Liquid storage container, liquid discharge device, and liquid storage part unit

Abstract

A liquid storage container according to the present invention is attachable to and detachable from a liquid discharge device including a mounting part having an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part. The liquid storage container includes: a liquid storage part for storing a liquid therein; a liquid supply opening that allows the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to be supplied to a body of the liquid discharge device by being connected to the liquid receiving part; and an electrical connection part having a connection surface provided with a pad electrode electrically connectable to the electrical contact. The electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position. When the liquid storage container is mounted on the mounting part of the liquid discharge device, the electrical connection part moves to the second position, the pad electrode is electrically connected to the electrical contact, and the connection surface of the electrical connection part at the second position faces the liquid supply opening side.

Description

Liquid storage container, liquid ejection device, and liquid storage unit

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

[0002] For example, liquid storage containers such as ink cartridges and ink packs supply liquids such as ink to liquid ejection devices such as inkjet printers. Such liquid storage containers are configured to be detachable from a predetermined mounting portion of the liquid ejection device. As a result, when the liquid stored inside the liquid storage container is consumed, the user replaces the liquid storage container at an appropriate timing. Hereinafter, the liquid ejection device may be simply referred to as the "device" or the "recording device". There are various types of liquid ejection devices, and different liquid storage containers are used depending on the device. Also, in the same liquid ejection device, a plurality of liquid storage containers may be used depending on the type, color, etc. of the liquid to be stored. Therefore, when the user replaces the liquid storage container, there is a possibility of a misattachment in which a liquid storage container different from what should be originally mounted on the liquid ejection device is mistakenly mounted.

[0003] On the other hand, a liquid storage container having a connection portion that can be electrically connected to an electrical connection portion provided on the mounting portion of the liquid ejection device is known. When the liquid storage container is mounted on the mounting portion of the liquid ejection device, the connection portion of the liquid storage container is electrically connected to the electrical connection portion on the liquid ejection device side, so that information about the liquid stored in the liquid storage container is transmitted to the liquid ejection device. As a result, it is possible to notify the user whether the correct liquid storage container is mounted, so that the above-mentioned misattachment can be suppressed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique related to an ink cartridge provided with an electronic component mounting portion on which an electronic component is mounted. When an ink cartridge that stores ink is mounted on a printer, the electronic component mounting portion moves in a direction different from the mounting direction of the ink cartridge, and the electrical connection portion of the printer and the electronic component of the electronic component mounting portion are electrically connected.

[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-102292

[0006] However, the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1 still has room for further improvement.

[0007] This disclosure aims to further develop conventional technologies.

[0008] A liquid container according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a liquid container that is detachable from a liquid dispensing device having a mounting part having an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part, and comprises a liquid container for containing liquid inside, a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid contained in the liquid container to the main body of the liquid dispensing device, and an electrical connection part having a connection surface provided with a pad electrode that can be electrically connected to the electrical contact. The electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part of the liquid dispensing device, the electrical connection part moves to the second position so that the pad electrode is electrically connected to the electrical contact, and the connection surface of the electrical connection part in the second position faces the liquid supply opening side.

[0009] This disclosure allows for further development of the prior art.

[0010] Further features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid container according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container. This is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of pad electrodes. This is a schematic diagram for explaining the ink needle and connector. This is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container is being mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a side view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid container according to the second embodiment. This is a plan view of the liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container. This is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body. This is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container is being mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container is being mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is a side view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit in the first modification of the second embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit in the first modification of the second embodiment. This is a perspective view of the opening and closing door in the second modification of the second embodiment. This is a perspective view of the opening and closing door in the third modification of the second embodiment. This is a perspective view of the opening and closing door in the fourth modification of the second embodiment. This is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body in the fifth modification of the second embodiment. This is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body in the sixth modification of the second embodiment. This is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body in the sixth modification of the second embodiment. This is a side view of the liquid container in the seventh modification of the second embodiment. This is a side view of the liquid container in the eighth modification of the second embodiment.This is a side view of the liquid container in the ninth modification of the second embodiment. This is a side view of the opening / closing door in the third embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the fourth embodiment. This is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body. This is a side view of the liquid container in the first modification of the fourth embodiment. This is a side view of the liquid container in the second modification of the fourth embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the fifth embodiment. This is a front view of the liquid container. This is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the sixth embodiment. This is a front view of the liquid container. This is a perspective view showing a series of operations when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the seventh embodiment. This is a perspective view of the opening / closing door body. This is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is a side cross-sectional view showing the operation of the opening / closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container in the seventh embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container according to the eighth embodiment. This is a front view of the liquid container. This is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door when the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container according to the ninth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the opening and closing door before the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a side view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container in a modified example of the ninth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device in the tenth embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the tenth embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid container. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container. This is a perspective view showing a series of operations when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional side view showing the operation of the opening and closing door when the liquid container is mounted on the liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the eleventh embodiment. This is a side view showing an example of a cam mechanism.This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container according to the 12th embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view of a liquid container in a modified version of the 12th embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container according to the 13th embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing the liquid container in the process of being attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the 14th embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a front view of an opening / closing door in a modified version of the 14th embodiment. This is a side view of an opening / closing door in the 15th embodiment. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the 16th embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the 17th embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the liquid container is attached to the liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container according to the 18th embodiment. This is an exploded perspective view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view of a liquid container. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when a liquid container is attached to a liquid supply unit. This is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of a liquid container unit in the second embodiment. This is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the spout in the second embodiment.

[0012] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the following embodiments are not limiting to the scope of this disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions of this disclosure. The same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, some of the contents described in each embodiment can be combined.

[0013] <<First Embodiment>> First, we will describe an example in which an inkjet printer is used as the liquid dispensing device and an ink pack is used as the liquid storage container. In this embodiment, we will describe a technology that further develops the conventional technology.

[0014] <Configuration of the Liquid Dispensing Device> The overall configuration of an inkjet printer 100 (hereinafter referred to as the recording device 100), which is an example of a liquid dispensing device, will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device 100. In Figure 1, the X direction is the horizontal direction (width direction of the recording device 100), the Y direction is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X direction (depth direction of the recording device 100), and the Z direction is the vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions. In this embodiment, the vertical direction is the direction opposite to the direction of gravity and is the height direction of the recording device 100. The +Y direction is the direction in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the recording device 100. Note that the directions shown in Figure 1 will be used with the same meaning in subsequent drawings. For example, the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 2 are the same directions as the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 1.

[0015] As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 100 comprises a recording head 101, a carriage 102, a transport roller 103, a liquid supply unit 105, a liquid supply tube 106, and a recovery unit 107. The recording device 100 repeatedly performs reciprocating movement of the recording head 101 (main scan) and transport of the recording sheet MD, which is the recording medium, at predetermined pitch intervals (sub-scan). The recording device 100 forms and records characters, symbols, images, etc., by selectively ejecting multiple colored liquids (e.g., ink) from the recording head 101 and applying them to the recording sheet MD, while synchronizing with the aforementioned main scan and sub-scan. In this embodiment, the concept of recording is not particularly limited, and the recording device 100 can be applied to industrial applications, etc. For example, the recording device 100 may be used for applications such as biochip manufacturing, electronic circuit printing, and semiconductor substrate manufacturing.

[0016] The liquid (ink) used for recording images includes any liquid that, when applied to a recording medium, can be used to form an image or process the recording medium. In this embodiment, "ink" is a concept that encompasses all liquids that can be used for recording images. Specifically, the liquid used for recording images may be a colored ink containing colorants such as pigments and dyes. The liquid used for recording images may also be a colorless, transparent ink such as a reaction solution or optimizer. In the example shown in Figure 1, the recording head 101 is configured to discharge four types of liquids, but is not limited to this. That is, the types of liquids discharged by the recording head 101 are not limited to four types. For example, the recording head 101 may be configured to discharge five or more types of ink. The recording head 101 may be configured to discharge four types of ink and one type of reaction solution.

[0017] The recording sheet MD may be a sheet of paper (cut paper) produced by cutting a roll of paper to a predetermined size such as A3 or A4. The recording sheet MD may also be a roll of paper used in a so-called roll-to-roll format. The recording medium is not limited to the recording sheet MD and is not particularly limited. Transparent or colored recording media can be used. For example, known materials and forms of recording media include paper, cloth, optical disc label surfaces, plastic sheets, OHP sheets, and envelopes. The recording medium may also be a poorly absorbent medium (non-absorbent medium) that does not easily absorb liquids, such as a resin film.

[0018] The recording head 101 is detachably mounted on the carriage 102. The carriage 102 is slidably supported by two guide rails 104. The carriage 102, on which the recording head 101 is mounted, moves back and forth along the guide rails 104 in a straight line (main scan) by a driving means such as a motor (not shown).

[0019] The recording sheet MD is transported by the transport roller 103, which is a transport means, in a direction (transport direction A) that intersects the direction of movement of the carriage 102. In this embodiment, the transport direction A of the recording sheet MD is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the carriage 102 (main scanning direction). The transport direction A of the recording sheet MD is opposite to the direction (+Y direction) in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the recording device 100. When the recording sheet MD is transported by the transport roller 103, it faces the liquid discharge section (not shown) of the recording head 101. The recording sheet MD facing the liquid discharge section of the recording head 101 receives the liquid discharged from the liquid discharge section of the recording head 101.

[0020] The recording head 101 has multiple (for example, four) nozzle rows that correspond to multiple types of ink. Each nozzle row consists of multiple ejection ports (nozzles) that eject ink according to the recording data. The multiple ejection ports constituting the nozzle row are arranged in a direction (Y direction) that intersects the movement direction (main scanning direction) of the carriage 102. In this embodiment, a serial scan type recording head 101 is used, in which the carriage 102 is moved back and forth in a direction that intersects the transport direction A of the recording sheet MD. However, the recording head 101 is not limited to a serial scan type recording head 101; a full-line type inkjet recording head may also be used. In a full-line type inkjet recording head, the multiple ejection ports that eject ink are arranged to correspond to the width of the recording medium. In a full-line type inkjet recording head, the recording head itself does not move, but only the recording medium is transported while the image is recorded. Full-line type inkjet recording heads are used in printing fields where high-speed recording is required, such as commercial and industrial applications.

[0021] The liquid (ink) is supplied from the liquid supply unit 105 to the recording head 101 via the liquid supply tube 106. A liquid container 200 is detachably mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The liquid container 200 contains the liquid used for recording. In the example shown in Figure 1, four liquid containers 200 corresponding to four types of liquid are mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 in a row in the Z direction. The liquid containers 200 may be mounted directly on the liquid supply unit 105. The liquid containers 200 may also be mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 while housed in a drawer-shaped tray or a box-shaped case. If the liquid container 200 is a flexible ink pack, the liquid container 200 is easily deformed due to its low rigidity. In this case, mounting the liquid container 200 on the liquid supply unit 105 while housed in a tray or case makes it easier to position the liquid container 200 relative to the liquid supply unit 105. Furthermore, the liquid supply unit 105 may be equipped with a pump mechanism 6 (see Figure 6, described later) for drawing up the liquid contained in the liquid container 200. By providing the pump mechanism 6 in the liquid supply unit 105, the liquid can be supplied efficiently from the liquid container 200 to the recording head 101. By providing the pump mechanism 6 in the liquid supply unit 105, the liquid contained in the liquid container 200 can be easily used up.

[0022] The recovery unit 107 is provided in a non-recording area, which is within the reciprocating movement range of the recording head 101 and outside the passage range of the recording sheet MD. The recovery unit 107 is positioned opposite the liquid discharge section (not shown) of the recording head 101 when it moves to the aforementioned non-recording area. The recovery unit 107 includes a cap, a suction mechanism, and a cleaning blade, etc.

[0023] The cap portion of the recovery unit 107 is a component for capping the liquid discharge portion of the recording head 101. The suction mechanism of the recovery unit 107 is a mechanism for forcibly sucking out liquid while the liquid discharge portion of the recording head 101 is capped. The cleaning blade of the recovery unit 107 is a component for wiping away dirt from the liquid discharge portion of the recording head 101. The recovery process, including capping by the cap portion of the recovery unit 107 and suction of liquid by the suction mechanism, is performed at a desired timing. It is preferable that the recovery process by the recovery unit 107 is performed prior to the recording operation of the recording device 100. Even if the recording device 100 is operated after being left idle for a long period of time, the recovery process by the recovery unit 107 can remove residual air bubbles in the liquid discharge portion of the recording head 101, thickened liquid near the discharge port of the recording head 101, etc. This allows the discharge characteristics of the recording head 101 to be maintained.

[0024] <Configuration of the Liquid Container> Next, the liquid container 200, which is detachable from the recording device 100, will be described. The liquid container 200 according to the first embodiment is used in combination with the tray 3 (see Figure 2, described later) as an ink pack. In other words, the liquid container 200 according to the first embodiment is also called an ink pack. The liquid container 200 is detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100 while stored and supported in the tray 3. The tray 3 is a storage section for storing and supporting the liquid container 200 (ink pack) in a predetermined position. The liquid supply unit 105 is a mounting section of the recording device 100 to which the liquid container 200 is detachably attached. A tray slide section 50 extending in the Y direction is formed on the side of the tray 3. The tray slide section 50 engages with a slide groove (not shown) formed in the liquid supply unit 105 so as to be slidable. The user can move the tray 3, which houses and supports the liquid container 200, toward the liquid supply unit 105 while the tray slide section 50 and the slide groove are engaged.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid container 200 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 200 viewed from the +Z direction. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200.

[0026] The elements of the liquid container 200 will be explained using Figures 2 to 4. As mentioned above, the liquid container 200 is used in combination with the tray 3 as an ink pack. The liquid container 200 comprises a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204.

[0027] The liquid storage section 201 is formed in the shape of a bag capable of containing liquid. For example, ink W (see Figure 6 below) is contained inside the liquid storage section 201. Note that in Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 7 to 9, ink W is shown in a simplified form. It is preferable that the liquid storage section 201 is flexible so that it becomes flat when the ink W is used up. In each embodiment, "flexible" means that it is pliable and can be bent.

[0028] Any known material can be used as the material for the liquid storage section 201, as long as it is flexible and capable of containing liquid internally. Specifically, examples of resin films made from resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) can be used as the material for the liquid storage section 201. The material of the resin film used in the liquid storage section 201 is preferably a resin with high liquid contact with the ink W, allowing for long-term storage of the ink W. Liquid contact refers to the stability of the component (resin film) that comes into contact with the liquid (ink). Examples of liquid contact in this embodiment include the fact that the resin film used in the liquid storage section 201 does not deteriorate due to the ink, and that components leached from the resin film do not alter the ink.

[0029] The liquid storage section 201 uses a laminated film with functional separation according to various performance requirements. The liquid storage section 201 may use a coated film or a vapor-deposited film in which gas barrier and moisture barrier properties are imparted to a resin film. The liquid storage section 201 may also use a laminated film formed by laminating paper or aluminum foil onto a resin film. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of storing liquid, the material of the liquid storage section 201 is preferably a material that can suppress the evaporation of moisture in the liquid. As a material that can suppress the evaporation of moisture in the liquid, aluminum foil is preferably used. That is, a flexible liquid storage section 201 is preferably formed by laminating aluminum foil onto a resin film. The thickness of the laminated film used in the liquid storage section 201 is preferably 100 μm or more and 220 μm or less. It should be noted that the liquid storage section 201 does not necessarily have to use a laminated film with multiple layers. For example, in applications where gas barrier properties are not important, a single layer of resin film may be used for the liquid storage section 201.

[0030] The liquid storage portion 201 is preferably in the shape of a bag. A known method can be used to manufacture the liquid storage portion 201. Specifically, a bag-shaped liquid storage portion 201 is formed by overlapping two films and joining the peripheral edges of the films together. The liquid storage portion 201 is also called a four-sided sealed bag. The bag shape of the liquid storage portion 201 formed by this method may be pillow type or gusset type.

[0031] An appropriate bag size and shape are used depending on the volume of liquid contained in the liquid container 201. For example, a liquid container 201 with a volume of approximately 150 g has a pillow-type bag with a long side of approximately 148 mm and a short side of approximately 136 mm. A liquid container 201 with a volume of approximately 90 g has a pillow-type bag with a long side of approximately 136 mm and a short side of approximately 84 mm. A liquid container 201 with a volume of 1.5 L may have a gusset-type bag with a long side of approximately 374 mm, a short side of approximately 180 mm, and a gusset width of approximately 46 mm on the long side. A liquid container 201 with a volume of 3.0 L may have a gusset-type bag with a long side of approximately 374 mm, a short side of approximately 240 mm, and a gusset width of approximately 80 mm on the long side.

[0032] The liquid dispensing section 202 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 201. Depending on the shape of the liquid storage section 201 bag, the distance between the liquid dispensing section 202 and the other end of the liquid storage section 201 may be long. If a liquid outlet pipe and spacer member, such as those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-014091, are not arranged inside the liquid storage section 201, when the liquid stored in the liquid storage section 201 is consumed, opposing parts of the liquid storage section 201 may stick together. When opposing parts of the liquid storage section 201 stick together, the liquid flow path toward the liquid dispensing section 202 may be blocked. For this reason, it is preferable to have an embossed portion (not shown) that protrudes to the outside of the liquid storage section 201. This allows the embossed portion to function as a liquid flow path even if opposing parts of the liquid storage section 201 stick together, thereby preventing the liquid flow path toward the liquid dispensing section 202 from being blocked. Therefore, a liquid flow path toward the liquid delivery section 202 can be secured, and the liquid contained in the liquid storage section 201 can be used to the very end. The embossed portion is preferably formed by deforming a part of the liquid storage section 201 using a compressed air method, a pressing method, a vacuum method, or the like. The embossed portion is preferably formed on the upper side of the liquid storage container 200 in the mounting position when it is attached to the recording device 100. Furthermore, it is preferable that the embossed portion is formed to intersect with a virtual line extended from the central axis of the liquid flow hole 220.

[0033] Instead of embossed portions, the liquid storage portion 201 may have ridges (not shown) that protrude inward. The ridges protruding inward from the liquid storage portion 201 make it difficult for opposing portions of the liquid storage portion 201 to stick together, thereby preventing the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge portion 202 from being blocked. Therefore, the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge portion 202 can be secured, and the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion 201 can be used to the very end. The ridges are preferably formed by deforming a part of the liquid storage portion 201 using a compressed air method, a press method, a vacuum method, etc. The ridges are preferably formed on the upper side of the liquid storage container 200 in the mounting position when it is attached to the recording device 100. The ridges may also be formed on the upper and lower sides of the liquid storage container 200 in the mounting position when it is attached to the recording device 100. Furthermore, it is preferable that the ridges are formed to intersect with a virtual line extended from the central axis of the liquid flow hole 220. The ridges can be formed in any part of the liquid storage section 201, provided that it is possible to secure a liquid flow path toward the liquid delivery section 202.

