Liquid container, printing device

Abstract

To provide a liquid storage body which enables reduction of the frequency of injection of a liquid, and to provide a printer.SOLUTION: A liquid storage body 14 is detachably attached to a connection body 13 connected to a liquid discharge device 12, which discharges a liquid, and may be installed at a position away from the liquid discharge device 12. The liquid storage body 14 includes: a liquid storage container 65 having a storage chamber 78 for storing the liquid, and an injection port 79 for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber 78; and a connection part 64 having a lead-out part 72 which may lead out the liquid in the storage chamber 78 and being connectable to the connection body 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid container capable of containing a liquid, and a printing device equipped with the liquid container. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a printer, which is an example of a printing device, that includes a liquid container and a device main body, which is an example of a liquid ejection device. The printer performs printing by ejecting ink supplied from the liquid container from a liquid ejection head. The liquid container is provided with an inlet through which ink, which is an example of a liquid, is injected into the liquid container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-061692 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The liquid container in Patent Document 1 is fixed inside the device body, which means that the liquid container cannot have a large capacity, and liquid must be frequently poured into the liquid container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A liquid container that solves the above problem is a liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a location away from the liquid ejection device, and is equipped with a liquid container having a storage chamber that stores the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber, and a connection part that has an outlet part that can extract the liquid from the storage chamber and is connectable to the connector.

[0006] A printing device that solves the above problem includes a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, a connector that is connected to the liquid ejection device, and a liquid container of the above configuration that is detachably connected to the connector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a printing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a second modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a third modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a third modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a fourth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a fifth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a fifth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of a sixth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a seventh modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an eighth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a ninth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 14] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a tenth modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an eleventh modification of the liquid container. [Figure 16] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a twelfth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 17] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a thirteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a fourteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 19] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a fifteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a sixteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 21] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a seventeenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of an eighteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 23] FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a nineteenth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 24] FIG. 19 is a schematic perspective view of a twentieth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 25] FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-second modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-third modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 28] FIG. 24 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-fourth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 29] FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-fifth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 30] FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-sixth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 31] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of a twenty-seventh modification of the liquid container. [Figure 32] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a 28th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 33] FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of a 29th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirtieth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 36] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-second modification of the liquid container. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-third modification of the liquid container. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-fourth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 39]FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-fifth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 40] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-sixth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 41] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-seventh modification of the liquid container. [Figure 42] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-eighth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 43] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a thirty-ninth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 44] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fortieth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 45] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a forty-first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 46] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a forty-second modification of the liquid container. [Figure 47] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a forty-third modification of the liquid container. [Figure 48] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a 44th modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 49] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a 45th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 50] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a 46th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 51] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a 47th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 52] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a 48th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 53] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a 49th modification of the liquid container. [Figure 54] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a fiftieth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 55] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 56] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-second modification of the liquid container. [Figure 57] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-third modification of the liquid container. [Figure 58] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-fourth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 59] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-fifth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 60] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-sixth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 61] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-seventh modification of the liquid container. [Figure 62] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-eighth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 63] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a fifty-ninth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 64] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixtieth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 65] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-first modified example of the liquid container. [Figure 66] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-second modification of the liquid container. [Figure 67] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-third modification of the liquid container. [Figure 68] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-fourth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 69] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-fifth modification of the liquid container. [Figure 70] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sixty-sixth modification of the liquid container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a liquid container and a printing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. The printing device is an inkjet printer that prints by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, fabric, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0009] In the drawings, the printing device 11 is assumed to be placed on a horizontal plane, with the direction of gravity indicated by the Z axis, and directions along the horizontal plane indicated by the X and Y axes. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. In the following description, the direction parallel to the X axis is also referred to as the width direction X, the direction parallel to the Y axis is also referred to as the depth direction Y, and the direction parallel to the Z axis is also referred to as the vertical direction Z. One side of the depth direction Y is also referred to as the front, and the other side is also referred to as the back.

[0010] <Printing device> 1, the printing device 11 includes a liquid ejection device 12, a connector 13, and a liquid container 14. The printing device 11 may also include a base 15 that can support the liquid container 14. The base 15 may also support a portion of the connector 13.

[0011] <Liquid discharge device> The liquid ejection device 12 ejects a liquid. The liquid ejection device 12 may include a carriage 17, a liquid ejection unit 18, a liquid supply unit 19, and a control unit 20. The carriage 17 movably supports the liquid ejection unit 18 and a part of the liquid supply unit 19.

[0012] The printing device 11 of this embodiment performs monochrome printing by having the liquid ejection unit 18 eject one type of liquid supplied from one liquid container 14. When performing color printing by having the liquid ejection unit 18 eject multiple types of liquid, the printing device 11 may include multiple liquid containers 14, multiple connectors 13, and multiple liquid supply units 19.

[0013] <Liquid discharge part> The liquid discharge unit 18 may include an internal discharge unit filter 22. The internal discharge unit filter 22 is provided inside the liquid discharge unit 18. The internal discharge unit filter 22 can capture foreign matter such as air bubbles in the liquid supplied by the liquid supply unit 19.

[0014] The liquid ejection unit 18 has a nozzle formation surface 24 on which a plurality of nozzles 23 are formed. The liquid ejection unit 18 ejects liquid from the nozzles 23 while moving together with the carriage 17, thereby printing on a medium (not shown).

[0015] <Liquid supply section> The liquid supply unit 19 supplies liquid to the liquid discharge unit 18. The liquid supply unit 19 may include a joint 26, a liquid supply channel 27, a supply valve 28, a supply pump 29, a collector 30, an upstream valve 31, an intermediate reservoir 32, a downstream valve 33, and a pressure adjustment mechanism 34. The supply valve 28, the supply pump 29, the collector 30, the upstream valve 31, the intermediate reservoir 32, the downstream valve 33, and the pressure adjustment mechanism 34 are provided in this order from the upstream side on the liquid supply channel 27. The liquid supply unit 19 may include a pressurization mechanism 35 and a liquid volume sensor 36.

