid supply device 100 is located above the housing that surrounds the transport detection unit 6, the mark sensor unit 7, and the drying unit 11.

[0034] The control unit 21 is an electronic circuit that controls each unit of the recording system 1, and comprises at least one processor and at least one storage device that stores a program executed by the processor. The storage device is, for example, a semiconductor memory. Specifically, the control unit 21 includes a CPU, a storage device, an external interface, and an operation unit 24 for user input and output. The operation unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the recording system 1 based on commands input via the operation unit 24 or commands from a host device 25, such as a host computer, connected via the external interface.

[0035] <Liquid supply device> The liquid supply device 100 will now be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the liquid supply device 100, and Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal structure of the liquid supply device 100. The main body 100a of the liquid supply device 100 is equipped with a plurality of storage compartments 101 capable of storing liquid containers 200 (Figure 5) that contain ink. In this embodiment, six storage compartments 101 are provided. The six storage compartments 101 are arranged in three rows in the Z direction and two rows in the X direction. Each storage compartment 101 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 Y direction of each storage compartment 101 is longer than the length in the X direction. A connection unit 104, which is connected to the liquid container 200, is provided at the rear end (the end in the Y direction) of each storage compartment 101.

[0036] A tray 110 or tray 111 is detachably mounted in the Y direction to each storage section 101. In this embodiment, the liquid container 200 is placed on the tray 110 or tray 111 and detachably stored in the storage section 101. Of the three storage sections 101, the top storage section 101 is fitted with a tray 110, and the middle and bottom storage sections 101 are fitted with trays 111. Therefore, two trays 110 and four trays 111 are used. Trays 110 and 111 have basically the same structure, but tray 110 has a structure for stirring the ink in the liquid container 200, as will be described later.

[0037] Each storage compartment 101 is also provided with an operating member 103 that restricts the removal of trays 110 and 111 and locks them to the corresponding storage compartment 101. The operating member 103 is slidable in the X direction and can be operated by the user.

[0038] (liquid container) The liquid container 200 will now be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid container 200. The liquid container 200 comprises a storage section 201 for storing ink and a connecting section 202 that connects to a connecting unit 104 of the storage section 101. The storage section 201 is a bag-type ink pack made of a flexible material. The flexibility of the storage section 201 may be such that it bends under its own weight, or it may maintain its shape under its own weight and bend only when a load greater than its own weight is applied.

[0039] The storage section 201 is formed into a bag shape by welding together the sheets that make up the top and bottom surfaces and the sheets that form the gussets on the left and right sides (sides in the X direction), and has a rectangular shape in plan view, forming a flexible tank for storing liquid. The material of the storage section 201 is a material with a multi-layer structure, such as PET, and the multi-layer structure may include an aluminum layer.

[0040] The connecting portion 202 is located at the Y-direction end of the housing portion 201 and in the center in the X-direction. The connecting portion 202 is detachably connected to the connecting unit 104 and forms an ink flow path between the housing portion 201 and the connecting unit 104.

[0041] (Tray) Trays 110 and 111 will now be described. Figure 5 is a perspective view of tray 110. Tray 110 has a tray body 113. The tray body 113 is a rectangular, shallow, box-shaped member with an open top, comprising a bottom wall 113a, left and right side walls 113b, a front wall 113c, and a rear wall 113d. A roller 113e is rotatably supported on the side wall 113b. The rolling of the roller 113e allows for smooth insertion and removal of tray 110 from the storage section 101.

[0042] Refer to Figures 2 and 6. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tray 110, showing a portion of the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 113a. The bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 113a of the tray body 113 is provided with an engaging portion 119 that engages with the operating member 103. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 119 is a cylindrical projection. The operating member 103 comprises an arm member 141 with a C-shaped engaging portion 141a that engages with the engaging portion 119, and a gripping portion 142 that can be grasped by the user.

[0043] The arm member 141 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the X direction along the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 113a and is connected to the knob portion 142. Figure 6 shows the state in which the engaging portions 119 and 141 are engaged, and the movement of the tray 110 in the Y direction (i.e., removal from the storage portion 101) is restricted. By moving the knob portion 142 in the X direction from the state in Figure 6, the arm member 141 is displaced in the X direction, and the engagement between the engaging portion 119 and the engaging portion 141 can be released. This allows the tray 110 to be removed from the storage portion 101. This engagement mechanism prevents the tray 110 from unintentionally coming out of the storage portion 101.

