Liquid dispensing device
The liquid storage container addresses the issue of liquid scattering and user contact by using a deformable lid member with a protruding knob and flexible grooves, ensuring safe and compact operation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026078229
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing liquid storage containers face the risk of liquid scattering and user contact when removing the lid member due to the design of the stopper member, which can cause ink to splatter and adhere to the user's hands.
A liquid storage container with a lid member that includes a cover portion with a protruding knob and flexible grooves, allowing it to deform from a first state to a second state, reducing the risk of liquid splashing and minimizing device size by ensuring the knob does not hit the container cover during closure.
The design effectively reduces the risk of liquid splashing and user contact while maintaining a compact device size by containing any adhering liquid within the container body, enhancing operational safety and convenience.
Smart Images

Figure 2026116515000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid ejection device.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid storage container provided with a detachable plug member (also referred to as a "lid member"), and a liquid ejection device provided with the liquid storage container.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] The technology according to the present disclosure aims to provide a liquid storage container capable of reducing the risk of liquid scattering when removing the lid member.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] The liquid storage container according to the present disclosure includes a container body having an opening and storing liquid therein, a lid member detachable from the opening, a container housing portion housing the container body and having an opening, a cover movable between a first position covering the container housing portion and a second position not covering the container housing portion, and a lid member placement portion formed by a wall portion provided inside the cover when the cover is in the first position. In a state where the cover is in the second position, a protruding portion protruding in the protruding direction of the wall portion is provided at the bottom of the lid member placement portion, and the lid member is placed on the lid member placement portion in a state where the protruding portion and the lid member are in contact with each other.
Effects of the Invention
[0006] The liquid container described herein reduces the risk of liquid splashing when the lid is removed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of the mechanism of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid dispensing device that replenishes liquid from a liquid replenishment container. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid container for a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of a stopper member relating to a comparative example. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a lid member. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the process for removing the lid member. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a lid member. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a lid member. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a lid member. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a cross-section of a lid member and a container cover. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing an example of a container cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] The following describes preferred embodiments of the technology disclosed herein, with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described below are merely illustrative and should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the invention is applied and various conditions. Therefore, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following description. In particular, well-known or prior art in the relevant field can be applied to configurations and processes that are not illustrated or described. Also, redundant explanations may be omitted.
[0009] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0010] <Liquid discharge device 200> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the mechanism of a liquid dispensing device 200 to which this embodiment can be applied.
[0011] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid dispensing device 200 along the line II-II in Figure 1. Note that in Figure 2, the size of each component has been changed or components have been omitted for illustrative purposes. The liquid dispensing device 200 comprises a feeding unit 1, a transport unit 2, a dispensing unit 3, a supply unit 4, a display unit 5, a liquid container 16, and a container cover 7 that covers the container housing unit that houses the liquid container 16. The feeding unit 1 separates the print media one sheet at a time from a bundle of sheet-like print media using a feeding roller 10 and supplies them to the transport unit 2. The transport unit 2 is located downstream of the feeding unit 1 in the transport direction and is equipped with a platen 13 for holding the print media between the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 12. The transport unit 2 transports the print media fed from the feeding roller 10 using the transport roller 11 and the paper discharge roller 12, etc.
[0012] The discharge unit 3 discharges liquid onto the print medium using a liquid discharge head 15 mounted on a carriage 14. The print medium, transported by the transport unit 2, is supported vertically from below by a platen 13. By discharging liquid from the liquid discharge head 15 located vertically above, an image based on image information is formed. The liquid container 16 is capable of containing liquid. The supply unit 4 is configured to supply liquid from the storage chamber 100 of the container body 111 to the liquid discharge head 15 via a flow path 101 and a flexible supply tube 17. In this embodiment, the liquid is ink. Specifically, four supply tubes 17 through which ink of each color (black, magenta, cyan, and yellow) flows extend from the liquid container 16. The supply tubes 17 extending from the liquid container 16 are bundled together and connected to the liquid container 16 and the liquid discharge head 15. When the liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head 15 is discharged from the discharge port of the liquid discharge head 15, the same amount of liquid as the amount of liquid discharged is supplied to the liquid discharge head 15 from the liquid storage container 16. Then, in the liquid storage container 16, the same amount of air as the amount of liquid supplied to the liquid discharge head 15 flows in through the air communication port 102 located vertically above the container body 111. The display unit 5 is used to notify the user of the status of the device during operation and to display information when the user selects an operation.
