Supply unit, liquid dispensing device, liquid container

Abstract

To provide a supply unit, a liquid discharge device and a liquid storage body which can reduce liquid dripping when detaching the liquid storage body.SOLUTION: A supply unit 21 to which a liquid storage body 27 having a connection part 42 is detachably attached comprises: a liquid introduction part 54 which is connected with the connection part 42 of the liquid storage body 27; a pressing member 55 which presses the liquid storage body 27 in the removal direction Do being the direction opposite to the connection direction Dc when the direction in which the liquid storage body 27 is connected to the liquid introduction part 54 is the connection direction Dc; an engagement part 66 which is engaged with the liquid storage body 27 when the liquid storage body 27 is connected to the liquid introduction part 54; and a speed reduction part 57 which reduces a movement speed of the liquid storage body 27 that moves in the removal direction Do when engagement of the engagement part 66 with the liquid storage body 27 is released.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply unit, a liquid ejection device, and a liquid container.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as in Patent Document 1, there is a liquid ejection device including a mounting portion which is an example of a supply unit, and a recording head which is an example of a liquid ejection head. The mounting portion includes an ink receiving tube which is an example of a liquid introduction portion, an eject spring which is an example of a pressing member, and a locking lever which is an example of an engaging portion.

[0003] An ink cartridge which is an example of a liquid container is removably mounted on the mounting portion. The ink cartridge mounted on the mounting portion is connected to the ink receiving tube and locked by the locking lever. Ink which is an example of a liquid is supplied from the ink cartridge to the recording head via the ink receiving tube. The recording head performs recording on a recording medium by ejecting the ink toward the recording medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The ink cartridge of Patent Document 1 receives a force in the removal direction by the eject spring. Therefore, when the lock by the locking lever is released, the ink cartridge may be disconnected from the ink receiving tube forcefully and ink may drip.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A supply unit that solves the above problems is a supply unit to which a liquid container having a connection part is detachably attached, comprising: a liquid introduction part connected to the connection part of the liquid container; a pressing member that presses the liquid container in the detachment direction, which is the direction opposite to the connection direction when the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction part is the connection direction; an engagement part that engages with the liquid container when the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction part; and a speed reduction part that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction when the engagement of the engagement part with the liquid container is released.

[0007] A liquid dispensing device that solves the above problems comprises a liquid dispensing head for dispensing liquid, a supply channel for supplying liquid contained in a liquid container to the liquid dispensing head, and a supply unit having the above configuration.

[0008] A liquid container that solves the above problems is a liquid container that is detachably attached to a supply unit having a liquid introduction section into which liquid can be introduced, a pressing member capable of generating a pressing force, an engaging section, and a speed reduction section, and comprises a connecting section connected to the liquid introduction section, a pressure receiving section that receives the pressing force from the pressing member in the detachment direction which is opposite to the connection direction when the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is the connection direction, an engaged section into which the engaging section engages when the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, and a storage recess into which at least a part of the speed reduction section that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction is housed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a liquid container that is attached to a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view of a liquid container that is attached to a liquid dispensing device. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a supply unit where the liquid container is positioned in the guided location. [Figure 5]This is a cross-sectional view of a supply unit where the liquid container is located at the connection point. [Figure 6] This is a partially enlarged view of the supply unit in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the supply unit. [Figure 8] This is a partially enlarged view of the supply unit in Figure 4. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the speed reduction section. [Figure 10] Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the supply unit. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the speed reduction section. [Figure 12] These are cross-sectional views of the supply units for the first to third modification examples. [Figure 13] These are cross-sectional views of the supply units for the first to third modification examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the supply unit, liquid dispensing device, and liquid container will be described with reference to the drawings. The liquid dispensing device is an inkjet printer that prints by dispensing ink, which is an example of a liquid, onto a medium such as paper, cloth, vinyl, plastic parts, or metal parts.

[0011] In the drawing, the direction of gravity is indicated by the Z-axis, assuming the liquid dispensing device 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, and the directions along the horizontal plane are indicated by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. When the user is facing the front of the liquid dispensing device 11, the Y-axis indicates the depth direction of the liquid dispensing device 11, and the X-axis indicates the width direction of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0012] <Liquid discharge device> As shown in Figure 1, the liquid dispensing device 11 may include one or more media storage sections 13 capable of accommodating the media 12. The liquid dispensing device 11 may also include a stacker 14, an operation panel 15, an image reading unit 16, and an automatic feeding unit 17.

[0013] The medium storage unit 13 is, for example, a cassette. The medium storage unit 13 may store a bundle of the medium 12 before printing. The stacker 14 receives the printed medium 12. The operation panel 15 is, for example, a touch panel for operating the liquid ejection device 11. The operation panel 15 may be provided facing the front of the liquid ejection device 11. The image reading unit 16 reads an image of a document. The automatic feeding unit 17 sends an image to the image reading unit 16. The image reading unit 16 and the automatic feeding unit 17 are arranged, for example, above the stacker 14.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a control unit 19 that controls various operations executed by the liquid ejection device 11. The control unit 19 can 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 memories such as a RAM and a ROM, and the memories store program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute processes. The memory, that is, the computer-readable medium, includes any readable medium accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer.