[0034] Furthermore, the structure for securing the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 202 is not limited to the embossed portion and the ridged portion. For example, a structure may be placed inside the liquid storage section 201 to secure the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 202. Differences in rigidity may be provided for each part of the film constituting the liquid storage section 201 to secure the liquid flow path toward the liquid discharge section 202.

[0035] As mentioned above, the liquid dispensing section 202 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 201. The liquid dispensing section 202 is for dispensing the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 201 to the outside. The liquid dispensing section 202 comprises a spout block 210, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223. The spout block 210 is formed into a block shape by molding. Note that the spout block 210 is not limited to molding, but may also be formed by cutting or other processes. Multiple parts such as the valve compression spring 221, the valve 222, and the joint seal 223 are assembled to the spout block 210. The spout block 210 with all the parts assembled is connected to the liquid storage section 201 by heat welding (thermocompression bonding). The structure of the connection between the spout block 210 and the liquid storage section 201 is airtight. Examples of materials for the spout block 210 include polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, and HIPS (high-impact polystyrene). The material of the spout block 210 is preferably a resin with high contact properties with the ink W, similar to the material of the liquid containment section 201. The material of the spout block 210 is preferably one with high heat-welding and moldability. Furthermore, considering the heat-welding properties between the parts, it is preferable that the material of the spout block 210 is the same as the material of the welded portion in the liquid containment section 201.

[0036] A door opening / closing guide 211, a slit 212, a slot 214, a positioning hole 215, and a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 are formed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanical ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. The door opening / closing body 240 and the substrate holder cover 242 of the door opening / closing door 204 are inserted into the door opening / closing guide 211. The front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the door opening / closing door 204 is inserted into the slit 212. The cam plate 63 provided on the liquid supply unit 105 can be inserted into the slot 214. The positioning pin 64 provided on the liquid supply unit 105 can be inserted into the positioning hole 215. The ink needle 60 provided on the liquid supply unit 105 can be inserted into the liquid flow hole 220. The mechanical ID 217 can engage with a rib-shaped mechanical ID receiver 65 provided on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0037] The cam plate 63, positioning pin 64, mechanical ID receiver 65, ink needle 60, and the connector 61 described later constitute the mounting-side connecting element 5 for connecting the liquid discharge section 202 of the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105 (mounting section). The cam plate 63 is a force-applying section for providing movement force to the opening / closing door body 240. The positioning pin 64 is a member for positioning the liquid discharge section 202 relative to the liquid supply unit 105. The mechanical ID receiver 65 is a member for mounting the liquid container 200 to be mounted onto the liquid supply unit 105. The ink needle 60 is a liquid receiving section for receiving the liquid (ink) discharged from the liquid discharge section 202.

[0038] The liquid flow hole 220 is a flow path in the spout block 210 that communicates the inside of the liquid storage section 201 with the outside of the liquid storage container 200 (liquid storage section 201). When the liquid flow hole 220 is connected to the ink needle 60 of the recording device 100, the ink W contained in the liquid storage section 201 is supplied to the main body of the recording device 100 through the liquid flow hole 220 and the inside of the ink needle 60 in the spout block 210. By being connected to the ink needle (liquid receiving section) 60, the liquid flow hole 220 corresponds to a liquid supply opening that can supply the liquid contained in the liquid storage section 201 to the main body of the recording device 100. A valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal 223 are inserted into the liquid flow hole 220.

[0039] The valve compression spring 221 is formed from a metal such as stainless steel. The material of the valve compression spring 221 is preferably a metal with high wettability to ink W and high corrosion resistance. The valve 222 is formed into a cylindrical shape by molding. Note that the valve 222 may be formed not only by molding but also by machining or other processes. Examples of materials for the valve 222 include polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, and HIPS. Similar to the spout block 210, the material of the valve 222 is preferably a resin with high wettability to ink W. The joint seal 223 is formed into a cylindrical shape using a rubber material such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) or H-NBR (hydrogenated nitrile rubber), or a thermoplastic elastomer. The material of the joint seal 223 is preferably a resin with high wettability to ink W and high corrosion resistance.

[0040] The valve compression spring 221 provides a biasing force that moves the valve 222 toward the joint seal 223 in the +Y direction. Due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, the valve 222 contacts the joint seal 223 and closes the flow path of the ink W. The joint seal 223 is fixed to the liquid flow hole 220 so that it cannot be dislodged from the liquid flow hole 220 even when the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 is acting on it. The joint seal 223 is fixed inside the liquid flow hole 220 by a rib formed on the inner edge of the tip side of the liquid flow hole 220 (the side into which the joint seal 223 is inserted) of the spout block 210. The rib for fixing the joint seal 223 is formed by deforming a pre-processed annular rib formed on the tip of the liquid flow hole 220 by heat crimping. Note that the joint seal 223 may be fixed to the inner circumference of the liquid flow hole 220 by fixing methods other than heat crimping, such as rubber lining or adhesive. The joint seal 223 may be fixed to the liquid flow hole 220 by welding a retaining component to the outer circumference of the joint seal 223. When the liquid container 200 is not mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100, the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 causes the valve 222 to move in the +Y direction, thereby closing the flow path of the ink W. By closing the flow path of the ink W with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. When the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, causing the valve 222 to move in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W.

[0041] Furthermore, a check valve may be provided in the liquid flow hole 220 on the liquid storage section 201 side of the valve 222. This check valve restricts the flow of liquid from the outside of the liquid storage container 200 into the liquid storage section 201. This suppresses the inflow of air into the liquid storage section 201, unexpected leakage of ink W, and backflow of ink W. A film member that seals the liquid flow hole 220 may be welded to the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. This film member is punctured by the ink needle 60 when the liquid storage container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. This improves the gas barrier properties of the liquid storage container 200 when it is not attached, and also suppresses the ingress of foreign matter into the ink stored in the liquid storage section 201 from the outside of the liquid storage container 200.

[0042] The opening / closing door 204 is a movable member configured to be movable relative to the spout block 210. The opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board (electrical connection part) 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a circuit board holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 is formed in a box shape with openings in the walls on the ±Y direction sides by molding. The opening / closing door body 240 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. It is desirable that the opening / closing door body 240 be formed using a resin with high sliding properties such as polyethylene, fluororesin, polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene, ABS resin, or HIPS. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. The opening / closing door body 240 houses the circuit board 230 and the circuit board holder 232 inside.

[0043] An integrated circuit (IC) storing information such as the color information, material, and ink amount of the ink W in the liquid storage container 200 is mounted on the circuit board 230. The circuit board 230 is an electrical connection part having a connection surface 233 (see FIG. 5 described later) provided with a plurality of pad electrodes 231. The pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 (see FIG. 11 described later) of the connector 61 provided in the liquid supply unit 105 in a mounted state where the liquid storage container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. Thereby, it becomes possible to read the information recorded in the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 230 from the circuit board 230 to the recording apparatus 100. The circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the substrate holder 232 by a fixing method such as thermal caulking, screw tightening, or adhesion so that the connection surface 233 faces the +Z direction.

[0044] The substrate holder 232 is formed in a box shape by molding, with an opening provided in the wall portion on the +Y direction side. Note that the substrate holder 232 is not limited to molding and may be formed by cutting or the like. The substrate holder 232 supports the circuit board 230 at the bottom. The substrate holder 232 is disposed in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 together with the circuit board 230. The internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 is formed by the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder cover 242.

[0045] The substrate holder cover 242 is formed in a plate shape by molding. Note that the substrate holder cover 242 is not limited to molding and may be formed by cutting or the like. Similar to the opening / closing door body 240, the substrate holder cover 242 is preferably formed using a resin such as highly slidable polyethylene, fluororesin, polyacetal, polyamide, polypropylene, ABS resin, or HIPS. The substrate holder cover 242 is assembled to the wall portion on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 by a fixing method such as fitting by snap fit, thermal welding, or adhesion. The substrate holder cover 242 closes the opening on the -Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and restricts the substrate holder 232 from coming out of the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0046] A predetermined clearance is formed between a substrate holder 232 disposed in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door body 240. Thereby, the substrate holder 232 can move within the range of the clearance in the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240. In other words, it is possible to equalize the arrangement of the substrate holder 232 to which the circuit board 230 is assembled, and the circuit board 230 is disposed so as to be relatively movable in the liquid storage container 200. When the liquid storage container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording apparatus 100, the circuit board 230 can move to an appropriate position for connection to the connector 61, and a good electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 is surely achieved. Therefore, there is no need to increase the positional accuracy of the circuit board 230 with respect to the connector 61, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 can be stably performed.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231 as viewed from the +Z direction. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231. FIG. 5(b) is a plan view showing a second example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231. FIG. 5(c) is a plan view showing a third example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231. FIG. 5(d) is a plan view showing a fourth example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231. FIG. 5(e) is a plan view showing a fifth example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231. FIG. 5(f) is a plan view showing a sixth example of the arrangement of the pad electrodes 231.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(f), a plurality of (for example, four) pad electrodes 231 can be freely arranged on the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 according to the purpose. The lengths of the plurality of pad electrodes 231 may be the same as each other or may not be the same as each other. The plurality of pad electrodes 231 may be arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the pad electrode 231, or may be arranged shifted from each other. The shape of the pad electrode 231 may be rectangular or may be a shape other than rectangular.

[0049] For example, in the first example shown in Figure 5(a), one of the four pad electrodes 231 is longer than the other three. The four pad electrodes 231 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pad electrodes 231. Each pad electrode 231 is rectangular in shape. In the second example shown in Figure 5(b), the lengths of the four pad electrodes 231 are different. The four pad electrodes 231 are arranged so that their longitudinal centers are aligned. Each pad electrode 231 is rectangular in shape.

[0050] In the third example shown in Figure 5(c), of the four pad electrodes 231, two adjacent pad electrodes 231 are longer than the other two pad electrodes 231. The four pad electrodes 231 are arranged so as to be offset in one direction along the longitudinal direction of the pad electrodes 231. Each pad electrode 231 is rectangular in shape. In the fourth example shown in Figure 5(d), the lengths of the four pad electrodes 231 are the same. The four pad electrodes 231 are arranged so as to be offset in a zigzag pattern along the longitudinal direction of the pad electrodes 231. Each pad electrode 231 is rectangular in shape.

[0051] In the fifth example shown in Figure 5(e), rectangular pad electrodes 231 and L-shaped pad electrodes 231 are arranged in a mixed manner. In the sixth example shown in Figure 5(f), the lengths of the four pad electrodes 231 are different. The four pad electrodes 231 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the pad electrodes 231. Each pad electrode 231 is formed in an oval shape.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder cover 242 of the opening / closing door 204 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 together with the circuit board holder 232 on which the circuit board 230 is assembled. In addition, a liquid flow hole front wall 241 is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the +X direction side. When the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder cover 242 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 is inserted into the slit 212 of the spout block 210. The liquid flow hole front wall 241 inserted into the slit 212 of the spout block 210 can cover the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. The opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 has a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 204 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z direction). In addition to the opening / closing door 204, an opening / closing door compression spring 243 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211. A retaining cover 244 is positioned at the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. When the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100, the opening / closing door body 240 is in contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0053] The retaining cover 244 is formed into a plate shape by molding. The retaining cover 244 is fixed to the spout block 210 and prevents the opening / closing door body 240 and the base plate holder cover 242 from coming off the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. The retaining cover 244 is fixed to the spout block 210 by fixing methods such as snap-fit, heat welding, or screw fastening. For example, the retaining cover 244 may be fixed to the spout block 210 by snap-fit. In this case, a crimping boss 213 is provided on the spout block 210 and a crimping hole 246 is provided on the retaining cover 244. Heat crimping is performed with the crimping boss 213 and the crimping hole 246 engaged and the retaining cover 244 assembled to the spout block 210. This increases the reliability of the retaining cover 244 in preventing the opening / closing door 204 from coming off.

[0054] When the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door body 240 comes into contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 204 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0055] As mentioned above, the opening / closing door 204 is a movable member and is equipped with an electrical connection part (circuit board 230). Cam follower pins 245 are formed on both side ends of the opening / closing door body 240 of the opening / closing door 204. The cam follower pins 245 are movable force receiving parts that can receive movable force from the cam plate (movement force applying part) 63 of the liquid supply unit 105. When the cam follower pins 245 receive movable force from the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 moves from the initial position, the first position, to a second position which is on the -Z side of the first position. The distance from the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 at the second position is longer than the distance from the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 to the liquid flow hole 220 at the first position.

[0056] When the opening / closing door body 240 is in contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, the circuit board 230 is in a first position. In other words, when the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220, the circuit board 230 is in a first position. When the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 does not cover the tip side of the liquid flow hole 220, the circuit board 230 is in a second position. The opening / closing door compression spring 243 functions as a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the opening / closing door 204 to move the circuit board 230 from the second position to the first position. The biasing member is preferably an elastic member. Furthermore, the elastic member is preferably a coil spring, such as the opening / closing door compression spring 243. The opening / closing door compression spring 243 only needs to have spring strength that is sufficient to lift the opening / closing door 204. The elastic member is not limited to a compression coil spring such as the compression spring 243 for opening and closing the door, but may also be a tension coil spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc. If the elastic member is a leaf spring, the leaf spring may be formed integrally with a part of the spout block 210 in a shape that is elastically deformable. Also, if the elastic member is a leaf spring, the leaf spring may be formed integrally with a part of the opening and closing door 204 in a shape that is elastically deformable.

[0057] The cam mechanism is composed of a cam plate 63, which is the part that applies the moving force, and a cam follower pin 245, which is the part that receives the moving force. For example, the cam plate 63 has a cam shape in which multiple surfaces are continuously connected. When the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while contacting the multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 63 include a first surface 63a (see Figure 2) parallel to the direction in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, and a second surface 63b (see Figure 2) intersecting the first surface 63a. For example, the second surface 63b may be an inclined surface tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the first surface 63a. If the inclination angle of the second surface 63b with respect to the first surface 63a is 45 degrees or less (it may also be 30 degrees or less), the resistance force when the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while in contact with the second surface 63b can be reduced. When the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while in contact with the second surface 63b and the first surface 63a in that order, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can move between the first and second positions by linear motion.

[0058] Furthermore, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 is formed in a cylindrical shape that protrudes in the X direction. The tip portion of the cam follower pin 245 is exposed in the slot 214 of the spout block 210. When the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 of the spout block 210, it can come into contact with the cam follower pin 245 exposed in the slot 214. The direction in which the cam follower pin 245 protrudes (X direction) intersects with the direction in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 (+Y direction), and also intersects with the direction in which the circuit board 230 moves from the first position to the second position (-Z direction).

[0059] When the circuit board 230 is in the first position, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 of the opening / closing door 204 covers the liquid flow hole 220, so the liquid flow hole 220 is not open to the outside. Also, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232, so the circuit board 230 is not open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 230 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 220 and the ink needle 60 is restricted, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 is also restricted. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with ink from the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230 and resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of poor contact occurring due to the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oils from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 231 can be reduced.

[0060] When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door 204 moves in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to move from a first position to a second position. When the circuit board 230 is in the second position, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 does not cover the liquid flow hole 220, so the liquid flow hole 220 is open to the outside. Also, since the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) does not cover the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232, the circuit board 230 is open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 230 is in the second position, it is possible to connect the liquid flow hole 220 to the ink needle 60, and it is also possible to make an electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61.

[0061] When the liquid container 200 is removed (detached) from the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to return from the second position to the first position. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are opened to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0062] The above is a general overview of the liquid container 200. A filter may be provided on the liquid container 201 side of the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid delivery unit 202, depending on the characteristics of the ink. A suction nozzle may also be provided on the liquid container 201 side of the liquid flow hole 220 to reduce the sedimentation of pigments contained in the ink.

[0063] <Mounting-side connecting element> Next, the mounting-side connecting element 5 in the liquid supply unit 105 will be described. As mentioned above, the cam plate 63, positioning pin 64, mechanical ID receiver 65, ink needle 60, and connector 61 constitute the mounting-side connecting element 5. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ink needle 60 and connector 61.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the ink needle 60 is connected to a liquid supply tube 106 corresponding to each color of ink. The ink needle 60 and the liquid supply tube 106 form an ink flow path between the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100 and the liquid container 200. In addition to the mounting part side connecting element 5, the liquid supply unit 105 is provided with a pump mechanism 6, a pump motor 7, an upstream on-off valve 8, and a downstream on-off valve 9. The pump mechanism 6 is provided in the ink flow path within the liquid supply unit 105. The pump mechanism 6 is configured using, for example, a syringe pump. The pump mechanism 6 may also be configured using a diaphragm pump. The pump motor 7 drives the pump mechanism 6. The upstream on-off valve 8 is provided between the pump mechanism 6 and the ink needle 60 in the ink flow path. The downstream on-off valve 9 is provided between the pump mechanism 6 and the liquid supply tube 106 in the ink flow path. The ink W contained in the liquid storage section 201 of the liquid storage container 200 is drawn from the ink needle 60 by the opening and closing control of the upstream valve 8 and the downstream valve 9, and the drive control of the pump mechanism 6 and the pump motor 7. The upstream valve 8 and the downstream valve 9 may be configured using check valves that allow only the flow of ink from the liquid storage container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105.

[0065] When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the connector 61 is electrically connected to the circuit board 230 provided on the liquid container 200. With the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 electrically connected, information is read from the integrated circuit (IC) on the circuit board 230 and transmitted to the recording device side control unit 108 of the recording device 100.

[0066] Furthermore, when the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the cam plate 63 engages with a cam follower pin 245 provided on the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200, moving the opening / closing door 204 in the Z direction. The positioning pin 64 engages with a positioning hole 215 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. The mechanical ID receiver 65 engages with a mechanical ID 217 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200.

[0067] <Attaching the Liquid Container> Next, a series of operations when the liquid container 200 according to the first embodiment is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Note that Figure 7 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 has been detached from the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 8 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being detached from the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 9 is also a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is detached from the liquid supply unit 105.

[0068] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 10(b), 10(c), and 10(d) are perspective views showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of installing the liquid container 200 in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 10(e) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105.

[0069] Figure 11 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 11(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 11(b), 11(c), and 11(d) are side views showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 11(e) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105.

[0070] Figures 7, 10(a), and 11(a) show the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the unattached state in which the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In the unattached state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the unattached state, the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) of the liquid container 200 contacts the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, and is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder 232. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so that, for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with the ink in the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and getting oil from their hands on the pad electrodes 231, resulting in poor contact can be reduced.

