liquid container

The liquid container design with a handle that rotates between suspended and mounted positions, using a bearing and limiting mechanism, addresses the issue of unreliable handle detachment, enhancing transport security and ease of use.

JP2026090968APending Publication Date: 2026-06-03SEIKO EPSON CORP

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SEIKO EPSON CORP
Filing Date
2024-11-22
Publication Date
2026-06-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The attachment and detachment of the handle portion in existing liquid containers for printers is unreliable, particularly when lifting large-capacity containers, risking the handle coming off unintentionally.

Method used

A liquid container design with a handle that is detachable and displaceable between a suspended and mounted position, featuring a shaft portion supported by a bearing and limiting mechanism to restrict movement in the thrust direction, ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment.

Benefits of technology

The design reduces the risk of the handle coming off unintentionally during transport and facilitates easy handling by allowing secure suspension and easy detachment from the adapter.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 2026090968000001_ABST
    Figure 2026090968000001_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a liquid container that reduces the risk of the handle accidentally coming off. [Solution] A liquid container 23 that supplies liquid to a printing device 11 by being attached to the printing device 11 comprises a liquid container 24 for containing liquid, a supply member 25 having a supply passage 29 for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container 24, an adapter 27 for connecting the supply passage 29 to the printing device 11, and a handle 26 that is detachable from the adapter 27. The handle 26 has a first shaft portion attached to the adapter 27 and is displaceable between a suspended position that suspends the liquid container 24 and a mounted position rotated around the first shaft portion from the suspended position. The adapter 27 has a first bearing portion that rotatably supports the first shaft portion and a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the first shaft portion. When the handle 26 is in the suspended position, the first restricting portion restricts the movement of the first shaft portion supported by the first bearing portion in the first thrust direction.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid container.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a liquid container attached to a printer which is an example of a printing device. The liquid container includes a liquid storage portion, a supply path member which is an example of a supply member, an adapter, and a handle portion which is an example of a handle. The liquid storage portion stores the liquid. The supply path member supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion. The adapter is attached to the supply path member. The handle portion is detachably attached to the adapter.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document Ⅰ

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The attachment and detachment of the handle portion in Patent Document 1 is performed using the elastic force of the handle portion. Specifically, the handle portion is removed from the adapter by being pulled so as to widen both ends. Therefore, when lifting a liquid container with a large capacity by holding the handle portion, there is a risk that the handle portion will come off.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A liquid container that solves the above problems is a liquid container that supplies liquid to a printing device by being attached to the printing device, comprising: a liquid container for containing liquid; a supply member having a supply passage for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container; an adapter for connecting the supply passage to the printing device; and a handle that is detachable from the adapter, wherein the handle has a shaft portion attached to the adapter and is displaceable between a suspended position in which the liquid container is suspended and a mounted position rotated around the shaft portion from the suspended position, wherein the adapter has a bearing portion that rotatably supports the shaft portion and a limiting portion that restricts the movement of the shaft portion, wherein when the handle is in the suspended position, the limiting portion restricts the movement of the shaft portion supported by the bearing portion in the thrust direction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a printing apparatus into which a liquid container is installed. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the handle in a suspended position. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the adapter. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the handle being removed from the adapter. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the handle being removed from the adapter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the liquid container will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid container holds a liquid to be supplied to a printing device. The printing device is, for example, an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper.

[0008] In the drawings, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the printing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. In the following explanation, the direction parallel to the X-axis is also called the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y-axis is also called the mounting direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z-axis is also called the vertical direction Z.

[0009] <Printing device> As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus 11 may include a housing 12, a support section 13, and a head 14.

[0010] The support section 13 supports the medium 16 being transported. The print head 14 has one or more nozzles 17. The print head 14 is capable of dispensing liquid. The print head 14 prints onto a medium 16 supported by a support section 13 by dispensing liquid from the nozzles 17 onto the medium 16.