[0015] The liquid ejection device 11 includes a supply unit 21, a supply flow path 22, and a liquid ejection head 23. The liquid ejection device 11 may include a cover 24. The supply unit 21 may include a mounting portion 26. One or more liquid containers 27 are detachably mounted on the mounting portion 26. That is, the supply unit 21 has the liquid container 27 detachably mounted thereon. In other words, the liquid container 27 is detachably mounted on the supply unit 21.

[0016] In this embodiment, four liquid containers 27 can be mounted in the mounting section 26. The mounting section 26 may have multiple slots corresponding to each of the multiple liquid containers 27. The mounting section 26 may have an insertion port 28 for inserting the liquid containers 27. The insertion port 28 opens, for example, toward the front of the liquid dispensing device 11.

[0017] The liquid container 27 in this embodiment is a cartridge capable of containing liquid. The liquid container 27 is inserted into the mounting portion 26 by moving in the insertion direction Dp from the insertion opening 28 toward the back of the mounting portion 26. The liquid container 27 is removed from the mounting portion 26 by moving in the removal direction De, which is opposite to the insertion direction Dp. In this embodiment, the insertion direction Dp and the removal direction De are parallel to the Y axis.

[0018] Each of the multiple liquid containers 27 may contain a different type of liquid. Different types of liquids are, for example, inks of different colors. In this embodiment, four liquid containers 27 contain cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks, respectively.

[0019] The multiple liquid containers 27 may have the same configuration or they may be different. For example, the liquid containers 27 may have different liquid capacities. For example, the liquid container 27 that holds black ink may have a larger liquid capacity than the other liquid containers 27. The liquid container 27 with a larger capacity may have a greater width, i.e., a longer length along the X-axis, than the liquid container 27 with a smaller capacity.

[0020] The cover 24 may be movable between a closed position as shown in Figure 1 and an open position (not shown). When the cover 24 is in the closed position, it covers the insertion port 28. When the cover 24 is in the open position, it opens the insertion port 28. By positioning the cover 24 in the open position, the operator can individually replace multiple liquid containers 27.

[0021] The supply channel 22 connects the liquid container 27 mounted on the supply unit 21 to the liquid discharge head 23. The supply channel 22 supplies the liquid contained in the liquid container 27 to the liquid discharge head 23. The liquid discharge device 11 may have multiple supply channels 22. The multiple supply channels 22 may individually correspond to multiple liquid containers 27 mounted on the supply unit 21.

[0022] The liquid ejection head 23 ejects liquid from one or more nozzles (not shown). The liquid ejection head 23 may be positioned so that the nozzle surface 30, where the nozzles open, is inclined with respect to the horizontal. The liquid ejection head 23 performs printing by ejecting liquid onto the medium 12. The liquid ejection head 23 may perform color printing by ejecting multiple colors of ink. In this embodiment, the liquid ejection head 23 is a line type that extends across the width direction of the medium 12. The liquid ejection head 23 may also be a serial type that prints while moving across the width direction of the medium 12.

[0023] <Liquid container> Figures 2 and 3 show the X, Y, and Z axes in the position where the liquid container 27 is inserted into the mounting section 26.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the liquid container 27 may have, for example, a first end wall 32, an upper wall 33, a pressure receiving section 34, a first side wall 35, a second side wall 36, and a second end wall 37. In this embodiment, the pressure receiving section 34 is also the bottom wall of the cartridge. The second end wall 37 may have a step. When the liquid container 27 is installed in the liquid dispensing device 11, it is inserted starting from the first end wall 32.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the liquid container 27 may include an engaging portion 39, a release portion 40, a positioning hole 41, a connecting portion 42, a storage recess 43, and a circuit board 44. The engaging portion 39 may be provided on the second end wall 37. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 39 is a recess that opens into the second end wall 37. The engaging portion 39 may be provided in the center in the width direction of the second end wall 37. The engaging portion 39 may be provided above the release portion 40.

[0026] The release portion 40, positioning hole 41, connection portion 42, storage recess 43, and circuit board 44 may be provided on the pressure receiving portion 34. The release portion 40, positioning hole 41, connection portion 42, storage recess 43, and circuit board 44 may be arranged in this order from the second end wall 37 toward the first end wall 32.

[0027] The release portion 40 may protrude downward from the pressure receiving portion 34. The positioning hole 41 and the storage recess 43 may be recesses that open into the pressure receiving portion 34. The connecting portion 42 may open into the pressure receiving portion 34. The circuit board 44 may be provided in the portion cut out at the corner where the pressure receiving portion 34 and the first end wall 32 intersect. The circuit board 44 may store information about the liquid container 27.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the liquid container 27 may include a storage chamber 46 for storing liquid and a discharge valve 47. The discharge valve 47 may be provided at the connection portion 42. When the discharge valve 47 opens the connection portion 42, the liquid stored in the storage chamber 46 is discharged through the connection portion 42. When the discharge valve 47 closes the connection portion 42, the discharge of liquid from the connection portion 42 is restricted.