[0071] Figure 8 shows the liquid container 200 in the process of being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the liquid container 200 in the process of being attached. Figures 10(b) to 10(d) show the process of the liquid container 200 being attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the order of Figure 10(b) to 10(d). Figures 11(b) to 11(d) show the process of the liquid container 200 being attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the order of Figure 11(b) to 11(d). In the state of the liquid container 200 in the process of being attached, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. In the state of the liquid container 200 in the process of being attached, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200 (see Figure 8). At this time, the cam plate 63 engages with a cam follower pin 245 provided on the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 (see Figures 10(b) and 11(b)). When the cam follower pin 245 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the opening / closing door 204 moves linearly in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to move from a first position to a second position. Also, as the opening / closing door 204 moves in the -Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 moves to the -Z side of the liquid flow hole 220, and no longer covers the liquid flow hole 220 (see Figures 10(c) to 10(d) and 11(c) to 11(d)). Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 204 moves in the -Z direction, the openings on the +Y side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 move further to the -Z direction than the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) and the tray 3, and are no longer covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is exposed to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 230 moves away from the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door body 240, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0072] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200, and the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0073] Figures 9, 10(e), and 11(e) show the installed state in which the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W. As a result, an ink flow path is formed between the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100 and the liquid container 200. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder 232 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder 232. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230, making an electrical connection. This makes it possible to read the information recorded on the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 230 from the recording device 100 (recording device side control unit 108). In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. When the pump motor 7 drives the pump mechanism 6, the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump mechanism 6 draws the ink W contained in the liquid container 201 of the liquid container 200 through the ink needle 60 and supplies it to the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100.

[0074] With the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 in a second position. Here, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 are located on the liquid flow hole 220 side of the circuit board 230. In the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the vertical center of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position when mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces inward relative to the circuit board 230 in the vertical direction of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side). In each embodiment, "facing the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side)" means facing the side at the same height as the liquid flow hole 220 (the +Z direction side). This allows the connector 61 to be inserted into the space between the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 and the liquid flow hole 220 (the internal space of the board holder 232), thereby electrically connecting the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230. Therefore, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. As a result, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0075] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 from the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. The valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released, and the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. Then, the engagement between the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the cam follower pin 245 of the liquid container 200 is released. The opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. In this way, the liquid container 200 returns to the state it was in before it was attached to the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are open to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0076] As described above, the first embodiment allows for further development of the conventional technology. For example, in this embodiment, when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit (mounting part) 105, the circuit board (electrical connection part) 230 moves to a second position, and the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 are electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61. The connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 in the second position faces the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side). As a result, as mentioned above, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 in the second position faces the vertical center of the liquid container 200 in the mounting position when it is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the circuit board (electrical connection part) 230 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 and the ink needle (liquid receiving part) 60 is restricted. On the other hand, when the circuit board 230 is in the second position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 220 and the ink needle 60 is possible. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are open to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0079] In this embodiment, the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is covered when the circuit board (electrical connection part) 230 is in the first position. On the other hand, the liquid flow hole 220 is not covered when the circuit board 230 is in the second position. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are open to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0080] In this embodiment, with the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit (mounting part) 105, the circuit board (electrical connection part) 230 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 at a second position. The electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 are positioned closer to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 than the circuit board 230. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0081] In this embodiment, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 in the second position faces inward relative to the circuit board 230 in the vertical direction of the liquid container 200 when it is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, as described above, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced. In this way, the conventional technology can be further developed.

[0082] In the first embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 245, which is the movable force receiving part, is integrally formed with the opening / closing door body 240, but this is not the only option. For example, a bearing such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing may be assembled to the opening / closing door body 240 as the movable force receiving part. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 240 and the cam plate 63.

[0083] In the first embodiment described above, the cam plate 63, which is the force-applying part, and the cam follower pin 245, which is the force-receiving part, constitute a cam mechanism, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove may be formed in the opening / closing door body 240 and a cam follower may be provided in the liquid supply unit 105. Alternatively, instead of a cam mechanism, the force-applying part and the force-receiving part may constitute a gear mechanism such as a rack and pinion. Instead of a mechanism that utilizes the force generated when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 204 may be provided. The drive device may be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0084] <<Second Embodiment>> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the second embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment described above. The description of the second embodiment will focus on the parts that differ from the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the description of parts common to the first embodiment may be omitted. In the first embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by linear motion. In the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. Since the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 204 (circuit board 230) by rotational motion is greater than the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 204 (circuit board 230) by linear motion, the effects of opening and closing the opening / closing door 204 are more easily obtained.

[0085] <Configuration of the Liquid Container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment will be described. The liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment is used in combination with the tray 3 as an ink pack, similar to the first embodiment. The liquid container 200 is detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100 while stored and supported in the tray 3. The tray 3 is a storage section for storing and supporting the liquid container 200 (ink pack) in a predetermined position. The liquid supply unit 105 is a mounting section of the recording device 100 to which the liquid container 200 is detachably attached.

[0086] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Figure 13 is a plan view of the liquid container 200 as seen from the +Z direction. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 200 as seen from the -X direction. Figure 14(a) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 along XIVa-XIVa. Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 along XIVb-XIVb. Figure 14(c) is a cross-sectional view of Figure 13 along XIVc-XIVc. Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200.

[0087] The elements of the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment will be described using Figures 12 to 15. The liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment, like the liquid container 200 according to the first embodiment, comprises a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204. Note that in Figures 12, 13, 15, and 17 to 19, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0088] The liquid dispensing unit 202 in the second embodiment comprises a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment are formed in the same manner as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the first embodiment. The spout block 210 in the second embodiment is formed in the same manner as the spout block 210 in the first embodiment, except for the shape of the opening / closing door guide 211.

[0089] A door opening / closing guide 211, a slit 212, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed inside the spout block 210. A spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. The slit 212, slot 214, positioning hole 215, and mechanism ID 217 in the second embodiment are formed in the same way as the slit 212, slot 214, positioning hole 215, liquid flow hole 220, and mechanism ID 217 in the first embodiment.

[0090] The spout 224 is formed by molding so that the shape of the part around the liquid flow hole 220 is cylindrical. The spout 224 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. In the second embodiment, the spout 224 housed inside the spout block 210 is connected to the liquid storage section 201 by heat welding. The structure of the connection between the spout 224 and the liquid storage section 201 is airtight. Examples of materials for the spout 224 include polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, and HIPS. The material of the spout 224 is preferably a resin with high contact properties with the ink W, similar to the material of the liquid storage section 201. The material of the spout 224 is preferably a resin with high heat-welding properties and moldability. Furthermore, considering the heat-welding properties between parts, it is preferable that the material of the spout 224 is the same as the material of the welded part in the liquid storage section 201.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the liquid flow hole 220 is a flow path in the spout 224 that communicates the inside of the liquid storage section 201 with the outside of the liquid storage container 200 (liquid storage section 201). When the liquid flow hole 220 is connected to the ink needle 60 of the recording device 100, the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 201 is supplied to the main body of the recording device 100 through the liquid flow hole 220 of the spout 224 and the inside of the ink needle 60. A valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal 223 are inserted into the liquid flow hole 220.

[0092] The opening / closing door guide 211 receives the opening / closing door body 240, the substrate holder cover 242, and the rotation shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204. In the first embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 211 has a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 204 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z direction). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 211 has a guide surface that is semicircular in cross-section, centered on an axis extending in the X direction. When the opening / closing door 204 is assembled to the spout block 210, the rotation shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204 engages with the axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 can rotate around the rotation shaft 247 in the opening / closing door guide 211 and the slit 212 of the spout block 210.

[0093] The opening / closing door 204 in the second embodiment comprises an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board (electrical connection part) 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a circuit board holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment is formed in the same way as the opening / closing door body 240 in the first embodiment, except for the rotating shaft 247. The opening / closing door body 240 houses the circuit board 230 and the circuit board holder 232 inside. The circuit board 230 and the circuit board holder 232 in the second embodiment are formed in the same way as the circuit board 230 and the circuit board holder 232 in the first embodiment. The circuit board holder cover 242 in the second embodiment is formed in the same way as the circuit board holder cover 242 in the first embodiment.

[0094] The opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder cover 242 of the opening / closing door 204 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, together with the circuit board holder 232 on which the circuit board 230 is assembled. A rotating shaft 247 extending in the X direction is formed at the top of the opening / closing door body 240. When the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder cover 242 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, the rotating shaft 247 engages with the axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. In addition, a liquid flow hole front wall 241 is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the +X direction side. When the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder cover 242 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 is inserted into the slit 212 of the spout block 210. The front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole, inserted into the slit 212 of the spout block 210, can cover the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition to the opening / closing door 204, an opening / closing door compression spring 243 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211. A retaining cover 244 is positioned at the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. The retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the cam follower pin 245 in the second embodiment is formed at one side end (-X direction side) of the opening / closing door body 240 of the opening / closing door 204.

[0095] When the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door body 240 comes into contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction, the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0096] Furthermore, the mounting-side connecting element 5 (cam plate 63, positioning pin 64, mechanical ID receiver 65, ink needle 60, and connector 61) in the second embodiment is configured in the same way as the mounting-side connecting element 5 in the first embodiment. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 63 in the second embodiment include a first surface 63a (see Figure 14(a)) parallel to the mounting direction of the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105, and a second surface 63b (see Figure 14(a)) intersecting the first surface 63a. The second surface 63b may be an inclined surface with respect to the first surface 63a. The shape of the inclined surface of the second surface 63b may also be a curved concave shape that can engage with the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204. As the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while contacting the second surface 63b and the first surface 63a in that order, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position.

[0097] Here, the mounting structure of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 16 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 16, a part of the spout block 210 is shown in partial cross-section. Figure 16(a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment. Figure 16(b) is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 16(a), a boss portion 216 extending in the vertical direction (+Z direction) is formed at the bottom of the opening / closing door guide 211 in the spout block 210. One end (seat coil portion) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (-Z direction side) is press-fitted into the boss portion 216. In this way, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 is fixed to the boss portion 216 so as not to come off easily. As shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b), a spring receiving portion 271 is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the -X direction side. The spring receiving portion 271 is positioned opposite the boss portion 216 on the +Z direction side. The other end (on the +Z direction side) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 abuts against the spring receiving portion 271, so that the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on a certain part (spring receiving portion 271) of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0098] <Attaching the Liquid Container> Next, a series of operations when the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 will be described. Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 19 is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Note that Figure 17 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 has been detached from the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 18 is also a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being detached from the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 19 is also a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is detached from the liquid supply unit 105.

[0099] Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 20(a) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 20(b) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 21(a) and 21(b) are perspective views showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 21(c) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105.

[0100] Figure 22 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 22(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 22(b), 22(c), and 22(d) are side views showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 22(e) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105.

[0101] Figures 17, 20(a), and 22(a) show the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the unattached state in which the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In the unattached state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the unattached state, the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) of the liquid container 200 contacts the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, and is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder 232. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so that, for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with the ink in the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and getting oil from their hands on the pad electrodes 231, resulting in poor contact can be reduced.

[0102] Figure 18 shows the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached. Figures 20(b), 21(a), and 21(b) show the process of the liquid container 200 being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, in the order of Figure 20(b), Figure 21(a), and Figure 21(b). Figures 22(b) to 22(d) show the process of the liquid container 200 being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, in the order of Figure 22(b) to Figure 22(d). In the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into a slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200 (see Figure 18). At this time, the cam plate 63 engages with a cam follower pin 245 provided on the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 (see Figures 20(b), 21(a), and 22(b) to 22(c)). When the cam follower pin 245 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from a first position to a second position. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction relative to the liquid flow hole 220, so as to no longer cover the liquid flow hole 220 (see Figures 21(b) and 22(d)). Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is open to the outside. Also, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction, the openings of the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder 232 on the +Y direction side rotate toward the -Z direction relative to the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), so as to no longer be covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is open to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 230 moves toward the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door body 240, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0103] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200, and the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0104] Figures 19, 21(c), and 22(e) show the installed state in which the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W. As a result, an ink flow path is formed between the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100 and the liquid container 200. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder 232 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the substrate holder 232. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230, making an electrical connection. This makes it possible to read the information recorded on the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 230 from the circuit board 230 to the recording device 100 (recording device side control unit 108). In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, it is preferable that the connector 61 is positioned so as to obstruct the straight line connecting the center of the liquid flow hole 220 and the center of the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230. When the pump motor 7 drives the pump mechanism 6, the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump mechanism 6 draws the ink W contained in the liquid container 201 of the liquid container 200 from the ink needle 60 and supplies it to the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100.

[0105] With the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 in a second position. Here, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 are located on the liquid flow hole 220 side of the circuit board 230. In the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the vertical center of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position when mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces inward relative to the circuit board 230 in the vertical direction of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side). This allows the connector 61 to be inserted into the space between the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 and the liquid flow hole 220 (the internal space of the board holder 232), thereby electrically connecting the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230. Therefore, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. As a result, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0106] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 from the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. The valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released, and the engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. Then, the engagement between the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the cam follower pin 245 of the liquid container 200 is released. The opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. In this way, the liquid container 200 returns to the state it was in before it was attached to the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are open to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0107] Here, the liquid storage unit 205 will be described using Figures 15, 96, and 97. Figure 96 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid storage unit 205 in the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 96, the unit consisting of the liquid delivery unit 202 excluding the spout block 210 and the liquid storage unit (bag) 201 in the second embodiment is specifically referred to as the liquid storage unit 205. The liquid delivery unit 202 excluding the spout block 210 includes a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223.

[0108] The liquid storage section 201 is configured to contain ink W. The liquid storage section unit 205 is detachably fixed to the spout block 210. The retaining cover 244 is snap-fitted to the spout block 210, sandwiching a portion of the liquid storage section unit 205. This prevents the liquid storage section unit 205 from easily falling off the spout block 210 due to external forces such as dropping. When the ink W is used up, the liquid storage section unit 205 can be easily replaced by removing the retaining cover 244 from the spout block 210, thereby reusing the liquid storage container 200. Therefore, the environmental impact can be reduced.

[0109] The direction in which the ink (liquid) contained in the liquid storage section 201 is discharged to the outside is referred to as the ink (liquid) discharge direction. An opening 201a is formed at the end of the liquid storage section 201 in the ink discharge direction (+Y direction). The spout 224 of the liquid discharge section 202 is connected to this opening 201a. The spout 224 of the liquid discharge section 202 has a cylindrical flow path section 224a that extends from the opening 201a of the liquid storage section 201 in the ink discharge direction (+Y direction). A liquid flow hole 220 is formed inside the flow path section 224a. The flow path section 224a communicates the inside of the liquid storage section 201 with the outside of the liquid storage unit 205 through the liquid flow hole 220. The tip of the liquid flow hole 220 opens to the outside of the liquid storage unit 205 (flow path section 224a). The tip of the liquid flow hole 220 serves as an outlet 220a for discharging ink that has moved from the liquid storage section 201 through the liquid flow hole 220 in the discharge direction to the outside of the flow channel section 224a. Here, the tip of the liquid flow hole 220, or the tip of the flow channel section 224a, refers to the end on the +Y direction side, which is the downstream end in the ink discharge direction. The outlet 220a may also be called an outlet or an opening.

[0110] Figure 97 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the spout 224 in the second embodiment. Figure 97(a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the spout 224. Figure 97(b) is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the spout 224. Figure 97(c) is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the spout 224. An inlet (opening) 220b and a welded portion (connecting portion) 224b are formed at the rear end of the spout 224 in the ink discharge direction. Here, the rear end of the spout 224 is the end on the -Y direction side, which is the upstream end in the ink discharge direction. The inlet 220b of the spout 224 opens toward the inside of the liquid storage portion 201 and can receive ink discharged from inside the liquid storage portion 201. The aforementioned flow path portion 224a is the portion of the spout 224 that extends in the direction of ink discharge from the welded portion 224b and the receiving port 220b toward the discharge port 220a.

[0111] The welded portion 224b is a connecting portion that is airtightly connected to the opening 201a of the liquid container 201 by heat welding. Although the welded portion 224b of the spout 224 is connected to the liquid container 201 by heat welding, the method of connection is not limited to this. Instead of the welded portion 224b, a connecting portion that is connected to the liquid container 201 by bonding, press-fitting, etc., may be formed at the rear end of the spout 224. At least a portion of the welded portion (connecting portion) 224b is located inside the opening 201a of the liquid container 201.

[0112] In this embodiment, the direction in which the ink is delivered through the flow path section 224a (liquid flow hole 220) is parallel to the depth direction of the liquid storage section 201 and the recording device 100. However, even though the flow path section 224a extends in the depth direction, it is conceivable that the direction in which the flow path section 224a extends is not strictly parallel to the depth direction, but is inclined with respect to the depth direction. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the liquid storage section 201 and the liquid delivery section 202, it is conceivable that the direction in which the flow path section 224a extends is not necessarily parallel to the depth direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the spout 224 has a projection 224c that is located between the outlet 220a and the liquid storage section 201 in the ink discharge direction (Y direction) and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (X direction). As a result, if the liquid storage section unit 205 falls with the tip of the spout 224 (flow channel section 224a) pointing downward, or if the spout 224 collides with something, the projection 224c will collide with the welded section (connecting section) 224b before it does. Therefore, the welded section 224b is prevented from directly receiving impact loads, and the reliability of the airtightness of the welded section 224b can be improved.

[0114] In this embodiment, the projections 224c protrude from both sides of the spout 224 in the X direction, that is, from the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the spout 224. For this reason, the projection 224c protruding from the -X direction side can be distinguished as projection 224c(L), and the projection 224c protruding from the +X direction side can be distinguished as projection 224c(R) (see Figure 97(b)). In addition, one of the projections 224c protruding from both sides of the spout 224 may be referred to as the first projection, and the other of the projections 224c protruding from both sides of the spout 224 may be referred to as the second projection. Note that the projections 224c are formed on both sides of the spout 224 in the X direction, but are not limited to this. The projections 224c may be formed on only one of the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the spout 224.

[0115] In this embodiment, the projection direction of the projection 224c is parallel to the width direction of the liquid storage section 201. However, even though the projection 224c protrudes in the width direction of the liquid storage section 201, it is conceivable that the projection direction of the projection 224c may not be strictly parallel to the width direction of the liquid storage section 201, but rather inclined with respect to the width direction of the liquid storage section 201. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the liquid storage section 201, it is conceivable that the projection direction of the projection 224c may not necessarily be parallel to the width direction of the liquid storage section 201.

[0116] In this embodiment, the ink delivery direction (Y direction) in which the flow path portion 224a extends, the projection direction of the projection portion 224c (X direction), and the Z direction may be referred to as the first direction, second direction, and third direction, respectively, in no particular order. The Z direction is perpendicular to both the ink delivery direction (Y direction) and the projection direction of the projection portion 224c (X direction). For example, if the ink delivery direction (Y direction) is the first direction and the projection direction of the projection portion 224c (X direction) is the second direction, then the Z direction is the third direction. The Z direction is also the thickness direction of the liquid storage portion 201. However, depending on the configuration of the liquid storage portion 201, the Z direction may not necessarily be the thickness direction of the liquid storage portion 201.

[0117] Furthermore, when measured along the Z direction (third direction), the length (thickness) of the spout 224 at the welded portion 224b is greater than the length (thickness) of the spout 224 at the projection portion 224c. In other words, the following relationship expressed by equation (1) is satisfied: Z22 + Z21 < Z32 + Z31 …(1)

[0118] Here, Z21 is the distance measured along the Z direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220) to the -Z side end of the projection 224c. Z22 is the distance measured along the Z direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the +Z side end of the projection 224c. Z31 is the distance measured along the Z direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the -Z side end of the welded portion 224b. Z32 is the distance measured along the Z direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the +Z side end of the welded portion 224b.