[0011] The printing apparatus 11 may include a supply channel 19, a supply needle 20, a tray 21, and a mounting section 22. A liquid container 23 is mounted on the mounting section 22. The supply channel 19 supplies liquid from the liquid container 23 to the head 14.

[0012] The supply needle 20 is connected to the upstream end of the supply channel 19. The supply needle 20 is provided in the mounting section 22. The tray 21 may be mounted on the mounting section 22 by moving it in the mounting direction Y. The tray 21 may be removed by pulling it out in the opposite direction to the mounting direction Y. The tray 21 supports the liquid container 23. That is, the liquid container 23 is placed on the tray 21. With the liquid container 23 on the tray 21, the tray 21 is mounted on the mounting section 22, thereby connecting it to the supply needle 20. The liquid container 23 supplies liquid to the printing device 11 by being mounted on the printing device 11.

[0013] <Liquid container> As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid container 23 includes a liquid storage portion 24, a supply member 25, a handle 26, and an adapter 27.

[0014] The liquid storage portion 24 is for storing liquid. The liquid storage portion 24 may be a flexible bag. The supply member 25 is attached to the liquid storage portion 24. The supply member 25 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 24 to the outside. The supply member 25 has a supply path 29. The supply path 29 leads into the liquid storage portion 24. The supply path 29 supplies the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 24. The supply path 29 is configured such that a supply needle 20 can be inserted. The liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 24 is led out to the supply flow path 19 through the supply needle 20 inserted into the supply path 29.

[0015] The handle 26 is attached to the adapter 27. The handle 26 is detachable from the adapter 27. The handle 26 is displaceable while attached to the adapter 27. FIG. 1 shows the handle 26 in the mounted posture. The mounted posture is the posture when the liquid container 23 is mounted on the printing apparatus 11. The mounted posture is a tilted posture along the liquid storage portion 24.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the handle 26 is displaceable to a suspended posture. The suspended posture is the posture when the liquid container 23 is carried. The suspended posture is a posture of suspending the liquid storage portion 24.

[0017] In FIGS. 3 to 7, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the posture where the liquid storage portion 24 is placed on a horizontal plane are shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 26 may have a grip portion 31, a first connection portion 32, a first shaft portion 33 which is an example of a shaft portion, a second connection portion 34, and a second shaft portion 35.

[0018] The grip portion 31 is gripped by the user. The grip portion 31 may have a curved shape. The first connecting portion 32 and the second connecting portion 34 may be located at both ends of the gripping portion 31. Specifically, the first connecting portion 32 may extend in the mounting direction Y from one end of the gripping portion 31. The second connecting portion 34 may extend in the mounting direction Y from the other end of the gripping portion 31.

[0019] The first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 are attached to the adapter 27. The first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 are located on the same straight line. The first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 serve as the rotation centers when the handle 26 is displaced. That is, the handle 26 can be displaced between the hanging posture and the mounting posture by rotating about the first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35. The handle 26 in the mounting posture rotates so that the gripping portion 31 moves away from the liquid storage portion 24, thereby changing to the hanging posture. Specifically, when the user grasps the handle 26 in the mounting posture and the user lifts the liquid container 23, the handle 26 is displaced away from the liquid storage portion 24 and changes to the hanging posture. The handle 26 in the hanging posture rotates so that the gripping portion 31 approaches the liquid storage portion 24, thereby changing to the mounting posture. For example, the user may displace the handle 26 from the hanging posture to the mounting posture by tilting the handle 26 while the liquid container 23 is placed on the tray 21.

[0020] The first shaft portion 33 may be located at the tip of the first connecting portion 32. The first shaft portion 33 may be cylindrical. The first shaft portion 33 may extend in the second thrust direction D2 toward the second connecting portion 34. The second thrust direction D2 is the direction opposite to the first thrust direction D1. The first thrust direction D1 and the second thrust direction D2 may be directions parallel to the X axis. The first shaft portion 33 may be cylindrical. The first shaft portion 33 may have a first recess 37 which is an example of a recess. The first recess 37 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft portion 33 over the circumferential direction.