[0029] <Supply Unit> As shown in Figure 4, the supply unit 21 may include a box-shaped frame 49, an electrical connection part 50, a first shaft 51, and a support part 52. The supply unit 21 may also include a positioning projection 53, a liquid introduction part 54, a pressing member 55, an operating part 56, and a speed reduction part 57. The operating part 56, positioning projection 53, liquid introduction part 54, speed reduction part 57, electrical connection part 50, and first shaft 51 may be arranged in this order along the Y axis. The supply unit 21 may include multiple electrical connection parts 50, first shaft 51, support part 52, positioning projection 53, liquid introduction part 54, pressing member 55, operating part 56, and speed reduction part 57.

[0030] The electrical connection part 50 and the first shaft 51 may be located at the back of the frame 49, i.e., at a distance from the insertion opening 28 in the insertion direction Dp. The electrical connection part 50 contacts the circuit board 44 of the liquid container 27 mounted on the mounting part 26. The electrical connection part 50 electrically connects the circuit board 44 and the control unit 19. The first shaft 51 may extend along the X axis. The first shaft 51 may individually rotatably support a plurality of support parts 52.

[0031] The support portion 52 is movable to the guide position Pg shown in Figure 4 and the connection position Pc shown in Figure 5 by rotating around the first axis 51. In this embodiment, the support portion 52 supports the liquid container 27 inserted from the insertion port 28. The liquid container 27 supported by the support portion 52 moves together with the support portion 52. In this embodiment, the position of the liquid container 27 that moves together with the support portion 52 is also referred to as the guide position Pg and the connection position Pc, similar to the position of the support portion 52.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the guide position Pg of the support portion 52 is the position that guides the liquid container 27 in the insertion direction Dp and the withdrawal direction De. The guide position Pg of the liquid container 27 is the position in which the liquid container 27 can move in the insertion direction Dp and the withdrawal direction De.

[0033] The connection position Pc of the support portion 52 is the position where the liquid container 27 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 54. The connection position Pc of the liquid container 27 is the position where the connection portion 42 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 54, and at the same time, where liquid can be supplied to the liquid discharge device 11.

[0034] The support portion 52 located at the guide position Pg moves to the connection position Pc by moving in the connection direction Dc. That is, the connection direction Dc is the direction in which the liquid container 27 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 54. The support portion 52 located at the connection position Pc moves to the guide position Pg by moving in the disconnection direction Do, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction Dc. That is, the disconnection direction Do is the direction in which the connection between the liquid container 27 and the liquid introduction portion 54 is released. In this embodiment, the connection direction Dc and the disconnection direction Do are rotational directions around the first axis 51.

[0035] The support portion 52 may have a first hole 59 and a second hole 60. When the support portion 52 is located at the guide position Pg, the first hole 59 is located above the liquid introduction portion 54 and the positioning projection 53. The first hole 59 faces the positioning hole 41 and connection portion 42 of the liquid container 27 located at the guide position Pg, and the positioning projection 53 and the liquid introduction portion 54. When the support portion 52 moves from the guide position Pg in the connection direction Dc, it passes the liquid introduction portion 54 and the positioning projection 53 through the first hole 59.

[0036] When the support portion 52 is located at the guide position Pg, the second hole 60 is located above the speed reduction portion 57. The second hole 60 faces the storage recess 43 of the liquid container 27 located at the guide position Pg and the speed reduction portion 57. When the support portion 52 moves from the guide position Pg to the connection position Pc, it passes the speed reduction portion 57 through the second hole 60. When the support portion 52 is located at the connection position Pc, the storage recess 43 houses at least a portion of the speed reduction portion 57.

[0037] The positioning projection 53 may protrude in the detachment direction Do. The positioning projection 53 positions the liquid container 27 by engaging with the positioning hole 41 of the liquid container 27 located at the connection position Pc. By providing the positioning projection 53 near the liquid introduction section 54, the positional accuracy of the liquid introduction section 54 and the connection section 42 can be improved. The positioning projection 53 may extend substantially parallel to the liquid introduction section 54.

[0038] The liquid introduction section 54 can receive liquid discharged from the liquid container 27. The liquid introduction section 54 is located at the upstream end of the supply channel 22. The liquid introduced into the liquid introduction section 54 is supplied to the liquid discharge head 23 via the supply channel 22.

[0039] The liquid introduction section 54 is connected to the connection section 42 of the liquid container 27 located at the connection position Pc. Specifically, the liquid introduction section 54 may be inserted into the connection section 42 as the liquid container 27 moves in the connection direction Dc, and the outlet valve 47 may be opened.

[0040] The liquid introduction section 54 may be positioned at an angle to the Y and Z axes. For example, the center line of the liquid introduction section 54 may be at an angle greater than 0° and less than or equal to 15° with respect to the Z axis. In the insertion direction Dp, the distance between the insertion port 28 and the tip of the liquid introduction section 54 may be less than the distance between the insertion port 28 and the base end of the liquid introduction section 54.