[0119] Thus, the length (thickness) of the welded portion 224b in the Z direction is greater than the length (thickness) of the projection 224c in the Z direction. Therefore, if the liquid containment unit 205 is dropped with the tip of the spout 224 (flow channel 224a) facing horizontally, the possibility of the flow channel 224a of the spout 224 being subjected to impact load and deforming can be reduced. If the projection 224c protrudes extremely far from the spout 224 in the Z direction, the projection 224c is likely to collide with the floor when the liquid containment unit 205 is dropped. When the projection 224c collides with the floor, a large moment load is likely to be generated, and this moment load may cause the flow channel 224a to deform.

[0120] Furthermore, it is preferable that the following length relationship is satisfied in at least one of the +Z direction and -Z direction sides with respect to the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220). This length relationship is that, in the Z direction, the distance from the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220) to the end of the projection 224c is longer than or approximately equal to the distance from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the end of the welded portion 224b.

[0121] In this embodiment, the relationship expressed by the following equation (2) is satisfied: Z22 < Z32 …(2)

[0122] As a result, the above-mentioned length relationship is satisfied on the +Z direction side with respect to the center line of the flow channel 224a.

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the following relationship expressed by equation (3) is also satisfied: Z22 < Z31 ... (3)

[0124] Furthermore, the magnitude of the distance Z22 from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the end of the welded portion 224b on the +Z direction side may be 0. In other words, the projection 224c does not need to exist on the +Z direction side of the center line of the flow channel 224a.

[0125] Furthermore, when measured along the X direction (the direction in which the projection 224c protrudes), the length (width) of the spout 224 at the welded portion (connecting portion) 224b is greater than the length (width) of the spout 224 at the projection 224c. In other words, the following relationship expressed by equation (4) is satisfied: X11 + X12 < X31 + X32 …(4)

[0126] Here, X11 is the distance measured along the X direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220) to the -X side end of the projection 224c. X12 is the distance measured along the X direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the +X side end of the projection 224c. X31 is the distance measured along the X direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the -X side end of the welded portion 224b. X32 is the distance measured along the X direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the +X side end of the welded portion 224b.

[0127] As mentioned above, the projection 224c may be formed on only one of the +X direction side and the -X direction side of the spout 224. For example, the spout 224 may have only projection 224c(R) and not projection 224c(L). In this case as well, when measured along the X direction, the length (width) of the spout 224 at the welded portion 224b is greater than the length (width) of the spout 224 at projection 224c(R). In other words, the relationship expressed by equation (5) below is satisfied: X41 + X12 < X31 + X32 …(5)

[0128] Here, X41 is the distance measured along the X direction from the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220) to the end of the flow channel 224a (body) on the -X direction side. In this case, the length of the spout 224 at the projection 224c(R), measured along the X direction, can be considered as "X41 + X12".

[0129] Thus, the length (width) of the welded portion 224b in the X direction is greater than the length (width) of the projection 224c including the flow path portion 224a in the X direction. Therefore, if the liquid storage unit 205 falls with the tip of the spout 224 or the projection 224c facing downwards, the end of the projection 224c may be subjected to an impact load, reducing the possibility of deformation of the flow path portion 224a of the spout 224. If the projection 224c protrudes extremely far from the spout 224 in the X direction, the projection 224c is likely to collide with the floor when the liquid storage unit 205 falls. When the projection 224c collides with the floor, a large moment load is likely to be generated, and this moment load may cause deformation of the flow path portion 224a.

[0130] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance from the center line of the flow channel 224a (or liquid flow hole 220) to the end of the projection 224c is longer than or approximately equal to the distance from the center line of the flow channel 224a to the end of the welded portion 224b in the X direction.

[0131] In this embodiment, the following relationships expressed by equations (6), (7), (8), and (9) are satisfied: X11 < X31 ... (6) X12 < X31 ... (7) X11 < X32 ... (8) X12 < X32 ... (9)

[0132] As in this embodiment, it is desirable to satisfy all of the relationships expressed by equations (6), (7), (8), and (9). However, it is sufficient to satisfy at least one of the relationships expressed by equations (6), (7), (8), and (9).

[0133] Furthermore, in order to accurately assemble the spout 224 to the spout block 210, an opening may be formed in the projection 224c of the spout 224 to serve as a positioning part for the spout block 210. In this embodiment, each of the two projections 224c has a concave shape 224c1 for forming the opening. The concave shape 224c1 is, for example, the shape of a through hole. By having a part of the retaining cover 244 or the spout block 210 fit inside the concave shape 224c1, the spout 224 can be positioned relative to the spout block 210. In this way, the concave shape 224c1 functions as a positioning part. Furthermore, the concave shape 224c1 formed on the projection 224c may be any other shape, such as a U-shaped groove or a hole that does not go through, as long as it is a shape that can form a space into which a part of the retaining cover 244 or the spout block 210 fits.

[0134] Furthermore, when the spout 224 attempts to move relative to the spout block 210 in the Y direction, the projection 224c protruding from the flow channel portion 224a in the X direction is configured to come into contact with the retaining cover 244 or the spout block 210. This allows for the positioning of the spout 224 relative to the spout block 210 in the Y direction.

[0135] Specifically, a concave shape 224d is formed in the region sandwiched between the projection 224c and the welded portion 224b. A part of the retaining cover 244 or the spout block 210 fits inside the concave shape 224d, thereby suppressing the relative movement of the spout 224 in the Y direction. The concave shape 224d is, for example, a U-shaped groove (or recess, opening, etc.). The concave shape 224d may be any other shape, as long as it is a shape that can form a gap in the region sandwiched between the projection 224c and the welded portion 224b.

[0136] As described above, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, allows for further development of the prior art.

[0137] In the second embodiment described above, the cam follower pin 245, which is the movable force receiving portion, is integrally formed with the opening / closing door body 240, but this is not the only option. For example, a bearing such as a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing may be assembled to the opening / closing door body 240 as the movable force receiving portion. This reduces the frictional force generated between the opening / closing door body 240 and the cam plate 63.

[0138] In the second embodiment described above, the cam plate 63, which is the part that applies the movable force, and the cam follower pin 245, which is the part that receives the movable force, constitute the cam mechanism, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, as a cam mechanism, a cam groove may be formed in the opening / closing door body 240 and a cam follower may be provided in the liquid supply unit 105. Instead of a mechanism that utilizes the force generated when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, a drive device that directly drives the opening / closing door 204 may be provided. The drive device may be a pneumatic drive device or an electric drive device.

[0139] In the first and second embodiments described above, the liquid container 200 is attached to and detached from the liquid supply unit 105 by the user moving the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 in the Y direction (horizontal direction), but it is not limited to this. For example, the liquid container 200 may be attached to and detached from the liquid supply unit 105 by the user moving the liquid container 200 in the Z direction (vertical direction). This increases the degree of freedom in the placement of the liquid container 200 relative to the recording device 100. In addition, since the ink (liquid) contained in the liquid storage section 201 is collected in the liquid delivery section 202 due to the weight of the ink itself, it becomes possible to use up all of the ink contained in the liquid storage section 201 without leaving any behind.

[0140] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the first modification of the second embodiment. Figure 24 is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the first modification of the second embodiment. In the first modification of the second embodiment, the liquid storage section 201 (not shown in Figures 23 and 24) is housed in a hard case 55. The liquid delivery section 202 is exposed to the outside and faces the -Z direction. On the other hand, the cam plate 63, positioning pin 64, mechanical ID receiver 65, ink needle 60, and connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 are arranged facing the +Z direction. In the example shown in Figures 23 and 24, the liquid container 200 is attached to and detached from the liquid supply unit 105 by the user moving the hard case 55 housing the liquid storage section 201 in the Z direction (vertical direction). By housing the liquid storage section 201 in a hard case 55, deformation of the bag-shaped liquid storage section 201 can be suppressed when the liquid storage container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0141] In the first and second embodiments described above, a liquid flow hole front wall 241 is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the +X direction side, but this is not limited to this. For example, the opening / closing door body 240 does not need to have a liquid flow hole front wall 241 formed thereon. Figure 25 is a perspective view of the opening / closing door 204 in a second modification of the second embodiment. In the second modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board 230, a board holder 232, and a board holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 is formed in the same way as the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except that the liquid flow hole front wall 241 is not formed thereon. The circuit board 230, board holder 232, and board holder cover 242 are formed in the same way as the circuit board 230, board holder 232, and board holder cover 242 in the second embodiment (first embodiment).

[0142] This allows for a simplification of the shape of the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240), thereby reducing the space required for its placement. Furthermore, the constraints on the positional relationship between the liquid delivery unit 202 and the circuit board 230 are reduced, increasing design flexibility. Similar to the second embodiment, when not installed, the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 are covered by the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211). This restricts access to the circuit board 230, preventing ink from leaking and adhering to the circuit board 230 due to accidental movement of the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220. It also reduces the possibility of contact failure caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oils from their hands adhering to the pad electrodes 231.

[0143] In the first and second embodiments described above, the opening / closing door 204 is equipped with a circuit board holder 232, but is not limited thereto. For example, the opening / closing door 204 may not be equipped with a circuit board holder 232. Figure 26 is a perspective view of the opening / closing door 204 in a third modification of the second embodiment. Figure 26(a) is a perspective view of the opening / closing door 204 in a third modification of the second embodiment. Figure 26(b) is an exploded perspective view of the opening / closing door 204 in a third modification of the second embodiment. In the third modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240 and a circuit board 230. In the third modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 does not include a circuit board holder 232 and a circuit board holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 is configured similarly to the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except that it supports the circuit board 230 at its bottom. Similar to the second embodiment, the opening / closing door body 240 has a liquid flow hole front wall 241, a cam follower pin 245, and a rotating shaft 247. The circuit board 230 is formed in the same way as the circuit board 230 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). The circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 by fixing methods such as heat crimping, screw fastening, or adhesive. When the circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 by heat crimping, a welding tip (not shown) is inserted into the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 through a notch hole 240a of the opening / closing door body 240. In this way, the number of parts of the opening / closing door 204 is reduced, which simplifies the structure of the opening / closing door 204 and makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid storage container 200.

[0144] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the opening / closing door 204 in a fourth modification of the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 27, even if the opening / closing door 204 does not have a substrate holder 232, the opening / closing door body 240 does not need to have a liquid flow hole front wall 241 formed thereon. In the fourth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240 and a circuit board 230. In the fourth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 does not have a substrate holder 232 and a substrate holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 is configured the same as the opening / closing door body 240 in the third modification of the second embodiment, except that the liquid flow hole front wall 241 is not formed thereon. The circuit board 230 is formed the same as the circuit board 230 in the second embodiment (first embodiment).

[0145] This allows for a simplification of the shape of the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240), thereby reducing the space required for its placement. Furthermore, the constraints on the positional relationship between the liquid delivery unit 202 and the circuit board 230 are reduced, increasing design flexibility. Similar to the second embodiment, when not installed, the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 are covered by the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211). This restricts access to the circuit board 230, preventing ink from leaking and adhering to the circuit board 230 due to accidental movement of the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220. It also reduces the possibility of contact failure caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oils from their hands adhering to the pad electrodes 231.

[0146] In the first and second embodiments described above, a compression spring 243 for opening and closing the door is inserted into the opening and closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, but this is not limited to this. For example, the opening and closing door compression spring 243 does not need to be inserted into the opening and closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. Figure 28 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body 240 in a fifth modification of the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 28, a part of the spout block 210 is shown in a partial cross-section. Figure 28(a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body 240 in a fifth modification of the second embodiment. Figure 28(b) is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening and closing door body 240 in a fifth modification of the second embodiment. In the fifth modification of the second embodiment, a boss portion 216 (see Figure 16) does not need to be formed at the bottom of the opening and closing door guide 211. Also, a spring receiving portion 271 (see Figure 16) does not need to be formed on the opening and closing door body 240. In this way, by reducing the number of parts, the structure of the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) and the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) can be simplified, making it possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the liquid storage container 200.

[0147] If the opening / closing door compression spring 243 is not provided, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 may be held in the first position by the sliding resistance generated between the opening / closing door 204 and the opening / closing door guide 211. In this case, when the cam follower pin 245 receives a reaction force (moving force) from the cam plate 63, the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction against the aforementioned sliding resistance, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position.

[0148] Furthermore, if the opening / closing door compression spring 243 is not provided, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 may rotate to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. In this case, the opening / closing door body 240 does not need to have a cam follower pin 245. Also in this case, when not installed, adhesive tape (not shown) may be attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction. The tensile force of the adhesive tape causes the opening / closing door body 240 to come into contact with the retaining cover 244, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. When not installed, the user peels the adhesive tape off the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction. When the adhesive tape peels off from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door guide 211, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204.

[0149] Furthermore, the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction may be approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction. When the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105, the user manually moves the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to the first position, and then moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105. When the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. This makes it possible to narrow the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, thereby reducing the space required for the main body of the recording device 100.

[0150] Figure 29 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 in a sixth modification of the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 29, a part of the spout block 210 is shown in partial cross-section. Figure 29(a) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a second position. Figure 29(b) is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position. Figure 30 is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 in a sixth modification of the second embodiment. Figure 30(a) is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a second position. Figure 30(b) is an enlarged side view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position.

[0151] As shown in Figures 29(a) and 30(a), when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204, a chamfer 240c may be formed on the +Y side end of the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240. Similar to the fifth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 is not inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. Also, a boss portion 216 may not be formed on the bottom of the opening / closing door guide 211. A spring receiving portion 271 may not be formed on the opening / closing door body 240. A cam follower pin 245 may not be formed on the opening / closing door body 240. When not installed, adhesive tape (not shown) may be attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the +Y side wall of the opening / closing door guide 211.

[0152] Furthermore, the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction may be approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction. When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the chamfer 240c of the opening / closing door body 240 abuts against the lower edge of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 and receives a reaction force (movement force) directed toward the +Z direction from the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the +Z direction at the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to smoothly rotate from the second position to the first position (see Figures 29(b) and 30(b)). Then, when the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. This allows the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 to be narrowed, thereby reducing the size of the main body of the recording device 100.

[0153] In the first and second embodiments described above, when the cam follower pin 245 receives a reaction force (moving force) from the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position, but it is not limited to this. For example, the liquid container 200 may be equipped with an operating tool 250 (see Figures 31(a) and 31(b) described later) for operating the opening / closing door 204 (circuit board 230).

[0154] Figure 31 is a side view of the liquid container 200 in a seventh modification of the second embodiment. Figure 31(a) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position. Figure 31(b) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a second position. In the seventh modification of the second embodiment, the operating tool 250 is formed in the shape of a flexible tape. The end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side is joined to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 by methods such as adhesive bonding or welding. The operating tool 250 extends from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240, through the space between the liquid container 201 and the tray 3, to a position on the -Y direction side of the end of the liquid container 201. The width of the tape-shaped operating tool 250 is set to match the width of the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0155] In the uninstalled state, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is positioned in the first position, similar to the second embodiment (see Figure 31(a)). While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the user manually pulls the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction. This allows the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position by the tensile force from the operating tool 250, without using the cam plate 63 (see Figure 31(b)). Then, while pulling the operating tool 250, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. In this way, the liquid container 200 can be installed in the liquid supply unit 105, similar to the second embodiment.

[0156] Figure 32 is a side view of the liquid container 200 in the eighth modification of the second embodiment. Figure 32(a) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 32(b) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. In the eighth modification of the second embodiment, the operating tool 250 is formed in the shape of a rod extending in the Y direction. The operating tool 250 is connected to the opening / closing door body 240 via a connecting member 251. The connecting member 251 is formed in the shape of a rod shorter than the operating tool 250. One end of the connecting member 251 is rotatably connected to the +Y direction end of the operating tool 250. The other end of the connecting member 251 is connected to the side of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0157] In the uninstalled state, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is positioned in the first position, similar to the second embodiment (see Figure 32(a)). While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the user manually pushes the operating tool 250 in the +Y direction. This allows the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position by the pressing force from the operating tool 250 (and connecting member 251), without using the cam plate 63 (see Figure 32(b)). Then, while pushing the operating tool 250, the user further moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. In this way, the liquid container 200 can be installed in the liquid supply unit 105, similar to the second embodiment.

[0158] In the eighth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 does not need to have an opening / closing door compression spring 243 inserted. In this case, the user can hold the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the first position by manually pulling the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction.

[0159] Figure 33 is a side view of the liquid container 200 in the ninth modification of the second embodiment. Figure 33(a) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 33(b) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. In the ninth modification of the second embodiment, the operating tool 250 is formed in the shape of a shaft extending in the Y direction. A worm 252 constituting a worm gear is formed near the +Y direction end of the operating tool 250. A worm wheel 253 that meshes with the worm 252 of the operating tool 250 is formed on the rotation axis 247 of the opening / closing door body 240. In the ninth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 does not need to be inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210.

[0160] In the unmounted state, the worm 252 and worm wheel 253 rotate so that the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position (see Figure 33(a)). While the liquid container 200 is being mounted, the user manually rotates the operating tool 250 around its central axis. This allows the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position by the rotation of the worm 252 and worm wheel 253, without the need for the cam plate 63 (see Figure 33(b)). The user then moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the mounting position. In this way, the liquid container 200 can be mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0161] <<Third Embodiment>> Next, the third embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the third embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the third embodiment moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. In the third embodiment, a cam groove is formed in the opening / closing door body 240 as a cam mechanism, and a cam follower pin is provided in the liquid supply unit 105. In the third embodiment, the components other than the cam mechanism are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, in the third embodiment, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0162] <Configuration of the liquid container> Figure 34 is a side view of the opening / closing door 204 in the third embodiment. Figure 34(a) is a side view of the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 34(b) is a side view of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In the third embodiment, a cam groove 248 is formed in the opening / closing door body 240 instead of a cam follower pin 245. As in the second embodiment, a rotating shaft 247 and a spring receiving portion 271 are formed in the opening / closing door body 240. The cam groove 248 is formed at one side end (-X direction side) of the opening / closing door body 240. The cam groove 248 is a moving force receiving portion that can receive moving force from the cam follower pin 66 of the liquid supply unit 105.

[0163] In the liquid supply unit 105, a cam follower pin 66 is provided instead of a cam plate 63. In the third embodiment, the cam follower pin 66 constitutes the mounting-side connecting element instead of the cam plate 63. The cam follower pin 66 is a force-applying part that provides movement force to the opening / closing door body 240. As the cam follower pin 66 moves inside the cam groove 248 while contacting the wall surface of the cam groove 248, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position.

[0164] <Installation of Liquid Container> Figure 34(a) shows the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed on the liquid supply unit 105. Similar to the second embodiment, in the uninstalled state, the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0165] While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the cam follower pin 66 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the cam follower pin 66 engages with the cam groove 248 provided in the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200. When the wall surface of the cam groove 248 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam follower pin 66, the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position.