[0021] The second shaft portion 35 may be located at the tip of the second connecting portion 34. The second shaft portion 35 may be cylindrical. The second shaft portion 35 may extend toward the first connecting portion 32 in the first thrust direction D1. The second shaft portion 35 may have a second recess 38. The second recess 38 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft portion 35 in the circumferential direction.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the adapter 27 is attached to the supply member 25. The adapter 27 is for connecting the supply path 29 to the printing device 11. The adapter 27 may also position the supply member 25 relative to the tray 21. The adapter 27 assists in connecting the supply member 25 and the supply needle 20. By providing the adapter 27, the supply member 25 is more easily connected to the supply needle 20 when the tray 21 is installed.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the adapter 27 may have a first bearing portion 41, which is an example of a bearing portion, a second bearing portion 42, and a first guide portion 43, which is an example of a guide portion, and a second guide portion 44.

[0024] The first bearing portion 41 rotatably supports the first shaft portion 33. The first bearing portion 41 may have a first receiving wall 46 and a first receiving hole 47. The first bearing portion 41 may be located at the inner end of the first guide portion 43 in the mounting direction Y. The first receiving wall 46 may be curved to follow the first shaft portion 33. The first receiving hole 47 may be recessed from the first guide portion 43 in the second thrust direction D2.

[0025] The second bearing portion 42 rotatably supports the second shaft portion 35. The second bearing portion 42 may have a second receiving wall 48 and a second receiving hole 49. The second bearing portion 42 may be located at the inner end of the second guide portion 44 in the mounting direction Y. The second receiving wall 48 may be curved to follow the second shaft portion 35. The second receiving hole 49 may be recessed from the second guide portion 44 in the first thrust direction D1.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the first guide portion 43 is open on the front side as viewed in the mounting direction Y and on the first thrust direction D1 side. The second guide portion 44 is open on the front side as viewed in the mounting direction Y and on the second thrust direction D2 side. The first guide portion 43 guides the first shaft portion 33 in the mounting direction Y. The second guide portion 44 guides the second shaft portion 35 in the mounting direction Y. The first guide portion 43 and the second guide portion 44 are approximately symmetrical with respect to the supply path 29, for example. Therefore, in the following description, the first guide portion 43 will be described, and common components will be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanations.

[0027] The first guide section 43 may have a first guide surface 51, a second guide surface 52, a third guide surface 53, and one or more rails 54. In this embodiment, the first guide section 43 has two rails 54.

[0028] The first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 intersect with the third guide surface 53. The first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52 face each other. The third guide surface 53 may be an inclined surface that is tilted with respect to the mounting direction Y.

[0029] The rail 54 may be provided on the first guide surface 51 and the second guide surface 52, respectively. The rail 54 extends in the mounting direction Y. The rail 54 may extend to the first bearing portion 41. A portion of the rail 54 may be aligned with the first bearing portion 41 in the first thrust direction D1. In this embodiment, the rail 54 extends to the first receiving wall 46 and is aligned with the first receiving hole 47 in the first thrust direction D1. The rail 54 engages with the first recess 37. The first shaft portion 33 is supported by the first bearing portion 41 with the first recess 37 engaged with the rail 54.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the adapter 27 may have a first limiting section 56 and a second limiting section 57, which are examples of limiting sections. The first restricting portion 56 restricts the movement of the first shaft portion 33, which is supported by the first bearing portion 41, in the first thrust direction D1 when the handle 26 is in a suspended position. When the handle 26 is in a suspended position, the first restricting portion 56 is aligned with the first connecting portion 32 in the first thrust direction D1. The first restricting portion 56 restricts the movement of the first connecting portion 32 in the first thrust direction D1. Therefore, the first restricting portion 56 restricts the movement of the first shaft portion 33.