[0013] <Liquid refilling> FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a liquid ejecting apparatus 200 that is replenished with liquid from a liquid replenishing container 201. As shown in the figure, in the liquid ejecting apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, when supplying liquid, the user opens the container cover 7 and supplies the liquid into the inside of the storage chamber 100 through the supply port 106 provided in the liquid storage container 16 from the liquid replenishing container 201. A lid member 105 that is detachably configured on the container main body 111 and seals the supply port 106 is attached to the supply port 106. When replenishing the liquid with the liquid replenishing container 201, the user removes the lid member 105 of the supply port 106. According to such a configuration, when the container cover 7 is opened and the lid member 105 is removed, the liquid can be supplied into the inside of the liquid ejecting apparatus 200 main body while the liquid storage container 16 is housed in the container housing portion provided inside the liquid ejecting apparatus 200 main body. Note that the liquid storage container 16 is not limited to the configuration incorporated inside the apparatus main body of the liquid ejecting apparatus 200 as in the present embodiment. As long as the liquid can be supplied from the liquid storage container 16 to the liquid ejection head 15, the liquid storage container 16 may be configured to be provided outside the liquid ejecting apparatus 200 main body.
[0014] <Liquid storage container 16> FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the liquid storage container 16 of the liquid ejecting apparatus 200. The liquid storage container 16 in the present embodiment includes a container main body 111 having a storage chamber 100 and a supply port 106, and a lid member 105. The container main body 111 is formed of a synthetic resin such as polypropylene and has a generally rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. The container main body 111 has a front wall 1010, a right wall 1020, a left wall 1030, an upper wall 1040, and a lower wall 1050. The front wall 1010 includes a standing wall 1010A that extends substantially in the vertical direction from the lower wall 1050, and an inclined wall 1010B (an example of an outer wall) that is connected to the upper end of the standing wall 1010A and is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the front-rear direction. The inclined wall 1010B is inclined toward the rear side with respect to the standing wall 1010A. Further, a liquid supply port 106 is formed in the inclined wall 1010B.
[0015] On one hand, the rear surface of the container body 111 is open. Then, by welding the film 1060 to the rear ends of the right wall 1020, left wall 1030, first color partition wall 1021, second color partition wall 1022, third color partition wall 1023, upper wall 1040, and lower wall 1050, the container body 111 is sealed and the rear wall, which is the rear surface, is formed. That is, the rear wall of the container body 111 is formed by the film 1060. With the above configuration, a storage chamber 100 for storing liquid is formed.
[0016] <Comparative Example> To facilitate the understanding of the lid member 105 according to the present embodiment, first, the description of the plug member 905 according to the comparative example will be given.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the plug member 905 according to the comparative example. In the description of the plug member 905, the same names or the same reference numerals are used for the configurations that are the same as or corresponding to the configuration of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the plug member 905 includes a main body portion 905C that is located outside the storage chamber 100 and the supply port 106 in a state of being attached to the supply port 106, and a plug portion 905D that is inserted into the supply port 106 to close the supply port 106.
[0018] Generally, the stopper member 905 is elastic. When the stopper member 905 is attached to the supply port 106, the stopper portion 905D is elastically deformed as it is inserted into the supply port 106. Once the stopper portion 905D is inserted, the elastic restoring force of the stopper portion 905D presses the supply port 106 from the inside out. As a result, the stopper member 905 becomes tightly fitted into the supply port 106. The main body portion 905C of the stopper member 905 also includes a cover portion 905B that covers the opening surface of the supply port 106, and a knob portion 905A that protrudes from the upper surface 904 of the cover portion 905B. The knob portion 905A is also the part that the user grasps when removing the stopper member 905 from the supply port 106. The user pulls the knob portion 905A to open the stopper member 905 and pull it out of the supply port 106. As shown in Figure 5, the knob portion 905A is formed to protrude from the upper surface 904 of the cover portion 905B, along the opening surface of the supply port 106, when the stopper member 905 is attached to the supply port 106. In the stopper member 905 of the comparative example, the back surface 907 is substantially horizontal to the opening surface of the supply port 106. In this case, inside the supply port 106, a substance Q (for example, ink in the liquid container 16) may adhere to the back surface 907 of the cover portion 905B and remain due to the viscosity of the substance Q. For example, if the substance Q is ink, and the ink is held on the back surface 907 due to its viscosity, the ink is likely to splatter when the user pulls the stopper member 905 out of the supply port 106. Also, if the user touches the back surface 907 after removing the stopper member 905, there is a risk that ink will adhere to the user's hand. The above is a description of the stopper member 905 according to the comparative example. The lid member 105 according to this embodiment will be described below.