[0166] Similar to the second embodiment, when the liquid container 200 is in the process of being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200. When the liquid container 200 is in the process of being installed, the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. When the liquid container 200 is in the process of being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. When the liquid container 200 is in the process of being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0167] Figure 34(b) shows the opening / closing door 204 with the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially mounted state. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. Also, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200. In this way, the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0168] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. Finally, the engagement between the cam follower pin 66 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the cam groove 248 of the liquid container 200 is released. The opening / closing door 204 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by contacting the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. In this way, the liquid container 200 returns to the state it was in before it was attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0169] As described above, the third embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the prior art.

[0170] <<Fourth Embodiment>> Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the fourth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the fourth embodiment moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. In the fourth embodiment, the components other than the opening / closing door 204 and the spout block 210 are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the fourth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, in the fourth embodiment, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0171] <Configuration of the liquid container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 35 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the fourth embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the fourth embodiment includes a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204, similar to the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 35, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0172] The liquid discharge unit 202 in the fourth embodiment includes a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223, similar to the second embodiment. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the fourth embodiment are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Furthermore, the spout 224 in the fourth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0173] In the fourth embodiment, the spout block 210 is formed in the same way as the spout block 210 in the second embodiment, except that a boss portion 216 (see Figure 36(a) described later) is formed on the retaining cover 244. On the inside of the spout block 210, an opening / closing door guide 211, a slit 212, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed. Also, a spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed on the inside of the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. A retaining cover 244 is positioned on the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. In the fourth embodiment, the retaining cover 244 is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment (first embodiment), except that a boss portion 216 (see Figure 36(a) described later) is formed on it.

[0174] The opening / closing door 204 in the fourth embodiment, like the second embodiment, comprises an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board (electrical connection part) 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a circuit board holder cover 242. The opening / closing door body 240 in the fourth embodiment is formed in the same way as the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except for the spring receiving part 271 (see Figure 36(a) described later) and the cam follower pin 245. The opening / closing door body 240 in the fourth embodiment does not have a cam follower pin 245.

[0175] Here, the mounting structure of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 in the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 36 is a side view of the opening / closing door body 240 in the fourth embodiment. Figure 36(a) is a side view of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. Figure 36(b) is a side view of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. As shown in Figure 36(a), a boss portion 216 extending in the vertical direction (-Z direction) is formed on the inner surface (-Z direction side) of the retaining cover 244. One end (seat coil portion) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (+Z direction side) is press-fitted into the boss portion 216. A spring receiving portion 271 is formed on the -X direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. The spring receiving portion 271 is positioned opposite the boss portion 216 of the retaining cover 244 on the -Z direction side. The other end (-Z direction side) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 abuts against the spring receiving portion 271, so that the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on a certain portion (spring receiving portion 271) of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0176] In the unattached state when the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, for example, the opening / closing door body 240 comes into contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the tensile force of adhesive tape (not shown), thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. In this case, the opening / closing door 204 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by the adhesive tape being attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction side, against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. With the opening / closing door 204 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. When the adhesive tape peels off from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction, causing the opening / closing door 204 to rotate along the opening / closing door guide 211 in the -Z direction.

[0177] <Installation of Liquid Container> Next, the operation of the liquid container 200 according to the fourth embodiment when it is installed on the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. In the uninstalled state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid storage section 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid storage section 201 are suppressed. In the uninstalled state, for example, adhesive tape (not shown) is attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door guide 211. The tensile force of the adhesive tape causes the opening / closing door body 240 to contact the retaining cover 244, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to a first position (see Figure 36(b)). The front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so that, for example, the possibility of the user's hands being contaminated by the ink in the liquid flow hole 220 if the user accidentally touches the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to the user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of poor contact caused by the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oil from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 231 can be reduced.

[0178] In the uninstalled state, the user peels off the adhesive tape (not shown) from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side. When the adhesive tape is peeled off from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from a first position to a second position (see Figure 36(a)). Also, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 rotates further in the -Z direction than the liquid flow hole 220, and no longer covers the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction, the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 rotate toward the -Z direction relative to the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), and are no longer covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is exposed to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 230 moves toward the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door body 240, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0179] With the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 open to the outside, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the circuit board holder 232 from the opening on the +Y side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 and are electrically connected. The positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200. The mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. In this way, the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0180] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is removed from the slot 214 of the liquid container 200.

[0181] As mentioned above, the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction may be approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction. When the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105, the user manually moves the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to the first position, and then moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105. When the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. This makes it possible to narrow the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, thereby reducing the space required for the main body of the recording device 100.

[0182] As described above, the fourth embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the conventional technology. In the fourth embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. Therefore, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from a first position to a second position even without using the cam plate 63. Also, when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position in the uninstalled state, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 can absorb the shock generated in the circuit board 230.

[0183] Furthermore, similar to the second modification of the second embodiment, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 may not be formed on the opening / closing door body 240. Similar to the third modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 may not be provided with a substrate holder 232. Similar to the fifth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 may not be inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. In this case, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 may rotate to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204.

[0184] In the fourth embodiment described above, adhesive tape (not shown) is attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction side, but it is not limited to this. For example, the liquid container 200 may be equipped with an operating tool 250 (see Figures 37(a) and 37(b) described later) for operating the opening / closing door 204 (circuit board 230).

[0185] Figure 37 is a side view of the liquid container 200 in a first modification of the fourth embodiment. Figure 37(a) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position. Figure 37(b) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a second position. In the first modification of the fourth embodiment, the operating tool 250 is formed in the shape of a flexible tape. The end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y side is attached using an adhesive to span across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side. The operating tool 250 extends in the -Y direction by folding back from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240. The width of the tape-shaped operating tool 250 is set to match the width of the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0186] In the uninstalled state, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is located in the first position, similar to the fourth embodiment (see Figure 37(a)). In the first modification of the fourth embodiment, for example, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the user can manually pull the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction. By manually pulling the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction, the user detaches the area near the tip of the operating tool 250 from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, even without using the cam plate 63 (see Figure 37(b)). The user then moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. In this way, the liquid container 200 can be installed in the liquid supply unit 105, similar to the fourth embodiment.

[0187] In the first modified example of the fourth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 does not need to have an opening / closing door compression spring 243 inserted. In this case, when the vicinity of the tip of the operating tool 250 detaches from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door guide 211, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. This reduces the number of parts, simplifying the structure of the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) and the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), and thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the liquid container 200.

[0188] In the first modification of the fourth embodiment, the width in the Z direction of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 may be approximately the same as the width in the Z direction of the spout block 210. Also, when not installed, the user may manually pull the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction to separate the area near the tip of the operating tool 250 from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door guide 211. When the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 with the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 manually moved to the first position. Then, when the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (or the weight of the opening / closing door 204). This allows the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 to be narrowed, thereby reducing the size of the main body of the recording device 100.

[0189] In the first modified example of the fourth embodiment, the vicinity of the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side is attached across the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211 using an adhesive, but is not limited to this. For example, the vicinity of the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side may be attracted to the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211 using a magnet. The user manually pulls the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction, thereby detaching the vicinity of the tip of the operating tool 250 from the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211 against the magnetic attraction force. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (or the weight of the opening / closing door 204) without using the cam plate 63.

[0190] Furthermore, the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side may be connected to an engaging member (not shown) that is sandwiched and engaged between the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211. The engaging member is sandwiched and engaged between the -Y direction side portion of the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. The user manually pulls the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction to detach the engaging member connected near the tip of the operating tool 250 from the opening / closing door body 240 and the opening / closing door guide 211. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (or the weight of the opening / closing door 204) without using the cam plate 63.

[0191] Figure 38 is a side view of the liquid container 200 in a second modification of the fourth embodiment. Figure 38(a) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a first position. Figure 38(b) is a side view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in a second position. In the second modification of the fourth embodiment, the operating tool 250 is formed in the shape of a flexible tape. The end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y side is bonded to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 using adhesive. Perforations (not shown) extending in the X direction are formed near the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y side. The operating tool 250 extends in the -Y direction by folding back from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240. The width of the tape-shaped operating tool 250 is set to match the width of the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0192] In the uninstalled state, the user manually pulls the operating tool 250 in the -Y direction, and the tensile force from the operating tool 250 holds the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the first position (see Figure 38(a)). For example, in the process of installing the liquid container 200, the user manually pulls the operating tool 250 strongly in the -Y direction, cutting the perforated portion of the operating tool 250. As a result, the -Y side of the operating tool 250 is separated from the +Y side end of the operating tool 250, and the tensile force from the operating tool 250 no longer acts on the opening / closing door body 240. Therefore, even without using the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (see Figure 38(b)). Then, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the incomplete installation state. In this way, the liquid container 200 can be attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

[0193] In the second modification of the fourth embodiment, the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 does not need to have an opening / closing door compression spring 243 inserted. In this case, when the -Y direction side portion of the operating tool 250 is separated from the +Y direction end portion of the operating tool 250, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. This reduces the number of parts, simplifying the structure of the opening / closing door 204 (opening / closing door body 240) and the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), and thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the liquid container 200.

[0194] In the second modification of the fourth embodiment, the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction may be approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction. Also, when not installed, the user may manually pull the operating tool 250 strongly in the -Y direction to cut the perforated portion of the operating tool 250. When the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 with the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 manually moved to the first position. Then, when the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (or the weight of the opening / closing door 204). This makes it possible to narrow the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, thereby reducing the space required for the main body of the recording device 100.

[0195] In the second modified example of the fourth embodiment, perforations are formed near the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, notches may be formed near the end of the operating tool 250 on the +Y direction side, as long as a shape is formed to facilitate the separation of the operating tool 250.

[0196] <<Fifth Embodiment>> Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the fifth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the X axis, tracing a part of an arc. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the Y axis, tracing a part of an arc. In the fifth embodiment, the components other than the opening / closing door 204 and the spout block 210 are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the fifth embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, in the fifth embodiment, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0197] <Configuration of the liquid container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 39 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the fifth embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the fifth embodiment includes a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204, similar to the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 39, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0198] The liquid delivery section 202 includes a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223, similar to the second embodiment. Note that the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 are not shown in Figure 39. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the fifth embodiment are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Also, the spout 224 in the fifth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0199] In the fifth embodiment, the spout block 210 is formed in the same way as the spout block 210 in the second embodiment, except for the shape of the opening / closing door guide 211. The opening / closing door guide 211, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed inside the spout block 210. A spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. In the fifth embodiment, the spout block 210 does not necessarily have a slit 212 and a boss portion 216.

[0200] The opening / closing door body 240 and the rotating shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211. When the opening / closing door 204 is assembled to the spout block 210, the rotating shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204 engages with the shaft engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 can rotate around the rotating shaft 247 within the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210.

[0201] The opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240 and a circuit board (electrical connection part) 230. Note that the opening / closing door 204 in the fifth embodiment does not include the circuit board holder 232 and circuit board holder cover 242 of the second embodiment. The opening / closing door body 240 in the fifth embodiment is formed similarly to the opening / closing door body 240 of the second embodiment, except that it supports the circuit board 230 at its bottom. Note that the opening / closing door body 240 in the fifth embodiment does not have the liquid flow hole front wall 241, cam follower pin 245, and spring receiving part 271 of the second embodiment. The circuit board 230 in the fifth embodiment is formed similarly to the circuit board 230 of the second embodiment (first embodiment). The circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 by fixing methods such as heat crimping, screw fastening, or adhesive bonding.

[0202] The opening / closing door body 240 of the opening / closing door 204 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 together with the circuit board 230. A rotating shaft 247 extending in the Y direction is formed at the top of the opening / closing door body 240. When the opening / closing door body 240 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, the rotating shaft 247 engages with an axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. A retaining cover 244 is positioned at the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. The retaining cover 244 in the fifth embodiment is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Note that the opening / closing door compression spring 243 in the second embodiment is not inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 in the fifth embodiment.

[0203] In the unattached state when the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, for example, the opening / closing door body 240 comes into contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the tensile force of adhesive tape (not shown), thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. In this case, the opening / closing door 204 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by the adhesive tape being attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction, against the weight of the opening / closing door 204. When the adhesive tape peels off from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction, the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 on the -Z direction due to its own weight.

[0204] <Installation of Liquid Container> Next, the operation of installing the liquid container 200 according to the fifth embodiment onto the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. Figure 40 is a front view of the liquid container 200. Figure 40(a) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 40(b) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. Figure 41 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the opening / closing door body 240. Figure 41(a) is an enlarged front view when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 41(b) is an enlarged front view when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position.

[0205] In the uninstalled state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the uninstalled state, for example, adhesive tape (not shown) is attached across the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall portion of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y direction side. The tensile force of the adhesive tape causes the opening / closing door body 240 to contact the retaining cover 244, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to a first position (see Figures 40(a) and 41(a)). The spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers a portion of the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. This restricts access to the circuit board 230, thereby reducing the possibility of poor contact caused by, for example, a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and having oil from their hands adhere to the pad electrodes 231.

[0206] In the uninstalled state, the user peels off the adhesive tape (not shown) from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side. Once the adhesive tape is peeled off from the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 and the wall of the opening / closing door guide 211 on the +Y side, the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 due to its own weight. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position (see Figures 40(b) and 41(b)). Also, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction, the opening of the opening / closing door body 240 on the +Y side rotates further to the -Z side than the opening / closing door guide 211, and is no longer covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is exposed to the outside. Furthermore, when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to the second position, the connection portion between the opening / closing door body 240 and the rotation shaft 247 comes into contact with the rotation restricting portion 211a formed on the opening / closing door guide 211. The rotation restricting portion 211a restricts the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 from rotating beyond the second position towards the -Z direction.

[0207] With the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 open to the outside, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. In addition, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. Then, the electrical contact 62 of the connector 61 comes into contact with the pad electrode 231 of the circuit board 230 and is electrically connected. Furthermore, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200. The mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. In this way, the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0208] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is removed from the slot 214 of the liquid container 200.

[0209] As mentioned above, the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction may be approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction. When the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105, the user manually moves the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to the first position, and then moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105. When the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. This makes it possible to narrow the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, thereby reducing the space required for the main body of the recording device 100.

[0210] As described above, the fifth embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the conventional technology. In the fifth embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204. Therefore, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from a first position to a second position without using a cam plate 63. Furthermore, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from the first position to the second position by rotational motion around the Y axis, tracing a part of an arc. This makes it possible to shorten the distance between the rotation axis 247 and the circuit board 230 in the opening / closing door 204. Consequently, the movement area of ​​the opening / closing door 204 is reduced, making it possible to reduce the space required for the opening / closing door guide 211.

[0211] In the fifth embodiment described above, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204, but is not limited to this. For example, a torsion spring may be attached to the rotation axis 247 of the opening / closing door 204. The torsion spring provides a biasing force to the opening / closing door 204 that moves the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to a second position. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from a first position to a second position due to the biasing force of the torsion spring.

[0212] <<Sixth Embodiment>> Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the sixth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the X axis, tracing a part of an arc. In the sixth embodiment, the circuit board 230 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the Y axis, tracing a part of an arc. The sixth embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. In addition, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted in the sixth embodiment.

[0213] <Configuration of the liquid container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. Figure 42 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the sixth embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the sixth embodiment comprises a liquid storage section (bag) 201 and a liquid dispensing section 202. The liquid storage section 201 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the liquid storage section 201 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Note that in Figure 42, the ink W is shown in a simplified manner.

[0214] The liquid delivery unit 202 comprises a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223. Furthermore, the liquid delivery unit 202 comprises a circuit board 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a retaining cover 244. Note that in Figure 42, the valve compression spring 221, the valve 222, and the joint seal 223 are not shown. In the sixth embodiment, the valve compression spring 221, the valve 222, and the joint seal 223 are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, the valve 222, and the joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Also, the spout 224 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0215] In the sixth embodiment, the spout block 210 is formed in a block shape using the same processing method as the spout block 210 in the first embodiment. The spout block 210 in the sixth embodiment has an engagement groove 218 and a substrate housing hole 219. The engagement groove 218 is formed at the +X side end of the spout block 210 and extends in the Y direction. The engagement groove 218 rotatably engages with the spout 224 in which the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is formed. In the sixth embodiment, the base end of the spout 224 engaged with the engagement groove 218 of the spout block 210 is connected to the liquid housing section 201 by heat welding. The liquid flow hole 220 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the liquid flow hole 220 in the second embodiment.

[0216] The substrate housing hole 219 is formed at the -X side end of the spout block 210, extending in the Y direction. The substrate housing hole 219 houses the circuit board 230 and the substrate holder 232. The circuit board 230 in the sixth embodiment is formed in the same way as the circuit board 230 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). The circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the substrate holder 232 by fixing methods such as heat crimping, screw fastening, or adhesive, so that the connection surface 233 faces the +Z direction.

[0217] The circuit board holder 232 is formed by molding into a box shape with an opening in the wall on the +Y direction side. Note that the circuit board holder 232 may be formed by cutting or other methods, not just molding. The circuit board holder 232 supports the circuit board 230 at its bottom. The circuit board holder 232, together with the circuit board 230, is housed in the circuit board housing hole 219 of the spout block 210.

[0218] A predetermined clearance may be formed between the substrate holder 232, which is housed in the substrate housing hole 219 of the spout block 210, and the spout block 210. This allows the substrate holder 232 to move within the clearance range in the substrate housing hole 219 of the spout block 210. In other words, the position of the substrate holder 232 to which the circuit board 230 is assembled can be equalized, and the circuit board 230 is positioned to be relatively movable in the liquid container 200. When the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100, the circuit board 230 can be moved to an appropriate position for connection with the connector 61, ensuring a good electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61. Therefore, there is no need to have high positional accuracy of the circuit board 230 relative to the connector 61, and a stable electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 can be achieved.

[0219] The retaining cover 244 is formed into a curved plate shape by molding. The substrate holder 232 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. The retaining cover 244 is fixed to the spout block 210 and prevents the spout 224 from coming out of the engagement groove 218 of the spout block 210. The retaining cover 244 is fixed to the spout block 210 by a fixing method such as snap-fit ​​or adhesive. For example, the retaining cover 244 may be fixed to the spout block 210 by snap-fit. This allows the spout block 210 to rotate around the cylindrical spout 224 (liquid flow hole 220) that extends in the Y direction. In the sixth embodiment, the spout block 210 (substrate holder 232) is a movable member configured to be movable relative to the spout 224.

[0220] Figure 43 is a front view of the liquid container 200 according to the sixth embodiment. Figure 43(a) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 43(b) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position.

[0221] The user can rotate the circuit board 230 by manually rotating the spout block 210. In accordance with the rotation of the spout block 210, the circuit board 230 can rotate between a first position (see Figure 43(a)) and a second position (see Figure 43(b)). In the sixth embodiment, the position of the circuit board 230 when the spout block 210 extends in the -X direction is defined as the first position. When the user releases their hand from the spout block 210 when it is extending in the -X direction, the spout block 210 rotates in the -Z direction due to its own weight. In accordance with the rotation of the spout block 210 in the -Z direction, the circuit board 230 rotates from the first position to the second position. Note that the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 in the second position faces the +Z direction.