[0016] The joint 26 is provided at the upstream end of the liquid supply path 27. The joint 26 connects the connecting body 13 to the liquid supply path 27. The joint 26 enables the flow of liquid between the connecting body 13 and the liquid supply path 27.

[0017] The liquid supply path 27 may be formed of, for example, a flexible tube. The downstream end of the liquid supply path 27 is connected to the liquid discharger 18. The liquid supply path 27 supplies the liquid supplied from the liquid container 14 via the connector 13 to the liquid discharger 18.

[0018] The supply valve 28, the upstream valve 31, and the downstream valve 33 open and close the liquid supply path 27. The supply valve 28, the upstream valve 31, and the downstream valve 33 may be configured, for example, as electromagnetic valves. The supply valve 28, the upstream valve 31, and the downstream valve 33 may be closed when the printing device 11 is powered off.

[0019] The supply pump 29 causes the liquid in the liquid supply passage 27 to flow from upstream to downstream. The supply pump 29 may be configured by, for example, a diaphragm pump. The intermediate reservoir 32 may be formed into a bag shape using a flexible member. The intermediate reservoir 32 expands and contracts depending on the amount of liquid stored therein. The liquid level sensor 36 may detect the amount of liquid in the intermediate reservoir 32 based on the degree of expansion of the intermediate reservoir 32.

[0020] <Collection section> The collection unit 30 may include a case 38 , a supply filter 39 , a filter chamber 40 , a discharge path 41 , a pressure sensor 42 , a discharge valve 43 , and a waste liquid tank 44 .

[0021] The case 38 forms a filter chamber 40. The filter chamber 40 houses a supply filter 39. The supply filter 39 collects foreign matter such as air bubbles in the liquid flowing through the liquid supply path 27.

[0022] The upstream end of the discharge channel 41 is connected to the filter chamber 40. The discharge channel 41 is connected upstream of the supply filter 39. The discharge channel 41 is the highest point in the filter chamber 40, and when connected to a corner, it can efficiently discharge air bubbles. The downstream end of the discharge channel 41 is inserted into a waste liquid tank 44. The discharge channel 41 can discharge fluids such as liquid and air bubbles in the liquid supply channel 27 to the waste liquid tank 44.

[0023] A pressure sensor 42 and a discharge valve 43 are provided in the discharge path 41. The pressure sensor 42 detects the pressure inside the liquid supply path 27. The discharge valve 43 opens and closes the discharge path 41. By opening the discharge path 41, the discharge valve 43 discharges the fluid from the discharge path 41 to a waste liquid tank 44.

[0024] <Pressure mechanism> The pressurizing mechanism 35 may include an air supply unit 46 , an air supply path 47 , an air pressure sensor 48 , an air valve 49 , and a pressing unit 50 .

[0025] The air supply unit 46 may be a receiving unit that receives pressurized air supplied from facilities such as a factory, or may be configured with an air pump or the like. The upstream end of the air supply path 47 is connected to the air supply unit 46. The downstream end of the air supply path 47 is connected to the pressing unit 50. The air supply path 47 connects the air supply unit 46 and the pressing unit 50. The air supply unit 46 allows air to flow between the air supply unit 46 and the pressing unit 50.

[0026] An air pressure sensor 48 and an air valve 49 are provided in the air supply path 47. The air pressure sensor 48 detects the air pressure in the air supply path 47. The air valve 49 opens and closes the air supply path 47.

[0027] The pressing portion 50 may be formed in a bag shape from a flexible material, similar to the intermediate storage portion 32. The pressing portion 50 is disposed adjacent to the intermediate storage portion 32. The pressing portion 50 expands when air is supplied from the air supply portion 46. The expanded pressing portion 50 presses the intermediate storage portion 32. The pressing portion 50 supplies the liquid stored in the intermediate storage portion 32 to the liquid discharge portion 18 by pressing the intermediate storage portion 32 with the upstream valve 31 closed and the downstream valve 33 open.

[0028] <Pressure adjustment mechanism> The pressure adjustment mechanism 34 may be movably supported on the carriage 17. The pressure adjustment mechanism 34 may include an in-valve filter 52, a supply chamber 53, a pressure chamber 54, a valve body 55, a spring 56, and a diaphragm 57.

[0029] The in-valve filter 52 captures foreign matter such as air bubbles in the liquid. Part of the wall of supply chamber 53 is formed by in-valve filter 52. Liquid that has passed through in-valve filter 52 flows into supply chamber 53. Supply chamber 53 is maintained in a pressurized state by liquid supplied from intermediate reservoir 32. Supply chamber 53 is connected to pressure chamber 54 by a communication hole 58.

[0030] The valve element 55 is inserted into the communication hole 58. The valve element 55 closes the communication hole 58 when pressed by the spring 56. A portion of the wall of the pressure chamber 54 is formed by a diaphragm 57. The diaphragm 57 is flexible and deformable in the direction in which the spring 56 presses the valve body 55. The outer surface of the diaphragm 57 is subjected to atmospheric pressure. The inner surface of the diaphragm 57 is subjected to the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber 54. Therefore, the diaphragm 57 is flexible and displaced in response to changes in the pressure difference between the pressure of the liquid in the pressure chamber 54 and the atmospheric pressure.

[0031] When the pressure inside pressure chamber 54 is lower than atmospheric pressure and the pressure difference between the pressure inside pressure chamber 54 and atmospheric pressure is greater than a predetermined pressure difference, diaphragm 57 pushes valve element 55 against spring 56, thereby moving valve element 55. This opens communication hole 58, allowing liquid to flow between supply chamber 53 and pressure chamber 54.

[0032] The pressure inside the pressure chamber 54 increases as liquid flows into the pressure chamber 54 from the supply chamber 53. When the differential pressure between the pressure inside the pressure chamber 54 and atmospheric pressure returns to a predetermined pressure difference, the valve body 55 closes the communication hole 58. In this way, the pressure adjustment mechanism 34 adjusts the pressure of the liquid supplied to the liquid discharger 18, thereby adjusting the pressure inside the liquid discharger 18, which becomes the back pressure of the nozzle 23.