[0019] <Lid member 105> Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member 105 according to this embodiment. The lid member 105 is the same member as the stopper member 905 described above. The cross-sectional views of the lid member 105 shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) correspond to the cross-sectional views of the stopper member 905. Also, the vertical direction of the drawings in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) coincides with the vertical direction of the drawing in Figure 5. Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the lid member 105 along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. Figure 6(b) is a diagram showing the lid member 105 shown in Figure 6(a) in a deformed state. As described above, the liquid storage container 16 has a container body 111. The container body 111 has a supply port 106.
[0020] As shown in Figure 6(a), the liquid container 16 has a lid member 105 that can be attached to and detached from the supply port 106 (i.e., the opening). The lid member 105 has a cover portion 600 that can cover the supply port 106. In the illustrated example, the cover portion 600 has a truncated cone shape. The opening surface of the supply port 106 is positioned obliquely to the direction of gravity. The cover portion 600 includes a first region 601, a second region 602, and a third region 603. When the lid member 105 is attached to the supply port 106, the first region 601 is positioned along the opening surface of the supply port 106 and covers a portion of the opening surface of the supply port 106. In the illustrated example, the shape of the first region 601 is annular. With the lid member 105 attached to the supply port 106, the second region 602 is positioned away from the supply port 106 with respect to the position of the first region 601. In this embodiment, the second region 602 is provided substantially horizontally with respect to the opening surface of the supply port 106. Furthermore, the second region 602 is located inside the inner circumference of the first region 601. In the illustrated example, the shape of the second region 602 is circular.
[0021] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, the lid member 105 has a handle portion 605 that protrudes away from the supply port 106. Specifically, when the lid member 105 is attached to the supply port 106, the handle portion 605 protrudes approximately perpendicularly from the surface of the second region 602 in a direction away from the supply port 106. Note that "protruding" of the handle portion 605 means that the handle portion 605 protrudes sufficiently to allow a user to apply force to the handle portion 605 by pinching, pulling, or pushing it. The handle portion 605 is also provided so as to protrude from the surface of the second region 602 at a position through which the axis CP passing through the center of the lid member 105 passes when the liquid container 16 is in the position when the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106. Preferably, the handle portion 605 has a rib portion 606. The rib portion 606 has one or more grooves on the side surface of the knob portion 605. The rib portion 606 acts to increase the frictional force between the side surface of the knob portion 605 and the user's finger when the user places their finger on the side surface of the knob portion 605 to remove the lid member 105. The third region 603 connects the inner circumference of the first region 601 and the outer circumference of the second region 602. That is, the first region 601, the second region 602, and the third region 603 are formed in a continuous manner.
[0022] Furthermore, when the lid member 105 is attached to the supply port 106, the back surface 607 of the lid member 105 is exposed towards the inside of the container body 111. When the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106, the shape of the back surface 607 is concave, formed using the back surfaces of the second region 602, the third region 603, and the first region 601. Therefore, even if deposits Q adhere to the back surface 607 when the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106, the back surfaces of the third region 603 and the first region 601 face inward. As a result, when the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106, the scattering of deposits Q to the outside of the lid member 105 is suppressed. Thus, according to the liquid container 16 of this embodiment, the risk of liquid scattering when the lid member 105 is removed can be reduced. Furthermore, the risk of liquid coming into contact with the user after removing the lid member 105 can be reduced.
[0023] However, when the lid member 105 is in the state shown in Figure 6(a) (hereinafter referred to as "first state"), the overall height of the lid member 105, including the knob 605, may be higher than the height of the stopper member 905 in the comparative example. As a result, the knob 605 may hit the back surface of the container cover 7, making it impossible to close the container cover 7. In order to maintain clearance from the tip of the knob 605 to the back surface of the container cover 7 so that the container cover 7 can be closed, it may be necessary to widen the container housing section that houses the liquid container 16 in the liquid dispensing device 200. In other words, if the lid member 105 remains in the first state, it may lead to an increase in the size of the liquid dispensing device 200.