[0031] In the mounting direction Y, the rail 54 may extend to the front of the first limiting portion 56. In the mounting direction Y, the length from the front end of the rail 54 to the first bearing portion 41 may be longer than the length from the front end of the first limiting portion 56 to the first bearing portion 41. In the mounting direction Y, the length from the front end of the first guide portion 43 to the first bearing portion 41 may be longer than the length from the front end of the first limiting portion 56 to the first bearing portion 41.

[0032] The second limiting portion 57 restricts the movement of the second shaft portion 35, which is supported by the second bearing portion 42, in the second thrust direction D2 when the handle 26 is in a suspended position. When the handle 26 is in a suspended position, the second limiting portion 57 is aligned with the second connecting portion 34 in the second thrust direction D2. The second limiting portion 57 restricts the movement of the second connecting portion 34 in the second thrust direction D2. Therefore, the second limiting portion 57 restricts the movement of the second shaft portion 35.

[0033] In the mounting direction Y, the rail 54 may extend to the front of the second limiting portion 57. In the mounting direction Y, the length from the front end of the rail 54 to the second bearing portion 42 may be longer than the length from the front end of the second limiting portion 57 to the second bearing portion 42. In the mounting direction Y, the length from the front end of the second guide portion 44 to the second bearing portion 42 may be longer than the length from the front end of the second limiting portion 57 to the second bearing portion 42.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, in the mounted position, the handle 26 has its first connecting portion 32 positioned below the first restricting portion 56, for example, in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when the handle 26 is mounted, the first restricting portion 56 allows the first shaft portion 33 to move in the first thrust direction D1.

[0035] In the mounted position, the handle 26 has its second connecting portion 34 positioned below the second limiting portion 57, for example, in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, when the handle 26 is mounted, the second limiting portion 57 allows the second shaft portion 35 to move in the second thrust direction D2.

[0036] <Attaching and detaching the handle> As shown in Figure 6, to remove the handle 26, force is applied to the handle 26 in the mounted position to cause elastic deformation by spreading it apart. That is, when force is applied to the first connecting portion 32 in the first thrust direction D1, the first connecting portion 32 moves in the first thrust direction D1 so as to slide under the first limiting portion 56. The first shaft portion 33 moves in the first thrust direction D1 together with the first connecting portion 32 and comes off the first bearing portion 41. The first shaft portion 33 that has come off the first bearing portion 41 may rest on the third guide surface 53.

[0037] When a force is applied to the second connecting portion 34 in the second thrust direction D2, the second connecting portion 34 moves in the second thrust direction D2, sliding under the second limiting portion 57. As the second shaft portion 35 moves in the second thrust direction D2 together with the second connecting portion 34, it detaches from the second bearing portion 42. The second shaft portion 35, having detached from the second bearing portion 42, may rest on the third guide surface 53.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, when the handle 26 is moved in the opposite direction to the mounting direction Y while the first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 are resting on the third guide surface 53, the handle 26 can be removed from the adapter 27. At this time, the first shaft portion 33 moves with the first recess 37 engaged with the rail 54. The second shaft portion 35 moves with the second recess 38 engaged with the rail 54.

[0039] When attaching the handle 26 to the adapter 27, the procedure is the reverse of the procedure when removing the handle 26. Specifically, the first recess 37 and the second recess 38 are aligned with the rail 54, and the first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 are aligned with the third guide surface 53. When the handle 26 is moved in the mounting direction Y in this state, the handle 26 is displaced so that the first shaft portion 33 and the second shaft portion 35 are aligned with the third guide surface 53, and then supported by the first bearing portion 41 and the second bearing portion 42.

[0040] <Operation of this embodiment> The operation of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in Figure 2, the suspended handle 26 is less likely to detach from the adapter 27 due to the first limiting part 56 and the second limiting part 57. The suspended liquid container 24 is laid on the tray 21 that is pulled out from the housing 12. When the liquid container 23 is placed on the tray 21, the user rotates the handle 26 to tilt it down, thereby putting the handle 26 in the mounting position. When the tray 21 with the liquid container 23 on it is pushed into the mounting part 22, liquid is supplied from the liquid container 23 to the printing device 11.