[0044] Returning to Figure 5, the tray body 113 is fitted with a mounting member 112. The mounting member 112 comprises a bottom wall portion 112a that overlaps with the bottom wall portion 113a, left and right side wall portions 112b located inside the left and right side wall portions 113b, and a front wall portion 112c located inside the front wall portion 113c, and is a rectangular, shallow, box-shaped member with an open top and rear end. Thus, the tray 110 of this embodiment has a double-tray structure in which the tray body 113 is the outer tray and the mounting member 112 is the inner tray.

[0045] The bottom wall portion 112a of the mounting member 112 is shorter in the Y direction than the bottom wall portion 113a of the tray body 113, and the Y-direction edge (rear edge) of the bottom wall portion 112a is spaced apart from the rear wall portion 113d of the tray body 113. The mounting member 112 is rotatably supported on the tray body 113 via its shaft 116. The left and right side walls 112b are supported on the left and right side walls 113b of the tray body 113 via the shaft 116 (only one shaft 116 is shown in Figure 5). The mounting member 112 is rotatable relative to the tray body 113 with the rotation centerline C1 passing through the shaft 116 as the rotation center. In this respect, the mounting member 112 can also be called a movable member or a rotating member. Figure 5 shows the state in which the mounting member 112 is positioned in its initial position relative to the tray body 113. In the initial position, the bottom surface of the bottom wall portion 112a of the mounting member 112 is in contact with the top surface of the bottom wall portion 113a of the tray body 113, and the two are in a state of overlapping in the Z direction.

[0046] An engaging portion 134 is fixed to each side wall portion 112b of the mounting member 112. The engaging portion 134 receives a rotational biasing force from a rotation unit 120, which will be described later, and this causes the mounting member 112 to rotate. The engaging portion 134 has a C-shape that is open to one side (rear side) in the Y direction.

[0047] The tray body 113 is also provided with a locking mechanism 131 that locks the mounting member 112 to the tray body 113, restricting its rotation from its initial position. The locking mechanism 131 operates in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the tray 110 to the storage unit 101. When the tray 110 is attached to the storage unit 101, it allows the mounting member 112 to rotate, and when the tray 110 is removed from the storage unit 101, it restricts the rotation of the mounting member 112. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism 131.

[0048] The locking mechanism 131 includes a pivot shaft 132 provided on one side wall portion 113b of the tray body 113, a locking member 133 rotatably supported on the tray body 113 via the pivot shaft 132, and a biasing member 135 that biases the locking member 133 in the rotational direction RR. The biasing member 135 is an elastic member such as a coil spring connected between the side wall portion 113b and the locking member 133. The unlocking member 137 is fixed to the storage portion 101, and the engaging portion 134 is provided on the mounting member 112. The engaging portion 134 is an axial member protruding in the X direction from the side wall portion 112b. The locking member 133 has a roller-shaped locking portion 138 that engages with the engaging portion 134 and a recess-shaped contact portion 139 that contacts the unlocking member 137.

[0049] Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the locking mechanism 131. Figure 8(a) shows the state of the locking mechanism 131 when the tray 110 is stored in the storage section 101. The locking member 133 receives a biasing force from the biasing member 135 that causes it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the contact portion 139 is in contact with the unlocking member 137. The contact portion 139 is in contact with the unlocking member 137, which prevents the engagement of the locking portion 138 and the engaging portion 134. The mounting member 112 is in the unlocked state, that is, in a state in which it can rotate from its initial position relative to the tray body 113.

[0050] Figure 8(b) shows the state of the locking mechanism 131 when the tray 110 is pulled out from the storage section 101. The locking member 133 receives a biasing force from the biasing member 135 that causes it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the locking portion 138 engages with the engaging portion 134. When the locking portion 138 engages with the engaging portion 134, the mounting member 112 is in a locked state, that is, its rotation relative to the tray body 113 is restricted and it is locked in its initial position.

[0051] Figure 8(c) shows the state of the locking mechanism 131 when the tray 110 is in the process of being inserted into the storage section 101. The locking member 133 receives a biasing force from the biasing member 135 that causes it to rotate in the rotational direction RR, and the locking portion 138 is engaged with the engaging portion 134. As the tray 110 is inserted into the storage section 101, the contact portion 139 comes into contact with the unlocking member 137, and the locking member 133 rotates in the rotational direction RL. When the tray 110 is stored in the storage section 101, the locking mechanism 131 returns to the state shown in Figure 8(a), and the engagement between the locking portion 138 and the engaging portion 134 is released.

[0052] Refer to Figures 5 and 9. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a tray 110 on which a liquid container 200 is placed. The storage section 201 of the liquid container 200 is placed on the mounting member 112. A portion of the storage section 201 on the side of the connection section 202 is placed on the tray body 113, and the rotation centerline C1 passes through the storage section 201, spaced apart from the connection section 202 in the Y direction.