[0024] <Deformation of lid member 105> Therefore, in order to allow the container cover 7 to be closed, the lid member 105 according to this embodiment may be made deformable, as shown in Figure 6(b). Hereinafter, the state shown in Figure 6(b) will be referred to as the "second state". In this configuration, the cover portion 600 has a first groove 611 at the boundary between the first region 601 and the third region 603. Furthermore, the cover portion 600 has a second groove 612 at the boundary between the second region 602 and the third region 603.
[0025] Furthermore, the materials constituting the third region 603, the first groove 611, and the second groove 612 include a flexible material. This is because it is necessary to flex the third region 603 when deforming the lid member 105 from the first state to the second state, or when deforming the lid member 105 from the second state to the first state.
[0026] Furthermore, the regions where the first groove 611 and the second groove 612 are formed are weaker against stress compared to the regions where the first groove 611 and the second groove 612 are not formed. For this reason, when the first groove 611 and the second groove 612 are formed in the cover portion 600, the third region 603 can be bent with less force compared to when the first groove 611 and the second groove 612 are not formed in the cover portion 600. In other words, when deforming the lid member 105, the third region 603 can be bent starting from the first groove 611 and the second groove 612. Therefore, when the first groove 611 and the second groove 612 are formed in the cover portion 600, the lid member 105 becomes easier to deform. More preferably, the materials constituting the third region 603, the first groove 611, and the second groove 612 include a plastic material. The reason is that when the liquid dispensing device 200 is in use, it is more beneficial for miniaturizing the liquid dispensing device 200 if the lid member 105 maintains the second state. For example, the material constituting the third region 603, the first groove 611, and the second groove 612 includes rubber.
[0027] Furthermore, the second region 602 has a different thickness from the first region 601 and the third region 603. Specifically, the second region 602 is thicker than the first region 601 and the third region 603. When the lid member 105 is deformed by the user, the knob portion 605 protruding from the second region 602 is operated by the user. When the lid member 105 is deformed by the user from the first state to the second state, the knob portion 605 is pushed inward from the outside of the supply port 106. Also, when the lid member 105 is deformed by the user from the second state to the first state, the knob portion 605 is pulled up outward from the inside of the supply port 106. Thus, in this embodiment, a load is applied to the second region 602 because the user operates the knob portion 605. To ensure durability against the load applied when the user operates the knob 605, the second region 602 is made thicker than the first region 601 and the third region 603. Furthermore, because the second region 602 is thicker, it becomes easier to operate the knob 605.
[0028] Furthermore, when the lid member 105 is transformed from the first state to the second state, the knob portion 605, the second region 602, and the third region 603 move from outside to inside the supply port 106. As a result, in the second state, the second region 602 is located inside the supply port 106. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount that the knob portion 605, which is provided in the second region 602, protrudes from the supply port 106. In other words, in the second state, the height of the lid member 105 is lower than in the first state, and the liquid container 16 can be made smaller overall. For this reason, the liquid container 16 can be housed inside the liquid dispensing device 200 without increasing the size of the liquid dispensing device 200. Also, when the user refills the liquid container 16 with liquid, the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106. The knob portion 605 has a length that allows it to protrude from the supply opening 106 when the cover portion 600 is deformed into a convex shape (i.e., when it is deformed into the second state). This allows the user to deform the lid member 105 from the second state to the first state by pinching and pulling up the portion of the knob portion 605 that protrudes from the supply opening 106.
[0029] <Removal of lid member 105> Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the process of removing the lid member 105 in this embodiment. Figures 7(a) to 7(c) are cross-sectional views sequentially showing the process of removing the lid member 105 from the supply port 106 of the container body 111. The process of removing the lid member 105 will be described below in order. The arrow P in the figures indicates the direction in which the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106.
[0030] Figure 7(a) shows the second state of the lid member 105. As shown in Figure 7(a), in the second state, the third region 603 and the second region 602 form a protrusion extending from the outside to the inside of the supply port 106. Also, due to some factor, the deposit Q may adhere to the back surface 607 (see Figure 6) of the cover portion 600.