[0041] The angle at which the liquid introduction section 54 is tilted may be set according to the distance from the first shaft 51 and the length of the liquid introduction section 54. By making the straight-line distance between the tip of the liquid introduction section 54 and the first shaft 51 and the straight-line distance between the base of the liquid introduction section 54 and the first shaft 51 approximately the same length, the liquid container 27 moving in the connection direction Dc and the liquid introduction section 54 can be smoothly connected.

[0042] The pressing member 55 presses the liquid container 27 in the release direction Do. Pressing means applying pressure to the stationary liquid container 27 by pushing it. In this embodiment, the pressing member 55 presses the liquid container 27 via the support portion 52. In this embodiment, the pressing member 55 is a compression coil spring that applies pressure to the support portion 52 from below.

[0043] The pressing member 55 is capable of generating a pressing force. The pressing force of the pressing member 55 is greater than the force required to move the liquid container 27, which has had its liquid discharged and needs to be replaced, and the support part 52 from the connection position Pc to the guide position Pg. Therefore, in the initial state when the liquid container 27 is not inside the mounting part 26, the support part 52 is located at the guide position Pg. The pressing force of the pressing member 55 may be greater than the force required to move the new liquid container 27 and the support part 52, which have not had their liquid discharged, from the connection position Pc to the guide position Pg.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the operating part 56 may be positioned facing the tip of the support part 52. The operating part 56 may have a fixed part 62, a movable part 63, a second shaft 64, and a first spring 65. The movable part 63 may have an engaging part 66, a projection 67, and a lever 68. The fixed part 62 may be fixed to the frame 49.

[0045] The movable part 63 may move between the release position shown in Figure 6 and the locked position shown in Figure 7 by rotating around the second axis 64. The second axis 64 may extend along the X axis. The release position is the position in which the engagement part 66 and the liquid container 27 are released. The locked position is the position in which the engagement part 66 engages with the engaged part 39.

[0046] The first spring 65 pushes the movable part 63 away from the fixed part 62. The first spring 65 pushes the movable part 63 toward the locked position. The first spring 65 presses the engaging part 66 and the projection 67 against the support part 52 or the liquid container 27 in the insertion direction Dp.

[0047] The engaging portion 66, the projection 67, and the lever 68 may be formed as a single unit. The engaging portion 66 and the projection 67 may be provided above the second shaft 64 and the lever 68. In the locked position, the movable portion 63 has the engaging portion 66 and the projection 67 protruding toward the support portion 52 in the insertion direction Dp, while the lever 68 protrudes toward the withdrawal direction De. The operator moves the movable portion 63 to the released position by pushing down the lever 68 of the movable portion 63 in the locked position.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, when the support portion 52 and the liquid container 27 are in the guide position Pg, the movable portion 63 is released when the projection 67 contacts the support portion 52. The projection 67 slides against the support portion 52 as it moves in the connection direction Dc. In other words, the movable portion 63 allows the support portion 52 and the liquid container 27, which are in the guide position Pg, to move in the connection direction Dc.

[0049] As shown in Figure 7, when the support portion 52 and the liquid container 27 are in the connection position Pc, the movable portion 63 is in the locked position and the engaging portion 66 engages with the engaged portion 39. In other words, the engaging portion 66 engages with the liquid container 27 when the liquid container 27 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 54. To put it another way, the engaged portion 39 engages with the engaging portion 66 when the liquid container 27 is connected to the liquid introduction portion 54.

[0050] The engaging portion 66, which engages with the engaged portion 39, restricts the movement of the liquid container 27, which is located at the connection position Pc, in the detachment direction Do. Therefore, the support portion 52 and the liquid container 27 remain at the connection position Pc against the pressing force of the pressing member 55. The engaging portion 66 disengages from the liquid container 27 when the lever 68 is pushed down. When the engagement of the engaging portion 66 with the liquid container 27 is released, the support portion 52 and the liquid container 27 move in the detachment direction Do by being pushed by the pressing member 55.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, the speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the support unit 52 and the liquid container 27, which are moving in the detachment direction Do. In this embodiment, the speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27 by reducing the movement speed of the support unit 52.

[0052] The speed reduction section 57 may include an oil damper 70 and a movable section 71. The movable section 71 may include a rotating body 73 that rotates around a pivot axis 72 and an arm 74. The movable part 71 is movable, at least in part, in the intersecting direction Di, which intersects the detachment direction Do, in response to the movement of the support part 52 in the detachment direction Do. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction Di is the direction in which the rotating body 73 rotates about the pivot axis 72. In this embodiment, the pivot axis 72 may extend along the X axis. In other words, the pivot axis 72 extends in a direction intersecting the detachment direction Do and the intersecting direction Di.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the oil damper 70 may include a piston 76 and a stopper 77. The oil damper 70 absorbs the energy when the piston 76 is pushed in, thereby applying a load to the member pushing the piston 76. In this embodiment, the rotating body 73 pushes the piston 76. The oil damper 70 reduces the speed of the rotating body 73, which rotates in the intersecting direction Di. The stopper 77 stops the rotating body 73 by contacting the rotating body 73 that has pushed the piston 76 in.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8, one end of the arm 74 is rotatably connected to the support 52, and the other end is rotatably connected to the rotating body 73. The support 52, arm 74, and rotating body 73 constitute a linkage mechanism. The arm 74 converts the movement of the support 52 in the detachment direction Do into the movement of the rotating body 73 in the intersecting direction Di. The arm 74 converts the movement of the support 52 in the connection direction Dc into the movement of the rotating body 73 in the direction opposite to the intersecting direction Di.