[0053] A holding portion 150 is formed in the center of the rear wall portion 113d in the X direction, which holds the connection portion 202 of the liquid container 200. The structure of the connection portion 202 and the holding portion 150 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12, in addition to Figures 5 and 9. Figure 10 is a front view of the connection portion 202 as seen in the Y direction. Figure 11 is a view of the tray 110 on which the liquid container 200 is placed, as seen in the Y direction from the side of the rear wall portion 113d. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the area around the holding portion 150.

[0054] The retaining portion 150 comprises a recess 151 that is recessed downward in the Z direction from the upper surface of the rear wall portion 113d, and engaging portions 152 formed on both sides of the recess 151 in the X direction. The engaging portion 152 is a groove that extends in the Z direction and has depth in the X direction, and is formed by vertical walls 152a and 152b that are spaced apart in the Y direction. The left and right engaging portions 250 of the connecting portion 202 are inserted into the engaging portion 152 in the Z direction, and the remaining portion of the connecting portion 202 is positioned in the recess 151. The engaging portion 250 is a plate-shaped member that protrudes from both sides of the connecting portion 202 in the X direction.

[0055] The holding portion 150 positions the connecting portion 202 relative to the tray 110 in the X, Y, and Z directions. Furthermore, since the engaging portion 152 has a pair of vertical walls 152a and 152b spaced apart in the Y direction, the displacement of the engaging portion 250 in the Y direction is restricted. As a result, the displacement of the connecting portion 202 relative to the tray 110 is restricted in the Y direction by the engaging portion 152.

[0056] The engaging portion 250 is located at the bottom of the side of the connecting portion 202. The connecting portion 202 has a shape that is generally convex upward in the XZ plane and convex in the Y direction in the XY plane. The width of the engaging portion 152 and the engaging portion 250 in the Z direction is the same, and the connecting portion 202 protrudes upward in the Z direction from around the holding portion 150. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the connecting portion 202 and remove the connecting portion 202 from the recess 151. This improves the convenience of the replacement work when replacing the liquid container 200 with the tray 110.

[0057] An engaging portion 153 is also formed on the vertical wall 152a of the engaging portion 152. The engaging portion 153 is a projection that protrudes in the Y direction from the vertical wall 152a. The engaging portion 250 has an engaging portion 251 that engages with the engaging portion 153. The engaging portion 251 is formed as a hole that penetrates the engaging portion 250 in the Y direction or as a recess that is recessed in the Y direction.

[0058] When the liquid container 200 is placed on the tray 110, the lower surface of the engaging portion 250 comes into contact with the surface (slope) of the engaging portion 153 as the engaging portion 250 is inserted into the engaging portion 152. As a result, the vertical wall 152a of the engaging portion 152 is elastically displaced backward in the Y direction. As the insertion of the engaging portion 250 into the engaging portion 152 progresses, the engaging portion 153 reaches the engaging portion 251. As a result, the vertical wall 152a returns to its original position, and the engaging portion 153 and the engaging portion 251 engage.

[0059] The engagement direction between the engaging portion 153 and the engaging portion 251 is the Z direction, which is different from the direction (Y direction) in which the tray 110 is attached to and detached from the storage portion 101. This prevents the connecting portion 202 from falling off the holding portion 150 when the tray 110 is attached to or detached.

[0060] (Flow channel connection structure) The connection structure between the connection portion 202 of the liquid container 200 and the connection unit 104 of the storage unit 101 will be explained with reference to Figures 3, 10, and 13. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the connection unit 104. The connection portion 202 of the liquid container 200 is connected to the connection unit 104 when the tray 110 on which the liquid container 200 is mounted is attached to the storage unit 101 and pushed inwards. Conversely, the connection between the connection portion 202 and the connection unit 104 is released when the tray 110 on which the liquid container 200 is mounted is pulled out of the storage unit 101 towards the front.

[0061] The connecting portion 202 is manufactured, for example, by molding a resin material such as polypropylene. The connecting portion 202 is provided with a connecting hole 210, an electrical connecting portion 220, a plurality of positioning holes 230, and a fitting portion 240.

[0062] The connection unit 104 has a tube connection pipe 102 extending to the outside of the storage unit 101 (Figure 3), and a tube connected to the buffer tank is connected to the tube connection pipe 102. These form the ink flow path. Ink contained in the liquid container 200 is supplied to the recording head 22 via the buffer tank.

[0063] The connection hole 210 opens in the Y direction and is the opening of a flow path that communicates with the inside of the housing section 201. The central axis of the connection hole 210 is parallel to the Y direction. The introduction pipe 105 of the connection unit 104 is connected to the connection hole 210 in the Y direction. The introduction pipe 105 communicates with the tube connection pipe 102, and the ink from the liquid container 200 is discharged through the connection hole 210 and the introduction pipe 105.