[0041] <Effects of this embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1-1) The liquid container 23 is transported by suspending the liquid container 24. When the liquid container 24 is suspended, the handle 26 assumes a suspended position. The first limiting part 56 restricts the movement of the first shaft 33 in the first thrust direction D1 when the handle 26 is in a suspended position. That is, the first limiting part 56 reduces the risk of the first shaft 33 coming off the first bearing 41. Therefore, the risk of the handle 26 coming off unintentionally can be reduced.

[0042] (1-2) The first limiting portion 56 allows the first shaft portion 33 to move in the first thrust direction D1 when the handle 26 is in the mounted position. In other words, the first limiting portion 56 makes it easier for the first shaft portion 33 to detach from the first bearing portion 41. Therefore, the handle 26 can be easily removed by changing the position of the handle 26.

[0043] (1-3) If the first limiting portion 56 is provided, there is a risk that the visibility of the first bearing portion 41 will be reduced. In this regard, the adapter 27 has a first guide portion 43. In the mounting direction Y, the first guide portion 43 extends to a position further away from the first bearing portion 41 than the first limiting portion 56. Therefore, the visibility of the first guide portion 43 is ensured. By having the first shaft portion 33 guide the first guide portion 43, the handle 26 can be easily attached to and detached from the adapter 27.

[0044] (1-4) The first guide section 43 has a rail 54. The rail 54 extends from the first limiting section 56 to a position away from the first bearing section 41. This ensures that the rail 54 is visible. A portion of the rail 54 is aligned with the first bearing section 41 in the first thrust direction D1. Therefore, the first shaft section 33, which is guided by the rail 54 in the mounting direction Y, is supported by the first bearing section 41 with the first recess 37 engaged with the rail 54. Thus, even when the first bearing section 41 is difficult to see, the handle 26 can be easily attached to and detached from the adapter 27 by guiding the first shaft section 33 with the rail 54.

[0045] (1-5) The first limiting portion 56 restricts the movement of the first shaft portion 33 in the first thrust direction D1 when the handle 26 is in a suspended position. The second limiting portion 57 restricts the movement of the second shaft portion 35 in the second thrust direction D2 when the handle 26 is in a suspended position. The first thrust direction D1 is opposite to the second thrust direction D2. Therefore, the risk of the handle 26 coming off the adapter 27 in a suspended position can be reduced.

[0046] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0047] The first shaft portion 33 may extend from the first connecting portion 32 in the opposite direction to the second connecting portion 34. The second shaft portion 35 may extend from the second connecting portion 34 in the opposite direction to the first connecting portion 32. The first limiting portion 56 and the second limiting portion 57 may be located between the first connecting portion 32 and the second connecting portion 34. In this case, the first thrust direction D1 and the second thrust direction D2 will be in the opposite direction to that of the above embodiment.

[0048] The handle 26 may be configured to have one shaft portion. The adapter 27 may be configured to have one bearing portion and one limiting portion. The rail 54 may extend along the third guide surface 53.

[0049] At least one of the first guide section 43 and the second guide section 44 does not need to have a rail 54. In the mounting direction Y, the length of the rail 54 may be the same as at least one of the first limiting portion 56 and the second limiting portion 57. In the mounting direction Y, the length of the rail 54 may be shorter than at least one of the first limiting portion 56 and the second limiting portion 57.

[0050] In the mounting direction Y, the front end of the first limiting portion 56 may be located at the same position as the front end of the first guide portion 43. In the mounting direction Y, the front end of the first limiting portion 56 may be located in front of the front end of the first guide portion 43.

[0051] In the mounting direction Y, the front end of the second limiting portion 57 may be located at the same position as the front end of the second guide portion 44. In the mounting direction Y, the front end of the second limiting portion 57 may be located in front of the front end of the second guide portion 44.