[0222] <Attaching the Liquid Container> Next, the operation of attaching the liquid container 200 according to the sixth embodiment to the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. Figure 44 is a perspective view showing a series of operations when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 44(a) is a perspective view showing the liquid container 200 in the process of being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 44(b) is a perspective view showing the liquid container 200 attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0223] When not installed, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed.

[0224] Figure 44(a) shows the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached. In the sixth embodiment, a case will be described in which the width of the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105 in the Z direction is approximately the same as the width of the spout block 210 in the Z direction when it extends in the -X direction. In this case, with the circuit board 230 manually moved to the first position, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. When the spout block 210 passes through the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, the spout block 210 rotates toward the -Z direction due to its own weight. As the spout block 210 rotates toward the -Z direction, the circuit board 230 rotates from the first position to the second position. This makes it possible to narrow the inlet portion of the liquid supply unit 105, and thus it is possible to reduce the space required for the main body of the recording device 100.

[0225] Figure 44(b) shows the installed state in which the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder 232 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the substrate holder 232. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 and are electrically connected. In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0226] With the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 in a second position. Here, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 are located on the liquid flow hole 220 side of the circuit board 230. In the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the vertical center of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position when mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces inward relative to the circuit board 230 in the vertical direction of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side). As a result, the connector 61 can be inserted into the space provided between the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 and the liquid flow hole 220 (the internal space of the board holder 232) to electrically connect the connector 61 and the circuit board 230. Therefore, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. This reduces the possibility of ink leaking from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, and the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61.

[0227] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released.

[0228] As described above, the sixth embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the prior art. In addition, in the sixth embodiment, the circuit board 230 rotates from the first position to the second position due to the weight of the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 can rotate from the first position to the second position without using the cam plate 63.

[0229] In the sixth embodiment described above, the circuit board 230 rotates from a first position to a second position due to the weight of the spout block 210, but is not limited to this. For example, a torsion spring may be attached to the spout 224. The torsion spring provides a biasing force to the spout block 210 that moves the circuit board 230 to a second position. As a result, the circuit board 230 can rotate from a first position to a second position due to the biasing force of the torsion spring.

[0230] In the sixth embodiment described above, the spout block 210 rotates around the spout 224 (liquid flow hole 220), but is not limited to this. For example, the spout block 210 may rotate around an axial member located at a different position from the spout 224.

[0231] <<Seventh Embodiment>> Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the seventh embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the seventh embodiment moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. In the seventh embodiment, the components other than the opening / closing door 204 and the spout block 210 are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the seventh embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, in the seventh embodiment, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0232] <Configuration of the liquid container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the seventh embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the seventh embodiment includes a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204, similar to the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 45, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0233] The liquid discharge unit 202 in the seventh embodiment includes a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223, similar to the second embodiment. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the seventh embodiment are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Furthermore, the spout 224 in the seventh embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0234] In the seventh embodiment, the spout block 210 is formed in the same way as the spout block 210 in the second embodiment, except that a boss portion 216 (see Figure 47(c) described later) is formed on the retaining cover 244. Inside the spout block 210, an opening / closing door guide 211, a slit 212, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed. A spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. A retaining cover 244 is positioned on the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. A latch member 255 is positioned inside the slot 214. In the seventh embodiment, the retaining cover 244 is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment (first embodiment), except that a boss portion 216 (see Figure 47(c) described later) is formed.

[0235] The opening / closing door 204 in the seventh embodiment comprises an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a circuit board holder cover 242, similar to the second embodiment. The opening / closing door body 240 in the seventh embodiment is formed similarly to the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except for the spring receiving portion 271 (see Figure 47(c) described later) and the latch rib 249. In the opening / closing door body 240 in the seventh embodiment, the latch rib 249 is formed in place of the cam follower pin 245.

[0236] Here, the mounting structure of the compression spring 243 for the opening / closing door in the seventh embodiment will be described. Figure 46 is a perspective view of the opening / closing door body 240 in the seventh embodiment. Figure 46(a) is a side view of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 46(b) is a side view of the opening / closing door body 240 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. Note that the circuit board 230 and the board holder 232 are not shown in Figures 46(a) and 46(b).

[0237] A boss portion 216 extending vertically (-Z direction) is formed on the inner surface (-Z direction side) of the retaining cover 244 (see Figure 47(c) described later). One end (seat coil portion) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (+Z direction side) is press-fitted into the boss portion 216. As shown in Figures 46(a) and 46(b), a spring receiving portion 271 is formed on the -X direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. The spring receiving portion 271 is positioned opposite the -Z direction side of the boss portion 216 of the retaining cover 244. The other end (-Z direction side) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 abuts against the spring receiving portion 271, so that the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on a certain portion (spring receiving portion 271) of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0238] Furthermore, a latch rib 249 that can engage with the latch member 255 is formed on the -X side of the opening / closing door body 240. The latch member 255 is arranged to slide in the Y direction inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210. The latch member 255 is formed in a plate shape extending in the Y direction by molding. Note that the latch member 255 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. A rib engagement portion 255a is formed on the +X side of the latch member 255. As shown in Figure 46(a), with the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the first position, the rib engagement portion 255a can engage with the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240. A latch contact portion 255b is formed at the -Y end of the latch member 255.

[0239] The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 may contact the latch contact portion 255b. Alternatively, a rod-shaped push pin 67 (see Figure 47(a) described later) may contact the latch contact portion 255b. In this case, the liquid supply unit 105 is provided with the push pin 67 instead of the cam plate 63. In the seventh embodiment, the case in which the push pin 67 is provided on the liquid supply unit 105 will be described below. When the push pin 67 contacts the latch contact portion 255b of the latch member 255, the latch member 255 slides in the -Y direction inside the slot 214. As a result, the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released.

[0240] When the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 engage, holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. As shown in Figure 46(b), when the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 in the -Z direction.

[0241] <Installation of Liquid Container> Next, the operation of the liquid container 200 according to the seventh embodiment when it is installed in the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. Figure 47 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 47(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 47(b) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 47(c) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 48 is a side cross-sectional view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 48(a) is a side cross-sectional view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 48(b) is a side cross-sectional view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 48(c) is a side cross-sectional view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0242] Figures 47(a) and 48(a) show the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, i.e., the unattached state. In the unattached state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the unattached state, the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 engage, holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to the first position. The front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with the ink in the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and getting oil from their hands on the pad electrodes 231, resulting in poor contact can be reduced.

[0243] Figures 47(b) and 48(b) show the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached. In the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. In the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached, the push pin 67 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the push pin 67 comes into contact with the latch contact portion 255b of the latch member 255. When the latch contact portion 255b receives a reaction force (movement force) from the push pin 67, the latch member 255 slides in the -Y direction inside the slot 214. As a result, the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released.

[0244] When the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engaging portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from a first position to a second position. Also, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the -Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 rotates further in the -Z direction than the liquid flow hole 220, so as not to cover the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction, the openings on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 rotate toward the -Z direction relative to the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), and are no longer covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is exposed to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 230 moves toward the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door body 240, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0245] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200, and the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0246] Figures 47(c) and 48(c) show the installed state in which the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the circuit board holder 232 from the opening on the +Y side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 and are electrically connected. In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0247] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. The push pin 67 of the liquid supply unit 105 is removed from the slot 214 of the liquid container 200.

[0248] As described above, the seventh embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the conventional technology. In addition, in the seventh embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. Therefore, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from a first position to a second position without utilizing the cam shape of the cam plate 63.

[0249] Furthermore, similar to the second modification of the second embodiment, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 may not be formed on the opening / closing door body 240. Similar to the third modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 may not be provided with a substrate holder 232. Similar to the fifth modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 may not be inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210. In this case, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 may rotate to the second position due to the weight of the opening / closing door 204.

[0250] In the seventh embodiment described above, the latch member 255 is located inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210, but is not limited thereto. For example, the latch member 255 may be located across the slot 214 and the positioning hole 215 in the spout block 210. Figure 49 is an exploded perspective view of a modified version of the seventh embodiment of the liquid container 200. In the modified version of the seventh embodiment, the slot 214 and the positioning hole 215 are formed to connect inside the spout block 210. The body of the latch member 255 is located inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210 and is slidable in the Y direction. The latch contact portion 255b is formed on the -X side of the latch member 255 and is located inside the positioning hole 215 in the spout block 210. The positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 contacts the latch contact portion 255b.

[0251] While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the positioning hole 215 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the positioning pin 64 comes into contact with the latch contact portion 255b of the latch member 255. When the latch contact portion 255b receives a reaction force (movement force) from the positioning pin 64, the latch member 255 slides in the -Y direction inside the slot 214 (and positioning hole 215). As a result, the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engagement portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released. When the engagement between the latch rib 249 of the opening / closing door body 240 and the rib engagement portion 255a of the latch member 255 is released, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the -Z direction. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 in the -Z direction, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to rotate from the first position to the second position. This allows the liquid container 200 to be attached to the liquid supply unit 105, similar to the case of the seventh embodiment.

[0252] <<Eighth Embodiment>> Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the eighth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the X axis, tracing a part of an arc. In the eighth embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the Y axis, tracing a part of an arc. In the eighth embodiment, components other than the opening / closing door 204 and the spout block 210 are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the eighth embodiment will be described focusing on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, in the eighth embodiment, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0253] <Configuration of the liquid container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the eighth embodiment will be described. Figure 50 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the eighth embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the eighth embodiment includes a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204, similar to the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 50, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0254] The liquid delivery section 202 includes a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223, similar to the second embodiment. Note that the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 are not shown in Figure 50. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the eighth embodiment are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Also, the spout 224 in the eighth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0255] In the eighth embodiment, the spout block 210 is formed in the same way as the spout block 210 in the second embodiment, except for the shape of the opening / closing door guide 211. The opening / closing door guide 211, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed inside the spout block 210. A spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. In the eighth embodiment, the spout block 210 does not necessarily have a slit 212.

[0256] The opening / closing door body 240 and the rotating shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204 are inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211. When the opening / closing door 204 is assembled to the spout block 210, the rotating shaft 247 of the opening / closing door 204 engages with the shaft engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. As a result, the opening / closing door 204 can rotate around the rotating shaft 247 within the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210.

[0257] The opening / closing door 204 comprises an opening / closing door body 240 and a circuit board (electrical connection part) 230. Note that the opening / closing door 204 in the eighth embodiment does not include the circuit board holder 232 and circuit board holder cover 242 as in the second embodiment. The opening / closing door body 240 in the eighth embodiment is formed similarly to the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except that it supports the circuit board 230 at its bottom. Note that the opening / closing door body 240 in the eighth embodiment does not have the liquid flow hole front wall 241 as in the second embodiment. The circuit board 230 in the eighth embodiment is formed similarly to the circuit board 230 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). The circuit board 230 is assembled to the bottom of the opening / closing door body 240 by fixing methods such as heat crimping, screw fastening, or adhesive bonding.

[0258] The opening / closing door body 240 of the opening / closing door 204 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210 together with the circuit board 230. A rotating shaft 247 extending in the Y direction is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the -X direction side. When the opening / closing door body 240 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211 of the spout block 210, the rotating shaft 247 engages with an axial engagement portion (not shown) of the opening / closing door guide 211. In addition to the opening / closing door 204, an opening / closing door compression spring 243 is inserted into the opening / closing door guide 211. A retaining cover 244 is positioned on the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. The retaining cover 244 in the eighth embodiment is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment (first embodiment), except that a boss portion (not shown) described later is formed therein. Also, the cam follower pin 245 in the eighth embodiment is formed on the side of the opening / closing door body 240 on the -X direction side.

[0259] The cam follower pin 245 is a movable force receiving part that can receive a movable force from the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 (see Figure 52(a) described later) via the cam contact member 256. When the cam follower pin 245 receives a movable force from the cam plate 63 (cam contact member 256), the circuit board 230 moves from its initial position, the first position, to a second position which is further to the -Z direction than the first position.

[0260] The cam contact member 256 is positioned inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210 so as to be slidable in the Y direction. The cam contact member 256 is formed into a trapezoidal block shape by molding. However, the cam contact member 256 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. The cam contact member 256 has a flat top surface 256a, a sliding contact surface 256b, and a contact surface 256c (see Figure 52(a) below). The sliding contact surface 256b extends inclined from the -Y direction end of the top surface 256a. The sliding contact surface 256b can slide against the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204. The contact surface 256c extends inclined from the +Y direction end of the top surface 256a. The contact surface 256c can contact the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105. When the tip of the cam plate 63 comes into contact with the contact surface 256c of the cam contact member 256, the cam contact member 256 slides in the -Y direction inside the slot 214. As the cam contact member 256 slides in the -Y direction, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the sliding contact surface 256b of the cam contact member 256 toward the +Z direction and reaches the top surface 256a of the cam contact member 256.

[0261] When the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door body 240 comes into contact with the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. If a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 in the +Z direction, the opening / closing door body 240 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0262] Here, the mounting structure of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 in the eighth embodiment will be described. A boss portion (not shown) extending vertically (-Z direction) is formed on the inner surface (-Z direction side) of the retaining cover 244. One end (seat coil portion) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 (+Z direction side) is press-fitted into the boss portion. A boss-shaped spring receiving portion 271 is formed at the top of the opening / closing door body 240. The spring receiving portion 271 is positioned opposite the boss portion of the retaining cover 244 on the -Z direction side. The other end (-Z direction side) of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 engages with the spring receiving portion 271, so that the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on a certain portion (spring receiving portion 271) of the opening / closing door body 240.

[0263] <Installation of Liquid Container> Next, the operation of the liquid container 200 according to the eighth embodiment when it is installed on the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. Figure 51 is a front view of the liquid container 200. Figure 51(a) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the first position. Figure 51(b) is a front view of the liquid container 200 when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. Figure 52 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed on the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 52(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed on the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 52(b) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0264] In the uninstalled state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the uninstalled state, the opening / closing door body 240 contacts the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to a first position (see Figures 51(a) and 52(a)). The spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers a part of the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. This restricts access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230, thereby reducing the possibility of poor contact caused by, for example, the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oils from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrode 231. The sliding surface 256b of the cam contact member 256 is in sliding contact with the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 (see Figure 52(a)). The sliding surface 256b of the cam contact member 256 may be separated from the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 in the +Y direction.

[0265] While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the tip of the cam plate 63 comes into contact with the contact surface 256c of the cam contact member 256. When the cam contact member 256 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the cam contact member 256 slides in the -Y direction inside the slot 214. When the cam contact member 256 slides in the -Y direction, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates along the sliding contact surface 256b of the cam contact member 256 toward the +Z direction and reaches the top surface 256a of the cam contact member 256 (see Figure 52(b)).

[0266] As a result, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates in the +Z direction around the rotation axis 247, causing the opening / closing door body 240 to rotate in the -Z direction around the rotation axis 247, against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. As the opening / closing door body 240 rotates in the -Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position (see Figure 51(b)). Also, as the opening / closing door body 240 rotates in the -Z direction, the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 rotates further in the -Z direction than the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), and is no longer covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is exposed to the outside.

[0267] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200, and the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0268] The user moves the tray 3, which houses and supports the liquid container 200, further in the +Y direction from its partially installed state. Since the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 slides against the top surface 256a of the cam contact member 256, it is possible to move the tray 3 in the +Y direction while the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. The connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the opening / closing door body 240 from the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240. Then, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230, making an electrical connection. In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0269] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is removed from the slot 214 of the liquid container 200.

[0270] As described above, the eighth embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the prior art. In addition, in the eighth embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion around the Y axis, tracing a part of an arc. This makes it possible to shorten the distance between the rotation axis 247 and the circuit board 230 in the opening / closing door 204. Therefore, since the movement area of ​​the opening / closing door 204 is reduced, it becomes possible to reduce the space required for the opening / closing door guide 211.

[0271] <<Ninth Embodiment>> Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the ninth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the second embodiment (and the first embodiment) described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the second embodiment. Similar to the second embodiment, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 in the ninth embodiment moves from a first position to a second position by rotational motion, tracing a part of an arc. In the ninth embodiment, the components other than the opening / closing door 204 are configured in the same way as in the second embodiment. For this reason, the description of the ninth embodiment will focus on the parts that differ from the second embodiment. Also, the description of parts common to the second embodiment will be omitted in the ninth embodiment.

[0272] <Configuration of the Liquid Container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the ninth embodiment will be described. Figure 53 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 according to the ninth embodiment. The liquid container 200 according to the ninth embodiment includes a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, and an opening / closing door 204, similar to the liquid container 200 according to the second embodiment. Note that in Figure 53, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0273] The liquid discharge unit 202 in the ninth embodiment includes a spout block 210, a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223, similar to the second embodiment. The valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the ninth embodiment are formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221, valve 222, and joint seal 223 in the second embodiment (first embodiment). Furthermore, the spout 224 in the ninth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout 224 in the second embodiment.

[0274] The spout block 210 in the ninth embodiment is formed in the same way as the spout block 210 in the ninth embodiment. Inside the spout block 210, there is an opening / closing door guide 211, a slit 212, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215. A spout 224 with a liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is housed inside the spout block 210. A groove-shaped mechanism ID 217 is formed on the outside of the spout block 210. A retaining cover 244 is positioned on the top of the opening / closing door guide 211. The retaining cover 244 in the ninth embodiment is formed in the same way as the retaining cover 244 in the second embodiment (first embodiment).

[0275] The opening / closing door 204 in the ninth embodiment includes an opening / closing door body 240, a circuit board 230, a circuit board holder 232, and a circuit board holder cover 242, similar to the second embodiment. The opening / closing door body 240 in the ninth embodiment is formed similarly to the opening / closing door body 240 in the second embodiment, except for the cam follower pin 245 and the rotating shaft 247. The opening / closing door body 240 in the ninth embodiment does not have a cam follower pin 245.

[0276] In the ninth embodiment, the rotating shaft 247 is formed to extend longer in the -X direction than the rotating shaft 247 in the second embodiment. A plate-shaped rotating cam 257 is formed on the outer circumference of the portion of the rotating shaft 247 that is on the -X direction side. The rotating cam 257 is positioned near the -Y direction end of the positioning hole 215 in the spout block 210. The rotating cam 257 can contact the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 (see Figure 56(a) described later). In the ninth embodiment, the positioning pin 64 is a force-applying part for providing movement force to the opening / closing door body 240. The rotating cam 257 is a force-receiving part that can receive movement force from the positioning pin 64.

[0277] When the liquid container 200 is not mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 causes the opening / closing door body 240 to contact the retaining cover 244, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 in the +Z direction, the opening / closing door body 240 rotates along the opening / closing door guide 211 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 towards the -Z direction.