[0064] Furthermore, a structure to prevent ink leakage can be provided inside the connection section 202. This structure may be a valve structure or a seal structure that remains closed before the introduction tube 105 is inserted into the connection hole 210 and opens when the introduction tube 105 is inserted.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the connection portion 202, the entire peripheral edge 211 of the connection hole 210 is recessed in the Y direction, and the connection hole 210 opens at a position that protrudes in the Y direction from the peripheral edge 211. As a result, the connection hole 210 is surrounded by a wall formed by the peripheral edge 211, thereby enhancing the protection of the connection hole 210. For example, it is prevented from the user accidentally touching the connection hole 210. Also, it is prevented from damaging or deforming the connection hole 210 due to impact, such as when the liquid container 200 is accidentally dropped. Peripheral ribs may be formed on the peripheral edge 211, surrounding the connection hole 210 and protruding in the Y direction.

[0066] The electrical connection section 220 is structurally and electrically connected to the electrical connection section 106 of the connection unit 104 by being inserted in the Y direction. The electrical connection section 220 includes a circuit board and electrical connection terminals. The circuit board includes a memory that stores information about the liquid container 200. The control unit 21 can read the information from the memory through the electrical connection between the electrical connection section 220 and the electrical connection section 106.

[0067] The shaft member 107 of the connecting unit 104 is inserted into the positioning hole 230. The connecting portion 202 and the connecting unit 104 are positioned relative to each other. In this embodiment, two sets of positioning hole 230 and shaft member 107 are provided spaced apart in the X direction, and the connecting hole 210 and the introduction pipe 105 are positioned between them in the X direction. The positioning accuracy of the connecting hole 210 relative to the introduction pipe 105 in the X direction is improved.

[0068] In this embodiment, the type of liquid container 200 to be stored in each storage section 101 (or the type of ink to be contained) is predetermined. The fitting section 240 structurally prevents different types of liquid containers 200 from being mistakenly installed in the storage section 101.

[0069] The mating portion 240 is formed on the connecting portion 202, divided in the X direction. The mating portion 240 has a concave and concave structure in which a plurality of substantially rectangular projections 241 are arranged, each protruding of the same length in the X direction and extending in parallel in the -Y direction. Sealing portions 243 are arranged in a predetermined pattern in the valleys 242, which are recesses between the projections 241 in the mating portion 240. The sealing portions 243 are the parts that close the valleys 242, and the arrangement pattern of the sealing portions 243 differs depending on the type of liquid container 200.

[0070] The connection unit 104 is provided with a fitting portion 108 that fits with the fitting portion 240. The arrangement of the sealing portion 243 seals the valley portion 242, so that the arrangement pattern of the uneven structure of the fitting portion 240 is the opposite of the arrangement pattern of the uneven structure of the fitting portion 108 that it is connected to. When the connection portion 202 is connected to the connection unit 104, if the types of liquid containers 200 match, fitting between the uneven structure of the fitting portion 108 and the uneven structure of the fitting portion 240 is permitted. On the other hand, if the types of liquid containers 200 do not match, the uneven structure of the fitting portion 108 does not match the uneven structure of the fitting portion 240, and fitting is not possible. Therefore, it is prevented that the wrong liquid container 200 will be connected to the connection unit 104.

[0071] (Other trays) Tray 110 and tray 111 have basically the same structure, but tray 110 has a structure for stirring the ink in the liquid container 200, while tray 111 does not. For this reason, tray 111 does not have a mounting member 112 (and engaging part) or a locking mechanism 131.

[0072] (Rotating unit and liquid stirring) In this embodiment, the ink contained in the liquid container 200 can be stirred by rotating the liquid container 200 placed on the tray 110. In this embodiment, the liquid container 200 is rotated by rotating the mounting member 112. The configuration of the rotation unit 120 that rotates the mounting member 112 will be explained with reference to Figures 2, 14(a) to 15(b). Figures 14(a) and 14(b), and Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the rotation unit 120.

[0073] Figures 14(a) and 15(a) show the state of the rotating unit 120 when the mounting member 112 is in its initial position, and Figures 14(b) and 15(b) show the state of the rotating unit 120 when the mounting member 112 is in the maximum rotation position from the initial position. The initial position is the position in which the tray 110 can be inserted into and removed from the storage section 101, and the entire tray 110 and the liquid container 200 are in a substantially horizontal position (the side of the connection section 202 is slightly lower). The maximum rotation position is the position in which the amount of rotation of the mounting member 112 is maximum, and in this embodiment, it is approximately 45° from the initial position. At the maximum rotation position, the tray 110 cannot be inserted into or removed from the storage section 101. Comparing the position of the storage section 201 of the liquid container 200, the storage section 201 is closer to horizontal at the initial position than at the maximum rotation position.