[0055] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the rotating body 73 moves in the opposite direction to the intersecting direction Di, the piston 76, which was pressed in, is pushed out by a spring (not shown). The speed at which the spring of the oil damper 70 pushes out the piston 76 may be slower than the speed at which the support portion 52, which is pressed by the pressing member 55, moves the rotating body 73. The rotating body 73 may move away from the piston 76 when it moves in the opposite direction to the intersecting direction Di.

[0056] The speed reduction section 57 restricts the rotation of the moving section 71 when the liquid container 27 moves in the detachment direction Do. The speed reduction section 57 allows the rotation of the moving section 71 when the liquid container 27 moves in the connection direction Dc.

[0057] <Operation of the Embodiment> The operation when the liquid container 27 is attached to the supply unit 21 will be explained. As shown in Figure 4, the operator inserts the liquid container 27 through the insertion port 28 and pushes the liquid container 27 in the insertion direction Dp. Once the liquid container 27 is pushed all the way into the mounting portion 26, a portion of it, including its rear end in the insertion direction Dp, may be located outside the insertion port 28.

[0058] Next, the worker pushes down the liquid container 27. The worker may also push down on the portion of the liquid container 27 that is located outside the insertion opening 28. This causes the liquid container 27 to move in the connection direction Dc together with the support portion 52. That is, the liquid container 27 and the support portion 52 move in the connection direction Dc against the force exerted by the pressing member 55 on the support portion 52.

[0059] As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the liquid container 27 moves in the connection direction Dc, and the positioning projection 53 enters the positioning hole 41. The connecting part 42 is connected to the liquid introduction part 54. The connecting part 42 may be connected to the liquid introduction part 54 after the positioning projection 53 has entered the positioning hole 41 and the liquid container 27 is positioned. When the liquid container 27 moves to the connection position Pc, the engaging part 66 engages with the engaged part 39, restricting its movement in the release direction Do. While at the connection position Pc, the pressure receiving part 34 receives a pressing force from the pressing member 55 in the release direction Do.

[0060] As shown in Figure 8, when the support portion 52 moves in the connection direction Dc, the rotating body 73 rotates in the opposite direction to the intersecting direction Di. The rotating body 73 moves away from the state shown in Figure 8 to the oil damper 70.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, when the rotating body 73 separates from the oil damper 70, the piston 76 is pushed out. When the liquid reservoir 27 and the support portion 52 are located at the connection position Pc, at least a portion of the oil damper 70 may be located within the storage recess 43.

[0062] Next, we will explain the process of removing the liquid container 27 from the supply unit 21. As shown in Figure 7, when removing the liquid container 27 from the mounting part 26, the operator operates the lever 68. Specifically, when the lever 68 is pushed down, the engaging part 66 disengages from the engaged part 39. When the engaging part 66 disengages, the support part 52 and the liquid container 27, which are being pressed by the pressing member 55, move in the detachment direction Do.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, when the support portion 52 moves in the detachment direction Do, the rotating body 73 moves in the intersecting direction Di to push the piston 76. The speed reduction portion 57 reduces the moving speed of the rotating body 73 due to the resistance of the oil damper 70. The speed reduction portion 57 also reduces the moving speed of the liquid container 27 via the support portion 52.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, as the liquid container 27 moves in the detachment direction Do, the connection portion 42 moves away from the liquid introduction portion 54. The positioning hole 41 moves away from the positioning projection 53. At this time, the speed of movement in the detachment direction Do is reduced by the speed reduction portion 57. Therefore, the inertial force acting on the liquid contained in the liquid container 27 and the liquid remaining in the connection portion 42 is smaller than when the speed is high. Consequently, dripping of liquid from the connection portion 42 is reduced.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, once the liquid container 27 and the support part 52 have moved to the guide position Pg, the liquid container 27 can move in the extraction direction De. The worker removes the liquid container 27 by pulling it out in the extraction direction De.

[0066] <Effects of the Embodiment> The effects of this embodiment will now be explained. (1) The speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27 as it moves in the detachment direction Do. In other words, the speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27 as it is disconnected from the liquid introduction unit 54, thereby reducing the amount of liquid that drips when the liquid container 27 is removed.

[0067] (2) The speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27 by reducing the movement speed of the support unit 52. Therefore, the degree of design freedom can be improved compared to the case in which the speed reduction unit 57 directly reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27.

[0068] (3) The speed reduction section 57 reduces the movement speed of the liquid container 27 by reducing the movement speed of the section 71 that moves in the intersecting direction Di, which intersects with the departure direction Do. Therefore, the degree of design freedom can be improved.