[0052] The handle 26 may be attached to and detached from the adapter 27 in a position between the suspended position and the mounted position. In this case, the first limiting portion 56 may restrict the movement of the first shaft portion 33 in the first thrust direction D1 even when the handle 26 is in the mounted position. The second limiting portion 57 may restrict the movement of the second shaft portion 35 in the second thrust direction D2 even when the handle 26 is in the mounted position.

[0053] The liquid contained in the liquid container 23 can be arbitrarily selected as long as it can adhere to the medium 16 and be printed on the medium 16. A liquid is any substance in a liquid phase, and includes highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. A liquid is not only a liquid as a state of matter, but also includes functional materials consisting of particles of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals. Ink is a general term encompassing water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks.

[0054] The printing device 11 is a device that prints images such as characters, pictures, and photographs by applying a liquid such as ink to a medium, and may be a serial printer, lateral printer, line printer, page printer, etc. Alternatively, the printing device 11 may be an offset printing device, a textile printing device, etc. The printing device only needs to have a printing function that prints onto a medium, and may also be a multifunction device that has functions other than printing.

[0055] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, if there are two options, the expression "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, as used herein, the expression "at least one" means "only one option," "a combination of two arbitrary options," or "a combination of three or more arbitrary options" if there are three or more options.

[0056] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0057] [1] The liquid container is a liquid container that is attached to a printing device to supply liquid to the printing device, comprising: a liquid container for containing liquid; a supply member having a supply passage for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container; an adapter for connecting the supply passage to the printing device; and a handle that is detachable from the adapter, wherein the handle has a shaft portion attached to the adapter and is displaceable between a suspended position in which the liquid container is suspended and a mounted position rotated around the shaft portion from the suspended position, wherein the adapter has a bearing portion that rotatably supports the shaft portion and a limiting portion that restricts the movement of the shaft portion, wherein the limiting portion restricts the movement of the shaft portion supported by the bearing portion in the thrust direction when the handle is in the suspended position.

[0058] The liquid container is transported by suspending the liquid container. When the liquid container is suspended, the handle assumes a suspended position. With this configuration, the limiting part restricts the thrust direction movement of the shaft when the handle is in the suspended position. In other words, the limiting part reduces the risk of the shaft coming off the bearing. Therefore, the risk of the handle coming off unintentionally can be reduced.

[0059] [2] In the liquid container described in [1] above, the limiting portion may allow the shaft portion to move in the thrust direction when the handle is in the mounting position. In this configuration, the limiting section allows the shaft to move in the thrust direction when the handle is in the mounted position. In other words, the limiting section makes it easier for the shaft to detach from the bearing. Therefore, the handle can be easily removed by changing its position.

[0060] [3] In the liquid container described in [1] or [2] above, the adapter has a guide portion that guides the shaft portion in the mounting direction, and in the mounting direction, the length from the end of the guide portion to the bearing portion may be longer than the length from the end of the limiting portion to the bearing portion.

[0061] When a limiting section is provided, there is a risk that the visibility of the bearing section will be reduced. In this configuration, however, the adapter has a guide section. In the mounting direction, the guide section extends to a position further away from the bearing section than the limiting section. Therefore, the visibility of the guide section is ensured. By guiding the shaft section with the guide section, the handle can be easily attached to and detached from the adapter.

[0062] [4] In the liquid container described in [3] above, the guide portion has a rail extending in the mounting direction, the shaft portion has a recess that engages with the rail, a part of the rail is aligned with the bearing portion in the thrust direction, and in the mounting direction, the length from the end of the rail to the bearing portion may be longer than the length from the end of the limiting portion to the bearing portion.

[0063] In this configuration, the guide section has a rail. The rail extends from the limiting section to a position away from the bearing section. Therefore, the visibility of the rail is ensured. A portion of the rail is aligned with the bearing section in the thrust direction. Therefore, the shaft section, which is guided by the rail in the mounting direction, is supported by the bearing section with its recess engaged with the rail. Thus, even when the bearing section is difficult to see, the handle can be easily attached to and detached from the adapter by guiding the shaft section with the rail.