[0074] The rotating units 120 are provided in each of the two uppermost storage compartments 101. The rotating unit 120 comprises a drive source 300, a drive mechanism 122 that rotates the mounting member 112 using the driving force of the drive source 300, and a biasing member 304.

[0075] The drive source 300 is, for example, a stepper motor. In the drawing, the main body of the drive source 300 is hidden behind the base plate 121, and only a part of it is shown. The amount of rotation of the mounting member 112 can be controlled by the amount of rotation of the drive source 300. The drive source 300 may also be a DC motor, in which case a rotation amount sensor such as a rotary encoder may be provided to control its amount of rotation.

[0076] The drive mechanism 122 is a drive force transmission mechanism that rotates the mounting member 112 using the driving force of the drive source 300, and is a conversion mechanism that converts the driving force of the drive source 300 into rotational motion of the mounting member 112. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 122 includes a gear device 123 and a pair of link mechanisms 124R and 124L. The configuration of the drive mechanism 122 is an example, and other types of mechanisms may be used.

[0077] The drive source 300 and the gear unit 123 are mounted on a base plate 121 located on one side of the storage unit 101 in the X direction. The rotational force of the drive source 300 is transmitted to the gear unit 123 via a belt drive mechanism 310. The gear unit 123 includes a gear 311 rotated by the belt drive mechanism 310, a gear 312 that meshes with gear 311, a gear 313 that meshes with gear 312, and a gear 314 that meshes with gear 313.

[0078] The pair of link mechanisms 124R and 124L are arranged separately on the X-direction side of the storage section 101, with link mechanism 124L on the side of the drive source 300 and link mechanism 124R on the opposite side. Link mechanism 124L is the drive mechanism, and link mechanism 124R is the driven mechanism. Both have basically the same configuration and constitute the crank mechanism described below.

[0079] The pair of link mechanisms 124R and 124L each include arm members 301 to 303. Arm member 301 rotates around one end as the pivot point, and its other end is rotatably connected to one end of arm member 302 via shaft 301a. One end of arm member 301 of link mechanism 124L is fixed coaxially to a gear 314 and rotates together with the gear 314. One end of arm member 301 of link mechanism 124R is supported so as to be freely rotatable (not shown).

[0080] The other end of the arm member 302 is rotatably connected to the middle part of the arm member 303 via a shaft 302a. A pair of side plates 118 are arranged on both sides of the storage section 101 in the X direction. One end of the arm member 303 is rotatably supported by the side plate 118 via a shaft 316. The shaft 316 is located coaxially with the rotation center line C1 (Figure 5) to such an extent that the rotation of the mounting member 112 and the rotation of the arm member 303 are synchronized.

[0081] The side plate 118 has an arc-shaped guide hole 118a that defines the oscillation trajectory of the pivot shaft 114. The pivot shaft 114 extends across the storage section 101 in the X direction. The pivot shaft 114 is installed between the other ends of the arm members 303 of the link mechanisms 124R and 124L.

[0082] When the tray 110 is mounted in the storage unit 101, the pivot shaft 114 engages with the engagement portion 134. Since the engagement portion 134 has a C-shape that is open on one side (rear side) in the Y direction, the pivot shaft 114 does not get in the way when attaching or detaching the tray 110. When the tray 110 is mounted in the storage unit 101, the pivot shaft 114 engages with the engagement portion 134 in the Z direction, and when the tray 110 is removed from the storage unit 101, the engagement between the pivot shaft 114 and the engagement portion 134 is also released.

[0083] A biasing member 304 is provided between the other end of the arm member 303 of the link mechanism 124L and the adjacent side plate 118. The biasing member 304 is an elastic member such as a coil spring, and exerts a biasing force on the arm member 303 in the direction that the mounting member 112 is positioned at its maximum rotational position. A similar biasing member may also be provided between the other end of the arm member 303 of the link mechanism 124R and the adjacent side plate 118.

[0084] In Figure 14(b), when the drive source 300 is driven in one direction in the direction of arrow A, the rotational motion of the motor shaft is converted into the oscillating motion of the oscillating shaft 114 via the drive mechanism 122, causing the oscillating shaft 114 to continuously reciprocate in the directions of arrows B and C. As the oscillating shaft 114 moves, the mounting member 112 and the liquid container 200 set inside it rotate, and the ink contained in the liquid container 200 is stirred. To correspond to the stirring, the mounting member 112 may be continuously rotated between the initial position and the maximum rotation position, or it may be stopped for a predetermined time at the maximum rotation position or the initial position and then rotated.