[0069] (4) The movable part 71 includes a rotating body 73 that rotates around the pivot axis 72. Therefore, it can be designed using the lever ratio, which is the ratio of the distance from the center of the pivot axis 72 to the position where it is subjected to the action of the speed reduction part 57 and the distance from the center of the pivot axis 72 to the position where the support part 52 is connected. Thus, the degree of design freedom can be improved.

[0070] (5) The speed reduction section 57 restricts the rotation of the moving section 71 when the liquid container 27 moves in the detachment direction Do, while allowing the rotation of the moving section 71 when the liquid container 27 moves in the connection direction Dc. Therefore, when installing the liquid container 27, it is possible to suppress the increase in resistance to moving the liquid container 27 in the connection direction Dc.

[0071] (6) Since the speed reduction section 57 includes an oil damper 70, the travel speed can be easily reduced. (7) The liquid container 27 has its movement speed reduced when it moves in the detachment direction Do by the speed reduction unit 57. In other words, the movement speed of the liquid container 27 is reduced when it is disconnected from the liquid introduction unit 54, so that the dripping of liquid when the liquid container 27 is removed can be reduced.

[0072] [Example of changes] This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0073] <Example of first change> As shown in Figure 12, the speed reduction section 57 may be located at the back of the mounting section 26 in the insertion direction Dp. The liquid container 27 may be configured without a storage recess 43. The support section 52 may be configured without a second hole 60. The movable section 71 may include a rotating body 73 but not an arm 74.

[0074] The speed reduction unit 57 may be provided on the support unit 52. The speed reduction unit 57 may move together with the support unit 52 to the guide position Pg shown in Figure 12 and the connection position Pc shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figure 12, in the speed reduction section 57 located at the guide position Pg, the piston 76 is pushed in because the rotating body 73 is sandwiched between the frame 49 and the oil damper 70.

[0075] When the operator pushes down the liquid container 27, the liquid container 27, the support part 52, and the speed reduction part 57 move in the connection direction Dc. As shown in Figure 13, the rotating body 73 moves relative to the frame 49, thereby enabling it to move away from the oil damper 70. The oil damper 70 pushes out the piston 76 by a spring (not shown).

[0076] When the liquid container 27, support 52, and speed reduction unit 57 move in the detachment direction Do, the rotating body 73, which is pushed by the frame 49, rotates in the intersecting direction Di, pushing in the piston 76. The speed reduction unit 57 reduces the movement speed of the rotating body 73 by the resistance of the oil damper 70, thereby reducing the movement speed of the liquid container 27 when it moves in the detachment direction Do.

[0077] <Example of second change> As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the supply unit 21 may be equipped with a second spring 79. The second spring 79 may push the liquid container 27 mounted on the mounting portion 26 in the withdrawal direction De. The liquid container 27, having moved from the connection position Pc to the guide position Pg, may move in the withdrawal direction De by being pushed by the second spring 79.

[0078] <Example of the third change> As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the supply unit 21 may include a locking portion 81 that restricts the movement of the support portion 52. The locking portion 81 may allow the movement of the support portion 52 by engaging with the release portion 40 of the liquid container 27 mounted on the mounting portion 26.

[0079] <Other examples of changes> The connection portion 42 may be provided on the first end wall 32. The liquid introduction portion 54 may be provided at the back of the mounting portion 26, i.e., at a position away from the insertion opening 28 in the insertion direction Dp. The pressing member 55 may directly apply pressing force to the liquid container 27. The pressing member 55 may press the first end wall 32, which is an example of a pressure receiving portion, in the withdrawal direction De. The speed reduction portion 57 may reduce the movement speed of the liquid container 27 when it moves in the withdrawal direction De. In this case, the insertion direction Dp is an example of a connection direction, and the withdrawal direction De is an example of a detachment direction. That is, the connection direction Dc and the detachment direction Do may be parallel to the Y axis.

[0080] The supply unit 21 may be configured without a support portion 52. The pressing member 55 may directly press the liquid container 27. The connection direction Dc and the disconnection direction Do may be parallel to the Z-axis.

[0081] The speed reduction unit 57 may reduce the movement speed of the liquid container 27 in both the connection direction Dc and the disconnection direction Do. The speed reduction section 57 may include an air damper instead of the oil damper 70.

[0082] The speed reduction unit 57 may be configured without a moving unit 71. The speed reduction section 57 may include a friction member. The friction member may contact at least one of the following moving in the departure direction Do: for example, the rotating body 73, the lever 68, the support part 52, and the liquid container 27, thereby generating a frictional force. In other words, the speed reduction section 57 may reduce the moving speed of the liquid container 27 moving in the departure direction Do by frictional force.

[0083] The speed reduction section 57 may include a deformable member such as a sponge. The deformable member may come into contact with and be crushed by at least one of the following moving in the detachment direction Do: for example, the rotating body 73, the lever 68, the support part 52, and the liquid container 27. The speed reduction section 57 may reduce the moving speed of the liquid container 27 moving in the detachment direction Do by deforming the deformable member.