[0278] <Installation of Liquid Container> Next, the operation of the liquid container 200 according to the ninth embodiment when it is installed in the liquid supply unit 105 will be briefly described. Figure 54 is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 55 is a perspective view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 55(a) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 55(b) is a perspective view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 56 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 56(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 56(b) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 in the process of the liquid container 200 being installed on the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 56(c) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed on the liquid supply unit 105.

[0279] Figures 54 and 56(a) show the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, i.e., the unattached state. In the unattached state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the unattached state, the opening / closing door body 240 contacts the retaining cover 244 due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, thereby holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates to the first position. The front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In addition, the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211) covers the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with the ink in the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and getting oil from their hands on the pad electrodes 231, resulting in poor contact can be reduced.

[0280] Figures 55(a) and 56(b) show the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached. In the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached, the user moves the tray 3 that stores and supports the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. In the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 formed in the spout block 210 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the tip of the positioning pin 64 contacts the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 (rotating axis 247). When the rotating cam 257 receives a reaction force (moving force) from the positioning pin 64, the rotating cam 257 rotates in the +Z direction around the rotating axis 247. Therefore, the opening / closing door body 240 rotates in the -Z direction around the rotation axis 247, against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0281] As the opening / closing door body 240 rotates toward the -Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from a first position to a second position. Also, as the opening / closing door body 240 rotates toward the -Z direction, the front wall 241 of the liquid flow hole of the opening / closing door 204 rotates toward the -Z direction beyond the liquid flow hole 220, so as to no longer cover the liquid flow hole 220. Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is opened to the outside. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door body 240 rotates toward the -Z direction, the openings of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232 on the +Y direction rotate toward the -Z direction beyond the spout block 210 (opening / closing door guide 211), so as to no longer be covered by the spout block 210. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is opened to the outside. Here, the circuit board 230 moves away from the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door body 240, so even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0282] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 of the liquid container 200. The mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0283] Figures 55(b) and 56(c) show the installed state in which the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially installed state. Since the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 slides against the outer surface of the positioning pin 64, it is possible to move the tray 3 in the +Y direction when the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 is in the second position. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path of the ink W. Furthermore, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the circuit board holder 232 through the opening on the +Y direction side of the opening / closing door body 240 and the circuit board holder 232. The electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 then come into contact with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230, thereby making an electrical connection. In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0284] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the tray 3 that houses and supports the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. At this time, as in the second embodiment, the connection between the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 is released. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. The engagement between the mechanical ID receiver 65 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the mechanical ID 217 of the liquid container 200 is released. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is removed from the slot 214 of the liquid container 200.

[0285] When the engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released, the positioning pin 64 separates from the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 in the liquid container 200. Then, the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 causes the opening / closing door body 240 to contact the retaining cover 244, holding the opening / closing door 204 at a predetermined height in the Z direction. In this way, the liquid container 200 returns to the state it was in before it was attached to the liquid supply unit 105. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are open to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0286] As described above, the ninth embodiment, like the first and second embodiments, allows for further development of the prior art. Furthermore, in the ninth embodiment, when the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 receives a reaction force (moving force) from the positioning pin 64, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position. Therefore, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can rotate from the first position to the second position without utilizing the cam shape of the cam plate 63.

[0287] Furthermore, similar to the second modification of the second embodiment, the liquid flow hole front wall 241 may not be formed on the opening / closing door body 240. Similarly to the third modification of the second embodiment, the opening / closing door 204 may not be provided with a substrate holder 232.

[0288] In the ninth embodiment described above, the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204 is located near the -Y-direction end of the positioning hole 215 in the spout block 210, but is not limited to this. For example, the rotating cam 257 may be located inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210. The rotating cam 257 may also be located near the -Y-direction end of the mechanism ID 217 in the spout block 210.

[0289] Figure 57 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200 in a modified version of the ninth embodiment. In the modified version of the ninth embodiment, the rotating cam 257 is positioned inside the slot 214 in the spout block 210. In the process of installing the liquid container 200, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 of the liquid container 200. At this time, the tip of the cam plate 63 contacts the rotating cam 257 of the opening / closing door 204. When the rotating cam 257 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the rotating cam 257 rotates in the +Z direction around the rotation axis 247. As a result, the opening / closing door body 240 rotates in the -Z direction around the rotation axis 247 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. As the opening / closing door body 240 rotates in the -Z direction, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 rotates from the first position to the second position. As a result, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 in the same manner as in the ninth embodiment.

[0290] <<Tenth Embodiment>> Next, the tenth embodiment will be described. Since the individual components in the tenth embodiment have the same configuration as those in the first embodiment described above, they will be described using the same reference numerals as those used for each component in the first embodiment described above. The description will focus on the differences between the tenth embodiment and the first embodiment. In the liquid container 200 according to the tenth embodiment, the liquid storage section 201 is used as an ink cartridge housed inside a box-shaped casing (for example, a case). This protects the flexible liquid storage section 201 from the casing. In the liquid container 200 according to the first to ninth embodiments, the flexible liquid storage section 201 is soft, making it difficult for the user to grasp and hold the liquid container 200 (liquid storage section 201). In the tenth embodiment, since the flexible liquid storage section 201 is housed inside the casing (case), the user can easily grasp and hold the liquid container 200 (case). Furthermore, since the housing becomes larger as the volume of the liquid storage section 201 increases, the liquid storage container 200 according to the 10th embodiment is preferably applied to a type of liquid storage container with a relatively small volume of liquid storage section 201.

[0291] <Configuration of the Liquid Dispensing Device> Next, the overall configuration of the recording device 100 (liquid dispensing device) in the tenth embodiment will be described using Figure 58. Figure 58 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the recording device 100 in the tenth embodiment. The recording device 100 in the tenth embodiment is configured in the same way as the recording device 100 in the first embodiment, except for the liquid supply unit 105. In the tenth embodiment, four liquid containers 200 corresponding to four types of liquids are mounted in the liquid supply unit 105, arranged in the X direction.

[0292] <Configuration of the Liquid Container> Next, the liquid container 200 according to the tenth embodiment will be described. The liquid container 200 according to the tenth embodiment is also called an ink cartridge. The liquid container 200 is detachably attached to the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100 with the liquid storage section 201 housed inside the case 266 (see Figure 60, described later). The case 266 is a housing for housing the liquid storage section 201 inside.

[0293] Figure 59 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the liquid container 200 according to the tenth embodiment. Figure 60 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid container 200 viewed from the +X direction. Figure 61 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid container 200. The liquid container 200 according to the tenth embodiment comprises a liquid storage section (bag) 201, a liquid dispensing section 202, a case (housing) 266, a case cover 267, and an opening / closing door 204. Note that in Figures 60, 61, 63, and 64, the ink W is shown in a simplified form.

[0294] The ink needle 60, connector 61, cam plate 63, and positioning pin 64 constitute the mounting-side connecting element 5 for connecting the liquid discharge section 202 of the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105 (mounting section). The ink needle 60 is a liquid receiving section for receiving the liquid (ink) discharged from the liquid discharge section 202. The ink needle 60 is connected to a liquid supply tube 106 corresponding to each color of ink. The ink needle 60 and the liquid supply tube 106 form an ink flow path between the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100 and the liquid container 200.

[0295] When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the connector 61 is electrically connected to the circuit board 230 provided on the liquid container 200. With the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 electrically connected, information is read from the integrated circuit (IC) on the circuit board 230 and transmitted to the recording device 100. The connector 61 is provided with electrical contacts 62 that are electrically connected to the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230.

[0296] The cam plate 63 is a force-applying part that provides movement force to the opening / closing door body 240. The positioning pin 64 is a member for positioning the liquid delivery unit 202 relative to the liquid supply unit 105. When the liquid container 200 is mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the cam plate 63 engages with a cam follower pin 245 provided on the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200, moving the opening / closing door 204 in the Z direction. The positioning pin 64 engages with a positioning hole 215 formed in the case 266 of the liquid container 200.

[0297] The liquid storage section 201 in the tenth embodiment is a bag capable of containing liquid. For example, ink W is contained as the liquid inside the liquid storage section 201. The liquid storage section 201 is formed into a bag shape by heat-sealing a flexible film. The liquid storage section 201 in the tenth embodiment is also referred to as a three-sided sealed bag. Similar to the first embodiment, the bag shape of the flexible liquid storage section 201 may be pillow type or gusset type. Also, similar to the first embodiment, the liquid storage section 201 may have ridges that protrude inward.

[0298] The liquid dispensing section 202 is provided at one end of the liquid storage section 201. The liquid dispensing section 202 is for dispensing the ink W stored in the liquid storage section 201 to the outside. The liquid dispensing section 202 comprises a spout 224, a valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal (sealing member) 223. The spout 224 is formed into a cylindrical shape by molding. However, the spout 224 may be formed not only by molding but also by cutting or other processes. The spout 224 is connected to the liquid storage section 201 by heat welding. The connection between the spout 224 and the liquid storage section 201 is airtight. A liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 is formed inside the spout 224.

[0299] The liquid flow hole 220 is a flow path in the spout 224 that communicates the inside of the liquid storage section 201 with the outside of the liquid storage container 200 (liquid storage section 201). When the liquid flow hole 220 is connected to the ink needle 60 of the recording device 100, the ink W contained in the liquid storage section 201 is supplied to the main body of the recording device 100 through the liquid flow hole 220 and the inside of the ink needle 60 in the spout 224. By being connected to the ink needle 60 (liquid receiving section), the liquid flow hole 220 corresponds to a liquid supply opening that can supply the liquid contained in the liquid storage section 201 to the main body of the recording device 100. A valve compression spring 221, a valve 222, and a joint seal 223 are inserted into the liquid flow hole 220.

[0300] The valve compression spring 221 in the tenth embodiment is formed in the same way as the valve compression spring 221 in the first embodiment. The valve 222 in the tenth embodiment is formed in the same way as the valve 222 in the first embodiment. The joint seal 223 in the tenth embodiment is formed in the same way as the joint seal 223 in the first embodiment. When the liquid container 200 is not mounted on the liquid supply unit 105 of the recording device 100, the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 causes the valve 222 to move in the +Y direction, thereby blocking the flow path of the ink W. By blocking the flow path of the ink W with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, causing the valve 222 to move in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W.

[0301] Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, a check valve may be provided in the liquid flow hole 220 on the liquid storage section 201 side of the valve 222. Also similar to the first embodiment, a film member 225 (see Figure 61) that closes the liquid flow hole 220 may be welded to the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. In other words, the liquid delivery section 202 may include a film member 225.

[0302] The liquid storage section 201 and the liquid dispensing section 202 (spout 224) are fixed inside the case 266 such that the liquid flow hole 220 faces the direction of connection with the liquid supply unit 105 (+Y direction). The case 266 houses the liquid storage section 201 and the liquid dispensing section 202 inside. The case 266 can be formed using various materials. For example, the case 266 may be made of plastic and formed into a box shape by molding. The case 266 may be made of paper material such as corrugated cardboard and formed into a box shape by folding or other processes. The case 266 may be a hybrid type case in which corrugated cardboard is placed on the outside of a box body molded from plastic.

[0303] A case opening 268, a slot 214, and a positioning hole 215 are formed in the wall of the case 266 on the +Y direction side. The case opening 268 is formed to align with the liquid flow hole 220 of the spout 224. The cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214. The positioning hole 215 engages with the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105.

[0304] The case cover 267 is formed in an L-shaped plate form using the same material as the case 266. The case cover 267 is attached to the case 266 by covering an opening formed on the side of the case 266 in the +X direction. A cover opening 269 is formed on the wall of the case cover 267 in the +Y direction. The cover opening 269 is formed to be aligned with the liquid flow hole 220 of the spout 224 and the case opening 268. An ink needle 60, which is connected to the liquid flow hole 220, is inserted through the case opening 268 and the cover opening 269. If the case opening 268 and the cover opening 269 are open, the user may come into contact with the ink W adhering to the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220 from the outside through the case opening 268 and the cover opening 269.

[0305] In the tenth embodiment, an opening / closing door 204, which can open and close the case opening 268, is inserted into a guide portion 270 formed in the case 266. This reduces the possibility of the user coming into contact with the ink W adhering to the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220. The guide portion 270 is formed on the inside of the wall portion on the +Y direction side of the case 266. The guide portion 270 has a groove-shaped guide surface that guides the opening / closing door 204 so that it can move in the vertical direction (Z direction). Note that the guide portion 270 may guide the opening / closing door 204 so that it can move in the X direction, not just the Z direction.

[0306] The opening / closing door 204 in the tenth embodiment is a movable member configured to be movable relative to the spout 224 and the case 266. The opening / closing door 204 in the tenth embodiment has a spring receiving portion 271, a wall portion 273, an opening / closing door opening 274, a connector opening 275, a substrate holder portion 276, and a cam follower pin 245. The substrate holder portion 276 is formed at the upper (+Z direction) end of the opening / closing door 204. The substrate holder portion 276 houses a circuit board 230 inside. The circuit board 230 is assembled to the ceiling portion of the substrate holder portion 276 by fixing methods such as heat crimping or adhesive so that the connection surface 233 faces the -Z direction.

[0307] The connector opening 275 is formed in the wall portion 273 on the portion facing the substrate holder portion 276. The connector opening 275 is formed to match the external dimensions of the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105. This allows for highly accurate alignment of the circuit board 230 housed in the substrate holder portion 276 and the connector 61 through the connector opening 275. In addition, a taper may be formed on at least one of the connector opening 275 and the connector 61, providing a clearance between the guide portion 270 of the case 266 and the opening / closing door 204. When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, even if the connector 61 is slightly misaligned from the connection position with the circuit board 230, the taper can guide the connector 61 to the connection position with the circuit board 230.

[0308] The spring support portion 271 is formed on the lower side (-Z direction side) of the opening / closing door 204. With the opening / closing door 204 inserted into the case 266, the opening / closing door compression spring 243 is positioned in the spring storage portion formed between the spring support portion 271 and the case 266. The movement of the opening / closing door 204 and the opening / closing door compression spring 243 in the Y direction may be restricted by the position regulating rib 272 of the case cover 267. When the liquid container 200 is not mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door 204 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. With the opening / closing door 204 held at the predetermined height in the Z direction, the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268. When a moving force greater than the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243 acts on the opening / closing door 204 in the +Z direction, the opening / closing door 204 moves linearly in the +Z direction along the guide portion 270 against the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243.

[0309] As mentioned above, the opening / closing door 204 is a movable member and is equipped with an electrical connection part (circuit board 230). A cam follower pin 245 is formed at the lower end (-Z direction side) of the opening / closing door 204. The cam follower pin 245 is a movable force receiving part that can receive a movable force from the cam plate (movement force applying part) 63 of the liquid supply unit 105. When the cam follower pin 245 receives a movable force from the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 moves from the initial position, the first position, toward the second position, which is on the +Z direction side of the first position. The distance from the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 to the liquid flow hole (liquid supply opening) 220 at the second position is longer than the distance from the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 to the liquid flow hole 220 at the first position.

[0310] When the opening / closing door 204 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, the circuit board 230 is in a first position. In other words, when the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268, the circuit board 230 is in a first position. When the opening / closing door opening 274 of the opening / closing door 204 overlaps with the case opening 268, that is, when the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 does not cover the tip side of the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268, the circuit board 230 is in a second position. The opening / closing door compression spring 243 functions as a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the opening / closing door 204 to move the circuit board 230 from the second position to the first position. The biasing member is preferably an elastic member. Furthermore, the elastic member is preferably a coil spring, such as the opening / closing door compression spring 243. Furthermore, the compression spring 243 for opening and closing the door only needs to have sufficient spring strength to lift the opening and closing door 204. The elastic member is not limited to a compression coil spring like the compression spring 243 for opening and closing the door, but may also be a tension coil spring, a torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc. If the elastic member is a leaf spring, the leaf spring may be formed integrally with a part of the case 266 in a shape that is elastically deformable. Also, if the elastic member is a leaf spring, the leaf spring may be formed integrally with a part of the opening and closing door 204 in a shape that is elastically deformable.

[0311] The cam mechanism is composed of a cam plate 63, which is the part that imparts the moving force, and a cam follower pin 245, which is the part that receives the moving force. For example, the cam plate 63 has a cam shape in which multiple surfaces are continuously connected. When the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while contacting the multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 63, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from a first position to a second position. The multiple surfaces of the cam shape on the cam plate 63 include a first surface 63a (see Figure 60) parallel to the direction in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, and a second surface 63b (see Figure 60) intersecting the first surface 63a. For example, the second surface 63b may be an inclined surface tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the first surface 63a. If the inclination angle of the second surface 63b with respect to the first surface 63a is 45 degrees or less, the resistance force when the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while in contact with the second surface 63b can be reduced. When the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 moves while in contact with the second surface 63b and then the first surface 63a, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 moves from the first position to the second position. As a result, the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 can move between the first and second positions by linear motion.

[0312] Furthermore, when the liquid container 200 moves toward the cam plate 63 in the +Y direction, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 engages with the cam plate 63, causing the opening / closing door 204 to move continuously in the +Z direction along the second surface 63b. Therefore, when the inclination angle of the second surface 63b is 45 degrees, the ratio of the amount of movement of the liquid container 200 in the mounting direction (+Y direction) to the amount of movement of the opening / closing door 204 in the direction perpendicular to the mounting direction (+Z direction) becomes 1:1.

[0313] Furthermore, the cam follower pin 245 of the opening / closing door 204 is formed to protrude in the -Z direction. The tip portion of the cam follower pin 245 is exposed in a slot 214 formed in the case 266. When the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the slot 214 of the case 266, it can come into contact with the cam follower pin 245 exposed in the slot 214. The direction in which the cam follower pin 245 protrudes (-Z direction) intersects with the direction in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 (+Y direction). The slot 214 may have a width of 5 mm or less (in the X direction). This makes it difficult for the user's finger to enter the slot 214, thereby preventing the opening / closing door 204 from moving due to the user's finger contacting the cam follower pin 245.

[0314] When the circuit board 230 is in the first position, the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 covers the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268, so the liquid flow hole 220 is not open to the outside. Also, since the case 266 covers the connector opening 275 of the opening / closing door 204, the circuit board 230 is not open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 230 is in the first position, the connection between the liquid flow hole 220 and the ink needle 60 is restricted, and the electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61 is also restricted. As a result, access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 is restricted, so for example, the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and getting their hands dirty with ink from the liquid flow hole 220 can be reduced. The possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220 and causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230, resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231 can be reduced. The possibility of poor contact occurring due to the user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and the oils from the user's hands adhering to the pad electrodes 231 can be reduced.

[0315] When the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction along the guide portion 270 of the case 266, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to move from a first position to a second position. When the circuit board 230 is in the second position, the opening / closing door opening 274 of the opening / closing door 204 overlaps with the case opening 268, and the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 does not cover the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268, so the liquid flow hole 220 is open to the outside. Also, since the case 266 does not cover the connector opening 275 of the opening / closing door 204, the circuit board 230 is open to the outside. In this way, when the circuit board 230 is in the second position, it is possible to connect the liquid flow hole 220 to the ink needle 60, and to make an electrical connection between the circuit board 230 and the connector 61.