[0033] <Control unit> The control unit 20 comprehensively controls the driving of each mechanism in the printing device 11 and controls various operations executed by the printing device 11.

[0034] The control unit 20 may be configured as a circuit including: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least some of the various processes; or γ: a combination thereof. The hardware circuit is, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0035] <connector> The connector 13 is connected to the liquid discharge device 12. The connector 13 may include a linking portion 59, an introduction portion 60, a substrate connection portion 61, and a connection path 62. The connector 13 may include a communication portion (not shown). The communication portion electrically connects the substrate connection portion 61 to the control portion 20 by wire or wirelessly.

[0036] The connecting portion 59 holds the introduction portion 60 and the substrate connection portion 61. The connecting portion 59 may be provided detachably with respect to the liquid container . The introduction portion 60 is capable of introducing the liquid from the liquid container 14. The connection path 62 connects the introduction portion 60 and the joint 26. The connection path 62 sends the liquid introduced from the introduction portion 60 to the liquid ejection device 12.

[0037] <Liquid container> The liquid container 14 is capable of containing the liquid to be supplied to the liquid ejection device 12. The liquid container 14 is detachably connected to the connector 13. The liquid container 14 can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device 12.

[0038] The liquid container 14 includes a connection portion 64 and a liquid container 65. The liquid container 14 may also include a holding portion 66, a grip portion 67, a circuit board 68, and a first filter 69, which is an example of a filter. The circuit board 68 has a connection terminal 70. The connection terminal 70 is connectable to a board connection portion 61 provided on the connector 13.

[0039] The holding portion 66 may hold the liquid container 65 and the connection portion 64 . The grip portion 67 may be provided on the holding portion 66. The grip portion 67 may be a handle or a recess as long as it can be gripped by a user. The grip portion 67 may be provided further back than the injection port 79 in the depth direction Y.

[0040] The connection part 64 has an outlet part 72. The connection part 64 may have a flow path 73, an adapter 74, a second filter 75, and an inlet part . The liquid storage container 65 has a storage chamber 78 and an inlet 79. The liquid storage container 65 may have an outlet 80, a visual confirmation portion 81, a scale 82, a lid 83, and an atmosphere vent hole 84. The liquid storage container 65 may have first to fourth side surfaces 65a to 65d, an upper surface 65e, and a lower surface 65f. In other words, the liquid storage container 65 has a plurality of side surfaces.

[0041] <Connection> The connection portion 64 is connectable to the connection body 13. In this embodiment, the adapter 74 is provided so as to be detachable from the connection body 13. That is, the adapter 74 is connectable to the connection body 13. The coupling portion 59 can be attached to the adapter 74. The adapter 74 may be located before the outlet 80 in the depth direction Y.

[0042] The connection portion 64 may be connected to the lower portion of the liquid storage container 65. Specifically, the connection portion 64 may be connected below the center of the liquid storage container 65 in the vertical direction Z. The connection portion 64 of this embodiment is connected to the lower surface 65f of the liquid storage container 65.

[0043] The flow path 73 connects the liquid storage container 65 and the outlet portion 72. In this embodiment, the inlet portion 76 connects the upstream end of the flow path 73 to the outlet 80 of the liquid storage container 65. The inlet portion 76 is connectable to the liquid storage container 65. The downstream end of the flow path 73 is connected to the outlet portion 72. The outlet portion 72 in this embodiment is provided in the adapter 74. The flow path 73 may connect the inlet portion 76 and the adapter 74.

[0044] The second filter 75 may be provided in the flow path 73. The second filter 75 may be provided in the flow path 73 so as to be detachable. The outlet portion 72 is capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber 78. When the connecting portion 59 is attached to the adapter 74, the introduction portion 60 is connected to the outlet portion 72. As a result, the liquid discharged from the outlet portion 72 is introduced into the introduction portion 60.

[0045] The circuit board 68 may be provided on the adaptor 74. When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connector 13, the circuit board 68 may be disposed at a higher position than the outlet portion 72. When the coupling portion 59 is attached to the adaptor 74, the connection terminal 70 is connected to the board connection portion 61. The circuit board 68 may store information indicating the liquid container 14.

[0046] <Liquid storage container> The upper surface 65e is located above the first to fourth side surfaces 65a to 65d in the vertical direction Z. The lower surface 65f is located below the first to fourth side surfaces 65a to 65d in the vertical direction Z.

[0047] The first side surface 65a in this embodiment is an example of one side surface. The second side surface 65b to the fourth side surface 65d in this embodiment are examples of multiple side surfaces other than one side surface. The first side surface 65a and the third side surface 65c are approximately parallel. The second side surface 65b and the fourth side surface 65d are approximately parallel.

[0048] The first side surface 65a is spaced apart from the third side surface 65c in the depth direction Y. The second side surface 65b and the fourth side surface 65d are located between the third side surface 65c and the first side surface 65a in the depth direction Y. That is, the first side surface 65a, the second side surface 65b, and the fourth side surface 65d are located in front of the third side surface 65c. The second side surface 65b to the fourth side surface 65d are located further back than the first side surface 65a.

[0049] The second side surface 65b is spaced apart from the fourth side surface 65d in the width direction X. The first side surface 65a and the third side surface 65c are located between the fourth side surface 65d and the second side surface 65b in the width direction X.

[0050] The storage chamber 78 stores a liquid. Specifically, the storage chamber 78 can store a liquid injected through an injection port 79. That is, the injection port 79 is provided for injecting a liquid into the storage chamber 78. The first filter 69 may be detachably provided in the injection port 79.

[0051] The lid 83 is provided so as to be movable between a closed position indicated by a solid line in Fig. 1 and an open position indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1. If the lid 83 is provided so as to be rotatable around the back end, it becomes easier to inject liquid into the injection port 79 from the front. When the lid 83 is in the closed position, it covers the injection port 79. When the lid 83 is in the open position, it exposes the injection port 79. An atmosphere vent hole 84 may be formed in the lid 83. The atmosphere vent hole 84 opens the inside of the storage chamber 78 to the atmosphere.