[0084] The speed reduction unit 57 may include a damper that applies a load to the rotation of at least one of the first shaft 51 and the pivot shaft 72. The speed reduction unit 57 may reduce the moving speed of the liquid container 27 by applying a load to the rotation of at least one of the first shaft 51 and the pivot shaft 72 when the liquid container 27 moves in the detachment direction Do.

[0085] The oil damper 70 may also push the rotating body 73 which moves in the opposite direction to the intersecting direction Di. The pressing member 55 may be made of, for example, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, rubber, or an air spring.

[0086] The pressing member 55 may press the liquid container 27 in the detachment direction Do by pulling the support portion 52 in the detachment direction Do. In this case, the pressing member 55 may be made of a tension spring, a spiral spring, rubber, or a weighted bucket.

[0087] The liquid dispensing device 11 may be a liquid dispensing device that sprays or dispenses liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid dispensed from the liquid dispensing device as minute droplets may include granular, teardrop-shaped, or thread-like forms. The liquid referred to here may be any material that can be dispensed from the liquid dispensing device. For example, the liquid may be any state in which a substance is in the liquid phase, and may include highly or low viscosity liquids, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and other fluids. The liquid may include not only liquids as a state of matter, but also functional material particles consisting of solids 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 refers to general water-based inks and oil-based inks, as well as various liquid compositions such as gel inks and hot-melt inks. Specific examples of liquid dispensing devices include devices that dispense liquids containing materials such as electrode materials and colorants in the form of dispersion or dissolution, used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense bio-organic substances used in biochip manufacturing, devices that dispense liquid samples used as precision pipettes, printing devices, microdispensers, etc. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense lubricating oil to precision machinery such as watches and cameras with pinpoint accuracy, or devices that dispense transparent resin liquids such as ultraviolet-curing resins onto substrates to form minute hemispherical lenses, optical lenses, etc. used in optical communication elements. Liquid dispensing devices may also be devices that dispense etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0088] [Definition] As used herein, the expression "at least one" means "one or more" of the desired options. For example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "both of the two options" if there are two options. As another example, as used herein, "at least one" means "only one option" or "a combination of two or more any options" if there are three or more options.

[0089] [Note] The technical concepts and their effects that can be understood from the embodiments and modifications described above are described below.

[0090] (A) The supply unit is a supply unit to which a liquid container having a connection part is detachably attached, comprising: a liquid introduction part connected to the connection part of the liquid container; a pressing member that presses the liquid container in a detachment direction which is opposite to the connection direction when the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction part is the connection direction; an engagement part that engages with the liquid container when the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction part; and a speed reduction part that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction when the engagement of the engagement part with the liquid container is released.

[0091] In this configuration, the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container as it moves in the detachment direction. In other words, the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container once it is disconnected from the liquid introduction unit, thereby reducing liquid leakage when the liquid container is removed.

[0092] (B) The supply unit further comprises a support portion for supporting the liquid container, the pressing member presses the liquid container via the support portion, and the speed reduction portion may reduce the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the support portion.

[0093] In this configuration, the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the support unit. Therefore, compared to the case where the speed reduction unit directly reduces the movement speed of the liquid container, the degree of design freedom can be improved.

[0094] (C) The supply unit includes a movable part that is at least partially movable in an intersecting direction intersecting the detachment direction in response to the movement of the support part in the detachment direction, and the speed reduction part may reduce the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the movable part in the intersecting direction.

[0095] In this configuration, the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the unit moving in the intersecting direction, which is intersecting with the departure direction. Therefore, the degree of design freedom can be increased.

[0096] (D) In ​​the supply unit, the moving part may include a rotating body that rotates around a pivot axis that extends in a direction intersecting the detachment direction and the intersecting direction. In this configuration, the moving part includes a rotating body that rotates around a pivot axis. Therefore, it can be designed using the lever ratio, which is the ratio of the distance from the center of the pivot axis to the position where the speed reduction part acts, and the distance from the center of the pivot axis to the position where the support part is connected. Thus, the degree of design freedom can be increased.

[0097] (E) In the supply unit, the speed reduction unit may restrict the rotation of the moving part when the liquid container moves in the detachment direction, and allow the rotation of the moving part when the liquid container moves in the connection direction.

[0098] In this configuration, the speed reduction unit restricts the rotation of the moving part when the liquid container moves in the detachment direction, while allowing the rotation of the moving part when the liquid container moves in the connection direction. Therefore, when installing the liquid container, it is possible to suppress the increase in resistance that moves the liquid container in the connection direction.

[0099] (F) In the supply unit, the speed reduction section may include an oil damper. With this configuration, the speed reduction section includes an oil damper, making it easy to reduce the travel speed.

[0100] (G) The liquid dispensing device comprises a liquid dispensing head for dispensing liquid, a supply channel for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to the liquid dispensing head, and a supply unit having the above configuration. This configuration can achieve the same effects as the supply unit described above.

[0101] (H) The liquid container is a liquid container that is detachably attached to a supply unit having a liquid introduction section into which liquid can be introduced, a pressing member capable of generating a pressing force, an engaging section, and a speed reduction section, and comprises a connecting section connected to the liquid introduction section, a pressure receiving section that receives the pressing force from the pressing member in the detachment direction which is opposite to the connection direction when the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is the connection direction, an engaged section into which the engaging section engages when the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, and a storage recess into which at least a part of the speed reduction section that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction is housed.