[0085] The biasing member 304 is configured to bias the mounting member 112 to its maximum rotational position. The rotation of the mounting member 112 from the initial position to the maximum rotational position is performed by the driving force of the drive source 300, and the biasing member 304 generates a force (biasing force) to assist the movement. The sensor 315 is a sensor that detects the posture of the mounting member 112. The sensor 315 is an optical sensor configured to detect the position of the arm member 301, and is positioned to detect the arm member 301 when the mounting member 112 is in its initial position.

[0086] When the tray 110 is not installed in the storage unit 101 or when the liquid container 200 is being replaced, the driving force of the drive source 300 is maintained at a level that can resist the biasing force of the biasing member 304 while the mounting member 112 is in its initial position. This holds the mounting member 112 in its initial position. This configuration allows the tray 110 to be inserted and removed. To maintain the driving force of the drive source 300 at a level that can resist the biasing force of the biasing member 304, for example, when using a stepper motor, a state in which torque is generated so that the shaft does not rotate can be maintained (excited state). The sensor 315 is not limited to an optical sensor; it may also be an encoder sensor that detects an angle or another type of sensor that directly detects the mounting member 112.

[0087] If the drive source 300 is not driven, the mounting member 112 will be located between the initial position and the maximum rotation position. However, this position will vary depending on the amount of ink in the liquid container 200; if there is a large amount of ink, it will be located closer to the initial position, and if there is a small amount of ink, it will be located closer to the maximum rotation position. If the amount of ink is very large, such as when the liquid container 200 is new, the mounting member 112 may be located in the initial position.

[0088] The posture of the liquid container 200 during stirring will now be described. Figure 16 shows the posture of the liquid container 200 at its maximum rotation position. According to the configuration of this embodiment, the housing portion 201 of the liquid container 200 rotates relative to the connecting portion 202, while the connecting portion 202 itself remains almost stationary. More specifically, the rotation centerline C1 of the mounting member 112 is spaced apart from the connecting portion 202 in the Y direction and passes through the housing portion 201. Therefore, the liquid container 200 does not rotate as a whole, but the housing portion 201 rotates in such a way that the liquid container 200 bends at the rotation centerline C1. In addition, the connecting portion 202 is held by the holding portion 150, and a restricting member 117 is provided above the connecting portion 202 to restrict the displacement of the connecting portion 202. The restricting member 117 restricts the displacement of the connecting portion 202 in a direction (Z direction in this embodiment) that intersects the connection direction (Y direction in this embodiment) between the connecting portion 202 and the connecting unit 104. Due to the presence of the restricting member 117, even if the connection part 202 tries to lift upward during the stirring operation, its displacement is restricted by contact with the restricting member 117.

[0089] This structure allows the connection part 202 itself to remain almost stationary, and therefore the connection unit 104 also remains stationary. The tube connected to the tube connecting pipe 102 of the connection unit 104 is not repeatedly deformed. This also has little effect on the connection state between the connection part 202 and the connection unit 104. Therefore, fatigue of the components forming these flow paths can be suppressed.

[0090] <Other Embodiments> The operating directions of the locking mechanism 131 in which the locking member 133 engages with and disengages the engaging portion 134 are not limited to those described above. The movement is not limited to rotation in the rotational directions RR and RL; it may also be configured to rotate with the Z direction as the axis of rotation, or to slide in the Y direction.

[0091] Furthermore, the operation mode for unlocking the locking mechanism 131 is not limited to the above. The operation mode for unlocking is not limited to the unlocking operation mode by the unlocking member 137 accompanying the insertion operation of the tray 110, but may also be configured to unlock the locking mechanism 131 in conjunction with the locking operation of the operating member 103.

[0092] Furthermore, the configuration for setting the liquid container 200 on the tray 110 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, it is not necessary for only the portion of the rear wall 113d surrounding the holding portion 150 to be recessed in the Z direction. The entire rear wall 113d may be at the same height as the engaging portion 250. Even with this configuration, when the liquid container 200 is placed on the tray 110, the connecting portion 202 will protrude in the Z direction around the holding portion 150. Therefore, the user can hold the protruding connecting portion 202.

[0093] Furthermore, the tray 110 may have a shape that is convex upward in the Z direction, and the connecting portion 202 may have a concave shape or a through-hole shape corresponding to the convex shape, to guide it during installation. In that case, for example, multiple guide structures may be provided, spaced apart from each other in the X direction.