[0316] When the liquid container 200 is removed (detached) from the liquid supply unit 105, the opening / closing door 204 moves in the -Z direction due to the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to return from the second position to the first position. As a result, the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230 are opened to the outside only when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Therefore, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the user's hands or the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0317] <Attaching the Liquid Container> Next, a series of operations when the liquid container 200 according to the 10th embodiment is attached to the liquid supply unit 105 will be described. Figure 62 is a perspective view showing a series of operations when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 62(a) is a perspective view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 62(b) and 62(c) are perspective views showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 62(d) is a perspective view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0318] Figure 63 is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 63(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 63(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view showing a series of operations when the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 64(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is being attached to the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 64(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105.

[0319] Figure 65 is a side view showing the operation of the opening / closing door 204 when the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 65(a) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 before the liquid container 200 is installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figures 65(b) and 65(c) are side views showing the opening / closing door 204 during the process of the liquid container 200 being installed in the liquid supply unit 105. Figure 65(d) is a side view showing the opening / closing door 204 after the liquid container 200 has been installed in the liquid supply unit 105.

[0320] Figures 62(a), 63(a), and 65(a) show the state before the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105, that is, the unattached state in which the liquid container 200 is not attached to the liquid supply unit 105. In the unattached state, the valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. By closing the liquid flow hole 220 with the valve 222, the inflow of air into the liquid container 201 and the leakage of ink W from the liquid container 201 are suppressed. In the unattached state, the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 is held at a predetermined height in the Z direction by the biasing force of the opening / closing door compression spring 243. With the opening / closing door 204 held at a predetermined height in the Z direction, the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 covers the tip side (+Y direction side) of the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268. In addition, the case 266 of the liquid container 200 covers the connector opening 275 of the opening / closing door 204. This restricts access to the liquid flow hole 220 and the circuit board 230, thus reducing the possibility of a user accidentally touching the liquid flow hole 220 and contaminating their hands with the ink in the liquid flow hole 220. It also reduces the possibility of ink leaking due to a user accidentally moving the valve 222 of the liquid flow hole 220, causing ink to adhere to the circuit board 230 and resulting in a short circuit between the multiple pad electrodes 231. Furthermore, it reduces the possibility of a user accidentally touching the circuit board 230 and having oils from their hands adhere to the pad electrodes 231, resulting in poor contact.

[0321] Figures 62(b) and 62(c) show the process of attaching the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105, in the order of Figure 62(b) and Figure 62(c). Figures 63(b) and 64(a) show the process of attaching the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105, in the order of Figure 63(b) and Figure 64(a). Figures 65(b) and 65(c) show the process of attaching the liquid container 200 to the liquid supply unit 105, in the order of Figure 65(b) and Figure 65(c). While the liquid container 200 is being attached, the user moves the liquid container 200 toward the liquid supply unit 105 in the +Y direction. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the cam plate 63 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into a slot 214 formed in the case 266 of the liquid container 200 (see Figures 62(b) and 62(c)). At this time, the cam plate 63 engages with a cam follower pin 245 provided on the opening / closing door 204 of the liquid container 200 (see Figures 63(b) and 65(b)). When the cam follower pin 245 receives a reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction along the guide portion 270 of the case 266, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to move from the first position to near the second position. Furthermore, as the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction, the opening / closing door opening 274 of the opening / closing door 204 overlaps with the case opening 268, and the wall portion 273 of the opening / closing door 204 no longer covers the liquid flow hole 220 and the case opening 268 (see Figures 64(a) and 65(c)). Therefore, the liquid flow hole 220 is opened to the outside. Also, as the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction, the connector opening 275 of the opening / closing door 204 moves to the +Z side of the case 266 (guide portion 270), and is no longer covered by the case 266. Therefore, the circuit board 230 is opened to the outside. Here, since the circuit board 230 moves away from the liquid flow hole 220 together with the opening / closing door 204, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220, the possibility of the ink adhering to the circuit board 230 can be reduced.

[0322] Furthermore, while the liquid container 200 is being installed, the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 engages with the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not connected to the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. While the liquid container 200 is being installed, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is not electrically connected to the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200.

[0323] Figures 62(d), 64(b), and 65(d) show the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. The user moves the liquid container 200 further in the +Y direction from the partially mounted state. At this time, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200 while maintaining airtightness with the outside by the joint seal 223. Then, the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 comes into contact with the valve 222, and the valve 222 moves in the -Y direction against the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221, thereby opening the flow path for the ink W. As a result, an ink flow path is formed between the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100 and the liquid container 200.

[0324] Furthermore, the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder portion 276 through the connector opening 275 of the opening / closing door 204. In the tenth embodiment, with the opening / closing door 204 moved to its upper end position, which is movable by the reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63, the connector opening 275 is positioned slightly below the connector 61 (towards the -Z direction). Also, a taper (not shown) is formed at the tip of the upper (+Z direction) surface of the connector 61. As a result, when the connector 61 is inserted into the internal space of the substrate holder portion 276 through the connector opening 275, the taper at the tip of the connector 61 guides the connector opening 275 to move in the +Z direction. The taper at the tip of the connector 61 guides the connector opening 275 to move in the +Z direction, causing the circuit board 230 of the opening / closing door 204 to move to the second position. Therefore, when the opening / closing door 204 moves in the +Z direction, a force in the opposite direction (-Z direction) to the reaction force (movement force) from the cam plate 63 is prevented from acting on the opening / closing door 204 from the connector 61. The electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 then contact the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230 and are electrically connected. This makes it possible to read the information recorded on the integrated circuit (IC) of the circuit board 230 from the circuit board 230 to the recording device 100. In this way, the liquid container 200 is attached to the liquid supply unit 105. When the pump motor 7 drives the pump mechanism 6, the negative pressure generated by the suction operation of the pump mechanism 6 draws the ink W contained in the liquid container 201 of the liquid container 200 from the ink needle 60 and supplies it to the main body (recording head 101) of the recording device 100.

[0325] With the liquid container 200 mounted on the liquid supply unit 105, the circuit board 230 is electrically connected to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 in a second position. Here, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 are located on the liquid flow hole 220 side of the circuit board 230. In the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the vertical center of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position when mounted on the liquid supply unit 105. Also, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces inward relative to the circuit board 230 in the vertical direction of the liquid container 200 in the mounted position. In other words, in the second position, the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 faces the liquid flow hole 220 side (liquid supply opening side). This allows the connector 61 to be inserted into the space (internal space of the board holder portion 276) provided between the connection surface 233 of the circuit board 230 and the liquid flow hole 220, thereby electrically connecting the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 with the pad electrodes 231 of the circuit board 230. Therefore, the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be positioned on the side of the connector 61 opposite to the liquid flow hole 220. As a result, even if ink leaks from the liquid flow hole 220 when attaching or detaching the liquid container 200, the possibility of the ink adhering to the electrical contacts 62 of the connector 61 can be reduced.

[0326] When removing the liquid container 200 from the liquid supply unit 105, the user moves the liquid container 200 away from the liquid supply unit 105 in the -Y direction. This disconnects the ink needle 60 of the liquid supply unit 105 from the liquid flow hole 220 of the liquid container 200. The valve 222 of the liquid container 200 moves in the +Y direction due to the biasing force of the valve compression spring 221 and contacts the joint seal 223, thereby closing the liquid flow hole 220. Also, the electrical connection between the connector 61 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the circuit board 230 of the liquid container 200 is disconnected. The engagement between the positioning pin 64 of the liquid supply unit 105 and the positioning hole 215 of the liquid container 200 is released. Finally, the engagement betwe...

Claims

1. A liquid container that is detachable from a liquid dispensing device having a mounting part with an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part, comprising: a liquid receiving part for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid stored in the liquid receiving part to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection part having a connection surface provided with a pad electrode that can be electrically connected to the electrical contact, wherein the electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part of the liquid dispensing device, the electrical connection part moves to the second position so that the pad electrode is electrically connected to the electrical contact, and the connection surface of the electrical connection part in the second position faces the liquid supply opening side.

2. The liquid container according to claim 1, further comprising a movable force receiving portion capable of receiving a movable force from the movable force applying portion of the mounting portion, wherein when the movable force receiving portion receives a movable force from the movable force applying portion, the electrical connection portion moves from the first position to the second position.

3. The liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the movable force-applying part and the movable force-receiving part constitute a cam mechanism.

4. The liquid container according to claim 3, wherein the movable force-applying part has a cam shape in which a plurality of surfaces are continuously connected, and when the movable force-receiving part moves while contacting the plurality of surfaces of the cam shape, the electrical connection part moves from the first position to the second position.

5. The liquid container according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of surfaces of the cam shape include a first surface parallel to the mounting direction of the liquid container to the mounting portion and a second surface intersecting the first surface.

6. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein when the movable force receiving portion moves in contact with the second surface and the first surface in that order, the electrical connection portion moves from the first position to the second position.

7. The liquid container according to claim 5, wherein the movable force receiving portion has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the mounting direction.

8. The liquid container according to claim 2, further comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion and the movable force receiving portion.

9. The liquid container according to claim 8, further comprising a biasing member that provides a biasing force to the moving member to move the electrical connection portion from the second position to the first position.

10. The liquid container according to claim 9, wherein the biasing member is an elastic member.

11. The liquid container according to claim 10, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

12. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by linear motion.

13. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by rotational motion.

14. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein when the electrical connection is in the first position, the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving section is restricted, and when the electrical connection is in the second position, the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving section is possible.

15. A liquid container according to claim 14, comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion, wherein the movable member covers the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the first position, and the movable member does not cover the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the second position.

16. The liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container is flexible.

17. The liquid container according to claim 16, wherein the flexible liquid container is formed by laminating aluminum foil.

18. The liquid container according to claim 16, wherein the flexible liquid container is housed inside the housing.

19. The housing is formed using paper material. The liquid container according to claim 18.

20. A liquid container detachable from a liquid dispensing device having a mounting part with electrical contacts and a liquid receiving part, comprising: a liquid receiving part for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid stored in the liquid receiving part to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection part having a connection surface provided with a pad electrode that can be electrically connected to the electrical contacts, wherein the electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part of the liquid dispensing device, the electrical connection part moves to the second position so that the pad electrode is electrically connected to the electrical contacts, and the connection surface of the electrical connection part in the second position faces the vertical center of the liquid container in the mounting position when mounted on the mounting part.

21. A liquid container detachable from a liquid dispensing device having a mounting part with an electrical contact and a liquid receiving section, comprising: a liquid receiving section for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving section so as to be able to supply the liquid stored in the liquid receiving section to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection section electrically connectable to the electrical contact, wherein the electrical connection section is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving section is restricted when the electrical connection section is in the first position, and the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving section is possible when the electrical connection section is in the second position.

22. A liquid container according to claim 21, having a movable force receiving portion capable of receiving a movable force from the movable force applying portion of the mounting portion, wherein when the movable force receiving portion receives a movable force from the movable force applying portion, the electrical connection portion moves from the first position to the second position.

23. The liquid container according to claim 22, wherein the movable force-applying part and the movable force-receiving part constitute a cam mechanism.

24. The liquid container according to claim 23, wherein the movable force-applying part has a cam shape in which a plurality of surfaces are continuously connected, and when the movable force-receiving part moves while contacting the plurality of surfaces of the cam shape, the electrical connection part moves from the first position to the second position.

25. The liquid container according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of surfaces of the cam shape include a first surface parallel to the mounting direction of the liquid container to the mounting portion and a second surface intersecting the first surface.

26. The liquid container according to claim 25, wherein when the movable force receiving portion moves in contact with the second surface and the first surface in that order, the electrical connection portion moves from the first position to the second position.

27. The liquid container according to claim 25, wherein the movable force receiving portion has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the mounting direction.

28. The liquid container according to claim 22, further comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion and the movable force receiving portion.

29. The liquid container according to claim 28, further comprising a biasing member that provides a biasing force to the moving member to move the electrical connection portion from the second position to the first position.

30. The liquid container according to claim 29, wherein the biasing member is an elastic member.

31. The liquid container according to claim 30, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

32. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by linear motion.

33. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by rotational motion.

34. A liquid container according to claim 21, comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion, wherein the movable member covers the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the first position, and the movable member does not cover the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the second position.

35. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein when the liquid container is attached to the mounting portion of the liquid dispensing device, the electrical connection portion moves to a second position, and the electrical connection portion and the electrical contact are electrically connected at the connection surface of the electrical connection portion, and the connection surface of the electrical connection portion at the second position is located on the side of the liquid supply opening of the electrical connection portion.

36. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein when the liquid container is attached to the mounting portion of the liquid dispensing device, the electrical connection portion moves to a second position, and the electrical connection portion and the electrical contact are electrically connected at the connection surface of the electrical connection portion, and the connection surface of the electrical connection portion at the second position faces inward with respect to the electrical connection portion in the vertical direction of the liquid container in the mounting position when attached to the mounting portion.

37. The liquid container according to claim 21, wherein the liquid container is flexible.

38. The liquid container according to claim 37, wherein the flexible liquid storage portion is formed by laminating aluminum foil.

39. The liquid container according to claim 37, wherein the flexible liquid container is housed inside the casing.

40. The liquid container according to claim 39, wherein the housing is formed using a paper material.

41. A liquid container comprising: a liquid storage section for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage section to the outside; and an electrical connection section having a connection surface provided with a pad electrode, wherein the electrical connection section is movable between a first position and a second position in which the distance from the connection surface to the liquid supply opening is longer than that of the first position, and the connection surface of the electrical connection section in the second position faces the liquid supply opening.

42. The liquid container according to claim 41, further comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion.

43. The liquid container according to claim 42, further comprising a biasing member that provides a biasing force to the moving member to move the electrical connection portion from the second position to the first position.

44. The liquid container according to claim 43, wherein the biasing member is an elastic member.

45. The liquid container according to claim 44, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

46. ​​The liquid container according to claim 42, wherein at least one side end of the movable member has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the electrical connection from the first position to the second position.

47. The liquid container according to claim 41, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by linear motion.

48. The liquid container according to claim 41, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by rotational motion.

49. The liquid container according to claim 41, wherein the liquid supply opening is not open to the outside when the electrical connection is in the first position, and the liquid supply opening is open to the outside when the electrical connection is in the second position.

50. A liquid container according to claim 49, comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion, wherein the movable member covers the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the first position, and the movable member does not cover the liquid supply opening when the electrical connection portion is in the second position.

51. The liquid container according to claim 41, wherein the liquid container is flexible.

52. The liquid container according to claim 51, wherein the flexible liquid container is formed by laminating aluminum foil.

53. The liquid container according to claim 51, wherein the flexible liquid container is housed inside the housing.

54. The liquid container according to claim 53, wherein the housing is formed using a paper material.

55. A liquid container comprising: a liquid storage section for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening for supplying the liquid stored in the liquid storage section to the outside; and an electrical connection section, wherein the electrical connection section is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position; the liquid supply opening is covered when the electrical connection section is in the first position; and the liquid supply opening is not covered when the electrical connection section is in the second position.

56. The liquid container according to claim 55, further comprising a movable member having the electrical connection portion.

57. The liquid container according to claim 56, further comprising a biasing member that provides a biasing force to the moving member to move the electrical connection portion from the second position to the first position.

58. The liquid container according to claim 57, wherein the biasing member is an elastic member.

59. The liquid container according to claim 58, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

60. The liquid container according to claim 56, wherein at least one side end of the movable member has a cylindrical shape that protrudes in a direction intersecting the direction of movement of the electrical connection from the first position to the second position.

61. The liquid container according to claim 56, wherein when the electrical connection is in the first position, the liquid supply opening is covered by the movable member, and when the electrical connection is in the second position, the liquid supply opening is not covered by the movable member.

62. The liquid container according to claim 55, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by linear motion.

63. The liquid container according to claim 55, wherein the electrical connection portion is movable between the first position and the second position by rotational motion.

64. The liquid container according to claim 55, wherein the electrical connection portion has a connection surface on which a pad electrode is provided, and the connection surface of the electrical connection portion at the second position faces the liquid supply opening side.

65. The liquid container according to claim 55, wherein the liquid container is flexible.

66. The liquid container according to claim 65, wherein the flexible liquid storage portion is formed by laminating aluminum foil.

67. The liquid container according to claim 65, wherein the flexible liquid container is housed inside the housing.

68. The liquid container according to claim 67, wherein the housing is formed using a paper material.

69. A liquid dispensing device comprising a mounting part having an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part, and a liquid storage container mounted on the mounting part, wherein the liquid storage container comprises: a liquid storage part for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection part electrically connectable to the electrical contact, wherein the electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and with the liquid storage container mounted on the mounting part, the electrical connection part is electrically connected to the electrical contact at the second position, and the electrical contact is located on the liquid supply opening side of the electrical connection part.

70. A liquid dispensing device comprising a mounting part having an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part, and a liquid container mounted on the mounting part, wherein the liquid container comprises: a liquid receiving part for containing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid contained in the liquid receiving part to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection part electrically connectable to the electrical contact, wherein the electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, and when the liquid container is mounted on the mounting part, the electrical connection part moves to the second position so as to be electrically connected to the electrical contact at the connection surface of the electrical connection part, and the connection surface of the electrical connection part at the second position faces inward relative to the electrical connection part in the vertical direction of the liquid container in the mounting position when mounted on the mounting part.

71. A liquid dispensing device comprising a mounting part having an electrical contact and a liquid receiving part, and a liquid storage container mounted on the mounting part, wherein the liquid storage container comprises: a liquid storage part for storing liquid inside; a liquid supply opening connected to the liquid receiving part so as to be able to supply the liquid stored in the liquid storage part to the main body of the liquid dispensing device; and an electrical connection part electrically connectable to the electrical contact, wherein the electrical connection part is movable between a first position and a second position different from the first position, the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving part is restricted when the electrical connection part is in the first position, and the connection between the liquid supply opening and the liquid receiving part is possible when the electrical connection part is in the second position.

72. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 69 to 71, comprising a storage section for storing the liquid container, wherein the liquid container is mounted on the mounting section while stored in the storage section.

73. A liquid storage unit comprising: a liquid storage section configured to contain a liquid inside; and a spout connected to the liquid storage section and configured to discharge the liquid contained in the liquid storage section to the outside, wherein the spout comprises: (i) a connecting section connected to the liquid storage section; (ii) a flow path section communicating with the liquid storage section and extending from the connecting section in the direction of liquid discharge; and (iii) a projection section located between the downstream end of the flow path section and the liquid storage section in the discharge direction, and protruding from the flow path section, wherein when measured along a third direction perpendicular to both the discharge direction and the projection direction of the projection section, the length of the spout at the connecting section is greater than the length of the spout at the projection section.

74. The liquid storage unit according to claim 73, wherein, when measured along the protruding direction of the projection, the length of the spout at the connecting portion is greater than the length of the spout at the projection.

75. The liquid storage unit according to claim 73 or 74, wherein the projection of the spout has a concave shape.

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