[0102] In this configuration, the liquid container's movement speed is reduced when it moves in the detachment direction by the speed reduction section. In other words, because the connection between the liquid container and the liquid introduction section is detached and the movement speed of the liquid container is reduced, the amount of liquid that drips when the liquid container is removed can be reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 11...Liquid dispensing device, 12...Media, 13...Media storage section, 14...Stacker, 15...Operation panel, 16...Image reading section, 17...Automatic feeding section, 19...Control unit, 21...Supply unit, 22...Supply channel, 23...Liquid dispensing head, 24...Cover, 26...Mounting section, 27...Liquid container, 28...Inlet, 30...Nozzle surface, 32...First end wall, 33...Top wall, 34...Pressure receiving section, 35...First side wall, 36...Second side wall, 37...Second end wall, 39...Engaged section, 40...Release section, 41...Positioning hole, 42...Connection section, 43...Storage recess, 44...Circuit board, 46...Storage chamber, 47...Outlet valve, 49...Frame, 5 0...Electrical connection part, 51...First shaft, 52...Support part, 53...Positioning projection, 54...Liquid introduction part, 55...Pressing member, 56...Operation part, 57...Speed ​​reduction part, 59...First hole, 60...Second hole, 62...Fixed part, 63...Movable part, 64...Second shaft, 65...First spring, 66...Engaging part, 67...Protrusion, 68...Lever, 70...Oil damper, 71...Movement part, 72...Rotating shaft, 73...Rotating body, 74...Arm, 76...Piston, 77...Stopping part, 79...Second spring, 81...Locking part, Dc...Connection direction, De...Removal direction, Di...Crossing direction, Do...Disconnection direction, Dp...Insertion direction, Pc...Connection position, Pg...Guide position.

Claims

1. A supply unit to which a liquid container equipped with a connection part is detachably attached, A liquid introduction section connected to the connection section of the liquid container, When the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is considered the connection direction, a pressing member presses the liquid container in the detachment direction, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction. When the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, the liquid container has an engaging portion that engages with the liquid container, When the engagement of the engagement portion with the liquid container is released, a speed reduction portion is provided to reduce the movement speed of the liquid container as it moves in the detachment direction. A support portion for supporting the liquid container, Equipped with, The pressing member presses the liquid container via the support portion, The supply unit is characterized in that the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the support unit.

2. The support portion is provided with a movable portion that can move in a direction intersecting the direction of separation, at least a portion of which can move in a direction intersecting the direction of separation, The supply unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the speed reduction unit reduces the movement speed of the liquid container by reducing the movement speed of the moving unit in the intersecting direction.

3. The supply unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the moving part includes a rotating body that rotates around a pivot axis extending in a direction intersecting the detachment direction and the intersecting direction.

4. The supply unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the speed reduction section restricts the rotation of the moving section when the liquid container moves in the detachment direction, and allows the rotation of the moving section when the liquid container moves in the connection direction.

5. A supply unit to which a liquid container equipped with a connecting portion is detachably attached, A liquid introduction section connected to the connection section of the liquid container, When the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is considered the connection direction, a pressing member presses the liquid container in the detachment direction, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction. When the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, the liquid container has an engaging portion that engages with the liquid container, When the engagement of the engagement portion with the liquid container is released, a speed reduction portion is provided to reduce the movement speed of the liquid container as it moves in the detachment direction. Equipped with, The supply unit is characterized in that the speed reduction section includes an oil damper.

6. A liquid dispensing head that dispenses liquid, A supply channel for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to the liquid discharge head, The supply unit according to claim 5, A liquid dispensing device characterized by comprising the following features.

7. A liquid container that is detachably attached to a supply unit having a liquid introduction section capable of introducing liquid, a pressing member capable of generating pressing force, an engagement section, and a speed reduction section, A connecting part connected to the liquid introduction part, When the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is considered the connection direction, the pressure receiving section receives the pressing force from the pressing member in the detachment direction, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction, When the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, the engaging section engages with the engaged section, A storage recess in which at least a portion of the speed-reducing part that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction is housed, Equipped with, The liquid container is characterized in that the storage recess is a recess that opens to the pressure receiving portion.

8. A liquid container that is detachably attached to a supply unit having a liquid introduction section capable of introducing liquid, a pressing member capable of generating pressing force, an engaging section, and a speed reduction section, A connecting part connected to the liquid introduction part, When the direction in which the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section is considered the connection direction, the pressure receiving section receives the pressing force from the pressing member in the detachment direction, which is the opposite direction to the connection direction, When the liquid container is connected to the liquid introduction section, the engaging section engages with the engaged section, A storage recess in which at least a portion of the speed-reducing part that reduces the movement speed of the liquid container moving in the detachment direction is housed, Equipped with, A liquid container characterized in that the storage recess, the connecting portion, and the engaged portion are arranged in this order from the back to the front in the direction of insertion into the supply unit.

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