[0031] Figure 7(b) shows the state in which the lid member 105 shown in Figure 7(a) has been deformed from the second state to the first state. As shown in Figure 7(b), when the lid member 105 is in the first state, if the knob 605 is pulled up by the user from the inside to the outside of the supply port 106, the lid member 105 is deformed from the first state to the second state. At this time, as the lid member 105 deforms from the second state to the first state, the third region 603 and the second region 602, which formed a convex portion in the first state, form a recess that is recessed from the inside to the outside of the supply port 106. In this state, the back surface 607 covers the attached substance Q from the outside. In the illustrated example, as the lid member 105 deforms from the second state to the first state, the attached substance Q is drawn into the recess formed by the third region 603 and the second region 602. The attached substance Q is then held in the recess by its viscosity.
[0032] Figure 7(c) shows the lid member 105 moved from the position shown in Figure 7(b) to the position shown in Figure 7(c). By further pulling up the knob 605 in the direction of arrow P from the position shown in Figure 7(b), the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106.
[0033] <Summary> With the lid member 105 attached to the opening, the cover portion 600 can deform into a convex shape when the knob portion 605 is pushed inward from the outside of the opening. Furthermore, with the cover portion 600 deformed into a convex shape, when the knob portion 605 is pulled up outward from the inside of the opening, the cover portion 600 can deform from a convex shape to a concave shape. Therefore, even if a substance Q adheres to the back surface 607, the substance Q is held in place by the concave back surface 607. Accordingly, with the liquid container 16 according to this embodiment, the risk of liquid splashing when the lid member 105 is removed can be reduced.
[0034] Furthermore, if the knob 605 hits the container cover 7 when the container cover 7 is closed, the lid member 105 can be deformed from the first state to the second state. This makes it possible to suppress liquid splashing when removing the lid member 105 and to miniaturize the liquid container 16. In other words, the liquid container 16 according to this embodiment can suppress liquid splashing while also suppressing the enlargement of the liquid dispensing device 200.
[0035] [Second Embodiment] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the characteristic configurations will be described below. Similarly, the diagram showing the lid member 105 of the later embodiment is also shown with the same orientation as the first embodiment. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container that improves the operability when deforming the lid member 105.
[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member 105 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, the material constituting the knob portion 605 and the material constituting the cover portion 600 are different. Specifically, the knob portion 605 according to this embodiment is made of a material that has greater rigidity than the cover portion 600 according to this embodiment.
[0037] If the knob portion 605 has rigidity, the user will find it easier to operate the knob portion 605 when pushing or pulling it. In other words, according to the liquid container having the knob portion 605 of this embodiment, the operability when deforming the lid member 105 can be improved.
[0038] [Third Embodiment] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the characteristic configuration will be described below. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container that can further improve the operability when deforming the lid member 105.
[0039] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member 105 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, the lid member 105 according to this embodiment has a first top surface portion 1001 that is longer in diameter (longer in the left-right direction in the figure) than the knob portion 605. It is preferable that the material constituting the first top surface portion 1001 includes a rigid material. This is because if the first top surface portion 1001 is rigid, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the first top surface portion 1001.
[0040] With this configuration, when the user pulls up the knob 605, they can easily hook their fingers onto the first top surface 1001 by pinching it. Furthermore, compared to the first embodiment, this embodiment increases the contact area when the user pushes in the knob 605. Therefore, the user can push in the knob 605 more easily. Thus, the liquid container 16 having the first top surface 1001 can further improve the operability when deforming the lid member 105.
[0041] [Fourth Embodiment] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the characteristic configuration will be described below. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container 16 that can suppress excessive deformation of the lid member 105.
[0042] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lid member 105 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 10, the lid member 105 has a second top surface portion 1002 that is larger in area than the supply opening 106. It is preferable that the material constituting the second top surface portion 1002 includes a rigid material. This is because if the second top surface portion 1002 is rigid, it becomes easier for the user to grasp the second top surface portion 1002.
[0043] With this configuration, the area of the second top surface 1002 is larger than the area of the supply port 106. Therefore, even if the user pushes the knob 605 too far, the movement of the knob 605 stops when the back surface of the second top surface 1002 hits the supply port 106 across the first area 601. Accordingly, with the liquid container 16 according to this embodiment, in addition to the improved operability described above, excessive deformation of the lid member 105 due to excessive pushing of the knob 605 can be suppressed.
[0044] [Fifth Embodiment] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the characteristic configuration will be described below. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a liquid container 16 that allows the lid member 105 to be deformed even if the user forgets to deform the lid member 105 from the first state to the second state.