[0052] In this embodiment, the injection port 79 is provided in the upper surface 65e. The injection port 79 may be provided at a position closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the upper surface 65e. In the depth direction Y, the distance between the injection port 79 and the first side surface 65a is smaller than the distance between the injection port 79 and the third side surface 65c. The distance between the injection port 79 and the first side surface 65a in the depth direction Y is smaller than the distance between the injection port 79 and the second side surface 65b and the distance between the injection port 79 and the fourth side surface 65d in the width direction X.

[0053] The outlet 80 in this embodiment is provided on the lower surface 65f. The outlet 80 may be provided at a position closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the lower surface 65f. In the depth direction Y, the distance between the outlet 80 and the third side surface 65c is smaller than the distance between the outlet 80 and the first side surface 65a. The distance between the outlet 80 and the third side surface 65c in the depth direction Y is smaller than the distance between the outlet 80 and the second side surface 65b and the distance between the outlet 80 and the fourth side surface 65d in the width direction X.

[0054] The liquid storage container 65 may be formed from a transparent or translucent material. The portion of the liquid storage container 65 exposed from the holding portion 66 serves as a viewing portion 81 that allows a liquid level 86 of the liquid in the liquid storage container 65 to be viewed. The viewing portion 81 is provided on at least one of the multiple side surfaces of the liquid storage container 65. The liquid storage container 65 may be provided with multiple viewing portions 81. In the liquid storage container 65 of this embodiment, the viewing portions 81 are provided on the first side surface 65a and the third side surface 65c.

[0055] At least one visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided with a scale 82. The scale 82 may be a protrusion formed on the visual confirmation portion 81. The scale 82 may be a recess formed on the visual confirmation portion 81, a printed line or mark, or may be formed by attaching a sticker or the like.

[0056] <effect> When pouring liquid into the liquid container 14, the user places the lid 83 in the open position. The user pours the liquid through the pouring port 79. At this time, when pouring the liquid from the front of the liquid container 14, the user can pour the liquid while checking the connection state of the connecting portion 64 and the connecting body 13 and the visual confirmation portion 81.

[0057] The injected liquid passes through the first filter 69 and is stored in the storage chamber 78. Foreign matter such as dust contained in the liquid is captured by the first filter 69. The liquid stored in the storage chamber 78 flows out from the outlet 80 to the connecting part 64, and is also discharged from the outlet part 72 via the flow path 73. The discharged liquid is sent to the liquid discharge part 18 by the connector 13.

[0058] The effects of this embodiment will be described. (1) The liquid container 14 can be installed at a location away from the liquid ejection device 12. In other words, the liquid container 14 is installed outside the liquid ejection device 12. This allows the liquid container 14 to have a larger capacity for the storage chamber 78. This means that the amount of liquid that can be injected into the storage chamber 78 at one time can be increased, reducing the frequency with which the liquid is injected.

[0059] (2) The circuit board 68 is connected to the board connection portion 61 via the connection terminal 70. Therefore, the state of connection between the liquid container 14 and the connection body 13 can be determined based on the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the circuit board 68 and the board connection portion 61.

[0060] (3) The outlet portion 72 is provided in the adapter 74 and is connected to the liquid storage container 65 via the flow path 73. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the position of the outlet portion 72 relative to the liquid storage container 65 can be increased.

[0061] (4) The circuit board 68 has a connection terminal 70. The circuit board 68 is provided on an adapter 74. Therefore, by attaching the adapter 74 to the connector 13, the circuit board 68 can be easily connected to the board connection portion 61.

[0062] (5) When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connector 13, the circuit board 68 is positioned higher than the outlet portion 72. Therefore, even if liquid drips from the outlet portion 72, the risk of the liquid adhering to the circuit board 68 can be reduced.

[0063] (6) The connection part 64 is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage container 65. Therefore, the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid storage container 65 can be reduced compared to when the connection part 64 is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage container 65, for example.

[0064] (7) The first filter 69 is detachably attached to the inlet 79. Therefore, the first filter 69 can be easily replaced. (8) The liquid container 14 includes a grip portion 67. This makes it easier to move the liquid container 14.

[0065] (9) The connecting portion 64 includes a flow path 73 that can connect the inlet portion 76 and the adapter 74. Therefore, the connecting portion 64 can easily connect the liquid storage container 65 to the connector 13. Therefore, liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection device 12 from the liquid storage container 65 that is installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device 12 via the connector 13.

[0066] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0067] (First modified example) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the liquid container 14 may include a liquid container 65 and a connection portion 64. The liquid container 14 may include a circuit board 68. The outlet 80 may be provided on the first side surface 65a. The connection portion 64 may be formed by an adapter 74 attached to the first side surface 65a. The outlet portion 72 may be directly connected to the outlet 80. The circuit board 68 may be provided on the connection portion 64. By connecting the connection portion 64 to the connector 13, the circuit board 68 can be easily connected to the board connection portion 61.

[0068] The liquid container 65 may have an upper surface 65e on which the inlet 79 is provided, a first side surface 65a which is an example of one side surface facing the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens, and second side surfaces 65b to fourth side surfaces 65d which are examples of multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface. The inlet 79 may be provided at a position closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the upper surface 65e. This allows the user to inject liquid while checking the connection state between the outlet portion 72 and the connector 13, making it easy to detect any connection problems. When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connector 13, the circuit board 68 may be positioned higher than the outlet portion 72.

[0069] (Second modified example) 4, the holding portion 66 may be attached to both the liquid container 65 and the connection portion 64. The circuit board 68 may be provided on the holding portion 66. The circuit board 68 is provided at a position away from the outlet portion 72 of the connection portion 64. Therefore, even if liquid drips from the outlet portion 72, for example, the risk of the liquid adhering to the circuit board 68 can be reduced. When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connection body 13, the circuit board 68 may be located at a higher position than the outlet portion 72.