[0094] Furthermore, the engaging portion 251 may be provided at a different position on the connecting portion 202 than the engaging portion 250. In that case, for example, it may be provided on the lower or side portion to avoid interfering with user operation.

[0095] Furthermore, the engaging portion 152 and the engaging portion 250 may be provided in different locations. For example, they may be provided on both sides of the tray 110 in the X direction. Alternatively, multiple engaging portions may be provided in the Z direction. This can increase and stabilize the engaging force.

[0096] Furthermore, the engaging portion 153 may have a configuration other than that of this embodiment. For example, the rear wall portion 113d may be provided with an elastic member such as a spring, which engages during guidance. Alternatively, the rear wall portion 113d may be provided with a movable member that can engage with the engaging portion 251, which engages after guidance by the user's operation.

[0097] Furthermore, the engaging portion 153 and the engaging portion 251 may be provided on the rear wall portion 113d and a part of one or the other surface of the connecting portion 202 in the X direction, respectively, and the engaging portion 152 may engage when it is displaced in the X direction during guidance. Alternatively, the engaging portion 251 may have a structure that displaces and engages during guidance.

[0098] Furthermore, the mounting member 112 may be configured to rotate downward from an initial position that is nearly horizontal. This can improve the stirring efficiency of the sedimentary pigment accumulated around the connection part 202. In this configuration, the tray 110 may be attached to the lowest storage unit among a plurality of vertically arranged storage units 101, and the ink in the liquid container 200 mounted on the tray 110 may be stirred. The rotation direction of the mounting member 112 may be left-right as well as up-down. The mounting member 112 may be stopped at multiple rotation positions.

[0099] Furthermore, the configuration for rotating the mounting member 112 may also include other mechanisms such as a configuration in which the arm member 303 alone rotates it, a configuration using a rotating cam, or a mechanism using a linear actuator.

[0100] Furthermore, the present invention can also be realized 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 realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0101] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose inventions relating to the following items.

[0102] Item 1. A liquid container having a flexible storage section and a connecting section provided at the end of the storage section, A flow path connected to the aforementioned connection part, which allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container, The housing portion is provided with a rotating means for rotating it relative to the connecting portion, A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0103] Item 2. A liquid supply device as described in item 1, The system includes a restricting means for restricting the displacement of the connection portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction between the connection portion and the flow path. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0104] Item 3. A liquid supply device as described in item 1 or item 2, The housing portion has a first end on which the connecting portion is provided, and a second end on the opposite side of the first end. The rotating means rotates the housing portion relative to the connecting portion, with the pivot point being a position spaced apart from the connecting portion towards the second end portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0105] Item 4. A liquid supply device as described in any one of items 1 to 3, The rotating means rotates the housing portion in the vertical direction. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0106] Item 5. A liquid supply device as described in item 4, The rotating means rotates the housing between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position in which the housing is closer to horizontal than the second position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0107] Item 6. A liquid supply device as described in any one of items 1 to 5, It is arranged in the vertical direction and comprises a plurality of storage compartments capable of storing the liquid container, The rotating means rotates the storage portion of the liquid container stored in the uppermost storage portion relative to the connecting portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0108] Item 7. A liquid supply device as described in any one of items 1 to 4, It is equipped with a storage section capable of storing the aforementioned liquid container, The liquid container is placed on a tray and detachably stored in the storage compartment. The aforementioned tray is The tray body and The tray body is rotatably supported by a mounting member on which the storage unit is placed, The aforementioned rotating means rotates the aforementioned mounting member. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0109] Item 8. A liquid supply device as described in item 7, The mounting member is rotated between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the bottom wall portion of the aforementioned mounting member is in contact with the tray body. In the second position, the bottom wall portion of the aforementioned mounting member is spaced apart from the tray body. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0110] Item 9. A liquid supply device as described in item 8, When the tray is removed from the storage unit, the aforementioned mounting member is in the first position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0111] Item 10. A liquid supply device as described in item 9, The tray is equipped with a locking means for locking the aforementioned mounting member in the first position, The locking of the aforementioned storage member by the locking means is released when the tray is installed in the storage section. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0112] Item 11. A liquid supply device as described in item 10, The locking means includes a movable member that is displaceable between a locking position for locking the mounting member in the first position and a release position for releasing the lock. The storage unit includes an operating member that contacts the movable member when the tray is mounted on the storage unit and displaces the movable member to the release position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0113] Item 12. A liquid supply device as described in any one of items 8 through 11, The aforementioned rotating means is Power source and A drive mechanism that rotates the aforementioned mounting member by the driving force of the aforementioned drive source, The system includes a biasing member that biases the mounting member to the second position, A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0114] Item 13. A liquid supply device as described in item 12, The aforementioned mounting member rotates from the second position to the first position upon being driven by the aforementioned drive source. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0115] Item 14. A liquid supply device as described in any one of items 7 through 13, The tray is provided on the tray body and includes a holding portion for holding the connecting portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0116] Item 15. A liquid supply device as described in item 14, With the connecting portion held by the holding portion, a part of the connecting portion protrudes from around the holding portion of the tray. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0117] Item 16. A liquid supply device as described in item 14 or item 15, The connecting portion and the holding portion engage in a direction different from the direction in which the tray is attached to and detached from the storage portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