[0045] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing how the lid member 105 is deformed from a first state to a second state by the container cover 7. As shown in Figure 11, the container cover 7 has a configuration that allows the knob portion 605 to be pushed in when the container cover 7 is moved in the direction to be closed by the user. In addition, the knob portion 605 of the lid member 105 has a length that allows it to strike the back surface of the container cover 7 when the container cover 7 is closed in the first state. Preferably, a second top portion 1002 is used to increase the area that is pressed by the container cover 7 when it is closed.
[0046] With this configuration, when closing the container cover 7, the user can deform the lid member 105 from the first state to the second state by striking the back surface of the container cover 7 against the second top surface 1002. This allows the lid member 105 to be deformed even if the user forgets to deform it from the first state to the second state. Furthermore, even if the first top surface 1001 or the second top surface 1002 is not used, it is still possible to push in the knob 605 using the container cover 7.
[0047] [Sixth Embodiment] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, the characteristic configuration will be described below. The objective of this embodiment is to provide a liquid dispensing device 200 that can further suppress liquid splashing.
[0048] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the container cover 7 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the container cover 7 of the liquid dispensing device 200 according to this embodiment has a mounting portion 107 on the back surface of the container cover 7 for placing the lid member 105 removed from the supply port 106. Furthermore, preferably, the mounting portion 107 has a liquid absorbent portion 108. Examples of materials constituting the liquid absorbent portion 108 include fiber aggregates or materials that easily absorb liquid. Specifically, the materials constituting the liquid absorbent portion 108 include urethane. An example of the liquid absorbent portion 108 is urethane sponge.
[0049] As a result, when the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106, the liquid adhering to the back surface 607 can be absorbed by the liquid absorption section 108. Therefore, in this embodiment, each time the lid member 105 is removed, the liquid adhering to the back surface 607 is absorbed by the liquid absorption section 108, making it easier to maintain a state in which no adhering substance Q is attached to the back surface 607. Thus, the liquid dispensing device 200 according to this embodiment can further suppress the scattering of liquid.
[0050] <Other Embodiments> In the first embodiment, an example of a material constituting the lid member 105 was given in which a plastic material is included, but the material constituting the lid member 105 may also include an elastic material. With this configuration, the lid member 105, which was compressed when the container cover 7 was closed, can be deformed from the second state to the first state by the elastic restoring force when the container cover 7 is opened, without any operation by the user. Furthermore, with this configuration, the vibration when the lid member 105 deforms from the second state to the first state may cause any attached material Q adhering to the back surface 607 to return to the inside of the container body 111. This makes it possible to suppress the scattering of liquid when the lid member 105 is removed from the supply port 106.
[0051] This embodiment includes the following configuration.
[0052] <Configuration 1> A container body having an opening, It has a lid member that can be attached to or detached from the opening, The aforementioned lid member is A covering portion capable of covering the aforementioned opening, It has a knob portion that protrudes from the cover portion in a direction away from the opening, The cover portion is such that, when the lid member is attached to the opening, the knob portion is pushed inward from the outside of the opening, and when the cover portion is in the convex shape, the knob portion is pulled up outward from the inside of the opening, and the cover portion is such that it the lid member is attached to the opening, the knob portion is pushed inward from the outside of the opening, and the cover portion is such that when the cover portion is in the convex shape, the knob portion is pulled up outward from the inside of the opening, and the cover portion is such that it is such that the convex shape is deformable into a concave shape. A liquid storage container characterized by the following features.
[0053] <Configuration 2> The material constituting the covering includes a flexible material. A liquid container as described in Configuration 1.
[0054] <Structure 3> The material constituting the covering includes an elastic material. A liquid container as described in Configuration 2.
[0055] <Structure 4> The material constituting the covering includes a material that is plastic. A liquid container as described in Configuration 2.
[0056] <Composition 5> The material constituting the cover includes rubber, A liquid container as described in any one of items 2 to 4 of the configuration.
[0057] <Composition 6> The aforementioned covering part is, It includes a first region covering a part of the opening, a second region located away from the opening from the first region and where the handle portion is provided, and a third region connecting the first region and the second region. A first groove formed at the boundary between the first region and the third region, A second groove formed at the boundary between the second region and the third region, having, A liquid container as described in Configuration 2.
[0058] <Composition 7> The material constituting the knob portion includes a material different from the material constituting the cover portion. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 6 of the configuration.
[0059] <Structure 8> The material constituting the knob portion includes a material having rigidity. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 7 of the configuration.