[0064] [5] In any one of the liquid containers described in [1] to [4] above, when the shaft portion is designated as the first shaft portion, the bearing portion as the first bearing portion, the limiting portion as the first limiting portion, and the thrust direction as the first thrust direction, the handle has a second shaft portion which becomes the center of rotation when displaced, the adapter has a second bearing portion which rotatably supports the second shaft portion, and a second limiting portion which restricts the movement of the second shaft portion, the second limiting portion which restricts the movement of the second shaft portion supported by the second bearing portion in the second thrust direction opposite to the first thrust direction when the handle is in the suspended position.

[0065] In this configuration, the first limiting part restricts the movement of the first shaft in the first thrust direction when the handle is in a suspended position. The second limiting part restricts the movement of the second shaft in the second thrust direction when the handle is in a suspended position. The first thrust direction is opposite to the second thrust direction. Therefore, the risk of the handle coming off the adapter in a suspended position can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 11…Printing device, 12…Housing, 13…Support part, 14…Head, 16…Media, 17…Nozzle, 19…Supply channel, 20…Supply needle, 21…Tray, 22…Mounting part, 23…Liquid container, 24…Liquid container, 25…Supply member, 26…Handle, 27…Adapter, 29…Supply path, 31…Grip part, 32…First connection part, 33…First shaft part (an example of a shaft part), 34…Second connection part, 35…Second shaft part, 37…First recess (an example of a recess), 38…Second recess, 41… 42...First bearing section, 43...First guide section, 44...Second guide section, 46...First receiving wall, 47...First receiving hole, 48...Second receiving wall, 49...Second receiving hole, 51...First guide surface, 52...Second guide surface, 53...Third guide surface, 54...Rail, 56...First limiting section, 57...Second limiting section, D1...First thrust direction, 43...Second thrust direction, X...Width direction, Y...Mounting direction, Z...Vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid container that is attached to a printing device to supply liquid to the printing device, A liquid storage section for storing liquid, A supply member having a supply channel for supplying the liquid to be contained in the liquid storage section, An adapter for connecting the supply path to the printing device, A handle that can be attached to and detached from the adapter, Equipped with, The handle has a shaft portion that is attached to the adapter, and is displaceable between a suspended position that suspends the liquid container and a mounted position rotated around the shaft portion from the suspended position. The aforementioned adapter is A bearing portion that rotatably supports the aforementioned shaft portion, A limiting member that restricts the movement of the shaft portion, It has, The liquid container is characterized in that the limiting portion restricts the movement of the shaft portion supported by the bearing portion in the thrust direction when the handle is in the suspended position.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that the limiting portion allows movement of the shaft portion in the thrust direction when the handle is in the mounting position.

3. The adapter has a guide portion that guides the shaft portion in the mounting direction, The liquid container according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the mounting direction, the length from the end of the guide portion to the bearing portion is longer than the length from the end of the limiting portion to the bearing portion.

4. The guide portion has a rail extending in the mounting direction, The shaft portion has a recess that engages with the rail, A portion of the rail is aligned with the bearing portion in the thrust direction, The liquid container according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the mounting direction, the length from the end of the rail to the bearing portion is longer than the length from the end of the limiting portion to the bearing portion.

5. When the shaft portion is designated as the first shaft portion, the bearing portion as the first bearing portion, the limiting portion as the first limiting portion, and the thrust direction as the first thrust direction, The handle has a second shaft portion which becomes the center of rotation when it is displaced. The aforementioned adapter is A second bearing portion that rotatably supports the second shaft portion, A second limiting unit that restricts the movement of the second shaft portion, It has, The liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second limiting portion restricts the movement of the second shaft portion, which is supported by the second bearing portion, in the second thrust direction opposite to the first thrust direction when the handle is in the suspended position.