[0118] Item 17. A system comprising a liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid, and a liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container having a flexible storage section and a connecting section provided at the end of the storage section to the liquid dispensing device, The liquid supply device is A flow path connected to the aforementioned connection part, which allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container, The housing portion is provided with a rotating means for rotating it relative to the connecting portion, A system characterized by the following features.

[0119] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, claims are attached to disclose the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] 100 Liquid supply device, 104 Connection unit, 120 Rotating unit, 200 Liquid container, 201 Storage section, 202 Connection section

Claims

1. A liquid container having a flexible storage section and a connecting section provided at the end of the storage section, A flow path connected to the aforementioned connection part, which allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container, The housing portion is provided with a rotating means for rotating it relative to the connecting portion, A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

2. A liquid supply device according to claim 1, The system includes a restricting means for restricting the displacement of the connection portion in a direction intersecting the connection direction between the connection portion and the flow path. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

3. A liquid supply device according to claim 1, The housing portion has a first end to which the connecting portion is provided, and a second end opposite to the first end. The rotating means rotates the housing portion relative to the connecting portion, with the pivot point being a position spaced apart from the connecting portion towards the second end portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

4. A liquid supply device according to claim 1, The rotating means rotates the housing portion in the vertical direction. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

5. A liquid supply device according to claim 4, The rotating means rotates the housing between a first position and a second position. The first position is a position in which the housing is closer to horizontal than the second position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

6. A liquid supply device according to claim 1, It is arranged in the vertical direction and comprises a plurality of storage compartments capable of storing the liquid container, The rotating means rotates the storage portion of the liquid container stored in the uppermost storage portion relative to the connecting portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

7. A liquid supply device according to claim 1, It is equipped with a storage section capable of storing the aforementioned liquid container, The liquid container is placed on a tray and detachably stored in the storage compartment. The aforementioned tray is The tray body and The tray body is rotatably supported by a mounting member on which the storage unit is placed, The aforementioned rotating means rotates the aforementioned mounting member. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

8. A liquid supply device according to claim 7, The mounting member is rotated between the first position and the second position. In the first position, the bottom wall portion of the aforementioned mounting member is in contact with the tray body. In the second position described above, the bottom wall portion of the aforementioned mounting member is separated from the tray body. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

9. A liquid supply device according to claim 8, When the tray is removed from the storage unit, the aforementioned mounting member is in the first position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

10. A liquid supply device according to claim 9, The tray is equipped with a locking means for locking the aforementioned mounting member in the first position, The locking of the aforementioned storage member by the locking means is released when the tray is installed in the storage section. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

11. A liquid supply device according to claim 10, The locking means includes a movable member that is displaceable between a locking position for locking the mounting member in the first position and a release position for releasing the lock. The storage unit includes an operating member that contacts the movable member when the tray is mounted on the storage unit and displaces the movable member to the release position. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

12. A liquid supply device according to claim 8, The aforementioned rotating means is Power source and A drive mechanism that rotates the aforementioned mounting member by the driving force of the aforementioned drive source, The system includes a biasing member that biases the mounting member to the second position, A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

13. A liquid supply device according to claim 12, The aforementioned mounting member rotates from the second position to the first position upon being driven by the aforementioned drive source. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

14. A liquid supply device according to claim 7, The tray is provided on the tray body and includes a holding portion for holding the connecting portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

15. A liquid supply device according to claim 14, With the connecting portion held by the holding portion, a part of the connecting portion protrudes from around the holding portion of the tray. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

16. A liquid supply device according to claim 14, The connecting portion and the holding portion engage in a direction different from the direction in which the tray is attached to and detached from the storage portion. A liquid supply device characterized by the following features.

17. A system comprising a liquid dispensing device for dispensing liquid, and a liquid supply device for supplying liquid from a liquid container having a flexible storage section and a connecting section provided at the end of the storage section to the liquid dispensing device, The liquid supply device is A flow path connected to the aforementioned connection part, which allows liquid to flow out of the liquid container, The housing portion is provided with a rotating means for rotating it relative to the connecting portion, A system characterized by the following features.

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