[0070] (Third modified example) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the connection portion 64 may include a flow path 73 and an adapter 74. The liquid container 14 may include a circuit board 68. The upstream end of the flow path 73 may be connected to an outlet 80 formed in the first side surface 65a. The circuit board 68 may be provided on the connection portion 64. The liquid container 65 may have an upper surface 65e on which an inlet 79 is provided, a first side surface 65a which is an example of a side surface that is closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected, and second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d which are examples of multiple side surfaces different from the first side surface 65a. The inlet 79 may be provided at a position closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the upper surface 65e. This allows the user to inject liquid while checking the connection state between the liquid container 65 and the flow path 73, making it easy to detect any connection problems. When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connection body 13, the circuit board 68 may be positioned higher than the outlet portion 72.

[0071] (Fourth modified example) 7, the holding portion 66 may be attached to the connection portion 64. For example, the holding portion 66 may be attached to an adapter 74. The circuit board 68 may be provided on the holding portion 66. In a state where the liquid container 14 is connected to the connection body 13, the circuit board 68 may be disposed at a higher position than the outlet portion 72.

[0072] (Fifth modified example) 8 and 9, the liquid storage container 65 may have an upper surface 65e on which an inlet 79 is provided. The liquid storage container 65 may have a third side surface 65c, which is an example of one side surface closest to a position where the flow path 73 is connected, and a first side surface 65a, a second side surface 65b, and a fourth side surface 65d, which are examples of multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface. The inlet 79 may be provided at a position closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0073] (Sixth modified example) 10, the holding portion 66 may be attached to both the liquid container 65 and the connection portion 64. The circuit board 68 may be provided on the holding portion 66.

[0074] (Seventh Change) As shown in FIG. 11 , the top surface 65e may have multiple surfaces. Each surface may be flat or curved. Each surface may be horizontal or inclined relative to the horizontal. The inlet 79 may be provided on one of the multiple surfaces constituting the top surface 65e, adjacent to the first side surface 65a, which is an example of a side surface facing the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. If the inlet 79 is formed on a slope that slopes downward in the depth direction Y, it will be easier for the user to inject liquid into the liquid storage container 65 from a position closer to the user.

[0075] (8th modified example) As shown in FIG. 12, the injection port 79 may be provided on a surface adjacent to a first side surface 65a, which is an example of a side surface that is closest to the position where the flow channel 73 is connected, among the multiple surfaces that make up the upper surface 65e.

[0076] (9th Change) 13, the injection port 79 may be provided on one of the multiple surfaces constituting the upper surface 65e, adjacent to the third side surface 65c, which is an example of a side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. If the injection port 79 is formed on a slope that slopes downward in the depth direction Y, it is easy for the user to inject liquid into the liquid storage container 65 from a position at the back.

[0077] (10th Change) 14, the viewing portion 81 may be provided on the first side surface 65a, which is an example of a side surface facing the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. By providing the viewing portion 81 on the first side surface 65a, the user can pour the liquid while visually checking the liquid level 86 of the liquid from the viewing portion 81.

[0078] (11th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 15, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a first side surface 65a, which is an example of a side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0079] (12th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 16, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a third side surface 65c, which is an example of a side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0080] (13th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 17 , the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on at least one of the second side surface 65b to the fourth side surface 65d, which are an example of a plurality of side surfaces different from the first side surface 65a facing the direction in which the lead-out portion 72 opens. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b. By providing the visual confirmation portion 81 on a side surface other than the first side surface 65a, it is possible to reduce the risk of liquid adhering to the visual confirmation portion 81, even if liquid drips from the injection port 79, for example. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b and the third side surface 65c. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the third side surface 65c and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b, the third side surface 65c, and the fourth side surface 65d.

[0081] (14th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 18, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a third side surface 65c different from the first side surface 65a facing the direction in which the lead-out portion 72 opens.

[0082] (15th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 19, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a fourth side surface 65d different from the first side surface 65a facing the direction in which the lead-out portion 72 opens.

[0083] (16th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 20 , the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on at least one of the second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d, which are an example of a plurality of side surfaces different from the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b and the third side surface 65c. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the third side surface 65c and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b, the third side surface 65c, and the fourth side surface 65d.

[0084] (17th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 21, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0085] (18th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 22, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0086] (19th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 23 , the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on at least one of the first side surface 65a, the second side surface 65b, and the fourth side surface 65d, which are an example of a plurality of side surfaces different from the third side surface 65c that is closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the first side surface 65a. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the first side surface 65a and the second side surface 65b. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the first side surface 65a and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b and the fourth side surface 65d. The visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the first side surface 65a, the second side surface 65b, and the fourth side surface 65d.

[0087] (20th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 24, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on the second side surface 65b, which is different from the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0088] (21st Amendment) As shown in FIG. 25, the visual confirmation portion 81 may be provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected.

[0089] (22nd Amendment) As shown in FIG. 26 , the liquid container 65 may have second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d, each of which is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to at least one of the second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e. This allows the user to inject liquid from a side different from the side where the outlet portion 72 and the connector 13 are connected, making it easier to ensure space around the inlet 79 for injecting liquid. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second and third side surfaces 65b and 65c than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third and fourth side surfaces 65c and 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0090] (23rd Amendment) As shown in FIG. 27, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0091] (24th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 28, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0092] (25th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 29 , the liquid container 65 may have second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d that are different from the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to at least one of the second to fourth side surfaces 65b to 65d than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e. This allows the user to inject liquid from a side different from the side where the liquid container 65 and the flow path 73 are connected, making it easier to ensure space around the inlet 79 for injecting liquid. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second and third side surfaces 65b and 65c than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third and fourth side surfaces 65c and 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0093] (26th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 30, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0094] (27th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 31, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0095] (28th Amendment) 32, the liquid storage container 65 may have a first side surface 65a, a second side surface 65b, and a fourth side surface 65d that are different from the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to at least one of the first side surface 65a, the second side surface 65b, and the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a and the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a and the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0096] (29th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 33, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0097] (30th Amendment) As shown in FIG. 34, the injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the upper surface 65e.