[0060] <Composition 9> The knob portion has a length that allows it to protrude from the opening when the cover portion is deformed into the convex shape. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 8.
[0061] <Composition 10> The aforementioned knob portion has ribs on its side. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 9 of the configuration.
[0062] <Composition 11> The knob portion has a top surface portion that is longer in diameter than the knob portion. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 10.
[0063] <Composition 12> The knob portion has a top surface that is larger in area than the opening. A liquid container as described in any one of items 1 to 10.
[0064] <Composition 13> The material constituting the top surface includes a rigid material. A liquid container according to configuration 11 or 12.
[0065] <Composition 14> A liquid container described in any one of the items 1 to 13 of the configuration, A liquid dispensing head for dispensing the liquid contained in the liquid container, A liquid dispensing device characterized by having [a certain feature].
[0066] <Composition 15> A container housing section that houses the aforementioned liquid container inside the main body of the device, The container comprises a container cover that covers the container housing section, The container cover can press against the lid member when moved in the closing direction. A liquid dispensing device as described in configuration 14.
[0067] <Composition 16> When the container cover is opened and the lid member is removed, the liquid can be supplied into the container body while the liquid container remains housed inside the device body. Liquid dispensing device as described in configuration 15.
[0068] <Composition 17> The container cover has a mounting portion on which the lid member can be placed. A liquid dispensing device as described in either item 15 or 16 of the configuration.
[0069] <Composition 18> The mounting portion is provided on the back surface of the container cover, A liquid dispensing device as described in configuration 17.
[0070] <Composition 19> The mounting portion has a liquid absorption portion that absorbs liquid adhering to the knob portion. A liquid dispensing device as described in configuration 18.
[0071] <Composition 20> The material constituting the liquid absorbent part includes urethane. A liquid dispensing device as described in configuration 19. [Explanation of symbols]
[0072] 100 containment cells 105 Lid member 106 Supply port 111 Container body
Claims
1. A container body having an opening and containing liquid inside, A removable cover member is provided for the aforementioned opening, A container housing section that houses the container body and has an opening, A cover that moves between a first position covering the container housing and a second position not covering the container housing, With the cover in the first position, the lid member mounting portion is formed by the wall portion provided on the inside of the cover, Equipped with, With the cover in the second position, a projection that protrudes in the direction of the wall is provided at the bottom of the lid member mounting portion, With the protruding portion and the lid member in contact with each other, the lid member is placed on the lid member mounting portion. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.
2. The lid member mounting section is surrounded by the wall section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.
3. Multiple container bodies are arranged in a first direction, and the lid member mounting portion is provided at the end of the cover in the first direction. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.
4. Multiple of the aforementioned protrusions are provided. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.
5. The multiple protrusions have the same shape. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 4.
6. The aforementioned lid member is A covering portion that covers the opening, A knob portion that protrudes from the cover portion in a direction away from the opening, It has, The material of the covering part includes rubber, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.
7. When the lid member is placed on the lid member mounting portion, the lid member does not come into contact with the end face of the wall portion in the protruding direction. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 1.
8. A container body having an opening and containing liquid inside, A removable cover member is provided for the aforementioned opening, A container housing section that houses the container body and has an opening, A cover that moves between a first position covering the container housing and a second position not covering the container housing, With the cover in the first position, the lid member mounting portion is formed by the wall portion provided on the inside of the cover, Equipped with, When the cover is in the second position and the lid member is placed on the lid member mounting portion, the lid member contacts the bottom surface of the lid member mounting portion, and A portion of the lid member is housed in the lid member mounting section. A liquid dispensing device characterized by the following features.
9. The lid member mounting section is surrounded by the wall section. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8.
10. Multiple container bodies are arranged in a first direction, and the lid member mounting portion is provided at the end of the cover in the first direction. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8.
11. The bottom of the lid member mounting portion is provided with a projection that extends in the direction of the wall portion's projection. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8.
12. Multiple of the aforementioned protrusions are provided. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 11.
13. The multiple protrusions have the same shape. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 12.
14. The aforementioned lid member is A covering portion that covers the opening, A knob portion that protrudes from the cover portion in a direction away from the opening, It has, The material of the covering part includes rubber, The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8.
15. When the lid member is placed on the lid member mounting portion, the lid member does not come into contact with the end face of the wall portion in the protruding direction. The liquid dispensing device according to claim 8.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Liquid container, tank unit, and liquid ejection system
JP2012020497A