[0098] (31st Amendment) 35, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a that faces the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e. Because the inlet 79 is provided closer to a side surface different from the first side surface 65a on which the viewing portion 81 is provided, even if liquid drips from the inlet 79, for example, the risk of the liquid adhering to the viewing portion 81 can be reduced.

[0099] (32nd Amendment) 36, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a facing the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0100] (33rd Amendment) 37, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a facing the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0101] (34th Amendment) 38, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0102] (35th Amendment) 39, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0103] (36th Amendment) 40, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0104] (37th Amendment) 41, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0105] (38th Amendment) 42, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0106] (39th Amendment) 43, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0107] (40th Amendment) 44, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b different from the first side surface 65a facing in the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0108] (41st Amendment) 45, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0109] (42nd Amendment) 46, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0110] (43rd Amendment) 47, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0111] (44th Amendment) 48, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0112] (45th Amendment) 49, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the third side surface 65c than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0113] (46th Amendment) 50, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a first side surface 65a that is different from a third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0114] (47th Amendment) 51, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0115] (48th Amendment) 52, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the first side surface 65a than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0116] (49th Amendment) 53, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b different from the first side surface 65a facing the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e. Because the viewing portion 81 is provided on a side surface other than the first side surface 65a, the user can easily grasp the state of the liquid level 86 during normal use.

[0117] (50th Change) 54, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c different from the first side surface 65a facing in the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0118] (51st Amendment) 55, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0119] (52nd Amendment) 56, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0120] (53rd Amendment) 57, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0121] (54th Amendment) 58, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0122] (55th Amendment) 59, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a first side surface 65a that is different from a third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0123] (56th Amendment) 60, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0124] (57th Amendment) 61, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the second side surface 65b than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0125] (58th Amendment) 62, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b different from the first side surface 65a facing the direction in which the outlet portion 72 opens. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0126] (59th Amendment) 63, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0127] (60th Amendment) 64, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual confirmation portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a that faces the opening direction of the outlet portion 72. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0128] (61st Amendment) 65, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the first side surface 65a that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0129] (62nd Amendment) 66, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a third side surface 65c that is different from the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0130] (63rd Amendment) 67, the liquid storage container 65 may have a visual recognition portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the first side surface 65a, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0131] (64th Amendment) 68, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a first side surface 65a that is different from the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The inlet 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0132] (65th Amendment) 69, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a second side surface 65b that is different from the third side surface 65c that is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0133] (66th Amendment) 70, the liquid storage container 65 may have a viewing portion 81 provided on a fourth side surface 65d that is different from the third side surface 65c, which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path 73 is connected. The injection port 79 may be provided closer to the fourth side surface 65d than the center of the top surface 65e.

[0134] (Other change examples) The injection port 79 may be provided in the center of the upper surface 65e. The injection port 79 may be formed in a tube provided on the upper surface 65e.

[0135] The connection portion 64 does not have to be connected to the liquid storage container 65, and the liquid in the liquid storage container 65 may be discharged from the discharge portion 72 by inserting the upstream end of the flow path 73 into the liquid storage container 65. The connection portion 64 may have an inlet portion 76 provided at the upstream end of the flow path 73 inserted into the liquid storage container 65.

[0136] A bag-in-box container, which is a bag containing a liquid housed in a cardboard box, may be connectable to the connector 13 instead of the liquid container 14. That is, the liquid container 14 and the bag-in-box container may be interchangeable. The bag-in-box container may include a circuit board 68 electrically connectable to the board connection portion 61. The control unit 20 may determine whether the liquid container 14 or the bag-in-box container is connected to the connector 13 based on information stored on the circuit board 68. When a bag-in-box container is connected to the connector 13, the control unit 20 may notify the remaining amount of liquid. When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connector 13, the control unit 20 does not have to notify the remaining amount of liquid. That is, the circuit board 68 may store information for causing the liquid discharger 12 to perform an operation corresponding to an object connected to the connector 13.

[0137] The scale 82 does not have to be provided on the visual confirmation portion 81. The scale 82 may be provided in a position different from the visual confirmation portion 81. The scale 82 may be provided in a position that overlaps with the liquid level 86 when the user views the visual confirmation portion 81 from the outside. For example, if the first side surface 65a has the visual confirmation portion 81, the scale 82 may be provided on the third side surface 65c that is located at the back when the first side surface 65a is viewed from the front in the depth direction Y.

[0138] The lid 83 may have a screw. The lid 83 may be detachable from the liquid storage container 65 by rotating it. The lid 83 may be attached to the liquid storage container 65 by being fitted into the injection port 79 .

[0139] The liquid container 14 may not have the grip portion 67. The liquid container 14 may be fixed to the base 15, for example. At least one of the first filter 69 and the second filter 75 may be fixed to the liquid container 14 .

[0140] The connection portion 64 may be connected to the center of the liquid storage container 65 in the vertical direction Z, or may be connected to the top of the liquid storage container 65. The holding portion 66 may cover the entire liquid container 65. In other words, the liquid container 14 does not need to be provided with the visual confirmation portion 81.

[0141] When the liquid container 14 is connected to the connector 13 , the circuit board 68 may be disposed at the same height as the outlet portion 72 , or may be disposed at a position lower than the outlet portion 72 . The circuit board 68 may be provided in the liquid container 65 .

[0142] The printing device 11 may be configured without the board connection unit 61 and the circuit board 68. The control unit 20 may acquire information about the liquid container 14 connected to the connector 13 from an input unit such as a touch panel.

[0143] The liquid ejection device 12 may be a liquid ejection device that ejects or discharges liquids other than ink. The liquid ejected as minute droplets from the liquid ejection device may be in the form of granules, tears, or strings. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be ejected from the liquid ejection device. For example, the liquid may be in any liquid phase, including fluids such as high or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and metal melts. The liquid may refer not only to a single state of matter, but also to solid functional material particles, such as pigments and metal particles, dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Typical examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals, as described in the above embodiments. Here, ink encompasses various liquid compositions, such as general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid ejection devices include devices that eject liquids containing dispersed or dissolved materials such as electrode materials and color materials used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects bioorganic materials used in biochip manufacture, a device used as a precision pipette to eject sample liquids, a textile printing device, a microdispenser, or the like. The liquid ejection device may be a device that ejects lubricating oil with pinpoint accuracy onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or a device that ejects transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form micro-hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, and the like used in optical communication elements. The liquid ejection device may also be a device that ejects etching liquids such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates, etc.

[0144] The technical concepts and effects that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described below. (A) The liquid container is a liquid container that can be attached to and detached from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and can be installed at a location away from the liquid ejection device, and is equipped with a liquid container having a storage chamber that stores the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber, and a connection part that has an outlet part that can extract the liquid from the storage chamber and is connectable to the connector.

[0145] According to this configuration, the liquid container can be installed at a location away from the liquid ejection device. In other words, the liquid container is installed outside the liquid ejection device. This allows the liquid container to have a larger capacity for the storage chamber. This means that the amount of liquid that can be injected into the storage chamber at one time can be increased, reducing the frequency with which liquid is injected.

[0146] (B) The liquid container may further include a circuit board having a connection terminal, and the connection terminal may be connectable to a board connection portion provided on the connection body. According to this configuration, the circuit board is connected to the board connection portion via the connection terminal, and therefore the state of connection between the liquid container and the connection member can be determined based on the presence or absence of an electrical connection between the circuit board and the board connection portion.

[0147] (C) In the liquid container, the circuit board may be provided in the connection portion. According to this configuration, the circuit board is provided on the connection portion, and therefore, by connecting the connection portion to the connector, the circuit board can be easily connected to the board connection portion.

[0148] (D) The liquid container may further include a holding portion attached to at least one of the liquid container and the connection portion, and the circuit board may be provided on the holding portion. According to this configuration, the circuit board is provided in the holding portion, i.e., the circuit board is provided at a position away from the outlet portion of the connection portion, so that even if liquid drips from the outlet portion, the risk of the liquid adhering to the circuit board can be reduced.

[0149] (E) In the liquid container, the connection portion may have a flow path that connects the liquid container and the outlet portion, and an adapter that is detachable from the connection portion, and the outlet portion may be provided on the adapter.

[0150] According to this configuration, the outlet portion is provided on the adapter and is connected to the liquid container via the flow path, which increases the degree of freedom in the position of the outlet portion relative to the liquid container.

[0151] (F) The liquid container may further include a circuit board having a connection terminal, the connection terminal being connectable to a board connection portion provided on the connector, and the circuit board may be provided on the adapter.

[0152] According to this configuration, the circuit board has the connection terminal. The circuit board is provided on the adapter. Therefore, by attaching the adapter to the connector, the circuit board can be easily connected to the board connection portion.

[0153] (G) When the liquid container is connected to the connector, the circuit board may be disposed at a position higher than the outlet portion. With this configuration, when the liquid container is connected to the connector, the circuit board is positioned higher than the outlet portion, which reduces the risk of the liquid dripping from the outlet portion onto the circuit board.

[0154] (H) When the liquid container is connected to the connector, the circuit board may be disposed at a higher position than the outlet portion. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the liquid container described above.

[0155] (I) In a liquid container, the liquid container has an upper surface on which the inlet is provided, one side surface facing the direction in which the outlet portion opens, and multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface, and the inlet may be provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the upper surface.

[0156] With this configuration, the one side surface faces the direction in which the outlet portion opens. The inlet is located closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface. This allows the user to inject liquid while checking the connection between the outlet portion and the connector, making it easy to detect any connection problems.

[0157] (J) In a liquid container, the liquid container has an upper surface on which the inlet is provided, one side surface which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path is connected, and multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface, and the inlet may be provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the upper surface.

[0158] According to this configuration, the one side surface is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path is connected. The inlet is located closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface. Therefore, the user can inject liquid while checking the connection status between the liquid container and the flow path, and can easily detect any connection problems.

[0159] (K) The liquid container may have a visual recognition portion on the one side surface that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized. According to this configuration, the visual confirmation portion is provided on one side surface, so that the user can pour the liquid while visually checking the liquid level through the visual confirmation portion.

[0160] (L) The liquid container may be provided with a visual recognition portion on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, through which the liquid level in the liquid container can be visually recognized. According to this configuration, the visual confirmation portion is provided on a side surface other than the one side surface, so that even if liquid drips from the injection port, for example, the risk of the liquid adhering to the visual confirmation portion can be reduced.

[0161] (M) In a liquid container, the liquid container has an upper surface on which the inlet is provided, one side surface facing the direction in which the outlet portion opens, and multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface, and the inlet may be provided closer to at least one of the multiple side surfaces than the center of the upper surface.

[0162] According to this configuration, the one side surface faces the direction in which the outlet portion opens. The inlet is located closer to the other side surface than the center of the top surface. This allows the user to inject liquid from a side other than the side where the outlet portion and the connector are connected, making it easier to secure space around the inlet for injecting liquid.

[0163] (N) In a liquid container, the liquid container has a top surface on which the inlet is provided, one side surface which is the side surface closest to the position where the flow path is connected, and multiple side surfaces different from the one side surface, and the inlet may be provided closer to at least one of the multiple side surfaces than the center of the top surface.

[0164] According to this configuration, the one side is the side closest to the position where the flow path is connected. The inlet is provided at a position closer to the other side than the center of the top surface. Therefore, the user can inject liquid from a side other than the side where the liquid container and the flow path are connected, making it easy to ensure space around the inlet for injecting liquid.

[0165] (O) The liquid container may have a visual recognition portion on the one side surface that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized. According to this configuration, the visual confirmation portion is provided on the first side surface, so that even if liquid drips from the injection port, for example, it is possible to reduce the risk of the liquid adhering to the visual confirmation portion.

[0166] (P) The liquid container may be provided with a visual recognition portion on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces, through which the liquid level in the liquid container can be visually recognized. With this configuration, the visual confirmation portion is provided on all sides except for one side, so that during normal use, the user can easily grasp the state of the liquid level.

[0167] (Q) In the liquid container, the connection portion may be connected to a lower portion of the liquid container. According to this configuration, the connection part is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage container, which allows less liquid to remain in the liquid storage container than, for example, when the connection part is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage container.

[0168] (R) The liquid container may further include a filter detachably provided in the injection port. According to this configuration, the filter is detachably attached to the injection port, which makes it easy to replace the filter.

[0169] (S) The liquid container may further include a grip portion that can be gripped by a user. According to this configuration, the liquid container has a grip portion, which makes it easier to move the liquid container.

[0170] (T) A printing device includes a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, a connector connected to the liquid ejection device, and a liquid container having the above-described configuration that is detachably connected to the connector. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the liquid container described above.

[0171] (U) The connecting portion is a connecting portion whose downstream end is detachable from the connecting body and whose upstream end is detachable or insertable into the liquid storage container, and is equipped with an inlet portion that can be connected to or inserted into the liquid storage container, an adapter that can be connected to the connecting body, a flow path that connects the inlet portion and the adapter, and a circuit board.

[0172] According to this configuration, the connection part has a flow path that can connect the inlet part and the adapter. Therefore, the connection part can easily connect the liquid storage container to the connection body. Therefore, liquid can be supplied to the liquid ejection device from a liquid storage container installed at a location remote from the liquid ejection device via the connection body. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 11...printing device, 12...liquid ejection device, 13...connector, 14...liquid container, 15...base, 17...carriage, 18...liquid ejection section, 19...liquid supply section, 20...control section, 22...filter in ejection section, 23...nozzle, 24...nozzle forming surface, 26...joint, 27...liquid supply path, 28...supply valve, 29...supply pump, 30...collection section, 31...upstream valve, 32...intermediate storage section, 33...downstream valve, 34...pressure adjustment mechanism, 35...pressurization mechanism, 36...liquid level sensor, 38...case, 39...supply filter, 40...filter chamber, 41...discharge path, 42...pressure sensor, 43...discharge valve, 44...waste liquid tank, 46...air supply section, 47...air supply path, 48...air pressure sensor, 49...air valve, 50...pressure section, 52...filter in valve , 53...supply chamber, 54...pressure chamber, 55...valve body, 56...spring, 57...diaphragm, 58...communicating hole, 59...connecting portion, 60...introduction portion, 61...substrate connecting portion, 62...connecting path, 64...connecting portion, 65...liquid storage container, 65a...first side, 65b...second side, 65c...third side, 65d...fourth side, 65e...upper surface, 65f...lower surface, 66...holding portion, 67...gripping part, 68...circuit board, 69...first filter which is an example of a filter, 70...connection terminal, 72...outlet part, 73...flow path, 74...adapter, 75...second filter, 76...inlet part, 78...storage chamber, 79...inlet, 80...outlet, 81...visible part, 82...scale, 83...lid, 84...atmospheric vent hole, 86...liquid level, X...width direction, Y...depth direction, Z...vertical direction.

Claims

1. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with the liquid storage container has an upper surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface facing a direction in which the outlet portion opens, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on the one side surface.

2. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with the liquid storage container has an upper surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface facing a direction in which the outlet portion opens, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that enables the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

3. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with the liquid storage container has an upper surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface facing a direction in which the outlet portion opens, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided closer to at least one of the side surfaces than to a center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on the one side surface.

4. Further, a circuit board having a connection terminal is provided, 4. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the connection terminal is connectable to a substrate connection portion provided on the connector.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4 , wherein the circuit board is provided in the connection portion.

6. a holding part attached to at least one of the liquid container and the connecting part, The liquid container according to claim 4 , wherein the circuit board is provided in the holding portion.

7. 7. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein when the liquid container is connected to the connector, the circuit board is positioned higher than the outlet portion.

8. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with The connection portion is a flow path connecting the liquid storage container and the outlet portion; an adapter detachable from the connector; and The outlet portion is provided in the adapter, the liquid storage container has a top surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface which is a side surface closest to a position where the flow path is connected, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on the one side surface.

9. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with The connection portion is a flow path connecting the liquid storage container and the outlet portion; an adapter detachable from the connector; and The outlet portion is provided in the adapter, the liquid storage container has a top surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface which is a side surface closest to a position where the flow path is connected, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided at a position closer to the one side surface than the center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that enables the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on at least one of the plurality of side surfaces.

10. A liquid container that is detachable from a connector that is connected to a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid, and that can be installed at a position away from the liquid ejection device, a liquid container having a storage chamber for storing the liquid and an inlet for injecting the liquid into the storage chamber; a connecting portion having an outlet portion capable of discharging the liquid in the storage chamber and connectable to the connector; Equipped with The connection portion is a flow path connecting the liquid storage container and the outlet portion; an adapter detachable from the connector; and The outlet portion is provided in the adapter, the liquid storage container has a top surface on which the injection port is provided, one side surface which is a side surface closest to a position where the flow path is connected, and a plurality of side surfaces different from the one side surface, the injection port is provided closer to at least one of the side surfaces than to a center of the top surface, A liquid container, characterized in that a visual recognition portion that allows the liquid level in the liquid container to be visually recognized is provided on the one side surface.

11. Further, a circuit board having a connection terminal is provided, the connection terminal is connectable to a board connection portion provided on the connection body, 11. The liquid container according to claim 8, wherein the circuit board is provided in the adapter.

12. The liquid container according to claim 11 , wherein the circuit board is disposed at a position higher than the outlet portion when the liquid container is connected to the connector.

13. 13. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion is connected to a lower portion of the liquid container.

14. 14. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a filter detachably provided in the inlet.

15. 15. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a grip portion that can be gripped by a user.

16. a liquid ejection device that ejects liquid; a connector connected to the liquid ejection device; a liquid container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which is detachably connected to the connector; A printing device comprising:

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